East of Normal
Salvation For Sale
I’m fascinated by televangelists. Ninety-nine percent of them are going straight to hell if I have anything to say about it, but I doubt I’ll … more
Articles by Tommy Womack
East of Normal
Surrender — it ain’t just a Cheap Trick song
I like my life. I really do. I’ve made out like a bandit: great family, cozy home, made it as a second-string cult artist. I … more
Artist in Profile
Jane McGrath
Jane McGrath is a synesthete. This means when she sees people, she also sees lights and colors surrounding them, different swirling hues like the surface … more
Features
Could Be a Spoonful of Life
Spoons. It’s all about the spoons. If you approach Jason “Shakes” Hostetler (heretofore known as Shakes) and ask him what was most important to him, … more
East of Normal
Screaming for Comfort
Some people — many people, actually — scream a lot. They don’t necessarily make any noise or open their mouths; their faces may be blank … more
Know your Neighbor
Crete the Cat
One time I saw Crete chilling in the dumpster alley. A mouse ran past, but he didn’t bother to go after it … too busy … more
Know your Neighbor
Melissa Corbin
“I’m a freelance food and travel journalist, and podcaster, but I’m real connected to agriculture as well. I grew up on a farm in Clarksville, … more
East of Normal
A Godzilla of Eateries, Worthy of Outsized Love
I don’t eat very much, or very well, for days at a time. What saves me is that my wife is an excellent cook and … more
Features
‘Everybody’s Fill-In Guy’
Up until recently, Chase McGillis drove to Texas every weekend, to play bass for the likes of Joe Ely and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He’d drive … more
East of Normal
An Ode to the Clash (By a Punk From Skynyrdville)
When I was 16, in July or August 1979, I bought the only Clash album in the Sound Shack, which was the only record store … more