For all those that have not read the posts, or the books, buy one people! Last year, I gave several copies to people, but got no comments, so I suppose they have not even read them. Are we the last few people who are reading real books, I mean, paper books? I used to be a frequent library visitor, but that changed quite some time ago, when the person chosing the books bought stuff with lots of cussing, slang, and just barely readable books. Then I got the computer. I still read quite some paper books, usually from second hand book stores. It seems I remember better when I read it on paper rather than on screen.
I love your well wishes. I hope I am in the good girl category LOLOL. Oh and happy birthday! I think it is coming up.
A general observation here, but I believe holds true in most cases. Librarians are among the most Liberal actors on the planet. The liberal librarian script demands inclusion of porn for grade schoolers and, at the same time, elimination of all information that runs contrary to the doctrines and edicts of their socialist handlers. Their dewey decimal system doesn’t have a “truth” section. As a sarcastic side note, it appears that inordinate fear of airborne germs is a side effect of severe metabolic disease, at least in the rural Missouri libraries near me. The masks instantly reappeared, and still remain, on the librarian’s plump cheeks last summer at the first mention of chicken flu.
The physical book is the hope of truth. Good for you Mark to have made the effort in that respect. I think you are wise to entertain the prospect of Substack disappearing certain content.
As an aside, I did work in my county library for 26 years. I left early, before full retirement, due to the unbearable environment spurred by covid. It is true that these awoken liberal warriors are some of the most vicious people when they perceive someone isn't following their tribal momentum. A librarian, who I greatly respected and considered very intelligent, sent out an email to the entire library. (There had been email discussions about how workers felt about the pandemic and the possibility of all of us being required to get the vaccine - and some people honestly expressed doubts about getting it.) Well this librarian admonished any hesitant folks by stating matter of factly: "we all put stuff in our bodies like soft drinks, cheetos, advil, etc. ... so just get the shot."
Any hint that you didn’t want the vaccine would have invited a merciless attack.
Wow! Somehow I prefer to choose what stuff I put in my body and I don't think I am alone. I notice they "were" your friends. Hope you have picked up some better friends here reading Mark's Substack.
I so appreciate your last line: 'Glory to God in the highest and peace on Earth to men of good will,' sayeth Luke. Merry Christmas, Mark. You are a gift to so many.
Merry Christmas! The Barnes and Noble near me had an entire table display for that book "50 Shades of Gray" placed in a main pathway. I tried to walk my children quickly by it. Why can't there be a display about Fishing books or books about some other wholesome activity. If you are so mentally fixated on *THAT*, you need to speak to a licensed professional.
Hey Mark....It's Rob your favorite sane Vermonter here (or maybe there are others!). Finished the first book and am wrapping up the second. Both are such breaths of fresh air! I'd buy some for some family members but they'd end up in the trash. The ability for folks to maintain cognitive dissonance is truly astounding....but I love them anyway.
Was in a Barnes and Nobles today for some Holy Day shopping and the vibe I got from that place was just one of Darkness and Creepiness. So many modern titles are riddled with dark (satanic?) intent and the magazine rack was downright depressing. I mentally noted that my favorite books would not be sold at mainstream bookstores and happily left without making a purchase.
I know you are exceedingly busy but have you considered a book where your substack followers submit their stories and you edit it? I'd contribute and purchase in an instant!
Oh another edit: There is a small publisher up here in VT called Chelsea Green Press. I can't remember if the do Merkola books, but I do know they were on to the scamdemic.....maybe they'd mainstream publish your stuff?
What a fantastic idea Mark, reading books; especially when the government is suppressing Free Speech, pushing toxic shots, and murdering people in hospitals through shoving breathing tubes down folks throats until they are dead.
You wouldn't think it would take all those horrors for someone to pick up a book written in an attempt to save as many as possible from being injected with poison that was neither safe or effective at anything other than helping the pharmaceutical companies bottom line.
I am one of those who has bought 10 copies (more, actually) and given them as gifts. Not only are they a good read, but they are the kind of gift one is proud to give because, just possibly, the moving way in which the books are written may open some eyes. Especially with the changes regarding perception of the spikeshots now taking place (even The Atlantic is squirming) I am reminding some of the recipients that they should read the book if they have not.
Mark's writing is particularly captivating -- if people will start the book and not leave because it violates their "religious" creed, they will finish it.
Too bad so few copies left. It is really a marvelous gift in so many ways.
Librarians do seem to be the worst of the lot. Rainbows, masks, and only books with the proper woke anti-tradition, culture, family, child and thought terminating ideas. I quit going to libraries almost a decade ago, when I noticed the change in book promotion. Book stores are no better. Tried a local (suburb of PDX) bookstore. So freaking woke I couldn't bear it.
Why then, if I may ask, are you still living in The People's Republic of Portlandistan? (provided that PDX are still the call letters for the Portland International Airport in Oregon?)
Grew up out West in WA & even lived for 3 yrs in LaGrande, OR. While I love the majestic beauty of the geography in the West, we now live in small town GA, & aside from that leftist sewer they call Atlanta, & 3 mos in the Summer, I love it! 😂
I still have relatives out west, one communist brother in that People's Republic of Portlandistan, and a sister and family and my mother, and Eugenistan!
Would love to meet up for lunch or dinner with our spouses etc when out thataway, for laughs, lies, & maybe even some good liquor from out heah.😁
If you are in this area, it would be an honor to meet up. And to the good liquor! Hell yes!!
My four brothers are all on the same page.
My mom was duped into taking the jabs, via ostracism and fear mongering in her retirement community. She keeps those friends. Most times she tip toes around their mental illness. She did lash out when they expressed death to the unvaccinated: me and all my brothers :)
I’m at my favorite coffee shop today soaking up the ambiance and listening to country-style Christmas carols and songs. This is Texas, after all! I’m re-reading “Dispatches From a Scamdemic’ and laughing my butt off in some places. I love the irreverent writing about your home-made signs, leaving church maskless, etc. Lookjng back on Coronamania 5 years later, all I can think of is the uselessness of it all and the number of folks who were taken in by it all.
I’m grateful to have discovered your writing. It has helped to keep me sane. Hopefully we’ll meet up in person someday. I’ll buy the coffee or whatever you’re drinking. I wish you and Ellen and your entire family a blessed Christmas and bountiful New Year!
Thanks Mark... when back in NYC, I'll reach out. Sitting in a quiet place until the next idea comes sounds Great ! Stay sane... Stay Creative ! Don't let the BS drive you Mad...
Bookstores were a regular haunt, years ago. I loved them.
Then the false promise of the internet did I buy, good & hard … I was very taken with amazon books in those early days.
I went into a college town Barnes & Noble, about a year ago, so as to not order from amazon, because I stopped doing that, years ago.
Yes, I could order the book. Paperback only (amazon sells it in my hardback preference).
But I noticed every shelf in the store was coated in dust.
Plenty of staff. Lots of dust.
Somehow that added extra negative weight to the Starbucks corner of the store.
I hadn’t set foot in a Starbucks since that first winter of our discontent when one of their outlets refused me for not wearing a mask.
So I left without ordering the book.
I get books, used & new, from thriftbooks. New from bookshop.org.
I get road-coffee anywhere but starbucks.
But it’s definitely also true that even well before “affordability acts” & “private equity” roll-up consolidation into ever larger monopoly-cartels “publishing,” like “healthcare” —& believe it or not, even Starbucks freaking coffee*— was gate-kept by black knights in deserved need of being hacked to pieces.
So far, the black knights have sustained only a few scratches.
Mike Benz on “Mr. Beast” & Starbucks & “USAID” (see around 7:25, “make sure the coffee’s hot”) :
For all those that have not read the posts, or the books, buy one people! Last year, I gave several copies to people, but got no comments, so I suppose they have not even read them. Are we the last few people who are reading real books, I mean, paper books? I used to be a frequent library visitor, but that changed quite some time ago, when the person chosing the books bought stuff with lots of cussing, slang, and just barely readable books. Then I got the computer. I still read quite some paper books, usually from second hand book stores. It seems I remember better when I read it on paper rather than on screen.
I love your well wishes. I hope I am in the good girl category LOLOL. Oh and happy birthday! I think it is coming up.
Thanks, Ingrid, for that great message and well wishes, including for my birthday. Yes, another trip around the sun nearly done.
We will meet one day.
A general observation here, but I believe holds true in most cases. Librarians are among the most Liberal actors on the planet. The liberal librarian script demands inclusion of porn for grade schoolers and, at the same time, elimination of all information that runs contrary to the doctrines and edicts of their socialist handlers. Their dewey decimal system doesn’t have a “truth” section. As a sarcastic side note, it appears that inordinate fear of airborne germs is a side effect of severe metabolic disease, at least in the rural Missouri libraries near me. The masks instantly reappeared, and still remain, on the librarian’s plump cheeks last summer at the first mention of chicken flu.
The physical book is the hope of truth. Good for you Mark to have made the effort in that respect. I think you are wise to entertain the prospect of Substack disappearing certain content.
As an aside, I did work in my county library for 26 years. I left early, before full retirement, due to the unbearable environment spurred by covid. It is true that these awoken liberal warriors are some of the most vicious people when they perceive someone isn't following their tribal momentum. A librarian, who I greatly respected and considered very intelligent, sent out an email to the entire library. (There had been email discussions about how workers felt about the pandemic and the possibility of all of us being required to get the vaccine - and some people honestly expressed doubts about getting it.) Well this librarian admonished any hesitant folks by stating matter of factly: "we all put stuff in our bodies like soft drinks, cheetos, advil, etc. ... so just get the shot."
Any hint that you didn’t want the vaccine would have invited a merciless attack.
And yet these were my friends.
Wow! Somehow I prefer to choose what stuff I put in my body and I don't think I am alone. I notice they "were" your friends. Hope you have picked up some better friends here reading Mark's Substack.
Yes, but they are all virtual, here on Substack!
I so appreciate your last line: 'Glory to God in the highest and peace on Earth to men of good will,' sayeth Luke. Merry Christmas, Mark. You are a gift to so many.
Merry Christmas! The Barnes and Noble near me had an entire table display for that book "50 Shades of Gray" placed in a main pathway. I tried to walk my children quickly by it. Why can't there be a display about Fishing books or books about some other wholesome activity. If you are so mentally fixated on *THAT*, you need to speak to a licensed professional.
Happy Holidays to All
Hey Mark....It's Rob your favorite sane Vermonter here (or maybe there are others!). Finished the first book and am wrapping up the second. Both are such breaths of fresh air! I'd buy some for some family members but they'd end up in the trash. The ability for folks to maintain cognitive dissonance is truly astounding....but I love them anyway.
Was in a Barnes and Nobles today for some Holy Day shopping and the vibe I got from that place was just one of Darkness and Creepiness. So many modern titles are riddled with dark (satanic?) intent and the magazine rack was downright depressing. I mentally noted that my favorite books would not be sold at mainstream bookstores and happily left without making a purchase.
I know you are exceedingly busy but have you considered a book where your substack followers submit their stories and you edit it? I'd contribute and purchase in an instant!
Oh another edit: There is a small publisher up here in VT called Chelsea Green Press. I can't remember if the do Merkola books, but I do know they were on to the scamdemic.....maybe they'd mainstream publish your stuff?
Thanks, Rob, for being one of the few sane Vermonters.
I only want the books to go to people who will read them.
Yes, the bookstores are very PC.
I'll check out Chelsea Green.
What a fantastic idea Mark, reading books; especially when the government is suppressing Free Speech, pushing toxic shots, and murdering people in hospitals through shoving breathing tubes down folks throats until they are dead.
You wouldn't think it would take all those horrors for someone to pick up a book written in an attempt to save as many as possible from being injected with poison that was neither safe or effective at anything other than helping the pharmaceutical companies bottom line.
Great article Mark.
I am one of those who has bought 10 copies (more, actually) and given them as gifts. Not only are they a good read, but they are the kind of gift one is proud to give because, just possibly, the moving way in which the books are written may open some eyes. Especially with the changes regarding perception of the spikeshots now taking place (even The Atlantic is squirming) I am reminding some of the recipients that they should read the book if they have not.
Mark's writing is particularly captivating -- if people will start the book and not leave because it violates their "religious" creed, they will finish it.
Too bad so few copies left. It is really a marvelous gift in so many ways.
Thanks, Ralph. I enjoy talking with/learning from you and hope I'll see you in early 2026.
I can have extra copies made if people want them. Print-on-demand is one of the good parts of the New Millennium.
I love both books so much, Mark! You've made a big difference in my life. Much love from NH.
Thanks, Susie.
Merry Christmas to you and Gary. See you in 2026.
Love the final sentence!
Librarians do seem to be the worst of the lot. Rainbows, masks, and only books with the proper woke anti-tradition, culture, family, child and thought terminating ideas. I quit going to libraries almost a decade ago, when I noticed the change in book promotion. Book stores are no better. Tried a local (suburb of PDX) bookstore. So freaking woke I couldn't bear it.
Is there an easier job than librarian?
"Digital is not the answer. We need real books—with paper and ink and (unlike the college administrators) actual spines." Check out Ted Gioia’s latest article on https://open.substack.com/pub/tedgioia/p/what-happened-to-the-library?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Why then, if I may ask, are you still living in The People's Republic of Portlandistan? (provided that PDX are still the call letters for the Portland International Airport in Oregon?)
Grew up out West in WA & even lived for 3 yrs in LaGrande, OR. While I love the majestic beauty of the geography in the West, we now live in small town GA, & aside from that leftist sewer they call Atlanta, & 3 mos in the Summer, I love it! 😂
Because I have had 2, and now 1 aging parent, four brothers, a career, and 52 years in this area.
Have you truly escaped the seepage of big city-woke sewage?
If so, I am happy for you.
I completely understand that reasoning.
Yes, as long as I stay away from Atlanta.
I still have relatives out west, one communist brother in that People's Republic of Portlandistan, and a sister and family and my mother, and Eugenistan!
Would love to meet up for lunch or dinner with our spouses etc when out thataway, for laughs, lies, & maybe even some good liquor from out heah.😁
Let me know finetimes@protonmail.com
Elliott
That's a lunch table I'd like to be at.
And you would be a most welcome addition, my friend!
If you are in this area, it would be an honor to meet up. And to the good liquor! Hell yes!!
My four brothers are all on the same page.
My mom was duped into taking the jabs, via ostracism and fear mongering in her retirement community. She keeps those friends. Most times she tip toes around their mental illness. She did lash out when they expressed death to the unvaccinated: me and all my brothers :)
😂🤣😂
I think we'll have a great time!
Look forward to your email,
Elliott
Hey Mark,
I’m at my favorite coffee shop today soaking up the ambiance and listening to country-style Christmas carols and songs. This is Texas, after all! I’m re-reading “Dispatches From a Scamdemic’ and laughing my butt off in some places. I love the irreverent writing about your home-made signs, leaving church maskless, etc. Lookjng back on Coronamania 5 years later, all I can think of is the uselessness of it all and the number of folks who were taken in by it all.
I’m grateful to have discovered your writing. It has helped to keep me sane. Hopefully we’ll meet up in person someday. I’ll buy the coffee or whatever you’re drinking. I wish you and Ellen and your entire family a blessed Christmas and bountiful New Year!
Thanks, Diane, for checking in. I benefit from the accompaniment of sane people like you.
I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying Christmas music and carrying the book around.
Happy Holidays Mark ! Great writing so far. So what's next ? Wishing you all the best all the time !
Thanks, Richie. I wish you the best, too. When you're back in NY, let's meet.
What's next to write about? I don't know. One week at a time. I sit in a quiet place until an idea occurs to me.
Thanks Mark... when back in NYC, I'll reach out. Sitting in a quiet place until the next idea comes sounds Great ! Stay sane... Stay Creative ! Don't let the BS drive you Mad...
Bookstores were a regular haunt, years ago. I loved them.
Then the false promise of the internet did I buy, good & hard … I was very taken with amazon books in those early days.
I went into a college town Barnes & Noble, about a year ago, so as to not order from amazon, because I stopped doing that, years ago.
Yes, I could order the book. Paperback only (amazon sells it in my hardback preference).
But I noticed every shelf in the store was coated in dust.
Plenty of staff. Lots of dust.
Somehow that added extra negative weight to the Starbucks corner of the store.
I hadn’t set foot in a Starbucks since that first winter of our discontent when one of their outlets refused me for not wearing a mask.
So I left without ordering the book.
I get books, used & new, from thriftbooks. New from bookshop.org.
I get road-coffee anywhere but starbucks.
But it’s definitely also true that even well before “affordability acts” & “private equity” roll-up consolidation into ever larger monopoly-cartels “publishing,” like “healthcare” —& believe it or not, even Starbucks freaking coffee*— was gate-kept by black knights in deserved need of being hacked to pieces.
So far, the black knights have sustained only a few scratches.
Mike Benz on “Mr. Beast” & Starbucks & “USAID” (see around 7:25, “make sure the coffee’s hot”) :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUYGisFMxj8
Most all the world’s a stage & lots of Truman’s have no idea that they’re being directed by Falsemans.
Reposted on X! So glad to hear that there are still readers who are buying your books, Mark :) Your essays are wonderfully insightful.
https://x.com/LoriWeintz/status/1999395709314048041
Thanks, Lori.
I believe your book and mine would sell well if we could get these in bookstores.
But what I really wanted was to get my message out in 2020-21.
Is anything new? If you have time to talk next week, please LMK.
Your book is next on my reading list. I bought it at the Polyface Retreat.
Thank you, both for your purchase and for your interest in things that matter!
Blessings and appreciation from Sydney Australia.