How can you tell if you're from a small town? Do you know how to spot a Southerner, or someone from Chicago? Is there such a thing as drinking too much coffee? Do you think nostalgia is what it used to be? Thomas "Sonny" Garrett explores these questions and others in his weekly newspaper column "Odds & Ends." Among his observations and experiences: * Mother Goose's tales would keep Stephen King awake at night. * No matter how much you turn up the brightness, TV doesn't get any smarter. * It's hard to be scared of a hurricane named Fred. * Politicians - can't live without them, .... on second thought, yes, we can. * Life sure was a lot more fun before everything was bad for us. * The older you get, the more personal your relationship with your doctor gets. Along the way, Sonny has met many interesting people, including: * One of Arkansas' best trial lawyers who was a real-life "Matlock." * A service station owner who becomes a victim of the times. * Old soldiers and new warriors who have much in common. * A deputy who truly was a peace officer. These are stories that will make you laugh, make you remember, touch your heart, maybe even bring a tear to your eye. But most of all they will make you feel good.