Comments on: I Am A Citizen Of The Planet . . . .

By: Dustin

Dustin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:53:01 +0000

nothing really LOL. I guess it fits into conservation through historical preservation. I will find out the scoop on why it was organized there. I think one of the co-chairs works there.

By: WV Nan

WV Nan — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:30:22 +0000

It does appear to be very bland. But the hiking trails may offer some great photo opportunities. Now I’m very curious–just how is your presentation connected with fishing, hunting, and conservation? This tired curious mind could get very silly–so I’ll just wait for your professional opinion!

Have a great weekend!

By: Dustin

Dustin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:11:04 +0000

I don’t think it’s there, I wish it was, that sounds nice lol.

http://training.fws.gov/ This is the place we are staying, which looks somewhat . . . bland? I have not made a reservation yet, so I don’t know. If it’s full I’m stuck making a reservation at a hotel in town. I think this is a very SMALL conference, not huge like the ones I’ve been to.

I’m hoping by the end of september I’ll have enough written and approved that we will set a defence date. It will probably be in November.

By: WV Nan

WV Nan — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:05:51 +0000

Dustin, sounds as if you’re going to be at Berkley Springs—beautiful area. The very wealthy used to travel there from DC area because of the “hot” springs and healing water. It was originally named Bath. Now it is known for its historic spa and cultural arts.

The drive from Cherry Hill to Shepherdstown is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. The drive could be beautiful if the leaves are turning. Keep us posted about the trip and conference.

Congrats on the conference and the teaching job. Keep plugging away at the defense. Any dates yet?

By: Dustin

Dustin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:00:06 +0000

I don’t get scared anymore, but I still get a little nervous giving the papers. I am not the best public speaker and I hate reading from a script, I fumble too much I think.

Teaching becomes much easier as you do it. That was nerv wracking at first too

By: Aravis

Aravis — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:39:20 +0000

I’m just a Damn Yankee from CT, home of the Stepford Wives, so I can’t comment on regional prejudices. *G*

You know, you impress the hell out of me Dustin. I live in fear of the days when I’ll have to give lectures and teach classes as I work on my dissertation, etc. I know you’ve felt anxious in the past before these conferences, but as time has gone on you seem to have become more confident. I hope I can have a fraction of your confidence when my turn comes.

By: Sherri

Sherri — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:23:03 +0000

Dustin please don’t feel used but this is the only way I know to reply to WV Nan. I was born and raised in the Southern part of the state. Bachelor of Science in Animal Science degree from WVU as well as Surgical Technologist (human medicine) from Morgantown. Also, lived in Wheeling for 4 years so as some might say “Your neck of the woods”. LOL Ok, everybody have a great day and take care….

P.S. Dustin, not that this is a competion but I’m also blonde so I get the state, accent, and blonde jokes. …..

By: Dustin

Dustin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:05:07 +0000

Oh and PS, I live in New Jersey, I know all about state jokes This is afterall the armpit of america lol

By: Dustin

Dustin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:04:26 +0000

Okay I am now wondering just how far I have agreed to drive now. I was not thinking I would be driving 8+ hours or something lol. It takes me 3 to get home to Virginia, so I thought it would be around there!

The conference is not at the college, it’s at some government research center place, which is more of a hotel for conferences actually. I forget the name.

I’ll be there for the weekend.

By: WV Nan

WV Nan — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:49:53 +0000

Hi to Sherri! Dustin–I still love ya! Sherri’s right, Shepardstown is in the far eastern panhandle—not so much WV! I do get teased about being from WV–many people think I’m from the western portion of Virginia. But the best is when people actually look at my feet and seem surprised that I do wear shoes—well–most of the time!

I also was hoping that your conference was in Morgantown–it’s only about 90 minutes from here whereas Shephardstown is about four hours. Sherri—what was your field of study?

I’m from the northern panhandle and I thought for sure you would be in this area—so many Indian burial grounds, archaelogical digs, and famous mounds. The native American Indians show great respect for their dead. Dustin, let me know if you are ever going to be in this area. The northern panhandle is cradled between Ohio and PA—when the state gained statehood the surveyors went a little crazy and did the northen panhandle!

As far as Deliverance—there are some cities in the state that your sexual orientation would be a problem–just as it is in any other areas of the country. I think you would be pleasantly surprised at just how liberal most college campuses are. Bethany College, a well known small liberal arts school about 15 minutes from my home, is the place where my daughter finally felt secure enough to begin to trust. That’s where she met her life partner of now 13 years. Is everyone accepting—no—but if I knew a place in the United States that didn’t have discrimination and hatred I’d be the first to move there.

Will you be in Shepardstown for a few days or are you presenting and then leaving? Either way—I hope you enjoy the experience. Sounds fascinating? Is there a course of study at that particular school—or is it a centrally located for a conference?

For those of you who aren’t fortunate to be “Mountaineers”—remember John Denver’s song—he rightfully claims that West Virginia is “Almost Heaven”!

Big hillbilly hugs,
WV Nan