#149: Olympic-Stack
Some Parisian residents plan to use their vacation time to leave the city during the Games to avod the once-in-a-century inconvenience.
Hello! It’s me, Jason C () your editor for this week’s edition of .
I’m writing this week from Paris, the host city for the 2024 Olympics. The last time this city hosted was exactly 100 years ago, in 1924. Is it ready? Sure, why not.
The Olympic torch arrived this week, ready for the long 70-day relay culmonating in the opening ceremony. I can only imagine the collective sigh from the Parisians may blow it out like a middle-aged birthday candle.
Why? Well, The vibe here seems to be, “Let’s just get this thing done before the world implodes.” Almost 50% of Parisians have a negative view of the event, with worries mainly about transportation and security. Some residents plan to use their vacation time to leave the city during the Games to avoid the once-in-a-century inconvenience. No wonder New Yorkers and Parisians get along so well.1
Is there anything more American than criticizing people from the comfort of your bed? (Hot take: I prefer the Winter Olympics!!)
Here's an old New Yorker cartoon. If you're wondering how I nailed this drawing, it's because I am nationally ranked in this sport.
I'm contributing this cartoon because it is perfect and notably NOT because it is the only cartoon I have that is even remotely Olympics-themed. I will be taking no further questions.
All of my cartoons about sports and competition come from absolute ignorance. These dogs certainly know more about the Olympics than I do. My Olympics is when Spider-Man met Superman forty-eight years ago.
As they say en France, Bon Appétit!
Is golf an Olympic sport? This is one of many questions about sports I could google if I had sufficient interest. The problem with me and competitive sports is that I feel there's just too much conflict and competition in the world to seek more of it in my free time or entertainment. The people and/or robots in uniforms chasing different balls into different holes should coordinate so that they are both trying to get the same ball into the same hole. That just seems like a better time for everyone.
But wait, there’s more!
- has a book of cartoons coming out! You an pre-order it here.
Hilary releases
every Friday!- ’s graphic memoir, Artificial: A Love Story, was named a best book of 2023 by The New Yorker, NPR, and Kirkus!
- has a Substack called The Poop Scoop, where she posts cartoons and comics on a semi-regular basis.
- l teaches cartoon classes on Patreon! Sign up now to get the recording of every past class!
- has a new Substack about making art called Process Junkie! And Subscribe to Jason’s regular weekly Substack at NewYorkCartoons.com
- 's got an advice column! Read it here.
Unconfirmed.
Who knew "judging" is what watching the Olympics, and maybe all sports, is all about? Thank you for that insight!
A suggestion for 'Toonstack: What's your favourite meme? Cowpokes by the fire? Monk on a mountain? I'd be curious if your team of cartoon champions have favourites.