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 10 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 2 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 »

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 [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 6 Comments »

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 [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, Tourism, West Virginia 4 Comments »

The first two weeks of September are going to be busy for six Charleston area professionals, including myself, as we raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and compete for the namesake of “Charleston’s Finest.” The goal is simple: Raise as much money as possible, via direct contributions and ticket sales for the Sept. 15 [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Media, West Virginia 1 Comment »