Nafari Vanaski is the news editor for the Norwin Star and the Plum Advance Leader. Her columns appear each Thursday in the Tribune-Review.
Nafari Vanaski can be reached via e-mail or at 412-856-7400 x8669
Vanaski: The forecast calls for looking 45 days ahead
By Nafari VanaskiSometimes, we act as though predicting the weather is a great mystery. Maybe that’s because you didn’t realize you could find out what the weather would be 45 days from now. Did you know that on March 31, there’s supposed …
Vanaski: History lessons lacking, so Black History Month fills a need
By Nafari VanaskiBlack History Month was days away when I received this year’s first letter from a reader saying she didn’t understand why we need it. “If the goal is that all Americans be treated equally and fairly, as it should be, …
Vanaski: Let your deeds speak
By Nafari VanaskiFine. I was wrong. No, I’m not talking about my position in last week’s column that the tribute to Rocco the police dog had gone too far, especially considering how we treat the humans among us who need our help. …
Vanaski: Heroes also walk on 2 legs
By Nafari VanaskiI didn’t go to Rocco’s funeral on Friday, which gave me some time to think and others time to grieve and heal. I’m referring, of course, to the Pittsburgh police dog who was fatally stabbed by a suspect in Lawrenceville …
Vanaski: Column about color brings ugly comments
By Nafari VanaskiThe good about social media is it allows you to update multiple friends and family on the highlights of your life in three minutes or less. The bad: When people engage in “vaguebooking,” essentially posting mysterious comments in an effort …
Vanaski: Golden chance to get fit
By Nafari VanaskiYeah, this one’s going to be an uphill battle. Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced an initiative last week aimed at improving the health habits of county residents. Live Well Allegheny seeks to trim the number of overweight residents, who …
Vanaski: Teaching toddlers — and ourselves — that color is OK
By Nafari VanaskiWe are teaching our toddler about colors. One recent day he and I were having one of our winding, rambling conversations that we tend to have while I’m changing his diaper. This often includes random observations from him (“I faster …
Vanaski: Heinz ad better be super
By Nafari VanaskiFictional ad agency man Don Draper would’ve had a field day with this one. Pittsburgh-based Heinz has purchased a 30-second ad spot for this year’s Super Bowl, only the second time ever and 16 years since the last one. The …
Vanaski: Republicans as susceptible to corruption as Democrats
By Nafari Vanaski 11:18 p.m.Before former Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s administration fades into oblivion, several readers who shared my questions and frustration over his leadership (or lack of) wrote to say that they believe they’ve found the root of our problems in Pittsburgh: “This is …
Vanaski: Luke’s deserving of day — of reckoning
By Nafari VanaskiHe hasn’t served a day as mayor, but Bill Peduto already has a day named after him. Pittsburgh City Council dubbed Monday “Bill Peduto Day,” which has more to do with the 12 years he spent as a city councilman …
Vanaski: Reality TV full of offensive offerings
By Nafari VanaskiWhat would you expect from a professional duck hunter from the Louisiana backwoods — social grace? Some people do, apparently. Phil Robertson of the reality TV show “Duck Dynasty” has caused plenty of controversy by telling us what he really …
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