Memories are nice. Especially thinking back to being a toddler, and, yes, I do remember, and watching Popeye on television. Nothing could take me away from Popeye.

As I grew a bit older, I wondered what it was my dad had between his legs (don’t misread that); while sitting in the easy chair and eyes glued to it. It was a newspaper. And I could see something amusing on the back. It was, yes, comic strips. And dad would always hand over the goods. That is where I discovered The Peanuts Gang.

Cartoon and humor consciousness took over my life. I started searching for yet more gems in print, which, as a teen, led me to Mad Magazine, Cracked Magazine, and even Playboy (would you believe I was one of the few who read Playboy for the cartoons); okay there was a little more to it than just the cartoons, but I found them very funny. I loved Gahan Wilson’s artwork and humor, among others.

Before long, I let go of the humor realm aside to get on with real life, and, when I had the time, would take the time to find a funny one, which was not easy. My tastes were changing, and the cartoonists, and apparently other newspapers were catering more to the family market.

Enter Gary Larson’s Far Side. I was hooked on cartoons during the entire 1980’s and part of the 1990’s. Even on his worst days, Gary Larson found a way to make me laugh. A good Far Side, and they were usually very good, if not excellent, cut to the chase, and in a tiny one panel frame, told me more than the entire editorial page could convey in any newspaper. I was a happy camper. One of the saddest days of my life was when Gary retired in the early 1990’s.

I didn’t give up however. A few Far Side copycats were right on the scene such as Rubes, Close To Home, Strange Brew, and a few others. Then came Speed Bump by Dave Coverly, as funny as Far Side, sprinkled with a bit more sophistication.

Enter humor master Rick London founder of Londons Times Cartoons; now, the top offbeat cartoon on the Internet. I have been following Rick’s creative ventures since 1997 when he launched this incredibly funny cartoon. There were less than 100 color cartoons up by 1998. By 2005, he had over 6500 cartoons up (mostly color) and now has nearly 8000. His critically-acclaimed site deserves merit beyond simple creativity. It is ingenious and even the media seems to agree. It is rare I do not get a laugh from this amazing master of humor. I absolutely love Londons Times Cartoons.

As if the cartoon site itself were not enough, he has also launched numerous niche stores which sell his image products; LTSuperstore, RickLondonWear, RickLondonCollection, JustFunnyAprons, JustFunnyHoodies, JustFunnyGreetingCards, MirthGirthBirth, AThongInMyHeart, JustFunnyMousepads, and others. The funny gifts and collectibles are as funny if not funnier than the cartoons. I order gifts constantly from them for friends (and always one for me).

I cannot say enough about Londons Times Cartoons and Rick London. If you’ve not seen his cartoon site, or stores, I highly recommend to do so now.