Human beings are clever little apes. We have walked on the earth's nearest neighbor in space and mapped our own genome. We have harnessed the power of the atom and sent our surrogate eyes and ears into the interstellar void. We have conquered many dread diseases and yet our ultimate individual demise remains a certainty.
Even our more simple technology, while remaining somewhat the same externally, continues incremental evolution over time. The cars of today look and operate much the same as those built 70 years ago. But the automobiles of today are much better than those of the past. Tires rarely go flat, engines are much more fuel efficient and put out less pollutants, and safety features like air bags and seatbelts make for a much less dangerous ride. The engine is controlled by a computer, and reliable electronic ignitions and fuel injection have replaced points and carburetors.
Television is another example. In the 1950s and 1960s, television sets as they were called, worked on vacuum tubes. Like the similar incadescent light bulb, vacuum tubes burn out. TVs of the time would take a few seconds to "warm up" before you could watch. Typically, the sound came on first, followed by a picture appearing on the black and white picture tube. Then when turned off, the picture would shrink to a bright spot that remained on the tube for a few seconds.
It was standard procedure that when a TV started to malfunction, the owner's first task would be to unplug the set, remove the back of the TV, and start pulling out all the tubes. The symptom could be the picture shrinking, or no sound or picture at all. But almost all the time, the problem was a tube gone bad.
Once the tubes were removed and their location in the set noted, a trip to a local grocery or convenience store was next. How well I remember the tube tester at 7-11 where I accompanied my dad with a bag of tubes on many occasions. The tube tester had a panel of tube sockets on top. The procedure was to use a guide book to see how to set the dials, plug the tube into the proper socket, and push a "test" button. A light and gauge indicated if a tube was good or bad. Once the bad tube or tubes were identified, a replacement could be procured from the lower part of the cabinet that held the tube tester, and you would buy the ones you need and head home. Hopefully, once the tubes were back in place, the TV would work fine.
The weird thing is that I remember one particular tube that seemed to go out often on our old Emerson black and white console TV. That tube was 6KE8. That TV was in a blond wood cabinet with two doors that closed to hide the picture tube (screen) when not in use. The speakers were in the bottom half of the cabinet, and in those days there was no remote control. Well, we kids were actually the remote, as we heard "Could one of you kids switch the TV to Channel 11 please?" There was a volume knob and a channel selector knob that let you choose from channels 2-13. That was it. No UHF. And there were 3 channels we had back then via rabbit ear antenna. They were KPRC-TV 2 (NBC), KGUL (Now KHOU) 11 (CBS), and KTRK 13 (ABC). The other channels were all static.
Today, I get a couple of hundred channels, and still not much worth watching. Yet if I were to get in a time machine and bring that old Emerson into 2007, it would still work. That is until early 2009, when the United States shuts off analog television and makes the move to all digital. Now each channel will be capable of high definition and multiple programs over a single station, all in widescreen, color glory, and all without the need for tubes. And even past that date, if the old TV were hooked up to a converter box, cable or satellite receiver, and it would still show programs. That is until that 6KE8 burned out again. I doubt the 7-11 clerk of today would even know what the heck I was talking about.
As for now, my current TV still has one tube...the CRT. This is a plain, standard definition color TV of 7 year vintage, but it looks so good that I see no reason to spend more to go to HD just yet. Someday, I will make the change, but I can't see spending the money for it right now. I guess the days of my being an early adopter of technology are long gone.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Here We Go Into the Icebox
Well, here we go into a new work week. It's Monday. I know a lot of people dread Mondays, but I try to enjoy every day. After all, we spend 1/7 of our life on Monday, so why go around upset about it? I wish everyone a wonderful Monday today.
This will be a beautiful Monday here along the Colorado Front Range. Sunny skies and a high predicted to reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But it isn't going to last. By Wednesday, our next cold front will pass by, making the high for that day only 25 degrees...a drop of 45 degrees! YIKES!
I suppose I can give my new snow boots a little more use, as that system is expected to drop at least 8 inches of snow. This Indian Summer is coming to a screeching halt, just before the Turkey Day Holiday. I guess that is what is meant by going "Cold Turkey"!
Have a terrific week, everyone!
This will be a beautiful Monday here along the Colorado Front Range. Sunny skies and a high predicted to reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But it isn't going to last. By Wednesday, our next cold front will pass by, making the high for that day only 25 degrees...a drop of 45 degrees! YIKES!
I suppose I can give my new snow boots a little more use, as that system is expected to drop at least 8 inches of snow. This Indian Summer is coming to a screeching halt, just before the Turkey Day Holiday. I guess that is what is meant by going "Cold Turkey"!
Have a terrific week, everyone!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Yes, This is the Right Place!
Don't let the mods to the page header throw you...this is still my blog!
I'll admit it... I am a bit too lazy to dig in and create my own template, so this is, and has always been, a standard Blogger design. But being either too lazy or too busy to create a custom design only gets you so far. So, I decided to at least add a custom header image. The photo on the header is from WV 279, but it could be anywhere, so I'll use it to illustrate life's highway from whence I post.
Maybe someday I'll be more ambitious about this. For now, this will have to hold you.
I'll admit it... I am a bit too lazy to dig in and create my own template, so this is, and has always been, a standard Blogger design. But being either too lazy or too busy to create a custom design only gets you so far. So, I decided to at least add a custom header image. The photo on the header is from WV 279, but it could be anywhere, so I'll use it to illustrate life's highway from whence I post.
Maybe someday I'll be more ambitious about this. For now, this will have to hold you.
Roadside Comfort Food
One of my favorite special series on Food Network is Alton Brown's Feasting on Asphalt, where Alton and his crew trek across America on motorcycles with the express purpose of avoiding the Interstates and sampling the regional culinary delights at small, usually family-owned restaurants along the way. During the trip to West Virginia, I tried out a place that Alton needs to visit on a future show.
Just four days before I stopped in, the Stagecoach Family Restaurant #5 had opened for business. This family-operated eatery along US 50 advertises "Home Cooked Food" on its signboard, so who'd want to miss that?
The signs beckon the hungry traveler on US 50 near Grafton
This particular afternoon, the lovely spouse, her lovely mother, and I were out running an errand, and decided it was time for lunch. So we decided to try out the Stagecoach to see if the food was a roadside hit or a roadside dud. So into the unpaved parking lot we go, crowded as it was. We pull the rented Chrysler Pacifica into a spot and head toward the door to the restaurant's austere roadside building.
Lunch inside! The Stagecoach Family Restaurant, simple and functional
As we walked inside, a spartan salad and soup bar was positioned to our left. The ingredients appeared fresh, but what drew my eye was the largest pot of hot broth and noodles I have seen anywhere. There was also an equally big pot of chili, steaming and emitting a wonderful aroma.
The dining room was simply furnished and the walls were paneled in a rough, light-colored wood. A table in the middle had been prepared for a larger party which was to enter shortly.
The main dining area of the Stagecoach
The placemats were simple, laminated affairs, covered with advertisements for local businesses, including two for the local hospital and one for a company that sells tombstones. My hope was that I would not be needing the services of either of these fine companies after eating at the Stagecoach! As it turns out, that is not likely to happen here.
The portions coming out of the kitchen appeared to be significantly generous, so I took it easy at the soup & salad bar. I had to try some of the noodles & chicken broth, so I selected just a little lettuce, bell peppers, cheese and dressing for my salad. As I love noodles, this made a great appetizer.
The simple salad and bowl of noodles & broth I ate. Tasty!
Perusing the menu was an appetizing exercise by itself. There were so many home style delights from which to choose, that it wasn't an easy choice. Since they are a small operation, the specials run out quickly. Much to my dismay, one that I had my eye on was the honey-dipped fried chicken. However, the lovely spouse wanted that, so I told her to get it and just let me have a bite. The waitress went back to the kitchen and found they had one serving left, so that went to the "LS", who did give me the drumstick. Oh my goodness! That is some of the best tasting fried chicken anywhere. Colonel Sanders, you are a pretender!
The Stagecoach's honey-dipped fried chicken
Since we wanted to sample different dishes, my mother-in-law went for the hot roast beef sandwich lunch. WOW! All I can say is she chose wisely. I only wish the taste of these yummy items could be posted online for all to sample.
There was nothing to beef about in regards to the hot roast beef sandwich
Since it is autumn, I felt like a real holiday-style dinner. Therefore, I selected the turkey and dressing plate. Let me tell you, it is delicious. The mashed potatoes were made from scratch, the glazed carrots I chose were perfectly cooked and coated with a wonderful glaze. A thick slab of homestyle dressing and good pieces of tender turkey breast were also in attendance, and covered with a generous amount of gravy. Some may not like that much gravy, but it was just right for me.
The turkey dinner was also a good choice
The Stagecoach also offers homemade pies and cake, but by the time we ate our lunch, there was no room left for dessert. Of course, that required us to stop in again a couple of days later just to sample the pie and coffee.
So the bottom line is this: If you enjoy home style comfort foods and are traveling on US 50 through West Virginia, I would recommend stopping by the Stagecoach. You won't be disappointed. It is located on the south side of the highway on the west end of Grafton.
One more thing . . . you might want to slow down for a different reason. Just about every time I passed the place, there were Taylor County Sheriff Department vehicles parked out front, with the officers themselves inside enjoying a hot meal. You don't want to be the cause of making one of them mad for having to get up from the table and go after you!
Just four days before I stopped in, the Stagecoach Family Restaurant #5 had opened for business. This family-operated eatery along US 50 advertises "Home Cooked Food" on its signboard, so who'd want to miss that?
The signs beckon the hungry traveler on US 50 near Grafton
This particular afternoon, the lovely spouse, her lovely mother, and I were out running an errand, and decided it was time for lunch. So we decided to try out the Stagecoach to see if the food was a roadside hit or a roadside dud. So into the unpaved parking lot we go, crowded as it was. We pull the rented Chrysler Pacifica into a spot and head toward the door to the restaurant's austere roadside building.
Lunch inside! The Stagecoach Family Restaurant, simple and functional
As we walked inside, a spartan salad and soup bar was positioned to our left. The ingredients appeared fresh, but what drew my eye was the largest pot of hot broth and noodles I have seen anywhere. There was also an equally big pot of chili, steaming and emitting a wonderful aroma.
The dining room was simply furnished and the walls were paneled in a rough, light-colored wood. A table in the middle had been prepared for a larger party which was to enter shortly.
The main dining area of the Stagecoach
The placemats were simple, laminated affairs, covered with advertisements for local businesses, including two for the local hospital and one for a company that sells tombstones. My hope was that I would not be needing the services of either of these fine companies after eating at the Stagecoach! As it turns out, that is not likely to happen here.
The portions coming out of the kitchen appeared to be significantly generous, so I took it easy at the soup & salad bar. I had to try some of the noodles & chicken broth, so I selected just a little lettuce, bell peppers, cheese and dressing for my salad. As I love noodles, this made a great appetizer.
The simple salad and bowl of noodles & broth I ate. Tasty!
Perusing the menu was an appetizing exercise by itself. There were so many home style delights from which to choose, that it wasn't an easy choice. Since they are a small operation, the specials run out quickly. Much to my dismay, one that I had my eye on was the honey-dipped fried chicken. However, the lovely spouse wanted that, so I told her to get it and just let me have a bite. The waitress went back to the kitchen and found they had one serving left, so that went to the "LS", who did give me the drumstick. Oh my goodness! That is some of the best tasting fried chicken anywhere. Colonel Sanders, you are a pretender!
The Stagecoach's honey-dipped fried chicken
Since we wanted to sample different dishes, my mother-in-law went for the hot roast beef sandwich lunch. WOW! All I can say is she chose wisely. I only wish the taste of these yummy items could be posted online for all to sample.
There was nothing to beef about in regards to the hot roast beef sandwich
Since it is autumn, I felt like a real holiday-style dinner. Therefore, I selected the turkey and dressing plate. Let me tell you, it is delicious. The mashed potatoes were made from scratch, the glazed carrots I chose were perfectly cooked and coated with a wonderful glaze. A thick slab of homestyle dressing and good pieces of tender turkey breast were also in attendance, and covered with a generous amount of gravy. Some may not like that much gravy, but it was just right for me.
The turkey dinner was also a good choice
The Stagecoach also offers homemade pies and cake, but by the time we ate our lunch, there was no room left for dessert. Of course, that required us to stop in again a couple of days later just to sample the pie and coffee.
So the bottom line is this: If you enjoy home style comfort foods and are traveling on US 50 through West Virginia, I would recommend stopping by the Stagecoach. You won't be disappointed. It is located on the south side of the highway on the west end of Grafton.
One more thing . . . you might want to slow down for a different reason. Just about every time I passed the place, there were Taylor County Sheriff Department vehicles parked out front, with the officers themselves inside enjoying a hot meal. You don't want to be the cause of making one of them mad for having to get up from the table and go after you!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
More From Valley Falls
The CSX Railroad goes under a bridge at Valley Falls, WV
Let's take a look at a couple of more photos from my trek to Valley Falls last week. These two came out pretty nice I think.
The photo above is the CSX (formerly B&O) railroad that runs through the area. You can tell a train has gone by, because you can see its tracks (hardee har har). The picture is looking north, as the railroad makes its journey to the north paralleling the Tygart Valley River. Notice the new ties lying along the right of way on the far side of the tracks. It appears that this stretch of line will be undergoing some maintenance soon.
Lichen on a tree
Our next picture shows some interesting lichen growing on the bark of a tree. I purposely put the falls and autumn foiliage in the background into soft focus by using a narrow depth of field. I think maybe I went a little too soft on it, but it still makes a decent picture.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Eerie Old House
Last week, I took this picture last week in Grafton, and in fact, the color version of it is in a previous post. Something about this house intrigues me. It is interesting and eerie at the same time. I decided to play around in Photoshop a bit. First, I converted it to black and white, added a slight sepia tint and a film grain texture. To see the effect better, click the picture to see a larger version. I kind of like it. What do you think?
Oklahoma's Centennial
Today, November 16, 2007 is the centennial for the state of Oklahoma. One hundred years ago, the Sooner State was admitted to the United States as a full and equal partner. Forty-five years and a couple of months or so later, I would breathe my first lungful of air in Oklahoma City. Yep, I've been alive now for over half the length of time that Oklahoma has been a state. Sobering thought!In any case, it is time to say Happy 100th Birthday to the Great State of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma! OK!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Roadgeekin' in the Alleghenies - Part II
Yesterday it was back to the Pittsburgh International Airport for the flight back to Denver. Since we got a few shots from Pittsburgh to Morgantown on the way in, seems only fitting to get a few on the way back. As always, click the photo to see a larger version.
WVDOT loves big highway shields!
Mismatched Interstate shields. The I-68 has a big number font and no state name, while the I-79 uses a thinner, smaller font and includes the state name.
Driving west on I-68, approaching the end of the highway where you can go either north or south onto I-79.
There is no END Interstate 68 sign, but this is it! West end of 68.
Now we are northbound on I-79. That change in pavement is where WVDOT maintenance ends and PaDOT takes over...in other words the state line. This is also the Mason-Dixon Line that demarcates the borders between southern Pennsylvania and West Virginia; Pennsylvania and Maryland; and where it turns southward, the border between Maryland and Delaware. The defining of the line also finally settled for good the issue of dispute in Cresap's War, a shooting war in the early 1700s between Maryland and Pennsylvania.
I also call this picture, "Welcome to Pennsylvania, Land of Lots O' Signs".
Buckle up for safety!
Slow down partner! PA maximum speed limit is 65, instead of the 70 we could legally travel in West Virginia.
Finally! Pennsylvania sees fit to welcome me a few hundred feet into the state.
Nearing Washington, PA, we see where we will join I-70 for a short duplex of the two highways through town.
Clearview font in view.
La la la...just drivin' along.
Told you we were on a duplexed stretch of road! So there!
Interesting coincidence...Exit 19 is US Highway 19.
End of the duplex. I was tempted to keep going on I-70 on to Denver, but alas, I had a rental car that had to be returned to the good folks at Thrifty at Pittsburgh International. Oh well! Onto the ramp we go to continue up I-79 North.
Wow, I didn't know I was this close to Houston! The other town mentioned on this sign, Eighty Four, PA is famous as the namesake of 84 Lumber.
WVDOT loves big highway shields!
Mismatched Interstate shields. The I-68 has a big number font and no state name, while the I-79 uses a thinner, smaller font and includes the state name.
Driving west on I-68, approaching the end of the highway where you can go either north or south onto I-79.
There is no END Interstate 68 sign, but this is it! West end of 68.
Now we are northbound on I-79. That change in pavement is where WVDOT maintenance ends and PaDOT takes over...in other words the state line. This is also the Mason-Dixon Line that demarcates the borders between southern Pennsylvania and West Virginia; Pennsylvania and Maryland; and where it turns southward, the border between Maryland and Delaware. The defining of the line also finally settled for good the issue of dispute in Cresap's War, a shooting war in the early 1700s between Maryland and Pennsylvania.
I also call this picture, "Welcome to Pennsylvania, Land of Lots O' Signs".
Buckle up for safety!
Slow down partner! PA maximum speed limit is 65, instead of the 70 we could legally travel in West Virginia.
Finally! Pennsylvania sees fit to welcome me a few hundred feet into the state.
Nearing Washington, PA, we see where we will join I-70 for a short duplex of the two highways through town.
Clearview font in view.
La la la...just drivin' along.
Told you we were on a duplexed stretch of road! So there!
Interesting coincidence...Exit 19 is US Highway 19.
End of the duplex. I was tempted to keep going on I-70 on to Denver, but alas, I had a rental car that had to be returned to the good folks at Thrifty at Pittsburgh International. Oh well! Onto the ramp we go to continue up I-79 North.
Wow, I didn't know I was this close to Houston! The other town mentioned on this sign, Eighty Four, PA is famous as the namesake of 84 Lumber.
Long Live the Drive-In Theater!
A rapidly disappearing bit of American life is holding on in Grafton, West Virginia . . . the drive-in theater. There are not many of these outdoor movie venues still operating across the country, and even in Denver, the Cinderella Drive-In has met its demise just a few short weeks ago. Land is just too valuable in urban areas to make operating a drive-in profitable. Plus, there are so many other things that are vying for our entertainment dollars, including the ability to buy and rent movies at home.
Yet, the drive-in remains in a few places, and seems to particularly have its best chance in small towns. The Grafton Drive-In still operates to the best of my knowledge. However, it is closed for the season. This small theater is across US 119 from the Mail Pouch Barn in the previous post. Here are some pictures. As always, click the photo for a larger version. Enjoy.
Marquee for the Grafton Drive-In
Entrance / Box Office and "big" screen
Projection building and movie screen - Notice the red barn in the background
Yet, the drive-in remains in a few places, and seems to particularly have its best chance in small towns. The Grafton Drive-In still operates to the best of my knowledge. However, it is closed for the season. This small theater is across US 119 from the Mail Pouch Barn in the previous post. Here are some pictures. As always, click the photo for a larger version. Enjoy.
Marquee for the Grafton Drive-In
Entrance / Box Office and "big" screen
Projection building and movie screen - Notice the red barn in the background
A Roadside Advertising Relic
Mail Pouch Tobacco barn just outside Grafton, WV - Click photo for larger view
One thing generated by a capitalist economy is advertising. I would not be surprised to learn that the Roman Colosseum could have had signs advertising "Flavius' Chariot Repair Shop". Wherever people are trying to reach markets and sell products, advertising is inevitable.
One place where advertising has been prevalent over the years is the American highway. Everything from the sequential roadside poetry for Burma Shave to billboards encouraging motorists to stop and see the two-headed calf, have graced the side of the highway over the last century. One such advertising medium has been the sides and roofs of barns.
I remember seeing such barn signs promoting Meramec Caverns (Jesse James' Hideout) in Missouri; to "See 7 States from Rock City"; to the product whose ad is still barely visible on this barn in Grafton . . . Mail Pouch Tobacco. For 102 years, starting in 1890, the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company of Wheeling, West Virginia, advertised their Mail Pouch brand on barns across several states. The farmer lucky enough to have a barn near a highway would get his barn painted, along with a small payment, to allow the tobacco firm to use the barn as an advertising sign.
I don't know the vintage of the sign on this barn, but I imagine it has been many years, since the sign is so faded. Still, it was an interesting find. This one is visible on US 119 South just before you come to Grafton.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Mail Pouch Barns on Wikipedia.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Dilapidated Building
An old building that has seen better days
Despite its immense natural beauty, West Virginia is a state that has struggled economically over the years. This fact is very evident when you look at the state of disrepair of many homes. They are left with paint almost entirely gone, bare wood, broken windows, and neglect. There are beautiful old homes that have been improved and kept up, right next to ramshackle houses that may have once been very nice, but are crumbling down around their occupants.
The same is true of many agricultural outbuildings dotting the countryside. These are less of an eyesore than the homes, as these buildings don't house people. In fact, they have a picturesque quality all their own, and make interesting photographs of times gone by.
This photo's subject is a small barn or storage building standing in a field on the north side of US 50 on the west side of Grafton.
Yet Another Highway Terminus
Here we are with yet another highway terminus sign. Tracing a path of just under three miles, West Virginia State Highway 279, also known as the Bridgeport Bypass, or Jerry Dove Drive, is a short highway between US 50 on its south end, and Interstate 79 on its north end. This likely ranks as one of the shortest numbered highways in the nation, but by no means the absolute shortest. I didn't notice an "END" sign at I-79, but the photo above is heading south at the junction with US 50. WV 279 is a nice, new four lane divided road for its entire length, and passes near the Harrison County Airport. New development along the road include a couple of hotels and a new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. For motorists heading west on US 50, it is a much less congested route than taking 50 all the way to I-79.
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