Way Downstream

In Annapolis, the Maryland GOP was trying to round up 50 volunteers to campaign in Virginia this week leading up to the state’s big November 8 election for governor between Republican Jerry Kilgore and Democrat Tim Kaine, according to an e-mail circulating in political circles. “We will provide payment for transportation, lodging, food, and pay a stipend if need be,” read the e-mail, seemingly stretching the definition of the word volunteer.

In Calvert County, Constellation Energy said last week that it intends to seek a combined construction and operating license for a new nuclear reactor either at the Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant or at the Nine Mile Point plant outside Syracuse. The Baltimore-based company said that it plans to decide on the site early next year.

In Virginia, the state’s seafood council last week asked state regulators to allow the first open-water release of Asian oysters into Chesapeake Bay even though many scientists say more study is needed. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission plans to decide on the request within 60 days. A legal battle is certain if the commission says yes.

Also in Virginia, Bob Gonsoulin, of Williamsburg, sounded like the brightest light in the firmament after submitting the winning bid, $31,000, on a lighthouse at Newport News, one of three in the Chesapeake auctioned on-line last month. “Where else can you get waterfront property for $31,000?” Gonsoulin, a radiation expert with the state, told the Times-Dispatch.

Our Creature Feature comes from Italy, where officials in Rome are doing their best to keep up with the northern city of Turin when it comes to protecting animals. In April, Turin passed an ordinance that fines pet-owners 500 euros ($598) if they do not walk their dogs three times a day.

Last week, Rome’s town council banned traditional round goldfish bowls after fielding complaints that they hold insufficient oxygen and cause fish to go blind. “It’s good to do whatever we can for our animals who, in exchange for a little love, fill our existence with their attention,” said Monica Cirinna, the legislator who engineered the ban.