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Book Review: Favorites by Garet Mathews

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:30:45 +0000

It’s no secret that many newspapers and magazines have been folding up across the country (so long, Domino! *sob*). Garet Mathews of Evansville, Indiana is one such newspaper columnist who lost his column.

His focus? Interesting characters around the Midwest (think Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois). But, he made the best of the worst, compiling his favorites together in the aptly named book: Favorites. To make a long story short, he kindly sent me an extra copy for review.

It isn’t very often that I have the opportunity to read something that really stays with me. My life is on information overload, but these days, really, who’s isn’t? I read a lot: blogs, news sites, social networking websites, you name it, I’m on it, but most of the time, it just doesn’t stick. Favorites, however, stuck.

Mr. Mathews possesses a particularly thoughtful turn of phrase. At times I would thrust the book into hub’s hand and demand, “Read this! Read this one!” just because I wanted, no needed, to discuss it with someone. Days later I still think about some of these people and wonder what became of them.

Many of these are tear jerker stories about people that society has almost forgotten. Thanks to newspaper columnist and book author Garet Mathews, though, society never will.

My favorites of Favorites: (in case you were wondering)

*She’s Too Old To Be A Caregiver But She Doesn’t Care

* For This Old Soldier, The War Isn’t Over

* Mortality Tables Creep Up On You

* Thoughts of Baby Girl Don’t Go Away

* Suitor, 91, Has Tough Standards

Want a copy of your own? Yes, of course you do! Go to Newspaper Writer and pick one up right now! You can chose to read it in full online (but, seriously, nothing beats the feel of a book). Shoot me an email when you are finished – or leave a comment below — and we’ll discuss.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Dani California

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:30:42 +0000

Okay, so I admit I am not the biggest Red Hot Chili Peppers Fan. They are kind of hit and miss with me. Am I the only person in the world who hates, hates, HATES the song Under the Bridge? Hubs thinks I am some kind of mutant.

I do, however, like Dani California (it’s from the Peppers Stadium Arcadium CD). Hey! it mentions Indiana — and makes me think of warmer weather than the current Indiana freezing!

Black bandanna, sweet Louisiana
robbin’ on a bank in the state of Indiana
She’s a runner, rebel and a stunner
On her merry way sayin; baby whatcha gonna
Lookin’ down the barrel of a hot metal .45
Just another way to survive

Jon McLaughlin: Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:30:47 +0000

Does Jon McLaughlin have an amazing voice or what! From Jon’s Indiana album, the song is Indiana.

I wonder how it feels to be famous
But wonder is as far as I will go
Because I’d probably lose myself in all the Pictures
And end up being someone I don’t know.
So it’s probably best I stay in Indiana
Just dreaming of the world as it should be
Where every day is a battle to convince myself
I’m glad she never fell in love with me

Dick Solomon of the Indiana Solomons

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:30:57 +0000

Who doesn’t love 3rd Rock from the Sun? It’s the story of four aliens and their mission on Earth, doing their best to blend in. John Lithgow, who is funny as always (I really wish he was my uncle), is joined by Kristen Johnson and French Stewart so you know that blending in isn’t exactly easy! What a great team!

3rd Rock may have gone off the air years ago, way back in 2001 (can you believe it?). Not only are there reruns out there, you can get your Lithgow fix by catching him in his newest role, a serial killer, *gasp*on Dexter.

Put on that Party Dress: It’s a Chart Topper!

Jessica Nunemaker — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:30:18 +0000

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers 1993 chart toppin’ classic, Mary Jane’s Last Dance, not only mentions Indiana many times…but it rocks! The question is: what do you think this song is about? Me? Well, after watching this video I have no idea!

The Jacksons (formerly known as The Jackson 5): Going Back to Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:04 +0000

Did you know the Jackson’s had a variety show? Me neither. Apparently all the siblings (except for Jermaine) were involved. It didn’t last very long but it did attract guests like Sonny Bono and Tina Turner.

Even then you can see that Michael Jackson could really move! Interestingly enough, thanks to Michael Jackson’s recent death, there is even a movement to get it put back on the air!

Here’s a clip from the show featuring: Going Back to Indiana. Gotta love that 70’s orangey-goodness!

Going Back to Indiana