Stories on the national radar

  Harrington disappearance remains a mystery Morgan Harrington has been missing since October 17 when she left the Metallica concert at John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia State Police say the 20-year-old Roanoke native found herself outside the arena, and, due to its no re-entry policy, was denied admission. Though Harrington’s purse and cell phone were […]

2009: Lawsuits can’t stop a road, but they sure can hinder a hotel

  1 Biscuit Run scrapped in favor of state park? After years of planning and months of discussions about its rezoning, it looks like Biscuit Run, the biggest would-be development in Albemarle County, will soon be donated to the state of Virginia as parkland. Behold the power of the Great Recession. Why else would Hunter […]

What can Gogol Bordello do for you on December 31?

Eugene Hütz New Year’s Eve falls on a Thursday this year, but details like days and locations matter about as much to Gogol Bordello as the ear wax that singer Eugene Hütz claims to use as mustache lube. Matter less, probably. An example: During a June 2008 performance in Richmond, Hütz grabbed a microphone mid-show […]

Feasts for your local parties, from prix fixe to premade

 Dining oIf you’re not invited to a swank private soiree, dining out is the easiest way to feel part of the end-of-the-year party. Plenty of places around town are offering holiday menus from prix fixe to just jazzed up, complimentary sparkling spirits for the midnight toast and live music. But be sure to make reservations. […]

10 tunes for the 2010 party

Tracks of my years Prince—“1999” (from 1999)—Predictable, but come on, this is the perfect New Year’s jam! We’ll still be dancing to it in 2099, by which time we’ll have a Prince clone to keep the party going. Fleetwood Mac—“Don’t Stop” (from Rumours)—Look to the future, people! We’ve got a brand new decade ahead, so […]

Ace Atkins investigates New Year's Eve traditions

C-VILLE’s longest running columnist and all-around Answer Man offers some of his expert knowledge on obscure New Year’s traditions. Dear Ace: What are some New Year’s Eve rituals and superstitions regarding luck, prosperity and health?—Spike D. Punch Dear Spike: You’d think that Ace’s notoriously poor fortune would disqualify him from answering this question, but you’d […]

Fall asleep at 10pm? Catch these other New Years, instead!

It’s grrreat! With the Year of the Tiger upon us, kittens, we recommend catching as many different New Year celebrations as possible. January 7: Sekhmet (Egyptian New Year) January 21: Celtic New Year February 14: Chinese New Year April 13-15: Songkran (Thai New Year) April 14: Puthandu (Tamil New Year) September 8–10: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish […]

Five classic resolutions done right

  INSTEAD OF…Losing weight. RESOLVE TO…Vegetate. Says Jay Leno: “Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average…which means you have met your New Year’s resolution.” Holy Spudnuts! Amen! INSTEAD OF…Trying something new RESOLVE TO…Not start what you can’t finish. Here’s looking at you, Landmark. INSTEAD OF…Finding […]

Toast of the town!

Soon we’ll ring in another new year, and that means many of us will be anywhere from partially to unequivocally hammered in large groups of people. Situations like these demand public speaking—toasts! I know what you’re thinking: “Who the hell are you to give me advice on making toasts?” Let’s just say that I’m the […]