Plenty to Eat during Tough times

A tough economy has forced Hampton Roads leaders to cut the fat out of city budgets.

The process hasn't been easy.

Teachers lost their jobs and personal property taxes rose in Norfolk.

But despite all the trimming, there's still room for prime rib.



Norfolk spent $10-thousand taxpayer dollars to celebrate swearing in city council members.

There was turkey, bruschetta, fine cheese and elaborate flower arrangements.
Not to mention chefs to serve you.







In addition, most Hampton Roads cities feed council members before meetings.

Here's how much is budgeted for food each year.

1. Norfolk $12,000
2. Portsmouth $13, 000
3. Virginia Beach: Canceled meals with budget cuts.
4. Newport News, $4,500 (a ten percent reduction from 2010)
5. Chesapeake $6,000
6. Hampton (no meals unless long meeting)
7. Suffolk, yes on meals, but couldn't give me dollar amount.

What are your thoughts on funding food during budget shortfalls?
Let's start a dialogue...

Changes after dump truck runs over man at beach...

Earlier this month, a city garbage truck driver ran over a homeless man sleeping at the Virginia Beach Ocean Front. Michael Knockett, 52-years-old, died.

In response, the city requires two people ride in each trash truck that cleans the beach at sunrise.

However, I noticed the beach grooming trucks just have one driver. They drive the same path and are just as dangerous. Perhaps if a plow driver hits a person, the city will demand two people in the seat.

What do you think???

Virginia Beach Warped Tour

Norfolk Art Everywhere Finale

I loved it! Walking down Granby street, feeling the positive energy, and having a laugh!



Some soulful music too...



Props to Altdaily, for bringing everyone together.
http://www.altdaily.com/features/arts/art-everywhere-public-feedback-needed.html

Visit Chrysler Museum

You can enjoy the Chrysler Museum, for free!


Art helps me keep life in perspective.

This painting, "Landscape with a Temple," by Hubert Robert, highlights the "transitory nature of all human achievement."

Yes..nothing lasts forever, but the stories continue to inspire.

You know the saying, "Rome wasn't built in day."

Sometimes we lean on the ruins of the past to guide our future.

So Check out the Chrysler...just one painting can make you think!

http://www.chrysler.org/

Youngest Norfolk Councilmember in 102 years.

Fans cheered as 31-year-old Tommy Smigiel took his oath of office Thursday.
The enthusiasm and excitement woke up the crowd at Norfolk's half moon center.
Smigiel told me he wants to reach out to the younger generation.




http://www.tommysmigiel.com/change.php

Louisiana Spices Up Norfolk.

As Louisiana's "adopted child," here's why you should check out Bayou Boogaloo this weekend at Norfolk's Town Point Park...

The passionate flavor will warm your soul. Just a taste of the rich culture, wakes you up to the essence of life. Louisiana, it's a place I call home.

No, I wasn't raised there. I don't even have family in the south. I never imagined I'd live in the swampland, until Louisiana called me.

It was 2008. After graduating from Ohio Univerisity, I was ready to pack up and move anywhere. I hand addressed 50 resume tapes to TV stations across the nation. What an experience! Throwing my destiny into a mailbox and then waiting.

In the coming months, I heard from news directors in Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, Mississippi, and finally Louisiana. I chose KTAL in Shreveport, LA as the place to start my career.

I sought to grow as a journalist, but I left with more than reporting skills.
I learned how to peel apart craw fish. I dressed in sequined gowns for mardi gras bals and rode in elaborate, themed floats. Louisiana is "OVER the TOP", ostentatious in a good way. It's about having too much fun with good friends and cherishing memories for life.

Tonight YOU can experience the laughter and Louisiana joy at Bayou Boogaloo.
I'll enjoy the familiar traditions, in the atmosphere of my new home, Hampton Roads.







For more information about Bayou Boogaloo visit Festevents:
http://www.festevents.org/
AND... visit the WVEC 13 News Booth. I'll be there Friday: from 5-7p.