By Frank Blechman Living in the middle of ethnically and socially diverse Northern Virginia has some advantages. We have a lot of choices of cuisines, both in restaurants and in our grocery stores. We don’t have to go very far… Read More ›
State
The Independent Sheriffs
Robin Hood, from the depths of Sherwood Forest and by legend, stole from the rich to give to the poor and, according to Hollywood versions, was pursued by the Sheriff of Nottingham. The sheriff (shire reeve in merry old England)… Read More ›
Cancel the Culture of Democracy
At times, we are moved to shake our heads in wonder at the adaptability of politicians, especially right wingers, and more especially Republican conservatives (if, in fact, there is a difference in those terms), to coopt a concept for their… Read More ›
Around the Novahood
ORGANIC FOOD FUELS CAPITOL ASSAULT The “QAnon shaman” (a/k/a Jake Chansley) has personal needs that must be accommodated. Chansley—easily recognized for his massive horns, painted face, and fur pelts—was among those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6. According to… Read More ›
Briefly Noted
JEEPERS, CREEPERS TV addicts may recall the hapless Robinson Peepers (Wally Cox), a junior high school science teacher from the series Mr. Peepers in the early to mid-1950s. Others with longer recall will remember the song Jeepers, Creepers, a duet… Read More ›
American Pie
By Frank Blechman “Long, long time ago, I can still remember how the music used to make me smile, And, I knew that if I had my chance, I could make those people dance, And maybe, they’d be happy for… Read More ›
Lost and Blind: Beyond Redemption?
On March 21, 2017, P45 announced by tweet that, “Most people don’t even know he was a Republican,” referring to Abraham Lincoln. The suspicion remains that the startling fact was news only to the Twitterer-in-Chief himself. Presidents are not required… Read More ›
Greasy Palms, Greasy Wheels
Rarely a day passes when some news item does not present an opportunity to wonder about the perceptions and judgments of our elected leaders. The Virginia General Assembly is considering legislation to limit or even forbid gold mining in Buckingham… Read More ›
Special in Virginia
By Frank Blechman Virginia likes to be special. First at this. Last at that. We take (too much) pride in doing things our own way. We don’t play well with others. We don’t learn well from others. We don’t have… Read More ›
Where Are They Today?
MICHELE MARIE (AMBLE) BACHMANN She’s baaaaack. (Or should we say, she’s Bach?) And she now has a soap box in the Old Dominion! Do you remember Michele Bachmann? A former darling of the right, the Republican served in Congress from… Read More ›