Wilmington, Del. is an interesting place to live. Not only is it one of the chemical and banking capitals of the world, but our stretch of I-95 allows for some of the most vibrant drug trafficking on the East Coast. It’s safe to assume that a large portion of our solid economy is dependent upon the crackheads and working girls who patronize Denny’s at 2 in the morning for a late-night snack. Just further proof that junkies and vagrants are a necessity in any free-market economy.
My name is Michael Matthews. My parents named me after a Catholic saint. Now that I’ve distanced myself from that branch of religion I’ve embraced the shortened version “Mike.” It’s one syllable shorter and much less cumbersome to type. Years in school have taught me to also answer to the names “Matthew,” “Miguel,” “Michel,” and “Hey, Asshole!” I’ve adapted quite well.
I’m a 25-year old observer of life, liberty and the pursuit of trashiness in the state of Delaware. I graduated with the first class from Cab Calloway High School in 2000. The first arts-themed school in the state, I “majored” in Communication Arts. I studied film, journalism, photography and a bit of graphic design. My main focus was as editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper, The Calloway Chronicle. We won no awards, but did win quite a following of enemies with some of the stories and opinions we published.
Working on the school newspaper prepared me for what was to come next. I was accepted with a scholarship to Temple University, majoring in Journalism. I entered in September 2000 and graduated in February 2005, a semester late, but with a degree nonetheless.
Upon graduating I found out that, though I still loved to write, I didn’t want to have to write at the whim of some editor at a mid-circulation newspaper where I’d make no money. I took a temporary position with a substitute teacher service, where I am presently employed. In the meanwhile I prepared an application, reference letters, writing sample and a $25 application fee to gain entrance into Wilmington University’s Master’s in Education program. Having commenced this journey in January 2006, it took me a year and a half to complete. I’ve got the Master’s…now I need the job. Any suggestions?
I like iced tea. With lots of lemon (or lime) and plenty of Splenda (or Sweet ‘n’ Low if your cheap ass doesn’t have any). I’ve been known to drink a gallon of the stuff at one sitting. Fresh brewed only, though. None of that Nestea bullshit.
Favorite James Bond movies, from best to worst.
1. Goldfinger
2. The Spy Who Loved Me
3. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
4. Goldeneye
5. Casino Royale (2006)
6. Licence to Kill
7. From Russia With Love
8. For Your Eyes Only
9. Tomorrow Never Dies
10. Thunderball
11. A View to a Kill
12. Moonraker
13. The Living Daylights
14. Die Another Day
15. Live and Let Die
16. You Only Live Twice
17. Octopussy
18. The World is Not Enough
19. The Man with the Golden Gun
20. Dr. No
21. Diamonds are Forever