Only in Virginia

I was “razzle dazzled” by the sign on the 95 corridor, “Business Certified location.” Now I am having second thoughts of my decision to come to Stafford.

Starting July 1, it officially became illegal to text and drive in Virginia.

When we hear important officials talk about infrastructure, what we usually think of are highways, subway systems, trains and airplanes. However, it’s more than large-scale projects.

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Only in our brave new world.

The recent loss of celebrities Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, all in the span of a few days of one another, serve to remind the rest of us that life is indeed short and sweet.

It looks likes we may be about to see food prices jump, along with prices for utilities and energy.

We’ve been hearing for some time about a proposal to put a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals compound on the site of the old Brooke Nursing Home.

So we’re again celebrating Independence Day. Hooray for the U.S. of A!

What is more indicative of life in our area than Metro?

It seems to me…as long ago as 1859, Charles Dickens saw the current Walmart controversies and the love affair with Wegmans when he wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…

It’s is a resource whose value is difficult to quantify. Some people would argue it’s not important and not worth paying for. Others would tell you it’s invaluable.

It is fantastic to hear that the people from our county law enforcement went out of their way to run in honor of the Special Olympics and to carry the Special Olympics torch down Route 1.

STAFFORD — In writing a Father’s Day column this week, I needed two things: inspiration and sources.

For those of you finishing high school, this is the first time, probably since kindergarten, that you are free of mandatory schooling.

It seems to me…now is the time to get involved in the election process. With the primaries over, we know who the candidates are; now we must learn what they stand for.

Brace yourself. We’re fixing to get clobbered with higher taxes on lots of things. Why? Lots of reasons. Two stand out.

David Kerr’s editorial last week, “The BPOL debate continues,” failed to stick to the facts concerning this important issue for Stafford’s future.

The most noteworthy happenings at the polls on Tuesday had nothing to do with the Democrats’ nominating primary for governor.

Newspapers are in trouble.

I know, because I read about it online. (Ha, ha. That’s a funny joke. I’ll remember to tell it to the guy beside me at the unemployment office.)

Dear Emily: My wife is two months pregnant and refuses to eat food that is good for her and then baby.

The Business and Professional Licensing Tax, known as the BPOL, was approved by the Stafford County Board of Supervisors last year. It follows an example set by Fairfax, Prince William and Spotsylvania counties. It requires businesses of all kinds, ones with store fronts, as well as those run out of the garage, to register and pay a tax on their revenues. The vote on this new tax was one of the most heated debates the county board of supervisors has had in years and it’s still raging. 

After reading the news, I was glad to hear that the State Fair of Virginia has moved from the Richmond Raceway Complex to Caroline County and will be there for the September opening.

I met Lt. Col. Mark Stratton when I was just shy of sixteen years old. My dad had just gotten back from a tour in Afghanistan and we had quickly moved across the country to Norfolk Naval Base.

On June 6, 1944, American troops poured onto the beaches of Normandy and marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

So I drive a Town Car, live in a gated community, and vote Republican. What’s not to like about that? What’s more, we Virginians next fall get to start turning our fine state red again, like God always meant it to be.

Pop quiz:

• When did Columbus land in the “New World?“
• Who was the first president of the United States?
• Which president issued the Emancipation Proclamation?

Swine flu has breached the imaginary walls of a neighboring county, a hop, skip and a jump away.

Readers share their views on Anne Holton’s speech and parental legislation.