cVillain

Governor Bob has managed to fast track a bill which ups the speed limit in rural and low population areas to the big 70.  Both the House & Senate groups signed off on the new legislature with no complaint, and once the bills change houses for final review, they can land on the Governors desk for signature.

Virginia becomes the 33 state to impose 70 as a maximum, with 13 others allowing for up to 75 mph, and a few areas of Texas allowing up to 80.

McDonnell’s statement that “This slight increase in our speed limit will be safe for motorists and help get Virginians to their destinations a little quicker each day” couldn’t be more accurate apparently.  While many (this writer included) equate increased speed with a higher frequency and fatality rate in accidents, the inverse is apparently true.  For the brief period of time during which Montana enacted a no posted maximum speed on certain roads, accidents and fatalities reached record low numbers.  This also appears to hold true along the unlimited stretches of the Autobahn in Germany.

While the speed increase is certainly a step in the right direction, most of the frustration in daily driving situations appears to center around individuals failing to maintain a minimum speed around town.  Perhaps posting, and enforcing, minimum speeds would decrease traffic congestion within the city.  [Info] [Photo Credits]

The Newsplex kicked off a series of Valentines Day related ‘exposés’ recently, with the above Cougar Hunter interview.  While we certainly can’t think of why the Martha Jefferson, Locust Grove, or Woolen Mills area would be mentioned, when we all know our 2008 poll indicated that Blue Light Grill is the certified hot spot for prowling.  TownMe.com seems to be the go-to source for the CBS article, however, the site seems to have altered its content away from actually cataloging information, and towards releasing open source wiki-esque software.  Additionally we can’t locate anything in the either the Google Cache or Wayback Machine to fill in the gaps here.

Have any other establishments climbed the ladder since July of ‘08?

Congratulations are in order for Caressa Cameron, a FBurg native and journalism student from VCU, for her recent win of Miss America.  The 22 year old won out over 52 other competitors in categories ranging from a talent contest, evening wear, lifestyle & fitness in swimsuit, on stage question, and personal interview.

Miss Cameron wowed the judges (including Rush Limbaugh) with a rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen“, and also pushed parents to “…get our kids back outside, playing with sticks in the street like I did when I was little,”  when questioned regarding physical fitness and childhood obesity.  Along with the crown, she was awarded a $50K scholarship, and will represent the organization during her year long reign.

Cameron went on to accept the coveted position of “Spokesperson for IHOP’s National Pancake Day Celebration”, which kicks off Tuesday, February 23rd, from 7:00AM-10:00PM.  IHOP will be giving away untold numbers of its ’signature’ pancakes (3 million were handed out last year), while hopefully raising $1.75 million for the Children’s Miracle Network through guest donations.

While raising millions for children is certainly an exceptional goal, we have to wonder if IHOP may not only be “America’s favorite restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner…”, and therefore perhaps one of the root causes of health concerns among overweight Americans.  [Info]

Friday:

The Southern – And 106.1 team up for the first of a ‘The Corner Presents’ series, with Charlie Mars & Peyton Tochterman.  Charlie invites everyone to “… come over and get high, we can listen to ‘Dark Side of the Moon,’ “, along with other “cozy, sensual soul-rock arrangements that go places”.  @6:30 – $Free [Info].  Then Jesse Harper takes the stage, and brings with him a definite sense of humor, and an affinity for salad.  @9:30PM – $6.00 [Info]
The Bridge - Combines the improvisational skills of Charlottesville’s best comedians for one night only, all hosted and headlined by The Bent Theatre troupe.  @8:00PM – $7.00 [Info]
Live Arts - Continues the show with Intimate Apparel, a play following an African American seamstress who designs unmentionables for the rich and affluent to the debaucherous.  @8:00PM – $10-19.50 (running through Feb. 6th) [Info]
The X-Lounge – Hosts the annual CYP membership party.  Come decked out in black & white, and enjoy one free drink ticket with sign up, entry into the raffle, along with a custom lanyard, all thanks to Charlottesville Young Professionals.  @6:00PM – $35 (to join) [Info] » Read More

A new, and surprising, development occurred in the 2007 murder case of Jayne McGowan earlier today, with Michael Pritchett pleading guilty moments before trial was set to start.

The November 9th event shocked many, as Jayne’s house, located just off of Locust Ave., was definitely not in a high crime area, along with the fact that the entire event stemmed from a random break-in by two perpetrators.  The 26 year old UVa graduate had moved back to Charlottesville only months earlier, in order to become the Development Coordinator for a local non-profit, the AIDS/HIV Services Group.  She had just completed preparations for the 20th Anniversary Gala event, held on November 10th, when she was murdered.

Within four days of her death, police had captured William Gentry (22) and Michael Pritchett (18), and charged them with 4 felonies each, including breaking and entering, robbery, and murder.

Pritchett’s plea this morning was not expected by prosecutors nor family members, as a claim of not-guilty had been entered during preliminary hearings.  An additional hearing will occur to determine the exact sentence; however, he is facing the possibility of life without parole.

The Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement force along with team RUSH (an acronym seemingly without a published long form) scored a major marijuana bust recently, to the tune of 30 pounds being kept off the streets of Charlottesville.  The twin arrests occurred in short order, with the first search warrant being carried out in the 5K area of Stony Point Rd., netting the arrest of one James B. Gunn along with 4 lbs of pot, $6K, & two firearms.

Shortly thereafter a second warrant was served at 2000 Paddock Wood Road in the Keswick area, to a Jeremy Manning-Smith.  This search provided roughly 26 pounds of the schedule 1 drug, and $50K in cash money.

Both individuals have been charged with intent to distribute, and further charges may be pending.

The body of an as yet unidentified blond female has been discovered at a property in souther Albemarle county.  The remains are described as “skeletal” and the body is clad in dark clothing.  As UNCUS reports, Morgan is the only local missing person to fit the description.  Police have taken control of the 540 acre farm, located near Red Hill on 29 South, and a forensic vehicle is on site.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.  [Info]

Traditional Music: A Lecture & Performance Series What is traditional music? What relevance does it have for us today in the 21st century? This noncredit lecture and performance series explores these questions and more through the lens of folklore, ethnomusicology, and performance. Students gain access to the contemporary world of traditional music by attending private performances, multimedia presentations, and engaging in conversations with musicians, folklorists, and ethnomusicologists throughout the state of Virginia. It all happens in one ideal location where music performance, technology, education, and food and drink converge in a congenial spirit of community and lifelong learning. The traditions under study include old-time, bluegrass, samba, jazz, blues, gospel, Sephardic, and Mande/Voltaic. By the end of the course, the students will have gained an insider’s knowledge and a greater appreciation for traditional music and some of its greatest artists and experts in the Commonwealth today. The series will be facilitated by ethnomusicologist Heather Maxwell, Ph.D. It will run for eight Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30pm beginning February 9. The tuition is $150. Dinner will be available at an additional cost beginning at 5:30pm. Advance registration is required through the UVa School of Continuing & Professional Studies. Call (434) 982-2779 or email scps-uc@virginia.edu for registration forms.

Thanks to the involved reader who submitted this to our Gossip address.  [Photo Credits]

Friday:

The Southern – Proves once again to be the hardest working venue in Charlottesville, with two performances this evening.  Andy Friedman – “Alone on Guitar” takes the stage for the early show, the “The King of Art Country” delivers “dark, singular sense of humor…world weary delivery, and talent for synthesizing heartache”.  @6:30PM – $6.00 [Info].  The Brian Patrick Band with The Rogan Brothers and Carl and Carleigh come in for the second round, guaranteed to satisfy.  @9:00PM – $6.00 [Info]
The Jefferson – Gives you THE Cheap Trick tonight, the world renowned group responsible for “I Want You To Want Me”, “Surrender”, and “The Flame”, they bring 36 years in the business, along with 20 million records sold, 40 gold & platinum awards, and 5K shows under their belt.  How many groups have released an album recently which spans CD, vinyl, & 8-Track?  This one.  @7:00PM – $37.00 [Info]
Live Arts - Continues the show with Intimate Apparel, a play following an African American seamstress who designs unmentionables for the rich and affluent to the debaucherous.  @8:00PM – $10-19.50 (running through Feb. 6th) [Info]

Saturday:

Fry Springs Beach Club – Hosts a benefit party from Hoos For Haiti & Cvillianrelief.org, with a silent auction featuring Camino, Derriere de Soie, Mas, Ventana, The X-Lounge, and MANY MORE.  Musical performances by ACME Swing MFG Co., 180, Buzzard Hollow Boys, Gladstones, Jeebus, & more!  A food and drink cash bar will be available, with beer donated by Beer Run.  Get there early for drinks, eats, dancing, prizes, and more importantly, aid to those in need.  @6:30 – $20 [Info]
Random Row – Bands local artists and musicians together in Love 4 Haiti, with bellydancing, world surf rock, roots reggae, acoustic, storytelling, psychadelic/garage/shoegaze, indie/pop/progressive, artistic FIRE dancing, improv/space funk, west African traditional music, and experimental jazz, WHEW!  A silent auctio of art works, gift certificats, and dance lessons will begin @ 5:00PM – $5.00 [Info]
The Paramount - Presses rewind to give you a rescheduled showing of Les Contes d’Hoffman, a psychological journey through the life of German Romantic writer E.T.A. Hoffmann.  The partial nudity appears to be edited out of our showing though…  @ 1:00PM – $17-23  [Info]
The Southern - Wipes off the dust from Friday, and kicks it with The Sometime Favorites with Farm Vegas and Kayce McGehee.  The Favorites bring a talent for combining diverse songwriting influences with a knack for the infectious hook that just won’t leave your head.  @8:00PM – $8 [Info]
Club 216 – Comes back from last weeks Heaven & Hell party with a tribute to all that was great in the 70’s, STUDIO 54.  Bring your best polyester and perm to enjoy go-go dancers, lights, music, and even the Man In The Moon.  @10:00PM – $5(members)/$15(non-member) [Info]

Sunday:

The Southern - Finishes the weekend off strong with Uncle Henry’s Favorites with The Orpheus Supertones, an old-time string band hails from Albemarle County, Virginia, home of rolling hills, Jefferson cups, farms, Wahoos and Cavaliers, mountain streams, and a surprisingly active and dedicated community of old-time country fiddlers, banjoists, mandolinists, Carter-family-style singing groups, guitar pickers, Cajun accordionists, square dancers, cloggers, bass fiddlers, and countless other homegrown-music enthusiasts…  Say that one time fast…  @1:00PM – $12 [Info]

As always…  Any corrections/substitutions/refunds?  [Photo Credits]

[Photo Credits]