Best reason to rethink the whole notion of hate crime statutes: The European-American Unity and Rights Organization, led by former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke (website: www.whitecivilrights.com), demands that the black Charlottesville High youths arrested in the assaults of white-looking UVA students be charged under the Commonwealth's hate crime provisions.

Worst example of not practicing what they preach: The House Courts of Justice committee advances a bill to post the Ten Commandments in schools, but, as Bob Gibson in the Daily Progress points out, rejects the "Thou shalt not kill" portion of the commandments and refuses to consider bills suspending, abandoning, or narrowing Virginia's death penalty. Delegate Rob Bell votes to post the Ten Commandments along with some token historical documents, and the bill passes in the House of Delegates.

Best display of altruism by a local publisher: The Observer reduces advertising rates by 20 percent in an effort to strengthen the local economy. "We're going to make sure that every small business can afford to advertise, because we know that right now, no small business can afford not to," says publisher Jeffrey Peyton.

Worst blow to the First Amendment by the County: Albemarle County Police Chief John Miller, former police captain R. Douglas Rhoads, and assistant county attorney Mark Trank draft a plan that prohibits Officer Karl Mansoor from criticizing the county as a condition of his employment. Fortunately, U.S. District Judge James H. Michael Jr. rules Mansoor's rights to free speech were violated.

Best bumper sticker idea from Albemarle County School Board's budget meetings: Brian Wheeler, V. L. Murray Elementary School PTO vice president's suggestion: "My honor roll student needs Gilmore's car tax."

Best indication that organized labor isn't dead: Around 50 UVA staffers form a union and join up with the Communications Workers of America.

Worst feature to tout in an upscale hotel: The soon-to-be-built 75-room Sleep Inn & Suites on Fifth Street Extended intends to lure tour buses with its dumping station for the buses' waste tanks.

Best reason to celebrate Valentine's Day in town: The staff of ABC's Good Morning America chooses Charlottesville as one of the most romantic places. Claire Shipman broadcasts live from Keswick Hall, the spot where she proposed to her husband.

Worst display of heightened racial tensions-- or maybe just a fight over somebody's boyfriend-- outside the Charlottesville Ice Park last Friday night: A white female is spotted being beaten by a young black male who is then jumped and pummeled by a black female. A large crowd looks on with interest. All participants disperse before police arrive.

Best news for local teachers: Despite budget shortfalls, Albemarle County teachers may get 3 or 3.3 percent raises, while City teachers are looking at a two percent increase.

Worst news for a local mental health facility: The Millmont Center is cited for 17 licensing and human rights violations on the 34 teens and young adults it serves, including withholding bathroom privileges.

Best news for skateboarders: The Dave Matthews Band donates $20,000 to the McIntire Skatepark obviating the need to charge fees to use the park.

Worst news for art vandals: The City will continue to fund ArtinPlace.org.

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