Daughter Campbell went viral on Bloomberg TV this week in talking about “inflate-gate” and the New England Patriots breaking the rules to get into the Superbowl.  She’s a Tom Brady fan, but check out her comments below.Read More

FRED EAGLESMITH’S TRAVELING ROAD SHOW performed at the Red Dragon in Baton Rouge last weekend. Fred is a Canadian who is really funny with a wacky band to back him up. He’s a rock n’ roller from the 60s and puts on one heck of a show. Check out his video below.Read More

Well, Louisiana’s controversial Governor, Bobby Jindal has stirred up a hornet’s nest with his claims that Muslims better start shaping up and speaking out. Jindal told us to “brace ourselves” cause he wasn’t going to pull any punches over all these cities in Europe where Muslim communities are enforcing sharia law on residents, ignoring the...Read More

Weekend Radio Schedule will be posted Thursday afternoon.Read More

Do you get frustrated with some many airline problems when you travel? I do. But I love this story. A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar. During his final...Read More

Bloggers today can be tough hombres. Just ask new Republican majority whip Steve Scalise. A 28-year-old law student from Alexandria, Louisiana who blogs for fun outed the Louisiana 1st district congressman for having once spoke to a group that was founded by white supremacist David Duke. Democrats and some conservative Republicans are calling for Scalise’s...Read More

Weekend radio schedule will be posted Thursday afternoon.Read More

There certainly is a great deal of controversy over our country as to how police officers deal in crisis situation. There certainly is overreaction by some officers, and this should be investigated and those officers who cross the line should be brought to justice. But by and large, most police officers do there job, day...Read More

Joe Ely is quite a guy. He’s a well known an American singer, songwriter and guitarist whose music touches on honky-tonk, country and rock and roll. He has had a genre-crossing career, performing with Bruce Springsteen, The Clancy Brothers and James McMurtry in addition to his more recent acoustic tours with Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt,...Read More

Has college football gotten too big for its financial britches? It’s all about money, with players not wanting to attend class, and both coaches and college administrators looking out for the all mighty dollar. What happened to integrity and building character? Good luck with that. My new column takes a look at how money is...Read More

It’s Weekend Radio Time, ad we are kicking off the New Year with a look into the crystal ball to check out a variety of issues that will no doubt be facing this country today. Will the new Congress really make any difference in Washington? Can Republicans be proactive, rather than just being obstructionists? Will...Read More

Here is a major new book from our own The Lisburn Press.  Thunderbolt is a true to life novel about the changes that are taking place in the Catholic Church today. It is a compelling story by first time author Chip Songy of a young Louisiana priest on the fast track for promotion up the...Read More

When you consider Louisiana political figures that have had a major influence on the state, former New Orleans Mayor Dutch Morial is high on the list. He was the first African American to serve and be elected in a number of major positions. Dutch died 25 years ago, but his remains were reinterred last week...Read More

Weekend radio is fast approaching and we are excited about kicking off the New Year with a lively program. Let’s forget 2014. It was a so so year. But there is much to talk but as we look at predictions as to what will happen in 2015. So get your New Year’s resolutions ready and...Read More

We have a new publication just published here at The Lisburn Press, The Clarke Williams Story. Clarke Williams is the classical rags to riches story. He set out to prove that his religious faith has a place in creating a business, and he discovered unbounded success. He proved that building a company in the legacy of...Read More

Happy New Year to all of my friends who follow my ramblings on this website. Let’s all wish and hope for a more productive and enjoyable 2015.Read More

Words! Words! Words! We are an opinionated people and the right to protest and strongly state your opinion is part of our heritage and basic in our Constitution. But sometimes, words can incite violence and bad things can happen. Words can set the stage for real tragedy. And that’s what we saw in a culmination...Read More

Weekend Radio Schedule will be posted Friday afternoon!Read More

It’s been a nice holiday season touching base with friends from all over the country. We’ve had a great Christmas down here in the deepest of the deep Southern states. No snow, something we rarely get, and the temperature hit the mid 60s on Christmas Day. We don”˜t ski or get out to enjoy the...Read More

If you are a bit older like me, you were part of a new generation of music that blossomed at Woodstock back in 1966. I almost went to the festival. The showstopper was an Englishman, Joe Cocker. He gyrated all over the stage in a style that was unique and his trademark.  I’ve been a...Read More

So what do we do? Give up some of our key moral values as a nation to provide security? Do the ends justify the means? Has the world changed so that America must torture suspected terrorists if it is to protect its citizens? All timely and relevant questions with the newly released Senate Intelligence report...Read More

Our weekly radio program is approaching, and there will certainly be a lot to talk about this weekend. Renewing relations with Cuba brings up the whole immigration problem, and what we do with the millions of illegals in this country today. David Strange is a managing partner at the law firm of Whittenburg, Strange, &...Read More

On November 20-21, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), hosted the organization’s 2014 National Summit on Education Reform in Washington, D.C. At the nation’s premier annual education forum, lawmakers and policymakers were immersed in two days of in-depth discussions on proven policies and innovative strategies to improve...Read More

I’m a big  flash mob  guy, and post a number of musical spontaneous events here on my website.  Here is a special one in the holiday season.  Starting with a single cellist on the floor of the National Air and Space Museum’s “Milestones of Flight” gallery, and swelling to 120 musicians, The U.S. Air Force...Read More

The nation’s last congressional election took place in Louisiana last week. And the Republicans continued to sweep the South. Louisiana incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu lost baldly, and the political pundits said it was all Obama’s fault. But Landrieu missed numerous opportunities to save her seat and get re-elected. I write this week that all politics...Read More

Boy, do we have a lively program set for this Sunday.  My first  guest is terrorist interrogator. To his friends and neighbors, Glenn L. Carle was a wholesome, stereotypical New England Yankee, a former athlete struggling against incipient middle age, someone always with his nose in an abstruse book. But for two decades Carle broke...Read More

I was raised in St. Louis County, in a little community call Ladue Missouri. My friends and I would often drive the South St. Louis where a large German community was located. There were a number of German restaurants there, and always lots of music. Listen below to this compilation of German melodies that brought...Read More

I want to take a minute and brag on my nephew, Gary Solomon, Jr. out of New Orleans.  This young man is about as talented as they come.  His company, Solomon Productions, produced and handled just about every aspect of the recent Essence Festival, the NBA All Star Game and numerous other major events throughout...Read More

Everyone sees to have an opinion as to what caused the turmoil in Ferguson, Missouri.   But there is a big difference between opinion and fact. I know this area well, having gone to high school in Ladue, Missouri than adjoins Ferguson. And it’s obvious to me that those with contrarian opinions too often want to...Read More

It’s December and many businesses are beginning to wind down their year. Not us here on the “Common Sense” radio show. We never slow down or even take a break. We are back at our home flagship station, Clear Channel’s WJBO, 1150 AM in Baton Rouge this week, after broadcasting from New York City last...Read More

Here is the latest publication from The Lisburn Press that is creating a lot of excitement in the literary world.  Thunderbolt tells the story of a young Louisiana priest is on the fast track for promotion up the chain of authority in the Catholic Church, when he is embraced by a clandestine group of influential bishops...Read More

What is it with these politicians bringing in outside officials to tell us how to vote? Then the problem gets compounded with the flooding of the airwaves paid for by out of state special interest money. Can’t voters in all states make up their own minds without this outside influence? I guess candidates think voters...Read More

Our Thanksgiving Weekend program is all lined up with a busy schedule of guests and topics. We will be live from New York City where the snow is supposed to come down in droves. So a good time to get into the holiday spirit. Did you shop on Black Thursday? No, not Friday, but Thursday?  ...Read More

You probably have seen the football “catch of the century” by former LSU star receiver Odell Beckham, J., now playing for the New York Giants. Those of us who followed Odell during his years playing here in Baton Rouge have seen a number of acrobatic catches. But nothing like he pulled off Sunday against the...Read More

The Keystone pipeline has become an issue that now dominates the U.S. Senate race in Louisiana. It’s the where all to end all dispute, and seems to be all that the two run off candidates are talking about. Incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu(D) and challenger Dr. Bill Cassidy(R) have each tried to “one up” the other...Read More

Well it’s the week before Thanksgiving, and most of the country is over and done with politics.  And thank goodness.  Well, except down in my home state of Louisiana.  We have a run off for U. S. Senator and congressional races, so us Red Necks and Cajuns will have to suffer through a few more weeks.  Will the new...Read More

I attend a number of book fairs and festivals, particularly in the South, to publicize my publications through The Lisburn Press. What a treat a few weeks ago to be joined by the great American writer and fellow Louisianan Ernest Gaines. His works have been taught in college classrooms and translated into many languages, including...Read More

Songwriter and singer Mary Gauthier came back home is week. The Baton Rouge gal gave a first-rate performance at the Red Dragon listening room, one of my favorite hangouts here along the Mississippi River her in “Red Stick.” Mary tours the country and has found fame up in Nashville, performing misty and emotion provoking songs,...Read More

Senators and governors of days past are turning over in their graves at the carrying on, or lack of thereof, by the candidates for U.S. Senate in Louisiana. Where have both incumbent democratic Senator Mary Landrieu and republican challenger Dr. Bill Cassidy been for all these months? Few voters around the state can remember seeing...Read More

Weekend Radio Schedule to be posted Friday.Read More

If you want to see just how out of whack out educational system has become, particularly in giving a basic civics education to younger voters, take a look at the video below. It will leave you scratching your heads wondering where the system went wrong. There’s got to be a better way to educate these...Read More

ROY BOOKBINDER has been singing the blues for more than 45 years. In his younger days he was a sideman to the legendary REVEREND GARY DAVIS. His brand of acoustic blues came to the attention of BONNIE RAITT with whom he toured for years. Roy went on to become a TV star on the show...Read More

The Republicans won big, and now both parties in congress are talking about crossing party lines to solve problems in the nation’s capitol. Compromise and moderation are the new Buzzwords. Real Kumbaya, right? Good luck. New studies show that voters are more extreme in their views than are their members of congress. Many voters do...Read More

We will review the new political landscape as the Republicans now control both Houses of Congress. We things really change? Not in my opinion. In fact that’s the focus of my new column this week. And it’s really all about money. The unbelievable amount of tainted campaign dollars that have flooded these elections. Our guest...Read More

Just about everyone live and breathes politics down in Louisiana-right? It’s been portrayed as a way of life and part of the DNA of Cajuns and Red Necks alike. It’s pure entertainment all year round. The Bayou State must certainly have the highest rate of voter participation in the country. But surprisingly, that’s not the...Read More

What a weekend of lively radio topics coming up. It’s Halloween and the spooks are all around us. Election Day is on the countdown and we will talk about what issues have been completely ignored by politico wannabes all across the country. Will the Republican take control of the U.S. Senate? I’ll make my predictions...Read More

Well Halloween is almost here. Are you ready? I’m a big trick or treater with the neighborhood kids coming by in droves to receive the goodies we put out. And we have lots of pumpkins. How does yours stack up? I’ll bet my pumpkin is bigger than your pumpkins!Read More

Election Day is fast approaching, and there is a lot on the line for the politicians running, and the country as a whole. I’ve been preaching each week on my national radio show that voters should think long and hard as to whether to vote for any incumbent. If we are going to get merely...Read More

Have you voted yet? People all over America are taken manage of early voting in this coming Congressional election. In my new column, I tell you about my experience in earlier this week. And how about all this controversy over needing to have a voter I.D.? Is it a real burden for some voters that...Read More

It’s the countdown until the nationwide congressional Election Day on November 3rd. Will the Republicans take over control of the U.S. Senate? Will Democrats hold their own in races across the country? And of course, underlying all these elections are so many national and international issues. Ebola has made the country forget about open warfare...Read More

If you are a country music fan, you certainly know and appreciate the smooth twangs of Clink Back. He’s been a big name in this music field for a number of years. I had the pleasure of hearing Clint in concert and having a nice visit before his performance this past weekend here in Baton...Read More

Major cities in the US are sinking and are demanding action to stop the water flow. Boston is hollering that they need federal help, and may end up being the next Venice. Miami and the Everglades are asking for federal dollars. Baltimore and New York are reeling after Hurricane Sandy, and say they may be...Read More

Some weeks, we really have to work hard to come up with a full weekend show. Boy, not this weekend. We’re loaded with issues to discuss. Ebola and whether we can contain this terrible disease, ISIS, conflicts throughout the world, politics in the US, and so many other topics. With elections close at hand (just...Read More

My daughter Campbell, who many of you remember as the White House correspondent for NBC news as well as hosting her own show on CNN, is making a valiant effort to raise the standards of teachers throughout New York. The teachers’ unions or not holding back, and fighting her tooth and nail. For her cause,...Read More

I don’t know about you, but fall is my favorite season of the year. There is nothing as pretty as seeing the leaves change up north and along the East Coast. The colors can really be brilliant. We don’t get much color down out here in the south. So I was fortunate to be up...Read More

Pride. That is a key catalyst for any state to be a competitor for economic development across the nation. People who live in the Bayou State generally love Louisiana. But do they have enough pride, and the commitment it takes to be attractive to those businesses that are considering locating in the deepest of the...Read More

The “Common Sense” radio show weekend will broadcast  from Quebec, Canada, and is right around the corner and we have a really great program lined up for all our listeners across the country. There is a fascinating new documentary out called ” Six Ways to Santiago,” all about the thousands of people worldwide who make...Read More

With tax dollars scarce in Louisiana, this might be an excellent time to streamline on the state and local levels. Just how many boards, commissions, water districts, sewer districts, parish auditors, law enforcement offices, and other special districts are spread throughout Louisiana? Would you believe that no agency, public or private, can list all the...Read More

Radio Weekend close at hand, and, as usual, we are planning a full agenda and a lively program. So much has happened in the past week. John Whitehead with the Rutherford Institute will join me to review all the freedoms that Attorney General Eric Holder has pushed to take away from every American. John has...Read More

We’ve been following all the domestic violence that is seething out of the National Football League. But how about federal judges who are every bit as violent with their spouses, and other judges who feel that have the right to demand special consideration? There are many competent judges across the country, but there are also...Read More

Fall is in the air, but the Common Sense Radio Weekend Show won’t stop to smell the roses. We have a full program set for this Sunday’s show. Just who is this ISIS, and how big a threat are they really to U.S. citizens? Howard Bloom is a Middle East scholar who has a new...Read More

                                                 One of my heroes is Ida Keeling. She’s 99 years old! NINETY NINE! She STARTED running at age 67. She just broke the record of the 100M sprint in her age...Read More

Talk about an ingrate. At the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival, George P. Bush, the Republican nominee for Land Commissioner, said he wouldn’t endorse his father, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, should he decide to run for president in 2016. He himed and hawed, then said he wouldn’t endorse anyone. Hey George!  It’s YOUR FATHER! What...Read More

So are we in America about to open up a whole new chapter in the Middle Eastern war saga? What has eleven years in Iraq taught us, at a cost of some seven trillion dollars and who knows how many people killed. How big a threat is this barbarian group ISIS? It was terrible the...Read More

Radio Weekend is about here, and we look forward to having you join us if you can to make a little “Common Sense” about the world around us. How much more do we get involved in the Middle East? We spent some seven trillion dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan and what do we have to...Read More

One of the most enjoyable jobs I had when I was in public life in Louisiana, was serving for eight years as the Secretary of State. Is it important job, dealing with handling the entire election process, being the state’s chief historian and keeper of all the state archives, and being the top business officer....Read More

Can you believe that the top five happiest cities in the U. S. include Lafayette, Houma, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Alexandria and Lake Charles are all located in Louisiana? I know we Red Necks and Cajuns have a good time and all, but is the rest of the nation not letting the good times roll...Read More

Radio “Common Sense” weekend is close at hand and we have full show of controversial issues to discuss. Welcome again to our new Fairbanks, Alaska station KFAR, 660 AM.  This is really the “Last Frontier” so we are glad you folks “North to Alaska” as the song goes will join us.  And what about the...Read More

There’s always something special about attending a major-league baseball game. Those of you that read this column regularly know that I’m a diehard at spring training each year over in Florida to see a number of major league baseball teams. Last week, I had the pleasure of taking in the Boston Red Sox at their...Read More

Have you taken the ice bucket challenge yet? People everywhere can be seen dumping buckets of ice water on their heads to raise awareness and funds to fight ALS. Children, adults and celebrities alike are joining the social media phenomenon to fight back against a disease that currently has no cure. I took the challenge...Read More

Was there something unique as to what happened in Ferguson, Missouri recently? Obviously, there was a major breakdown in communication and leadership, from just about everyone involved. And I mean everyone,  from the President, the Governor and all the others involved in this killing.  How about all those who jumped to conclusions? And are  other...Read More

Common Sense Radio Weekend is at hand and we really have a great program set for our listeners all over America. And we do want to welcome a new addition to the “Common Sense” network of stations. KFAR 660am in Fairbanks, Alaska is our newest affiliate. Glad you are part of our network of stations....Read More

So are you happy with the job your congressmen and senators are doing up in the nation’s capitol? Most Americans are not, as congress has an all time disapproval rating at 10% favorable. Those 10% must have been living in a hole. So you want to do something about it and protest? You can, and...Read More

I’m not a big sitcom TV watcher, but I do watch the Emmys for best performances each year. Seth Meyers hosted the Emmys, and I thought did a first rate job with his low-key humor. One of the funniest bits was his on the street interviews joined by his friend Billy Eikner. Take a look.Read More

Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race has become a real knock down free for all. Incumbent Mary Landrieu is in the fight of her political life as Red State Louisiana becomes more republican. So can the Lady pull it off? Not out of the question, but in this current campaign, Landrieu has often been her own worst...Read More

A jam-packed schedule is lined up for this Sunday’s “Common Sense” radio program. Will the President ever decide to come home form his vacation while the world seems to be going up in flames? We will take about it. Then cancer expert Bill Henderson will offer some ideas about alternative medicines. Educational expert Dara Feldman...Read More

Do you remember the singing group, The Subdudes, who were so popular back in the70s and 80s? Lead singer Tommy Malone still tours and is still quite a performer. He was in my hometown of Baton Rouge last week at the Red Dragon Listen Room. Check out Tommy and the Subdudes on the David Letterman...Read More

Energy production has been a mainstay of the Gulf Coast states, particularly in Louisiana, for well over a half a century. Actor Jimmy Steward echoed the prevailing view in his 1950s movie, “Thunder Bay,” when he told the oil production naysayers: “There’s oil under this Gulf. We need it. Everybody needs it. Without oil, this...Read More

So are you happy with the job your congressmen and senators are doing up in the nation’s capitol? Most Americans are not, as congress has an all time disapproval rating at 10% favorable. Those 10% must have been living in a hole. So you want to do something about it and protest? You can, and...Read More

If you want to read about a remarkable young man, look over the business success story of my nephew, Gary Solomon, Jr. It seems like no major sporting or entertainment spectacle takes place anywhere in the country without the Solomon group being involved. The Essence Festival, the Superbowl, the NBA All-star game, and major conventions...Read More

Former President Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace 40 years ago this week, as Watergate brought him down. He did it to himself by taping all his office conversations. But is the Watergate scandal his only lasting legacy? I met Nixon on two different occasions, and I take a look back in my new column. He...Read More

Weekend Radio is close at hand and we have a lot to talk about this weekend. Stations coast to coast, so check local listings for times and stations carry our program. Or you can listen live over the Genesis Communications Network by going to the Genesis box on the upper left side of this website....Read More

Well if you have not been following the major educational debate taking place from coast to coast, daughter Campbell is leading the charge for change in the teacher tenure laws. And boy has she stirred things up. Check out her appearance below on The Colbert Report, and then the comments in support of Campbell’s efforts...Read More

Lynn Drury is a New Orleans gal that has been apart of the Southern music scene much longer than her young looks let on. She has a great southern outlaw flare with music that is soulful and that reflects a tough life-Maybe Mississippi grit. I enjoyed her concert last week in Baton Rouge at the...Read More

So what’s up in the Louisiana U.S. Senate race? Can you believe that not many voters like any of the candidates? Incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu has to deal with the President as an anchor around her neck, and Republican Bill Cassidy seems to only know how to say NO. Tea Party candidate Rob Maness seems...Read More

Radio Weekend is at hand, and there sure will be a lot to discuss this Sunday. Is the president lost his way and out of touch? The world is in chaos, and he and his family are leaving for a 16-day vacation to Martha’s Vineyard. Oh, I know it’s a “working vacation.” But the perception...Read More

Well, daughter Campbell has not slowed down a bit in her quest to dramatically improve public education in New York. She is presently heading up an effort to dramatically revise teacher tenure rules, and hold wayward teachers much more accountable. She is the force behind a new lawsuit that challenges a number of present rules...Read More

David Eagan has been around singing at concerts and Listening Rooms through the South and Midwest for many years. He’s a talented singer, a great storyteller and first-rate musician. I’ve heard him on several occasions and he’s quite a guy. Please keep David and his family in your thoughts and prayers. I was informed yesterday...Read More

The death penalty is rarely enforced anymore, and there is a good reason. It seems a week does not go by in the U.S. where some convict sitting on death row has good lawyers who turn up evidence of prosecutorial misconduct. There have been convicts here in my home state of Louisiana who have comes within...Read More

The weekend is closing in, and there is so much going on in the news for us to talk about on the Common Sense Weekend program. We were not able to connect, because of international transmission problems, with our guest David Dellit. He will be on our show this weekend to continue our discussion: it...Read More

Ray Bonneville, a great southern blues singer, came to my hometown this past week for a solo concert at the Red Dragon. I’ve heard Ray perform on several occasions. He stops the rhythm with both feet, plays the harmonica, and is a first rate guitar picker. Below is a song about New Orleans.Read More

I hope to have all the energy you can see in this delightful older gentleman in the video below. I certainly agree with the premise that you are only as old as you feel. Seeing him on the dance floor, he still has a lot of living to do. Take a look.Read More

Must be some big weather problems a comin’ down in the Bayou State.  Just has to be.  Why else would Louisiana property owners be stuck with sky rocketing insurance rates?  The state’s biggest insurer, State Farm, just went ahead and raised their rates on homes by as much of 20%.  What?  How can that be? ...Read More

Weekend Radio is fast approaching and we have a lively and active full-blown program for our listeners. There is so much in the news.  But how about this topic?  Is it necessary to believe in God in order to be a good, moral person? Unlike the rest of the industrialized countries surveyed by the Pew...Read More

I’m just amazed at the number of drivers who look down at cell phones, text, read email, all while they are driving.  Our smart phones have led to a dramatic increase in a number of highway deaths.  The video below is a chilling reminder of how irresponsible a driver can be.  Take a look.  It’s...Read More

The Wasington Post  published an in-depth article this week about daughter Campbell’s major battle with teacher’s unions in New York and her personal crusade to bring major changes to public education.  The article is well balanced, and worth a read.  You can see it by Clicking Here.Read More

Your heart has to go out to the poor average Joe living in New Orleans.  The Crescent City is in a battle to stay afloat as it deals with major street crime, corrupt politicians, and a dysfunctional criminal justice system where even federal officials can no longer be trusted.  And the murder rate, actually the...Read More

The Weekend Radio schedule will be posted on Friday.Read More

Special holidays like the 4th of July always have, for good reason, a special acknowledgement of those military service men and women who have defended our country for so many years.  There are few veterans in congress today.  Most politicians reflect the comment of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who, when asked why he did...Read More

The rest of the nation has been grumbling for years over the massive federal bailouts that seem to go to hurricane prone states along the Gulf Coast year after year.  “Maybe those folks down there should pack up and move,” some Yankees have suggested.  But oh how the debate has changed.  Wildfires out west, tornadoes...Read More