I’m ignoring everything negative today.

Even the people hating on positive things.

Think your vote in Va.’s elections doesn’t matter? Think again.

The Pilot has a story with this headline. When our hometown paper prints excellent stories, I love it here more. (Oh my, we’re off to an excellent start!)

And then I actually read the article. Bill Sizemore should run for office. Or he should at least be campaign manager for somebody. Journalism is great and all, but our country, state, and local municipalities are kind of fucked at present moment, wouldn’t you agree? Somebody this intelligent that gets politics at this level should not be on the outside looking in. We cannot afford to have our most talented minds sitting on the political sidelines.

I believe that our country is getting so beyond fucked up that soon there will be a revolution. It will not be a revolution with guns and blood. It will be one of minds attacking a corrupt political system. Of minds attacking a regressive economic system. Of minds attacking a lethargy that has come to run through our blood like a poison, like some chemical the bad guys have dropped in the water to keep us slow and comfortable.

I believe that enough of us care. I believe that many of those people are here in Hampton Roads, Virginia. I believe that America will rise again on the backs of the brave, intelligent, and noble.

Etc. All good news.

Naro marks 75-year anniversary

My favorite room in Hampton Roads (other than a couple selected bedrooms) turned 75. That people around these parts have supported something celebrating and creating good culture for 75 years gives me hope that AltDaily can make it.

Norfolk ordinance could have ‘em dancing in streets

When you see more musicians and performers in the streets of Norfolk this summer, you’ll primarily have two people to thank: City Councilwoman Theresa Whibley and our own Jesi Owens.

Here’s my personal proof that government *can* listen, and that some politicians actually want to listen to their constituents. I emailed Dr. Whibley, my council person, a while back to chat about a few things. We met at Fair Grounds. We talked. She said something along the lines of, ‘I’d like more street performing too. It’d be good for the city. Let’s see what we can do about that.’

We invited Jesi Owens, our music editor who had been pushing this issue from our end, to the next meeting. Jesi had prepared a Power Point about street performing that would make you weep. It quoted numerous city ordinances. It gave a dozen examples from other cities. It didn’t just offer up a problem, it presented well-considered solutions.

And now, thanks to the prompting of Dr. Whibley, the stake holders are meeting to formalize the language of a new ordinance. Full disclosure, I’ve been in on these meetings. Included have been people from the city manager’s office, a lawyer from the city, representatives from various civic leagues and business associations, and leaders of local music and entertainment venues. The atmosphere has been collegial and upbeat. I truly believe that everyone in that room loves Norfolk, and wants to see it thrive. It’s been fun.

Democracy is fun.

Soon the City of Norfolk will declare, loud and clear, that music is welcome on our streets (as is already granted by the First Amendment.) And our world here will be a little brighter.

Tattoo festival in Hampton celebrates the art of ink on skin

This is a step in the right direction for local culture.

Warm Monday expected to give way to severe storms

It’s so nice here when it’s warm. Watching the rain fall onto the Elizabeth (or whatever body of water you’re near) is so pretty. This is a day worth celebrating.

Let’s celebrate it with a homegrown music video, yes.

Mystery surrounds dead horse near Oceana

People care this much about a horse?! That is good news.

New Blackwater trial to begin next week

That our soldiers of fortune aren’t allowed to completely run amok over there is good news.

Virginia Legislators Pass Offshore Wind Resolution

“The Virginia General Assembly voted this week to approve a resolution supporting offshore wind and the development of the National Offshore Wind Technology Center in Hampton Roads.”

Earth, Wind & Fire to play free concert at Fort Monroe

Virginia Beach concert promoter Bill Douthat put this together. He wins two Kudos bars, courtesy of the AltDaily staff.

Surf Report

Yup, ocean is still here.

It’s okay to be happy.