32 Comments

Everything! All posted works! "Looking for Love in Arizona" <-- made this Zonie laugh out loud.

Heck, this entire post made me laugh out loud. Thanks, Mark!

(I'm still laughing!)

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Thanks, Jenise. Mr. Rude would thank you, but he’s too rude!

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The reviews 😂😂

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The reviews reveal all!

Thanks, Claire. 🤓

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How did I get so lucky to discover your eclectic writing of wit, sci-fi, and intelligence? I enjoy your newsletter, Mark.

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Thank you so much, Michele. You made my heart happy! 🤓

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Many chuckles here, especially from those Mr Rude reviews! :-)

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Thanks Tara. Reviews are everything. 🤣

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Jul 10, 2023Liked by Mark Starlin

They were old and wise... now I'm older than they were 😱

Always the way, someone else was already there... I guess they can put up with one and hopefully no others arrive in the future.

I could've used Mr. Rude before I retired... That old Peter Principal... LOL, many asked me to become their boss - I didn't want to put up with the drama 😜 so we got a drama procrastination boss 😝

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If you hang around long enough, you get old.

Those space explorers are always stirring up trouble.

Some bosses are Mr. Rude.

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Once upon a time the explorers were sailors... or fishermen. Red hair and blue eyes in some natives (Vikings)... Newfoundland it was agreed between the French and English that no permanent settlements would be established, what happened to the men on the fishing dorys or those that survived sinking fishing boats (they settled in coves out of view and inaccessible to British War ships to avoid being impressed into the crew and married into the local natives (and French and Irish come today, the French to understand old word usage, the Irish to learn the original versions of folk songs)... then southwestern US and "The Blue Nun" before the Spanish arrived...

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America wasn't exactly empty when the Vikings arrived roughly 500 years before Columbus, either. And Columbus never set foot in North America.

I like to explore donut shops.

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Jul 16, 2023Liked by Mark Starlin

And Columbus likely heard rumours about land across the Atlantic indirectly from Basques Whalers - they had a major industry going rendering whale oil from their secret locations mainly on the Labrador coast... not far from where the Vikings had established a settlement 🤔 is that another connection?

Donut shops... Nice to look but waist says only to replace burned calories 🚵‍♂️😝

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Canned rudeness. Neat. I imagine it will be available with the other bad drinks in groceries....

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Jul 10, 2023·edited Jul 10, 2023Author

Sorry, it's only available on Etsy. 😉🤣

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I'm sure there are more, but these demanded reiteration (with slight updating...)

Always enjoy your prolific musings.

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They were great. Thanks, John!

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Jul 10, 2023Liked by Mark Starlin

“Time Changes Things” : “people were a lot younger than they are now” — Not always! When I was stationed in the DC area five years after I graduated the Naval Academy, I dropped over to Annapolis to see how the old place was doing. The midshipmen all looked normal, but the officers! When I went there, the place was run by mature, wise elders, but suddenly kids my age were in charge! 😳

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Jul 10, 2023·edited Jul 10, 2023Author

As you demonstrated, there are two ways to read this. But I bet you are a lot older now than you were then. And so are the people you knew as a kid. 😉

Hold on a second, I need a refreshing drink of soda pop… 🤣

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Jul 10, 2023Liked by Mark Starlin

This is the youngest I will ever be, for the rest of my life… 🤔

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I like to think I am a “kid” in the third act of my life.

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I've never taken part in any social media, other than the wonderful social opportunities that come along with being a Substack writer, but I sure would like to buy one of those cans of Mr Rude, Mark. By any chance, can I program it with whatever I want to say? I want one that says, "Get over yourself" and "Could you please go home now, I need a nap." and " How about YOU bringing the beer next time?" The reviews were hilarious!

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Jul 10, 2023·edited Jul 10, 2023Author

Thanks, Sharron. Yes. You can record any phrases you want. Mr. Rude disguises your voice. It is quite handy.

Yours are all good. I really love the nap phrase.

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Mr. Rude in a Can - 'Not a moment too soon!'

'The Clause that Refreshes...'

'The Real Sting.'

'Teach the World to Cringe...'

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🤣 Perfect! I am old enough to remember all of those mottos.

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I am glad you published the flag story, thanks.

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Thanks, Scott. I am glad you enjoyed it.

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User Review:

I brought mine to court. Inmate # 1743981

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🤣 Another satisfied customer.

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Too funny!

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What a wonderful start to the day. Your openers are perfect and set the tone immediately. I find myself laughing within five seconds!

Your story response to the prompt was awesome! I absolutely loved it, and completely agree that there was no way in the world it could have been fifty words, ha! The twist at the end gave me goosebumps. I wasn’t expecting it at all.

And “Mr. Rude in a Can” ended this week’s issue in hilarious fashion! I cracked up the whole time, especially during the reviews. 🤣

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Jul 10, 2023·edited Jul 10, 2023Author

Thanks, Justin. I think the flag story could have been far longer if I took the time. 🤓

I think the Mr. Rude reviews were the icing on the cake.

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