Tuesday, November 21
Together forever
Old buddies Elton Brown (left) and Daryl Blackstock have played football together since their high school days. Now, the UVA football alums are struggling together in the NFL.
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Former University of Virginia football players share an “aww” moment in Hampton Roads’ Daily Press today. Arizona Cardinals guard Elton Brown and linebacker Darryl Blackstock have played football together since their high school days in Newport News, and have been on the same NFL team together since signing in the 2005 draft. Once standout players at UVA, Brown and Blackstock have something else in common now: They’re both struggling for playing time in the NFL.
Wednesday, November 22
Moving along
Gas prices rose today due to an increase in holiday travel. Hundreds of Charlottesvillians truckin’ it to places like Atlanta, Charleston and Northern Virginia experienced average gas prices of $2.14 per gallon, which, while inconvenient, still beat the national average of $2.23.
Thursday, November 23
Trimming prices
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Wal-Mart put the heat on grocery stores by strategically dropping prices on grocery items two days before Thanksgiving, according to a company press release. Though the release touts discounts of up to 20 percent as a way to help families get through the holidays, it’s actually a business strategy designed to turn around the giant retailer’s slumping sales, the Chicago Tribune reports. This season is the first time Wal-Mart has “rolled back” food prices, which will continue to scale down through December. Sales for the $312 billion corporation have been the worst in 10 years.
Friday, November 24
To the rescue!
Continuing her tireless quest to save the world from that most specific of bullies—the cyber bully—Miss Virginia Adrianna Sgarlata will travel 5,000 miles to schools and other venues as iSAFE’s national spokesperson to take a stand against Internet meanness, according to a Marketwire press release. “Thirty-two percent of students admit to sometimes saying something mean or hurtful online,” the release reads. “Bullies can extend this harassment to their victim’s home or mobile phone/device.” Thanks to Sgarlata’s efforts, now children everywhere will be well informed about how to use the little X at the top corner of their computer screens.
Saturday, November 25
Dashed hopes
Despite overly optimistic pregame analysis that said UVA had a chance at a bowl game, a 17-0 fall to Virginia Tech today shelved those dreams. Meeting the Hokies at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia’s offense gained only 112 yards against the Hokie defense, their fewest since 1980. The Wahoo defense held their own until a Jameel Sewell fumble at the 12 yard line set up a Virginia Tech touchdown. The sixth straight loss to Tech (10-2) left Virginia finishing out their spotty season 5-7, while Tech’s win makes them arguably the best team in the ACC—though early losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College will keep them out of the conference championship.
Sunday, November 26
Trumped seniority
Booted out by pesky term limits from the Senate Armed Services Committee, which he chaired, Virginia Senator John Warner is learning that seniority doesn’t pay in the new Senate. According to a Wall Street Journal Weekly Washington Wire, Warner will now position himself against Republican James Inhofe of Oklahoma as ranking member of an environmental panel. Inhofe has used the term “brainwashing” to refer to environmentalist views of global warming. Warner is seen as more sympathetic to environmental issues, but it’s the “ranking member” part he might have trouble with. Senator Trent Lott, incoming majority whip, says Republican old school Warner may misunderstand the rules about seniority.
Monday, November 27
No more new homes?
An official in NoVa’s Prince William County has proposed a housing construction freeze for the area in hopes of easing major transportation issues, the Associated Press reports today. Could such an idea be imminent for our own fast-growing county? Prince William County has grown 72 percent over the last 15 years to 371,181 residents. According to the U.S. Census, Albemarle has grown about 33 percent in 15 years, to 90,717 people. Builders in NoVa have argued that a housing freeze would clamp down on commercial markets as well. In Albemarle, retail and commercial building has been growing rapidly. According to a study by Southern Environmental Law Center, the amount of retail space in the county grew to 5.4 million square feet from 3.7 square feet over the last 15 years, an increase of 46 percent. So, while we don’t have NoVa’s problems yet, we may be well on our way.