Thanks for donating your dollahs. You guys are a-ma-zing

Last Friday night was my second time taking advantage of Norfolk’s now-friendly busking laws by performing as ‘the first acquisition of Norfolk’s Human Statuary.’ Here’s what happened.

The weather outside may be frightful, but the things you can do are delightful. So whether it rains or snows, don’t let this weekend f-un go.

I didn’t cut and burn my fingers on countless kitchen hazards to scoop out giant sandwiches and give a camera a come-hither stare that seems to say, “Hey there, Tiger, this big sandwich? It’s all yours.”

“There are so many reasons to buy local. Imagine Ghent with big-box stores on every corner, replacing the businesses that know their customers by name with businesses that are only concerned with the bottom line and stripping this historic area of its character.” – Charlie’s Cafe owner Ted Warren

His name is Marcus Anthony Calabrese. Get to know him a little bit here.

Just like in the movies an outsider came into town and shook everything up.

As a friend who grew up in the early 80′s in the Bronx says, “We did hiphop for need, not the greed–it made us stronger people back then.”

SlutWalks started in Toronto after a cop told an audience that if women didn’t “dress like sluts” they’d cut down their chances of being sexually assaulted. Thank you, sir, for bringing the victim-blaming out in the open.

Good country rock from good ol’ country boys.

Koch convention; Dependency on France; Political endorsements; Employee protection and unions; Suing of EPA; Army Corps of Engineers; Uranium mining; Food not Bombs members arrested.

Low and falling unemployment for the region, smoke drifts capable of respecting state boundaries, and more in today’s If You Read The Paper.

Let Gay Pride tell a story, because if it doesn’t, it will fade into irrelevance.

Troop Deployment; Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; GOP Nominee; Virginia Beach School Board and City Council; Death of Russian Scientists; Chinese Warships; Three Marines Mugged.

More often than not, the momentum for an idea comes from prolonged effort and enthusiasm that, like the labyrinth itself, prevails through twists and turns along the way.

Forget staying in. This weekend is packed full of music, barbeques, and great local art shows.

Problems with Nuclear Plant; Wind Energy Conference; Pharell gives back; Return of 10k troops to Afghanistan; Super Computer; Eugenics; James Richard Verone.

A revisit to a Pushers’ classic.

“The art on exhibit is as stunning as it is varied, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this amazing resource in Hampton Roads.” Video and photos of a young local couple’s visit to Norfolk’s beloved art museum.

We’re looking for writers willing to help give voice to those left unheard in the Norfolk area.

“It’s the end of the world as we know, it’s the end.” Whether you’re counting down to the end of the world or celebrating still being alive on Sunday, we have your weekend mapped out! Let the good times roll!

“If you sit in the back of the bus, let people demean you, and ride on the sidewalk, you’ll always feel like a doormat. Show some spine. Ride like you belong on the street, because you do.”

Lot going on here for all you art lovers, from the one and only Kat.

Star viewing party at Mount Trashmore. Plus an interview with astronomer Chuck Dibbs about those crazy shiny things in the sky.

Kat from AltDaily’s Monthly Art Events suggests these hot tickets.

What the redistricting means for Hampton Roads.

Three more skate parks will eventually be in Virginia Beach. Also, an interview with Brian Solis, Director of Planning, Design and Development for VB.

Whoever says there’s not much of an art scene in Hampton Roads needs to meet Kat Marsh. Right now.

The message was clear: “We want to instill the pride that makes our neighbors want to step up, be active members of the community, and make and maintain a beautiful, clean, friendly neighborhood.”

Sharp-minded, highly analytical and very articulate, Dahlia could see through all the lies and hypocrisy surrounding the war. She slowly began to speak out against it.

This past fall Jesse and I spent three months collecting, splitting, pondering, cooking and eating our CSA. And helping to grow a new community.

A call to the Jacoby Group, the guys behind the redeveloping of the former Ford Plant, to take a cue from the Facebook experience and challenge new friends and neighbors to bring forth their creativity and spirit to expand his vision.

“When I turned 40, everything changed. I decided that I didn’t give a shit about what people thought about me. I was going to live my life with no apologies.” Beth “Equality” Brooker.

The reason our country is in the condition it is today is not because of corrupt politicians. It’s because of good people who are too lazy, arrogant, and/or self-important to think that someone could actually want to do the right thing.

First in the web series that will make you laugh, cry, and have a latte.

His is a story of the American Dream; of being haunted by depression, disease and death; and being inspired and spiritually fulfilled despite it all.

Weed can be good. Guns can be bad. At least there’s unstoppable hip-hop tonight.

The first thing you can do is respect her. Even when she’s being a ninny, even when she’s being a bitch, especially when she’s feeling simple or low or like a loser.

Generally regarded as the opera most performed in the U.S., it was great to see such a well performed and innovative production right here in Norfolk.

“For some, having no ‘formal’ art training is an advantage because no boundaries have been set and their palette is limitless (i.e., milk jugs, bottle caps, model airplane enamel, tin roofing, etc.)”

Once known as The Wave’s DJ Android, Andra Rosenberg has evolved into a multi-faceted artist, while facing responsibilities she never imagined.

The Tide needs to reach out to Gen X’ers and younger. Call it “The Party Train.” It’s a simple way to make our region safer, cooler, and to help ensure The Tide’s success.

The production never really seems to find its focus and many moments are problematic, but the high energy approach keeps the two-and-a-half hours interesting.

An inspiring interview with local high student Connor Norton, and the dirt on some upcoming shows and performances. You don’t want to miss the “lesbian Jimi Hendrix,” right?

And more in today’s If You Read the Paper for Thursday, March 17.

From a legendary photographer to surviving in the woods and reacquainting yourself with classic tales, this weekend is going to bea-u-ti-ful!

In the spring, I love nothing more than to cook as Southern as possible. Of all my back issues of Southern Living magazine, the ones with the most wear and tears are the spring and summer issues.

Poems from the Park Place Child Life Center, and Mary’s story of following through.

The one who challenges the power of automobiles, standing boldly in street centers.

I believe that God loves each and everyone of us, good or bad.

The Shake By Shantel, 15 Can you hear what I hear? Do you feel what I feel? I think about the Shake. I awake from my dreams. Can you help me? Do you ever feel like you can’t get out, when the Shake is all that you hear? You hear about God. Let me know [...]

What’s to stop other people with lots of time and money to bully their City Council into doing whatever they want at the expense of the little guy?

With an ever-changing city like Norfolk, I’m not sure this guide will ever be complete. But then again, isn’t that what makes a city great?

Dancing in underwear and having the ability to move with no restrictions or limitations must be so freeing.

In today’s If You Read the Paper for Tuesday, March 15th.

Virginia is called the mother of presidents, but her lineage of groundbreaking hip hop stars may eventually be what truly puts this state on the map.

And if not, what’s missing to create one?

Hey Seven Cities, let’s cyber-stalk each other.

Your local greenie–Amelia Baker, owner of Green Alternatives–judges whether or not Hampton Roads has developed a strong relationship with earth-friendly habits and happenings.

A barista at Elliot’s Fair Grounds, in the heart of Ghent, talks about the connections that have changed her life while behind the coffee shop counter.

Your interest in primitive art is apparent in much of your illustration and mixed media; some of it has a childlike innocence. Are you influenced by any kind of animated art? Yes, there are quite a few influences from Winsor McCay to PIXAR, not to mention children’s book illustrations, comics, and old magazine ads. It’s [...]