News 2008-05-28 Andanh.com

Talk to the editor Wednesday a.m. Tue, 27 May 2008 16:42:17 -0500
Join Daily Press state/region/politics editor Dave Hendrickson at 9:30 (or so) Wednesday morning for Dave's Morning Call -- your live-blogging chance to let us know what we should be covering in the world of Peninsula and Virginia politics.

Virginians rank the issues, and transportation is not in the top three. Tue, 27 May 2008 13:38:51 -0500
Virginia Commonwealth University released an interesting poll Tuesday that hits several state issues. Some of the results are not surprising. Some are. On the U.S. Senate race, former Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner, a Democrat, is better known and has a more favorable image either of his potential Republican opponents. Warner's favorable rating is 47 percent, compared to 23 percent for former Gov. Jim Gilmore. Del. Bob Marshall, the other GOP contender, has a different problem. Hardly anyone knows who he is. Only 8 percent of the poll respondents had ANY opinion of him (3 percent favorable, 5 percent unfavorable) while a whopping 79 percent said they hadn't heard enough about him to form an opinion. The numbers indicate that Gilmore "will have to reintroduce...

OK, but he didn't rule out a Cabinet post. Tue, 27 May 2008 13:19:30 -0500
For the record, Gov. Tim Kaine still isn't buying this talk of teaming up with Democratic presidential front-runner Barack Obama as the nominee for vice president. Several media pundits (what do they know?) have put Kaine on a VEEP short list. Asked about the possibility this morning on WTOP radio, the governor said he was flattered to be mentioned, but added: "I think he's likely to go in a different direction." Kaine said other Virginians might be good options, such as Sen. Jim Webb. Maybe so, but Kaine keeps getting mentioned for a couple of reasons. Virginia hasn't backed a Democrat for president since the LBJ landslide of 1964, but this year the Democrats hope to contend. If Obama continues to have trouble picking up...

Why wait for the GOP convention? Cast your votes now Tue, 27 May 2008 11:04:36 -0500
The GOP convention gets underway Friday in Richmond, and here's your chance to be a prognosticator -- two polls on how things may turn out when all the votes are counted. lt;a href =quot;http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/645746/quot; gt;How will the GOP nomination battle for U.S. Senate turn out this weekend?lt;/agt;nbsp; lt;br/gt; lt;span style=quot;font-size:9px;quot;gt; (lt;a href =quot;http://www.polldaddy.comquot;gt;nbsp; surveyslt;/agt;)lt;/spangt; lt;a href =quot;http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/645751/quot; gt;And who will win the nod as RPV chairman?lt;/agt;nbsp; lt;br/gt; lt;span style=quot;font-size:9px;quot;gt; (lt;a href =quot;http://www.polldaddy.comquot;gt;nbsp; surveyslt;/agt;)lt;/spangt;

Is Virginia really turning purple? Tue, 27 May 2008 10:35:35 -0500
Just out of curiosity ... what do you think is really happening in Virginia this election year? In the presidential race, you can find a poll to support just about any outcome. In the Senate race, Mark Warner seems to have a solid lead over Jim Gilmore and/or Bob Marshall. And now, according to Southern Political Report, three Virginia congressional districts that have been solidly Republican may end up shifting to the Dems: They give Glenn Nye a shot at upsetting incumbent Thelma Drake; they think Republican incumbent Virgil Goode may have offended one too many people; and they think that either Leslie Byrne or Gerald Connolly has a legitimate shot at succeeding retiring Rep. Tom Davis. So what do you think?

The editor ... has finally shown up! Tue, 27 May 2008 09:52:23 -0500

Let's talk Tuesday morning Fri, 23 May 2008 17:51:08 -0500
Here's hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend. Remember to say thank you to a veteran. And come Tuesday morning, let's talk about politics and what should go into next week's newspapers.

Wow Vivian Paige has some pull huh? Fri, 23 May 2008 14:09:58 -0500
Big ups to Norfolk blogger Vivian Paige for throwing a Memorial Day bash that is enough of an event that it draws both Democratic candidates for governor. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, and Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria, are both making the trek to Hampton Roads this holiday weekend for the event, which is apparently Paige's third in a row. Should be interesting to see what these hopefuls think of Hampton Roads traffic on Memorial Day weekend - and see how they frame the transportation issue on the campaign trail. The party's on Saturday so they'll get to dodge the worst congestion, but I'm sure they'll get the idea. (Full disclosure: I still owe Paige an adult cocktail of her choice for a dead-on prediction from about...

Attention Red Sox Nation: Jim Webb as "a son of Southie"? Fri, 23 May 2008 12:44:59 -0500
The Boston Herald's Rachelle Cohen is the latest to weigh in on Virginia Sen. Jim Webb's book tour and what (if anything) it says about his desire to be/the wisdom of choosing him as a candidate for vice president. She seems to think he would play well in South Boston, and recounts a story Webb told recently about a 1981 visit he made to the area. "With his auburn hair and ruddy complexion Webb could easily pass for a son of Southie and confessed the visit included quite the Southie pub crawl," she writes. Read the whole story here.

GI Jim Fri, 23 May 2008 11:20:10 -0500
Virginia Sen. Jim Webb is quite a popular guy around Capitol Hill these days, now that both houses of Congress have passed his GI Bill, giving troops returning from war a free college education. Webb insists his legislation has nothing to do with politics, and even Republican critics of his measure say they believe him. As a decorated Vietnam combat veteran and former Navy secretary, Webb brings enormous credibility to the cause of strengthening veterans' benefits in a time of war. ``This is taking care of the people who have taken care of us," Webb said of his measure, which gives troops who have served at least three years on active duty a full college education. ``There's no politics in this." But there is also...

Poll: Roads not No. 1 issue Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Public schools are the top concern, while transportation funding ranks fourth on Virginians' list.

Latest plans for Fort Monroe draw kudos, some skepticism Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The future of the central section of the 570-acre post is still the main cause of dispute.

The newest snapshot of the future of Fort Monroe has blurry spots, but even some of the most outspoken critics of the planning effort are offering kudos.

Transportation plan might take a toll on you Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Federal officials say tolling programs can encourage carpooling and cut down on rush-hour traffic congestion.

Man faces more charges in use of MySpace to meet boy Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Chesapeake man was charged in March with taking indecent liberties with a boy.

— A 26-year-old Chesapeake man faces additional charges for using MySpace to meet a 14-year-old boy to engage in sexual acts.

More charges for man who used MySpace to meet teen Tue, 27 May 2008 16:29:00 -0400
A 26-year-old Chesapeake man faces additional charges for using MySpace to meet a 14-year-old boy to engage in sexual acts.

Board passes budget but Democrats abstain in protest Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Democratic proposal to faze out the stormwater fee got zero support from the Republican majority.

A majority of James City supervisors thought the budget up for a vote Tuesday night was lousy. It passed anyway.

Man shot, killed is city's seventh homicide Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 26-year-old Norfolk man was shot and killed Tuesday night at the Candlewood Apartments on Candlewood Way in midtown Newport News.

Two brothers arrested in attack on man in Williamsburg Tue, 27 May 2008 00:37:00 -0400
Williamsburg police arrested two brothers early Saturday in connection with an attack on another man following an argument in the 100 block of Merrimac Trail.

Virginia uncorks successful wine business Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The state's distribution system has drawn the attention of vintners around the U.S.

Virginia's wine industry was saved on the stone porch of David King's estate in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Navy credit union expands membership Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Now open to all military branches, Navy Federal has more than $35B in assets.

In a move that's sure to affect Hampton Roads banks and credit unions, Navy Federal Credit Union has expanded its membership to all branches of the military.

Companies offering benefits for adoptive parents Tue, 27 May 2008 13:47:00 -0400
When Tim Huval and his wife decided to adopt, they got financial aid, moral support and legal counseling from a seemingly unlikely source: his employer.

Retailers target vacation trend Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
With gas prices rising, retailers are clamoring to promote sales on everything consumers need for a "staycation."

Jenny Schwarz's shopping cart was loaded — a plug-in cooler, new cushions for her outdoor furniture, toys for the backyard pool. All things good to have for a "staycation."

$1B copyright suit against YouTube denounced Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A $1 billion copyright infringement lawsuit challenging YouTube's ability to keep copyrighted material off its popular video-sharing site threatens how hundreds of millions of people exchange all kinds of information on the Internet, YouTube owner Google Inc. says.

Oil moves past $133 a barrel Tue, 27 May 2008 07:26:09 -0400
Oil rose above $133 a barrel Monday on persistent worries about global petroleum supplies and the outlook for the U.S. economy and the dollar.

Infineon chief to resign Tue, 27 May 2008 07:26:55 -0400
Infineon Technologies AG said Monday that its chief executive, Wolfgang Ziebart, will resign at the end of the month over what it said was a difference in strategy for the money-losing semiconductor maker.

Virginia hopes to lure more foreign tourists Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Tourism officials want to combat a drop in domestic vacationers by strengthening international marketing.

Virginia tourism officials are hoping to attract foreign travelers as the U.S. economy worsens and domestic vacationers threaten to stay home.

Slow economy strains food banks Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
An influx of clients and mounting costs have reduced supplies of money and food.

Jackie Hoffman sifted through a laundry bin filled with aging bread, choosing a loaf of white.

UN chief sees Myanmar cooperation on survivors Wed, 28 May 2008 02:04:00 -0400
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday that some foreign aid workers have gone into Myanmar's cyclone-ravaged delta without problems, reflecting a "new spirit of cooperation" by the ruling junta.

Wartime PTSD cases jumped roughly 50 pct. in 2007 Wed, 28 May 2008 02:02:00 -0400
The number of troops with new cases of post-traumatic stress disorder jumped by roughly 50 percent in 2007 amid the military buildup in Iraq and increased violence there and in Afghanistan.

China evacuates villagers after new flood threat Wed, 28 May 2008 02:13:00 -0400
Nearly 160,000 people have been evacuated downstream from an unstable earthquake-created dam that is threatening to collapse, and troops rushed to carve a trench to drain the water before it floods the valley.

Bogus wedding: A bad joke or a call for political change? Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
T hey seemed like any happy couple on their wedding day — a groom and his blushing bride.

Today's Regional Mystery Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Q : For whom is Jefferson Avenue named? Thomas Jefferson? Jefferson Davis? An area person? Or a business?

Special education controversy Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Consent would not be required for cessation of services and determining services for transfers.

Greta Harrison's first reaction to the news that Virginia was changing its special education law was caution.

Proposed changes to Virginia's special education rules Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Norview High School in Norfolk.

Q : What's happening?

Baby eagle continues to fight for its life Tue, 27 May 2008 06:12:00 -0400
The 4-week-old eaglet from Norfolk Botanical Garden faces a prognosis that is "not promising," said the administrator at the facility where the baby bird is being treated for a growth on its beak.

Former Tides pitcher killed by lightning strike Tue, 27 May 2008 08:49:00 -0400
Former major league pitcher Geremi Gonzalez, who pitched for the Norfolk Tides in 2006, died over the weekend in his native Venezuela when he was struck by lightning.

German parents post baby on eBay for 1 euro Tue, 27 May 2008 09:20:00 -0400
Authorities in southern Germany said Saturday they have taken custody of a 7-month-old boy after his parents posted an ad on eBay offering to sell him for one euro, the equivalent of $1.57.

No. Va. county sees signs of change amid crackdown Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Business at Pedro Vargas' store, Club Video Mexico, has slid so steeply that only eight people walked through the door one day last month.

City still scrambling due to open judgeships Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The court system is using substitutes and temporary fixes to fill the void.

Calling all attorneys who want to be judges.

Show me the money Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The bankruptcy of the Marquis developer is putting a popular development tool to the test.

Subcontractors who worked at The Marquis at Williamsburg mall development in York County say they have not been paid for work done as long ago as September.

May 27: Feedback from newspaper readers Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Jack, Williamsburg: As an ex- (previously long-term) smoker, I appreciate your list of smoke-free restaurants in Wednesday's paper. Now, if we could figure out a way to keep smokers from ganging up around entrance doors so we don't have to fight a fog of second-hand smoke as we enter nonsmoking establishments!

Let's have a plan Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Kaine's road plan needs work, but saying 'No' isn't enough

Plan? No plan? What's it going to be this time for Virginia Republicans, when it comes to transportation?

Summer neighbors Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Here are some hints for looking out for one another this season

As the long Memorial Day weekend marked the start of summer, at least psychologically, it's a good time to take stock of safety issues peculiar to the season. As the heat ratchets up, there are attendant dangers for the vulnerable –– children, the elderly and animals. It's essential to ensure that each has access to cool surroundings and sufficient water to prevent dehydration.

Phoebus' Battle picks Virginia Tue, 27 May 2008 14:37:00 -0400
When it came down to it, the factors were overwhelmingly in Virginia's favor.

Solid state-ment Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Woodside does just enough against ace Kendra Knight as Gabby Andino and the Wolverines qualify for state.

Woodside coach Mike Tallon knew it would be a 1-0 game. He also knew, given the flamethrower his team was facing, that being on the good end of that score wouldn't be easy.

No grants required for some starters Tue, 27 May 2008 22:11:00 -0400
The Hokies, headed to the Women's College World Series, are powered by four walk-ons who have earned starting roles.

Beth Walker isn't exactly sure what first turned the heads of Virginia Tech's coaches when she attended a softball camp at Tech, but she's pretty sure it had something to do with the University of Virginia shorts she was wearing.

Fast Phantom picks Cavs Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Linebacker LoVanté Battle chooses Virginia, where he wants to major in architectural design and might play safety.

When it came down to it, Virginia was the only choice.

U.Va. star aces last year Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400
M ay has been quite the month for Somdev Devvarman. He earned a sociology degree at the University of Virginia, led the Cavaliers' tennis team to the NCAA semifinals and won a second consecutive national singles championship.

NN's Solomon returning to Notre Dame Tue, 27 May 2008 17:21:00 -0400
Newport News native Anthony Solomon is returning to Notre Dame as an assistant basketball coach.

Tuesday's local results and schedule Tue, 27 May 2008 22:07:00 -0400
See what's happening in the area ...

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