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Mark Starlin's avatar

Yup. The unhappy man is only happy when he is complaining.

Old school rap, for sure.

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V. C. Ackerman's avatar

New Shoes Blues - They didn't even notice the sole prints on the ground? That is disappointing!

The Unhappy Man - Now the grumpy old man will have to file a police report, make sure the punch didn't break anything, and grumble about how someone just randomly hit him for no reason. You gave him so many new things to complain about, he's probably so happy now!

The Rapper And The Rancher - I don't know if you were going for this, but the way I read Isaac's rap reminded me of 80s/90s rap. I can just imagine a record scratch playing in the background while he raps.

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Jack Herlocker's avatar

“The Unhappy Man” — For some reason I flashed on the classic mom threat: “Oh, you want something to cry about? I will GIVE you something to cry about!”

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Mark Starlin's avatar

🤣 I forgot about that classic.

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

“who were only there to hear their friends sing off-key versions of Journey songs.” I laughed and now I have Wheel in the Sky stuck in my head all day! Thanks! 🤣

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Not a bad one to have stuck. It will go away if you Don’t Stop Believin’. 😉

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

I believe it's time for me to fly... :D

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I plan to stay. I will be Riding The Storm Out.

(We did switch to REO Speedwagon, right?)

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

you heard it from a friend... who heard it from a friend, right? Can't be too sure cause I "played it 'til my fingers bled..." (this could go on a WHILE you know? 🤣)

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Back in the Summer Of ‘69. Right?

You have a Heart Of Gold.

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

Got to tell Neil... much better than an Owner of a Broken Heart. :) Are we doing a mix tape? Maybe we should! Man, I haven't done a mixtape in ages.

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Claire Walster's avatar

A solid set this week, Mark! I used to be an avid invisible shoe wearer, but not so much anymore. The grumpy man story 💯 And I hope that our rapper finds what he needs! I also love the name Vyn L. Revolver 😆

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Claire!

I go barefooting as much as possible. I am right now!

I have desperately tried to avoid becoming a grumpy old man. We'll see.

I have a weird affection for using goofy names based on the character's job, or physicality, or personality. A real editor would roast me alive for it. But it is fun! 🤣

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Connie Starlin's avatar

I like those invisible shoes, I have a pair of them too, wear them everyday. Sorry for the unhappy man, I know a lady like that, and can't wait to see what happens with the Rapper.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

There are lots of "unhappy man" people in the world. But I wouldn't recommend punching them. Unless you can run fast.

Thanks, Mom.

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C.L. Steiner's avatar

All three stories spoke to me this week, in different ways.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thank you, C.L.! I couldn’t ask for anything more. 😀

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Looking forward to part 2. Some serious life advice here.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Jim. That advice would be hard to hear but good to get.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

1. That unhappy whiner deserved a punch. He needs to open his eyes and look around him. Snap out of it!

2. Did YOU write that rap, Mark? Yikes! Pretty darned good, if you ask me!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I did write that rap. I like rhyming. I have written many silly rhyming poems. It is also useful for songwriting. 🤓

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Justin Deming's avatar

I enjoyed all stories and can’t wait to read the next part of the serial. I was excited to see another one pop up!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Justin. I am glad to hear you like the short serials.

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Priya Iyer's avatar

If only we could all meet a Revolver early enough!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

So true! But would we listen?

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Probably not. Maybe we all need a Revolver to show up again at midlife?

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Mark Starlin's avatar

That would be nice.

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Chris Cohlmeyer's avatar

Oh, it's Monday but May 24th weekend aka Queen Victoria's Birthday here. It was unusual this year, no snow, it's the opening of trout fishing and was traditionally when the males got kicked out of town 😜.

My neighbour liked my invisible shoes a few years back, still my usual attire for gardening 😝. The unhappy man, last line is the appropriate response. Will be interesting to see were the life of the wanna be rapper goes.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I like wearing invisible shoes also.

Glad you enjoyed the beginning of the music story.

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Chris Cohlmeyer's avatar

And this came up on YouFlub https://youtu.be/HP5OFVvy7NM 😜

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Barefooting is best! It makes sense about city kids and shoes. So little grass to play barefoot on.

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Jim Melvin's avatar

The Unhappy Man was hysterical!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Jim. We probably all know someone like that.

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Finlay Beach's avatar

Very well done. Can't wait!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Finley. I think it is a fun story. I am glad you are enjoying it. 🤓

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Scott Ocamb's avatar

Another great set of stories, liked the Rapper and Unhappy Man best. Can't wait till next week to find out what happens to him.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Scott! Next week will be here before you know it. 🤓

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