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!

Happy New Year and 2009 Top Ten

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that 2010 brings you all that you wish for. A quick look back at the top ten posts on my blog for 2009: Norfolk City Attorney tries to swat a gnat - and it swats back EXCLUSIVE: Rich Savage exits LG race Robin Abbott, candidate in the 93rd … Continue reading Happy New Year and 2009 Top Ten →

McDonnell pick for Commerce wants to stay on corporate boards

A nominee of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell has offered to reduce his salary if he is allowed to remain on the boards of several corporations. As secretary of commerce and trade, Robert Sledd would oversee 13 state agencies and help the governor carry out business-related policies. Sledd is on the board of directors of three companies … Continue reading McDonnell pick for Commerce wants to stay on corporate boards →

An end to free TV?

I'm old enough to remember when the only TV channels we had were those available over the airwaves. In Hampton Roads, we had four or five stations. One of the promises of pay TV - Cox came to Hampton Roads in the late 1970s - was advertising-free content. Of course, that never happened. Today, I … Continue reading An end to free TV? →

Long term care included in health care reform

Until I saw this article reprinted in today's paper, I was unaware that long term care had been inserted into both the House and Senate versions of the health care reform bill. The program would create a voluntary long-term care insurance program to be run by the government.Voluntary, yes. But workers at participating companies would … Continue reading Long term care included in health care reform →

McDonnell: change budget cycle

I just received an email from Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell in which he discusses the need to change the budget development cycle to odd-numbered years. The Governor made his proposal with only 28 days left in his single four-year term, carrying out his obligation as determined by our current budgetary calendar. Unfortunately, the current budget development … Continue reading McDonnell: change budget cycle →

LTE: Celebrate; don’t complain

There was a letter to the editor* in Sunday's Virginian-Pilot that has yet to make its way to the website. Since it was written by a citizen, I don't think I'm violating any copyright laws here by republishing it. (And if I am, I'm sure I'll hear about it.) For those who are upset about … Continue reading LTE: Celebrate; don’t complain →

Friday fun on a Monday: do you know news?

The Pew Research Center has an interactive quiz about the news. Head on over and see how much you pay attention 🙂 I got them all correct, but I have to admit that I wasn't sure of two of the answers. Somewhat related: we may know news but do we know history? The nonpartisan, nonprofit … Continue reading Friday fun on a Monday: do you know news? →

Senate passes healthcare reform bill

In an early morning session, the US Senate voted 60-39 in favor of healthcare reform. All 58 Democrats plus two Independents supported the measure while all of the Republicans voted against. Republican Senator Jim Bunning from Kentucky was absent from the vote. Upon its passage, Sen. Mark Warner issued the following statement: I voted in … Continue reading Senate passes healthcare reform bill →

Tracking Santa 2009

Oh you better watch out, you better not cry Better not pout, I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town NORAD will be tracking the path of Santa as he makes his rounds tonight, delivering gifts to the good girls and boys and a lump coal to the bad ones 🙂 Starting at … Continue reading Tracking Santa 2009 →

Christmas quiz: 12 Days and the Bible

I have to admit: I had no idea that the popular Christmas song, the Twelve Days of Christmas, was a song of Christian instruction. I learned this at Sen. Yvonne Miller’s Christmas luncheon, when we were presented with the quiz below. Now, without cheating, can you match the items in list A with the proper … Continue reading Christmas quiz: 12 Days and the Bible →