Back in the late 60's and early 70's (born in late 50s) one of my fondest memories is walking or riding my bike (banana seat, of course!) down to the local 5 &

Back in the late 60's and early 70's (born in late 50s) one of my fondest memories is walking or riding my bike (banana seat, of course!) down to the local 5 & 10 each month to get my copy of Mad Magazine. The fold-in would be the very first thing that I would do with a new copy. Al Jaffee is a national treasure and an excellent smart ass! He and the Mad gang taught me to question authority and make fun of the mighty. Also, while Al is a very gifted illustrator, his style always seemed approachable and very much inspired me to get into drawing. Guys like Mort Drucker were freakishly good and I knew instinctively that no one (or very few) could ever be that good, but Al's talent (and Don Martin probably as well) always seemed human and well-rounded to me. I totally loved the guy. I still have a stack of the old Mad paperbacks and "Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions" is still a favorite. Live long & prosper, Al! edit: removed silly possessive