Silent Rapture

I didn’t follow all that Rapture nonsense too closely. I was busy, uh, napping, or something. So yesterday, I learned from friends that since the world didn’t come crashing in on us all last weekend, there’s talk in some circles about how it was really a “silent rapture,” like, in people’s disillusioned hearts or whatnot.

This past weekend in PTown (metaphorically). (Art | Jan Luyken)

I much prefer Silent Disco. And I digress.

Apparently, Virginia Beach also can’t get down with loud Jesus. Their City Council just unanimously approved to limit street preacher’s decibel levels to 80. This is about the loudness of a garbage disposal. It is much, much quieter than a Camaro decked out in Rockford Fosgates, or a crying kid. This, of course, poses the bigger question: Do Virginia Beachers really love jet noise?

It also shines a light on issues surrounding discrimination within First Amendment rights. Having just been privy to Norfolk’s procedures with passing the busking ordinance, I heard the term “street preacher” more than I ever thought possible. This is because street preachers and street performers are both protected under the same ideas of freedom of speech and expression. Not once did the concept of separating what *type* of speech or expression come up. In fact, it was quite the opposite, with the city attorney Jack Cloud repeatedly reminding the group that what we do for one we must do for all when it comes to First Amendment.

I don’t know what allows Virginia Beach to pull this particular group out from all others. I know their old noise ordinance law was found unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court in 2009.

So, in the spirit of all things Rapture (and, well, disco), here’s some Blondie to start your Wednesday off right (do tha punk rock!)

Swept Away

In case you were under a rock or chained to a cubicle yesterday, there was a crazy nutzo hailstorm that came outta nowhere. Virginia Beach’s Town Center was without power until this morning and The Pilot says 64,000 are still without. More tragically, the storm was also responsible for the death of a Norfolk Naval Shipyard employee. Here’s a slideshow of damages WVEC put together.

In keeping with the music video theme, please enjoy “Summer Storms” by local favorites Long Division.

The Barter System

A Utah woman has been charged with attempted possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after approaching an undercover cop. She stated she only had $2 and an Olive Garden salad in a to-go box but could get more money *OR* more Olive Garden gift cards.

I like her style. It brings a whole new meaning to the term “OG.”

Roller Derby Shop Opens

Christy Young was my favorite person to read about this week. A former Dominion Derby Girl, she realized the lack of roller derby equipment availability and opened a store-meets-rink in Virginia Beach. You see, people who are into this kind of roller skating normally have to buy their gear online, hope it fits, mail it back otherwise, etc. It’s a pain. Young’s store is the only of it’s kind for several hours, which lures customers from DC, Charlottesville, Richmond, and The Outer Banks. It combines retail with derby classes and regular roller skating in its 5,600 square foot rink. I just love when Greater Norfolk residents find niche markets for cool, left-of-center products or services and make them work.

Park Place Update

After their success with facelifting the old Zedd’s building downtown, Hampton Roads: The Canvas has announced its second art-meets-sadface building project will be in Park Place, at the old Boys & Girls Club. If you’re an artist, apply to get your work up there! If you’re kind and have something to donate to this great cause, that’d be pretty great of you. If you live in Park Place, I hope the art will bring a little color and happiness to your summer!