Tuesday, July 3
1984 UVA sexual assault case stalled
The investigation into a 1984 UVA fraternity sexual assault case is on hold, according to an Associated Press report, due to lack of evidence. The case was initially reopened after William Beebe, who later pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery, sent a letter of apology to Liz Seccuro as part of his 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous program. Investigators are trying to identify additional alleged attackers in the assault. The AP report quotes Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy J. Longo saying, “We certainly have not lost hope in the case…we’ve just exhausted all the leads we have in front of us.” Seccuro said in the story, “Unfortunately in rape cases, where you’re dealing with a fraternity…that wall of silence and that bond of brotherhood apparently last for life.”
Wednesday, July 4
Pretend lawyer welcomes real citizens
Keeping your eyes dry was no easy task at the Naturalization Ceremony today, as 76 citizens were newly minted at Monticello. “Law & Order” actor Sam Waterston gave his 2 cents on the wonders and obligations of being a citizen, challenging the nation’s newest citizens not to “pick up our bad habits” of political apathy. But the really moving speakers were two new citizens themselves, both former refugees relocated by the International Rescue Committee.
Thursday, July 5
Webb learns ways of Senate
After completing his first six months in office, Democratic Senator Jim Webb is profiled in The Virginia-Pilot. Reporter Dale Eisman shows Webb learning the ways of the Senate and working with colleagues from both parties.
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As Democratic Senator Jim Webb completes his first six months in office, reporter Dale Eisman presents a news feature showing the ups and downs of Webb’s first term on Capitol Hill in The Virginia-Pilot. The feature shows Webb learning the ways of the Senate and how to work together with his colleagues. Speaking of members on both sides of the aisle, Webb said, “We have 100 scorpions locked in a jar, and we have to keep working with each other. It doesn’t pay to not be cordial.”
Friday, July 6
Newcomb Hall hosts Joshua advanced screening
UVA hosted an advance screening of Joshua, a feature film developed by ATO Pictures, part of Coran Capshaw’s media empire. Also starring Sam Rockwell and Vera Farmiga, Jacob Kogan plays an eccentric 9-year-old who becomes unhinged after the birth of his baby sister.
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Charlottesville cinema types were treated to an advance screening of Joshua, a feature film developed by ATO Pictures. ATO is part of Coran Capshaw’s media empire, which scored its first major distribution deal with Joshua. Fox Searchlight is behind it. After the arrival of a new baby sister, the eccentric 9-year-old classical pianist Joshua becomes unhinged as only eccentric 9-year-old pianists can. Joshua’s creepy behavior becomes too much for his parents, played by Sam Rockwell and Vera Farmiga, whose cushy lives turn not-so-cushy.
Saturday, July 7
Grisham among top 100 celebrities
Forbes magazine ranked Charlottesville’s mega-author John Grisham No. 91 among the 100 richest celebrities. Helping his financial cause, Grisham recently sold the film rights to his nonfiction debut, The Innocent Man, to George Clooney.
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Forbes magazine published its top 100 highest-paid celebrities, and wouldn’t you know it, Charlottesville author John Grisham just squeaked in at 91. O.K., so he’s no Oprah (No. 1) or Tom Cruise (No. 8) or…wait…Bon Jovi (No. 18)? But Grisham’s still in good company, sandwiched between former General Electric CEO Jack Welch (No. 90) and alleged comedian Jeff Foxworthy (No. 92). Grisham got a bump by selling the film rights for his nonfiction debut, The Innocent Man, to George Clooney (No. 40).
Sunday, July 8
Bond on roster; epithet laid to rest
UVA’s own Julian Bond spoke at the 98th annual convention of the NAACP in Detroit, according to the Associated Press. Bond is chairman of the organization’s board of directors and was expected, as he has at past conventions, to take the opportunity to criticize the Bush Administration. Convention-goers also planned to hold a symbolic burial of the N-word today in downtown Detroit, with hip-hop artists and other entertainment-industry types helping to “symbolically bury this vile insult to our past, present and future,” as the NAACP website put it. Word up.
Monday, July 9
New Seminole Square building
The building in the Seminole Square shopping center that used to house the now-defunct Maverick restaurant has a date with a wrecking ball. The Daily Progress reported Monday that Great Eastern Management Co. will demolish the restaurant to make way for a three-story building that will include a bank, office space and yet another restaurant in the North 29 eatery corridor. No word yet on what type of restaurant is planned, and sure, opening a restaurant there is a little like bringing sand to a beach, but company Vice President Steve Hopkins is optimistic. “We think it’s a great location,” he says.
