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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...

The Puzzle Of A Painting

After graduating from UVA Medical School, my son John joined the army to honor his R.O.T.C. commitment. He was stationed at Ft. Sam...

So You Wanna Be a Dentist?

So, what’s up with dental education? you ask. OK, so you didn’t ask. I’ll tell you a bit anyway. As a private practice...

The Happy Chef – Best Pumpkin Bread EVER!

I have three HUGE pumpkins from the oh so very beautiful Sinkland Farms on my porch and you better believe I am not...

There’s A Lot To A Name – Trust Me

Have you ever wished that your child had selected a different college to attend? My son Will is a freshman attending school in...

Practicing Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving holiday is just a few weeks away.  In many ways, the regular observance of holidays can be a great spiritual help...

The Blue Ridge Parkway: Gateway To The Future

The 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway is often depicted as being “more than a road.” Superintendent Phil Francis interprets this in part by explaining that...