back to top

Columnists

BOB BROWN: When the Underdog Bites Has Rabies, and a Mean Owner

We have a strong human urge to identify with the “underdog.” There is nothing new about this tendency. The biblical story of David and Goliath, reported 3000 years ago,...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Is Phase Two Of Trump‘s Peace Plan In The Gaza Strip Doomed To Fail? – Part II

Unfortunately, Trump’s present ceasefire as of October 9 is analogous to the armistice signed between...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Is Phase Two Of Trump‘s Peace Plan In The Gaza Strip Doomed To Fail? – Part I

Phase one of Trump‘s twenty-point peace plan in the Gaza Strip, which began on October...

FRED FIRST: Approaching the Longest Night

Yes, you’re right—if you’ve even noticed—that this space has been neglected for some weeks now,...

A Life Well-Lived: Shirley Padgett Lester (1947-2025)

Shirley Padgett Lester of Vinton went to her heavenly reward October 4. Below is the...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: French President Emmanuel Macron Is Not To Be Trusted

Two weeks ago I read a disheartening article in The New York Times written by Roger Cohen about French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Communist China...

SCOTT DREYER: Pres. Biden And LA Times Exposed As Hoaxes

We often associate "cheat sheets" with tests in school, but President Biden made headlines with one this week. The President of South Korea was...

MELINDA MYERS: Tips for Designing and Maintaining a Low-Maintenance Garden

Don’t let your spring garden enthusiasm lead to overplanting and the creation of a summer gardening nightmare.  A design with maintenance in mind and...

DEVOTIONAL: Three Lessons From Ezra

For Ezra had set his heart to learn the Law of the Lord, to live by it, and to teach His Laws in Israel. ...

SCOTT DREYER: Roanoker Fed Up With Outrageous City Taxes/Fees Circulates Petition

Roanoke native Jeff Hayslett is a man with a mission. His personal motto, which he says anyone is free to use, is "Let the Star...

FRED FIRST: Nature Literacy Is In Our Hands

If we can’t put the genie back in the bottle, let’s be thankful for an educationally-broadening benefit from our use of the ubiquitous tool...