Essays & Commentaries
Essays & Commentaries is a production of the WVTF News Department.
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Handling Snakes Essay - 3.8.10
Virginia is home to a variety of animals and pests. WVTF radio essayist David Garth says handling snakes was not part of the job description when he took over as pastor of a Presbyterian church in Keswick, Albemarle County.
ListenShenandoah Drifting - 3.1.10
The calendar still reads winter. During these long weeks, many fishermen rely on happy memories from warmer times to keep them going. Among them is WVTF radio essayist and angler Fariss Samaraai. He lives in Waynesboro and works at the University of Virginia.
ListenPlay Ball - 2.22.10
The sound of "play ball!" will soon be in the air as major league players return for spring training. WVTF Radio essayist Jake Cress remembers a much simpler time of playing the sport in Wise County. Cress is a Fincastle cabinet maker. His furniture has been featured in the Smithsonian and sold through Sotheby's.
ListenMy Ice Cream Scooplet - 2.15.10
Portion sizes are sometimes small when you dine out at a high-class restaurant. WVTF Radio essayist Janis Jaquith, though, wants to know: When does "classy" cross the line into "stingy"? Janis lives in Free Union and is a columnist for Charlottesville's Weekly "The Hook".
ListenWhy My Wife Can't Cook - 2.8.10
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and many couples celebrate by going out to dinner. WVTF Radio essayist Scott Cundiff may owe his wife a dinner; he says she can't cook. He and his family live in Roanoke.
ListenThe Gift of Winter - 2.1.10
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. WVTF Radio essayist Peter Givens will share an essay about each of the Parkway's seasons in the weeks to come. Today, he begins with winter. He lives in Vinton and is a park ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
ListenLearning to Love Grits - 1.26.10
You say "potato" and I say "potawto". And is the noontime meal "lunch" or dinner"? WVTF Radio essayist Jim Minick explores the culture clash of a Yankee and a southern belle. Minick teaches English at Radford University. He's the author of two poetry books and lives in Wythe County.
ListenStill Riding - 1.18.10
During the winter, most of us seek shelter and warmth when we're tucked inside our four-wheel-drive vehicles. WVTF Radio essayist Michael Abraham hits the road with two wheels and he likes it. He's a businessman and writer who lives in Blacksburg.
ListenHair Coloring - 1.11.10
If you've ever tried, or thought of trying, one of those "do it yourself" hair coloring kits, WVTF Radio Essayist Joy Bayshore says you might want to think twice. She's looking for something to lighten her eyebrows.
ListenHands Off - 1.4.10
The possibility of contracting swine flu has resulted in the way people greet each other. WVTF Radio essayist Linda Kobert says that's not right. She's a former nurse who lives in Charlottesville.
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