Marnie Wolfford illustration
In the 1970s, rock ‘n' roller Rod Stewart belted out this axiom: "Ev'ry picture tells a story, don't it?" Well, for our August magazine, columnist Pete Humes applied this same premise to online classified ads, namely the Lost & Found section of Richmond's Craigslist.
While shopping on the Web for a used iPod, Pete stumbled on these ads and got curious about the human drama attached to the missing objects, people and animals. There were, of course, more stories than we could print in the monthly mag, so here we offer the rest of Pete's sleuth work.
What was found? Prescription eyeglasses.
The Lowdown: While strolling through the feta-crazed crowds of the Greek Festival, Sylvia finds a pair of expensive prescription eyeglasses. She brings them home and alerts the online community of the glasses whereabouts.
The Outcome: Nobody has contacted Sylvia so far, which surprises her because, "The person that lost them must have pretty bad vision as the glasses are of a strong prescription."
Lesson Learned: You don't need 20/20 vision to enjoy a good souvlaki.
What was lost? Graphing calculator.
The Lowdown: During a study session at VCU's Cabell Library, a student named Jillian uses her calculator to prop up one of the library's busted computer keyboards and leaves it behind.
The Outcome: Still missing. "It even had my last name written under the battery pack in permanent marker." Jillian also left an iPod in one of her classrooms — it was never returned. None of her appeals on Craigslist have led to a reunion with her lost items.
Lesson Learned: College students love finding free stuff.
What was found? A cushion.
The Lowdown: Hank finds a newly-upholstered couch cushion by the side of the road at the intersection of Antrim and Monument Avenues. It's yellow-, blue-, red- and green-striped and still in a plastic bag. It "fell off a truck or something."
The Outcome: "I do still have it ... and never heard a word from anyone. You are welcome to it. …"
Lesson Learned: Some guys have all the luck.
