More on the state quarter
Daily Mail - contest change irks some; inscriptions now allowed on quarter designs
Alaska 2026: Part the Eighth
4 weeks ago
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Hmmm, would I have gone to Fat High or Acne High?
This whole NYC gay high school thing is making me recall my ever-so-fond high school memories. No, I’m not gay and never have been, but I was a fat kid. Not only was I fat, but I also had acne. Let me tell you, there’s nothing like rolls of flesh and pimples to make you really popular in high school.
Hmmm, let’s see.
There was the boy who stood out in the hall every morning during my 7th grade year and barked at me. Back in those days it was a 7-12 high school. What made it most humiliating was a) he launched into his rabid barking spell each morning while standing right next to his teacher (who, to my knowledge, never did a thing to stop it) and b) the hall was packed with people who snickered at his mad Rottweiler routine. I hated school for many reasons, but this barking thing really, really got to me.
I knew this boy was stupid and I shouldn't care what he did, but what really cut me was the teacher standing there saying nothing. Oh, maybe s/he commented quietly, “Now (name of barker)…,” kind of half-assed. At the time it seemed the teacher's silence was because s/he agreed with the barker (of course, I know now that likely wasn’ t it – the teacher simply had no control).
I told my mother about it -- she tried to convince me the barking was some kind of compliment. We both KNEW that was not the case. Nevertheless, what was I to do? I knew I was fat and ugly. I probably would have barked at myself if given the chance.
So, life went on, and I continued hating school, worrying myself into a state of sleepless anxiety every Sunday night when another overwhelming week was about to begin.
Ah, another memorable time was when I received a phone call one Sunday afternoon (speaking of Sunday afternoons).
Let me give a little background: I was NOT the type of girl who sat around chatting on the phone with friends. My few friends were either boys or non-phone-chatting girls. That’s not to say I didn’t WANT to be a phone chatter. I knew it was the thing teenage girls were supposed to do, and I wanted desperately to be normal. So, when the phone rang that afternoon and my mother told me it was for me, I had a flutter of excitement.
Then I took the receiver, said hello, and heard these words: “You’re ugly – you suck – you’re a bitch.”
OK, I’ll give you ugly, but suck? No, I didn’t suck. That would be you, honey, at least according to the stories you tell. And bitch? Well, perhaps, but I wasn’t the one calling people up on a Sunday afternoon to shatter their fragile teen egos.
I knew exactly who it was on the phone because she didn’t even bother to disguise her very distinguishable voice. I hadn’t, to my knowledge, done anything to make her mad. In fact, she was one of those girls who would turn to me and say graciously, “Oh, I don’t mind when (insert name of popular football player boyfriend here) talks to you, (insert my name here). I just don’t want him talking to any other girls.”
Right, thanks. I think I’ve got the picture. I’m so fugly I couldn’t tempt Mr. Big Stuff Football Player. I didn’t need you to tell me that.
So, WHY this girl decided to dial me up on a Sunday afternoon I don’t know. I can only surmise there was some sort of party going on and the entertainment consisted in part of harassing people. Or maybe she really did harbor some deep hatred for me, but I kind of doubt it. I was certainly no threat to her.
I never said anything. I wouldn’t dare. She was far too powerful. But there she was all through high school, and every time I saw her I heard those words ringing in my head. Hell, I STILL hear them.
However, I'm not sure segregating the perpetually teased is the way to go. How about just getting control over the school environment? I'm not convinced it's healthy to single out any group, thereby reinforcing the idea that they're different and don't belong in the "normal" school. How about sending the teasers to a special school? That way they'll have no one to tease but each other.
This whole NYC gay high school thing is making me recall my ever-so-fond high school memories. No, I’m not gay and never have been, but I was a fat kid. Not only was I fat, but I also had acne. Let me tell you, there’s nothing like rolls of flesh and pimples to make you really popular in high school.
Hmmm, let’s see.
There was the boy who stood out in the hall every morning during my 7th grade year and barked at me. Back in those days it was a 7-12 high school. What made it most humiliating was a) he launched into his rabid barking spell each morning while standing right next to his teacher (who, to my knowledge, never did a thing to stop it) and b) the hall was packed with people who snickered at his mad Rottweiler routine. I hated school for many reasons, but this barking thing really, really got to me.
I knew this boy was stupid and I shouldn't care what he did, but what really cut me was the teacher standing there saying nothing. Oh, maybe s/he commented quietly, “Now (name of barker)…,” kind of half-assed. At the time it seemed the teacher's silence was because s/he agreed with the barker (of course, I know now that likely wasn’ t it – the teacher simply had no control).
I told my mother about it -- she tried to convince me the barking was some kind of compliment. We both KNEW that was not the case. Nevertheless, what was I to do? I knew I was fat and ugly. I probably would have barked at myself if given the chance.
So, life went on, and I continued hating school, worrying myself into a state of sleepless anxiety every Sunday night when another overwhelming week was about to begin.
Ah, another memorable time was when I received a phone call one Sunday afternoon (speaking of Sunday afternoons).
Let me give a little background: I was NOT the type of girl who sat around chatting on the phone with friends. My few friends were either boys or non-phone-chatting girls. That’s not to say I didn’t WANT to be a phone chatter. I knew it was the thing teenage girls were supposed to do, and I wanted desperately to be normal. So, when the phone rang that afternoon and my mother told me it was for me, I had a flutter of excitement.
Then I took the receiver, said hello, and heard these words: “You’re ugly – you suck – you’re a bitch.”
OK, I’ll give you ugly, but suck? No, I didn’t suck. That would be you, honey, at least according to the stories you tell. And bitch? Well, perhaps, but I wasn’t the one calling people up on a Sunday afternoon to shatter their fragile teen egos.
I knew exactly who it was on the phone because she didn’t even bother to disguise her very distinguishable voice. I hadn’t, to my knowledge, done anything to make her mad. In fact, she was one of those girls who would turn to me and say graciously, “Oh, I don’t mind when (insert name of popular football player boyfriend here) talks to you, (insert my name here). I just don’t want him talking to any other girls.”
Right, thanks. I think I’ve got the picture. I’m so fugly I couldn’t tempt Mr. Big Stuff Football Player. I didn’t need you to tell me that.
So, WHY this girl decided to dial me up on a Sunday afternoon I don’t know. I can only surmise there was some sort of party going on and the entertainment consisted in part of harassing people. Or maybe she really did harbor some deep hatred for me, but I kind of doubt it. I was certainly no threat to her.
I never said anything. I wouldn’t dare. She was far too powerful. But there she was all through high school, and every time I saw her I heard those words ringing in my head. Hell, I STILL hear them.
However, I'm not sure segregating the perpetually teased is the way to go. How about just getting control over the school environment? I'm not convinced it's healthy to single out any group, thereby reinforcing the idea that they're different and don't belong in the "normal" school. How about sending the teasers to a special school? That way they'll have no one to tease but each other.
Where not to store your spare cash
If you have $10,000-$25,000 in cash laying around, it's not -- I repeat, NOT -- a good idea to store the cash in the trunk of your car parked along the street (as one man in Williamstown did). Good grief -- at least drive the car into the garage!
The cash is now missing after someone broke into the car's trunk. The Brooklyn Hillbilly suggests the man was either "asking for it" by making withdrawals in broad daylight, OR the world's luckiest spare tire thief was the perpetrator.
If you have $10,000-$25,000 in cash laying around, it's not -- I repeat, NOT -- a good idea to store the cash in the trunk of your car parked along the street (as one man in Williamstown did). Good grief -- at least drive the car into the garage!
The cash is now missing after someone broke into the car's trunk. The Brooklyn Hillbilly suggests the man was either "asking for it" by making withdrawals in broad daylight, OR the world's luckiest spare tire thief was the perpetrator.
Making my list and checking it twice
The big tax-free holiday is this weekend. Well, sort of. You still have to pay tax on food, on any clothing item over $100, on computers over $750, on just about everything non-school-related. I guess if you're planning to buy a truckload of filler paper and pencils and an e-Machines computer, then it's your lucky weekend. I usually just drive to Washington, PA, to enjoy my tax-free clothes shopping holiday any time of the year I want to take it.
The big tax-free holiday is this weekend. Well, sort of. You still have to pay tax on food, on any clothing item over $100, on computers over $750, on just about everything non-school-related. I guess if you're planning to buy a truckload of filler paper and pencils and an e-Machines computer, then it's your lucky weekend. I usually just drive to Washington, PA, to enjoy my tax-free clothes shopping holiday any time of the year I want to take it.
More proof that West Virginia is a great place to die
Sorry, the blog seems to have taken a rather morbid turn. Anyway, I think the state should capitalize on this study that says WV is a leader in "end-of-life care." Can't you just imagine the catchy marketing slogans? With our "Almost Heaven" thing we've got going on, it's really a natural fit.
Sorry, the blog seems to have taken a rather morbid turn. Anyway, I think the state should capitalize on this study that says WV is a leader in "end-of-life care." Can't you just imagine the catchy marketing slogans? With our "Almost Heaven" thing we've got going on, it's really a natural fit.
Monday, July 28, 2003
She crawled up under the trailer and died alone
Write that in my obit, why donchya? The Brooklyn Hillbilly and I have been talking for months now about people who feel it necessary to list in an obituary precisely who was present at the moment the deceased "went to be with Jesus" (i.e. died). I don't quite understand this. Is it supposed to make it better somehow that Aunt Betty and Cousin Alice were standing over Uncle Bobbie as he gasped his last breath? Is it supposed to make Uncle Bobbie seem like a loved person because there were onlookers?
The Brooklyn Hillbilly's theory is that this info is added to obits to guilt-trip those relatives who weren't there.
I was reminded of this today when I heard Bob Hope's daughter describing his death. First, I find it somewhat odd that anyone's death is "beautiful and peaceful." But whatever. If it was, that's grand, really it is. She also listed those in attendance at his death. The "audience" included his wife, their children, a doctor, several nurses, a priest, etc.
Good Lord. I want to die alone. I know what you're thinking, "You bitch, you WILL die alone." Well, that's fine with me. I don't want anyone, not even a doctor staring at me as I suffer. With any luck I'll be too senile or loopy on morphine to know if anyone's within a mile of me. It's not that I don't like my relatives, it's just that there are some things I prefer to do alone -- using the bathroom and dying are a couple of those things.
Write that in my obit, why donchya? The Brooklyn Hillbilly and I have been talking for months now about people who feel it necessary to list in an obituary precisely who was present at the moment the deceased "went to be with Jesus" (i.e. died). I don't quite understand this. Is it supposed to make it better somehow that Aunt Betty and Cousin Alice were standing over Uncle Bobbie as he gasped his last breath? Is it supposed to make Uncle Bobbie seem like a loved person because there were onlookers?
The Brooklyn Hillbilly's theory is that this info is added to obits to guilt-trip those relatives who weren't there.
I was reminded of this today when I heard Bob Hope's daughter describing his death. First, I find it somewhat odd that anyone's death is "beautiful and peaceful." But whatever. If it was, that's grand, really it is. She also listed those in attendance at his death. The "audience" included his wife, their children, a doctor, several nurses, a priest, etc.
Good Lord. I want to die alone. I know what you're thinking, "You bitch, you WILL die alone." Well, that's fine with me. I don't want anyone, not even a doctor staring at me as I suffer. With any luck I'll be too senile or loopy on morphine to know if anyone's within a mile of me. It's not that I don't like my relatives, it's just that there are some things I prefer to do alone -- using the bathroom and dying are a couple of those things.
Rabies - it's not just for raccoons anymore
A girl was attacked by a rabid beaver earlier this month in Jefferson County. I'm telling you, the animals are out to get us. Just think of the deer and their kamikaze-style attacks on our vehicles.
A girl was attacked by a rabid beaver earlier this month in Jefferson County. I'm telling you, the animals are out to get us. Just think of the deer and their kamikaze-style attacks on our vehicles.
Friday, July 25, 2003
Wrenn v. Reuters goes national
Take that, Reuters. Deanna Wrenn's column from yesterday's Daily Mail (which I linked to yesterday) is in the NY Post today. You go, Deanna. The matter was also discussed today on the Rush Limbaugh show.
Take that, Reuters. Deanna Wrenn's column from yesterday's Daily Mail (which I linked to yesterday) is in the NY Post today. You go, Deanna. The matter was also discussed today on the Rush Limbaugh show.
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
'Ramshackle' porch?
Here's a lead to get your blood boiling early on a Wednesday morning -- from the Christian Science Monitor, no less. BTW, scroll down to that map they have. Looks to me like they have Palestine placed somewhere in Mason County, or possibly the edge of Jackson County.
Pick up that house and set it down in Iowa or some other state, and I bet the reporters would write that it used to be quaint and modest, not RAMSHACKLE.
Here's a lead to get your blood boiling early on a Wednesday morning -- from the Christian Science Monitor, no less. BTW, scroll down to that map they have. Looks to me like they have Palestine placed somewhere in Mason County, or possibly the edge of Jackson County.
Pick up that house and set it down in Iowa or some other state, and I bet the reporters would write that it used to be quaint and modest, not RAMSHACKLE.
Monday, July 21, 2003
Another one for the burgeoning Good Grief File
A gigantic hillbilly hat tip to Jane in Charleston for sending me this link to a story in the Daily Mail: Lynch story inspires dance piece - Performance attempts to capture essence of story
The article also describes other creative efforts Lynch has inspired -- be sure to read the ballad written by a NYer. And be sure to sing it to the tune of "Davy Crockett" as you're supposed to.
A gigantic hillbilly hat tip to Jane in Charleston for sending me this link to a story in the Daily Mail: Lynch story inspires dance piece - Performance attempts to capture essence of story
The article also describes other creative efforts Lynch has inspired -- be sure to read the ballad written by a NYer. And be sure to sing it to the tune of "Davy Crockett" as you're supposed to.
Random thoughts
*The Brooklyn Hillbilly and I have theories on the "undisclosed location" where the helicopter is supposed to land tomorrow. I'm eager to see if either one of us guessed it. The family spokesman also stated on MetroNews this morning that it's possible the chopper will land in Wood County if there's inclement weather.
*In this story the governor's legislative liaison is quoted as saying the WC High band got its new uniforms thanks to one of the legislators representing WC and the legislative budget digest. It should be noted that WC does not have its own senator or delegate -- it shares with Wood and other local counties. Also, there were local fundraisers, so it wasn't the entire sum that was shelled out by the state, I assume, but still -- isn't it funny that a couple of years ago WC residents (including me - I was a resident at that time) had to vote for a special levy just to keep the county government running, and magically this year there's money in the digest for band uniforms?
*UPDATE* - in an interview the band director stated that $10,000 came from the Budget Digest. The band raised an amazing $25,000 for the uniforms.
*The Brooklyn Hillbilly and I have theories on the "undisclosed location" where the helicopter is supposed to land tomorrow. I'm eager to see if either one of us guessed it. The family spokesman also stated on MetroNews this morning that it's possible the chopper will land in Wood County if there's inclement weather.
*In this story the governor's legislative liaison is quoted as saying the WC High band got its new uniforms thanks to one of the legislators representing WC and the legislative budget digest. It should be noted that WC does not have its own senator or delegate -- it shares with Wood and other local counties. Also, there were local fundraisers, so it wasn't the entire sum that was shelled out by the state, I assume, but still -- isn't it funny that a couple of years ago WC residents (including me - I was a resident at that time) had to vote for a special levy just to keep the county government running, and magically this year there's money in the digest for band uniforms?
*UPDATE* - in an interview the band director stated that $10,000 came from the Budget Digest. The band raised an amazing $25,000 for the uniforms.
Today's various headlines
Parkersburg News - 'Camp Jessica' ready to roll and Wirt eager to help others The latter details the community's efforts to help not just Lynch but also another wounded soldier from WC. There's a photo on main page.
Dominion Post (AP story)- Town spruces up for Jessi but stays true to its roots
Gazette - Homecoming plans (includes photos)
Daily Mail (picture on main page): Return will mark a new beginning and State learning to deal with limelight - Recent events draw national media's eye
The AP story on FoxNews - W.Va. County Spruces Up for Lynch's Homecoming
My dad and I got in the "sprucing up" act over the weekend by washing the cars and 3 of the 4 dogs, but, I admit, we would have done this anyway.
Now I must go mow the yard of my non-WC home before the next storm hits.
Parkersburg News - 'Camp Jessica' ready to roll and Wirt eager to help others The latter details the community's efforts to help not just Lynch but also another wounded soldier from WC. There's a photo on main page.
Dominion Post (AP story)- Town spruces up for Jessi but stays true to its roots
Gazette - Homecoming plans (includes photos)
Daily Mail (picture on main page): Return will mark a new beginning and State learning to deal with limelight - Recent events draw national media's eye
The AP story on FoxNews - W.Va. County Spruces Up for Lynch's Homecoming
My dad and I got in the "sprucing up" act over the weekend by washing the cars and 3 of the 4 dogs, but, I admit, we would have done this anyway.
Now I must go mow the yard of my non-WC home before the next storm hits.
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Rural Renewal
Elizabeth was bustling this weekend. On our way to the recycling center, we got caught in some traffic backed up because of paving work on Route 14.
At the park, the gigantic tents were visible and several people were milling around. In the picture below you can see (OK, barely, because I made the picture too small -- look in the middle of the picture) the temporary telephone cart thingy set up at the park. An editorial in the Parkersburg News today refers to the possibility of a mobile cell phone tower being brought in. The woman in the blue shirt is a reporter. The others, I believe, are locals being interviewed. I know who they are but I'm not going to list their names for fear they'll Google their names and find my site.
The park is where Lynch is supposed to make her statement to the media. This morning, a "Media Check-In" sign was placed beside the former Ravens Bldg., directing media folks into the parking lot shown above. Also this morning some regional jail inmates were mowing grass and cutting weeds along the Route 14 bridge over Tucker's Creek.
Here are the big tents set up at the park (BTW, they're very much in the flood plain):
At least two banners like the one below are up across Route 14 at the entrances to Elizabeth. As you can see, the utility poles along the main drag are decked out with flags or yellow ribbons, or some combination of the two.
Later Saturday evening, we ventured back to Elizabeth to pick beans (hey, I told you I'm a party animal) and ran across this camera guy who seemed to be taking video of someone painting a porch.
One of my friends asked if I was going to take the day off and go home Tuesday for the homecoming -- uh, no. At first I was a little sad I couldn't be there to see the hoopla, but after seeing the prelude to the hoopla this weekend, I'm not sad any more.
Elizabeth was bustling this weekend. On our way to the recycling center, we got caught in some traffic backed up because of paving work on Route 14.
At the park, the gigantic tents were visible and several people were milling around. In the picture below you can see (OK, barely, because I made the picture too small -- look in the middle of the picture) the temporary telephone cart thingy set up at the park. An editorial in the Parkersburg News today refers to the possibility of a mobile cell phone tower being brought in. The woman in the blue shirt is a reporter. The others, I believe, are locals being interviewed. I know who they are but I'm not going to list their names for fear they'll Google their names and find my site.
The park is where Lynch is supposed to make her statement to the media. This morning, a "Media Check-In" sign was placed beside the former Ravens Bldg., directing media folks into the parking lot shown above. Also this morning some regional jail inmates were mowing grass and cutting weeds along the Route 14 bridge over Tucker's Creek.
Here are the big tents set up at the park (BTW, they're very much in the flood plain):
At least two banners like the one below are up across Route 14 at the entrances to Elizabeth. As you can see, the utility poles along the main drag are decked out with flags or yellow ribbons, or some combination of the two.
Later Saturday evening, we ventured back to Elizabeth to pick beans (hey, I told you I'm a party animal) and ran across this camera guy who seemed to be taking video of someone painting a porch.
One of my friends asked if I was going to take the day off and go home Tuesday for the homecoming -- uh, no. At first I was a little sad I couldn't be there to see the hoopla, but after seeing the prelude to the hoopla this weekend, I'm not sad any more.
Friday, July 18, 2003
'Senior-friendly roads'???
During Talkline on Metronews this morning, the discussion touched on the driver in California that mowed down numerous people. Hoppy Kercheval, the host, asked listeners if elderly drivers should be tested and what they thought of the whole issue. One of his guests, a AAA rep, stated -- no kidding -- that we should focus not on testing drivers but on constructing more "senior-friendly roads". What the heck would that entail? You can't turn up the volume on roads. What are you supposed to do -- make the lines bigger? I suppose we also might consider constructing roads for blind drivers, too. I mean, why should ANYONE be denied the opportunity to drive and kill themselves and others?
It's a real pity I just sent in my AAA renewal. I hate to think my money is supporting that line of thinking.
During Talkline on Metronews this morning, the discussion touched on the driver in California that mowed down numerous people. Hoppy Kercheval, the host, asked listeners if elderly drivers should be tested and what they thought of the whole issue. One of his guests, a AAA rep, stated -- no kidding -- that we should focus not on testing drivers but on constructing more "senior-friendly roads". What the heck would that entail? You can't turn up the volume on roads. What are you supposed to do -- make the lines bigger? I suppose we also might consider constructing roads for blind drivers, too. I mean, why should ANYONE be denied the opportunity to drive and kill themselves and others?
It's a real pity I just sent in my AAA renewal. I hate to think my money is supporting that line of thinking.
Parkersburg News & Sentinel: Local guardsmen to fly Lynch home
Looks like the plan involving the Black Hawk helicopters is a go. BTW, the person I referred to in a blog entry a few days ago seems to be Maj. Mike Cadell. Keadle, as I initially wrote it, would be the Upshur County spelling of the name, I suppose (in reference to long-time circuit court judge Tom Keadle).
Looks like the plan involving the Black Hawk helicopters is a go. BTW, the person I referred to in a blog entry a few days ago seems to be Maj. Mike Cadell. Keadle, as I initially wrote it, would be the Upshur County spelling of the name, I suppose (in reference to long-time circuit court judge Tom Keadle).
Man shoots up board meeting - a blog reader reports from the scene
The folks in Kanawha County had a bit of excitement last night, namely someone opening fire at the school board meeting. The story made national news, too.
The folks in Kanawha County had a bit of excitement last night, namely someone opening fire at the school board meeting. The story made national news, too.
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Gazette: Alleged molester caught
Other headlines report "Accused molester to undergo exam." Hmmmm, I can think of a few exams that would be good for him.
Other headlines report "Accused molester to undergo exam." Hmmmm, I can think of a few exams that would be good for him.
Parkersburg News & Sentinel: County prepares for Lynch return
Toward the end of the story are the details about the special cancellation available from the Palestine post office to commemorate the day of Lynch's homecoming.
Toward the end of the story are the details about the special cancellation available from the Palestine post office to commemorate the day of Lynch's homecoming.
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Daily Mail: A hero's homecoming - Some dreading frenzy to follow Lynch's return
A photo from Elizabeth is on the main page of the Daily Mail site today.
According to a guest* on Hoppy Kercheval's Talkline (broadcast on Metronews radio) one of the options for transporting Lynch back to Elizabeth is one of the Guard's "state of the art Blackhawk Medevac" helicopters based in Parkersburg. He also stated that the public would not be invited to the media event held immediately after she lands, but he had heard from the locals that residents planned to line the streets to greet Lynch as the motorcade passes through the streets.
*The man's last name was Keadle, but I failed to write down his first name, or his affiliation. I think he's from the WV National Guard, possibly the air national guard.
A photo from Elizabeth is on the main page of the Daily Mail site today.
According to a guest* on Hoppy Kercheval's Talkline (broadcast on Metronews radio) one of the options for transporting Lynch back to Elizabeth is one of the Guard's "state of the art Blackhawk Medevac" helicopters based in Parkersburg. He also stated that the public would not be invited to the media event held immediately after she lands, but he had heard from the locals that residents planned to line the streets to greet Lynch as the motorcade passes through the streets.
*The man's last name was Keadle, but I failed to write down his first name, or his affiliation. I think he's from the WV National Guard, possibly the air national guard.
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
A few random thoughts on the impending homecoming
The Brooklyn Hillbilly and I have exchanged e-mails recently lamenting Pfc. Lynch's future -- the near future, that is. She was held captive in Iraq, and now she'll be held captive (sort of) in her own home by the media and normal people like you and me. Even perfectly well-meaning, generous souls will surely grate on her nerves after awhile, don't you think? I mean, how many times can you be told "We were all praying for you" without wishing you could go back to your unknown, unprayed-for self?
At least in the near future, she's bound to be recognized most every place she goes, if she's even able to go anywhere. There aren't, after all, that many "petite blonds" walking with the help of a walker or crutches in the general vacinity. And everyone in America has seen her face plastered on every magazine and newspaper for months. (BTW, I recommend colored contacts and some tasteful hair dye to combat that problem.) What's the average person gonna do when they stumble upon a hero in the grocery store? Well, I confess, I'd feel compelled to say something. Now that I've considered it, I would attempt to keep my mouth shut. Instead I'd try to smile and go on stuffing vats of cottage cheese in my shopping cart.
It's a really bad example, but it sort of reminds me of funeral home visitations. People feel compelled to say something to the family. So, often what they come up with spontaneously winds up being bizarre, inappropriate, insulting and/or devoid of meaning. Like saying, "Oh, she looks so natural," in reference to the deceased's corpse which has been embalmed and painted with hideous make-up. But I digress. (This subject is worthy of a future blog entry.)
My point is, you can only imagine the kind of things people are going to end up blurting out to Pfc. Lynch.
The Brooklyn Hillbilly and I have exchanged e-mails recently lamenting Pfc. Lynch's future -- the near future, that is. She was held captive in Iraq, and now she'll be held captive (sort of) in her own home by the media and normal people like you and me. Even perfectly well-meaning, generous souls will surely grate on her nerves after awhile, don't you think? I mean, how many times can you be told "We were all praying for you" without wishing you could go back to your unknown, unprayed-for self?
At least in the near future, she's bound to be recognized most every place she goes, if she's even able to go anywhere. There aren't, after all, that many "petite blonds" walking with the help of a walker or crutches in the general vacinity. And everyone in America has seen her face plastered on every magazine and newspaper for months. (BTW, I recommend colored contacts and some tasteful hair dye to combat that problem.) What's the average person gonna do when they stumble upon a hero in the grocery store? Well, I confess, I'd feel compelled to say something. Now that I've considered it, I would attempt to keep my mouth shut. Instead I'd try to smile and go on stuffing vats of cottage cheese in my shopping cart.
It's a really bad example, but it sort of reminds me of funeral home visitations. People feel compelled to say something to the family. So, often what they come up with spontaneously winds up being bizarre, inappropriate, insulting and/or devoid of meaning. Like saying, "Oh, she looks so natural," in reference to the deceased's corpse which has been embalmed and painted with hideous make-up. But I digress. (This subject is worthy of a future blog entry.)
My point is, you can only imagine the kind of things people are going to end up blurting out to Pfc. Lynch.
Car vs. ATV race in Davisville proves fatal
Surprisingly, it was a passenger in the backseat of the car who was killed, not the ATV rider.
Surprisingly, it was a passenger in the backseat of the car who was killed, not the ATV rider.
Brace yourself
The AP is reporting (can't find a story with a permalink) that Jessica Lynch will be coming home Tuesday, July 22, via helicopter and will make a statement to the press before traveling by "motorcade" to her Palestine home. An exact time for this has not yet been determined.
*UPDATE*
OK, here's a link to the AP story on YahooNews. Note the last paragraph -- round-the-clock security will be provided indefinitely.
And here's the Metronews story which adds another nugget of info: Lynch is supposedly "taking the initial steps to secure a full military retirement."
The AP is reporting (can't find a story with a permalink) that Jessica Lynch will be coming home Tuesday, July 22, via helicopter and will make a statement to the press before traveling by "motorcade" to her Palestine home. An exact time for this has not yet been determined.
*UPDATE*
OK, here's a link to the AP story on YahooNews. Note the last paragraph -- round-the-clock security will be provided indefinitely.
And here's the Metronews story which adds another nugget of info: Lynch is supposedly "taking the initial steps to secure a full military retirement."
Monday, July 14, 2003
Sexual assault in Kanawha County Target store
So, this sicko goes into Target Saturday night and sexually assaults an 11-year-old girl not once but twice. It's not included in the Fox story, but other publications have said the alleged perp was wearing a "Just Golf" hat.
So, this sicko goes into Target Saturday night and sexually assaults an 11-year-old girl not once but twice. It's not included in the Fox story, but other publications have said the alleged perp was wearing a "Just Golf" hat.
Friday, July 11, 2003
The Brooklyn Hillbilly on the small-town thing
The Brooklyn Hillbilly wrote to me to say he completely understands my restaurant experience and explained that the reason he feels so comfortable in NYC is "knowing that not one of the millions of my neighbors gives a shit what I am doing, what I look like, etc."
When he resided in Parkersburg, he says he had "on more than one occasion, a burning hateful rage after hearing - 'You haven't mowed your yard yet, have you?,' 'I saw your car there the other night,' 'Someone said you was out there with...,' and 'Jesus Christ! You're gainin' weight!'" The latter is a favorite of mine, too.
Of course, there is an obvious downside to living in a city where no one gives a darn about you.
The Brooklyn Hillbilly wrote to me to say he completely understands my restaurant experience and explained that the reason he feels so comfortable in NYC is "knowing that not one of the millions of my neighbors gives a shit what I am doing, what I look like, etc."
When he resided in Parkersburg, he says he had "on more than one occasion, a burning hateful rage after hearing - 'You haven't mowed your yard yet, have you?,' 'I saw your car there the other night,' 'Someone said you was out there with...,' and 'Jesus Christ! You're gainin' weight!'" The latter is a favorite of mine, too.
Of course, there is an obvious downside to living in a city where no one gives a darn about you.
Best wishes
I wish Rob at Gut Rumbles all the best after his, shall we say, delicate surgery. Rob is a product of our Appalachian sister Kentucky.
I wish Rob at Gut Rumbles all the best after his, shall we say, delicate surgery. Rob is a product of our Appalachian sister Kentucky.
Name du jour
The much-ballyhooed Clay Center opened recently. There's a nice photo in the Gazette today of a couple going to a "gala opening." The first name of the lady pictured is, I swear, Ditsy. Now, let us hope that's not her given name (not that someone giving you the nickname Ditsy is much better). If so, had I been her, I would have disowned my parents.
The much-ballyhooed Clay Center opened recently. There's a nice photo in the Gazette today of a couple going to a "gala opening." The first name of the lady pictured is, I swear, Ditsy. Now, let us hope that's not her given name (not that someone giving you the nickname Ditsy is much better). If so, had I been her, I would have disowned my parents.
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Charleston's still the biggest city in West Virginia, but it's getting smaller, according to census numbers reported in today's Daily Mail. Huntington is second largest.
The small-town inferiority complex lingers
My vacation last week took me to or through four states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia (plus the trek across WV). During that journey, the Alpbilly and I dined at a variety of establishments, from a casual diner-type place in the Virginia eastern shore area to a more upscale seafood restaurant in Delaware. I felt perfectly comfortable no matter where we went -- until we got back to WV.
On our way home, we stopped in Charleston for dinner. I'd been to this particular establishment before for lunch. As it turned out, things were slightly less casual for dinner and that threw me into hysterics when I realized I was the only person in the restaurant wearing a t-shirt (albeit a very nice t-shirt) and shorts. The Alpbilly, accustomed to the alpine climate, wears long sleeves and long pants year-round.
Me: "I should have changed. I'm underdressed!"
Alpbilly: "You look fine."
Me: "No I don't. I have on a t-shirt."
Alpbilly: "You look fine."
Well, I did look fine, but I felt terribly self-conscious and was petrified I'd see someone I knew.
Me: "My hair -- I didn't comb it. We've been traveling all day..."
I dashed off to the restroom where I confirmed that my hair did indeed look bad and then had to walk by everyone in the restaurant all over again. Brilliant move. I slid under the tablecloth and tried to hide my bare legs. Then I nervously scanned the crowd to see if there was anyone I knew -- any former college classmates lurking in the corners decked out in their fancy suits after a hard day at their high-paying big-time Charleston jobs.
Suddenly it hit me -- why on earth am I this self-conscious? I'm in frigging Charleston, WV -- the capital of my home state. I should feel at home, comfortable. I had no qualms about going to a steakhouse in Delaware without even rinsing the salt water out of my hair. Is it just because I'm afraid I'll see someone I know, or is it this lingering small-town inferiority complex? Am I afraid someone will see me and say, "Oh, there's so and so -- she's from out in the sticks in DIRT COUNTY, you know. Look at her -- dressed like trash."?
Or is it that Charleston has this lingering big-city mystique about it? (try to control your laughing) Seriously, it was a big deal to go to Charleston when I was a kid -- the tall buildings, the various highways snaking around the city, and just being in a place you always saw on TV.
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into a random incident that reflects more my travel fatigue than anything else?
I think I probably do still have -- a wee bit at least -- a preoccupation about coming from a small town. Hell, I wasn't even from the town. I was from the suburbs, where there were more Canada geese than people. I'm not embarrassed about where I'm from. Rather, I always feel like I need to make a point of showing that people from small towns AREN'T rednecks, as is the common misconception. I don't want to be caught, for instance, wearing a t-shirt in a snazzy restaurant, thereby reinforcing the stereotype.
My vacation last week took me to or through four states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia (plus the trek across WV). During that journey, the Alpbilly and I dined at a variety of establishments, from a casual diner-type place in the Virginia eastern shore area to a more upscale seafood restaurant in Delaware. I felt perfectly comfortable no matter where we went -- until we got back to WV.
On our way home, we stopped in Charleston for dinner. I'd been to this particular establishment before for lunch. As it turned out, things were slightly less casual for dinner and that threw me into hysterics when I realized I was the only person in the restaurant wearing a t-shirt (albeit a very nice t-shirt) and shorts. The Alpbilly, accustomed to the alpine climate, wears long sleeves and long pants year-round.
Me: "I should have changed. I'm underdressed!"
Alpbilly: "You look fine."
Me: "No I don't. I have on a t-shirt."
Alpbilly: "You look fine."
Well, I did look fine, but I felt terribly self-conscious and was petrified I'd see someone I knew.
Me: "My hair -- I didn't comb it. We've been traveling all day..."
I dashed off to the restroom where I confirmed that my hair did indeed look bad and then had to walk by everyone in the restaurant all over again. Brilliant move. I slid under the tablecloth and tried to hide my bare legs. Then I nervously scanned the crowd to see if there was anyone I knew -- any former college classmates lurking in the corners decked out in their fancy suits after a hard day at their high-paying big-time Charleston jobs.
Suddenly it hit me -- why on earth am I this self-conscious? I'm in frigging Charleston, WV -- the capital of my home state. I should feel at home, comfortable. I had no qualms about going to a steakhouse in Delaware without even rinsing the salt water out of my hair. Is it just because I'm afraid I'll see someone I know, or is it this lingering small-town inferiority complex? Am I afraid someone will see me and say, "Oh, there's so and so -- she's from out in the sticks in DIRT COUNTY, you know. Look at her -- dressed like trash."?
Or is it that Charleston has this lingering big-city mystique about it? (try to control your laughing) Seriously, it was a big deal to go to Charleston when I was a kid -- the tall buildings, the various highways snaking around the city, and just being in a place you always saw on TV.
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into a random incident that reflects more my travel fatigue than anything else?
I think I probably do still have -- a wee bit at least -- a preoccupation about coming from a small town. Hell, I wasn't even from the town. I was from the suburbs, where there were more Canada geese than people. I'm not embarrassed about where I'm from. Rather, I always feel like I need to make a point of showing that people from small towns AREN'T rednecks, as is the common misconception. I don't want to be caught, for instance, wearing a t-shirt in a snazzy restaurant, thereby reinforcing the stereotype.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
'Fog of war' played role in Private Lynch injuries
I feel sure you've already seen these reports today, but I'll link to one of them just in case.
I feel sure you've already seen these reports today, but I'll link to one of them just in case.
How much would you pay for a 2-year-old?
Seems $500 is the going rate in Nicholas County. A Craigsville woman was arrested for selling her son to her grandmother to get money to buy OxyContin. Not only is this woman an addict, she's also not much of a businesswoman. I confess I haven't given a great deal of thought to the sale of children, but $500 strikes me as a small sum.
Seems $500 is the going rate in Nicholas County. A Craigsville woman was arrested for selling her son to her grandmother to get money to buy OxyContin. Not only is this woman an addict, she's also not much of a businesswoman. I confess I haven't given a great deal of thought to the sale of children, but $500 strikes me as a small sum.
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
P. Diddy dons hillbilly duds for national TV appearance
Mountaineer fans will love seeing this picture of P. Diddy wearing a retro Mountaineer basketball jersey. Tony Caridi was discussing tonight on his Statewide Sportsline radio show. Here's the link to the brief news story on Metronews' Web site. If you want to dress like P. Diddy -- and Jerry West in the 1959 NCAA championship game -- you can buy the jersey for a mere $149 at Eastbay. I don't suppose there's any chance we can get Mr. Diddy to sport a Big East logo on his next outfit.
Mountaineer fans will love seeing this picture of P. Diddy wearing a retro Mountaineer basketball jersey. Tony Caridi was discussing tonight on his Statewide Sportsline radio show. Here's the link to the brief news story on Metronews' Web site. If you want to dress like P. Diddy -- and Jerry West in the 1959 NCAA championship game -- you can buy the jersey for a mere $149 at Eastbay. I don't suppose there's any chance we can get Mr. Diddy to sport a Big East logo on his next outfit.
Hillbilly lemur on the loose and other animal news
I watched with great interest the developing story of a lemur on the loose in Upshur County, partly because I loved envisioning the beedy-eyed critter dangling from one of the big old trees on WV Wesleyan's campus. I don't know that it was even on the campus -- I just like thinking about it. At first the AP story's details were sketchy, but more and more details were added throughout the afternoon. I can't really make fun of the AP for that because I was the one going back time after time clicking on the story. Well, it turns out the lemur escaped from someone who was petsitting it. An animal control officer found it asleep in a tree Saturday and took it to the animal shelter. A shelter staff member stated that she would miss the lemur, which, she said, had a sweet personality.
*UPDATE* (7-14-03)
According to the Buckhannon Record Delta (in a front page story with accompanying photo), the critter on the loose was not a lemur, but instead was a kinkajou.
In other wildlife and exotic animal news, an albino raccoon was caught in Monongalia County a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure even a mother raccoon could love that face.
Another good animal story surfaced today in the Beckley Register Herald. After being hit by a car (perhaps -- I guess the dog isn't too talkative), a black lab limped into Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital to, presumably, seek treatment. The automatic sliding doors allowed the dog to enter the hospital, where he reportedly stationed himself in an area where people would notice him and offer help.
I watched with great interest the developing story of a lemur on the loose in Upshur County, partly because I loved envisioning the beedy-eyed critter dangling from one of the big old trees on WV Wesleyan's campus. I don't know that it was even on the campus -- I just like thinking about it. At first the AP story's details were sketchy, but more and more details were added throughout the afternoon. I can't really make fun of the AP for that because I was the one going back time after time clicking on the story. Well, it turns out the lemur escaped from someone who was petsitting it. An animal control officer found it asleep in a tree Saturday and took it to the animal shelter. A shelter staff member stated that she would miss the lemur, which, she said, had a sweet personality.
*UPDATE* (7-14-03)
According to the Buckhannon Record Delta (in a front page story with accompanying photo), the critter on the loose was not a lemur, but instead was a kinkajou.
In other wildlife and exotic animal news, an albino raccoon was caught in Monongalia County a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure even a mother raccoon could love that face.
Another good animal story surfaced today in the Beckley Register Herald. After being hit by a car (perhaps -- I guess the dog isn't too talkative), a black lab limped into Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital to, presumably, seek treatment. The automatic sliding doors allowed the dog to enter the hospital, where he reportedly stationed himself in an area where people would notice him and offer help.
Monday, July 07, 2003
A couple of the day's headlines
July 4th weekend is traditionally a time for fireworks, drownings and ATV deaths in the Mountain State, but Sunday some nitwit decided to spray paint some choice words on Temple Israel in Charleston. According to this Gazette article about the Temple Israel incident, WV had two reported acts of anti-Semitism in 2002, no reported incidents the two years before that, and averaged about one per year in the late 1990s.
And, on a lighter note:
Jello-wrestling seems like the logical solution to settle this debate
The Daily Mail reports that Capito and Byrd are both claiming credit for bringing home a certain slab of the bacon -- the pork in question is a $950,000 federal grant for Charleston's Gateway Greenspace Project.
July 4th weekend is traditionally a time for fireworks, drownings and ATV deaths in the Mountain State, but Sunday some nitwit decided to spray paint some choice words on Temple Israel in Charleston. According to this Gazette article about the Temple Israel incident, WV had two reported acts of anti-Semitism in 2002, no reported incidents the two years before that, and averaged about one per year in the late 1990s.
And, on a lighter note:
Jello-wrestling seems like the logical solution to settle this debate
The Daily Mail reports that Capito and Byrd are both claiming credit for bringing home a certain slab of the bacon -- the pork in question is a $950,000 federal grant for Charleston's Gateway Greenspace Project.
How about a hillbilly eating contest?
Hearing news reports about the Coney Island hot dog eating contest on July 4 made me think that WV needs its own eating contest. We are, after all, national leaders in obesity. It seems only fitting, and perhaps it's even our duty. So, I was trying to think what would be the perfect, decidedly Mountaineer item to consume in this contest.
There is, of course, the beloved pepperoni roll. That would be good, but there are some problems -- first, there's no standard size, and the rolls vary so much between bakers. Second, would people outside the state have any clue what they were? (not that it takes a genius to assume what the words "pepperoni roll" might mean)
If you wanted to be daring, you could go with ramps. That would likely requiring weighing the food, not counting it per item. You know, so and so won the annual ramp-eating contest by consuming 20 pounds (ugh) of ramps. Just doesn't have the same ring as FIFTY hotdogs. And, again, you have the problem of those outside the state not knowing what the heck a ramp is, and the significance of consuming them in large quantities. There's also the seasonal aspect of the ramp harvest that would make it difficult to tie in with a major holiday.
Buckwheat cakes! Now that has some potential. And the folks in Preston County would certainly love the idea (who knows, maybe they already have one as part of their annual Buckwheat Festival). BTW, if you're looking for some buckwheat cakes at any time of the year -- not just during the Buckwheat Fest season -- try Little Sandy's Truck Stop/Restaurant on I-68 at Bruceton Mills.
I think the best shot would be apples, or some sort of apple product. In fact, apple pies might be a good option. That ties in with the whole American, fourth of July holiday thing -- so perhaps we could capitalize on that sort of media coverage if we staged the pie-eating fest on the 4th. The logical location would be Clay County, home of the Golden Delicious apple (first grown in 1914).
Any other ideas??
Hearing news reports about the Coney Island hot dog eating contest on July 4 made me think that WV needs its own eating contest. We are, after all, national leaders in obesity. It seems only fitting, and perhaps it's even our duty. So, I was trying to think what would be the perfect, decidedly Mountaineer item to consume in this contest.
There is, of course, the beloved pepperoni roll. That would be good, but there are some problems -- first, there's no standard size, and the rolls vary so much between bakers. Second, would people outside the state have any clue what they were? (not that it takes a genius to assume what the words "pepperoni roll" might mean)
If you wanted to be daring, you could go with ramps. That would likely requiring weighing the food, not counting it per item. You know, so and so won the annual ramp-eating contest by consuming 20 pounds (ugh) of ramps. Just doesn't have the same ring as FIFTY hotdogs. And, again, you have the problem of those outside the state not knowing what the heck a ramp is, and the significance of consuming them in large quantities. There's also the seasonal aspect of the ramp harvest that would make it difficult to tie in with a major holiday.
Buckwheat cakes! Now that has some potential. And the folks in Preston County would certainly love the idea (who knows, maybe they already have one as part of their annual Buckwheat Festival). BTW, if you're looking for some buckwheat cakes at any time of the year -- not just during the Buckwheat Fest season -- try Little Sandy's Truck Stop/Restaurant on I-68 at Bruceton Mills.
I think the best shot would be apples, or some sort of apple product. In fact, apple pies might be a good option. That ties in with the whole American, fourth of July holiday thing -- so perhaps we could capitalize on that sort of media coverage if we staged the pie-eating fest on the 4th. The logical location would be Clay County, home of the Golden Delicious apple (first grown in 1914).
Any other ideas??
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
