Author: Sal Nudo
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More Than a Big Book Club and an Intro to Literary Journalism
Great Books of Journalism was more than just a large book club, as I came to find out. As we read the assigned books, we were often asked by Walt Harrington to contemplate HOW the writers were coming up with their material, and in a way in which we as readers trusted what they were…
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The 30-gallon Aquarium from the 1980s that Inspired a Story
I wrote Eddie the Catfish in—I’m guessing here—sixth or seventh grade, after getting a 30-gallon aquarium for Christmas in the 1980s (pictured above). I loved that tank and the fish in it.
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‘Sam’s Hobby’: A Preview
One of my final literary journalism stories I wrote as I was finishing up graduate school in 2016 was on my brother-in-law Sam Logan. He had a photo project in mind, so I asked if I could feature him and he said yes.
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Firehouse and Jack Russell’s Great White bring the 80s to Gibson City
Following a moving singing performance of the national anthem to kick things off, Jack Russell’s Great White took the stage as the smells of cigarette smoke and greasy fries intermingled in the air.
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Jimmy Buffett Cover Band Keeps the Trop Rock Going
Howie Golub doesn’t have a favorite album by Jimmy Buffett, but there is a lyric by the artist that has always caught his attention: “It never is too late to make a brand new start,” from Buffett’s song “Knees of My Heart.”
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Dog Devotion
They’re Greyhounds, ex-racers who have retained their sleek, skinny look and bound about on stilts for legs. If they ever got loose outside of a fenced yard, they would disregard the calls to come back.
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‘Goodtime Gangsters’ Were a Musical Treat
“We weren’t the kind of band that lived together and saw each other every day,” Bill “Griz” Stevens said. “But when we could get together every couple of weeks, get together and go play a gig somewhere, we had great camaraderie. And when we stepped on the stage, magic happened. But then we all went…
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Teacher Still Dedicated Despite Struggles with Cutbacks
As busy as school life is, Darla said it is the little niceties of the job that keep her grateful: an appreciation dinner from the Parent Teacher Student Association; a touching email from a parent or a letter from a student; parent-teacher conferences that go well.
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Songs Go On for Keith Harden Fans
“I’ve been playing solo gigs for so many years. You learn little ways of playing that make it sound complete. Even if you don’t play everything that’s there, you suggest it kind of, giving it that change-up by doing a little bit of picking and strumming.”
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Baseball Players with Disabilities Light Up AMBUCS Park
I’d say this is the most heartwarming story I’ve ever written. I remember a sunny Saturday morning and meeting in the stands the “Voice of the Illini,” Brian Barnhart, who couldn’t have been nicer and more genuine. But most of all I remember the joy on the faces of the kids on the ball field,…
No-Brand Nudo 