Food is not usually discussed on this site, but today is an exception, as the story of Maggie’s Salsa demonstrates how an entrepreneurial spirit and the right opportunity can lead to business success in West Virginia.
Growing up in Mexico, Magdalena De La Cruz Cook-Garcia (a.k.a. “Maggie”) learned to prepare meals for a large family, but [...]

Posted in Business, Media, West Virginia 5 Comments »

The 31st annual Appalachian Studies Conference will be held March 28-30 on the campus of Marshall University. Scholars and citizens from across the region will discuss activism, arts, diversity, economy & power, education, film, identity, and history.
The conference program features over 100 concurrent sessions, such as “Appalachian Identity: Existence, History & Communications,” “Women & Appalachia,” [...]

Posted in Culture, Education, Media, West Virginia 3 Comments »

The West Virginia Legislature is seven days into its 60-day regular session. The Capitol chambers, halls, and committee rooms are filled with the sound of lawmakers, citizens, and lobbyists. Most everyone has an agenda, and although it’s not perfect, democracy in action is much better than the hopelessness within tyrannical nations.
Following the process is a [...]

Posted in Government, Media, West Virginia 3 Comments »

Generalizations are often made about more rural states within America, and West Virginia is no stranger to being portrayed stereotypically. Skewed representations of this state have existed since its inception, were proliferated during the early days of industrialization, and remain part of the local and national subconsciousness today.
On occasion, circumstances arise that illustrate the need [...]

Posted in Culture, Government, Media, West Virginia 12 Comments »

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, [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 5 Comments »

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 [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 4 Comments »

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 [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 2 Comments »