Roanoke Times News Quiz For Feb. 1

With “House of Cards,” the subscription streaming service Netflix is presenting its first original drama. The experiment could mean a challenge to traditional television viewing, says series star Kevin Spacey. Executive producer Dana Brunetti, who grew up in Covington, is also president of Spacey’s Los Angeles company, Trigger Street Productions. Related story: 'House of Cards': Gambling on politics, a star and the Internet

All of them closed recently, with the exception of Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint,  the Harrisonburg restaurant that plans to *open* in the Ernie's space in downtown Roanoke soon. Jack Brown’s specializes in burgers and sells 100 kinds of beer.

Related story: Ernie’s closes, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint to open

While both Fralins mentioned all of the above as important to the region's economic health, they believe the top priority should be construction of Interstate 73, which would create a major north-south transportation artery through the area. In emphasizing I-73, a project that's hardly budged in Virginia in two decades, Heywood Fralin said the community should unite behind the project and let elected officials know. "Politicians understand what our community demands," he said. "Over a period of time, it will make a difference. They will get the message." Related story: Business leaders tout need to complete Interstate 73

All of the above ... But details differ from company to company, and sometimes within the company. Carilion Clinic -- the region's largest private employer -- has joined the ranks of companies offering domestic partner benefits to employees in same-sex relationships. Among the region's top employers that provide some kind of domestic partner benefits are Advance Auto Parts, Anthem, Wells Fargo, ITT Exelis, Kroger, Norfolk Southern Corp. and LewisGale Medical Center. At Norfolk Southern, both same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners are covered for salaried employees, of which there are about 530 in the Roanoke area. However, the approximately 1,330 hourly employees work under nationally negotiated union contracts, which cover only legally married spouses, NS spokesman Robin Chapman said. Advance Auto offers the benefits to same-sex couples; LewisGale makes them available to same-sex partners and to opposite-sex partners if at least one of them is 62 or older and meets Social Security criteria.

Related story: Same-sex couple has insured partnership through Carilion