I would love for you to make cards or postcards of your Dear Senator picture. I'd definitely buy them and send them to every one of our Senators, including my Ohio state senators.
I'm ready to join the cult of mosquito eradication! I grew up in a mosquito-ey place, and when I learned about malaria around age 9, I stated that my life goal was to eradicate malaria. Now I'm just a boring trilingual primary care doctor who cries about public health cuts about three times a week and can't remember the life cycle of malaria (it's really complicated!), but if you can put me back on the path to malaria eradication I will start printing money with your face on it, and composing hymns to your greatness, and making sure that people paint exceedingly flattering murals of you. I'd go all in.
It's not a *good* hymn. But dictatorship and cults have lower standards for aesthetics as well as plausibility – confusing protists with koans until they flee in fear is also unlikely.
Because I am this kind of dork, I wondered what a koan for a malaria-causing protozoan might be. These protozoans lack cilia, and move by gliding. "What's the sound of no cilia clapping?"
Just wanted to say that your commentaries on the meaning of life are mind blowing, your 13 minute miles are astounding, and I usually pass out from laughing so hard at your jokes. And I totally would buy the watch.
The dictator I lived under growing up was His Excellency the Life President of the Republic of Malawi, Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamazu Banda and he banned bell bottoms. lol
Holly, are you creating an audiobook for your book? It doesn’t require a cult of personality. Few authors are good audio readers (Mary Kobinette Kowal is the best, but then she is a puppeteer who worked with Jim Henson), but I think you will be.
I honestly don’t mind some light cleaning. I want meals delivered for free every day. I want all my groceries and food to just appear and I don’t have to think about it. That is what I want.
I would also like a kitchen remodel so I have somewhere nicer to not cook in.
I’m pretty sure there’s a watch enthusiast at The Bulwark who would buy a Holly Berkley Fletcher dictator watch.
I sent him a screen shot…
I think that the Fletcher Watch scene should involve your eye blinking trick!
He quoted you in today’s Triad (6/25/25).
Or I could convince his mother-in-law to gift him one.
I bet it would be the perfect Christmas gift!!
I would love for you to make cards or postcards of your Dear Senator picture. I'd definitely buy them and send them to every one of our Senators, including my Ohio state senators.
Great idea!!! Will work on that.
Yes, please!
I’d definitely buy some.
What a great idea!!
I'm ready to join the cult of mosquito eradication! I grew up in a mosquito-ey place, and when I learned about malaria around age 9, I stated that my life goal was to eradicate malaria. Now I'm just a boring trilingual primary care doctor who cries about public health cuts about three times a week and can't remember the life cycle of malaria (it's really complicated!), but if you can put me back on the path to malaria eradication I will start printing money with your face on it, and composing hymns to your greatness, and making sure that people paint exceedingly flattering murals of you. I'd go all in.
Now we're jolly
'Cuz of Holly,
Who has beat-o
The Mosquito.
Protozoans
Fear her koans,
And their vectors
Flee all sectors.
Holly's funny.
Send her money.
Send it again.
Amen, amen.
It's not a *good* hymn. But dictatorship and cults have lower standards for aesthetics as well as plausibility – confusing protists with koans until they flee in fear is also unlikely.
Appropriate as a cult anthem yes
Because I am this kind of dork, I wondered what a koan for a malaria-causing protozoan might be. These protozoans lack cilia, and move by gliding. "What's the sound of no cilia clapping?"
Just wanted to say that your commentaries on the meaning of life are mind blowing, your 13 minute miles are astounding, and I usually pass out from laughing so hard at your jokes. And I totally would buy the watch.
And be careful out there yourself.
I think you're funny! I will tell outlandish lies for you.
Hell I wish The Bulwark WAS a twenty four hour news channel! Love this Substack by the way.
That flag is everything! Genius.
How is it you have the exact same scratches and paint smears on your work surface as I do?
Love that JVL excerpted you!
Good stuff 😂
Re: ideology is that intentional self-humiliation builds community and creates joy…
Immediately reminded me of one of my fav Jenny Lewis songs- It Wasn’t Me
Put yourselves in a straight-jacket
But when you plead insane, it's no cheaper than humiliation.
That's free
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=crr6OPOa0P4
BRAVO, Holly❣️
I often joke about becoming a cult leader, mainly because I have mildly long hair at 47, but maybe it’s and MK thing.
This commentary was wonderful!! I am ready to submit to you, the greatest, funniest, most eloquent watchmaker and mosquito hunter-dictator.
The dictator I lived under growing up was His Excellency the Life President of the Republic of Malawi, Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamazu Banda and he banned bell bottoms. lol
Amazing. He was extra special for sure.
Holly, are you creating an audiobook for your book? It doesn’t require a cult of personality. Few authors are good audio readers (Mary Kobinette Kowal is the best, but then she is a puppeteer who worked with Jim Henson), but I think you will be.
There is an audiobook but alas i am not reading it.
Hey Holly, great video on making the flag art. Do you use a final, overall topcoat of modge podge (my favorite) or just leave it?
Over the paint you mean? It’s a good idea. You don’t have to though.
Gotcha. Thanks.
If you get the. Cult going, you should consider what tasks you would like your followers to do. Pahaos dusting and vacuuming. Or maybe yard work
I honestly don’t mind some light cleaning. I want meals delivered for free every day. I want all my groceries and food to just appear and I don’t have to think about it. That is what I want.
I would also like a kitchen remodel so I have somewhere nicer to not cook in.
Reminded of one of my favorite lines from a movie with Rosie O’Donnell. “I’m here to fulfill your every fantasy, madam.”
“Paint my house.”
Ohhhh! Maybe I should consider starting a cult! Free cleaning and meals! YES!
Great turn around time with the newsletter! Read Brian’s this morning! Much funnier with your additions though!