Charlottesville–Right Now: Brian Balogh joins Coy Barefoot

1.25.11 Professor of History at the University of Virginia Brian Balogh joins Coy to discuss vitriolic speech in America. Is this hateful rhetoric a new trend in American politics? Balogh and Barefoot take a trip back and look at some of the most impactful events in American media history in order to determine the answer. Balogh does feel as though rhetoric has become more violent during his lifetime, and while he himself would not use some of the language found seemingly daily on national talk radio, he would defend the rights of other hosts to use it. You can also hear Balogh every week as a part of the BackStory Radio team.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Ed Roseberry joins Coy Barefoot

1.21.11 Local photographer Ed Roseberry joins Coy for a discussion of his work. Roseberry also has a released book of photographs chronicling life in Charlottesville and at the University of Virginia during the 1950’s and 60’s titled The Inward Eye. The coversation opens by explaining how Roseberry ended up choosing to pursue photography as a career, and then goes to recount the Charlottesville native’s career, beginning with the first camera he ever owned. Mr. Roseberry has amassed an incredible body of work capturing the maturation of the University of Virginia, and he has done it all as an independent photographer.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Professor John Miller joins Coy Barefoot

1.20.11 Professor and Chair of the University of Virginia’s Department of Classics John Miller joins Coy to discuss Miller’s new book Apollo, Augustus, and the Poets.

Miller talks about the origin of the title of his new work, which received the 2010 Charles Goodwin Award of Merit from the American Philological Association, and then delves into what life was like from both a political and a mythological standpoint in the Roman Empire about which he has written. Today’s conversation also touches on one of the most famous of the classics- Vergil’s epic poem The Aeneid, plus the role of the classics in today’s higher education in America.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Jeff Looney joins Coy Barefoot

1.19.11 Editor of the Thomas Jefferson Retirement Papers Jeff Looney joins Coy to discuss the release of the newest volume of the Jefferson Papers. The recently published Volume 7 covers the War of 1812, and Looney describes the letters penned by our 3rd President regarding the series of events which kickstarted the war between the United States and Great Britain. Also included are the first documents referencing Albemarle Academy- the school which would eventually become the University of Virginia.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Poet Rita Dove joins Coy Barefoot

1.17.11 Pulitzer-Prize winning Professor of English and Poet Laureate at the University of Virginia Rita Dove joins Coy for a special discussion of poetry. Dove offers a reading of a couple of her own poems- “Testimonial” and “Black Billy Waters, at His Pitch”- amongst an explanation of her words and the roots of her career. Her love of poetry is explored, as are her affinities for music, movement, and dance. Also, in honor of the Martin Luther King holiday, today’s conversation recaps the wonder of King’s ability to galvanize an audience. Dove’s list of honors and accolades is truly remarkable, and here is a chance to hear one of the most notable members of the Charlottesville community speak at length on her career.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Jennifer Greeson joins Coy Barefoot

1.12.11 Author and Professor of English at the University of Virginia Jennifer Greeson joins Coy to discuss her new book Our South. The conversation first touches on Thomas Jefferson’s true identity (American, Virginian, but not necessarily Southerner) before traveling through the history of the U.S. South from a literary approach beginning with the Revolutionary War. In what ways was the Mason-Dixon line viewed as a barrier between worlds from both inside and outside of the South? How can the fantasy world of literature help us to understand the relationships between South-North and South-World? Professor Greeson’s book Our South: Geographic Fantasy and the Rise of National Literature, addresses these questions and much more.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Jennifer Oppenheimer joins Coy Barefoot

1.11.11 Director of Special Programs at the UVA School of Continuing Studies Jennifer Oppenheimer joins Coy to discuss what is on tap for the spring semester. Oppenheimer previews what courses are being offered, including the very popular history of “Thomas Jefferson and Monticello.” In addition, a new course will be offered on the “slow foods movement.” The program is no grades- and no hastles- and you can hear all of the details here.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Professor Ed Murphy joins Coy Barefoot

1.10.11 Professor of Astronomy at the University of Virginia Ed Murphy joins Coy to discuss breaking news out of UVA today. Research astronomers in Murphy’s department at Mr. Jefferson’s University discovered a black hole in a far away galaxy. First, Professor Murphy explains exactly what a black hole is. He then details the process of how one “discovers” such a region in space.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Professor Ervin Jordan, Jr. joins Coy Barefoot

1.6.11 Author and Associate Professor from the University of Virginia Ervin Jordan, Jr. joins Coy to discuss the recent PBS documentary seriesThe American Experience studying Robert E. Lee. Professor Jordan was featured prominently in the piece, and today he paints a full picture of General Lee’s life. Still a hero today in the Old Dominion, Lee was viewed in his time as the pinnacle of what a Virginian should be, but Jordan is also able to humanize the historical figure pointing out a few of his flaws. In addition, Professor Jordan places the remembrance of the Civil War in the context of commemoration rather than celebration. For further reading from a local perspective, check out Ervin Jordan’s book Charlottesville and the University of Virginia in the Civil War.

Charlottesville–Right Now: Rick Britton joins Coy Barefoot

1.5.11 Best-selling author and local historian Rick Britton joins Coy to begin their conversational series of the lifetime contributions of Thomas Jefferson. Today’s discussion offers an overview of the topics to come in the series which Coy has aptly titled “TJ’s Greatest Hits.” Also, be sure to check out Britton’s lecture series at Michie Tavern coming up at the end of the month, and for more details call [(434) 977-1234].

Charlottesville–Right Now: Professor J.E. Lendon joins Coy Barefoot

12.15.10 Professor of History at the University of Virginia J.E. Lendon joins Coy to discuss his new book Song of Wrath: The Peloponnesian War Begins. The new release details the decade of clashes between Athens and Sparta known as the Peloponnesian Wars. Lendon explains the title of the book, then touches on the process of studying the battle tales of Thucydides before plunging into recreating the bloodshed that was Ancient Greece in the 5th century B.C.