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.
"If everybody would stay in their respective lane until the lanes actually merge and then take turns to merge, one vehicle at a time, following 'the zipper principle,' traffic would flow much smoother," he said.
Bieneck added, "There is no reason for drivers not to use all lanes until they actually merge. Those who start merging at various points before the actual merge just slow down traffic, create confusion and cause irritation."
Reader Robbie Roberson agreed with my take on the self-centered driver and noted, "It seems to me that there are those out there who care nothing whatsoever for the safety on our streets."
On another subject, he wondered what had happened to the courtesy of dimming high beams when meeting another car, something that no longer seems automatic.
He noted that there aren't many places in the busiest sections of Fredericksburg and Stafford County where high beams are needed, and that those who fail to dim today's powerful "brights" nearly blind folks in oncoming traffic.
Strange skivvies
Jim Rice of Spotsylvania wrote in to say that he was confounded recently when he purchased some new underwear.
After picking up new T-shirts and shorts at a local store, Rice said, he got a real surprise the first time he wore his new boxers.
"Sunday morning when I got up and started my day the way I always do, I couldn't find an exit port in my new shorts," he said. "And no, I hadn't put them on backward. I thought it must have been some employee with a heck of a sense of humor."
Rice said it was only when he returned the boxers that he noticed the words "No fly" on his boxers and others.
"They actually market this stuff!" he said. "I know I'm an old guy, but has the male anatomy changed that much?"
To reach ROB HEDELT: 540/374-5415 rhedelt@freelancestar.com