Archive for October 2023

A children’s book has been flagged for censorship by Alabama officials – because the author’s surname is Gay. The book, Read Me a Story Stella by Marie-Louise Gay, was placed under review at the Harris County Public Library due to its “sexually explicit” nature. But the story has no sexual content. It’s about a brother and…

My friend, Jeni Bonaldo, and I have a brand new show called “Matt and Jeni Are Unprepared” – ONE NIGHT ONLY – on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, at the PLAYHOUSE ON PARK in West Hartford, CT. The description of the show: Join record 59-time Moth StorySLAM winner Matthew Dicks and Moth storyteller Jeni Bonaldo for an…

I played golf last week with a guy who works in the corporate world. He’s got a degree in math and an MBA, but he also has a newborn son at home and wants to find a way to spend more time with his family. He’s fed up with the corporate culture and has done…

A new photo from my childhood. Few exist, so every time another is uncovered, I’m thrilled. My sister, Kelli, sent me this one. I’m on the left, if you couldn’t tell. I’m happy to have it, but I can’t help but wonder what the hell the photographer was thinking when framing the shot: Three children…

Sitting amongst the parents of Charlie’s Little League opponent this weekend, I listened to parents shout instructions to their children as they stood at the plate, ran the bases, and fielded their positions. May I humbly suggest to all parents of Little Leaguers that you stop doing this? As a teacher, I can assure you…

I told a story at a Moth StorySLAM in Boston last week. After telling my story, I made my way to the restroom. The restroom is gender-neutral. I’ve performed at this theater many times and have used this gender-neutral restroom many times, and I have no issues or complaints about men and women sharing the…

Sandra Boynton became my favorite children’s author when my children were very little. Nothing made me happier than reading one of her Pookie books to my children. One of our favorites of her non-Pookie board books was But Not the Hippopotamus. I think the story and illustrations are charming, and Clara seemed to enjoy the…

It’s estimated that 50% of people who buy vinyl records don’t have record players. I understand that certain people find joy in collecting, but this seems a little ridiculous. But here’s the stranger statistic: 48% of people who own record players never play the records they buy. I understand the desire to keep things pristine…

Things Many People Love that I Do Not Pickles Wes Anderson films Steely Dan Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Coffee Baths Jam bands Soccer Tacos Mayonaise Salad Emojis Sleep Alcohol Will Farrell Sushi Shopping Reality television Now share your list!

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield passed away on Sunday at the age of 57. I’m a Yankees fan, of course, but I’ve always liked Tim Wakefield. Wakefield was a former outfielder turned knuckleballer who carved out a 19-year career for himself. He won 200 games for the Red Sox, made an All-Star team,…