February 1st, 2022 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS A SHOTGUN, TWO SHELLS, AND INSURANCE, HUH? You think insurance policyholders in Louisiana face huge insurance requirements?  How about living in San Jose, California, where the city council just voted to adopt a first-in-the-nation ordinance requiring most gun owners to pay a fee and...Read More

Oh alright! I’ll admit it. Though I claim to be a health nut, I must confess. I like hotdogs. No, I really, really love hot dogs! With mustard, onions, relish and a spot of chili. Can’t go to any ballgame without having a dog or two. The worst hot dog? Hands-down at LSU sporting events....Read More

January 24th, 2022 Baton Rouge, Louisiana AUTO INSURANCE RATES SKYROCKETING! Now let’s see.  It’s been almost two years since the Louisiana legislature passed legislation taking away certain legal rights of Louisiana insurance policyholders.  But it will be worth it said many legislators and the insurance commissioner.  We were assured that there was to be a...Read More

Remember all the talk in the Bayou State legislature just two years ago about a dramatic plan to lower the cost of your automobile insurance rates? It was given the name of so-called “tort reform.”  And the insurance commissioner said rates would plummet by 25% in no time. So what happened? What’s today’s status? Surprise,...Read More

Former state representative Steve Carter passed away one year ago this week. He was a leading voice in the legislature for early childhood development, and was highly respected by legislators as well as the educational community. He is deeply missed by his family, so many friends, and those who appreciated the good work he did...Read More

What are the best movie performances I’ve ever seen was Anthony Quinn starring in Zorba the Greek. If you seen the movie, you’ll never forget the great dance for Quinn performs. Take a look at André Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra performing Zorba’s Dance (Sirtaki) live in Maastricht.Read More

I’ve had a knee replacement but no one suggested this solution for my sore knees.Read More

You’ve got to be kidding me!  The Bayou State has the worst drivers in America? Why it can’t be. Unfortunately, the comparisons prove otherwise. In virtually every category, Louisiana is close to the bottom of the barrel. What’s the problem? Is it one thing or a whole variety of bad driving habits? Take a look...Read More

January 17th, 2022 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Louisiana Has Worst Drivers in the U.S.! Say it isn’t so. The Bayou State, made up of docile souls who are law abiding, courteous and well-trained motorists, has just been tagged by several rating services as having the worst drivers in the nation. Look, the folks down here in...Read More

Way down yonder in the Bayou State, it’s all about the football coach. That certainly is obvious with the recent hiring a new coach Brian Kelly, who will be paid over $100 million. That’s big bucks!  And in a state that is at the bottom of the barrel on most national quality of life lists....Read More

Monday, January 10th, 2022 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  BOTTOM OF THE BARREL IN LOUISIANA,  BUT IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOOTBALL COACH! Perception and reality often intertwine.  At Louisiana’s flagship university as well as other major universities across the country, any talk of the so called “revered tradition of amateurism” has gone by the wayside.  College athletes...Read More

Monday, January 3rd, 2022 Baton Rouge, Louisiana SHOULD THE FEDS MAKE LOUISIANA A PROTECTORATE? HECK YES! Hey, I have a good suggestion for a New Year’s resolution. Have you heard the cries that Louisiana is unable to take care of its problems, and should be treated differently than other states? Some even say, OK, then...Read More

Louisiana is fighting a tough fight as it tries to get off the bottom of most major quality of life lists throughout the country. Some northern columnists are expressing their disgust by calling for Louisiana to become a protectorate. A protectorate? Stand by and let the federal government take over? Hey, now to think of...Read More

As you  can see, I am getting off to a good start for the New Year.Read More

December 27th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana NEW YEAR THOUGHTS FROM THE BAYOU STATE! Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I always do.  A New Year always brings with it promise and uncertainty, but this coming year brings with it a greater foreboding than we have experienced in the past.  The Chinese have a saying: “May...Read More

It’s been another difficult year in Louisiana and throughout the country as we continue to deal with the Covid virus. I’ll be receiving my booster shot next week, but still do not feel all that safe.  In spite of this challenge, we have a lot to be thankful for. I review the new year, and...Read More

He sees you when you’re sleeping He knows when you’re awake He knows when you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness’ sake!” My friend John Whitehead has written a chilling commentary on the new tools of the surveillance state for his column at The Rutherford Institute. John was often a guest on...Read More

As some of you who read this blog regularly know, I’m a frustrated banjo player. In fact, I used to play my banjo on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at a place called Your Fathers Mustache. Helped pay my way through to Tulane Law School. But really, I was not all that good. Here at...Read More

Happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and a pleasant time of year for all my friends, readers, to all those who agree with my commentaries and to those of you who disagree.  I hope we can put our political beliefs aside, and enjoy this special time of year. I write about the holiday season in...Read More

A recent visit to the Garden District Book Shop with owner Chris Tidmore. There is a whole section of books published by The Lisburn Press there. Well worth a visit.  Read More

Over 1000 singers and musicians gathered to perform a stunning rendering of the magical song Angels We have Heard on High.  It’s a marvelous tribute on the special time of year, and well worth listening to over the next few minutes.Read More

Thursday, December 20th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana THE HOLIDAYS OFFER US A SECOND CHANCE! Most of us have been swept up in the momentum of the holiday season. We have passed Thanksgiving, reached the Christmas milestone and are approaching New Year’s Day, the third in the trilogy of holidays. Sure, there is a lot of our...Read More

Below is a link the interview I did with the publisher of BayouBuzz, Steve Sablubodsky, on just how political decisions affect private business decisions. Take a look!Read More

A new ranking of states with supposedly poor Judicial climates was released this week by the American Association for tort reform.  Louisiana was named in the top few states by the American Tort Reform Association of America.  So just how bad is the judicial climate in Louisiana, and are there any viable alternatives for the...Read More

December 13th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana IS LOUISIANA A JUDICIAL HELLHOLE? According to several watchdog organizations, Louisiana has one of the worst judicial climates in the country.  Just last week, the state was given the dubious title of the nation’s judicial hellhole by the Tort Reform Association of America. Campaign funds given to a judicial...Read More

Many of us are big basketball fans down here in Louisiana. I have held front row tickets for LSU basketball games over the past 40 years. This week, it was a special treat to go to New Orleans with my son James to see the New Orleans Pelicans. Again we were able to sit in...Read More

It’s the holiday season, and time again to visit with our old friend Ray Stephens. I’ve been a fan of his for many years. He keeps us amused with his new version of the Christmas story as he talks and sings  about his nightmare before Christmas. Take a look below.Read More

Politics is serious business. But there has to be a relationship between members of both parties. To create an effective government, there has to be some camaraderie, friendship, and a commitment to make a good working relationship. Simply put, politics needs to have some fun in it. So what happened? Political life in Louisiana as...Read More

Monday, December 6th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana THE DEMISE OF ENTERTAINING POLITICS IN LOUISIANA! I have a sad announcement to make. Politics is just no fun anymore in Louisiana.  Let’s hope with new LSU Coach Brian Kelly we have something to enjoy.  But not politics. Reams of books have been written about the colorful characters...Read More

In Louisiana, apparently gambling is the answer to all the state problems. There is no other state in America where the different types of gambling are so prevalent. But then, why is the state at the bottom most quality of life lists?  We even have former slaves quarterback Drew Brees expanding on all the value...Read More

November 29th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana IS GAMBLING LOUISIANA’S ECONOMIC SAVIOR? Football icon Drew Brees certainly deserves all the accolades he has received on the playing field. But now he’s become a huckster for a new gambling casino in Slidell on the Mississippi Louisiana state line. Here’s an interesting thought. Why is it that Louisiana...Read More

A moving luncheon for several World War II vets, all around 95 years old, at Antoine’s in New Orleans last week. A fine celebration of distinguished Americans who served the country well.Read More

What’s up with that with the supposed sleuths that work for the FBI? They’re supposed to be the nations finest law-enforcement agency. But week after week, there’s either some kind of a specific screwup, or there’s a calculated effort to undermine the rule of law. The Wall Street Journal has even called for the FBI...Read More

November 21st, 2021 New Orleans, Louisiana STOP THE MISCONDUCT OF THE FBI! It seems to be spreading like a communicable disease. And apparently there is no cure. Week after week, there are new reports of agents with the FBI engaging in premeditated acts of prosecutorial misconduct. Coaching witnesses to lie. Hiding evidence from the defense...Read More

The Lisburn Press has just released our new publication, a book of inspiration called “Reasonably Happy” by Dr. Terry Ellis. Terry is well known throughout the strate and has a large following, so we anticipating brisk sales. It’s available on our website at www.thelisburnpress.com.Read More

A special day honoring veterans all over America on November 11th.  No, it’s not a holiday. No hotdogs and picnics. Just a time to take a moment and honor  thousands of veterans who kept us free for so many years. It’s so easy for the younger generation to forget.  Yes so many live off the...Read More

November 11th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana WE NEED TO DO MORE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY! I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend this past May. Many Louisianans were vacationing over the long holiday or enjoying a cookout with family and friends. Many stores held sales advertising for us to have a “Happy Memorial Day.”...Read More

Thursday, November 4th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  LATEST EROSION OF FREEDOMS NOTHING NEW! This month March 20th anniversary of the so-called Patriot Act passed by Congress in 2011.  The law created an invasive federal surveillance system that began with lies that undermined the liberty of millions of Americans Did this unconstitutional act begin the movement...Read More

This week, unfortunately, marks the  20th anniversary of the passing by Congress of the so-called Patriot Act.  It was a law passed and actively supported by the Bush Administration following 911, in a paranoid effort to search out so-called terrorist activities, and in the process, dramatically curtailed the individual freedoms of every American.  This invasion...Read More

Like many of you, I’m an old Elvis fan, and always loved his song “I can’t help falling in love with you.” But I came across this recent addition by young lady named Claire Crosby. She’s six. That’s right, six years old. See if you enjoy her reputation as much as I did.Read More

It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago. But it’s been 59 years. That’s when our nation was almost at the break of nuclear war against the Russians. It was the Cuban missile crisis, and I was living in England at the time. I vividly remember getting up in the middle of the night...Read More

NUCLEAR WAR THAT ALMOST TOOK PLACE! This week marks the 59th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis. I was attending Cambridge university in England in 1962, and had immersed myself in English literature. Politics was the furthest thing from my mind””that is, until the Cuban missile crisis. I had rented a room in the house...Read More

So here is the Halloween pumpkin I finally picked out. What do you think?Read More

I’m picking out my pumpkin for Halloween. I’ll be at home in Baton Rouge with plenty of treats.  Hope you look out for the kids in your neighborhood.Read More

Well it is that messy time of the election cycle when legislators are called on to reapportion themselves.  Don’t think they have their own self interest in mind? Good luck with that. The question is should legislators be reapportioning themselves in the first place?  Is this fair to the voters?  I talk about this issue...Read More

I always liked the song Bohemian Rhapsody by the musical group Queen. But then someone sent me this somewhat different version. Cats singing Bohemian Rhapsody? Take a look and see a different view.Read More

Thursday, October 21st, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana GET THE POLITICIANS OUT OF REAPPORTIONMENT! The Louisiana legislature, like similar bodies across the country, are starting their preparation to reapportion the state’s various legislative bodies. In the bayou state, legislators will be touring parishes and holding hearings to get input as to what the public thinks. o....Read More

Thursday, September 30th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana TIME FOR SUPREME COURT TO GET TO WORK! If you look at poll numbers, it’s becoming obvious that the American public is losing confidence in the US Supreme Court.  In a new Gallop poll released this past week, only 40% of you as citizens approve of the job that...Read More

The reputation of the United States Supreme Court has plummeted, with the overwhelming majority of Americans losing faith in their ability to be fair. One of the reasons is, they don’t work very hard. They take the whole summer off, and don’t work that hard in the winter. And they consider very few cases which...Read More

Good news! Emeril’s restaurant in New Orleans has opened back up. And of course Emerald will be consulting me on all his new menu choices. I’m giving him some suggestions below. (Yeah, right!)  Read More

I’ve always wanted to play the piano well but never took the time. I have a new piano, and I’m just beginning to learn and some basic cords. I wish I would have begun my lessons when I was very young. Now if you really want to be intimidated, take a look at this accomplished...Read More

Here we go again. Another scandal of ineptitude and outright criminal wrongdoing on the part of the FBI. If you’ve not been following the malfeasance of FBI agents  who did nothing while numerous young female gymnasts were sexually abused, you missed a stomach churning story. The nation’s supposed top law enforcement agency stood by as...Read More

Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana  CAN FAITH BE RESTORED IN THE FBI? If you were a parent or a grandparent watching the testimony last week of American gymnasts describing in tears the FBI’s handling of its investigation into sexual assault, you would have been absolutely appalled. Young female gymnasts took turns repeatedly testifying...Read More

Check out the  stumper below. Can you figure out why the rabbit says what he says?    Read More

Louisiana has the dubious distinction of being aligned in a federal district court of appeals that is bizarre, incompetent, controversial, and that often rules in direct contradiction to the constitution of the United States., Every other federal district court rules one-way, and the fifth circuit rules another way. It is wrong, it’s an embarrassment, and...Read More

September 17th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeals an Embarrassment for Louisiana! Our nation is divided into 13 individual federal courts of appeals.  Louisiana has the unfortunate distinction of being lumped in to the most divisive and incompetent such courts in America. The Fifth Circuit regularly leads all appeals courts throughout the...Read More

September 17th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeals an Embarrassment for Louisiana! In an expose’ of the Fifth Circuit’s recent rulings, the Times Picayune quoted both Justices on the Supreme Court as well as prominent law professors who regularly lambasted verdicts handed down in New Orleans. University of Houston law professor David...Read More

Do you remember where you were 20 years ago when this terrible event happened in our lives? I can remember it like it was yesterday. The initial news I received was chilling, but unbelievable. I stayed glued to the TV set our after hour watching the unbelievable events unfold. You can read my thoughts about...Read More

Thursday, September 11th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana OUR LIVES WERE CHANGED BY 9/11  I have watched through a window a world that has fallen. W. H. Auden The date, 9/11, turned into the frantic dialing of 911 twenty years ago. A surreal feeling of shock and helplessness enveloped all Americans as we watched that day’s...Read More

  It seems like another year, another major hurricane. This one had two parts. A sprint and a marathon. The storm itself didn’t do as much damage as past hurricanes have. But the aftermath, connecting power and utilities, will take a long period of time. I look back on the worst hurricane in recent memory...Read More

September 3rd, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Sixteen Years Ago, Another Terrible Storm! As Louisiana begins the massive cleanup following Hurricane Ida, those of us living on the Gulf Coast remember the fear and concern that enveloped our region sixteen years ago this week. A lady named Katrina changed many of our lives. In looking back,...Read More

Can you really get healthy by drinking more Coke? The people at the world’s largest beverage Company apparently thinks you can. And it looks like they may have the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in their corner.  The folks at Pennington seem to have a delusional opinion that sugar does not play any significant role in...Read More

August 25th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana GET HEALTHY-DRINK MORE COKE? The Baton Rouge Advocate reported this week that childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years, and that a study is underway by Pennington Biomedical Research Center to determine just where the fault lies. The folks at Pennington just might want to get out...Read More

What a delightful place for a Sunday church service. The All Saints Episcopal Mission is located in Linville North Carolina. No air-conditioning needed because the temperature Sunday morning was 70°. The visiting minister this past Sunday was the Reverend Dr. Leigh Spruill from St. John the Devine Episcopal Church in Houston. A pleasant way to...Read More

60 years ago this week, the east Germans build the Berlin wall. It was put up to keep citizens on that side of the border from flying to the west. It stayed up for 29 years.  I had a personal experience of traveling from West Berlin to East Berlin back in 1962. It was the...Read More

Thursday, August 19th, 2021 Baton Rouge, Louisiana THE BERLIN WALL! There has been a lot of publicity about the tearing down of the Berlin wall. But few people know that the wall itself was constructed 60 years ago this week.  The Russian puppet regime in east Germany was trying to stop the stem of so...Read More

New Orleans lost a very special person this week. My long time friend, Louie Sahuc past away. Louie was called the mayor of Jackson Square, and a dear friend for many years. For number of years, I had an apartment right above his studio in Jackson Square. We had many long visits, enjoyed a number...Read More