ESSAY: Powerless

ESSAY: Powerless

  By Tom Robotham On the morning of September 30, when hurricane Ian started to make its presence felt in Norfolk, I was watching CNN’s coverage of the devastation in Florida. Since my oldest friend lives in Fort Myers—ground zero, as it turned out—I was worried...
ESSAY: Young and Free

ESSAY: Young and Free

(My childhood home, shortly before my family moved in, in 1959.)  By Tom Robotham  During this summer’s heatwave, when I stayed home as much as possible, I spent a few afternoons binge-watching The Andy Griffith Show. I loved the program when it aired in primetime,...
ESSAY: Powerless

ESSAY: In My Travels

By Tom Robotham This summer, for the first time in a long while, I haven’t ventured outside of Hampton Roads. There are a number of reasons for that, a tight budget chief among them. If all goes well, I’ll wander farther afield in 2023. Meanwhile, I’m moved to reflect...
ESSAY: Powerless

ESSAY: This Old Man

  By Tom Robotham Well, it’s official: I’m an old man.  I could have claimed that status last year, when I turned 65—the age at which one traditionally earns the title of senior citizen. But this year, I passed a more significant milestone: a week before my...
ESSAY: Powerless

ESSAY: Angell on My Shoulder

  By Tom Robotham On the evening of May 21, I was watching the Mets play the Colorado Rockies. It turned out to be a disappointing game: an 11-3 rout that decisively deprived the Mets of a double-header sweep. But as I headed for bed, it wasn’t the loss that was...
ESSAY: Bourdain’s Enduring Resonance

ESSAY: Bourdain’s Enduring Resonance

By Tom Robotham When CNN announced the launch of its new streaming service, I immediately subscribed—primarily because, at $2.99 a month, it offered an inexpensive way of bingeing on Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain’s enormously popular travel show. I was disappointed,...