BC is off today.

Which means you’re stuck with me.

Let’s start with some mentions of Hampton Roads in the national press lately. Got to be aware of the news that’s shaping how the rest of the country sees us.

Offshore wind challenges emerging at Virginia Beach conference on the renewable energy source

Two facts: (1) America needs to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and refocus on renewable energies. (2) According to this AP article published in the Washington Post, “Virginia is seen as a prime area for the development of offshore winds because of the relatively shallow ocean bottom 20 miles out to sea and the optimal winds out there.”

So let’s start getting as many wind turbines up as soon as possible, right? Sounds simple enough.

Art | smartregion.org

Not so fast. We have the country’s sixth largest port, one that will get even busier with the expansion of the Panama Canal. We’ve got that giant Naval base, the biggest in the world. We’ve got the men and women who make their living off commercial fishing. All of these interests must be considered. Based on this article it seems like they are, and that the the Virginia Offshore Wind Conference was a big success.

“We have to try to work these (issues) out now,” said, Joan Bondareff, a maritime law specialist and a member of the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority. “I think these are conflicts that can be resolved.”

It’s a great attitude. There is a solution that gets turbines up and running without rocking anyone’s boat. These conversations are how you find it.

Abortion debate clouds Planned Parenthood application

From the paper up in Richmond. They’re taking a look at news laws that require medical facilities where abortions are performed–such as Planned Parenthood–to be licensed as hospitals.

“There are times when the needs of patients, especially those not blessed with full financial reserves, must transcend the political arena,” Dr. Mitchell B. Miller, past president of the Medical Society of Virginia and Virginia Academy of Family Physicians., wrote in a letter of support for the application. “This is one of those times.”

The battle is focused on two operating rooms at the Planned Parenthood in Virginia Beach. These operating rooms would be used to “treat gynecological conditions ranging from pelvic pain and breast biopsies to urinary incontinence and sterilization.”

According to their former director, abortion is only 6% of what our local Planned Parenthood does.

When you try to shut down health care clinics where women can safely receive abortions, women who never have and never will receive an abortion get hurt. God fearing women, even.

Ex-Blackwater worker gets prison for Afghan killing

This Reuters story was published in the Jerusalem Post. So these two Blackwater dudes shot two people in a car and a man walking his dog. They got 30 months for manslaughter. You don’t have to tell the Israelis that the world is crazy all over.

Not one of the new pictures, just a cool picture of the Titanic at the docks of Southampton.

Never Before Seen Photos Doomed Ocean Liner, Titanic

ABC News lets the world know that we’ve got some neat pictures of Capt. Smith’s bathtub, right here in NFK.And now, the local news according to us locals.

Tattoo parlors have a hard time before City Council

There’s only one tattoo parlor in Newport News? Huh?

Blue Horseshoe tried to set up shop in NN, but were denied by council 4-3. According to this story in the Daily Press by Joe Lawlor, “The city’s police department objected to the tattoo parlor because of the “high crime” in that area, and concerns that the tattoo parlor would further exacerbate crime problems.”

If I ever commit a crime blame my tattoos, not me. It’s their fault.

Hampton 400 Anniversary statue will arrive this month

“The three founding cultures represented on the three-sided statue are Native Americans, Africans and white Europeans.”

Good on you, Hampton. Seems like also they made a fun (albeit non-local) choice for the sculptor.

Lawrence Noble “is known for his sculptures of “Star Wars” characters Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda that greet visitors at the Lucas film campus at the Presidio in California.”

“The Civil War: Visual Perspectives, Then and Now”

The Daily Press is running some of The Chrysler’s “nationally known collection of Civil War photographs.” Worth a look. People fought for freedom here.

Major League all-star game will have Hampton Roads flavor

We’ve got three dudes heading to Phoenix for the mid summer classic. Right on.

Scholarships aim to help those affected by Massive Resistance

Clip | vahistorical.org

If you don’t know about Massive Resistance, give this article a read. It’s an important part of our local history, and this article shows how some modicum of amends is being made.

Three of ‘Norfolk Four’ appeal to Va. high court

I’m missing something here. The three were pardoned by Tim Kaine and released from prison. Another man, Omar Ballard, “confessed to committing the crime alone and is serving a life term in prison.” Yet still, the three are registered sex offenders. Well, I guess some of justice is better than none of it at all.

New NSU president has energy, experience – and a vision

“One of the things I will bring is hope. Hope to the Norfolk State university community.”

Fentress airfield to shut down for major repairs

Expect more jet noise in VB.

Revolutionary truths about slavery in Williamsburg

“What is it like to interact with an audience as an 18th century man?” Read on…

They're onto their 2nd issue.

The Quotable

Did you know about this locally-published literary magazine?

21 Jump Street Headed to Theaters in March

I knew Johnny Depp, and Richard Greico, you are no Johnny Depp.

What Does Newt Gingrich Know?

I enjoyed this piece from the Sunday New York Times, where the very good and very biased writer Andrew Ferguson reads all of Newt’s books (there’s a ton of them) and then says nice and not nice things about them.

Random link of the day:

Arts & Letters Daily

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