Like many of you, I’ve got too much to read. And any dalliance with meat space (i.e. the real world) can set my schedule back weeks. But I always wait fora quiet moment to savor Slack Tide, even if I’m a full month behind. Thanks, Matt.
This was wonderful, Matt. It contrasts so nicely with the perverted world of politics as it appears in most mass media. And not only is Mike a decent, sensible guy, North Beach undoubtedly got added value in the fact that they’ve got a Leatherneck for mayor. He’s probably willing and able to apply double the effort to any task than a normal mortal…
It strikes me after having read it: This is what the ideal was for politicians—plus or minus normal human tendencies towards jackassery and/or corruption—that our founders had in mind. What’s happened over the last twenty-odd years is that politics has become another area for celebrity. It’s the place for people who want to mug for the camera, to see their names in print, to feel the press of celebrity worship and bask in the glow of celebrity hate. And they act like celebrities accordingly. The constant attention distorts them to the core, making them behave in ways they didn’t until they became famous, until they had professionals telling them what the masses want from them as TV or social media personalities.
That sort of culture is what Mike is untouched by—and he doesn’t sound likely to be attracted to it, either. Fortunately for his constituents, whether they appreciate it or not.
What was really sad was that this woman was a drunk all her life and had really began to put her house in order.The wife was glad to see she died sober.
Bought it right away. It's good, I wouldn't say his best stuff. It's mostly autobiographical. Sort of like Really Big Lunch. Some of it was enlightening, but he was a pretty staunch leftie and some of it was a little tiresome. As far as Wouk goes, if you enjoyed the mini-series, and I too was a big Ali fan, the books are great. Winds of War and War and Remembrance. I'm a huge fan of WWII lit, and he was a very entertaining author and a thorough and accurate historian. Two of my favorites. Anyway, keep it up. You know!
Matt, this just makes me happy. I don't know North Beach, nor will I ever meet Mayor Mike, but I'm happier for reading this piece.
At a time when we're all not supposed to be happy about much in the political realm ("Be angry with this outcome!" and "Hate those guys!"), I'm always looking for things that turn that sentiment on its head. Thanks man.
Thank you, Matt, for this delightful article. It is funny and uplifting and gives what I consider an insightful description of small-town politics. What I appreciate most about it, though, is that at last I know how to refer to my brother’s first wife. They have been divorced over forty years, and he is currently on wife number six, but wife number one still attends many family functions. We like her a lot and welcome her warmly and not just because she is the best cook among us. I’ve always felt it strange to refer to her as my ex-sister-in-law because she’s not really “ex” anything except my brother’s ex-wife. Thanks to you I now have a term, member-at-large, which sums up her status in the family quite nicely.
North Beach !!! My wife's grandmother lived there all her life until a drunk monster truck kill her just two weeks after her granddaughter got married.You infer a transitional place today but in 1983 it was the town time forgot.But what views of the Chesapeake Bay !!!I lived for that and the indoor plumbing that started showing up in the 70's !
Well, damn. Knowing the usual arc of your stories, Matt, I was preparing myself for electoral tragedy. I’m glad the Townies won at least one last election against the Come-Heres.
You have accomplished the impossible – writing about politics in our time while avoiding the slime. I guess your fishing experience has honed your slime avoidance skills. 😅
Matt, if I subscribe will you buy me a beer at the Neptune? Jeff (West River, MD)
Ok, then, would you let me buy you a beer?
Like many of you, I’ve got too much to read. And any dalliance with meat space (i.e. the real world) can set my schedule back weeks. But I always wait fora quiet moment to savor Slack Tide, even if I’m a full month behind. Thanks, Matt.
This is a thing of beauty: feature writing at its finest. I have no advice for Mike: he’s perfect just as he is.
This was wonderful, Matt. It contrasts so nicely with the perverted world of politics as it appears in most mass media. And not only is Mike a decent, sensible guy, North Beach undoubtedly got added value in the fact that they’ve got a Leatherneck for mayor. He’s probably willing and able to apply double the effort to any task than a normal mortal…
It strikes me after having read it: This is what the ideal was for politicians—plus or minus normal human tendencies towards jackassery and/or corruption—that our founders had in mind. What’s happened over the last twenty-odd years is that politics has become another area for celebrity. It’s the place for people who want to mug for the camera, to see their names in print, to feel the press of celebrity worship and bask in the glow of celebrity hate. And they act like celebrities accordingly. The constant attention distorts them to the core, making them behave in ways they didn’t until they became famous, until they had professionals telling them what the masses want from them as TV or social media personalities.
That sort of culture is what Mike is untouched by—and he doesn’t sound likely to be attracted to it, either. Fortunately for his constituents, whether they appreciate it or not.
What was really sad was that this woman was a drunk all her life and had really began to put her house in order.The wife was glad to see she died sober.
Bought it right away. It's good, I wouldn't say his best stuff. It's mostly autobiographical. Sort of like Really Big Lunch. Some of it was enlightening, but he was a pretty staunch leftie and some of it was a little tiresome. As far as Wouk goes, if you enjoyed the mini-series, and I too was a big Ali fan, the books are great. Winds of War and War and Remembrance. I'm a huge fan of WWII lit, and he was a very entertaining author and a thorough and accurate historian. Two of my favorites. Anyway, keep it up. You know!
First Lady Tina is who I want to meet…She sounds like she’s a formidable woman who can hold her own with Mike and the townies!!!
Matt, this just makes me happy. I don't know North Beach, nor will I ever meet Mayor Mike, but I'm happier for reading this piece.
At a time when we're all not supposed to be happy about much in the political realm ("Be angry with this outcome!" and "Hate those guys!"), I'm always looking for things that turn that sentiment on its head. Thanks man.
Loved the cover of Landslide! Great banjo picking, great vocal. Thank you so much for this (BTW, your writing was terrific as well).
Thank you, Matt, for this delightful article. It is funny and uplifting and gives what I consider an insightful description of small-town politics. What I appreciate most about it, though, is that at last I know how to refer to my brother’s first wife. They have been divorced over forty years, and he is currently on wife number six, but wife number one still attends many family functions. We like her a lot and welcome her warmly and not just because she is the best cook among us. I’ve always felt it strange to refer to her as my ex-sister-in-law because she’s not really “ex” anything except my brother’s ex-wife. Thanks to you I now have a term, member-at-large, which sums up her status in the family quite nicely.
North Beach !!! My wife's grandmother lived there all her life until a drunk monster truck kill her just two weeks after her granddaughter got married.You infer a transitional place today but in 1983 it was the town time forgot.But what views of the Chesapeake Bay !!!I lived for that and the indoor plumbing that started showing up in the 70's !
Well, damn. Knowing the usual arc of your stories, Matt, I was preparing myself for electoral tragedy. I’m glad the Townies won at least one last election against the Come-Heres.
Nicely done, Matt, you may continue. You know, you could always vote for a write-in of your choosing instead of going over to the dark side.
Got Matt? We do. Great piece!
You have accomplished the impossible – writing about politics in our time while avoiding the slime. I guess your fishing experience has honed your slime avoidance skills. 😅
You sure can spin a yarn, Matt. A real joy & delight to read. Thank you.
But how did you earn the 'punkish' label from that New Yorker writer? It's certainly not reflected in the great music you share with your readers.
I've never been to North Beach. Have no plans. Maryland, by its very name, crosses the line between church and state. But...
Every town needs its own theme song. From what I see through Matt's eyes, maybe this one should be in the running.
https://youtu.be/ga9oBogL2V4
(Notice Leon on the guitar)