A wizard and a demi-god were making their way to the tiny hamlet of Garylarson, located at the far side of an expansive enchanted forest. The forest was larger than a bucket full of abandoned political promises and darker than an incumbent’s soul. Their journey was long and tiresome, taking many months — mostly because of their common refusal to stop and ask directions.

The two bounced along an unmarked trail, riding in a Gator RSX high performance off-road utility vehicle. As with most wizards, this one was old, cantankerous, and did not like long walks. Also, as with most wizards, he had a magic wand that could make cool things happen — like a UTV conjured up from whatever could be found at the nearest Goodwill. The wizard had insisted on driving the Gator because, as he succinctly explained, “I conjured it, I drive it.” This displeased the demi-god, but it sure beat walking from one end of an unending forest to the other. Some compromises could be made — but not many.

“Stop this insufferable chariot,” called out the demi-god, after what felt like an eternity of riding shotgun in a tumbling laundry dryer. “I need to stretch my legs and water a portion of the forest.”

The wizard brought the Gator to a rumbling halt. The demi-god stretched his legs and watered a stand of massive trees along the edge of a meadow. Suddenly, what little sunlight that could filter into the dark forest, seemed to disappear. “Wizard,” called out the demi-god from behind a well-watered ash, “I think we have company.”

In the midst of the meadow stood a giant. His stance was as wide as a big-box store. His head and shoulders interfered with aircraft flight paths. His breath was as powerful as a hurricane blowing across a Kansas feed lot. His body blocked the sun’s rays and the enchanted forest grew dark and foreboding. As giants go, this was a big-un!

“Ahoy,” called out the wizard, “We are traveling to the far side of the forest. Can you help us find our way?”

The giant looked down on the tiny wizard and equally tiny demi-god, and started to laugh. “You two — are traveling — to the — far side?” he asked, as the words snuck out between giggles, chortles and guffaws. “And you are riding in that tiny green ox-cart without an ox?” He continued to laugh as he questioned, “Who are you two travelers and what business do you have at the far side?”

This is my chauffeur, Ran,” shouted the travel-worn and ill-tempered demi-god (the wizard was not pleased with his new title of chauffeur, but decided to bite his forked tongue — the giant was really big and keeping a low profile seemed to be in order). “I am LoDi, the demi-god,” he continued, with the powerful air of a traveler who had not hit a truck stop shower in several days. “We are traveling to the hamlet of Garylarson to attend a conference on super natural power brokerage. Do you know the way?”

Again, giggles, chortles, and guffaws rumbled from deep within the giant. He laughed so hard he was unable to answer LoDi’s question. Words came to his lips, but were choked off by peals of laughter. The giant’s massive body shook and tears of glee began to rain down on the meadow below.

LoDi did not see any humor in this. “I am LoDi, the demi-god…” he began to shout.

“I don’t care if you are Demi Moore, Demi Lovato or a demi-sexual,” bellowed the giant. “I am known as Phunniassguy, and I am the giant that rules this neck of the woods. If you want to get very far in this world, you had better get yourself a sense of humor. The one you are currently using appears to be broken.”

“Excuse me, gentle giant,” interjected Ran the Wizard, as he tried to defuse the powder keg that LoDi was attempting to ignite. “My traveling companion the demi-god, was born without a bone in his upper arms (look it up). He is ‘humorusless’ (ouch). Could you please direct us to the far side?”

The wizard’s pun worked its magic. Phunniassguy could not direct them to the far side, but he knew of an oracle living on the River Watterson, flowing between the villages of Calvin and Hobbs. Perhaps she might be able to help.