Texas Tavern on Church Avenue in Roanoke, VA. September 2021.
A pal of mine who grew up here advised me to go back and try the chili. I’m glad I did. Sorry for the loud slurp here. It’s a thing with me and good chili.
Tag Archives: Roanoke
My buddy photoshopped me as Wolverine; now I’m seeking an audition with the MCU.
[UPDATE: You people DO realize this is s a joke, right? I am not actually seeking the role of Wolverine.]
Wish me luck. Below is the full text of my e-mail to Kevin Feige:
*****
SUBJ: Eric Robert Nolan *IS* Wolverine!!!
Mr. Kevin Feige
President, Marvel Studios
Dear Mr. Feige:
I am writing to you today about an immeasurable benefit that I can bring to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — a definitive silver screen interpretation of Marvel’s iconic character, Wolverine. Behold, please, the photoshopped image of me attached to this e-mail, which shows that I am uniquely suited for the role. (To fully appreciate my uncanny likeness, Mr. Feige, I must ask you here to vocalize the classic sound effect “Snickety-snick” when viewing the photo.) Although my body at age 49 might look slightly different than conventional representations of the character, I feel certain that modern CGI could remedy this.
I studied extensively with the Mary Washington College Drama Department between 1991 and 1994. I studied comic books at the same time — outside of an academic program but with an unbridled enthusiasm I never showed any of my formal studies. I also periodically defeated my formidable classmate John Matthias in debates about whether Wolverine could beat Silver Surfer — and even wrestled him about it in the lobby of New Hall before the 1994 Fall Formal. (I surprised him with the classic tactic with which you are doubtlessly familiar, Wolverine’s roaring, berserker leap.)
There are other benefits as well, should you choose to employ me for this role — I am highly skilled with puns, free-verse poetry, and deconstructing arguments made by Donald Trump supporters. I feel certain that all three of these skills would promote an enlightened and entertained workplace. I will contact your office next week to determine whether an audition can be arranged.
Kindest regards,
Eric Robert Nolan
Roanoke, Virginia
ericrnolan@gmail.com
https://ericrobertnolan.com/
P.S. — You did an outstanding job with “What If …?,” by the way! It’s truly amazing stuff!
Roanoke, Virginia, September 2021
Beside Williamsburg Road downtown.
Quick, Robin! To the Bat-Box!!
So I can return these Bat-Books to the Bat-Library!
I’m not real clear on why the drop box in front of the Roanoke Public Library has a bat symbol on it. If I had to guess … it’s warning people about bats who might roost under its protruding slot at night? That kinda makes sense.
Downtown Roanoke is no stranger to wildlife. Just last night I saw a mid-sized raccoon scuttle up a tree right off Campbell Avenue — to the delight of a bunch of Labor Day weekend revelers returning from a bar. They were filming its hasty ascent with their cellphones. That raccoon got a lot of laughs.
The moon seen past The Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke, VA
August 2021.
SIGN LANGUAGE.
Well Hung Vineyard. For when you’re so well hung, you actually wine about it.
I’m not sure how well I’ll fit in with hippies. But if it’s one thing this world has taught me, it’s to always follow instructions when they are inscribed in colored chalk.
The Mill Mountain Star seen past Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital.
Roanoke, VA, August 2021.
The Mill Mountain Star seen past St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Looking south past the corner of Elm Avenue and Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA, August 2021.
Roanoke, VA, August 2021
My cellphone camera is truly, categorically awful when it comes to shooting at night. Sorry, folks.
Campbell Avenue at Roanoke City Market.
Salem Avenue.
Jefferson Street.
Eric Robert Nolan, Author 