“It’s not a truck,” insists Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) during his long, rambling explanation of “the Internets.” This statement, and others like it, has made Stevens the laughingstock of every techie blog out there (which are accessible, Stevens assures us, through a “series of tubes,” in case you were wondering). All jokes aside, however, the so-called “net neutrality” battle is no laughing matter (though with Stevens commanding the forces, one has to wonder). Savetheinternet.com is the weapon of choice for the Save the Internet Coalition, a grassroots campaign comprised of small businesses and members of the community who don’t want big telecommunications companies controlling their Internet usage.
According to the site’s FAQ, congress is considering a revision of the Telecommunications Act—a rewrite that essentially allows large providers like Verizon and AT&T to determine customers’ access to websites depending on how much cash those sites are willing to pay. Which would, of course, end Hit This Site as you know it (teardrop).
The coalition offers proactive advice for concerned citizens hoping to preserve the free Internet we know and love. For example, you can call or send a letter to your senator (always an
effective measure)—the site even provides a script, along with a handy list of each senator’s current position on the issue. Best of all, it seems the members of the coalition have a sense of humor; check the blog for videos, songs and comics poking fun at Ted Stevens (almost too easy) and rallying for net neutrality. To familiarize yourself with what’s at stake (and seriously question the representation of a certain noncontiguous state), log on and read up. The Internet is important to all of us, after all—as Stevens helpfully explains, “[it’s] not something you just dump something on.”—Ashley Sisti
PICK: Hot Cheese
Cheesy goodness: In the intro to her cookbook Hot Cheese: Over 50 Gooey, Oozy, Melty Recipes, Polina Chesnakova writes: “…something happens when you apply heat to curds: a setting of the stage. A bubbling pot of fondue, a half wheel of raclette as it blisters and caramelizes under a
PICK: Wildrock’s Winter Wonderland Trail
Get out together: Some of the best aspects of the season are on display during a tour of Wildrock’s Winter Wonderland Trail. Track animals and learn their survival habits, get an up-close look at snowflake patterns, and play a woodland game to match gnome mittens. Small groups can make a
Foodie musings
We are all ready to leave 2020 behind, but as we close it out, let’s take a moment to remember dining experiences, both lost and gained, in this most unusual year. Many well-known establishments shuttered their doors on the Downtown Mall during the pandemic, including Commonwealth Restaurant
PICK: The Last Minute Gift Workshop
Elves ourselves: It’s a festive season in a bleak year, and now more than ever, presents should be thoughtful. But let’s face it: Online shopping has become routine and boring. With all those algorithms, who is shopping for whom? The Last Minute Gift Workshop is stocked with interesting art
A Christmas tree story: The Casons have been selling holiday happiness for more than 100 years
For those who celebrate Christmas, selecting a tree is an annual tradition. For George Cason, selling trees to the Charlottesville community is a way of life. George Cason’s father, L.E., began selling Christmas trees more than 100 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Cason had seven boys and one girl,
Take us out
In an ongoing effort to support local dining establishments during the pandemic, our writers have been enjoying a variety of takeout meals from some of their favorite restaurants. Contribute to this ongoing series by sending your own delicious experiences to living@c-ville.com. Tavola There are
PICK: Storytime with Santa
Santa sanitized: Santa has an occupation that makes social distancing difficult. Lucky for our little ones, he’s taking precautions and offering his services virtually. Storytime with Santa is a chance to have an online chat with jolly ol’ St. Nick, no travel required. Parents can choose to
Keep funding so they can keep feeding
Go with Grace Cavalier Produce has put a creative twist on feeding those in need. The food distributor announced Grace’s Good Food Box Program as a way to get fresh food into homes that need it through a partnership with Loaves & Fishes, PB&J Fund, Louisa County Resource Council, and
Take us out
In an effort to support local dining establishments during the pandemic, our writers have been enjoying a variety of takeout meals from some of their favorite restaurants. Contribute to this ongoing series by sending your own delicious experiences to living@c-ville.com. C&O From rounds of
PICK: Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on Main Street: During a time when everyone’s faith is being tested, some might wonder if the holiday spirit will prevail. In the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle is put on trial after playing a convincing Santa Claus. His authenticity and mental health are
PICK: Wreath Making Workshops
Making it bright: As the seasonal celebrations begin, the wine and painting classes take a backseat to making wreaths. Pippin Hill gardeners Diane Burns and Celina DeBrito lead Wreath Making Workshops, and lend expert tips on how to craft a personal tribute to the cycle of nature by sourcing
Worldly wear: Davon Okoro’s ambitious fashion brand Dépendance Global
Like many kids of his generation, Davon Okoro spent a lot of time in front of the TV. But while his peers were watching cartoons, Okoro was finding himself in the groundbreaking styles and fashions of MTV. “I grew up in Nigeria and we didn’t have much money,” he explains. “My mom would go to
Dough-ing home: A renowned pastry chef hopes to taste success where it all starter’d
Rachel De Jong has traveled the world and rubbed elbows with its best chefs. She earned her diplôme de pâtisserie from Le Cordon Bleu École de Cuisine in Paris. She learned hospitality from The Inn at Little Washington’s Patrick O’Connell. And she traded dessert ideas with Ludo Lefebvre at
Spirit guidance: The catch is in the rye for Square One vodka’s Allison Evanow
It was the middle of the night in 2004 when Square One organic vodka founder Allison Evanow saw her future. Evanow’s career, marketing fine beverages had taken the Waynesboro native to Spain, Mexico, and California, working for the Jose Cuervo family before entering the wine industry in Napa.
All in favor, say pie
Shaun Jenkins, owner of Soul Food Joint, grew up in a pie-loving household. The weekend before Thanksgiving, his mom would make about 40 pies, and folks would stop by to pick one up after church—free of charge. Jenkins carries on that tradition by baking a bushel of his own favorite sweet
Holidays from the heart: Local Southern cooks sound off on celebratory suppers with soul
Soul food and Thanksgiving go hand in oven mitt. Traditional American fare. Humble ingredients. Big flavors. “Southern food is indigenous food,” says Ryan Hubbard of soul food and barbecue joint Red Hub Food Co. “You start with Native American influences, and you have basically a melting pot
Fighting hunger: As food insecurity rises, local nonprofits step up their efforts
Food insecurity in Albemarle County is on the rise. Feeding America, a national hunger relief organization, reports that while 11.8 percent of Charlottesville’s population was food insecure in 2018, that number is expected to rise to 15.1 percent by the end of 2020. Accordingly, the Blue Ridge
Thanks, Virginia: Go local at your holiday table this year
If you are looking for the perfect beverage to accompany your Thanksgiving meal, area producers have many options, ranging from beer to wine to cider. Here are some recommendations to help you drink well while also drinking local. Amber and brown ales are obvious options for pairing with
Small Bites: The plantain truth, turkey takeouts, and more from the market
South by north Guajiros Miami Eatery is on the move from its Woodbrook location to 817 W. Main St., the former home of Parallel 38. Look forward to authentic Cuban and Latin American dishes such as pressed sandwiches, Venezuelan empanadas, and lots of plantains, plus a hearty breakfast menu
Love in every dish: PLENTY Cville serves up more than prepared meals
Della Bennett has seen the effect that a home-cooked meal can have. She worked as a nanny for several years, assisting as many as four families at a time, and on the occasions when she made meals, she noticed the positive impact it had on her clients. “PLENTY Cville was born as a solution to a