Rannah Gray and I have a new podcast out about the strange and interesting world of Louisiana politics. You can listen to it now on any podcast site by just plugging in www.datelinelouisiana.com. You can also check out all of our recent podcasts by Clicking Here.  Hope you will give it a listen.Read More

Here’s interview that was created a number of radio stations by the sounds of the show, my friends Chris Tidmore and Hi McEnery.  The show runs on stations throughout Louisiana, it’s always been lighthearted program with the two hosts.  My friend Rannah Gray also joined the show, as we’ve started a new podcast to together....Read More

We live in a different world today then when I grow up. Going and coming from school, and daily safety were just not an issue. Today, protecting your children is often the only issue. What should we do as parents to see the schools protect our children more? There certainly have been failings  as we...Read More

If you haven’t listened yet, the new dateline Louisiana podcast is gaining a number of new listeners.  Several new episodes have now been posted, including great discussions on  all the interesting and exquisite food you can find in Louisiana.  So be sure and check out all these new episodes. You can listen to all the...Read More

All we’re hearing in the press are several high profile decisions from the US Supreme Court. But quietly, other decisions have eroded your basic constitutional rights. Something the Supreme Court Has done a lot recently.Although the Supreme Court stopped short of overturning its 1966 ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, the conservative majority declared that individuals...Read More

There’s a major effort in Washington, both by the president and key members of Congress, to pass legislation forgiving current student loans. The amount of these loans currently exceed $1.7 trillion. And that ain’t chump change.  So is this something that Congress and the president should do? Is it fair to the those who earlier...Read More

The Keystone pipeline has become an issue that now dominates criticism of the President by  pleading how important the pipeline  is to the economic future of Louisiana. My reaction? Hogwash! The issue will not mean diddlysquat to the Bayou State. No new jobs will be created and not a dime of economic development. Read my...Read More

I’m excited to tell you about a new podcast that is taking off this week with my cohost Rannah Gray. For years, Rannah and I broadcast a nationally syndicated radio program that you could listen to right here on this site.  We have started a new podcast called Dateline Louisiana, where we discuss the various...Read More

Fifty years ago this month, the Watergate break-in took place in Washington. It seemed like a minor event at the time, but the whole political mess continued to  unwind  and led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Like most of the rest of the country, I was an avid observer of the whole process....Read More

One of the important issues missing from the whole gun debate is the violence that takes place at the movies, on TV and in video games.  Yet we see time and time again the fist kind of violence influences potential mass murderers. Check out daughter Campbell Brown’s article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal...Read More

All things considered, Jupiter seems like a pretty scary place. More than 300 times bigger than Earth (and twice the size of all the rest of our solar system’s planets combined), the King of Planets has double the strength of our gravity and an exceptionally dense, dry atmosphere. And you know that Big Red Dot on...Read More

Kudos to my colleague John Whitehead for his  continuing to stand up for our freedoms. He writes  regular columns on his website The Rutherford Institute. Here’s what he insightfully says this week: “In a closed society where everybody’s guilty, the only crime is getting caught.”””Hunter S. Thompson “The groundwork has been laid for a new...Read More

The recent legislative session at the state capital of Louisiana provided an excellent chance for legislators to deal directly with the nation’s highest automobile  insurance rates. There were a number of positive suggestions that were offered to legislators. But with all was said and done, nothing of any consequence happened. So policyholders in the state...Read More

How about my two good-looking and quite athletic grandsons, Eli and Asher Senor? In New York City for Asher’s bar mitzvah. And watching these two guys play lots of great tennisRead More

So what do you choose? Exercise or reading a good book. I say you can do both. I’m at my local health club 5 to 6 days a week, and always bring a book along. If it’s time to ride on my recumbent bike, I can both ride and read. My rule of thumb is...Read More

All across America, the voting process is under siege.  And much of the criticism is directed at secretaries of state who are the top election officials in most states.  A number of groups, many tied to the past president, say there is widespread voter fraud, and the whole system needs to be revamped. So is...Read More

Two of Louisiana’s most colorful governors certainly are Edwin Edwards and John McKeithen.  They were political allies when McKeithen  was governor and Edwards served as a congressman from southwest Louisiana. Then Edwards was elected, and the relationship between them became strained. I was a first hand observer to the highs and lows of their relationship,...Read More

Sad to say, but another week- another school shooting. It seems like these deranged killers are popping up way too often. And the police response in Uvalde, Texas has been absolutely appalling. Domestic terrorism in America continues to rise. What if anything that we do about it? I express my thoughts about the terrible shooting...Read More

A nice evening visiting with my friend Charlie Cole overlooking the Mississippi River. Charlie has been working for a number of years on his wonderful project of restoring Como plantation outside of Saint Francisville as a wonderful getaway. The Como Plantation Retreat has been in the works for several years””a vision that has transformed this...Read More

This week, I want to tell you all about me and the Killer. Well, not that kind of killer. I’m talking about one of the great country music and rock ‘n roll singers of all time. He’s from my hometown in Ferriday, Louisiana and he was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame....Read More

  So how long will he wait? In Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”, a revolutionary creation, the symbolic Godot never comes. Will he show up for this guy?  Some say Godot represents death, unless the only thing that comes.  Hummmmm!  I don’t know about that. But I did like the play.Read More

Randy Weaver has passed away.  Three decades ago, he was entrapped by an ATF agent.  Federal agents subsequently killed his son and wife. The Justice Department denied that anyone’s rights were violated but still paid a multi-million dollar settlement for the Weaver family’s wrongful death lawsuit.  Federal abuses at Ruby Ridge, the subsequent FBI coverup,...Read More

What’s going on in my home state of Louisiana and across the nation? A crime wave of violence from coast to coast. Political leaders in both parties who  scream for attention, but offer few solutions. We as Americans deserve better. Much better! I take on the thorny subject in my new column now posted. Where...Read More

I would be remiss not to comment on the passing of my longtime friend Mickey Gilley. He was one of my first clients when I started my law practice in the small town of Ferriday in Northeast Louisiana. Mickey was a  country music star whose Texas nightclub served as the inspiration for the 1980 film Urban...Read More

I’m sure you recognize actor James Cromwell. He’s played major character actors in any number of movies. In the popular series the crown, he played Prince Philip and did an excellent job. Well now he’s created a really sticky situation.  Incensed by the “senseless upcharge” at Starbucks for nondairy milk, the “Succession” and “Babe” actor...Read More

Well like it or not, I’m moving on up. I’m talking about age. Eighty two years old this week. In the past, I would have assumed that this is really old. Not so says me. Yes, a lot of water has pasted under the bridge, but I’m convinced I still have a good ways to...Read More

Mega country music singing star Garth Brooks is certainly a national treasure. But it’s hard to top the thousands of fans that packed LSU tiger stadium this past Saturday night. It was a Garth Brooks weekend with diehard fans traveling from hundreds of miles just to see the king of country music. He wasn’t always...Read More

Did you know that some so-called celebrities go ahead and hire a book stylist? A book is recommended to carry around and let people think you are a real intellectual and regular reader. Hey I’ve got a good idea. Just sit down and read a book!Read More

  Now look all you guys and gals. Ain’t nobody messin’ with me. You can see below, I got friends. Remember “The Incredible Hulk” in the U.S. TV series that ran in the ’70s? Well,the Hulk came to Baton Rouge this week to hang out. With me-right? Well alright. He did open up a new health...Read More

It’s a simple fact with no disagreement. Violent crime is running rampant all over Louisiana. In fact, a number of the most violent crime ridden cities in America are right here in the Bayou state. So what can be done about it? Newspaper editorials and columns are calling for a new study commission. What? We...Read More

Being from Louisiana, and having spent a good part of my life in New Orleans, I really love the street performers take their music seriously, and give awesome performances. Here is one of the best performers. Every Breath You Take – The Police | Karolina Protsenko & Daniele Vitale SaxRead More

Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is back on the political scene again. She is a candidate for the one congressional seat in Alaska. Over 50 candidates are qualified to run against Palin. So what do you think about this controversy and outspoken lady? I have my opinions. In fact, I almost...Read More

Sunrise church this Sunday Easter morning at the Flora-Bama service in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I’v been a regular down here on the Redneck Riviera for the past 56 years.Read More

Someone asked me what this was a picture of. I told them this was just a typical gas station down here in Louisiana.Read More

The Louisiana legislature is under the gun during its current regular 2002 session, and for good reason. Policyholders who own property  are livid about the cost of insurance, and the way insurance companies are failing to adequately adjust claims. And it’s because property insurance is by far the most expensive in the entire country. And...Read More

Well, we here at The Lisburn Press hope you feel the same way about happiness. If you live down in the deepest of the deep southern states, you know we have so many productive authors, and so many good books to read. I hope you go to our website and look at all the new...Read More

Baird Dodge, principal second violin of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, performs “Over the Rainbow” in the courtyard of his residence, as tenants gather on the fire escapes to enjoy the music.What a thoughtful musical gift from a gifted musician.Read More

We want to let all you folks who come to The Lisburn Press site know the new feature we will be beginning in the next several weeks. We will host weekly interviews with a cross-section of writers, many who pen their work with The Lisburn Press. We will also host a cross section of other...Read More

In this week’s column, I take a look at the question of jut how important is Ukraine to the interest of the United States. Should we be actively engaged in this country over 6000 miles away from our borders? Probably so, but with caveats.  Why is Vladimir Putin  so intense on invading Ukraine?  It is...Read More

A special day at the Garden District bookstore in uptown New Orleans with a presentation by popular author Karen White. She has written over 30 books, and tells great stories about New Orleans, the French quarter and the south. It was a treat to visit with her at the bookstore. Pictured below shows my visiting...Read More

In this week’s column now posted, I write about the importance of America’s relationship with Ukraine, and how far America  should go in protecting this country some 6000 miles away. Pictured below are some of the political commentary showing this relationship. And I hope you will read my column listed above.        Read More

A warning for my readers. There is a new strain of Covid that is lurking through some parts of the world, that could be quite dangerous back here in the U.S. A lot of us have been lulled into thinking that our lives are back to normal, and we are not really affected by any...Read More

One of the most stunning multimedia art exhibits is the current van Gogh exhibit is traveling throughout America. Lucky for us, it should be in New Orleans soon. Van Gogh was troubled through most of his life, but was pure joy genius when it came to painting. He died broke, but his paintings today sell...Read More

Louisiana legislators and insurance regulators are belly hoeing a host of new “catastrophic laws” to hold insurance companies more accountable. But just what are these proposals, and are they even necessary?  My new column raises questions about why the insurance department is not enforcing the laws that are already on the books.  Policyholders in the...Read More

This is not a photo from 1941. This is a photo from March 2022 in Ukraine with all the color taken out. Yes, a chilling reminder that history does repeat itself.Read More

The fighting gets worse in Ukraine. And whether Americans like it or not, we are directly affected. It just seems irresponsible for anyone in the U.S. to stand on the sidelines. So what can an individual do?  I list a number of opportunities to help in my second column I’ve written on Ukraine. Take a...Read More

We all know parents involved at the school their children and things are going right. Here’s an amusing take on parents complaining, even though their children miss school a great deal. Take a look.Read More

Gas at $4.45 in Baton Rouge. Here’s how I’m preparing.Read More

Countries across the world are expressing concern about what’s happening in Ukraine today. But are we as Americans and particularly here in Louisiana understand the economic and military toll this war will have right here at home?  There is going to be sacrifice regardless of how much America becomes involved. And this sacrifice could well...Read More

  The Ukrainian Library Association was supposed to be holding a conference this week, but something came up. Books, that define the culture of a nation, are always at risk when war breaks out. A note on the association’s Facebook page explains, “The insidious, brutal and bloody aggression of the Russian Federation prevented us from...Read More

Time sure does fly, don’t you agree?  From the Louisiana Senators who were elected in 1971, only four of us are living today. In the picture below, we were suited up for a basketball game against the House of Representatives. All four of us in the photo ran for governor of Louisiana. Pictured from left...Read More

I started out in Louisiana political life back in 1972. There sure have been a lot of the changes in our priorities, how we live, our moral values, and what we think is important. And it’s not all good. There’s been a proliferation of gambling in numerous forms, loosening of drug laws, and a whole...Read More

Hey, it’s Mardi Gras Time down here in the Bayou State. If you haven’t made it down to the deepest of the deep southern states, you sure have missed “passing a good time.” Laissez les bons temps rouler.  Read More

All of a sudden, we seem to be going through an uncertain time in America were books are bring banned that have been on the shelves for many years. “To Kill A Mocking Bird?” Mark Twain’s novels? What are we turning in to as a nation? Certainly scary tinmes. Readers and protectors of free speech...Read More

What a year for former LSU football great Joe Burrow. He’s destined to be one of the best in the NFL. LSU fans have another great player they look back on with awe. Billy Cannon was LSU’s first Heisman trophy winner before Burrow, and left quite a legacy, the highest being an All American and...Read More

How about the spectacular full moon that appeared over Manhattan last week? You can’t much  closer than this.Read More

OK, regular readers of this website. Here is your test. Let’s see just how talented you are.Read More

via GIPHY That’s right! This virus is still off around and affecting a great number of people. Sure, we’re all anxious to get back to normal. Rushing to fast is going to put us right back where we were a year ago. So keep your guard up friends.Read More

If you live in Louisiana, a homeowner pays the highest property insurance rates in the nation. By a lot. And now some other news. Rates could will go up over 129% in the next 10 years. Yes, rates will continue to rise. Why is this happening, and what can be done about it? I take...Read More

It’s always dangerous when the Louisiana legislature is in session. It’s even more so this week with the members take up reapportionment. Under federal law, every 10 years, various political districts have to be redrawn. The problem is that legislators are drawing their own districts. Is this fair? I don’t think so. Instead of voters...Read More

Ok, I’ll admit. I’m a huge Tom Brady fan. I signed up for his TB three program, and he’s gotton me off dead weights, and I went to band stretching. I’m approaching 82, and cannot be in better shape, thanks to Tom Brady. I sure would like for him to play another season or two,...Read More

Well gun owners were given quite a bit to consider this week. In San Jose, California, gun owners will be required to buy insurance if they own a gun. And it won’t be cheap. Will we see a political wave of more insurance requirements across the country? And we have the President saying that a...Read More

Oh alright! I’ll admit it. Though I claim to be a health nut, I must confess. I like hotdogs. No, I really, really love hot dogs! With mustard, onions, relish and a spot of chili. Can’t go to any ballgame without having a dog or two. The worst hot dog? Hands-down at LSU sporting events....Read More

Remember all the talk in the Bayou State legislature just two years ago about a dramatic plan to lower the cost of your automobile insurance rates? It was given the name of so-called “tort reform.”  And the insurance commissioner said rates would plummet by 25% in no time. So what happened? What’s today’s status? Surprise,...Read More

Former state representative Steve Carter passed away one year ago this week. He was a leading voice in the legislature for early childhood development, and was highly respected by legislators as well as the educational community. He is deeply missed by his family, so many friends, and those who appreciated the good work he did...Read More

What are the best movie performances I’ve ever seen was Anthony Quinn starring in Zorba the Greek. If you seen the movie, you’ll never forget the great dance for Quinn performs. Take a look at André Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra performing Zorba’s Dance (Sirtaki) live in Maastricht.Read More

I’ve had a knee replacement but no one suggested this solution for my sore knees.Read More

You’ve got to be kidding me!  The Bayou State has the worst drivers in America? Why it can’t be. Unfortunately, the comparisons prove otherwise. In virtually every category, Louisiana is close to the bottom of the barrel. What’s the problem? Is it one thing or a whole variety of bad driving habits? Take a look...Read More

Way down yonder in the Bayou State, it’s all about the football coach. That certainly is obvious with the recent hiring a new coach Brian Kelly, who will be paid over $100 million. That’s big bucks!  And in a state that is at the bottom of the barrel on most national quality of life lists....Read More

Louisiana is fighting a tough fight as it tries to get off the bottom of most major quality of life lists throughout the country. Some northern columnists are expressing their disgust by calling for Louisiana to become a protectorate. A protectorate? Stand by and let the federal government take over? Hey, now to think of...Read More

As you  can see, I am getting off to a good start for the New Year.Read More

It’s been another difficult year in Louisiana and throughout the country as we continue to deal with the Covid virus. I’ll be receiving my booster shot next week, but still do not feel all that safe.  In spite of this challenge, we have a lot to be thankful for. I review the new year, and...Read More

He sees you when you’re sleeping He knows when you’re awake He knows when you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness’ sake!” My friend John Whitehead has written a chilling commentary on the new tools of the surveillance state for his column at The Rutherford Institute. John was often a guest on...Read More

As some of you who read this blog regularly know, I’m a frustrated banjo player. In fact, I used to play my banjo on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at a place called Your Fathers Mustache. Helped pay my way through to Tulane Law School. But really, I was not all that good. Here at...Read More

Happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and a pleasant time of year for all my friends, readers, to all those who agree with my commentaries and to those of you who disagree.  I hope we can put our political beliefs aside, and enjoy this special time of year. I write about the holiday season in...Read More

A recent visit to the Garden District Book Shop with owner Chris Tidmore. There is a whole section of books published by The Lisburn Press there. Well worth a visit.  Read More

Over 1000 singers and musicians gathered to perform a stunning rendering of the magical song Angels We have Heard on High.  It’s a marvelous tribute on the special time of year, and well worth listening to over the next few minutes.Read More

Below is a link the interview I did with the publisher of BayouBuzz, Steve Sablubodsky, on just how political decisions affect private business decisions. Take a look!Read More

A new ranking of states with supposedly poor Judicial climates was released this week by the American Association for tort reform.  Louisiana was named in the top few states by the American Tort Reform Association of America.  So just how bad is the judicial climate in Louisiana, and are there any viable alternatives for the...Read More

Many of us are big basketball fans down here in Louisiana. I have held front row tickets for LSU basketball games over the past 40 years. This week, it was a special treat to go to New Orleans with my son James to see the New Orleans Pelicans. Again we were able to sit in...Read More

It’s the holiday season, and time again to visit with our old friend Ray Stephens. I’ve been a fan of his for many years. He keeps us amused with his new version of the Christmas story as he talks and sings  about his nightmare before Christmas. Take a look below.Read More

Politics is serious business. But there has to be a relationship between members of both parties. To create an effective government, there has to be some camaraderie, friendship, and a commitment to make a good working relationship. Simply put, politics needs to have some fun in it. So what happened? Political life in Louisiana as...Read More

In Louisiana, apparently gambling is the answer to all the state problems. There is no other state in America where the different types of gambling are so prevalent. But then, why is the state at the bottom most quality of life lists?  We even have former slaves quarterback Drew Brees expanding on all the value...Read More

A moving luncheon for several World War II vets, all around 95 years old, at Antoine’s in New Orleans last week. A fine celebration of distinguished Americans who served the country well.Read More

What’s up with that with the supposed sleuths that work for the FBI? They’re supposed to be the nations finest law-enforcement agency. But week after week, there’s either some kind of a specific screwup, or there’s a calculated effort to undermine the rule of law. The Wall Street Journal has even called for the FBI...Read More

The Lisburn Press has just released our new publication, a book of inspiration called “Reasonably Happy” by Dr. Terry Ellis. Terry is well known throughout the strate and has a large following, so we anticipating brisk sales. It’s available on our website at www.thelisburnpress.com.Read More

A special day honoring veterans all over America on November 11th.  No, it’s not a holiday. No hotdogs and picnics. Just a time to take a moment and honor  thousands of veterans who kept us free for so many years. It’s so easy for the younger generation to forget.  Yes so many live off the...Read More

This week, unfortunately, marks the  20th anniversary of the passing by Congress of the so-called Patriot Act.  It was a law passed and actively supported by the Bush Administration following 911, in a paranoid effort to search out so-called terrorist activities, and in the process, dramatically curtailed the individual freedoms of every American.  This invasion...Read More

Like many of you, I’m an old Elvis fan, and always loved his song “I can’t help falling in love with you.” But I came across this recent addition by young lady named Claire Crosby. She’s six. That’s right, six years old. See if you enjoy her reputation as much as I did.Read More

It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago. But it’s been 59 years. That’s when our nation was almost at the break of nuclear war against the Russians. It was the Cuban missile crisis, and I was living in England at the time. I vividly remember getting up in the middle of the night...Read More

So here is the Halloween pumpkin I finally picked out. What do you think?Read More

I’m picking out my pumpkin for Halloween. I’ll be at home in Baton Rouge with plenty of treats.  Hope you look out for the kids in your neighborhood.Read More

Well it is that messy time of the election cycle when legislators are called on to reapportion themselves.  Don’t think they have their own self interest in mind? Good luck with that. The question is should legislators be reapportioning themselves in the first place?  Is this fair to the voters?  I talk about this issue...Read More

I always liked the song Bohemian Rhapsody by the musical group Queen. But then someone sent me this somewhat different version. Cats singing Bohemian Rhapsody? Take a look and see a different view.Read More

The reputation of the United States Supreme Court has plummeted, with the overwhelming majority of Americans losing faith in their ability to be fair. One of the reasons is, they don’t work very hard. They take the whole summer off, and don’t work that hard in the winter. And they consider very few cases which...Read More

Good news! Emeril’s restaurant in New Orleans has opened back up. And of course Emerald will be consulting me on all his new menu choices. I’m giving him some suggestions below. (Yeah, right!)  Read More

I’ve always wanted to play the piano well but never took the time. I have a new piano, and I’m just beginning to learn and some basic cords. I wish I would have begun my lessons when I was very young. Now if you really want to be intimidated, take a look at this accomplished...Read More

Here we go again. Another scandal of ineptitude and outright criminal wrongdoing on the part of the FBI. If you’ve not been following the malfeasance of FBI agents  who did nothing while numerous young female gymnasts were sexually abused, you missed a stomach churning story. The nation’s supposed top law enforcement agency stood by as...Read More

Check out the  stumper below. Can you figure out why the rabbit says what he says?    Read More