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Columnists

BOB BROWN: “What is Money?”

Charles Dickens’Dombey and Son was first published in 1848 but still retains its importance. Dombey, a successful businessman, longs for a son to follow his career. He ignores his...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: What U.S. Admiral Would Exchange Our Navy For Communist China’s Navy?

I am no expert on the U.S. Navy, but our navy has eleven aircraft carrier...

SCOTT DREYER: Remembering VE Day

A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are...

FRED FIRST: Moms Live Forever

She would have celebrated her 100th birthday this September, the birthday month in our family. Had...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Semi-Singular Praise Of Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA)

There are many aspects of California, which I strongly dislike: exorbitant state and local taxes,...

Lucky to Live a Most Blessed Life

It is 9:30 in the morning. I look out the window at the counterpane of snow that fell throughout the night, at the...

“Please Don’t Pick That Flower!”

On my frequent “walk-abouts” with students in my biology and environmental studies courses, I set a couple of important rules for our hikes:...

When Suffering Clouds the Sun

It’s a bright time of year, and the beauty of the greater Roanoke Valley has opened to its full splendor. We are so...

Recipe of the Week: Fish Kebabs

My son suddenly wants to eat lemons! We were at the grocery store the other day and he asked me to buy lemons....

The Oh So Many Joys Of Camping

Although Harry grew up camping with his buddies and the Boy Scouts, I had never spent the night outdoors before we were married....

It’s That Time Again . . . Commencement

There is probably no month that engenders more non-political speechifying than May.  Commencements are all over the place.  Even graduation from pre-K now...