You do know you are the best, yes? Well, you and Walter Kirn. And my husband of nearly 45 years. He really is first on this list. I only have a select few subscriptions and yours is my favorite. I have had a couple of chit chats with other commenters, and for some reason, it is exciting! I agree, you have the best set of commenters and I have no hesitation chiming in, without fear of being gnashed to pieces for some innocent remark. Thank you for that and your wonderful writing style. Merry Christmas and enjoy your family and music! You are one good dude.
Yes and no, Craig. If you become a yearly subscriber you can take advantage of it. But sadly, there is no discount for monthly subscriptions. My billing agent (Stripe) takes too big a cut of those already.
Dec 23, 2022·edited Dec 23, 2022Liked by Matt Labash
"But a Slack Tide subscription is like eating tacos all year-..."
Holy Guacamole, that's a lot of tacos!! Taco Bell's probably gonna' be pissed at your cutting into their business like this. I expect repercussions may be in the offing. Might want to set a few subscriptions' worth aside for a good lawyer, just in case. I hear those unfair business practice lawsuits can get a little pricey.
And what about heartburn? Any guarantees against heartburn?
Actually, I've been gnawing on this rag for over a year now and have found it to be remarkably heartburn-free, though it's been known to produce a little bit of heat on occasion. But nothing that a good slug of 90 Proof couldn't douse in pretty short order.
Merry Christmas to you and all of your family, Matt. I'm sure they'll much appreciate a break from the basement. And the best to you and all of them in the coming year.
And to all those here, some of whom I've come to think of as 'friends' over the past year, for whatever reasons you may celebrate at this time of year, may you be blessed with peace and happiness, and the warmth and joy of all those you love, and who love you in return.
Well, thank you, Doc. I know how to count who and what counts. And I count myself lucky in the friend department, since you've come to fill a rather special place in it. I mean how many guys can claim to have a friend who lived in lumber camps, has "Doctor" in front of her name, has a way with words and is a first-class dame to boot? If that ain't special, I don't know what the hell is!
OK...this is contrarian. But I've been calling my best friends and telling them that I lost a bet and had to run around the block in my underwear and flip flops. Wouldn't you know the temperature is 0° and the wind chill is about -20. I told them to call immediately. I've not heard from any of them. I have no friends.
Matt- I’ve really enjoyed my subscription this year, and I think Santa has seen fit to renew me for another year. Thanks for the wide range of topics, and for the A-game that your readers typically bring in the comments.
For you and you readers, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, (or Happy Holidays if you are a spiritual free agent).
Socks rule as a Christmas gift. Much better than something I won't use.
My late brother was a huge REK fan. I had heard of him, but wasn't as obsessed as he was. We played a bunch of his songs at the wake, after singing all 6 verses of Amazing Grace at the funeral.
Merry Christmas to all. Hoping for a better New Year, without meteor strikes.
Merry Christmas, Matt (and editor). The Robert Earl Keen clip reminds me of a story. A former boss was a part time songwriter who once, he said, harbored a desire to go full time. He signed up for a singer-songwriter competition in Austin and, in his telling, absolutely nailed his best song. He was followed by a then-unknown Robert Earl Keen. He immediately unharbored his desire to go full-time.
Matt, a tip of the hat today to Norman McLean, who would have been 120 today (December 23rd). He sure knew his way around fire and water and brought life to life and death.
A very humorous piece, as always. I see below that someone is looking for socks. I want to add my request for fruit cake, but only if coming from Collins Bakery in Texas. I love their fruit cake, and it is the only thing worthwhile coming from Texas except for the immigrants they are sending to various states to help us with a labor shortage. If by chance, you are not a fan of fruitcake, I will forgive you. We all make bad decisions on occasion. Of course, fruit cake could be the cause of that 75 pounds I can't seem to lose, or it could be the eggnog laced with Jim Beam bourbon - take your pick.
I must have missed that report from the surgeon general about the anti-inflammatory aspects of this newsletter, but it certainly has brought joy to my reading. I am one of the few people who read during the week between Christmas and New years. Since I celebrate neither holiday, I have plenty of time for reading and other nutritious diversions.
You're correct about silence, as it is the only way to clarify one's thoughts. Have an enjoyable holiday.
If anyone gets any Merino wool socks and turns their nose up...my address is available upon request. (Here's hoping that everyone realizes I'm not flauting rules or doing this for any commercial enterprise. It's a wink and a nod to Merino wool being highly prized by me...especially, but not limited to this time of year.)
Sweaty feet are the #1 cause of blisters. Guess which fabric holds sweat like nobody's business? Cotton. When doing super long walks, (500+ miles) I've seen stomach turning blisters on people wearing ahem, cotton socks.
You could do it. I was 53 when I did 600 and didn't suffer at all...other than 3 days of aomebic dysentery and had to get rehydrated in a Spanish hospital. But, I trained for 6 months. Not for dysentery, but for the walk. I have some good stories.
For that kind of stuff I have to live vicariously through folks like you and my neighbor, who at age 78 did a 45 day kayak trip, sleeping on the riverbank. He threw a bone to my pride and said he ‘probably’ wouldn’t do it a second time.
I would guess dysentery might slow down the pace a little bit.
Yeah...I pissed off the janitor of one place I stayed. She didn't appreciate the fact that I couldn't make it to the toilet on time...which is a common problem with people who have dysentery. She was not a microbiologist. I'm just assuming.
Banana Republic built a whole empire on Merino wool. Though I suspect it makes better socks than sweaters. Merino wool sweaters tends to make even real skinny dudes look breasty.
Very familiar with BR. I'm not familiar with their socks. Am familiar with merino sock specialists. Merino wool has become quite a go to for winter athletes as perfect base layer clothing due to it's wicking and no stink properties. It holds up well in mild wash and low temp drying. OTOH Bean wool is well known for turning buff bodies into huskies. Latest BR stuff is surprisingly lightweight and form fitting.
Disclaimer; I receive no remuneration from any clothing company for any purchases that readers of ST might make because of this discussion. I'm just a guy who has past life memories of being a men's haberdasher in 19th century London. Happy Christmas, blokes and lasses.
I’m looking forward to your New Year oldletter since I’m pretty sure I’m a Three-Percenter. Meanwhile, I hope you take the No Math Pledge—your calculations knocked me so far off my game that I nearly forgot to buy a gift sub.
Feel kind of dumb to ask this, but I was interested in the Group Subscription for my brothers and sisters, who I know would love to read your pieces. When I clicked on that option, I couldn't find a group subscription option? Any advice?
Not dumb at all, Mary. It's not very clear. I've never done it before myself, but I just looked into it, and I believe you just sign up as the administrator with your address. Each sub is 35 bucks (with the sale price). So if you did five, say, it would be $175 for the year. But when you give your credit card, it should let you put other email addresses in for the group sub. (You'd be considered the "administrator.") Another option is just to gift each individual with the gift subscription. Though if there's more than one, the group sub would be easier. Just let me know if you run into any problems at askmattlabash@gmail.com if it doesn't let you plug in their emails. And if there's any snags, I'll get it straight with Substack support. And Merry Christmas.
I’m a better and smarter person for the $5 I spend monthly for your screeds, and for that I am thankful. I can only hope my presence here has done the same for others, in spite of my preference for the trolling variety of fishing and my affinity for Fireball. Peace and blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. 🙏🏻
This girl can't resist a good sale! Thanks Matt!
You do know you are the best, yes? Well, you and Walter Kirn. And my husband of nearly 45 years. He really is first on this list. I only have a select few subscriptions and yours is my favorite. I have had a couple of chit chats with other commenters, and for some reason, it is exciting! I agree, you have the best set of commenters and I have no hesitation chiming in, without fear of being gnashed to pieces for some innocent remark. Thank you for that and your wonderful writing style. Merry Christmas and enjoy your family and music! You are one good dude.
That was a helluva nice early Christmas present, Karen. Truly. Thanks for riding along, and Merry Christmas back at you.
Amen!
Happy Holidays to Matt and all of his Slack Tide gang!!
Hey Matt. Can a monthly subscriber like get take advantage of you $30/yr special? If so, how?
Yes and no, Craig. If you become a yearly subscriber you can take advantage of it. But sadly, there is no discount for monthly subscriptions. My billing agent (Stripe) takes too big a cut of those already.
Merry Christmas 🎁
A little cold water trout fishing sure would inspire some brain neurons.🐟
Merry Christmas, Johnnie
So glad to see you here
I nearly punched the guy
who called you a name
a while back
He had a lotta nerve
But you got soul
Glad to have you in the front of the boat Deborah seeing obstacles in the water and seeing clearly ahead.
Merry Christmas 🎁
"But a Slack Tide subscription is like eating tacos all year-..."
Holy Guacamole, that's a lot of tacos!! Taco Bell's probably gonna' be pissed at your cutting into their business like this. I expect repercussions may be in the offing. Might want to set a few subscriptions' worth aside for a good lawyer, just in case. I hear those unfair business practice lawsuits can get a little pricey.
And what about heartburn? Any guarantees against heartburn?
Actually, I've been gnawing on this rag for over a year now and have found it to be remarkably heartburn-free, though it's been known to produce a little bit of heat on occasion. But nothing that a good slug of 90 Proof couldn't douse in pretty short order.
Merry Christmas to you and all of your family, Matt. I'm sure they'll much appreciate a break from the basement. And the best to you and all of them in the coming year.
And to all those here, some of whom I've come to think of as 'friends' over the past year, for whatever reasons you may celebrate at this time of year, may you be blessed with peace and happiness, and the warmth and joy of all those you love, and who love you in return.
Merry Christmas, Rev.
what a lovely blessing, Michael
please count me as your friend
and let me wish you
to find yourself every day in the grace
you bring to all of us here
Well, thank you, Doc. I know how to count who and what counts. And I count myself lucky in the friend department, since you've come to fill a rather special place in it. I mean how many guys can claim to have a friend who lived in lumber camps, has "Doctor" in front of her name, has a way with words and is a first-class dame to boot? If that ain't special, I don't know what the hell is!
OK...this is contrarian. But I've been calling my best friends and telling them that I lost a bet and had to run around the block in my underwear and flip flops. Wouldn't you know the temperature is 0° and the wind chill is about -20. I told them to call immediately. I've not heard from any of them. I have no friends.
Matt- I’ve really enjoyed my subscription this year, and I think Santa has seen fit to renew me for another year. Thanks for the wide range of topics, and for the A-game that your readers typically bring in the comments.
For you and you readers, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, (or Happy Holidays if you are a spiritual free agent).
Socks rule as a Christmas gift. Much better than something I won't use.
My late brother was a huge REK fan. I had heard of him, but wasn't as obsessed as he was. We played a bunch of his songs at the wake, after singing all 6 verses of Amazing Grace at the funeral.
Merry Christmas to all. Hoping for a better New Year, without meteor strikes.
Merry Christmas, Matt (and editor). The Robert Earl Keen clip reminds me of a story. A former boss was a part time songwriter who once, he said, harbored a desire to go full time. He signed up for a singer-songwriter competition in Austin and, in his telling, absolutely nailed his best song. He was followed by a then-unknown Robert Earl Keen. He immediately unharbored his desire to go full-time.
Matt, a tip of the hat today to Norman McLean, who would have been 120 today (December 23rd). He sure knew his way around fire and water and brought life to life and death.
The patron saint.
https://mattlabash.substack.com/p/haunted-by-waters
being, alas, ignorant of Mclean
I headed to wiki
actually a terrific intro
caused me to explore further
wow what an inspiring man!
thank you Jeannie
for bringing him to us
and for celebrating him today
A very humorous piece, as always. I see below that someone is looking for socks. I want to add my request for fruit cake, but only if coming from Collins Bakery in Texas. I love their fruit cake, and it is the only thing worthwhile coming from Texas except for the immigrants they are sending to various states to help us with a labor shortage. If by chance, you are not a fan of fruitcake, I will forgive you. We all make bad decisions on occasion. Of course, fruit cake could be the cause of that 75 pounds I can't seem to lose, or it could be the eggnog laced with Jim Beam bourbon - take your pick.
I must have missed that report from the surgeon general about the anti-inflammatory aspects of this newsletter, but it certainly has brought joy to my reading. I am one of the few people who read during the week between Christmas and New years. Since I celebrate neither holiday, I have plenty of time for reading and other nutritious diversions.
You're correct about silence, as it is the only way to clarify one's thoughts. Have an enjoyable holiday.
If anyone gets any Merino wool socks and turns their nose up...my address is available upon request. (Here's hoping that everyone realizes I'm not flauting rules or doing this for any commercial enterprise. It's a wink and a nod to Merino wool being highly prized by me...especially, but not limited to this time of year.)
I'd settle for 100% cotton! How did socks get so friggin' complicated?!
Wishing you a meri-no Christmas!
Sweaty feet are the #1 cause of blisters. Guess which fabric holds sweat like nobody's business? Cotton. When doing super long walks, (500+ miles) I've seen stomach turning blisters on people wearing ahem, cotton socks.
B, if you made me take a 500 mile walk I would be displaying several stomach-turning ailments, and foot blisters wouldn’t be the headliner.
You could do it. I was 53 when I did 600 and didn't suffer at all...other than 3 days of aomebic dysentery and had to get rehydrated in a Spanish hospital. But, I trained for 6 months. Not for dysentery, but for the walk. I have some good stories.
For that kind of stuff I have to live vicariously through folks like you and my neighbor, who at age 78 did a 45 day kayak trip, sleeping on the riverbank. He threw a bone to my pride and said he ‘probably’ wouldn’t do it a second time.
I would guess dysentery might slow down the pace a little bit.
Yeah...I pissed off the janitor of one place I stayed. She didn't appreciate the fact that I couldn't make it to the toilet on time...which is a common problem with people who have dysentery. She was not a microbiologist. I'm just assuming.
Banana Republic built a whole empire on Merino wool. Though I suspect it makes better socks than sweaters. Merino wool sweaters tends to make even real skinny dudes look breasty.
Very familiar with BR. I'm not familiar with their socks. Am familiar with merino sock specialists. Merino wool has become quite a go to for winter athletes as perfect base layer clothing due to it's wicking and no stink properties. It holds up well in mild wash and low temp drying. OTOH Bean wool is well known for turning buff bodies into huskies. Latest BR stuff is surprisingly lightweight and form fitting.
Disclaimer; I receive no remuneration from any clothing company for any purchases that readers of ST might make because of this discussion. I'm just a guy who has past life memories of being a men's haberdasher in 19th century London. Happy Christmas, blokes and lasses.
I’m looking forward to your New Year oldletter since I’m pretty sure I’m a Three-Percenter. Meanwhile, I hope you take the No Math Pledge—your calculations knocked me so far off my game that I nearly forgot to buy a gift sub.
It confused me, too, Dennis. I hope to never do math again.
Feel kind of dumb to ask this, but I was interested in the Group Subscription for my brothers and sisters, who I know would love to read your pieces. When I clicked on that option, I couldn't find a group subscription option? Any advice?
Not dumb at all, Mary. It's not very clear. I've never done it before myself, but I just looked into it, and I believe you just sign up as the administrator with your address. Each sub is 35 bucks (with the sale price). So if you did five, say, it would be $175 for the year. But when you give your credit card, it should let you put other email addresses in for the group sub. (You'd be considered the "administrator.") Another option is just to gift each individual with the gift subscription. Though if there's more than one, the group sub would be easier. Just let me know if you run into any problems at askmattlabash@gmail.com if it doesn't let you plug in their emails. And if there's any snags, I'll get it straight with Substack support. And Merry Christmas.
I’m a better and smarter person for the $5 I spend monthly for your screeds, and for that I am thankful. I can only hope my presence here has done the same for others, in spite of my preference for the trolling variety of fishing and my affinity for Fireball. Peace and blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. 🙏🏻