Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia professor and director of its Center for Politics, e-mails from Charlottesville:
The shaking was violent, and very similar to what I experienced when I learned a student named Rich Lowry had dropped my class after only a week. Seriously, we are a bit shaken up, and we will always have more sympathy for Californians and others who go through much worse. The noise was so loud that I actually thought a plane had crashed or a bomb had gone off here at the Rotunda. But the shaking went on too long. I’m upstairs in Pavilion IV, designed by Mr. Jefferson. It’s 180 years old. It’s sturdy–but nothing is sturdy enough for the jolt I felt. The old lanterns swayed substantially, as did the building itself. I lost my footing. My papers and books are all over my office–but to be honest, that’s because I stack things up to the ceiling. Hey, I live in Virginia! I didn’t expect a moderate earthquake! But my dear late mother was certainly right when she warned me to clean my room. It was a hazard. Mom, you told me so. I hope you’re happy.