We can prevent the extinction of small businesses – right here in Hampton Roads – simply by shifting our spending.

What kind of mad chef would open a ramen restaurant in Norfolk and be closed everyday except Sunday? A chef who likes food and doesn’t care much about what you expect from him.

Shomi has always repped local artists and connected them with the many major industry contacts he has accumulated over the years. His desire to do this stems from the support he himself got from, at the time, then-local artists such as Pharrell Williams, The Clipse and Nottz.

For a self-declared foodie and vegetarian, walking into a restaurant like Baladi Mediterranean Café is a relief, a surprise, a haven of solidly delicious, fresh fare.

What prompts even those of us who have no affiliation with the Emerald Isle past getting to second base during a viewing of The Boondock Saints to decide we’re participating in a Celtic religious holiday?

Perhaps those who are offended by Limbaugh need to remind themselves that they, and not local stations, are the owners of the airwaves that carry what is offensive to them.

Our own backyard is privy to some of the most progressive, inspiring eco-projects in the county, including Algal Biodiesel, the Solar Decathlon, and the Great American Clean-up.

Did I mention I’m .68439 parts Irish?

The film ‘Urbanized’ plays at the Naro Thursday, presented by AIGA

Now celebrating 15 years of existence, the Commonwealth’s most successful urban music open-mic, has weathered a number of moves that it has continually recovered from.

Nine out of ten Virginians lived through a weather-related disaster in their city or county in recent years, according to a new Environment Virginia report. And that extreme weather is being fueled by global warming.

“One of our crafters told me the other day that we were creating this community. I don’t think it’s just us, but it’s thrilling to be a part of that. We all create our community. We’re just one part of bringing that community together.”

In talking with GLBT students and others, I heard repeatedly how important it is to have a place to relax and just be, without having to explain or listen to awkward comments or feel on display.

As a first selection for What If All Hampton Roads Read the Same Book, any title I name above would suit me except the novelization of G.I. Jane.

RICHMOND – The much-debated bill that requires ultrasound testing before abortions has been signed into law by Gov. Bob McDonnell.