Well La. Governor Bobby Jindal has had quite a week.  He was a guest Sunday on “Meet the Press’ and challenged the President’s stimulus plan, saying he would turn down some of the money.  He has received praise form conservative Republicans, and has also received a lot of criticism for what some call “political posturing.”Â Â ...Read More

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

  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

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  As Secretary of State, I was the keeper of all the state’s historical documents.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

  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

  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

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

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

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

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

  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

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

  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

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

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

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

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

  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

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

  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

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

  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

  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

  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

It was back to my old hometown of Ferriday this week will try was the guest speaker at the Ferriday Chamber of Commerce. A good chance to talk abut my new book and visit my old stomping grounds and renew friendships with a number of friends that go back to the mid-1960s. Actually, under some...Read More

  Just when you thought that insurance regulatory problems in the Department of Insurance could not get any worse in Louisiana, more problems, and even outright violations of the law, raise their ugly heads. Just this week, the insurance department was blasted by the Legislative Auditor in a 60 page scathing report alleging that the...Read More

Since the election of new Pres. Barack Obama, gun sales have skyrocketed. A lot of people are apparently worried that Obama will make a major effort to control who can own a gun. I think there’s fat chance of this happening. But the two videos below tell you a lot about what you do to...Read More

Regular readers of this site know that I’m a die hard basketball fan. I walked out of a dinner party this past Tuesday evening so I could go home and watch the UNC- Kentucky game on television.  I am a real Tar Heel fan since my days at Carolina in the early 60s. (Sports trivia...Read More

    Now that the election is over, we need to get back to the really important matters in our lives like football and hate crimes. That’s what my column is about this week. I know you’re wondering how the two are intertwined. Well Alabama’s Nick Saban came to town last weekend, and when he...Read More

  Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has wasted no time, once the presidential election was over last week, traveling the country, giving numerous national TV interviews, and making no bones about the fact that he plans on being a major player in Republican politics on the national scene. His Achilles’ heel may possibly be not addressing...Read More

The outrageous lack of oversight continues as more troubling audits show widespread mismanagement and outright theft on the part of those running the state created Citizens Property Insurance Company. Citizens has been called the biggest financial disaster in Louisiana’s history. And for good reason. This notoriously mismanaged company was on the road to disaster from...Read More

It was Veterans Day on Tuesday of this week. And very few people remembered in any fashion. There are only one or two American flags in my large subdivision. State employees in Louisiana were given a holiday, but it was merely a day away from work. Nothing special.  I know of no public official in...Read More

Now that the election is over, I wrote this week about some of the winners and losers in the past election.  The list includes La. Gov. Bobby Jindal, Tina Fey and Joe the Plumber.  Yu can read it now by Clicking Here.   If you know anything about Louisiana politics, you are well aware of...Read More

I have always been a big fan North Carolina US Sen. Libby Dole.  I had a delightful dinner with her in Natchez, Mississippi back in the early 1970s. But she was soundly defeated in her re-election efforts this past Tuesday, and she only has her own self to blame. Dole has always been a Washington...Read More

Presidential Candidates. Funny Pictures. – For more amazing video clips, click hereRead More

You just will not believe the dream I had last night.  It was the strangest thing you can imagine.  Now those of you who have followed my years of public service know full well that I’m a quiet, non— controversial kind of guy.  But in my dream last night, I was right in the center...Read More

Atlanta high school kids below  give an energetic presentation of your right to vote for whoever y9u want for President, but how it’s important to vote.  And by the way, I think the pundits are going to be surprised at the high number of yunger voters who will go to the polls on election day....Read More

Campbell Brown “cuts through the bull” and raises questions about how McCain insiders are calling Sarah Palin a Diva.  Check her comments below. Embedded video from CNN VideoRead More

  Are you happy that you as a taxpayer have plowed some $120 million into the AIG insurance company?  Yet insurance regulators over the country seem to be quite blasé about the shenanigans of AIG.  And you may not realize what a big presence this giant company has right here in Louisiana.  You can read...Read More

  Would you like to get an idea of how Sarah Palin would operate if she would end up as President?  Well click on the link below, and take a look.  Be sure and click on different parts of the office to see her various reactions.  I hope you will find the experience amusing.  To...Read More

In less than two weeks, we will have a new president elect.  The first president I remember watching on election night was John F. Kennedy.  I was in my apartment at the University of North Carolina, and stayed up until the early morning hours watching his first comments as the new president.  Like most Americans,...Read More

Some political observers are puzzled over the last minute endorsement by Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy, who is running for the U.S. Senate.  Kennedy’s opponent, incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu, is solidly ahead in recent polls.  So why would Jindal get in the middle of what seems to be a losing cause? ...Read More

If you live down here Louisiana, we are use to seeing and reading about movie stars throughout our state all the time.  That’s pretty neat, but we pay a price for the small pleasure.  The state is giving away millions of dollars to movie producers in order to lure them to do their work here...Read More

In the heat of a presidential campaign, there are charges, innuendos, inaccurate statements, and outright lies that plague any major candidate.  We have certainly seen this take place in the present McCain-Obama slug fest.  That’s why it is refreshing for a political commentator to deal with misinformation head on, and try to keep this heated...Read More

  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal traveled to Gainesville, Florida for the LSU ““ Florida game last week, and held a rally in front of a Florida fraternity house.  He injected a little humor into his remarks by giving his top 10 reasons why LSU and Florida fans agree on a number of things.  You can...Read More

How many of you have ever attended your 50th year anniversary of your high school reunion?  I had the great pleasure last weekend of becoming reacquainted with so many old friends, a number of whom I have not seen in the past 50 years.  I graduated from a first rate high school in the suburbs...Read More

The presidential race is coming to an end for two candidates, but would you believe, the jockeying is already beginning for 2012.  And Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is right in the mix.  You can check out my thoughts by reading this week’s column about a major fundraiser in Florida this weekend, and why Jindal may...Read More

Jimmy Davis was the first Louisiana governor I ever met.  He took me under wing back in the 1960s and supported me every time I ran for public office. Whenever he came through  my hometown of Ferriday, he would stop for coffee and share numerous stories of his years in public life. When he ran...Read More

Daughter Campbell has caused a lot of controversy  on the cable news circuit.  She was profiled in Saturday’s New York Times on the growing popularity of her weeknight evening television show and how she has become more opinionated during the current Presidential campaign.   You can read the Times article by Clicking Here. And you...Read More

Lousiana Lawmaker Faults Media For Focusing Attention On His Eugenics Proposal» Louisiana State Rep. John LaBruzzo (R) recently stirred controversy by advocating a form of eugenics to decrease the number of poor. “I realized that all these people were in Louisiana’s care and what a massive financial responsibility that is to the state,” he said....Read More

Despite how busy the last week has been, it would be a major faux pas not to acknowledge the passing last week of Paul Newman. He was simply the quintessential movie star. A handsome guy with penetrating blue eyes, who graced the screen with his style, humor and great talent. After can you begin to...Read More

How can you make any sense out of this present financial crisis? Exactly how did we get into this mess? I gave it my best shot in this week’s column. And it’s just not a problem in New York or Washington, DC. For those of us who live in Louisiana, those representing us here are...Read More

I know something about stirring up controversy. But my oldest kid did a pretty good job of stirring up the pot this week. She has begun a campaign to “Free Sarah Palin.” Her knock is that the McCain political handlers have muzzled the Alaska Governor, and won’t let the press grill her as they like...Read More

During the almost 12 years I spent as an insurance regulator, I continued to hear the cry that there was “too much regulation taking place.” Limit the regulation, and let the free market work its magic. Well, the so-called “magic” has come to pass. As I wrote last week, not just on a national level,...Read More

So you are confused about the upheaval of the national financial markets, and want someone to tell you just what’s happening, and what we should do about it… right? Well you are not alone. On my radio show this past Sunday, caller after caller expressed concern, rage and disgust over how our elected officials have...Read More

As anyone who regularly follows my website knows, I am an unabashed country music fan.  And it should not be surprising.  After all, I lived in Ferriday, Louisiana for a number of years, and got to know all the musical legends there including Jerry Lee Lewis, Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, and of course, my longtime friend,...Read More

Both political parties should have received wake-up call this week following the crash of key financial institutions in New York. But the problem hits right home here in Louisiana with a potential collapse of AIG insurance group. You might be surprised at what a huge presence AIG has right here Louisiana. I wrote about it...Read More

Charges continue to fly in the current race for the White House, and depending upon what side you are on, one could make a pretty good case against either candidate.  But realistically, both McCain and Obama are pretty solid candidates for each of the respective political parties.  McCain is both a war hero, and has...Read More

If you wanted to pick the perfect typecast for VP candidate Sarah Palin, it would be an easy pick. Tina Fey, formerly a regular on Saturday Night Live, made a return visit this past Saturday to play her look a like double, the Alaska Governor. She was a big hit, and we will certainly see...Read More

Bobby Jindal for President? The Louisiana Governor? Wait. You mean Vice Prez don’t you, and that didn’t happen, right? Well some, can you believe, are already talking about Jindal for the top spot in 2012, with or without Sarah Palin. Jim’s NEW column is now up, and he takes a look at the present campaign,...Read More

Now that the storm has passed along the gulf coast and (fingers crossed) Hurricane Ike seems to be moving away from Louisiana, insurance issues are now on the front burner for many residents. Wind this time, not water. And that’s good news, for insurance companies cannot hid behind questionable water claim denials. Losses in Louisiana...Read More

The Brown Family was well represented during convention week this time around. My sister, Madalyne (upper left) was a delegate at the Democratic Convention in Denver. She met up with my daughter Campbell who covered both conventions for CNN. Madalyne has been a delegate for a number of conventions, and is escorted by her husband...Read More

Hey, we all like a good kiss. But sometimes you end up with some that are clumsy or even bizarre. I’ll let you be the judge. Take a look at some of the more famous kisses, political and otherwise.  And to read about appropriate political hugs and kisses, Click Here. How about Angelina Jolie and...Read More

Well we are cleaning up in the aftermath of Gustav that caused some $10 billion in damage to Louisiana. Two million customers lost power, and there is a great de3al of cleaning up to do. But wait. HURRICANE IKE is on its way into the Gulf and could pose a real new threat to the...Read More

I’ve just returned to Louisiana after a week in the North Carolina Mountains, followed by another week out west in Hood River, Oregon where my youngest daughter lives with her husband. And there certainly is a lot to catch up on, with problems to address. On the national front, the Democratic convention is dominating the...Read More

It’s pretty obvious that New Orleans Congressman Bill Jefferson has his hands full over $90,000 in cash seized by the FBI in his home freezer. Check out the following video and see what options the Congressman had when it came to putting the money in refrigerator stocks rather than in the refrigerator itself. Take a...Read More

What is hands down the worst run agency in Louisiana State government? Jim takes his annual review, and the final competition is not even close. If you want to read Jim’s annual pick, just Click Here. You can see from the photos below that Jim was on vacation in North Carolina last week. He will...Read More

The North Carolina Mountains offer me a little therapy each year, particularly in the heat of a Louisiana summer. I’ve been a regular this time a year for a long time. One of my trip highlights is to hike Grandfather Mountain, which is located about an hour and a half northeast of Ashville. A trek...Read More

Is it really down to a two man race this November for President? Yes, there are some minor candidates that have qualified, but none that seem to be creating any excitement. Well this is Louisiana so what about a local named Breaux? Take a look at the following video, then judge for yourself. I certainly...Read More

Game time for numerous colleges is only a week a way. Will LSU repeat as national champion? If not, who’s your pick? You can sign up to make your choice and get a lot of clear and concise college football news by Clicking Here. Go ahead and have some football fun.Read More

Well you just have to check ot the new Paris Hilton political ad. Sure she’s a dingbat, but guess what? Her energy plan makes pretty good sense. Check it out and see what you think. See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or DieRead More

For you political groupies who want the daily tracking polls and trends on the coming presidential election, here is a site you might want to check out. Nate Silver is the publisher and you can find his daily evaluation of political information by Clicking Here. You can see below an interview with him on Countdown...Read More

. Oh all right. I’ll admit it. I am a card carrying member of the AARP. And for good reason. You qualify at 55, and you get great discounts on hotels, rental cars, and a number of other purchases. Power to us old guys. And here’s a great service. Below is just some of the...Read More

 August 6th, 2008 Jim is on vacation all this week, out of cell and web range, high in the North Carolina mountains. He’s back in business next week with a new column, and plenty of updates on this site. So keep checking.   Have we too many federal laws on the books in this country?...Read More

If you did not listen and see the last lecture Professor Randy Pausch, you really missed something special. Randy was a computer-science professor from Carnegie Mellon University. He died at his home this past week at the age of 47 of pancreatic cancer. Knowing that he was going to die, he gathered up his class...Read More