When it comes to issues of race and the debates surrounding it, I typically take the approach that President Obama uses. While cognizant of the problems and aware that they impact me in a profound way, I do not wear my opinions on my sleeve. I am not quick to call something an act of [...]

I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. That right there tells you that I must hate the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens. You are correct. But I only hate them as teams, not the individuals who play on the teams. I have tremendous respect for the great players on their rosters. And Steve McNair was [...]

Last week, I wrote two tributes to pop culture icons who passed away on the same day. Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died hours apart; she of complications from cancer; he of causes as yet unknown. This week, I am writing the eulogy for Sarah Palin’s political career. You have to give it to this [...]

I have to wonder… What if we held a referendum on Thursday in Hampton Roads where voters would have to decide whether to increase taxes for transportation improvements? I wonder what the outcome would have been? First, the turnout to the polls might have been sparse because many people were stuck in traffic, thanks to [...]

I didn’t expect to be writing again today, but I could not ignore the passing of Michael Jackson. I will be honest, I was never a devout fan of “The King of Pop,” but I loved his Thriller album. I have the “Beat It” video on my iPhone. I liked his dance moves. I was [...]

Farah Fawcett, the one-time hearthrob of many men, young and old, passed away today after a long battle with cancer. She was 62.  May she rest in peace, another person taken too soon by this dreaded disease. Farah’s pinup girl status provides us a lens by which to examine race and pop culture. I, like [...]

Pernell Wallace wasn’t rich – at least as far as I know. He wasn’t a CEO. I don’t believe he had any entrepreneurial endeavors. He didn’t have an outsized personality. I never saw Pernell gravitate toward the spotlight. Pernell Wallace was a security guard at The Virginian-Pilot. His position was perhaps the least glamorous in a [...]