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

Louisiana has the dubious distinction of being aligned in a federal district court of appeals that is bizarre, incompetent, controversial, and that often rules in direct contradiction to the constitution of the United States., Every other federal district court rules one-way, and the fifth circuit rules another way. It is wrong, it’s an embarrassment, and...Read More

Do you remember where you were 20 years ago when this terrible event happened in our lives? I can remember it like it was yesterday. The initial news I received was chilling, but unbelievable. I stayed glued to the TV set our after hour watching the unbelievable events unfold. You can read my thoughts about...Read More

  It seems like another year, another major hurricane. This one had two parts. A sprint and a marathon. The storm itself didn’t do as much damage as past hurricanes have. But the aftermath, connecting power and utilities, will take a long period of time. I look back on the worst hurricane in recent memory...Read More

Can you really get healthy by drinking more Coke? The people at the world’s largest beverage Company apparently thinks you can. And it looks like they may have the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in their corner.  The folks at Pennington seem to have a delusional opinion that sugar does not play any significant role in...Read More

What a delightful place for a Sunday church service. The All Saints Episcopal Mission is located in Linville North Carolina. No air-conditioning needed because the temperature Sunday morning was 70°. The visiting minister this past Sunday was the Reverend Dr. Leigh Spruill from St. John the Devine Episcopal Church in Houston. A pleasant way to...Read More

60 years ago this week, the east Germans build the Berlin wall. It was put up to keep citizens on that side of the border from flying to the west. It stayed up for 29 years.  I had a personal experience of traveling from West Berlin to East Berlin back in 1962. It was the...Read More

New Orleans lost a very special person this week. My long time friend, Louie Sahuc past away. Louie was called the mayor of Jackson Square, and a dear friend for many years. For number of years, I had an apartment right above his studio in Jackson Square. We had many long visits, enjoyed a number...Read More

After 20 years of frustration, the US is hightailing it out of Afghanistan, as the country plunges into civil war and continuing turmoil. American policies in the Middle East have been a failure for decades. Why did we get involved in the first place? These are questions I raise in my new column that is...Read More

In my later years, I’ve taken up painting. No, I’m not very good. I’ll play around with acrylics and sometimes even putter in oils. I have a hard time drawing a circle, so you can understand my level of knowledge. But I’ve grown to love art, and I’m really impressed by some talented artists.  Take...Read More

My grandkids cannot join me in Florida for a few days next week because they’re about to go back to school. School starting early in August? What ever happened to the long vacations over the summer months? School used to start in September but no more.  Everyone seems to be so busy, and the best...Read More

Today is Ramblin’ Jack Elliot’s birthday. The compelling storyteller and country music singer is 90 years old. I sure hope I can see him perform one more time. Here’s a link to his website so Click Here. Happy Birthday Ramblin’ Jack.Read More

Did you know that former Louisiana Governor Edward Edwards gave some thoughts of running for president. That’s right. Against sitting president Jimmy Carter. He was one of several Louisiana Governors who had similar ambitions. In my final column about Edwin Edwards, I pass on a personal experience that  led me to believe Edwards was seriously...Read More

It’s been almost 50 years ago since I graduated from the University of North Carolina. I was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and still stay in touch with old friends.  I had a nice visit with former fraternity brother Jim Reston, who is gone on to write 17 books, and had a...Read More

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards and the chief executive who preceded him, John McKeithen, had an interesting and controversial relationship.  McKeithen had actively supported Edwin Edwards in his race for Congress, and quietly let his supporters know that Edwards was the best choice for governor. But things went sour in their relationship right at the...Read More

In 1977, Governor Edwin Edwards presided over a huge Mardi Gras celebration in Beverly Hills, California. He is pictured with well-known actress Gloria Swanson who served as queen of the Mardi Gras. The king, on the right, is my father-in-law, Teddy Solomon. TG, as he is known by all his friends, was a major presence...Read More

Former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards passed away this week. He was the state’s longest serving governor, having been elected four times to the state’s highest position. He was both loved and criticized, but no one can doubt he left an indelible mark on the state’s political history. I had a 50 year relationship with Governor...Read More

It’s turning into a national scandal. Louisiana continues to have the highest insurance rates in the country. Year in and Year out. It doesn’t change. All the surrounding states have rates that are much lower. What’s going on? Why does the Bayou State, that has so many great attractions, continue to drop the ball and...Read More

My longtime mentor and friend Jimmie Fitzmorris passed away this week. He was 99 years young.  Jimmy Fitz and my father started off as ticket sellers with the Kansas City Southern railroad back in the 1930s. They both went on to be vice presidents.  When I was elected to the state Senate in 1972, Jimmy Fitz took...Read More

Ever heard of the fourth amendment? Most people have heard of it, but  have no idea what it says. It’s the basic protection that you are secure in your own home. That’s been the law for centuries. Going all the way back to the Magna Carta. But the United States Supreme Court doesn’t seem to...Read More

Murder rates are going up all over the country. But few cities have the numbers you find way down yonder in the Crescent City. New Orleans has some of the most appalling murders on record. The first attempted murder might have been encouraged by the good Lord himself. I write about the comparison of New...Read More

Isn’t this a chilling headline? It’s part of the publication by my friend John Whitehead, who runs the Rutherford Foundation.  The importance of this organization is to point out widespread governmental abuse. John was my guest on my national radio show on several occasions, and he does a first rate job of pointing out the...Read More

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads. My father and my namesake, James Harvey Brown, Sr., would have been 106 years old this year. Here’s a small cute vignette about Dad. He threw the morning paper through high school to help make ends meet during the Depression. Dad was portrayed well in the Flatt and...Read More

Alan Stanford and his investment group put up quite a front as they raised billions of dollars. The Stanford group sponsored all types of special nonprofit events in the Baton Rouge area. He promised solid returns to thousands of retirees, many of them located in Louisiana.  And what a deal. Send your money to the...Read More

Fishing in the North Carolina mountains with grandson Ruger Brown. He caught 15 fish. I wonder how excited my wife Gladys will be to cook them for supper?  Read More

Eating good food is way of life down in the deepest of the deep southern states-my home Louisiana. And if you follow Louisiana cooking, you will find that we eat just about everything. And make it taste pretty good while we’re at it.  Now most everyone has heard about the fact that we eat alligator...Read More

Hangin’ out at the Mast General Store in Valle Crusis, North Carolina. 70 degrees here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. How about that? have no worries. The staff The Lisburn Press is moving forward and publishing a number of new books, and we will keep you posted.  In the meantime, I’m just gonna sit back...Read More

Memorial day is very special time. I’m not referring to the three day holiday, or the beginning of summer. No, I’m suggesting a special day because it’s supposed to be a time to honor those who gave their lives in the service of and defending their country. Most Americans don’t really relate anymore, unfortunately, few...Read More

Just part of our family gathering at our recent reunion in the North Carolina mountains. Nice to get together again after Covid. We plan many more.Read More

Prosecutorial misconduct continues to be rampant, both in Louisiana and throughout the nation. Just this last week, Texas newspapers reported that Dallas prosecutor Richard Jackson has been disbarred from practicing law in Texas, in a rare example of severe punishment for misconduct in a wrongful conviction case.  There’s not much good good news about holding...Read More

We (The Lisburn Press) have a new book out by my friend Oscar Shoenfelt, Baton Rouge attorney, about his experiences of being a sports agent. The book is off to a great start, with sports fans around the country placing an order. Oscar by the way is at Duke university, waiting to receive a new...Read More

Former Louisiana governor buddy Roemer passed away this week. We were both political rivals and good friends. I have fond memories of working with Buddy, and also running against him. I write about his career in public life in my new column this week. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing...Read More

I had the honor of being the speaker last week at the dedication of a special memorial for former governor Jimmie Davis at Louisiana College in Pineville. It was nice to renew acquaintances with many old friends. I’m pictured with some of the ladies who were active in organizing and supporting the program.  You can...Read More

What happens to a major state university that has fallen from grace, is dramatically underfunded, and has plummeted in national rankings of first-rate colleges throughout the country? You bring in new leadership don’t you?  That’s what my home state university, LSU, has done as it tries to recoup, and re-obtain the national standing it held...Read More

I guess, as I look back over my 81 years, I would pursue many more hobbies and fun activities. One would be dancing more. I wish I were a better dancer, and always wanted to take some dancing lessons. Never did, but enjoyed seeing those great performers in the past who danced so well. Take...Read More

The day of my weekly column is posted this week, May 6, is my 81st birthday. Yes I’m getting older, but at least I’m around, still alive, and taking up a storm. I’m 81, still on the run, and having fun. It’s been a full and satisfying 81 years. Sure there were highs and lows,...Read More

A special day over the weekend remembering our mothers.  My mother, Helen May Gentry Brown, would’ve been 104. She lived till she was 93, and really led a full life.  On the day she passed away, she talked to all three of her children, attended her bridge club and her financial group. I was blessed...Read More

Long Life of Books! I find it  pleasant surprise now and then when older books that have been published by The Lisburn Press turn up. A friend of mine was checking out a flea market over theLafayette  area recently, and look what he found. My first book, printed back in 2005, is still making the...Read More

Jimmy Davis was the singing governor of Louisiana, who made motion pictures, wrote many songs, and serve two terms as governor. He is best known for singing what is considered one of the most popular American songs throughout the world. You know!  Yes its You are my Sunshine!  The Governor use to come by my...Read More

My good friend of many years, former Alabama insurance commissioner Mike Weaver, passed away this week. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was there to help anyone in need, and had one of the best insurance minds I ever met. He was a young 70 years old, and passed away way too soon. We...Read More

  The Louisiana legislature is considering a large number of new laws that supposedly bring more integrity to the election process. The same effort is being made in states across the country. Most of this comes from the allegations of election fraud in the past presidential election, espoused with a little proof, by then president...Read More

A new report from a Washington, D.C. think tank gives Louisiana an “F” grade for its insurance regulatory environment. Florida, that has a much greater Hurricane damage exposure, gets a “B” ranking. What’s going on? Why is Louisiana at the bottom of the barrel when it comes insurance regulation? I have a good bit of...Read More

It used to be a Louisiana problem. But now there are serious natural disasters happening all over the country. Louisiana is still at the top of the list when it comes to having higher insurance rates. So what do we do? There is an idea that has been out there for sometime, going back 25...Read More

Several recent articles have appeared recently by and concerning former Alabama governor Don Siegelman. Don and I became good friends we both served as secretary of state back in the 1980s. He was a dedicated public official who had his eyes set on becoming governor, and he finally did one day. An out of control...Read More

In recent months, there is been widespread discussion of creating crimes based on age. Is there a difference on what someone is thinking? If your loved one is murdered, doesn’t make any difference what the reason might be? Shouldn’t the punishment be the same based on the crime that is committed? Or should there be...Read More

From the first time I heard the song by Leonard Cohen, I loved “Hallelujah.” Many people have recorded it in various ways. Here’s a marvelous rendition by two talented musicians called the TwoCellos. It’s certainly worth a listen.Read More

Many of you readers are too young to remember the massacre that took place in the Vietnam war and an isolated location called My Lai. It was some 33 years ago, and hundreds of innocent Vietnamese were slaughtered by US troops. It was certainly one of the low points in American military history.  More innocents...Read More

Glad you’re checking out my website. I hope you and your family all have a safe and happy Easter weekend.Read More

March Madness is into his final competitive games to pick the top team in college basketball. Like many readers, I’m a diehard basketball fan. But what happened to college basketball? There’s been a number of scandals in recent years, and allegations of way too much money in the system. I say something needs to change....Read More

The insurance industry has a whole list of complaints and blames as to why the cost of insurance is so high. In my home state of Louisiana, it’s referred to, by some business interests, as a judicial hellhole. The reference is directed at the trial lawyers and those who want to give everyone access to...Read More

There has been a lot of talk about reform in the criminal justice system. Hey, I’m not soft on crime. If you’re guilty, then you should be punished. Sometimes severely punished when a life is taken. But prosecutors can make mistakes or purposely hide evidence that can show that an accused is innocent.  That’s particularly...Read More

Allegations of sexually abusive clergy continue to dominate a good part of the news across the nation.  There were some legal deadlines approaching last week, so there was a rash of new lawsuits filed. And although this whole priest pedophile scandal has spread worldwide, you may be surprised to learn that the early signs of...Read More

As most of you know, former NFL all star quarterback Peyton Manning is from down in Louisiana. Everyone claims to know the man and his famous family and follow all their exploits. I’m no exception. Paeton is now retired and doing some really creative commercials. And usually a funny one of him at a retirement...Read More

Thank goodness it’s starting to warm up. Springtime means lots of things. And one of the big items for me is the kickoff of the baseball season. I’m a regular at spring training down in Tampa Florida. And I’m a diehard Yankees fan. I’ll tell you why in my new column that is now posted....Read More

The FBI is under attack by news media and public officials all over the country for failing to aggressively take action to stop the riots against the Capitol in Washington,DC on January 6. There were any number of warnings that riots against the nation’s  Capitol would take place.  Although there was much material out there...Read More

I agree with many Louisianans feel like our former president, Donald Trump, did some positive things during his four years in public office. But his downfall was his big mouth. He just couldn’t help but criticizing those who’s stars shine as brighter brighter than him. One example are the military heroes, particularly from Louisiana. Trump,...Read More

As most of you know, former NFL super quarterback Peyton Manning is from my home state Louisiana. One of the greatest football players of all time. But he hasn’t left the public eye. He’s produced a lot of comic videos and advertisements. Check out his retirement home below.Read More

Mardi Gras this year was a deserted day.  Take a look at Bourbon Street.  Hoping for a return to normal next year.Read More

Wish we were parading and catching beads. We will just have to wait it out until next year.Read More

Like most Americans, I’m concerned about domestic terrorism that’s been taking place throughout the country. It’s happening by groups on both the right and the left.  But I’m also concerned about the loss of our personal freedoms. The so-called Patriot Act is now allowing the government to spy on more and more Americans, and take...Read More

I always loved the crowd singing, with me joining in, a great song YMCA. It’s a song that gets the crowds going at sporting events, and any other type of large gathering. I get a little confused taking my arms to form out the letters, but I always enjoy trying. Here’s a group called the...Read More

Every yearly Mardi Gras weekend, I join a crowd of old friends, particularly a number of former elected officials. Governors, judges, other state wide officials and legislators all gather in the New Orleans French Quarter on one of the balconies shown to the left. A great gathering to renew all friendships. Unfortunately, because of the...Read More

I am an unabashed huge fan of Mardi Gras. I’ve been going to the annual Fat Tuesday, celebration for almost 60 years. And for those of you that haven’t followed the Mardi Gras tradition, it’s not just one day. It’s a whole season lasting over a month. The feeling of Mardi Gras is captured, in...Read More

There supposedly is about to be a major push by the Biden administration to put a civil rights activist, one Harriet Tubman, on the $20 bill. In doing so, Louisiana hero Andrew Jackson will be sent out to pasture. One of the knocks on Jackson by current critics is that he was a slaveholder. Well, so...Read More

If there was an ever a life full of laughter, gracious, caring and just to an all around good guy, it was my brother-in-law former state representative Steve Carter. Steve unfortunately passed away last week having contracted the Covid virus. He was a young 77 years old. Accolades from people all over the state have...Read More

My longtime friend of many years, former state Senate president Michael O’Keefe, passed away this past week. He was 89 years old. Mike was my mentor when I was elected to the Louisiana State Senate back in 1972. He put me on key committees, and looked after me as a young lawmaker in the early...Read More

The Keystone pipeline has become an issue  now President Joe Biden has canceled any further construction. The oil industry in Louisiana is pleading how important a Keystone 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...Read More

Here’s a great parody of Donald Trump’s final day in office.Late Show host James Corden arrives at work in a good mood knowing there’s only One Day More of monologue jokes with Donald Trump serving as President of the United States. Glad we are able to  laugh at this weird and unsettling ending.Read More

I always wanted to be a good fiddle player. Yes, I bought several fiddles, I have instructional books, and I even went over to Tom’s Fiddle and Bow,  a fiddle shop located in the small south Louisiana community of Arnaudville.  The trash I made, I just couldn’t learn the chords at my age. I wish...Read More

The FBI again is facing heavy criticism for their failure to adequately anticipate the violence that took place in Washington DC last week. Their local office in Virginia had expressed some ‘concerns,”  but the agency failed to assess and predict the level of the mayhem and violence that took place. Blunderings by the FBI are...Read More

If you’re a college football fan, it’s time to fess up and call it just like it is. There are some great coaches in college football, but hands-down, Alabama coach Nick Sabin is the best. Numero Uno.  His Crimson Tide team absolutely demolished Ohio State in this past Monday night’s national championship game.  Oh I...Read More

My law school roommate, Bill Weinberg who lives up in eastern Kentucky, has written a perceptive Op Ed article on the changing nature of US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell. You will be fascinated to read that Bill’s wife Lois ran against McConnell some years back, and the Weinberg’s have certainly been critical of McConnell...Read More

For those of you who have read my new book, My Louisiana Odyssey, you know that I wrote about rock and roller Jerry Lee Lewis, who was my first client when I started practicing law up in the little town of Ferriday, Louisiana. Jerry lee is 85 now, and slowing down a bit, but still...Read More

Should trials in America be televised? Particularly when there is great public interest? This would seem to be a no brainer. Of course they should. But many courts, particularly in the federal system, do not allow cameras in the quart room. The Supreme Court of the United States specifically for bids and he said cameras....Read More

Hopefully, we all are kicking off the New Year on a positive note.  It’s an understatement to say that 2020 wasn’t much of a year for any of us. But I am hopeful, as I’m sure you are, of a much better prognosis for all of us in 2021. Do you make New Year’s resolutions?...Read More

I hope you’re ready for the many holiday events that will take place in the coming days. In this week’s column, I write about this special time of year. It begins at Thanksgiving when the pilgrims came to America and were looking for a second chance. Then on to Christmas, when we were given a...Read More

During this holiday season, we all know that lots of social drinking takes place. Often, it’s not responsible. Louisiana has as one of the highest percentages of drunk drivers and accidents involving drunk drivers in the nation. We pay through higher insurance rates. But we also pay in loss of lives in serious injury. What...Read More

OK, I’ll admit it. I’m a big pumpkin pie a guy. I can eat pumpkin pie all year long but I save it up for the holidays. Not the healthiest thing to eat, but it sure taste good. Here’s my group of pumpkins for the year. Good eating to take place.Read More

 Trying to set a password WINDOWS: Please enter your new password USER: cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must be more than 8 characters. USER: boiled cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must contain 1 numerical character. USER: 1 boiled cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password cannot have blank spaces. USER: 50frickingboiledcabbages WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must contain at least one...Read More

You’ve heard of the domino effect haven’t you? Well it could be about to take place in Louisiana. With the retirement of New Orleans congressman Cedric Richmond, there’s an opportunity for a number of things to happen. Who else from Louisiana could be considered to receive an appointment by the president? Is our present Louisiana...Read More

My friend of many years Julia Reed passed away recently from cancer at the age of 59. She was certainly one of the most interesting, entertaining, and full of life people I ever met.  She was a marvelous writer of southern life, and her columns appeared in newspapers and magazines all over the nation. Julia...Read More

Celebrity Chef John Besh was in town for a special cooking event this week.  The Chef always calls me for a few cooking tips when he’s in town.  (Yeah, right!)Read More

We thought the election was over on November 3rd. But there’s a flurry of lawsuits challenging the results in a few key states. Voter fraud is being alleged, and many states are reviewing the way they run their elections. The good news is that down here in the Bayou State, things went pretty well. We...Read More

The video above gives a moving and poignant reminder of the horrors of war. But so few Americans rarely acknowledge those who serve in the military.I felt an obligation to continue the service to my country. Yes, I’m a patriot and I make no bones about it. I’m a past judge advocate for the American...Read More

As the presidential vote counting continues, there have been numerous accusations about vote fraud in a number of states throughout the country. Is voter fraud that rampant? Sure, there are occasional efforts for elections to be tainted, particularly in some of the more rural counties and parishes around the nation. And if you live in...Read More

We lost another really great Texas outlaw singer and songwriter this week. Billy Joe Shaver for years has been always one of my favorites. Any number of great singers recorded his music. The likes of Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash to list just a few.  Two of my favorite Billy Joe...Read More

Putting aside all the campaign advertising that’s going on constantly each day on TV, I’m having my fill of many of the ads related to insurance. Sure it’s the trial lawyers, but it’s also the goofy insurance ads. How about that guy with the ostrich who seems completely spaced out walking around in a daze?...Read More

I wanted to let my friends and family know that we lost  one of my favorite performers last week.  Jerry Jeff Walker passed away at 78 years old. You don’t know this but I was the President of the Louisiana chapter of the Jerry Jeff fan club.  Jerry Jeff was a Texas country outlaw singer who began his...Read More

With the election for president only a few days away, the negative campaigning doesn’t really educate us very much as to what important issues are facing our country today. If you had the chance, what questions would you put to do to  the major candidates running? The economy, obviously the virus, public safety, education, healthcare:...Read More

I’m a big Ray Stevens fan, and he has a great way of satirizing so many issues we face in this country today. Take a look at his new video, “The Quarantine Song.”Read More

The supreme court hearings taking place right now show a great division between Republicans and Democrats, reflected throughout the country. It used to be that picking supreme court judges was based on a strong legal background and scholarly accomplishments. Not so anymore. It all comes down to ideology. And these judges are now appointed for...Read More

I had planned on being up in Marksville Louisiana this week, speaking to the Louisiana State Retired Employees Association. I made the commitment to attend  over a year ago, and I was really looking forward to getting to know old friends again. I was a state employee up until 2002, and have enjoyed staying in...Read More

I suppose fall is my favorite time of year. Way too hot in the summertime, particularly down here in Louisiana. And we don’t get much of a winter. Our family has had a home up in the North Carolina mountains for many years. It’s really a treat this time of year to go up and...Read More

Mike Foster was quite a guy. The Louisiana governor did not fit the mold of those who seek the state’s highest office. He was a multimillionaire from Franklin Louisiana, a small town located down in Cajun country. He loved to fish, and I had the opportunity to hang out at his camp with him on...Read More

I hope you have registered to vote in this important coming election. Everybody has an opinion about voting for the president and many other candidates. I’m a JibJab fan, and the message is clear below. Go Vote!Read More

Even us old folks enjoy good music, and like to get out of the dance floor and kick up our heels. Here’s a great cross-section of friends joining in to dance and sing “Roll Out the Barrel,” one of my favorites.Read More

It seems like everyone we know are going to vote in the coming presidential election by mail- in ballot. Some experts say as many as 50% of all votes cast will be done this way. But then the problems begin. It could take weeks, or even longer to count all these ballots.  And are not...Read More

Hey you know what? I’m a product of the 50s. My high school days are some of the best memories of my life.  I went to high school in St. Louis Missouri, and the Ronnie Milsap video below pretty well sums up my great memories of the early part of my life. If you’re too...Read More