Whell St. Patrick’s Day is here, and I’ll be cheering on the green at the annual St. Partick’s Day parade  in Baton Rouge with a number of kids, grandkids, grand nieces and a number of other family members.  But the politicians will be out in large numbers on the parade route.  Here’s a St. Pat’s...Read More

Funny or Die is my kind of website for it makes fun of both political parties.  Take a look at their latest spoof of our current and past presidents. Funny or Die’s Presidential Reunion from Will FerrellRead More

  An FBI agent stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.” The rancher says, “Okay, but do not go in that field over there,” as he points out the location.  <The FBI agent verbally explodes saying,...Read More

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  COMMON SENSE IN LOUISIANA GOVERNMENT? COME ON MAN!  There is no shortage of controversial and often puzzling happenings in Louisiana to write and comment about.  One of the more challenging things about writing only a weekly column is how to pick and choose.  No problem in Iowa or Oklahoma.  But the Bayou State just...Read More

  Thursday, February 25, 2010 New Orleans, Louisiana COMMON SENSE IN LOUISIANA GOVERNMENT? COME ON MAN! There is no shortage of controversial and often puzzling happenings in Louisiana to write and comment about.  One of the more challenging things about writing only a weekly column is how to pick and choose.  No problem in Iowa...Read More

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  “The Authorized Biography of Edwin Edwards“ is quickly becoming the largest selling Louisiana book by a Louisiana author in the state’s history.  Our publishing company, The Lisburn Press, is the book’s publisher.  The story of the state’s most controversial governor is in its third printing with some 50,000 copies now in circulation. To view...Read More

Ever feel a bit sorry for yourself?  Wish that you could overcome a few problems you have been dealing with?  Need a bit of a lift up?  Well take the time to watch the video below, and you might quickly put your life in a more favorable perspective.  It’s worth a few minutes. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/vNq-EjWMvbs"...Read More

Want to see a dramatic portrait of how unemployment has crept across Louisiana and the whole country over the past two years?  Take a look at the map below.  You will see in startling slow motion just how, month after month, more and more people were put out of work.  It’s a chilling reminder that...Read More

  A number two guy in Louisiana?  Lieutenant Governor! What Lieutenant Governor?  If Gov. Bobby Jindal has his way, the number two spot in the state hierarchy is a gone pecan.  But hey Governor, why stop there?  Do we really need more elected public officials than any state in the country?  And what about all...Read More

As I have well documented in numerous columns, I am skeptical of certain “slam dunk” criminal cases that law enforcement officers often say are air tight, but later prove to be full of holes.  That is often the case with so called “eye witness” testimony.  Just how reliable is your first impression of what you...Read More

  In the Saints huge victory, one of the key plays of the game was the call by Coach Sean Payton to try an onside kick as the second half began.  New Orleans kicker Thomas Morstead squibbed the ball short in a surprise attempt at an onside kick and the ball was recovered by New...Read More

Thursday, February 18, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana JUST THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE? ABOLISH EM’ ALL BOBBY! A number two guy in Louisiana?  Lieutenant Governor! What Lieutenant Governor?  If Gov. Bobby Jindal has his way, the number two spot in the state hierarchy is a gone pecan.  But hey Governor, why stop there?  Do we really...Read More

  I’ve seen it many times, but I still really like “Gone with the Wind.” It was 71 years ago this month that GONE WITH THE WIND premiered. On that star-studded evening in Atlanta, GA, no one knew the four-hour epic would go on to win eight Academy Awards. The film still attracts large audiences...Read More

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  What a week for Mayor elect  Mitch Landrieu!  How could anyone create a better scenario to begin rebuilding and renewal in New Orleans?  An overwhelming first primary victory, the saints win the Super bowl, and Mardi Gras just days away.  The new Mayor is on an unbelievable roll right now with accolades raining down on...Read More

  Thursday, February 11, 2010 New Orleans, Louisiana WHEN THE CHEERING STOPS IN NEW ORLEANS, WHAT WILL THE NEW MAYOR DO?  What a week for Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu!  How could anyone create a better scenario to begin rebuilding and renewal in New Orleans?  An overwhelming first primary victory, the saints win the Super bowl, and...Read More

Former LSU basketball great Rudy Macklin is a class act, and well honored this week.   His No. 40 jersey was retired at 5the LSU-Kentucky game last Saturday, and was unfurled from the rafters, along with other basketball greats Bob Petit, Pete Maravich and Shaquille O’Neal.  Rudy was the first great LSU player I followed back...Read More

Well as you can well imagine, no matter where you might live, things were really crazy in New Orleans this week.  Can you believe that the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl in the same week as Mardi Gras?  Just couldn’t happen any place else.  The voice of the Saints is former NFL quarterback...Read More

Well we are just a few weeks from taking that trip down the rabbit hole.  I’m an unabashed Lewis Carroll fan, and read and re read “Alice in Wonderland” on a number of occasions.  And Tim Burton, that macabre eccentric film director, who I also really enjoy, has made a new version of Alice’s adventur3es...Read More

We have all heard how wild and wooly politics are out in California.  But things have really gotten strange in the race for US Senator.  The former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina, is trying to unseat incumbent Barbara Boxer.  But she has a tough primary fight against fellow republican Tim Campbell.  So she has gone...Read More

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  Two different parts of the country and two different issues dominate the news.  For obvious and understandable reasons, the “Who Dat” nation has captivated Louisiana.  Other news stories fade to the inside pages as the success of the New Orleans Saints dominate front pages of newspapers across the state.  But some 2000 miles away...Read More

Thursday, February 4, 2010 Portland, Oregon THE SAINTS vs. STEVE JOBS AND THE iPAD Two different parts of the country and two different issues dominate the news. For obvious and understandable reasons, the “Who Dat” nation has captivated Louisiana. Other news stories fade to the inside pages as the success of the New Orleans Saints...Read More

There is just no doubt about it.  Louisiana Senator David Vitter is just about the toughest, meanest guy on the political stump these days.  Just take a look. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/bc-38CWZsTQ" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]Read More

It’s all Super bowl talk here in Louisiana, but there are a number of other front burner issues in the northwest.  I was in Hood River, Oregon (just south of Portland) over the past few days, checking on a new granddaughter   The Oregon legislature is in session (they meet only once in two years), and...Read More

  Did you hear the one about the groundhog in Chapel Hill? He stuck his head out of the ground this morning, said it looks like six more weeks of bad basketball, and went back into his hole. As those of you who have been reading my site for a while know, I’m a diehard...Read More

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  Some observers are saying that the Supreme Court decision last week allowing corporations to openly support candidates in federal elections will now put these candidates, including those in Louisiana for sale subject to the highest bidder.  Just how does this controversial decision affect Louisiana candidates?  Take a look at my new column now up. ...Read More

 Just when you thought the Louisiana Citizens Insurance fiasco could not get any worse, it always does.  The most recent audit blasted Citizens for being the most dysfunctional and worst run agency in Louisiana state government.  The new audit, by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, highly criticizes Citizens for doing a poor job as placing internal...Read More

Thursday, January 28, 2010 Baton Rouge, Louisiana OPEN SEASON IN LOUISIANA FOR OUT-OF-STATE CAMPAIGN MONEY? Last week’s Supreme Court decision declaring that corporations and unions can spend money on political advertising has unleashed a storm of controversy on both sides of the political spectrum. And some press reports predict that Louisiana will become “the wild,...Read More

You readers who keep an eye on this site from around the Globe may not be able to appreciate the excitement and enthusiasm that have captivated Louisiana with the advent of the New Orleans Saints being in the Super Bowl.  It has been a real shot in the arm for the morale of so many...Read More

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  It seems this past week than anyone interested in politics was galvanized by the U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts.  The Democrats have held this seat since 1957, and Massachusetts is the bluest of blue Democratic states.  We all know that Republican Scott Brown pulled a big upset.  But there is a Louisiana connection,  and...Read More

  Hey, I’ve been a big Tanya Tucker fan for many years.  She was in her teens when I first heard her perform in Baton Rouge at the Old Capitol House back in the early 1970s.  She’s had many hits, including “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.,” later a hit for Donna Fargo. Subsequently,...Read More

Well I tried my best to talk to Tiger.  I tried to be the old sage full of good advice about his future.  But obviously, I didn’t fair too well.  I guess I’ll have to settle for teaching him all I know about putting and using a six iron.Read More

From press reports, one would think that U.S. Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter are bitter enemies.  But this may be just a Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab! fraud.  When in Washington, particularly in the winter, did you know that they slip off together?  Take a look.Read More

  Thursday, January 21, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana A LOUISIANA GAL JUST MIGHT HAVE WON THE SENATE RACE IN MASSACHUSETTS! It was supposed to be a slam dunk senate seat for the Democrats.  Obama had carried this bluest of blue states by 26 points just a year ago.  And the Democrats had led this seat...Read More

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  The New Orleans Mayor’s election is just week’s away, and there is more than just passing interest by those interested in being the next governor.  It’s the domino effect.  Present Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu could well be on his way to winning in the first primary, which means an opening could be on the...Read More

Well Saints fever is all over Louisiana, and New Orleans will be overrun with Saints fans for Saturday’s big game against the Arizona Cardinals.  Everybody has a Saints chant (“Who Dat?”) and many songs ballyhoo the Saints success.  Take a look at well known New Orleans musician Kermit Ruffins singing his hot new Saints song....Read More

  Thursday, January 13, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana NEW ORLEANS MAYOR’S RACE MIGHT DECIDE NEXT LOUISIANA GOVERNOR! In less than a month, the election for the next mayor of New Orleans will be held.  Current Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu is far and away the front runner, and some are predicting he might win in the...Read More

I’m an unabashed Toni Bennett fan.  And I’ll see him this weekend, as he performs at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Ms. You will notice Toni and I hanging out together in Las Vegas.   Oh alright.  It is the wax museum, but who’s the real guy and who’s the dummie?  Toni Bennett never seems to...Read More

Ever have to explain what globalization is and how it works?  He is a pretty good way to do it. Question: What is the truest definition  of Globalization?   Answer:  Princess Diana’s death.  Question:  How come?                                 Answer :   An English princess with an Egyptian boyfriend crashes in a French tunnel,                               riding in a  German car  with a  Dutch engine, driven by a Belgian  who...Read More

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Week after week, we read chilling stories in the press of drunk drivers who are involved in serious accidents, often killing someone else.  Why is drinking and driving so prevalent in Louisiana?  Drive through Daiquiri stands.  Bars that stay open around the clock.  And a judicial system that often lets a drunk driver off the...Read More

  Thursday, January 7, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana GET THE DRUNKS OFF THE ROAD IN LOUSIANA Louisiana has always been a “free and easy” state when it comes to drinking and driving.  Visitors are dumbfounded  when they see drive through Daiquiri shops across the state.  Just as prevalent are the drive through liquor stores that...Read More

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  The Edwin Edwards Book phenomenon has been a real surprise to those of us here at the Lisburn Press.  I started this small Louisiana press back in 2005 to publish my first book, “Justice Denied.”Â  I felt there was a large, untapped market for Louisiana and Deep South books that could find an appreciative...Read More

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  You and I get almost strip searched on routine flights out of Louisiana, while terrorists just waltz on our airplanes.  And the head of Homeland Security says the system worked?  I hope you join me in thinking”¦”hey, give me a break.”Â  Take a look at my new column and see if you agree that...Read More

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana SO THIS TERRORIST WALKS INTO A LOUISIANA BAR I was in the New Orleans airport this week waiting as a family member made her way through airport security with two small babies   Boy, were these guys with the Transportation Security Agency on the job and up to the...Read More

Listen to my thoughts on Louisian Natinal Guardsmen heading back to Afghanistan for the second tour of duty.  Are we running short handed in being the world’s peace keeper? And a review of a chilling war movie now playing, “Brothers.” [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/3XJLF0R0T8c" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]Read More

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As a new decade begins, you might enjoy looking back over past Louisian political campaigns, including a few I was a part of.  Few states have such colorful characters as those found in Louisian political life.  I had highs and lows in the political arena.  Take a look down Louisiana political memory lane. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/I6GPNCtKi20"...Read More

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  The new authorized biography of former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards went on sale this week.  In three days, the first run of 10,000 books was completely sold out.  And there are pre orders for 10,000 more.  People in the Louisiana book trade say they have never seen anything like the demand to buy the...Read More

  Thursday, December 16, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana WHY ALL THE INTEREST IN EDWIN EDWARDS? The new authorized biography of former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards went on sale this week.  In three days, the first run of 10,000 books was completely sold out.  And there are pre orders for 10,000 more.  People in the Louisiana...Read More

Well, Christmas day is right around the corner, so we have to check up on what all the Louisiana politicos are up to.  Th;ey, too, are feverishly preparing for Christmas Day. Take a look! Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!Read More

I really love this holiday time off the year.  This will be a special Christmas for me as just about all my family will be having Christmas dinner at our home.  I think our last count was 34. I’ll only be missing one of my daughters and her husband who are on the west coast...Read More

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  CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY Arlington National Cemetery Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell… Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths — some 5,000 —...Read More

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  2009 was a really bad year for Louisiana insurance policyholders. Rates charged to Louisiana taxpayers remain the highest in the entire country.  Citizens Insurance Company, the state created fiasco, continues to have huge problems with no end in sight.  And taxpayers are taking it on the chin for a great deal of regulatory mismanagement....Read More

  Thursday, December 10, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana THE WORST OF TIMES FOR LOUISIANA INSURANCE Remember ole’ Calypso Joe doing the limbo and singing in that deep voice”¦”How low can you go?”Â  Few would be surprised if they learned he was singing about that state of insurance affairs in Louisiana.   To many observers, 2009 cannot...Read More

I’ve been a Johnny Mathis fan for over 50 years.  And when the holiday season comes around, his music is a must for seasonal listening.  I met him once back in 1958.  My high school girlfriend loved his music (“Misty” was his big hit then) and he was performing at the Chase-Park Plaza Hotel in...Read More

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  Sarah Palin’s new book is a block buster at book stores nationwide.  I sat down this weekend to read it and found out some interesting, strange and rather funny things about the former vice presidential candidate.  What she eats, who she talks to in the shower, philosophical tidbits of her approach to life, and,...Read More

It’s supposed to be cold with possible snow in Louisiana this weekend.  Wow…snow!  A rarity down in this part of the country.  I always have these strange deams when the weather changes.  You can check me out below having a snowball fight with all my favorite politicians.  Since I wrote about Sarah Palin in my...Read More

Former Louisiana Insurance Commissioner tries to make insurance a front-burner topic among lawmakers, state officials and companies.  Louisiana has one of the worst insurance climates in the country.  The Baton Rouge Business Report poses 10 key insurance questions to Jim Brown on what to do about the present insurance mess in Louisiana.  You can read...Read More

  Thursday, December 3, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana SARAH PALIN WOULD FIT IN WELL IN LOUISIANA! Did you actually read Sarah Palin’s new book, Going Rogue?  Sure it’s a national best seller.  I had no plans to buy it.   Nothing against Sarah.  I really liked the Newsweek cover with Sarah in her jogging shorts. (She’s...Read More

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  Recognize this actor above?  He’s been in over 100 movies and has played the President six times.  He’s James Cromwell, just one of the many celebrities that came to New Orleans for the opening of the D Day museum theatre recently.  What a treat for me to discuss his many roles.  He was amazed...Read More

One of my all time favorite jazz pianists is Ahmad Jamal.  If you look at my Jukebox on the left, you will see listed one of his biggest hits, Poinciana.  I became a Jamal fan back in the late 1950s.  That’s right, he’s been around for almost 60 years.  I was dating a girl in...Read More

  It was a grand supper at the White house this week for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who joined in honoring the Prime Minister of India.  But it should be much more than just a social occasion for Jindal.  Hopefully, he will and should get to work in establishing a close working relationship with the...Read More

Thursday, November 25, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana JINDAL AND INDIA A RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOUISIANA Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal was the token Republican at the Obama first State Dinner this week.  It would be pretty crass for the President to exclude Jindal, the first and only Indian American Governor, from a state dinner honoring the...Read More

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