I have always loved the old Christian hymn Amazing Grace.  It was a stable in many of the small churches I attended when I lived in North Louisiana.  One of the most moving versions I ever head was sung by former Governor John McKeithen at a funeral in his home town of Columbia.  He was...Read More

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  HAPPY MARDI GRAS!   Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is walking a tight rope when it comes to balancing his conservative views towards government spending and the practicality of filling a budget deficit of some $2 billion. He gives the Republican response to the President’s State of the Union message this next Tuesday night, and […]Read More

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana JINDAL PUTS LEGISLATORS IN SPOT OVER STIMULUS FUNDING in state after state across the country, cash-starved governors from both parties are anxiously awaiting federal dollars from the stimulus package that Congress passed just last Friday. One governor though who seems less than enthusiastic over receiving such a windfall...Read More

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would be good for the state for many of us to go back to school.  And I mean to teach or volunteer in some way to help our kids.  I have taught Louisiana history at both Tulane and LSU.  As Secretary of State, I was the keeper of all the state’s historical documents.  I have...Read More

You will see in my new column this week that I wrote about the President’s Stimulus Package, and the box the Gov. Bobby Jindal might be in if he decides not to take some or all of the money allocated to Louisiana.  One low point of the whole debate over how much to give out...Read More

Louisiana Senator David Vitter seems to be the strongest of the loyal opposition in Washington against the President’s Stimulus Package.  But what do Vitter and his Republican cohorts offer as an alternative?  And are they now opposing funding for projects they were embracing just last year?  Take a look at my new column now posted...Read More

I’m a real movie buff, and generally see four or five movies a month. And who isn’t a Clint Eastwood fan? Therefore, it was an easy choice to go see Clint’s new movie, Gran Torino, now playing. He wrote, directed and starred in this compelling story of racial tension in an inner city neighborhood involving...Read More

    Thursday, February 12th, 2009 New Orleans, Louisiana SEN. DAVID VITTER AND THE STIMULUS PACKAGE Louisiana’s US Sen. David Vitter seems to be leading the charge of Republican opposition to the proposed stimulus package.  Let’s get things straight. We are talking here about the federal government stimulus package, not the stimulus being offered by...Read More

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  Do you want to see the future of computers?  It’s really unbelieveable what new technology will be available in the near future.  A new type of computer  that looks like a coffee table.  It’s called “surface computing” and you can do some pretty amazing things on this all purpose high tech product.  It’s well...Read More

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Thursday, February 5th, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana TIME FOR SUPREME COURT TO GET TO WORK Thirty Seven words.  A pretty simple job to read a short paragraph from the U. S. Constitution.  In Article 11, Section 1, the oath given to the President says: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute...Read More

  It’s hard to pierce the ivory towers that surround the US Supreme Court.  But that’s the present system and we as citizens are being shortchanged by the lack of work being done by the high court.  Judges cry for a pay raise, but spend long summers vacationing and moonlighting, instead of doing the public’s...Read More

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Hey, when you have been around a god while like me, you have over a forty year history with the music of the Eagles.  I was in that number at the New Orleans River Center last week when the eagles came to town.  I have seen them in person on a number of occasions, consider...Read More

It was quite a sports day at LSU this past Saturday as top Tiger basketball players back many years were honored at halftime of LU’s game against Arkansas.  The Tigers won big, and it was a thrill to be there to see so many past great players.  I’m pictured below before game time above, then...Read More

  My long time friend and mentor, former North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, passed away this week.  Jim was a young 68, and had a massive stroke early last week.  I had talked to him just before Christmas, and we had planned a long visit in the North Carolina Mountains where his mother was...Read More

  Since the story was posted below, a new name is “busting out” (literally) to challange the Louisiana Republican. . Her name? Stormy. Porn star Stormy Daniels. There’s a whole “Draft Stormy” movement online, in bright LSU colors even, at http://www.draftstormy.com/. (She’s from Baton Rouge)  Below is her background video.  So who put her in the...Read More

Thursday, January 29th, 2009 Washington, DC    COULD INDEPENDENT VOTERS BRING DOWN SENATOR  DAVID VITTER?  An ongoing battle within the ranks of the Louisiana Republican Party may well determine whether Louisiana US Sen. David Vitter receives his party’s nomination for the coming 2010 senatorial election. The question for the party faithful is whether or not...Read More

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich can probably count down the days until he loses the title “Guv.” His popularity is below 5%, he’s been impeached by the Illinois House of Representatives, and a number of Illinois Senators have made prejudicial remarks already concluding that the governor is on his way out the door. Here’s my problem....Read More

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Well the ranker between Republicans and Democrats has not seemed to have died down a bit. If you are a member of one party, than all the problems we face in this country who are the fault of the other party. You want to know my opinion? On a number of major issues before the...Read More

  There were high expectations in Louisiana that outgoing President George Bush would pardon former Governor Edwin Edwards.  But it did not come to pass.  Just why didn’t Bush do what he had told several people he would do?  Jim has a theory and you can read it all now by Clicking Here, or by...Read More

  Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 Baton Rouge, Louisiana WHY DIDN’T PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH PARDON EDWIN EDWARDS?  For months, political insiders in both Louisiana and Washington had been predicting that former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards would be pardoned by President George Bush in the final weeks of his term in office. There were a number of...Read More

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So how about George Bush’s legacy?  There will certainly be much commentary on how the President handled his job.  One of my favorite takes so far was given by the outrageous comedian Sarah Silverman who shared her thoughts about how the  new incoming and old outgoing Presidents are have done or will do  on the...Read More

Well Obama supporters flocked to Washington for a massive turnout of support, and demanding change.  I hope the photo below, showing the mass of  litter left on the ground, is not an indication of the change about to take place.   Click here to see commentary of the firstr few days at work foor the new...Read More

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  When does the killing stop in New Orleans?  A city with the highest murder rate in American, and recently named as on of the five most crime ridden cities in the world.  But with what seems to be almost daily killings, nothing could stun anyone compared to what happened last week.  What a dastardly...Read More

Thursday, January 15th, 2008 New Orleans, Louisiana TAKING A YOUNG LIFE IN NEW ORLEANS  WHERE EVEN GOD CAN BE WRONG. Little Ja’Shawn Powell was two years old, and lived in New Orleans with his mother.  His father, a guy named Danny Platt, came to pick up Ja’Shawn for a visit last week.  The boy, according...Read More

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There is quite an ongoing story taking place in New Orleans involving the attempt by the Archdiocese to close down several long existing catholic churches in the uptown area of the city.  Archbishop Alfred Hughes says the churches need to close. He says attendance is off after Katrina, the churches have financial problems, and there...Read More

  One of National Public Radio’s most popular shows is the weekend program “Wait!Wait! Don’t Tell Me. Not My Job.”Â  Campbell was a guest this weekend, and had to answer questions about former pro basketball player Dennis Rodman.  She’s not much of a sports buff, but you can listen to her efforts on the quiz show...Read More

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin continues to complain about the treatment she received during her recent campaign on the John McCain ticket. She started out as the new darling of the GOP, but her star quickly plummeted as she made statements showing a lack of knowledge on may national and international issues. Here’s an article this...Read More

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  In trying to solve a problem, government often creates even more costly problems through the effort.  That is certainly the case when it comes to trying to help Louisiana homeowners who face the highest property insurance rates in the nation.  But the Legislature and the Insurance Department exasperated the costs by favoring homeowners over...Read More

Thursday, January 8th, 2008   Baton Rouge, Louisiana    LOUISIANA TAXPAYERS ARE  THE LOSERS IN PROPERTY INSURANCE SCHEME   In days of old, Robin Hood took from the rich and gave to the poor. When it comes to insurance, the Louisiana Legislature and the Insurance Department do just the reverse. They apparently think it is...Read More

Take a look at Uncle Jay’s  perceptions of just what happened in 2008.  You will enjoy this amusing review. [kml_flashembed movie="http://uk.youtube.com/v/TWiXy55OHyY" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]Read More

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Should the appointed new US Senator from Illinois be sworn in to the US Senate?  Of course he should. What ever Illinois Gov. Blagojevich’s problems, he still is the Governor, he has not been indicted, and there are no allegations that he made any deal with his appointee, former Illinois Attorney General Ray Burris.  Democratic...Read More

Take a minute to look at the photos below.  There is a huge rock near a gravel pit in Hwy. 25 in rural Iowa.  For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times.  A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then...Read More

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Baton Rouge, Louisiana PERCEPTION AND REALITY IN LOUISIANA POLITICS In 2008, Louisiana rode the bubble.  A new Governor and a cadre of other new public officials were ready to put the Katrina mentality behind, and begin the process of bringing Louisiana fully into the 21st century.  There was a perception, stirred...Read More

Former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco offers a GOOP conspiracy theory in an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Mathews.  She says Bush was getting slammed “nationally and internationally” for his handling of Katrina during those early, desperate days after landfall and an executive decision was made to shift the blame.  “(Bush’s) political office decided that another scapegoat...Read More

  Daughter Campbell has had one busy year, with full election coverage, her “No Bias, No Bull” reports, each night on CNN, a young son to care for and a new son on the way, and a major feature in Vogue Magazine on the newsstands now.  You can read some of  the Vogue feature by Clicking...Read More

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My radio show on WRNO is still going strong each Sunday from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Amy Kirk was my longtime producer on weekdays and now both produces and does on air talking herself.  Amy fills in for me from time to time, and we are pictured below working together in the New Orleans...Read More

Louisiana and former Governor Edwin Edwards took some shots on the Tonight show last week as Jay Leno visited with Robin Williams. Both comedians told Edwards stories, neither of which are true, but brought big laughs from the audience. With just a few weeks left in the Bush Administration, it’s a 50/50 bet as to...Read More

  The Governor of Illinois continues to take any spotlight off of Louisiana, so there is some local good news in all the controversy up there.  Bu how about this federal prosecutor claiming that the actions of the Governor would make Abe Lincoln “roll over in his grave?” Well not quite.  You see, ole Abe...Read More

So you are a parent who is frustrated about the cost and quality of the childcare your kid is receiving.  You are looking for a better solution, right?  Well maybe here is the answer for you.  Check out the video below on ways to look after your kid while you have more time for yourself....Read More

Thursday, December 18th, 2008 Baton Rouge, Louisiana FEW SAINTS IN POLITICS NOT EVEN LINCOLN When the Governor of Illinois was arrested recently and charged with selling political favors to the highest bidder, the federal prosecutor in the case was incredulous. He stated that Abraham Lincoln” would rollover in his grave” if he were to know...Read More

  Campbell continues to receive aacolades for her weeknight show with an edge on CNN.  To read some of the latest commentary on her show, Click Here.  And a TV critic gives his take on her stye in the following video.Read More

  Whatever you might think of President Bush, you sure have to give the guy credit for his ability to bob and weave.  A few days ago, an Iraqi journalist threw both his shoes ant the President during a news conference.  The Prez dodged like a prize fighter and wasn’t touched.  Kudos to our President...Read More

  Our family has a  camp up in the St. Francisville area, quite close to the nuclear power plant.  I’ve alway been a bit apprehensive, not over concern of an explosion, but about the waste.  Where will it go?  Right now, it is kept on site.  It’s dangerous and will take a thousand years to loose...Read More

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That’s right. It snowed early this morning (Thursday).  What a rarity.   It seemed the whole neighborhood was up to see the flakes come down, and throw snow balls.   It was a rare treat that we have not seen in years.  Gladys and I found are neighbor’s showman for the photo above. That’s one of our...Read More

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  A major insurance scandal is percolating in Louisiana, and it comes as no surprise to those who have been following the shenanigans of the state created Citizens Property Insurance Company. The first of what may be a number of indictments were handed down by a state grand jury last week that tagged the ex...Read More

Thursday, December 11th, 21008 Baton Rouge, Louisiana    LOUISIANA CITIZENS INSURANCE SCANDALS CONTINUE TO GROW A year ago, it would have been hard to imagine that conditions at Citizens Property Insurance Company could get any worse. The state created and state run company was in debt by over $1 billion.  The Rouge Business Report called...Read More

In Louisiana, the Governor’s office annually presents an award that recognizes extraordinary service by an individual who has enhanced opportunities for persons with disabilities. The award was given this week at the old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. This year’s statewide 2008 Volunteer of the year Award, I’m proud to say, went to my brother-in-law,...Read More

  Can you believe all this outrageous criminal behavior by the Governor of Illinois? His name is Ron Blagojevich, and to put it gently, he is a corrupt bonehead. The FBI (who as we well know you cannot always trust) apparently have tape recordings of the Governor  discussing the withholding of state funds from a...Read More

I’m a big Holly Clegg fan.  Besides being longtime friends, I really admire the numerous cookbooks she has produced.  Here’s her latest, just in time for Christmas, and the proceeds go towards helping fund wetlands preservation, so vital to Louisiana.  The book is available at all bookstores.  Hwer website is www.hollyclegg.com. trim&Terrificâ„¢ Gulf Coast Favorites ...Read More

I don’t know about you, but I have been watching Meet the Press each Sunday morning for as far back as I can remember. Even now, when I do a Sunday morning radio show, I have one eye on what guest is appearing on what has to be the most popular new show on television....Read More

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  There’s a three hundred pound gorilla loose in Louisiana called “public healthcare” that continues to eat up a growing sector of the state’s tax dollars.  Meanwhile, the state’s efforts are focused on trying to stop the bleeding, with little emphasis on offer affordable healthcare to over one million people who do not qualify for...Read More

Thursday, December 3rd, 2008 Baton Rouge, Louisiana BOTTOM OF THE BARREL HEALTHWISE IN LOUISIANA  Louisiana has the dubious honor of being named this week as the least healthiest state in the nation.  The negative recognition was announced in the 2008 health rankings just released by United Health Foundation. It really wasn’t any surprise.  That’s because...Read More

  I’ll have to tell you”¦..I’m an unabashed Angelina Jolie fan.  She is a captivating women and one really fine actress.  I haven’t missed any of her recent movies.  A few of my favorites are “Life or Something Like it,” Original Sin, Wanted, and Beyond Borders.  I have watched her in Laura Croft-Tomb Raider several...Read More

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  Here is a real tough one.  How much control should you have over your life, particularly if you are withering away and perhaps have five or six months to live?  Should you have the right to pull the plug?  Most states say no.  It’s a difficult issue, and I’ll be talking about it on...Read More

  Remember my column written last month when I proposed that Louisiana become its own country?  Well would you believe it?  There are voices worldwide who are predicting that the U.S. will splint up into various countries in the years to come.  In fact, a leading Russian political analyst has said the economic turmoil in...Read More

  Can American automobiles continue to be competitive on the international market?  I wrote last week about the financial impact of the GM in Louisiana that directly has created some 25,000 jobs.  To read my column, Click Here. Take a look at the following video that tells the story of Ford Motor Company’s success in...Read More

  I’m taking a little break this week over the Thanksgiving holidays, so there will be no new column posted, and just a few changes here on my website. I will be doing my Sunday radio show on WRNO Sunday morning as usual from 11 AM to 1 PM. If you’re not able us and...Read More