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Columnists

BOB BROWN: “Portraits of the Human Person”

On the night of June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump said all seven B2 Bombers had safely returned from an unprecedented successful attack on Iran’s fortresses of nuclear weapon...

BECKY MAUPIN: The After Bedtime Search

Picture this: You manage to get everyone fed and the dinner aftermath cleaned up. Then...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Israel’s Second Sum Of All Fears

I first heard about a dirty bomb in early September 1993 when an IBM coworker,...

BOB BROWN: What Happened to Happiness?

We can quibble about the origin, even the definition or meaning of “happiness,” but I’m...

FRED FIRST: Homeward Bound

It would happen: the trip back to Floyd. And then it wouldn’t. And then it...

The Lendy’s Hot Dog Incident

When I was growing up, Lendy’s on Franklin Road in Roanoke was definitely my favorite restaurant. I mean, how could it not be,...

If You Build It, Will They Come?

Field of Dreams, notwithstanding, the answer in Roanoke is “No.”  Twice we have been shown that.  First, under the stewardship of Bern Ewert...

Ill-Fitting Costume Wreaks Horror

Ever had a three foot tall princess chide you about your weight?  I have, and it happens almost every year. Halloween has become...

Wounded Warriors Last Battle

With Veterans Day this month, my thoughts turn to a presentation made recently at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Salem. A nurse...

Talking Turkey – Very Long Distance

One November day long ago, our older son Harry, called home from UVA with an unusual request—“Mom, can you tell me how to...

“What Opportunity Would You Have Me Seize?”

At a recent football game, one team was yards away from scoring when the other team intercepted the ball and ended up winning...