1-800-PUNCHLINE

  When you can't solve a newspaper crossword, there's usually a number to call for answers or hints, and in any case you can just see the answers in the next day's paper. But what about the comics? Half the time, I have no idea what Doonesbury is talking about. No, I'm not a Republican, but I unfortunately don't know the name of every Congressperson from Idaho, or what bills they voted against in 1989. And I _never_ understand why Cathy is funny.
  So why isn't there a number to call that explains this sort of thing?