As one who grew up in West Virginia, I find it still common belief that the image of WV in the 1940s is what people think of when they think of WV. Fortunately, time and West Virginia have marched on. While WV is still a producer of coal, and there are counties in which unemployment is at very high levels, West Virginia has a lot more going for it. West Virginia is the home of a large IRS processing center. It is the home of a large FBI facility. Even NASA does significant business in the state. I should also mention that WV was one of the first states to provide a computer network statewide connecting all of its state educational institutions. The eastern panhandle of the state is quickly becoming a bedroom community for commuters to Washington DC. West Virginia University has long waiting lists for its programs in criminal forensics (think: CSI) and Physical Therapy. There was a very good reason that Randy was taken to Ruby Memorial hospital for initial treatment. It is one of the premier teaching and trauma centers in the region. And for those who are sports fans, you already know that West Virginia University's football team is ranked in the top five in the nation.
[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You _are_ correct; many people still think of WV in the 'olden days' rather than as it is becoming now. Thank you very much for helping to educate us. PAT]