Calling All 'All Banians'

Andy Rooney Ponders The Names Of Towns And Places Across America

(CBS)  The following is a weekly 60 Minutes commentary by CBS News correspondent Andy Rooney.

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Most of us have a special affection for the city we grew up in. Even if we don't stay there, we end up liking it better than where we moved to.

I grew up in Albany, New York. We call ourselves "All banians". Not "Al-banians" like in the Country, Albania.

There's another city named "Albany" in Georgia. There are a lot of repetitions in city names in the United States. It must be confusing for the post office: Columbia South Carolina, Columbia, Missouri, Columbus, Georgia, Columbus, Ohio. There's a Lafayette Indiana and another in Louisiana. Portland, Maine, Portland Oregon. Rochester, New York, Rochester, Minnesota. Charleston, West Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina.

I was looking in my Atlas - a lot of our street names are repetitious and dull, you know - Main Street, Second Avenue, Park, Maple, Broadway. We have some great city names though. Cincinnati, Pocatello, Albuquerque, Oshkosh, Keokuk, Hoboken, Tallahassee, Chattanooga.

A lot of our cities are associated with just one thing. You know, Reno, divorce; Las Vegas, gambling; Detroit, cars; Washington, government; Green Bay, football.

One of the biggest surprises to me is Pittsburgh. I didn't know it's on an island, like New York City.

I like New York best too. It's a hard city to visit but a good city to live in. Something you probably don't know if you don't live in New York: you shop at a small grocery store around the corner from where you live. You don't get in a car and drive to a supermarket in the mall.

Downtown has gone out of style in a lot of American cities. It's moved to the outskirts of town.

I've been to Des Moines, Iowa several times. I don’t know why they put "Des" in front of "Moines". They call it "DE MOINES". "Moines" means "monks" in French.

A lot of interesting city names begin with T. Tacoma, Tucson, Tulsa, Tuscaloosa, Terre Haute, Toledo, Topeka.

I only like to go to cities I've been to before so I'll probably never get to Fargo, North Dakota.

[hbhsr]

To Andy Rooney:

There is a Columbia, NORTH Carolina, also. You didn't refer to that in your 10/29 60 Minutes editorial.

Harold Hill

[katyrrell]

Please retire. It's insulting to watch 58 minutes of substantive news reporting on current and weighty issues to be left with a listing of words you can think of that begin with the letter T. All of the depth and emotion that was invoked during the bulk of the show has now been invalidated, and I am reminded of the mediocrity and senselessness of mainstream American media.

[dcarpie12]

Pittsburgh is not on an island; perhaps the old sports stadium known as "Three Rivers" causes confusion. The Allegheny River flows from the northeast while the Monongahela River comes from the south; those two rivers flow together at Pittsburgh, thus forming the Ohio River.

[mkundrat-2009]

Dear Andy,
There is a reason you didn't know Pittsburgh is an island - it isn't.

[tnpa]

Andy,

The reason Des Moines is called as such because "Des" means many, Moines means monks. So it means "many monks"

[markrud44]

Andy,

You're not the only one who wasn't aware Pittsburgh is an island. I've lived in Pittsburgh my entire life and wasn't aware it is an island either... actually it isn't.

[trueprogress]

I am 58 years old. I used to watch you in high school, me in HS not you ! Here's the thing, honestly, I think you should retire and make way for someother know it all, like Ben Stein, or Al Rouker. Let's get some new life in there. Nothing against you, Andy, but enough is enough.
Being from Albany was not really that interesting, even for people from Albany.

[franne1]

You don't know what you are missing by not visiting Fargo, it is a beautiful city ...just go there when the weather is good. I'd live there if I could. And Roger Maris came from Fargo. They also have a winning football team at NDSU. I love that little city.

[franne1]

I guess the name of my town...Manteca means lard in Spanish...how's that for a name???

[hugsandstuff]

Gee! why are some of you being so hard on Andy? I don't watch Mr. Rooney for breaking, indepth news reporting. I enjoy his insightful look at certain things, situations, people, life in general. He's kind of like the lighter side of the news on 60 minutes. Please excuse the example, Andy, but you're like a pair of old leather shoes that I just refuse to give up.

[francis514]

Mr. Rooney's essays are always interesting!
It fascinates me that the nicest and most original toponyms (place names) in the US and Canada are of Native origin.
And in second place are the French names.
We French Canadians find the names are often pronounced oddly by Americans, but that's ok. ;-) We love that some names in our language are on the American map.
Many cities have street name dictionnaries. I have collected a few. It's a great way to learn the city: street names really give you the local colour and history. I strongly encourage people to buy them, or create place name websites.
All governements should publish one (towns, or states and provinces). It's our collective history, it must be preserved.
The only thing I would suggest is that writers, musicians, artists, community activists, scientists, and people who have made a contribution to humanity (from all countries) should be given more street names in the US. And there should be fewer banal ones (trees and flowers). One of the most original series is the names of the Greek Muses in New Orleans.
Street name signs should be original too, just as highway number signs are.

Looking forward to many more, Mr. Rooney.
Thanks for being there!

[bonnie1031]

I live in Pittsburgh and I never knew that it was an island!! Could you please tell me the name of the river that makes it an island? The Allegheny flows on one side and the Monongahela River on the other side of the river and together they make the Ohio River. None of these rivers surround Pittsburgh on all sides. What map were you looking at? Really Andy, you should get your facts straight before going on TV!! Makes me wonder what over facts on 60 minutes is inaccurate!

[soliterry]

Dearest Andy,
I enjoy your segment of Sixty Minutes so much! I did want to let you know that Pittsburgh, despite all its bridges and rivers is not actually an island. In fact if you would like to visit ( I know you don't like to go where you haven't been before but I imagine you have crossed through here at some point!) I would be most delighted to show you around our finer points. I can certainly understand why someone would think we were an island, but sadly we have no palm trees, sandy beaches or tropical weather either!

[gressjam]

I found it sad that the major portion of the "interesting" city names in your essay were derived from Native American languages, and yet you made no mention of it. The down side of assimilation is that the dominant culture often takes for granted the contributions of the assimilated.

[tomheu]

Hey Andy, I love Fargo, North Dakota. You don't know what you have missed. But don't let our secret out.

http://www.viewfromfargo.blogspot.com/

Tom Heuerman
Moorhead, MN (across the Red River from Fargo)

[fieryfargoan]

That's a relief to those of us in Fargo.

[kman1973]

Andy your great,don't go anywhere. The world is changing and unfortunatly the people helping change it have no heart or soul anymore. We seem to be going backward, instead forward.

Perhaps when we as a nation stand alone and there is nowhere to turn. When we have used might to always be right, instead of wisdom. When we get that world war, we have so been courting. And our overly proud opinions fall on the unfeeling world we have made. We can look back at the little old man behide the CBS desk and wish for better times.

Of course unlike many people today, I can see our weakness. It's no wonder kids have no respect for their parents. The adults with their computers can't even show respect for a reporter who's been on the job for 65 years. Any he knows what he is talking about too! Wisdom it's something you can't buy or force. It takes time!
Oh and yea if you don't want to watch him, turn your T.V. with it's four hundred channels.


You keep working Andy

[scwilliamso1]

Thanks for the some what accurate/enlightening commentary.
I have been all over Europe and the United States, every place has its very own characteristic that makes it unique and worth taking a look around.
I would like to say though, I am surprised after last weeks bomb shell, that you went with something so mundane and missing a beat or two.

[lilmiss3]

You might want to check the dictionary. Pittsburgh is not an island (which is surrounded by water on alls sides)proper. It could create a problem for people who know better and have to explain it away. You might want to clarify that for your listening audience.

[monk-y]

What on earth? This guy is a professional? Being a twenty-something, I don't know what Rooney did in the past, but I find it hard to believe that this piece of child-like (or senile) blabbering made it past the show's editors. Two questions: What were they thinking? and Can I get paid for rambling incoherently (and inaccurately)?

[rexannamk]

Tina, Andy Rooney said, "...I don%u2019t know why they put "Des" in front of "Moines". They call it "DE MOINES". "Moines" means "monks" in French." "Moines" is plural. "Des" is a French preposition, a combination of "de" and "les," or "of" and "the." Therefore, "Des Moines" means "Of the Monks." Andy was really wondering why people pronounce it as "De Moines," which is grammatically incorrect, when it should be pronounced as "Des Moines," which is correct. I suspect the majority of the citizen of Des Moines do not speak or read French and are unaware of Des Moines history.

Blah, I didn't realize comments could be posted directly on this page. Immediately after I watched the segment I wrote CBS a detailed complaint explaining how Pittsburgh is not an island.

But yeah, on the South side of Pittsburgh is the Monongahela river, on the North side is the Allegheny river, they confluence at "The Point" making the Ohio river on the West side. On the East side however, there is nothing but land.

I could see how Andrew (I've heard he actually prefers to be called Andrew) could be confused looking at Pittsburgh from the West End, but I expect better from Investigative Journalists.

[ecmcrew]

Andrew,
Twice a year our Circadian rhythm is deliberately upset for no good rational reason. Our medication, bowel movements, sleeping and eating routines are all adversely affected by government decree. If you were to visit a farm in Fargo ND you would here roosters crow at daybreak regardless of where the hour hand is set on the clock. But, then, you%u2019re apt to forgo Fargo than visit. Perhaps I missed it but have you ever comment on the rationality of this ritual twice a year? Why don%u2019t we just ignore the clock and get up at first light, huh? BTW, Happy Halloween. Ciao time. Anibal Josi da Silva

[sawfingers]

I knew Pittsburgh was not on an island, but so what? If I want to ensure my children receive accurate information, I certainly would not have them wholly rely on the information received on TV. I taught my children to consider information analytically.

Mr. Rooney's commentaries are a respite from the grim information we receive. He does not blather. Every commentary has a clear purpose statement and is supported exquisitely and talently. Sometimes I don't agree with him, but I respect his opinion.

I hope he never retires - appreciate him.

[trueprogress]

I have a feeling that Andy will retire soon after the election. If so....Why not open this sement to "other voices" - perhaps Rush and Dennis Prager, to give gravitas to the time now used for fluffy, silly tired Andy stuff.

[pawpwr1]

I was writing a paper for a college class while attending the better University to the North of Fargo when I heard Fargo, ND mentioned at the end of 60 minutes. Fargo is pretty historic considering it being smaller than many other cities in the U.S. We have had events such as 97' Flood/storm season, The Movie Fargo, many famous athletes, singers, and government officials. We also have some of the best law enforcement agencies with some unfortunate but important cases involving Jeana North, Dennis Gaede, and a murder trial involving Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. So Mr. Rooney, please come visit our wonderful All American City. I would be happy to be your personal tour guide.

[hermit22]

Hey, Mr. Rooney, Forget the movie Fargo, it was actually done in Brainerd, Minnesota....and was
too nasty to show to the kids.

If you go to Western North Dakota,a reliable source says, you can see 81 antelope in a herd, pheasants running in the yard, deer and fawn keeping their eye on you too,
buffalo up close, not to mention all the chickens and roosters and cows and oil well "horses". Also you can listen to the coyotes howl, watch the geese and ducks etc. fly north in spring, south in fall. Keep your space from the mountain lions so you will get back home safe.And don't forget the pelicans,hurrons....and all the birds where east meets west.Big horn sheep....fox,and don't aggrivate the neighbors.

[zchickz]

Wait a minute. Wait 60 of 'em if you want.

You will be no less incredulous.

Pittsburgh is an island?

According to Andy Rooney, it is. The veteran "60 Minutes" commentator asserted just that Sunday, while making observations about various American cities.

"One of the biggest surprises to me is Pittsburgh," Rooney mused as a shot of the Golden Triangle appeared on screen. "I didn't know it's on an island, like New York City."

The city undeniably sits at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. The region unquestionably was waterlogged by Hurricane Ivan's remnants in 2004.

But suggesting Pittsburgh is an island?

The folks at "60 Minutes" are used to asking the tough questions.

Let's see if they can answer one: Does Rooney, 87, realize his gaffe?


Eric Heyl can be reached at [e-mail] or [phone].

[jfulton45]

Andy, I have been watching you on 60 Minutes for a very long time. This past Sunday you spoke about a subject that I know very well, names of cities in more than one state. There are over 14,000 different names of cities,state,counties, and townships in the United States. Over 4,000 of them have duplicate names in two or more states. Take some of your co workers for instance: Bradley - Arkansas, Florida,Illinois, Maine, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia; Cooper - Maine, Missouri, Texas, and Florida; Logan - Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois,Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia.

I was so interested in the use of duplicated names that I invented a game based on this idea. I have a copyright for the game, but I have not been able to get it manufactured. It's a good fun game to test a person's knowledge of places in the United States.

Keep up the good information.