Author: Vivian J. Paige

A former candidate, I've learned a lot about politics, both good and bad. I'd prefer more of the former and a lot less of the latter and I'm trying to do my part!

Songs in the key of life

Stevie Wonder's double album, "Songs in the Key of Life," is probably my favorite album of all time. I remain amazed that he could put together 17 songs, none of which sounded like any of the others. That's a tremendous talent, one that I found inspiring and one I always envied. I am a horrible … Continue reading Songs in the key of life →

Site notes

I spent several hours on Sunday (actually most of my day) trying to figure out a couple of issues with the blog. Since I've added a couple of contributors - with more to come - some have complained that they cannot tell who is writing what pieces until they get to the bottom of the … Continue reading Site notes →

Allen in, Webb?

Multiple sources, including this one, are reporting that former Senator George Allen will announce today that he is running  to reclaim his seat.  As of this writing, Allen's website carries just a message: "Stay tuned." That Allen is running should be of no surprise to anyone who has watched him over the last four years … Continue reading Allen in, Webb? →

Friday fun: Facebook, MySpace or Twitter?

You Are MySpace   You are young ... or at least you feel like you are.  (Definitely the latter 😉 ) You are drawn to musicians and artists. (Creative folks are interesting.)You are proud of who you are. (Isn't everybody?) Your quirks are an asset, and you flaunt them! (I wouldn't call them "quirks" 😉 … Continue reading Friday fun: Facebook, MySpace or Twitter? →

Critical thinking in a fast-paced world

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in today's The Virginian-Pilot. You might find this report (pdf) informative. I've found it bothersome that while there is this great push - both by Governor McDonnell and President Obama - to increase the number of college degrees, it seems we are not necessarily getting any more educated. That … Continue reading Critical thinking in a fast-paced world →

First light rail safety PSA

Hampton Roads Transit has released its first light rail safety public service announcement. The agency wants people to identify the "seven warning signs that would have made this trip a safer one." The answers are here.

Opinion, please: would you sign this pledge?

Mike Gruss of The Virginian-Pilot reported on a 32-word civility pledge sent out by a group to all of the members of Congress plus all of the governors. The pledge: I will be civil in my public discourse and behavior. I will be respectful of others whether or not I agree with them. I will … Continue reading Opinion, please: would you sign this pledge? →

Interesting combination

Senators Don McEachin and Chap Petersen along with Delegates Bob Marshall and Robin Abbott held a press conference Monday morning about proposed legislation on foreclosures, including the bill I mentioned earlier. The combination of legislators raised a few eyebrows. Strange bedfellows indeed. House bills were heard Monday afternoon at the meeting of subcommittee #2 Civil … Continue reading Interesting combination →

Honoring MLK, Jr.

Monday is the day that we officially honor the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was actually born on January 15, 1929. Four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968, a bill was introduced to make his birthday a legal holiday. It took 15 years for the bill to pass, with … Continue reading Honoring MLK, Jr. →