Archived articles for the month of July 2008


20 Questions

Chillin' in the City

Twenty Richmonders share their favorite spots in Richmond. (7/8/2008)

Julie Bondy

We ask YRichmond's Julie Bondy about being a new young professional in a new city and 19 other things. (7/3/2008)



Art

The Handmake

Live from Broad Street Saturday, it's an art yard sale. (7/18/2008)

War and Peace

New photography exhibit explores war, peace, art and everything in between. (7/10/2008)

Artwalk Friday

Start your July 4 holiday weekend right, with First Fridays. Only this week it's on Thursday. (7/2/2008)



Automotive

Virginia Credit Union offers cash rebate on fuel

Virginia Credit Union offers cash rebate on fuel (7/1/2008)



Books

What Richmond's Reading

The top 10 bestselling books at Richmond-area Barnes & Noble Booksellers for the week of July 7. (7/11/2008)



Business

Insmed Hires Big Gun in Washington

Richmond pharmaceutical company engages former chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee to push reforms through Congress that would open up more biotech drugs to competition. (7/18/2008)

Media General Reports 2Q Loss

Richmond-based media conglomerate also expects to take a $500 million non-cash write-down. (7/18/2008)

eServices Sold to Orlando Investors

Richmond company's specialty is working the market for the purchase, storage and transport of natural gas in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. (7/18/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene (7/18/2008)

This Bear Walked Into the Store, See…

Bear raid on Circuit City inspires jokes on Wall Street. (7/18/2008)

Bons Secours to Consolidate Richmond, Hampton Roads Operations

Peter Bernard will run Bon Secours' consolidated, seven-hospital health care system in Virginia. (7/17/2008)

Coal Company Acquisitions Pick Up as Prices Soar

Richmond-based Massey Energy and James River Coal, both independent, publicy traded coal mining companies, could be attractive takeover candidates. (7/17/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from the Richmond business scene. (7/17/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/17/2008)

Riding the Green Tide

Intrinergy Inc. is a leader in the green revolution, converting biomass into electricity and steam for its industrial clients. (7/16/2008)

Richmond's Dingiest Retail Corridor

Are the numerous vacant buildings on Broad between VCU and the Convention Center actually a sign of progress? (7/16/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/16/2008)

Disney World, Here We Come!

JetBlue establishes nonstop daily service between Richmond and Orlando. (7/15/2008)

Richmond Woman Charged with $132 Million Fraud

Laura Coleman indicted for alleged real estate investment scam. (7/15/2008)

Insmed Retains Investment Banker

Richmond biotech company examines strategic alternatives in pursuit of "multibillion-dollar opportunity" to create follow-on biologics. (7/15/2008)

UR Heads Downtown

The University of Richmond, located in Henrico County's affluent West End, announces plans for downtown center to build on community partnerships serving the city's poor. (7/15/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/15/2008)

Village Revival

Set amidst the suburban sprawl of western Henrico, the West Broad Village provides a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly oasis for those seeking respite from long commutes and $4-per-gallon gasoline. (7/14/2008)

Anderson & Strudwick Hires Three Deal Makers

Richmond firm picks up talent from the old Ferris Baker Watts. (7/14/2008)

Dominion Selects Smart Thermostat Vendor

Raleigh's Elster Group will supply its EnergyAxis System technology in a Dominion test project to measure consumer responsiveness to variable electric rates. (7/14/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/14/2008)

Hard Floors -- A Lasting Enterprise

Leadership of Costen Floors is passing to the third generation of Costens in the company's 60th year in business. (7/14/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/12/2008)

When You're Ready to Step Up from Bobble-Head Dolls

Who knew? There's an extremely competitive industry in Richmond for outfitting cars with fancy tire rims and other chrome accessories. (7/11/2008)

General Cigar Wins Trademark Lawsuit

Richmond cigar company wins triple damages in defense of its COHIBA brand of hand-crafted cigars. (7/11/2008)

ODEC Signs Wind Power Contract

Electric co-op seals deal with AES Corporation to buy 70 megwatts of wind power from Pennsylvania. (7/11/2008)

firedog Has Running Room

If tiny Geeks on Call is getting positive reviews by stock research analysts, the trends should also be bullish for Circuit City's firedog service. (7/11/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/11/2008)

Texans Buy Chesterfield Landfill

New owners bring in veteran waste-management team but expect to make few changes. (7/10/2008)

LandAmerica Cost Cutting Gains Momentum

Colorado model for delivering real estate transaction services could be implemented nationally. (7/10/2008)

Whatever Happened to Country Club Prisons?

Poor Charles O'Brien. The former SunTrust loan officer is bipolar, brain-injured, divorced and can't keep up the payments on his Porsche. Now a judge says he can't play golf anymore. (7/10/2008)

Alfa Laval Expands U.S. Operations

The Swedish manufacturer has announced the acquisition of Chicago-based Standard Refrigeration. (7/10/2008)

Circuit City's Salvation: Bankruptcy Court?

Under the latest scenario for saving Circuit City, the company would file for bankruptcy protection and shed under-performing stores with long-term leases. (7/9/2008)

HCA Consolidates Management of Virginia Operations

Margaret Lewis, who launched her career as a student nurse at Chippenham hospital, takes charge of combined Richmond-Northern Virginia division. (7/9/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/9/2008)

More Consolidation at Media General

Media General moves Daily Progress printing operations from Charlottesville to Hanover County. (7/8/2008)

RxEOB Wins Big Contract

Richmond firm provides Web-based solutions that help medical insurers control prescription costs. (7/8/2008)

Moseley-Designed School Wins Silver LEEDS

Richmond architecture firm installs energy-efficiency and water-conservation features. (7/8/2008)

Communication at Work

This week: When did the Crackberry make blatant rudeness acceptab ... oh, hold on, I have to take this. (7/8/2008)

120 Years Old and Going Strong

ChapStick may be one of the world's oldest consumer brands, but it still has plenty of life. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has invested heavily in manufacturing automation and R&D for new product lines. (7/7/2008)

Massey Litigation Watch

Massey Energy faces "bet the company" lawsuit over contamination of ground water in Rawl, W.Va. Even its insurance companies are begging out. (7/4/2008)

In Brief…

Quick clips from around the Virginia business scene. (7/4/2008)

Packaging Nostalgia

Tabitha Geary is building a growing business by organizing, archiving and presenting peoples' memories. (7/3/2008)

Dominion Sells Gas Operations

In a continued redeployment of energy assets, the Richmond-based power company reaps $910 million from the sale of gas distribution opeations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. (7/3/2008)

Carytown Vacancies Hit 13 Percent

As consumer spending stalls, Richmond's coolest retail district experiences heavy turnover. (7/3/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/3/2008)

One Down, Two Left

With Blockbuster dropping out of the picture, the chances of getting a bidding war going for Circuit City is looking slim. Only two potential suitors remain, and neither has yet to identify itself. (7/2/2008)

Between God and Mammon

As megachurches evolve into around-the-clock activity centers, they can come into conflict with their neighbors. Local government officials find themselves asking questions like, "Is a skateboard park a church?" (7/2/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/2/2008)

LandAmerica to Merge Underwriting Subsidiaries

Consolidation will cost costs, improve customer service, says CEO Chandler. (7/1/2008)

In Brief...

Quick clips from around the Richmond business scene. (7/1/2008)

Construction Begins on Virginia City Plant

Amidst continued protests, Dominion Virginia Power gets moving on its controversial Virginia City coal plant. (7/1/2008)

Communication at Work

In the local battle of Fox vs. feral cats, the cats (and good public relations) will always win. (7/1/2008)



Capital Funding

Never Give Up

There was a common thread among the four entrepreneurs who recollected their fund-raising challenges for yesterday's Venture Forum: They don't give up easily. (7/18/2008)

CBI Raises $1 Million from Venturepharm

Contract lab company exercises put rights, collecting $500,000 in cash and $500,000 in stock. (7/10/2008)

Sifting Through the Ashes

Should U.S. Senatorial aspirant Mark R. Warner bear any blame for the failure of the venture capital funds, including Monument Capital in Richmond, he helped set up a decade ago? (7/9/2008)



Chesterfield Observer

Ashore Thing

Chesterfield County's Fireboat No. 6 passes a recent trial by fire and proves the county has a stronger firefighting force than ever. (7/10/2008)

Sprucing Up Mr. Davis' Road

Jefferson Davis Highway could eventually be the recipient of a much-needed facelift. (7/9/2008)



College

It's VCU Day!!!

VCU picked up another piece of real estate July 1 -- a spot on your calendar. The state is recognizing the day as Virginia Commonwealth University Day. (7/1/2008)



CommunityFocus

"Put the Squeeze" on Cancer

Drinking for a good cause. Well, lemonade. But for a good cause nonetheless. (7/16/2008)

Solid Foundation of Rivalry

After almost a year of fundraising, the Hokies vs. Hoos Habitat Challenge is ready to break ground and provide one local family with a safe, affordable home. (7/14/2008)

University of Richmond to open downtown office to serve the community

University of Richmond to open downtown office to serve the community (7/14/2008)

Richmond Police and Target Kickoff National Night Out

Richmond Police and Target kickoff National Night Out (7/10/2008)

Kids Beautifying Blight

Sixth Street Marketplace has been an eyesore for years but local kids and artists have given it a fresh look, at least until the wrecking ball finishes it off. (7/8/2008)



Dining

Eat Beat: Ice Cream Parlors

It's too hot to work, think or eat anything ... but ice cream. Here's our round up of the best parlors in RVA. (7/16/2008)

Dish

Why is Amici closed, when will Acacia reopen and when can Richmond get some new chains? We've got the restaurant "Dish." (7/8/2008)



Economic Development

Existing Businesses First

Business First Greater Richmond and its partners recently won a major award for its regional approach to servicing the needs of existing businesses. (7/15/2008)



Education

Bible School?

New religion course brings the Bible to classrooms in Chesterfield County Public Schools. (7/9/2008)

Va. Opens Childhood Development Office

New Office of Early Childhood Development now coordinating early childhood and preschool programs. (7/1/2008)



Environment

Earth Talk

Can watching TV cause early puberty? Sort of. (7/16/2008)

Earth Talk

Rising cases of autism? Green-friendly pesticides? (7/9/2008)

Renewable Richmond

Green space in urban environments is sometimes hard to come by. But a green roof can open the options. (7/9/2008)

Earth Talk

Corn-based plastic? Can hydrogen replace oil? (7/3/2008)



Events

Fireworks Undercover

Everyone loves watching the July 4 fireworks show at The Diamond ... except me. (7/1/2008)



Expansions & Relocations

Game On is Spot On

Game On Recruiting Systems targets the small-college niche for its athlete-recruiting software. (7/9/2008)

RoomStore World Opens Concept Store

Furniture chain uses larger-than-normal store format near corporate headquarters to test new retail concepts. (7/7/2008)

Estes on the Move

Richmond trucking company opens South Carolina office, hires FedEx executive, in bid to capture ocean-borne container traffic. (7/3/2008)

Farrell Confirms Dominion Plans to Build New Nuke

Old party line: No decision has been made to add a third reactor at North Anna. New party line: The company is "trying very hard to build one." (7/1/2008)



Healthcare

Bon Secours' in Richmond and Hampton Roads merge to form one of the largest Va. health systems

Bon Secours' in Richmond and Hampton Roads merge to form one of the largest Va. health systems (7/15/2008)



Henrico Citizen

Study: Laptop Learning Improving

Study shows that Henrico Co. Public School students are engaging in more technology-based problem solving, research, teamwork and communication-based projects (7/10/2008)

ISO: A Few Good Dads

The Henrico County Department of Social Services is seeking candidates for the fourth annual Gene Akers Father of the Year Award. (7/10/2008)

Despite Concerns, Wyndham Expansion Approved

Henrico's largest residential community is about to get even bigger. (7/8/2008)



Humor

Week of Fortune

Check out your weekly horoscope … Richmond.com style. (7/11/2008)

Week of Fortune

Check out your weekly horoscope … Richmond.com style. (7/3/2008)



Internet

Free Wi-Fi Now Available on Brown's Island

Free Wi-Fi is now available on Brown's Island. (7/10/2008)



Letters

"Gang of 26" Letter to Mayor Wilder

(7/3/2008)



Management & Strategy

Mergers Create Management Turnover

The negative impact of mergers and acquisitions can last a decade or more, say two VCU professors, as higher-than-normal management turnover persists. (7/15/2008)

The Problem is Outsourcing, Not Offshoring

Follow Jonathan Whitaker's advice and you, too, can outsource your customer service functions to overseas operations without suffering a decline in customer satisfaction. (7/9/2008)

Save the Children -- By Networking the Adults

Ironworks has upgrated the Christian Children's Fund intranet from an information resource into a tool to facilitate collaboration across countries, languages and time zones. (7/2/2008)



Markets & Trends

Kermit's Complaints Aside, It Is Easy Being Green

The economics of "green" building construction are getting so favorable that even the Richmond area is hopping on the bandwagon. (7/17/2008)



Movie Review

Elated with "Dark Knight"

Our critic says it best: '"The Dark Knight" is the best film of the year.' (7/18/2008)

Oh "Mamma!"

"Mamma Mia!" is good fun but Pierce Brosnan should under no circumstances be permitted to sing in public again. (7/18/2008)

"I Am Legend" Lite

What is it with recent Will Smith movies and sucky endings? Unfortunately, "Hancock" adds to the tally. (7/2/2008)



Museums

Laughing at His Chamber Door

The Edgar Allan Poe Museum has an exhibit showcasing depictions of the Master of Macabre through more than 50 years of comics. (7/15/2008)



Music

Kick Against the Picks

Richmond.com's bare-knuckle critique of Richmond's music critics. Warning: no one is safe. (7/15/2008)

Sheryl Crow to play Richmond for local charities.

Sheryl Crow to play Richmond for local charities. (7/11/2008)

Record Time

Check out new releases from Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis, Ron Sexsmith and Donna the Buffalo. (7/9/2008)

Kick Against the Picks

Richmond.com's new series takes on Richmond music critics. (7/7/2008)

Record Time

Check out new releases from John Mayer and Los Lonely Boys, plus a live DVD from Lamb of God! (7/1/2008)



New Products & Services

Insurance for Event Tickets

Wouldn't it be a bummer if you paid $1,000 tickets for the Springsteen concert in New Jersey but you missed the event because your airline flight was delayed? Peace of mind is now at hand. (7/18/2008)

When Nothing But the Absolute, Friggin' Best Will Do

Overdrive PC overhauls website, product line, to offer the most wickedly awesome, ultra high-performance PCs on the planet. (7/16/2008)

Hurricane, Shmurricane

Don't let a little thing like a hurricane stop you from booking your vacation. Access America's new "cancel anytime" insurance gives you 80 percent cash back if Mother Nature trashes your travel plans. (7/16/2008)

Afterthoughts

Fifty years ago, people expressed their thoughts to friends by actually writing notes to them. Now we have greeting cards... and e-cards... to express canned and "edgy" sentiments for them. The new ways are not always better. (7/15/2008)

When Good Light Bulbs Go Bad

Atlantic Electrical launches a program to recycle the mercury in old compact fluorescent light bulbs. (7/12/2008)

Insmed Demonstrates INS-19 Bioequivalence

Generic drug could compete with Neupogen, which generates $1 billion in treatment for a white blood cell disorder. (7/11/2008)

Southpeak Unveils Fall Lineup

Midlothian company gears up for the big show, the upcoming E3 Media & Business Summit in L.A. (7/11/2008)

Anthem Directory Now Accessible by Cell Phone

Medical insurance company keeps pace with new communications tools. (7/10/2008)

Soft Launch

Paraweave feels soft like carpet, it's durable like tile and environmentally friendly. But Chesterfield-based C&G Flooring is introducing the "paradigm-shifting" product into the marketplace slowly and deliberately. (7/9/2008)

Sweet Dreams for Snorers

Carpenter Co.'s new memory-foam pillow opens positions sleepers' heads to open airways, reduce snoring. (7/8/2008)

Screw Pumps and Shaft Sealing Never Looked So Sexy

Colfax is promoting its new line of fluid-handling solutions as a way to lower the cost of transporting crude petroleum. (7/3/2008)

VCU Performs New Robotic Surgery

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery reduces pain and speeds recovery times for pelvic organ prolapse, a problem affecting tens of thousands of women yearly. (7/2/2008)



News

Portion of Libbie Avenue will closed July 17 and 18

Portion of Libbie Avenue will closed July 17 and 18 (7/16/2008)

Today on national Ride to Work Day for motorcycle owners, DMV launches Motorcycle 411 safety program

Today on national Ride to Work Day for motorcycle owners, DMV launches Motorcycle 411 safety program (7/16/2008)

School Board Soapbox

School Board forum draws crowd, but write-in candidates not allowed to comment. (7/15/2008)

Huguenot Bridge will be closed on Sunday.

Huguenot Bridge will be closed on Sunday. (7/15/2008)

Meet Your District: Northside

A really, really close look at the Northside. Not stalker close though. (7/15/2008)

Meet Your District: North Central

The city has nine diverse districts with varied voices all wanting to be heard. This time we meet District 2 / North Central. (7/15/2008)

Meet Your District: West End

The city has nine diverse districts with varied voices all wanting to be heard. This time we head west to meet District 1. (7/15/2008)

VCU's Trani recuperates from quintuple heart bypass surgery

VCU's Trani recuperates from quintuple heart bypass surgery (7/15/2008)

17% Gas Rate Hike?

In City Council's chambers this week -- Richmonders' gas bills could jump by $20 per month but the OK on dogs in Byrd Park is delayed. (7/14/2008)

Jackson Ward senior housing planned

Jackson Ward senior housing planned (7/11/2008)

Richmond This Week

Galleries, Guitar Hero and a big ol' picnic are just a few of Richmond's offerings this week. (7/11/2008)

On Council's Plate

Council to consider eviction report again. (7/10/2008)

Wilder Responds to Eviction Report

Since calling a report on the attempted schools' eviction "total fabrication and poppycock," Mayor Wilder stated Wednesday that the administration lacked any basis for immediate action. (7/9/2008)

Wrangling Richmond's Wild

After the Fox 35 feral cat bulldozing fiasco, several humane organizations are banding together to catch, treat, release and monitor the colony of wild cats. (7/8/2008)

Council, Wilder Back in Court?

Council considers legal action against Mayor Wilder over budget battle. (7/7/2008)

On the Roads, Again

Legislators return to Richmond this week to hash out a transportation fix. (7/7/2008)

Hearing the Plan

Many had the chance to listen and speak on amended Downtown Master Plan this week. (7/7/2008)

Richmond This Week

From cheese tasting to river fun to enjoying some South African food and drink, Richmond's offering up a variety of good stuff this week. (7/3/2008)

Why Richmond, Why?!?

Is it OK to rake one's leaves into the street (the answer is no) and what's going on with street lights in western Chesterfield. We've got the answers. (7/3/2008)

Richmond By The Numbers

The city's July 4th program in Dogwood Dell at Byrd Park will kick off Friday at 5 p.m. So how many fireworks shoot off? How high do they go? We've got the numbers! (7/2/2008)

Mayoral Cat Fight

As the stumping heats up, the mayoral debate turns snippy. (7/1/2008)

Curbside Gridlock

After about a year's worth of discussion, the Fan District Association decided to divide the district into two parking zones. (7/1/2008)

Traffic pattern changes announced for July 4 holiday weekend

Traffic pattern changes announced for July 4 holiday weekend (7/1/2008)

Police Find Missing Henrico Teen

Kelsey Marie Ratliff was found unharmed in Chester thanks to a tip phoned in to Crime Stoppers. (7/1/2008)



Opinion

The Richmond.com Top Five

Our Top Five most loathed issues with Richmond drivers. (7/17/2008)

The Richmond.com Poll

You've voted and we've counted: you are quite up to date on the presidential election. Next up: How concerned are you with the recent banking downturn? (7/16/2008)

Reader Mailbag

Readers weigh in on the good, the bad and the ugly of Richmond.com. This week: a massive cat fight gets started over ... cats! (7/15/2008)

Beat Our Caption!

We take the picture. We write the caption. Then you write a better one. If you win, we send you some cool loot. (7/13/2008)

The Richmond.com Poll

You've voted and we've counted: You aren't all that upset with the VCU/Philip Morris connection. Next up: How closely are you following the U.S. presidential race? (7/11/2008)

The Richmond.com Top Five

You might not have asked, but we're telling you anyway. This week: Top Five favorite childhood toys. (7/10/2008)

The Richmond.com Poll

You've voted and we've counted: You are really concerned about Carytown's future. Next up: Should VCU cut it's research funding ties with Philip Morris USA? (7/8/2008)

Reader Mailbag

Readers weigh in on the good, the bad and the ugly of Richmond.com. This week, some were angry at our fireworks humor and many raised great new "Why Richmond, Why?!?" questions. (7/8/2008)