Down East Magazine... (Bucksport, Brooklin: live, place, towns)

[entyss]

[quote=Elcarim;6274254]I've decided that Downeast Magazine offices MUST be below the Volvo line!

I have to say that divisive comments like this are beginning to frost me, especially if said by people that don't live here. Are we supposed to brag that there is just as much poverty, hunting, and illiteracy here?
Read Off the Grid in York County, is Carolyn Chute to be considered below the Volvo line?

[Acadianlion]

[quote=entyss;6279258][quote=Elcarim;6274254]I've decided that Downeast Magazine offices MUST be below the Volvo line!

I have to say that divisive comments like this are beginning to frost me, especially if said by people that don't live here. Are we supposed to brag that there is just as much poverty, hunting, and illiteracy here?
Read Off the Grid in York County, is Carolyn Chute to be considered below the Volvo line?


No. By choice she lives above the "volvo line", west of "The Gold Coast". But as a writer and published author, I suspect that her living conditions are by her own choice.

The "volvo line" makes less reference in fact to geography, than to living standards, opportunity and political power. There are far greater economic, political and social advantages to the poor living within the shadows of Longfellow Square than for the poor living within the shadows of Lubec. This inequality has been aided and abetted by a state legislature that instantly becomes disassociated with its constituency once elected, and by a series of ego driven governors who never did have much of a clue about living either above or below ground, let alone some "volvo line".

Rather than be annoyed with people from away who use terms like "the volvo line", I would suggest that you become annoyed with the people and forces within Maine who insist on continuing to limit the opportunities that exist for those who don't live in the southwestern corner of the state, and those people primarily work in a series of big granite buildings in Augusta.

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by BrokenTap

DownEast Magazine is kind of unique, I think they capture the way Mainers who want to remember Maine the way they "think" Maine is, rather then the way it really is. Its a bit glossy for my tastes, as I grew up on a farm here abut never remembered having a picnic out in the front 40, with a picnic basket filled with crabmeat sandwiches, mom reading a book as us kids chased dandlions as the cows froliced behind their barb wire fence while grazing merrily away. Nope, never remembered that, but I can see why people on sabatus from this great state would like it.

That being said, I did feel slighted a few months ago when they asked for stories from Maine and I submitted a few. It was the only time I have ever submitted a story, news article or letter that was not published. They said it lacked "the character of their publication", which they probably did. A woman at work had hers printed, but it was about her mother as a tourist, getting stuck in the old ships of Wiscassett for a few hours before she was rescued. Tourists stuck in ships, or stories of real Maine Farm Life...

As I said, my fingerprints will never be lifted off their glossy pages.

Was the story about your "hypothesized" lobster?

I'm going to try to be as gentle as possible- perhaps, if you looked in a dictionary every now and then, they might be more receptive to your writing.

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by entyss

I have to say that divisive comments like this are beginning to frost me, especially if said by people that don't live here. Are we supposed to brag that there is just as much poverty, hunting, and illiteracy here?

The "Volvo Line" has been a running joke here for some time now. Humor, and satire, are often used to draw attention to differing social/political perceptions. The facts are that there are in Maine (as in every other state) two extremes of socio-economic and political strata, and people who wish to impose their will on others, regardless of the others' opinion. Refusing to see a problem does not mean that there is no problem.

The joke about the "Volvo Line" is merely a light-hearted device to illustrate differences of opinion. You shouldn't take it personally.

[Elcarim]

Originally Posted by dramamama6685

I love the pics in Down east, but prefer the Quoddy Tides for staying connected to the real Maine.

Ditto! We're absolutely loving reading about our new home with every issue of the QT! Brad is even taking a copy to work to sit and read through now. No shiney, pretty pages and glossy pics, but it is closer to our idea of what Maine is all about.

[family first]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that my beautiful bride worked at the restaurant on the cover, "Allison's" years ago. She took me to KBP on one of our first vacations back there and I rememeber going into the business to look around. Ironic!

[Elcarim]

[quote=entyss;6279258][quote=Elcarim;6274254]I've decided that Downeast Magazine offices MUST be below the Volvo line!

I have to say that divisive comments like this are beginning to frost me, especially if said by people that don't live here. Are we supposed to brag that there is just as much poverty, hunting, and illiteracy here?
Read Off the Grid in York County, is Carolyn Chute to be considered below the Volvo line?


Now if you know me as well as most people here know me, you very well know that I LOVE Maine - all of it! You've also apparently read WAY too much into my comment if you think for a second that I have any other agenda than an attempt at being funny.

And thanks for the reminder that I'm not a native! I'll be sure to remember my place when I get there.

[seaheather]

When we were living in CT, we subscribed to the Connecticut magazine. When we moved to Maine, we subscribed to the Down East. Both magazines helped acquaint us with many places of interest which we followed up on.

[CoastalMaine]

I wondered what happened to Carolyn Chute. Now I know. Thanks Entyss. It takes a special inner fortitude in this day and age to live the convictions deep inside yourself. It takes an even greater will to opt for that life and still advocate for those who live life off the grid because they're disenfranchised due to the cards life dealt them. Thanks for sharing the link.

[Maine Writer]

[quote=entyss;6279258]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

And thanks for the reminder that I'm not a native! I'll be sure to remember my place when I get there.

Your place is at the front of the line with people who are cheerful and friendly. You're more Mainer at heart than some.