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Latest on George's place
Updates and feedback from readers about merging jerks, George Washington Birthplace and shorts with no ports
Date published: 2/6/2005
FROM THE scoop on George Washington's birthplace to feedback on traffic jerks and boxer shorts, today's column has something for everyone.
Birthplace shuffle
A recent column on George Washington Birthplace focused on a new research project on the history of the national monument.
The look at the home of the first president includes serious details, for instance a struggle over the placement of a memorial house.
And some offbeat things as well, such as what once was a security hut at the gate now serving as a chicken coop.
A talk distilled from the study, given by William & Mary doctoral candidate Seth Bruggeman, was set for January.
It was cancelled by the big snowstorm a few weeks back, and will now be held Saturday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Birthplace.
It's the highlight of a day of celebration noting the 75th anniversary of the park.
Merge mess
In another column, I complained about a motorist who flew around a line of cars, nearly hitting another as he forced his way into traffic.
My point: The other drivers had begun to merge well before the road went from two lanes to one. Instead of merging there, where everyone else was, the self-centered driver fly by them and shoehorned himself in.
Reader Dave Matula of Spotsylvania County said he's seen situations locally where people merging too soon have caused all sorts of traffic problems.
He noted that in Pennsylvania, where he'd seen similar incidents, the state resolved part of the problem by posting signs that directed motorists to use both lanes until the merge point.
"That eliminated a 2-mile-long single file," he said. "Here, if they formed two lines all the way to the merge point, it would help to eliminate part of the traffic jam farther back."
But he added, "The proper rule is to be courteous, which too few people exhibit around here."
Björn Bieneck of Spotsylvania also defended the actions of the driver I criticized.
Date published: 2/6/2005
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