C-VILLE Blogs

GUEST BLOG: Biking in all weathers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:56:11 -0400

Kassia Arbabi on the challenges of riding a bike all winter.

Seasonal eating, via soups and beyond

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:40:33 -0400

Comments on a canning blog reveal what people nosh in the winter.

Charlottesville and Albemarle see decline in real estate assessments

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:24:35 -0400

The total value of the city's taxable property decreased by 1.22 percent, a reflection of national trends in a slow economy.

Around the Bend: The enemy is human

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:56:02 -0400

Immediately after the shootings in Tucson, people held forth on how the nasty rhetoric in our current politics might encourage violent acts like this. Mark Shields, a public tv commentator and as reasonable a man as you can find, believed it could influence unstable
characters.

Deputy attacked by hopping mad rooster

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:41:01 -0400

This one is straight out of the Dukes of Hazzard, folks. Yesterday (January 30), an Albemarle County Sheriff's Office deputy fell prey to an infuriated rooster while serving a warrant on a person who failed to show up for a court date. Deputy Tom Wood caught the force of the rooster's attack below the belt before retaliating with a can of mace that proved ineffective.

Cavalier Roundball Roundup: Don't go home early

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:25:51 -0400

If this UVA basketball team were a summer movie they'd be a box office smash.

Like Depp, DiCaprio, Damon or Affleck, these guys are real easy to root for. And they are seldom dull.

There's a human element, dare I say a "Hoosiers"-like quality to them.

A new way to freecycle

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:50:21 -0400

Trashnothing.com ups the ante on free reuse.

Facing major shortfalls, Charlottesville circulates budget survey

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:36:49 -0400

The City of Charlottesville has mailed 23,500 copies of its Citizen's Budget survey to residents, and made it available online

Faces of mountaintop removal

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:10:48 -0400

An intriguing project will explore energy and other conundrums in February.

Back on the grocery bag wagon

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:36:48 -0400

Where good habits once reigned, sloth had taken over.

Stonefield still slated for 137-room hotel, says developer

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:21:47 -0400

With Homewood Suites bound for a different site, was Stonefield looking for another hotel developer?

Parents of Morgan Harrington mark morbid anniversary

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:26:38 -0400

While Harrington's death is ruled a homicide, her killer, who has links to a Fairfax assault, remains at large

Flowers are a reason to go outside

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:21:02 -0400

A simple local blog records the seasons, creatively.

Applications to UVA increase by 18 percent

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:46:19 -0400

At present, the school has the greatest percentage increase in admissions among those listed

UVA basketball standout Assane Sene rebounds from injury

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:12:44 -0400

A plate and at least five screws were inserted into the player's ankle following a January 19 victory against Georgia Tech

Charlottesville police seek suspects in phony surveyor burglaries

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:17:13 -0400

In two instances, suspects left with cash and jewelry. Both burglaries took place around noon in nearby locations; the residences are located less than one mile apart

Local historians discuss life of Dr. Thomas Walker and the founding of Charlottesville

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:54:37 -0400

On Tuesday, January 24th, local historian Rick Britton presents "Dr. Thomas Walker and the Founding of Charlottesville" as part of the Celebrate!250 History Talks series.

District judge dismisses panhandling lawsuit

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:09:02 -0400

The suit, brought by five homeless men in Charlottesville, was filed last June and claims that the soliciting ordinance approved by City Council in August 2010 violates both the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Roundball Roundup: Meet the little girl with a curl

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:48:55 -0400

In a piece I wrote recently for a sports-related website I gave "report cards" for all 12 teams in the ACC.

My final comment for the Virginia basketball team was: Virginia might be the ACC's version of "The Little Girl With A Curl ." "When she was good, she was very, very good. And when she was bad she was horrid." (In case you're wondering, those are the last lines of a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Nursery Rhyme.)

Mixed news on uranium mining

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:33:47 -0400

McDonnell says "not yet," the mining company plays it cool, and green groups keep on worrying.

Landowners protected 2,283 acres in Albemarle in 2011

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:08:53 -0400

In Albemarle County, 2,283 acres were protected by conservation easements in 2011, adding to a total of over 85,700 acres, or 18% of the total land.

Abundance in the winter garden

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:46:45 -0400

Experience actually does pay off. And, the seed catalog beckons.

Former UVA President Casteen earned $250,000 from Altria in 2011

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:57:17 -0400

In a study of board appointments for "presidents at colleges with the 50 largest endowments," the Chronicle placed Casteen among the top 20 individuals

Learn more about Zero Garbage

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:35:08 -0400

Two workshops this week reveal the no-trash lifestyle of local Rose Brown.

"A new sense of hope": Martin Luther King, Jr. audio at the Miller Center

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:18 -0400

Thanks to the Miller Center's Presidential Recordings Program, conversations between U.S. Presidents and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., are preserved online

Local groups sponsor forum on human rights commissions

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:01:20 -0400

The Dialogue on Race Policy Action team has proposed to City Council the creation of a human rights commission that would investigate instances of discrimination in housing and private employment and enforce anti-discrimination laws.

Around the Bend: The name game

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:06:01 -0400

Each year there is published a listing of the most popular names in the United States. My boomer generation from WASP suburbs matched the list in my day: John, Mary, Tom, Mike, Susan, etc., all the standards. In this era of very creative African-American names, the names of previous black generations match mine. I know black women named Sharon, Cynthia, and Janice.

Welcome to Cavalier Roundball Roundup

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:07:27 -0400

Over the coming weeks and months this blog will follow the University of Virginia's Men's Basketball team in their quest to return to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. I will recap the previous week's games along with any other notable occurrences in the Atlantic Coast Conference. What I won't do is regurgitate all the stats and play-by-play you have countless other sources to access

Charlottesville hires Chris Engel as new Director of Economic Development

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:48:59 -0400

Engel, assistant to the mighty Aubrey Watts, will take over for the former director, who will focus on his duties as Chief Operating Officer

Kid Pan Alley brawl: Do the students who sang "Part of the 99" understand politics and economics?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:45:01 -0400

The state Department of Education expects them to. Additionally, some of Kid Pan Alley's donors give on both sides of the partisan line

Siren song: Sons of Bill to release third album on March 27

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:33:36 -0400

The first track from the album, "Santa Ana Winds," makes good on a promise that songwriter James Wilson made in April 2009 during an interview with C-VILLE

Play Name the Missing Chicken

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:06:51 -0400

We're down a bird. But which one?

Johnathan Perkins acquitted during summer Honor Code trial

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:52:01 -0400

Thanks to a letter from UVA Law School Dean Paul Mahoney, we know that Perkins did face an Honor Code trial, but was acquitted, and ultimately received his degree

Around the Bend: Do presidents make good neighbors?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:15:56 -0400

Issues, character and experience aside, I believe the personalities of our presidential candidates have made an important and, in one case, a deciding difference. Put simply, undecided voters often may vote for the man they feel most comfortable with.

Occupy Charlottesville lends support to local Citizens United protest

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:10:15 -0400

Move To Amend is coordinating a series of protests on the January 20 anniversary of the campaign finance ruling. Locally, it will have some help

PCA offering $500 stipend to lead hands-on workshops for youths

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:44:04 -0400

Piedmont Council for the Artsb(PCA) seeks proposals from Charlottesville-area artists interested in receiving a $500 stipend to lead a hands-on arts workshop with under-served youth. Workshops can involve any arts genre(s), including visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, and/or literary arts.

JRML wins Big Read grant, will host discussion of Rudolfo Anaya

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:59:50 -0400

The Jefferson-Madison Regional Libraryhas been selected by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of only 75 not-for-profits to receive a $5,000 grant to participate in THE BIG READ. The book selected by JMRL is Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya. Programming for THE BIG READ will be held during March 2012.

With kid clothes, built in waste

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:43:45 -0400

Why must toddler clothes come with throwaway plastic?

Virginia gun sales topped 300,000 last year

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:40:37 -0400

In 2008, Virginia notched more than 268,000 gun transactions in one calendar year. In 2011, however, the total number of sales reached 321,166

Charlottesville School Board rep does revenue sharing homework

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:27:57 -0400

In a 50-page report, Ned Michie writes that a land annexation by Charlottesville would still hold consequences for the tax bases of both localities

Being flea free is the bomb

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:19:21 -0400

Getting rid of pests without resorting to chemicals.

Meadow Creek Parkway renamed for Senator John Warner

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:05:17 -0400

Yesterday the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to rename the road in honor of the U.S. Senator that secured $27 million in federal earmarks for the road's interchange

Bolling asks state GOP to rescind loyalty oath ahead of primary

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:08:16 -0400

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today asked members of the Republican Party of Virginia's (RPV) State Central Committee (SCC) to rescind the Loyalty Oath in connection with the upcoming presidential primary.

Awesome present for an eco kid

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:46:49 -0400

A fabric book that teaches tots how to harvest tomatoes!

HUGUELY TRIAL: Charlottesville prepares court for media invasion

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:21:57 -0400

A defense attorney for Huguely previously called the media culture surrounding the case "invasive." Now, the word "competitive" also comes to mind.

Around the Bend: Living in memory

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:20:30 -0400

It was 1974 and I was in a downtown Boston ice cream parlour struggling to choose a flavor. To my right, I heard some chuckling. It was a college housemate, and he said that the knew it was me because I couldn't make up my mind. It stung a bit, but given Jon's jovial, let's-not-take-anything-seriously nature, I had to go with his amusement.

Stuff I saw while flying yesterday

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:45:47 -0400

An array of environmental moments on an airplane flight.

Ruckersville teenagers face armed robbery charges in Albemarle

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:51:51 -0400

Two 18-year-old Ruckersville residents are in police custody following reports of an armed robbery behind the Albemarle Square shopping center

Another six great moments from 2011

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:25:48 -0400

More fond memories of sustainable living in the year that was.

Six great moments from 2011

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:59:11 -0400

Half a dozen favorite memories of sustainability from this old year.

MACRoCk XV announces initial line-up

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:48:42 -0400

A first look at the featured acts of this annual Harrisonburg rock festival

CARS asks for help in reaching fundraising goal

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:41:22 -0400

In the past CARS was able to reach its Annual Fund campaign by the end of December, but more recently, the organization had to push the deadline to the new year.

Local food rubber meets the road

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:57:26 -0400

Loudoun County has trouble getting locally grown produce into its schools.

Happy holidays

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:48:09 -0400

Happy Holidays. We'll be back on Tuesday...

The Monarch of Time

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:55:10 -0400

Over the last 20 years, I have had over a hundred letters and columns published in Charlottesville. Reader appreciation has been my pay and the following letter inspired the most responses:

UVA student charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:49:29 -0400

Ralph Samuel Rogers is being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail on $7,500 bond.

Rivanna Master Naturalists recruit new members

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:37:51 -0400

If you enjoy the outdoors and want to volunteer to conserve our local natural heritage, consider becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist. The Rivanna Chapter's next training session will be held Tuesday evenings and some Saturdays from February 14 through May 22 at the Ivy Creek Natural Area.

VQR releases short film to coincide with latest issue

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:57:00 -0400

Check out "Half Lives: The Chernobyl Workers Now"

Governor McDonnell explains biennial budget decisions

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:06:48 -0400

Dear Friend, Monday, I presented my biennial budget for FY 2013 and FY 2014 to the Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly. The budget is focused on getting more Virginians back to work by investing in core functions of government like transportation and education, and reforming our state government to make it more efficient, effective, and user-friendly to taxpayers - all while not raising taxes.

Amazon.com to open two fulfillment centers in Virginia

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:06:35 -0400

Governor Bob McDonnell and Amazon.com Inc., announced the establishment of two "fulfillment" centers in Virginia for a total of an investment of $135 million.

A stitch will be mine

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:45:07 -0400

I may not know how to sew yet. But when I do, look out.

Charlottesville tech start-ups nab lion's share of state grants

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:00:09 -0400

Today, the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) - a nonprofit organization linked to the state's innovation and entrepreneurial efforts - awarded $3.6 million in awards

New City Councilors are ready to get to work

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:42:14 -0400

Satyendra Huja, Kathy Galvin and Dede Smith were sworn in this afternoon by outgoing City Clerk Paul Garrett and are now full-fledged City Councilors

UVA names Bryan Fetzer, Harvard recruiter, new head of track program

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:13:11 -0400

Virginia athletics director Craig Littlepage announced Tuesday (Dec. 20) that Bryan Fetzer, the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Harvard the past two years, has been named the Cavaliers' director of track and field/cross country.

A book to give you TV time back

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:17:58 -0400

Make the Bread, Buy the Butter is the most sensible publication of 2011.

Charlottesville investment banker and family believed dead after plane crash

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:25:00 -0400

The single-engine airplane was traveling between New Jersey and Georgia when it crashed on I-287. The airplane was registered to Jeffrey Buckalew's New York address

Going D.I.Y. with the tree

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:02:31 -0400

Would it be possible to grow our own Christmas trees?

Face to face with fame

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:35:32 -0400

A friend has a fun pursuit with her brother-in-law, counting how many celebrities they've seen. They are both well over a hundred now. This has inspired me to recount my less frequent encounters with famous people.

Trump Winery: Same vines, same crew, new buildings

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:54:59 -0400

According to McIntyre, the winemaking talents, from Gregory Brun to consultants like Michel Rolland and Laurent Champs, remain the same

Live storytelling, a Sarah White Christmas party, and more

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:32:15 -0400

What's going on this weekend?

Nine firms qualify for Western Bypass design/build project

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:02:38 -0400

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that nine firms have provided responsive Submittals of Qualifications in the first step of the agency's Request for Proposals for the Route 29/Charlottesville Bypass project. VDOT is seeking proposals to build the new road using its Design-Build project development process.

Last call: The Tavern prepares for December 24 closing

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:40:50 -0400

Longtime Tavern owner Shelly Gordon gave C-VILLE a keepsake

Local woman produces next to no garbage

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:14:57 -0400

Check out the inspiring, informative Zero Garbage Challenge.

The Virginia Film Festival and faculty arts initiatives receive grants

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:35:17 -0400

2012 is the year of community outreach

Sheriff's office continues search for missing James Shifflett

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:14:10 -0400

The Albemarle County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team have already contributed approximately 600 man hours searching for James Alvin Shifflett. The search team will be out again Saturday. They will establish a command center at Broadus Wood Elementary School, located at 185 Buck Mountain Rroad , at 8am Saturday.

Staying out of the 50 percent

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:28:18 -0400

Half of gifts will get thrown away. Here's a clue as to which ones get the ax.

Albemarle Democrats plan party reorganization

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:38:11 -0400

In November, the Albemarle County Democratic Party helped their candidates ensure a three-vote block on the Board of Supervisors. Now, it needs to ensure its own vitality

People in the service industry are PEOPLE!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:29:28 -0400

In my career in the public library, I served people one on one. In that role, I received much feedback, usually favorable. I was always aware that such affirmation is not the norm for many jobs. Many people rarely or never receive a thank you or praise for doing their job. Some barely get acknowledgment for being a person.

Film fest wins Academy grant for outreach and education

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:21:58 -0400

The Virginia Film Festival has received a $20,000 grant from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to fund its education and outreach programs.

UVA student, Charlottesville resident make splash with Rick Perry video

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:01:23 -0400

If "Strong" is Perry's battle plan for a "war on religion," then the next shot fired comes from Charlottesville residents Cali Freeman and Ashley Steele

VQR announces new publisher, deputy editor, and advisory board

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:49:06 -0400

Organizational changes afoot at the Virginia Quarterly Review

Miller Center and ABC News partner for series of debates

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:44:58 -0400

'Tis the season to get ready for what appears to be a very interesting race for the White House

Energetic holiday displays

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:56:30 -0400

How much power are you willing to use for outdoor lights?

JADE nabs 100 pounds of marijuana, 300 grams cocaine in area bust

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:07:45 -0400

Yesterday evening, the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement (JADE) Task Force conducted two search warrants on residences in Greene and Buckingham counties. Here's what they turned up

VIRGINIA TECH UPDATE: Shooter was not Virginia Tech student

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:41:27 -0400

Corinne Geller, spokesperson for State Police, said that the second victim suffered a self inflicted wound, but would not elaborate any further on the crime scene.

Marching onward to goats

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:10:44 -0400

Guess who's coming to dinner?

Shooting and two dead bodies at Virginia Tech

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:12:05 -0400

According to a statement that appears on Virginia Tech's website, the shooting occurred after a routine traffic stop on campus around noon today.

UVA law student arrested and charged after breaking into office of registrar

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:51:32 -0400

Joshua Peter Gomes, 25, is accused of breaking into the office of the University Registrar in order to steal transcript paper

Toyota and UVA to pit crash dummies against "post-mortem human subjects"

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:32:42 -0400

Toyota announced $50 million in new research partnerships. At UVA, researchers will work on optimizing Toyota's Total Human Model for Safety

Rivanna Trails Foundation cleans up after Meadowcreek Parkway construction

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:47:01 -0400

RTF's monthly work parties have recently been all about making, and remaking, connections on the Rivanna Trail loop - such as realigning the section north of Hydraulic and opening an entirely new link between Stribling and Sunset Avenues.

December ABODE breaks the box

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:04:34 -0400

A remade cottage, a pan full o' greens, and why not some easy money while we're at it?

Free show Tuesday night at the Jefferson

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:26:11 -0400

The three G's: gospel, glam, garage rock.

Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, a Waltons reunion and how to bring Oprah to Culpeper.

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:03:19 -0400

Plus, UVA hosts the latest in apocalyptic tabletop games.

UVA freshman Morgan Brian named Hermann Trophy Semifinalist

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:19:21 -0400

Virginia freshman midfielder Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.) was one of 15 players named as semifinalists for the 2011 Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, the most prestigious individual award in college soccer. Brian is the only freshman to be named a semifinalist this season.

Cafe culture or fast food nation?

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:16:35 -0400

The summer of 1967 was a time of personal upheaval and new perspectives. I, a backward homebody, toured Europe with high school friends and finished with two weeks of liberating hitch hiking in Ireland.

UVA Football: Mike London nabs $100,000 bonus

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:56:14 -0400

The head coach's contract includes bonus payments for ACC honors and bowl game appearances

Fugazi launches live archive with two local shows

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:00:22 -0400

Relive the golden days of Trax with a post-hardcore show.

The recycled house now has a kitchen!

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:59:16 -0400

Following up on an ABODE story, we peek at the kitchen of a master salvager.

Charlottesville police release names of Occupy members arrested in Lee Park

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:18:40 -0400

Of the 18 members of Occupy Charlottesville arrested, 8 are men and 10 are women; several live in and around Belmont and only one is listed as homeless.

What about doing nothing with leaves?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:41:15 -0400

There are options for dealing with fallen leaves. One is to sit on your hands.