Month: August 2008

Coach Stew and the 2008 Mountaineers did what they were supposed to do against ‘Nova in a surprising way ….. by passing.  Pat White bounced about four passes off the receivers’ chests so his “on target” ratio passing was phenomenal.  Since the Wildcast were loading up the box to stop the run, it made sense to pass but who knew Pat and his receivers would pass ’em senseless so to speak.  A+ offensive performance.

The D really only allowed 14 points since the last touchdown was with one second to go and the reserves were in.  Considering the new faces on defense this was truly a good job as well.  Mr. Ivy is going to be a big, big player this year.  Take that to the bank.

Finally, Pat the Foot/Toe was punching canon shots all over the place.  From about the 35 he made one but there was a penalty.  Went back five yards and did it again with what looked like an even longer kick.  Forget about Pitt last year; Patrick is going to be a big part of all WVU wins to come.

Once again some of the fans were drunk, rude and classless.  It is a shame that so many people have stopped going to games because the fan behavior is (a) unpleasant and (b) something kids don’t need to see and hear.  I hope the administration and Coach Stew will take every opportunity to lecture the fans on how true champions don’t belittle the opposition …they just beat ’em, smile and invite them back next year! 

Too bad Rich lost his season opener at home.  Four million bucks just doesn’t buy what it used to!

Admittedly, the recent “horror story” where three accidents combined to create a “perfect storm” of closed and clogged traffic on the turnpike is an extreme situation unlikely to repeat,  it nonetheless raises a bona fide question with regard to how to protect motorists from these situations.  There needs to be some way to alert motorists of traffic delays early enough that they can avoid them.  Without that, a delay “mushrooms” as more and more unsuspecting motorists line up behind the problem.  How do we fix this?

Technology is probably the answer.  One possible answer is to use signs with flashing lights that indicate a certain radio frequency should be used to get information on traffic problems ahead when the light is flashing.  We already have similar signs (without the flashing light) to give travelers information of local interest as they drive along.  Why couldn’t a system of radio/sign alerts be installed at appropriate locations on major roads to “get the word out” that motorists should avoid the problems ahead?

Another answer is the telephone.  Most utilities have a pre-recorded message so that when you phone the company it gives you information about a power outage, cable problems etc before transferring you to the menu.  Could the turnpike have such a system and publize the number to call? Could the Department of Highways or the State Police construct a system to do this? I suspect it can be done at relatively little expense.  With this, posting a few signs giving out the “traffic check” number would shift the “burden” of avoiding the problem to the public.  All officials would need to do is immediately post a clear and concise statement of the problem and update that message appropriately.  Probably not too much to ask and a good way to inform hundreds of people of a problem. 

Naturally, more coordinated responses on the ground need to be addressed but I suspect that smart use of existing technology can produce a very real improvement in our state (and elsewhere for that matter) with regard to not inconveniencing motorists when accidents and other delays occur. 

On occasion serving on Charleston City Council can be amusing.  At our August 18 meeting the claims against the city were introduced.  The law requires that anyone believing they have been injured by actions attributable to the city must give written notice of the claim.  The following claim was submitted:

“Several trash bags were placed in [a] wheelbarrow near the prominity of other trash for the ease of collectors.  Apparently, they loaded wheelbarrow and all into truck as well.”

I hope this gentlemen is compensated for the loss of his wheelbarrow. 

Can Obama win West Virginia?  Maybe provided two things occur.  One he needs a lot of visible support from the Clintons here in the Mountain State and two, he needs to effectively communicate his plans for “universal” health care which is an important issue here. 

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Mountaineer football is gearing up.  Auburn is predicted to top its division in the SEC so our match up with them will be a proverbial “clash of Titans.”  Just like last year I predict that this season will be awash across the country with upsets.  The “skill gap” between teams is just plain getting less and less each year.  My prediction for this year?  I think the Mountaineers will lose one but still be ranked in the Top Five going into the bowl selections.  Sound familiar?  Yep, a lot like last year.  Considering the Fiesta Bowl triumph, a repeat of last year would be fine with me.

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A West Virginian was standing at a T intersection when an out-of-state car drove up and stopped.  The driver looked left then right and was obviously puzzled.  “Does it make any difference which way I turn to go to Beckley?” the driver asked.  “Not to me it doesn’t,” said the West Virginian.

There are pictures coming out from the Beijing Olympics of National Stadium.  Is it just me or is that thing shaped almost exactly like a bedpan?  Check it out.

Wild and wonderful is OK.  So is Almost Heaven.  Here are two others I kind of like:

      West Virginia – Mountains of Energy

      West Virginia – Not for Everybody!

 

 

In 1971 I was in Vietnam with my buddy, Jocko Booth.  We were Army draftees.  One day in Saigon we passed a second lieutenant dressed for some reason in starched khakis with a “fruit salad” of ribbons pinned on his uniform.  Jocko and I were wearing jungle fatiques and boonie hats.  Once we had passed this fellow, he yelled out, “Don’t you soldiers know how to salute?”  We slowly turned around, answered “yes” and proceeded to salute.  He sternly returned the salute. 

 “Sir,” Jocko said, “around here we don’t do much saluting.” 

“And why is that, soldier?” he asked.

Jocko grinned.  “It just tells Charlie who to shoot, sir.”

 

 

Unfortunately, too many people outside of our state think that West Virginia is near Roanoke.  If Virginia would just change its name to East Virginia, this confusion might lessen. 

Have you ever noticed how some people apparently believe that it is OK to park illegally as long as they leave the flashers on?  I guess the theory is that this shows “Hey, I know I’m not supposed to park here but I’m going to be right back so cut me a break.” 

When:  Spring 2008.  Where:  Marmet, West Virginia.  A candidate for office (I’ll call him Roscoe) went up to a state party official (I’ll call him Rick).  Candidate Roscoe said, “I’m outraged!”  To which Rick replied, “Why are you outraged, Roscoe?”

“There’s a meet the candidate event this weekend in Putnam County and Senator Smith (not his name) says I have to pay a hundred dollars if I want to speak!  I’m outraged.”

Rick put his hand on Roscoe’s shoulder and responded, “You should be outraged, Roscoe.  I’ve heard your speech and it isn’t worth a hundred dollars.”

True story.