It does not seem like that far back that I was elected to my first statewide office and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.  In 1979, I won the election for Louisiana Secretary of State. I was able to build a new state Archives, re write the election code and modernize the whole corporation laws and...Read More

Jan. 13th, 2011Read More

So happy New Year! And by the way, get ready for higher property insurance rates along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana.  One would think that if anything, homeowner’s rates would be going down.  After all, there has been virtually no hurricane activity in the Gulf for the past four years.  And with the national...Read More

  Thursday, January 6, 2011 Baton Rouge, Louisiana A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR INSURANCE RATES ALONG THE GULF COAST? NOT REALLY! So happy New Year! And by the way, get ready for higher property insurance rates along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana.  One would think that if anything, homeowner’s rates would be going down. ...Read More

  Sunday’s “Common Sense” radio show is shaping up to be a lively two hours, and I hope you will be able to join us.  With the New Year, there will be plenty of topics to cover.  On our agenda is an interview with singer Johnny Mathis.  He preformed this week at the Beau Ravage...Read More

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Spring is not too far away, and that, to me, means baseball season.  Each year, I travel with a regular group of guys to spring training in Tampa, Fla.  A work out at the Bollettieri athletic training camp in the morning, and a different major league ball game in the afternoon.  It’s a treat to...Read More

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Have you been following the new wave of extemporaneous “Flash Mobs?’ Well, it’s not completely extemporaneous, but a few, generally young folks, pre arrange to join in song or dance in a public location.  Take a look at one of my favorites.  A Christmas Food Court Flash Mob singing the Halleluiah Chorus.  And notice all...Read More

Jan. 6, 2011Read More

   We are winding down the old and bringing in the new.  I’m taking a bit of time to think back over some memorable past New Years.  Some go back more than four decades.  Join me on memory lane by reading over my new column.  You can get it now by Clicking Here.   Happy New...Read More

                                                   It’s the day after New Year’s this Sunday, and we have a fully packed radio show planned.  We hope you can find time to spend two hours with us from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time.  Of course we will be talking about your New Year’s resolutions, and what to expect on the...Read More

New York Times correspondents David Rohde has quite a story to tell.  He was a reporter for the Times in Afghanistan, and set out in November of 2008 to interview a Taliban commander.  Unfortunately, he was headed for nothing but trouble.  He is kidnapped and spends eight months in a Taliban make shift prison with...Read More

   December 30, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana NEW YEAR THOUGHTS FROM THE BAYOU STATE Did you make a New Year’s resolution yet? I always do. Hope and foreboding are at the top of my list and have been these past few years. The New Year always brings a promise of uncertainty. More so for most...Read More

It’s been often a less than memorable (or maybe an exceptionally memorable) year and decade for all of us.  Just to commemorate and relive, I’ve posted some of the photos that will live with us for years to come…right?Read More

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It’s getting close to redistricting time for legislators, and the criticism that decisions are being shaped behind closed doors is already raining down on this politically sensitive process. But when legislators draw the reapportionment lines, isn’t that a real conflict of interest?  We don’t pick our legislators”¦they pick us!  There has to be a better...Read More

Thursday, December 23, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana GET THE POLITICIANS OUT OF REAPPORTIONMENT It’s getting close to redistricting time for legislators, and the criticism that decisions are being shaped behind closed doors is already raining down on this politically sensitive process. Lawmakers in my home state of Louisiana have scheduled a special session of its...Read More

It’s a busy two weeks for me on the radio, and I hope you will have the opportunity to tune in.  I’ll be hosting a two hour daily program on the voice of my hometown in Baton Rouge, WJBO.   You can catch me on the air each weekday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm central...Read More

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  It wasn’t that long ago when the economy was churning.  So instead of planning a reduction of the deficit, both political parties in the nation’s capitol joined the fray by adding massive entitlement programs, cutting taxes, and entering two wars that cost several trillion dollars.  Both parties in Washington are supporting a second stimulus...Read More

Thursday, December 16th, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana IN WASHINGTON AND BATON ROUGE, THEY’RE SPENDING LIKE DRUNKIN’ SAILORS! It’s the holiday season, and we always talk a good bit about watching our weight and curtailing our appetite.  We just cannot pass up all the tempting finger food at holiday parties, washed down with too much to...Read More

  Radio listeners throughout south Louisiana can catch me on the radio for the rest of this year on WJBO out of Baton Rouge.  We will cover a lively review of both national and local issues that took place during 2010.  You can listen on the worldwide web at www.WJBO.com. The program is broadcast weekdays...Read More

  Last week long-time U.S. ambassador Richard Holbrooke suffered an aortic dissection–a tear in the aorta that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or abdominal complications. Half of patients who experience this event, which fortunately is rare, never make it to the hospital. Holbrooke made it to the hospital, but died within days at age...Read More

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Well it’s the end of the year, and here’s a review of some of the “way out” political adds.  I’ve done my share of these commercials over the years with varying results.  But nothing quite like these. ads.  Take  a look. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/j3MpFKGNZZA" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]Read More

My home state of Louisiana has been the poster child for being cursed by the Black Swan theory.  I had the opportunity a few months ago to visit with the theories’ originator, Nassim Taleb. That’s him with me in the photo above.  He is a futurist, and an economic philosopher.  Taleb says some leaders live...Read More

Dec. 17, 2010Read More

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  ARE TEA PARTIERS, ESPECIALLY IN LOUISIANA, SELLING OUT FOR CAMPAIGN MONEY? It was just a few months ago when we listened to Tea Party candidates across the country declaring that they were going to Washington in order to shake up the political establishment.  No more “politics as usual” was the battle cry.  But in...Read More

   Thursday, December 9, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana ARE TEA PARTIERS, ESPECIALLY IN LOUISIANA, SELLING OUT FOR CAMPAIGN MONEY? It was just a few months ago when we listened to Tea Party candidates across the country declaring that they were going to Washington in order to shake up the political establishment.  No more “politics as...Read More

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  Political campaign money is being raised at record rates by candidates across the nation.  No sooner is one election over than incumbents start raising money for the next contest.  The process just is not in the country’s best interest.  On my Sunday radio show, we will talk about how money is the key, and...Read More

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I’m a big movie buff, but have not had the chance to see that many new films in recent months.  Luckily, I did see the recently released film “Fair Game”-which covers a poisonous Washington controversy about how we got into the war in Iraq.  The book outlines how the White House deliberately revealed the identity...Read More

Don Meredith died this week at the young age of 72.  You younger visitors to thins site might not remember Don.  He was a star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, and a legendary broadcaster with Howard Cosell on Monday Night football.  He was the guy who made Monday night a glitzy, energetic a special time...Read More

Dec. 9. 2010Read More

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Sarah Palin brought her indomitable road show to my hometown of Baton Rouge this week with the flair and the chutzpah of a larger than life personality, which she just might be.  Security was tight at the local Books-A-Million, and the crowd of over 1000 was given strict instructions of what it could, and could...Read More

Business And Politics highlight the Jim Brown “Common Sense“ radio program this coming Sunday, December 5th.  Jim has a strong lineup of guests, plus lively discussions of the week’s news.  Professor Steve Gillon will discuss his book, “The Pact, Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the Rivalry that Defined a Generation,”  that reviews the political turmoil...Read More

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Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana WHO DOES SARAH PALIN THINK SHE IS — BOBBY JINDAL? Sarah Palin brought her indomitable road show to my hometown of Baton Rouge this week with the flair and the chutzpah of a larger than life personality, which she just might be.  Security was tight at the local...Read More

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Dec. 2, 2010Read More

Nov. 24, 2010Read More

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GET OFF BOBBY JINDAL’S BACK ABOUT TAKING A SABBATICAL! (For  Jindal-Book Tour?  Toga Party?) So what’s with all the criticism about taking a sabbatical?  It’s become a big issue in my home state of Louisiana with educators, legislators, and good government groups debating the value versus the cost of taking a little time off.  Louisiana...Read More

Welcome to a new radio station joining our “Common Sense“ Network this week.  Its station WTHQ, 750 AM out of Paducah, Kentucky.  I’ve been to Paducah, and it’s as great town in Western Kentucky right where the Tennessee and the Ohio rivers meet, half way between St. Louis and Nashville.  The surrounding area has several...Read More

One of LSU’s all time great basketball players is former point guard Howard “High C” Carter, from Baton Rouge.  Howard played in the NBA and throughout year for 13 years before retiring.  He openly admits he had a drug problem while playing professional ball, and is giving testimony regularly to young people about how he...Read More

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana GET OFF BOBBY JINDAL’S BACK ABOUT TAKING A SABBATICAL! So what’s with all the criticism about taking a sabbatical?  It’s become a big issue in my home state of Louisiana with educators, legislators, and good government groups debating the value versus the cost of taking a little time...Read More

JINDAL ONE OF MANY NATIONAL WANNABES FROM THE SOUTH Last year, before the President’s State of the Union address, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was the fair haired boy of the national Republican Party.  He had even been considered as a vice presidential candidate on the McCain ticket in 2008, and every pundit had him high...Read More

Thursday, November 18, 2010 New Orleans, Louisiana JINDAL ONE OF MANY NATIONAL WANNABES FROM THE SOUTH   Last year, before the President’s State of the Union address, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was the fair haired boy of the national Republican Party.  He had even been considered as a vice presidential candidate on the McCain ticket...Read More

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Nov. 18, 2010Read More

Many educators feel, and I agree, that the focus of educational reform is directed at the adults with little regard for the kids being taught.  We fight over school boards, term limits, and other adult centered issues.  But what’s happening in the classroom?  Secretary of Education “˜Arne Duncan has written a challenging article in this...Read More

I had the pleasure recently to speak to a number of students at the School of Mass Communication at Loyola University in New Orleans.  These young journalists to be were eager to talk about the changing role of reporting and gathering the news.  And I certainly did not miss the opportunity to warn them about...Read More

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The Tea Party movement has engulfed a Republican Party that now has an agenda of low expectations centered on whatever it takes to beat Obama in 2012. The Democrats, from the President on down, have lost control of the narrative with little vision of passion being offered to the American public.  Forty percent of American...Read More

Thursday, November 11th, 2010 New Orleans, Louisiana THE RIGHT TO BE WRONG IN POLITICS! Abraham Lincoln was elected President 150 years ago this week.  Civil War buffs are looking back to these war years for lessons learned in the current debate over the stagnation of the American political process today.  Historians have written over 26,...Read More

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Nov. 11, 2010Read More

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MSNBC’s Willie Geist will be a guest on my weekly radio show this Sunday, Nov. 14th at 9:30 am central time. We will talk about his new book “American Freak Show. ”   The best and worst of American politics. If you are up early and watch Morning Joe on MSNBC (6 to 9 am...Read More

Check out Bush foreign policy adviser Dan Senor, as he discusses the reasons for going into Iraq this week on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. Dan is a regular on both Morning Joe and Fox News when it comes to issues in the Middle East . His new book, “Start Up Nation,” made the New York Times...Read More

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The Republicans were big winners in last Tuesday’s national election, taking control of the House of Representatives, and coming close to a takeover of the Senate.  But is it enough to say that you are winning solely because the other side blew its opportunity?  Numerous polls show a majority of Americans view the Democrats as...Read More

Thursday, November 3, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana DOES THE DEMOCRATIC COLLAPSE GIVE THE REPUBLICANS A MANDATE? The Republicans were big winners in last Tuesday’s national election, taking control of the House of Representatives, and coming close to a takeover of the Senate.  But is it enough to say that you are winning solely because the...Read More

My “Common Sense” radio show was broadcast live from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina this past Sunday.  Dan Vallie, pictured below, runs the campus radio station, and is a veteran consultant to radio stations all over America.  We talked n the air about how the media is going through quite a revolution right...Read More

Let's face it.  We are all spoiled rotten.  Take a look below to put things in perspective. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/8r1CZTLk-Gk" width="425" height="344" allowfullscreen="true" fvars="fs=1" /]Read More

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I always wanted to run a marathon.  I did finish several triathlons, but never took the challenge of one of the major marathons throughout the world. The granddaddy of them all is the Athens Marathon, and how many such races can celebrate a 2,500th anniversary?  The first marathon was run back in 490 B.C. at...Read More

Will the rolling tide of the Tea Party and a Republican onslaught really bring about major changes Washington following this Tuesday’s election?  Don’t count on it. Let’s just say we are in for some fine tuning that should have taken place two years ago when the Obama Administration first took office.  All the political pundits...Read More

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 Linville, North Carolina WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TUESDAY’S ELECTION Will the rolling tide of the Tea Party and a Republican onslaught really bring about major changes in Washington following this Tuesday’s election?  Don’t count on it. Let’s just say we are in for some fine tuning that should have taken place...Read More

Oct. 27, 2010Read More

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10cRead More

Are you ready for Halloween?  I have my pumpkin carved out, with a really big one this year.  Check them out all below.  Hope you have you costume ready.  You can see mine in the video below. Happy Halloween! Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!Read More

A nice evening in New Orleans last week where I was the banquet speaker at the yearly convention of the Louisiana Private Investigators Association.  With the changing world of the internet and new applications for wireless electronic surveillance, there was much to talk about with this group.  Robert Weltz, who is the LPIA President, presented...Read More

Universities across the country are facing a major cash crunch, and supporters are lobbying their respective legislatures to maintain current funding.  Here in Louisiana, higher education is expecting draconian cuts of 30% or more.  The focus is to keep present funding.  But are colleges like LSU doing its share to convince the public that it...Read More

Thursday, October 21st, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR LOUISIANA UNIVERSITIES Across the nation, colleges and universities are facing a major financial crisis.  Federal stimulus funds are running out, and state legislatures are facing a deep decline in revenues.  Are flagship universities so important to economic growth that they should maintain their present funding...Read More

Funny or Die’s Presidential Reunion from Will FerrellRead More

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Well the popular Old Spice commercial has created a lot of buzz for the ladies, but is also copied by a number of political candidates running this fall.  Check out the original Old Spice guy, then have some laughs looking over the political take offs.  It’s the “In” thing to do politically this election year...Read More

Just when you thought the insurance crisis along the gulf coast, particularly in Louisiana, could not get any worse, along comes congress to really muck up the problems faced by property owners in being able to financially protect the value of their property.  If congress and the Obama Administration have their way, look for already...Read More

Thursday, October 14th, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE MAY BECOME UNAFFORDABLE ALONG THE GULF COAST! Just when you thought the insurance crisis along the gulf coast, particularly in Louisiana, could not get any worse, along comes congress to really muck up the problems faced by property owners who are trying to protect the value...Read More