The week in review

By Hook Staff |
Published online Thursday Sep 16th, 2004
and in print issue #0336 dated Thursday Sep 9th, 2004

Most ambitious UVA plan: To become a chartered university and gain more autonomy from the Commonwealth of Virginia, which only provides about eight percent of UVA's budget. UVA prez John Casteen lays out the details September 10, and Virginia Tech and William & Mary are on board with the idea.

Most wary of the UVA plan: Employees who fear for their salaries and benefits and students who will face tuition increases.

Worst time to come unglued: During the big game against UNC September 11, about 3,200 seats at Scott Stadium come loose. Displaced fans receive a refund or a $40 gift certificate, as well as a 56-24 victory over the Tar Heels.

Worst projections: Two Charlottesville elementary teachers are moved to new schools when 50 fewer students enroll than expected. The shift three weeks into the school year leaves irate parents in its wake.

Worst mailing list for governors: The igniting letters list, which at least 18 governors have received, including Mark Warner and West Virginia's Bob Wise September 13. So far, the flammable epistles have injured no one.

Worst bomb scare: Mega-selling author John Grisham receives a suspicious package September 11 and calls 911. The state bomb squad determines the package is not a "functional" explosive device, according to an Albemarle County release.

Heaviest hitter for a hearing: Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger joins the Ivy Community Association in opposing Faulconer Construction's plans to build a facility down the road from Murray Elementary School. The Planning Commission recommends denial of Faulconer's site plan 4-2 September 7.

Worst break for Ralph Nader: The presidential candidate doesn't make it onto Virginia's ballot because he didn't have enough valid signatures, even after a boost from Attorney General Jerry Kilgore when the State Elections Board initially refused Nader's petitions in August.

Best break for Libertarians: Their candidate, Michael Badnarik, who was in town September 14, does make it onto the Virginia ballot.

Worst milestone: The American death toll in Iraq hits 1,000 September 7.

Worst hurricane this week: Ivan reaches Category 5 status, rages through the Caribbean over the weekend, and targets the Gulf Coast at press time.

Worst hurricane last week: Remnants of Frances slam Central Virginia with heavy rain and tornadoes September 8.

Worst week for airlines: Delta lays off 7,000 employees September 8, and big local flyer US Airways files its second bankruptcy in two years September 12.

Biggest clash between judicial and legislative branches: U.S. District Judge James Michael chafes September 9 at sending former nurse Daniel Comarovschi to jail for two years for selling pot, but he's required to do so by congressional sentencing guidelines. According to Liesel Nowak in the Daily Progress, Michael says the case "cries out for a period of probation."

Best starting pay: Former UVA athletic director Terry Holland signs on as East Carolina University AD for $276,000.

Best pay at retirement: Darden Dean Robert Harris, who got a $218,000 raise in 2002 to bump his salary to $400,000, announces he's stepping down July 2005.

Best get for local atheists/humanists: Americans United for the Separation of Church and State's Barry Lynn speaks at Old Cabell Hall September 9.

Worst excuse for a scam artist: A woman who claims she's raising money for the Democrats offers a t-shirt that says "DNC" when asked for identification September 9, reports John Yellig in the Progress.

Worst deposit: Rotting flesh is put in the Patriot Bank night deposit box over the Labor Day weekend. Police suspect tripe, according to Julie Stavitski at the Progress.