Entries Categorized as 'Culture'

The Emergence of West Virginia’s Creative Economy

Date Written by Jason Keeling on November 29, 2007

West Virginia has always possessed many forward-thinkers, but 2007 could mark a turning point in the state’s cultural and economic future. A significant number of community, business, and opinion leaders are shifting from traditional approaches to development given the realization that a “new economy” has arrived, and if measures are not taken to adapt, many [...]

Writer That Overcame Poverty Returns to W.Va.

Date Written by Jason Keeling on November 23, 2007

People in West Virginia sometimes complain “there’s nothing to do,” when in reality, you simply need to know where to find the best cultural opportunities. One such place is the University of Charleston’s free Dow Speaker Series, which will host writer and author Jeannette Walls on Dec. 5 at Riggleman Hall Auditorium, [...]

Brad Paisley: W.Va. Boy Turned Country Music Star

Date Written by Jason Keeling on November 8, 2007

Last night West Virginia native Brad Paisley rocked the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tenn., playing before a live television audience and later receiving two CMAs for Music Video of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
Paisley performed his song “Online,” which won best video for its humorous depiction of a nerdy guy [...]

W.Va. Authors Teach Kids Importance of Character

Date Written by Jason Keeling on November 6, 2007

We’re always looking for stories illustrating people and organizations that help make aBetterWestVirginia, and The Sad, Mad, Glad Book - The Anatomy of Your Attitude is another example of West Virginians making a positive impact. Written by professional speaker/trainer Chuck Stump and marketing professional Jim Strawn, this children’s book uses “body idioms” to teach kids [...]

Keeping the ‘Wild’ in Wonderful West Virginia

Date Written by Jason Keeling on October 10, 2007

The state’s natural environment, including the Monongahela National Forest, is one of its greatest assets. The “Mon” provides a recreational outlet for thousands of residents and visitors, offering some of the best hiking, fishing, camping and hunting opportunities on the East Coast. The hills, streams and trees provide a needed escape from the hustle-and-bustle [...]

How Do You Represent West Virginia?

Date Written by Jason Keeling on October 4, 2007

For decades West Virginia has often been depicted as unsophisticated and backwards by national media, as have many other Appalachian states. Such descriptions contribute to a skewed perception of West Virginia and promote the “hillbilly” generalization. Whether it’s Abercrombie & Finch t-shirts proclaiming “It’s all relative in West Virginia” or the recent Megan Williams torture [...]

‘We Are Marshall’ Depicts True Essence of W.Va.

Date Written by Jason Keeling on September 18, 2007

The 1970 plane crash that took the lives of 75 Marshall University football players, coaches and fans was nothing less than tragic. Last year’s filming of “We Are Marshall” provided opportunity for West Virginians to commemorate the loss and find renewed spirit. A collective energy encompassed the Tri-State area when the project was announced. Excitement [...]