Comic Transcripts

CHARLEK, one of the kids from the previous comic in which kids were talking about how adults always try to change them, is now speaking with his MOM.

MOM: Please wash your hands for dinner!

CHARLEK: I’m perfectly self-actualized just as I am, thank you.

MOM: Honey, when we give you instructions like “Wash your hands”, we’re not trying to make you into SOMEONE ELSE. We’re trying to help you become the BEST version OF you, using knowledge and perspective that you don’t have yet. Such as the germ theory of disease.

MOM: So when we ask you to do things, it’s in what WE believe to be YOUR best interest. Do you TRUST us?

CHARLEK: I mean, I GUESS

CHARLEK: But what about when you make me assembled sticker packs for your Etsy store? Is THAT in my best interest?

MOM: THAT’S because Mama’s got a bunch of BACKORDERS! Come on, let’s HURRY UP with that DINNER!!

#1571; Of Integrity and Youth (Part 2) transcribed by in

CHARLEK, one of the kids from the previous comic in which kids were talking about how adults always try to change them, is now speaking with his MOM.

MOM: Please wash your hands for dinner!

CHARLEK: I'm perfectly self-actualized just as I am, thank you.

MOM: Honey, when we give you instructions like "Wash your hands", we're not trying to make you into SOMEONE ELSE. We're trying to help you become the BEST version OF you, using knowledge and perspective that you don't have yet. Such as the germ theory of disease.

MOM: So when we ask you to do things, it's in what WE believe to be YOUR best interest. Do you TRUST us?

CHARLEK: I mean, I GUESS

CHARLEK: But what about when you make me assembled sticker packs for your Etsy store? Is THAT in my best interest?

MOM: THAT'S because Mama's got a bunch of BACKORDERS! Come on, let's HURRY UP with that DINNER!!

Do you NOT consider saving your mom from having to wear her fingers to the bone deep into the night at her advanced age 'in your best interest'??

#1571; Of Integrity and Youth (Part 2)

  — July 22nd, 2025

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Applications open for Genius Northwest – an IRL gaming competition

May 8, 2026 by David Malki !

Last year, I participated in Genius Northwest, a gaming competition inspired by the Korean gameshow The Genius and its ilk.

It’s a reality show without the cameras — a 3-day, all-inclusive weekend retreat structured around a series of challenges and puzzles, in which personalities and dealmaking matter as much as playing games.

It’s truly a remarkable thing. I came in dead last in the competition, but I still had a great time participating.

The event is held annually in the Pacific Northwest (hence the name) and applications are now open to participate in the 2026 competition!

Learn more — and apply — at GeniusNW.com.


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