Commenter Of The Day: Wild, Wonderful Edition [Commenter Of The Day]

The only state in the US to fall completely within the boundaries of Appalachia, West Virginia is a state rich in natural beauty and resources. The rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains has influenced the state's history in every way, from economic development to cultural identity. The culture of Appalachia has long valued rugged individualism and self reliance, traits no doubt influenced by the isolation that the mountains ensure. While industrialization and mass media have largely eradicated West Virginia's isolation today, its rough-edged image lives on through tourism marketing and the traditions of West Virginia University. In recent years, WVU students achieved notoriety for burning couches after football games, basketball games, or wherever the urge struck. In 2005, USA Today called WVU "the couch-burning capital of college football." Speaking of setting things on fire, WilliamG. had some thoughts on the new French tradition of greeting the new year with fire.

So the French finally figured out how much fun it is to break stuff. This reminds me of my college days, when one of my classmates was seriously pissed that somebody had tipped over a car on the same street he lived after a big football win and, because the police were there all night, he didn't get to push his couch into the road and light it on fire.

I don't understand his desire to burn a couch. American couches are typically very soft and comfortable. This car-burning, I understand. I mean, the French actually have to drive French cars. Wouldn't that be enough to make any of us light a thousand or so on fire?

Citroen au flambé, Monsieur?