“A lot of these guys couldn’t afford a restaurant but could buy a truck and get started. I was hooked and knew Norfolk would love something like this.” – Evan, Hubcap Grill

With Valentine’s day quickly approaching, and spring time just around the corner (thank you, Virginia), it seems safe to assume that tons and tons of florals will be popping up soon—both in nature and fashion.

As long we provide a positive energy for the House, cook a tasty meal, and no one gets poisoned, I’ll define the event as a success.

After many months of conversation, HRT has agreed to extend their GoPass365 to businesses with as few as three employees at a sensible price. Score one (big one!) for Norfolk’s small businesses!

Plus all the best dance performances and classes this month in Hampton Roads.

Rep. Scott Rigell came up with four ways to try to reform Congress, but his ideas will do more harm than good. I offer alternative solutions.

Statistics show we are hipsterer than I thought.

In the interest of advancing the marijuana policy reform discussion, here are five of the most common arguments against legalizing marijuana and why they’re wrong.

“They don’t start off bad,” Lisa said. “There are no dogs that are born bad. But life, and what happens, and people’s reaction to them can turn them.”

Art, concerts, clubs, activism, love, fear, sex, destruction, and a cash bar. Get yourself in some really uncomfortable situations and live your damn life.

Bring your crappy business and your hair brain schemes to the City of Norfolk. We’ve got millions of our taxpayers’ money, and we’re just dying to spend it.

The chef prepares seared foie gras under glass. Warning: this video will make you so, so hungry.

Tomorrow should be a fun day for those of us oddly obsessed with the future of this far-too-holy port town they call Norfolk, Virginia…

Starting in December, anyone within walking distance of a Tide station will be able to journey all up and down the Eastern Seaboard by public transit, without need of a car, bus, or taxi, changing trains exactly once: at Harbor Park.

Only ask for what you need. This isn’t a teenage negotiation with your parents for movie money. Don’t ask for $50 in secret hopes of only getting $20.

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

We need to take our cues from places like New Orleans, whose citizens go out of their way to make their surroundings reflect their personalities, regardless of their income level.

They say, “the world is going to end in December 2012″ so this may very well be your last chance to ring in a new year. BRING IT.

You will find a story in this post that you love. Click it. You will. Trust us. Go on.

“With multiple adjacent cities in the Hampton Roads area, there are opportunities for cities to share services and avoid the costs of providing those services separately,” said Wick Moorman, CEO of Norfolk Southern.

When you get behind the wheel of a car you are arming yourself with a potentially lethal weapon. If you kill someone with that weapon, you should be held responsible. “I didn’t mean to do it,” just doesn’t cut it.

Plus a little creative non-fiction about the invention of the sponge table tennis paddle, starring the great Marty Reisman and a suitcase full of stolen gold.

Thinking about it now still shatters my brain. Things make so much less sense when you watch real live people spin like violent cyclones one minute and then suddenly they’re gliding through the air like a wind-plucked dandelion tuft.

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.”

CYBER MONDAY ALL OVER YO FACE! Local news, digestible and fun, just for you. Also suitable for framing.

The job I was coveting was Delgaudio’s chief of staff, whose only rewarding task is writing suggestive idioms using ram, such as “dangerously close to ramming their perversity into law” and “ram through their entire perverted vision for a homosexual America.”

This election–recently marred by anti-Northam propaganda including images of aborted fetuses and vile homophobia–is undeniably *important* to Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Artists. Photo series. Op-eds. Fine arts. Music. Occupy Norfolk. Local History. Science, zombies, bikes, and food. It’s probably been our best month of content ever.

“My life’s purpose is to do what I can to be passionate in not just my own artistic process but also in what I do for others. As for seeking music hard, pushing hard to do it, I don’t know that it’s for me.”

Dougherty speaks of “the rudimentary mastery of English that’s necessary to negotiate a ballot.” Call me lazy, or stupid, but somehow in three semesters of college Spanish I never learned how to say ‘maximum aggregate principal amount.’

VB trying to continue ban on uranium mining; McDonnell playing games with Obama; Dominion Power donates a pittance; Norfolk schools ain’t what they used to be, and more in Jay Ford’s Paper.

If we are going to spend the money, time, and resources developing Fort Monroe, why not labor for a worthwhile idea rather than an arbitrary one? How about an economy boosting nudist colony?

We are looking for editorial interns, marketing interns, web interns, and otherwise passionate and hard working souls.

The Lie That Tells the Truth Top story: I’m co-directing the 34th Annual Old Dominion University Literary Festival, which runs throughout next week. We’re bringing 17 world-class poets, fiction writers, playwrights, photographers, scholars, and musicians to Old Dominion to read and discuss their work. The events are all free, except for a concert on Monday [...]

Plus Cooch does a good thing, VA leaves NCLB, Virginia Uranium, and more in today’s If You Read the Paper with Jay C. Ford.

And more in Addy Smith’s informative and fun If You Read the Paper for Monday, September 26, 2011.

They say, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” I say, the weekend is a terrible thing to waste. So get out there and have some fun. It’s a no-brainer.

In the cycling world, the mantra is, “don’t get mad, get active.”

Can they really arrest you for cursing? Is VB really bike friendly? Is segregation really being recommended in VB schools? And more.

Rick Perry at Liberty U, funding for local Amtrak routes cut, Pat Robertson opens his mouth (you know what happens next), a plan for Wards Corner, and more in John McManus’ If You Read the Paper for Friday, Sept 16.

“In response Cuccinelli’s face developed a glitch, going intermittently pixilated for a few nanoseconds in a manner undetectable on TV.” And more gems from celebrated novelist/AltDaily columnist John McManus.

Swing at The Attucks, new local ballet company with TRDance, Lindy Hop, Elisa Monte, Elbert Watson, and more. Hampton Roads has the moves, y’all.

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

As the media and entertainment industry brings the shores of Jersey closer and closer to Virginia Beach, we will resist. Long live the Virginia Beach Culture.

Tom Barbee is a talented photographer working and living in Virginia Beach. He’s also a pretty rad guy as far as I can tell.

“I want people to see our videos and say. ‘Yo, I know that dude who is dancing. He goes to my school in Chesapeake!’ or hear an out-of-towner say, ‘Yo seriously, the 757 region they got their scene rockin’!'”
-Johnny Breaker of RadioActive Cardboard

Brand new Hip-hip video with introduction by its art director, Robert Simmons.

Literally located in the cellar of the historic and gorgeously appointed Church Point Manor House, The Cellars features seasonal “regional cuisine,” and the atmosphere is beautiful, yet far from stuffy.

My love (sometimes love/hate) affair with living a healthy lifestyle makes it very challenging to go out with friends to enjoy a meal. I have learned with experience that with prior planning and a little education on options, going out to enjoy a meal with friends or family doesn’t have to mean ditching my diet or sacrificing on taste.

The restaurant is small in a quaint way. There was limited seating, but it made me feel like I was important and part of small dinner party. I like feeling important.

John McManus uses his big old brain to break the news down for all us sinners here in Hampton Roads.

The news that shapes how the country sees us, the news the shapes how we see ourselves.

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

Muddled and shaken, a pinch of sugar flawlessly balances the peppermint and lime. The smoothness of the alcohol fused with the fresh ingredients guarantees your return and eternal gratitude to Edwin for delivering such a divine elixir within our earthly grasps.

“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.

This beautiful mélange of fresh spring vegetables, herbs, and tofu is light, refreshing, and pairs wonderfully with a deep red dipping sauce.

“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!

An overview of what we’ve done and what we’re all about.

For me every inch of the Oceanfront is familiar and much more than a tourist attraction.

This year the Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival will feature the “Emerging Artist” exhibit in partnership with AltDaily and Tidewater Art Alliance. This is a preview.

Bob McDonnell subsidizes Spielberg; Challengers lining up to face Rigell; George Allen is being followed; Old people dying is good for gay marriage.

There is a million things to do this weekend! Have your pick: learn about bats, christen the new Jewish Mother @ Hilltop, celebrate Cinco De Mayo at the beach, have fun at Wine Fest, Try It on Saturday, fly kites, get a free comic, and even save a theater!

SEALs honored privately; outsourcing things that could be done here (and saving a bundle); new Midtown tunnel?; and GreenBuildIt kicking green butt.

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

There is Art | Everywhere this weekend. And besides the opening reception there is literally art, everywhere, for you to experience. From the art of cooking during Dining Out For Life, to the art of dance at Rolodecks on Friday, and the art of makeup during Drag Brunch on Sunday, get out and be a part of it.

And a bunch more fun and informative stuff to make your life better here in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, in If You Read the Paper.

The news is slow today, so let me tell you about free canoe trips, and the triumph of street music in Norfolk.

Redistricting, McDonnell encourages people to drive less, ODU raising tuition, JewMa legal battle, PharrellxNASA.

This Saturday, April 23, is the 2nd Annual Day of Dance for Autism, with the proceeds again benefiting TASA.

This week’s events, plus an interview with lesbian author and veteran Dahni McPhail.

Whether you’re a fan of Easter or Earth Day, chocolate or gardening, this weekend is full of awesome fun! From a Native American Festival, two Earth Day happy hours, Riverfest, and even Loose Lips, there’s no room for boredom.

Plus a chance for you to sign up too.

James Delisco was a foster child who didn’t speak until his was five years old. Then he saw Michael perform.

All the best local music blogs, all the best concerts, all the best the Norfolk/Virginia Beach music scene has to offer.

“It was the morning show for the hungover and unemployed, so it started at four in the afternoon.” –Alfredo Torres

“My artwork to me is visual escapism. It is dream landscapes, the mystery of the unknown and creatures of the subconscious. The focus is less on expression and more on raw invention.”

Cuccinelli, gay adoption, no new taxes, Virginia health care law, gambling raids, and more in today’s Paper by John McManus.

It’s a live-action version of ABC’s Wipeout, the Navy Seal edition.

The present and future of Virginia Beach, according to Mayor Sessoms.

If the dollar is ditched by the major powers, as is already in the process of happening, its value will plummet and your paycheck will buy far less than it used to.

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.

If regulating gun shows only to the point of making them par with firearm retail outlets could be accomplished, this would be a major step in the right direction.

“My vagina was angry and full of angst. Thinking back on it, I do not think that my vagina even liked herself. She just pretended to.” The Vagina Monologues come back to Hampton Roads.

Suffolk considers ditching HRT, WHRO safe for now, average wages in Hampton Roads, and more from that lovable Addy Smith.

How many chances do you get to watch someone create an entire fiction story from beginning to end? Mini-Comics Day is April 9th.

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

Here is a comprehensive list of the city council members in the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth and how to contact them.

8. It’s as far from golf’s “exclusive” stereotype as you can get. Just like the rest of Norfolk — all are welcome.

Grunwell gives the 2011 Darden Lecture in Education on April 6th at 7:30 p.m. at Old Dominion University.

In a world where people sit in their homes all evening watching crappy shows on TV, one website is fighting to save street life in Norfolk…

“People are going to be totally pissed if you do that.” And then I said, “That’s exactly what I should do then.”

I looked at the scene around me, and realized with immense delight that every single person in the theatre was dancing.

And more in today’s If You Read the Paper.

“I became fascinated by the myriad ways national iconography surfaces and the ironies that emerge in the story of the American experience. These stories and mythology create a common identity among members of the nation.”

Once you see Dan Kamin, you won’t think about mimes the same way ever again.

Silly me, I actually assumed our legislators wouldn’t act like children and draw lines reminiscent of a kid with a box of crayons.

The Bartender’s Ball, Slick Rick, Cherry Blossoms, and Classical Clowns are just a small taste of what’s headed your way this weekend! Hope you’re ready!

Norfolk Police Chief an honest man, redistricting, Obama on Libya, and more.

How to climb stairs really really fast, a preview of Step Up For The Up Center Stair Climb.