Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

You come for women, you’re gonna get your ass kicked.

Not all heroes wear capes.

“woke” is the new caravan.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Decision time: keep arguing about the last election, or try to win the next one?

Good lord, these people are nuts.

They were going to turn on one another at some point. It was inevitable.

Those who are easily outraged are easily manipulated.

You cannot shame the shameless.

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

The National Guard is not Batman.

I’d hate to be the candidate who lost to this guy.

“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”

You are so fucked. Still, I wish you the best of luck.

The world has changed, and neither one recognizes it.

Their boy Ron is an empty plastic cup that will never know pudding.

Balloon Juice, where there is always someone who will say you’re doing it wrong.

Trump should be leading, not lying.

Petty moves from a petty man.

We’re watching the self-immolation of the leading world power on a level unprecedented in human history.

I would try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

Let the trolls come, and then ignore them. that’s the worst thing you can do to a troll.

I desperately hope that, yet again, i am wrong.

Shut up, hissy kitty!

You are here: Home / Politics / Domestic Politics / Happy Birthday, West Virginia

Happy Birthday, West Virginia

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Just got back from my parent’s house where we had a joint party for me (my 43rd birthday is on the 22nd and Bill Ill’s is on the 23rd, so we just combined them all) and for the state of West Virginia, who had her sesquicentennial today. Here’s a picture of my father’s beautiful garden as I sat out back and enjoyed the pond:

dadsgarden

I left it full size so you can click to embiggen to see how awesome his back yard and garden are.

Now for the main event- avideo of us all singing the West Virginia Hills, which actually is the state song, not Country Roads as many people think.

Demented and sad, but social.

Reader Interactions

49Comments

  8. 8.

    The Fat Kate Middleton

    That video is so sweet. Is that Grandma in the middle singing? Your father’s work is beautiful.This is all way too much like so many of our photos and videos … and I have lots of photos of our beautiful acreage, all landscaped and groomed by my talented and hardworking husband.

  10. 10.

    Cacti

    Congrats to West Virginny on having the good sense to flip the bird to the traitorous slave-owners of Richmond.

  15. 15.

    trollhattan

    Zut alors, picture’s in focus. Inquiring minds…

    HBDTYWV. Now send Rand and the Turtle down to dig coal for Don Blankenship, sans facemasks and canaries.

  16. 16.

    jake the snake

    You know that West Virginia does not actually exist. It was unconstitutionally carved out of Virginia to reward Unionist traitors.
    So says my favorite neo-Confederate wingnut.

  19. 19.

    John Cole

    @The Fat Kate Middleton: No, that is Mrs. Sykes, who I have known my whole life and is a family friend. She used to be the nurse for the college infirmary and spent the first twelve years of my life dealing with me when I injured myself riding my bike, skateboarding, hiking, playing war with my friends at the creek, walking, etc.

  20. 20.

    Genine

    Happy Birthday in advance! I’ll give you well-wishes on Saturday, too! (Double good juju) And the pictures are lovely. :-)

  21. 21.

    karen

    By the lyrics, even though they say “West Virginia” shouldn’t it just be Virginia since it mentions the Blue Ridge mountains and Shenandoah River?

  22. 22.

    Cacti

    A happy birthday song for WV:

    We will welcome to our numbers, the loyal, true and brave
    Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
    And although they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave
    Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

    The Union forever
    Hurrah boys, hurrah!
    Down with the traitor, and up with the star!
    While we rally round the flag boys, rally once again
    Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

  25. 25.

    boss bitch

    What a beautiful,cool, real American family. Singing the state song voluntarily? I’m impressed. Seriously. You guys really love your state.

  26. 26.

    CaseyL

    Happy Birthday, John! Long may you flourish.

    I think it’s extra sweet that y’all celebrated W. VA’s birthday, too.

  27. 27.

    fuckwit

    Breakfast Club reference! Perfect for a birthday party for a 43-year-old. Happy birthday!

  28. 28.

    JWL

    West Virginia– still guilt tripping about having betrayed the sunny South during the War of Northern Aggression, and doing its best to make amends ever since.

    That noted, Harpers Ferry remain one of the most gorgeous spots on the face of the earth that I’ve ever seen.

  29. 29.

    The Friendly Libertarian

    @karen:

    That song was about Jefferson County, WV, which does in fact have the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah. But that’s the only part of WV that does.

  31. 31.

    trollhattan

    @John Cole:

    Well done! I figure when Tunch is the subject, there are requisite shaky hands (“When smiteth he me?”) But, dad’s garden is an inspiration. Not even my weeds are that green!

  33. 33.

    Cacti

    @Redshirt:

    The Blue Ridge Mountains are obviously a false flag operation.

    China must be very happy that the blue ridge mountains are a false flag operation.

  34. 34.

    specialed5000

    My bf roommate, and other friends just left the Capitol grounds after an awesome fireworks show by Zambelli shot off the Capitol roof. Pre drinks at the Red Carpet Lounge. We’re having post fireworks drinks at the drag show at the Indian restaurant near the Capitol. Lol
    Happy birthday WV!

  36. 36.

    Linnaeus

    Do you have a family punch recipe, John? An acquaintance of mine from West Virginia does; it’s simply referred to as “the recipe” and it is apparently a closely guarded secret.

    And I can testify to the recipe’s potency.

  37. 37.

    gbear

    Happy birthday John. My 59th is coming up on tuesday and I got into the spirit of being old by going to the doctor for knee xrays today.

  39. 39.

    dance around in your bones

    Happy Birthday to You!

    When we were kids we always sang the “Oh Fair New Mexico” song – I must have sung it a bazillion times – in English and Spanish. ‘Under a sky of azure, where balmy breezes blow’….

    Just sayin’, state songs can be pretty cool. And you have a nice family – Happy birthday once again ! ( My kid and her husband were both born this month/similar year as well – way to make me feel older than hell, JGC. though not yer fault).

  41. 41.

    Comrade Mary

    Happy upcoming birthday, John.

    Is there any chance of us seeing video from that pink iPhone soon?

  47. 47.

    ADS

    Your birthday is June 22? So is mine (I’ll be 53). Wow. Happy birthday! Someday, I hope we can have a drink together and pet some 4-legged creatures. I have to arrange my birthday around feeding my colony kitties, who couldn’t care less about my day.

  48. 48.

    Ms. D. Ranged in AZ

    Happy Birfday!

    I could practically feel the humidity on my face and smell the soil when I looked at the full-sized garden picture. I miss the wind in the trees, the sound of crickets at night, the smell of freshly turned soil, the fuzz on a tomato plant leaf……../sigh

  49. 49.

    Karounie

    Happy Birthday from a mostly lurker. When the camera tilts down at the end of the family song, are you looking to see if any pets are singing?

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