SNOW DAYS: Judy Keenan writes to us from Elkton, Md. (Her
subject line — Blizzard reminders of ’77.)

“I thought I was back in good old Bradford that I left 13 years
ago. I have only seen snow three times since moving south. I have
48 to 52 inches depending on where you stand in my driveway at the
moment.

“Some has melted, some has been removed by the road crews. We
are expecting more this coming weekend through Wednesday afternoon.
They can’t predict how much. They haven’t been right yet.

“No electric for hours, no water, trees down, collapsing roofs,
store/mall closings, Interstates closed. People being fined for not
clearing snow from moving cars, sidewalks, fire hydrants.
Government asking people to stay off roads and go out only if they
are critical personnel.

“Shades of Bradford … snow , snow, snow everywhere.”

We are almost feeling sorry for our comrades getting hit by
these heavy snowfalls. Almost. Why is it, though, that when
Washington, D.C., get a little snow it’s called a disaster but when
we get it it’s just another winter day?

OH, ZIPPO: Zippo has turned up in another crossword puzzle.
Valerie Meacham of Bradford writes, “Just finished doing a
crossword on pogo.com. Had to let you
know that a clue on Crossword Cove today (2-11-10), 23-down, 5
letters, Zippo emission. Very nice to find something like that
doing a crossword first thing in the morning! Of course, the answer
was flame.”

HUMAN VOICE: Speaking of Zippo, we got this e-mail after venting
our frustration about getting voicemail when attempting to reach
virtually anyone by telephone.

Zippo employee Peggy Errera writes, “I chuckled at your comment
in this morning’s RTS re an actual human being answering the phone.
I’ve often wondered the same thing as I sat on hold listening to
over-loud bad music and yet another message assuring me that my
call is very important and the next available representative would
be with me soon.”

“The Era is not alone, though — Diane Peace is a cheerful,
helpful, professional real person who is many people’s first
impression of Zippo. If we had a buck for every time someone
commented on how much they appreciate hearing her real voice answer
the phone, she could retire today!”