Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 5, 1995 TAG: 9501050047
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Many allergy victims share your perspective, but that's because they're victims.
Sudden attacks of sneezing and sniffles can absolutely convince us that we are allergic to a place.
Actually, Roanoke is no better or worse than anywhere else, according to two local doctors who gained experience practicing in other cities.
The size of an area's population does influence the amount of man-made smoke, dust and fumes, said Dr. Ted Avner, an ear, nose and throat specialist.
People moving from one area to another may notice a change in their symptoms. Their sinuses may get worse, and sometimes they may get better.
In the long run, though, people adjust to their new location. Those of us who tend to have sinus trouble in the old hometown will have it at the new address sooner or later.
Also, we may become more sensitive to pollens and dust as years pass. We can't blame that on a city, either.
Dr. Paul White, an allergist-immunologist, said he's practiced in several areas - "Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina. All the people there seem to think their place is the absolute worst."
White said pollens from trees, grass and weeds in the Roanoke area don't seem unique.
He said sinus reactions "appear to be more related to an individual's tendency to be allergic than they do to location."
Marble from Md.
Q: Where did the stone come from that's used in the Washington Monument? I understand that maybe each state of the union furnished stone for it. E.W., Bent Mountain
A: The monument's exterior is made of marble from a Maryland quarry.
Construction began in 1848 and went slowly. It was interrupted for 25 years, with the result that stone for the top three-fourths of the monument is a different shade of white because it came from another part of the quarry.
The 555-foot obelisk was completed in 1884.
The monument's inner walls are set with 189 carved memorial stones, many of them donated by cities, states and other countries. Visitors rarely see these stones, though, because the stairway is closed most of the time.
Attack frog
Q: A billboard on Interstate 581 northbound after Exit 6 shows a large white bird with a green frog in its beak. The caption says "Don't ever give up." It's a nice motto, but what's the point? B.H., Union Hall A: Next
time you drive past this sign sponsored by Hoppy Copy, check out what the frog's doing with its hands. They're clenched around the bird's neck, preventing him from swallowing the frog.
One gulp from doom, the frog isn't giving up.
Is that an attitude worth adopting as a New Year's resolution?
\ Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB