My book tour, like so many other events, has come to a temporary end. We’ve canceled all the book signings that were set for March April and early May.  Here’s hoping but this terrible virus will be contained, and we will get back to our normal way of life in the not too distant future....Read More

An enjoyable evening speaking recently to the Country Classics Book Club in Zachery, Louisiana. Lots of interest in “My Louisiana Odyssey.” From left, pictured are Ginger Hughes, Ginger Parker, yours truly, Beryl Beier-hostess, & Donna Kline, president of Country Classics book club.Read More

  The Portfolio Club of Zachary met on March 4, 2020 for an authentic French luncheon at Maison Lacour in Baton Rouge. The guest speaker was  Jim Brown who spoke about his publishing company, Lisburn Press,  and his latest book, “My Louisiana Odyssey: A Memoir.” In the book, the author shares his journey of initially “discovering” Louisiana,...Read More

The Brown book tour took a break over the past 10 days to celebrate Mardi Gras, then head back east. As you can see, heavy snow falling in the Blue Ridge mountains, up in Linville, North Carolina. I’ll be returning and back on the tour next week (March 3rd) and will speak and sign My...Read More

It’s crawfish season here in the Bayou State, and a regular stop for me as a travel throughout South Louisiana is Crawfish Town USA in Henderson, La. Even has-been politicians like me still have their name on a chair. I was there this week to sit in my own chair and eat lots of boiled...Read More

Book presentations continue all this week with the following stops: February 18th-Rotary Club of East Ascension-7:00 am February 18th-Opelousas Rotary Club-noon February 19th-Bunkie Rotary Club-noon February 20th-Kiwanis Club of Acadiana-noon Then we will take a break for Mardi Gras. Below are photos of stops at the Denham Springs Rotary, and a private bookclub presentation in...Read More

It was a fun-filled day in Ville Platte, La. recently when I spoke to the Rotary Club there and re-newed a number of old friendships. Evangeline Parish always gave me a good vote in my six statewide races for public office. Below I’m pictured signing books with my longtime friend Judge John Saunders sitting by....Read More

The book signings continue all over Louisiana. This coming week, I’ll be speaking to the Ville Platte Rotary Club, The Luling Rotary Club and the Roundtable Club in New Orleans. Guest at  the Hammond Rotary Club recently. A good turn out at the Northshore Kiwanis Club in Mandeville. With Rotary President Rebecca Jacob a the...Read More

Three long time friends getting together to visit at Mike Anderson’s restaurant in Gonzales this week. That’s former state senate president Mike O’Keefe on the left and Governor Edwin Edwards. We old guys are all hangin’ in there The Governor is 92 and Mike is 88. I’m the kid in the group.Read More

    January 31st-Rotary Club of Liviingston-noon February 4th-Lafayette Kiwanis Club-noon February 6th-Ponchatula Rotary Club-noon February 11th-Ville Platte Rotary Club-noon February 12th-Luling Rotary Club-noon February 13th-New Orleans Roundtable Club-7:00 pm February 15th-La. Political Hall of Fame-7:00 pm February 18th-Opelousas Rotary Club-noon February 19th-Bunkie Rotary Club-noon February 20th-Kiwanis Club of Acadiana-noon  Read More

It was treat renewing old friendships at the Alexandria Rotary Club this week. Central Louisiana was my home for many years. I not only swapped many stories, but also sold a good number of copies of “My Louisiana Odyssey.” I’m pictured here with Professor Robert Wright from LSU in Alexandria (left) and old friend Ed...Read More

A pleasant visit to Vidalia (just across the Mississippi River from Natchez, Mississippi) to speak to the Concordia Parish Library Association about my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey.” A number of students pictured here from the Vidalia High School were in attendance to learn a little Louisiana history. This week’s speaking schedule is listed below:...Read More

Speaking this past Thursday to the Ferriday Rotary Club up in my old hometown. Attorney Joey Booth is incoming Rotary Club president.  His dad, Judge Leo Boothe is a longtime friend.  Leo Young on my right helped me get started in Ferriday some 50 years ago.  It was a treat to see old friends and...Read More

January 7th-Natchitoches Rotary Club-noon January 9th-East Baton Rouge Lions Club-noon January 14th-LaPlace Rotary Club-noon January 16th- Ferriday Rotary Club-noon January 16th- Vidalia Library Association-6:00 pm January 21st-Alexandria Rotary Club-noon January 22nd-Hammond Rotary Club-noon January 23rd-Northshore Kiwanis Club-noon-Covington January 28th-Gonzales Rotary Club-noon  Read More

A nice visit this past week with the Baton Rouge Lions Club to discuss my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey.”  Club members had many Bayou State stories to share with me themselves. Maybe for a new book.  I’m pictured with club members John Fontenot and David Young.Read More

It was good to be in Natchitoches this past week visiting old friends and speaking about my book to the Natchitoches Rotary Club.  Former State Senator Don Kelly and I had a long visit, reminiscing about starting off in the legislature together back in the 1970s. I’m pictured below with Rotary members including long time...Read More

The new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey,” is being distributed all over the south. I’m pictured here in Boone, North Carolina at The Foggy Pine bookstore with owner Mary Ruthless, where my book is being distributed. Glad to see the interest in Louisiana by folks up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. More information about the book...Read More

Hopefully, we all are kicking off the New Year on a positive note. LSU is on the verge of winning a national championship, the Saints are in the playoffs, and initially, there’s real spirit of optimism. I sure hope it lasts. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I always do.  Take a look at my...Read More

Happy New Year to All. 2020 will be a good year for you to write a book.Read More

Looking forward to the Holidays with old friend Father Cleo Milano, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge.  I’ll be slowing down a bit over the holidays but Father Cleo will have his work cut out with a full scale of Christmas and New Year’s services and other events.  Happy Holidays...Read More

Most of us have been swept up in the momentum of the holiday season. We have passed Thanksgiving, reached the Christmas milestone and are approaching New Year’s Day, the third in the trilogy of holidays. Sure, there is a lot of our attention on holiday shopping, football (especially here in the Bayou State), and social events. But...Read More

My Louisiana Odyssey is now available at local bookstores in the Baton Rouge area.  In Denham Springs, John Cavalier reports brisk sales at the Cavalier Book Store located in the Antique Village on Range Road.  Up in St. Francisville, Missy Couhig has a delightful bookshop on the main street of town called Conundrum Books where...Read More

An enjoyable lunch with the Baker Rotary Club Most of the members bought my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey.” Picture below with several of the club’s regular members.Read More

He has worn plenty of hats. He’s a former Louisiana State Senator, Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner,. He ran for Louisiana governor and he is an attorney, columnist, publisher, husband, father and grandfather. He’s also a story-teller. Jim Brown has a quite a few of those remembrances which he shares with all of us. At...Read More

It was a pleasant trip to Northeast Louisiana a few weeks ago when I travelled to Monroe to speak to the Monroe Rotary club. My old friend Dr. Russ Greer was the host and gave me quite the introduction, more than I deserve.  I’ve spoken to this club on numerous occasions in the past, and...Read More

Spoke this week to the Port Allen Rotary Club and the Kentwood Rotary Club about my new book “My Louisiana Odyssey.” And you have a choice of two covers. How about that.  You can order the book on the right side of this site.      Read More

I’ll be talking about my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey,” as a speaker at the Louisiana Book Festival this weekend at the state capitol in Baton Rouge. Pictured below with Lt. Governor Billy Nunguesser, state librarian Rebecca Hamilton, and author Rannah Gray. Below also is the coming week’s book tour schedule. Thursday, October 31st”“ Guest...Read More

Louisiana is facing an election runoff for the state’s next governor. Incumbent John Bel Edwards is in the fight of his political life, and not by just taking on the Republican challenger. He is also under assault by Pres. Donald Trump. He’s a Democrat in a Red State, and the question is can he survive?...Read More

JIM BROWN’S BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE Pictured with Cavalier Book Store owner John Cavalier.  Off on a statewide book tour.) Thursday, October 31st– Guest on the Jim Engster Radio show.  (9:00 am) Saturday, November 2nd.  Featured speaker at the Louisiana Book Festival (Louisiana State Capitol. 11:45 am.) Tuesday, November 5th -Speak to St. Francisville Rotary Club.  7:30...Read More

President Donald Trump has stirred up a hornet’s after he ordered an immediate pullout from northeastern Syria.  Maybe he could have been a bit more diplomatic.  But are a thousand U.S. troops really going to make any major difference in the chaos taking place in this part of the world?  Take  look at this week’...Read More

Were you pleased with results in last week’s Louisiana first primary election? Needless to say, the results showed a number of surprises. Incumbent Gov. John Bell Edwards was forced into a runoff, contrary to what to the polls that were taken in the last few weeks. Now there will be quite a knock down drag...Read More

The Lisburn Press has published a compelling story of the yellow jacket epidemic in New Orleans back in the in 1800s.  I’m pictured above with author Renee Uzee ,who is speaking all over Louisiana about his popular new book.  It’s available on our website at www.thelisburnpress.com.Read More

The Lisburn Press has been selected for the 2019 Best of Baton Rouge Award in the Book Publisher category by the Baton Rouge Award Program.The Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Baton Rouge area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability...Read More

Did you vote in advance i n the first primary election for numerous offices that were on the ballot? About 35% of the registered voters did in Louisiana. There’s been a huge upturn in people voting early since the laws have been changed. In my column this week, I write about some of the stranger...Read More

I have kicked off my new Louisiana book tour,  to promote my book, My Louisiana Odyssey. At a recent stop was in Lafayette, I spoke to the Lafayette Rotary Club.  As a public official in the past, I have spoken to this large civic club on a number of occasions.  It was a treat to...Read More

Saturday night Live on NBC, always a bit edgy, had a funny and one the money sketch on race relations in our country last weekend. It’s well worth watching.Read More

With the Louisiana statewide election only a matter of days way, it’s time for me to look into my crystal ball, wave my magic wand, and make predictions of just to who is going to be the winners and losers. Incumbents always have a big advantage and that is certainly true this time around. I’ll...Read More

Absentee voting is just beginning here in Louisiana with statewide election day just a few weeks off. As I’ve written before, there are only two major statewide races on the ballot. There’s a real horse race for governor, and the question is can current incumbent John Bel Edwards win in the first primary. But the...Read More

Down here in the Bayou State, the election for major offices as well as the legislature and local offices is only a few weeks away. So how do we sum up what people are thinking? BORING! Very little interest, and it’s just quite surprising. After all, voters all over the country are quite mad about...Read More

 After the debacle of last season’s N.F.C. championship game, you would think officials would be bending over backward to not have a huge missed call go against New Orleans. But in the first half of the much-hyped rematch between the Saints and Rams, Jared Goff fumbled the ball to Cameron Jordan of the Saints, who...Read More

If you come to my website regularly, you know I make fun of both political parties. That’s one of the advantages of being a registered independent. You can be a bit sarcastic on either side. Here’s a good rant for the Republicans. New song out by country singer Brian Lewis titled “I thank my Dog’s...Read More

The Louisiana Democratic Party is upset with Republican Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin saying that “Louisiana is one of the most vulnerable states for election interference in the nation.” Any truth to such charges? I happen to know a good bit about the elections process because I served as Louisiana Secretary of State through the 1980s....Read More

State wide elections in Louisiana are just around the corner, and it is an exciting time for political watchers to see the candidates pressing the flesh and attending so many public events throughout the state. Or are they? It’s a sad state of affairs that retail politics have been cast aside by the candidates, particularly...Read More

What’s all this talk about America buying the country of Greenland? After all, it’s stuck way up there in the northern corner of the world, and not really worth anything is it? Surprisingly, yes, and it’s certainly in the interest of United States to acquire Greenland if possible. America has acquired land from many other...Read More

I’ve always been a fan of country singer Johnny Cash. His is music is one of the reasons I took up playing the guitar. And I’ve always admired him for being such a strong patriot. I was particularly taken by his comments you can watch and listen to below regarding the state of America today,...Read More

Election day in Louisiana is less than two months away. There’s very little interest in most of the statewide races, but the governor’s race is turning into a knockdown drag out event. Can current Gov. John Bel Edwards win out right in the first primary? If not, he’s going to be in for a heck...Read More

The gubernatorial election in Louisiana is only two months away, as incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards is on the stump for second term. So is Bobby Jindal running against him? The previous two-term Republican Gov. Is being criticized every campaign stop by Gov. Edwards. You would think he was running against Jindal. But that’s not...Read More

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Election season is here, with qualifications just ending. What should the candidates be talking about? The Bayou State is way behind most other states across the country in many surveys that rank education, economic development, health and overall quality of life.  Does any candidate, from governor on down to the local level, really offer any specifics...Read More

My good friend Rannah Gray has written a best selling true crime novel, Familiar Evil, and it is being used as the basis for a TV series.  It airs on August 22nd on the Investigation Discovery Network, at 9:00 pm central time.  You don’t want to miss it.  Check out your local listings for your local...Read More

A lot of people complain about their elected officials and feel they need better results when it comes to governing on a local, state, or national level. But how do you determine performance? In the private sector, if you invest in a company and don’t like what the leadership is doing, you can all ways...Read More

There is nothing tastier and greater varieties of seafood than what we have here on the Gulf Coast. I was anxious to try lobster, clams and other delicacies when I was up in Maine visiting my two oldest grandsons recently. Lobsters were tasty, but unfortunately, our friends on the East Coast know very little about...Read More

What a  fun filled weekend recently with  my grandkids at summer camp  up  in northern Maine.  Many of us have memories of cabins by the lake, campfires, overnights in the woods, fishing and hiking through the wilderness, and what we thought was pretty good camp food. Of course, my two oldest grandsons wanted to slip...Read More

We get so caught up in our daily analysis of all the conflicting events that happen in our lives.  It’ nice to have some predictability from time to come,  Here’s a little levity to see things in perspective below.Read More

What on earth is happening to the Democratic Party? In my home state of Louisiana, the state party is working overtime to wipe out any semblance of ties to important past national leaders who made Louisiana what it is today. And on the national level, every Democratic presidential wannabe is fighting tooth and nail to...Read More

It’s reapportionment time again. Under federal law, every 10 years each state must reapportion it’s state legislature. But the process is fixed. Legislators protect their own interest by drawing district lines to favor their own reelection. A direct conflict of the public interest.  Instead of voters choosing their legislators, it’s the legislators that are picking...Read More

Royal Street in the French Quarter on Wednesday, July 10th. A torrential rainstorm.Read More

Political correctness just never seems to end. A number of presidential wannabes are all over former VP Joe Biden for saying he always tried to work with other members of the U. S. Senate, irrespective of their political views. How outrageous! How dare Joe try to reach across the aisle. Of course, this is quite...Read More

Are you on your peas and cues, and making it absolutely positive that you are “politically correct?” It seems like you’re supposed to be conscious about anything you do or say because there’re new standards, new requirements, and new sensitivity. Or so some people are saying.  I don’t know about you, but I’m personally not worried...Read More

If you live down here the deep South, politics should be really heating up. There are major gubernatorial elections for both Louisiana and Mississippi. But so far, there does not seem to be very much interest. And I write this week about one of the reasons why. Politics just does not seem to be much...Read More

I hate to rub it into all my Louisiana  friends, but I spent the last several weeks up in the mountains of North Carolina.  It was great while lasted, but home to It was great while it lasted, but now home to get caught up on much backed up work. . Hope all you folks...Read More

Politics, both in Louisiana as well as across the country, seems to have become quite in cinerary. Constant attacks, low blows, good guy bad guy, and little cooperation between Republicans and Democrats. Is this the wave of the future? I take a look at politics from the past in Louisiana and the entire aura of...Read More

There are a lot of great podcasts on the web, particularly if you interested in sports.  One of the best happens to be produced by and stars my grandson, Eli Senor out of New York City. Eli is 11 years old, but really has a solid background in a cross section of interesting sports stories....Read More

Louisiana has a major affordable insurance problem. The highest insurance costs in all America. The business lobby in the state says it is the fault of the judicial system. That was blown out of the water in the recent session of the legislature. A major problem is the regulators who allow insurance companies to charge...Read More

My column this week is about the complications of car insurance. Be sure and take a look. Here is a good video about the vast differences you may be charged based on a number of factors, some quite unfair. Bottom line? To save money, shop around and understand just what you are buying.Read More

I hope all of my readers enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend. Vacationing, barbecues, hot dogs, lots of family time. But just what is the real purpose of Memorial Day? Most folks don’t even know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Should it not be a time reflect on the future of our country,...Read More

I wrote in my weekly column about standing up for America, and standing up for those who serve us. We take our servicemen and women for granted, thank them for their service, holler USA USA, and think that we’re being patriotic. But are we doing enough? Not just no, but hell no. Below is one...Read More

Congressman Steve Scalise, for good reason, is doing soul-searching over whether or not to forgive the fellow who shot him and almost killed him two years ago. Should he forgive this criminal? He’s a devout Catholic and is struggling with such a decision. It’s hard to put such an injustice behind you and forgive. What...Read More

We are gearing up for a radio weekend program before we take a summer break. Lots to talk about this week. Louisiana Lieut. Gov. Billy Nungesser will join us to tell what’s going on in the Bayou State. Insurance executive Tim Temple will explain his idea for a national disaster insurance fund. And Dr. Edward...Read More

It seems night after night on the evening news, all we read about is the torrential rains then have hit all across the country, and particularly in Louisiana. You wonder if the rains are ever going to stop. And as the rains come down, the Mississippi River and its various tributaries continue to rise. What...Read More

Another weekend radio program it Is just around the corner, with a fully packed agenda planned.  What’s all this stuff about China? Are we on the right track in raising tariffs on so many Chinese goods the end up in United States? China expert Peter Johnson will join us to discuss. And we sure do...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

So much to cover in this weekend’s Common Senseradio program. Is there a rise in anti-Semitism throughout the country? We will talk to author Ellen Manes about this new phenomenon. And how about the measles outbreak taking place across America? Dr. Jane Orient joins us to give her opinion as to why it’s happening. Finally,...Read More

A birthday celebration with four of my favorite girls. I turned 79 on May 6th.  Movin’ on up!Read More

The Sanford group was one of the biggest swindles in Louisiana history. Several thousand people suffered huge financial losses, some their entire life savings. There’s no certainty that they will ever get any substantial amount of their savings back. So what happened? Where were the regulators who were supposed to lookout for such shenanigans? Does...Read More

It’s almost time for the Common-Sense Radio Weekly Program.  And we really have a lively show planned for our listeners.  First and foremost, Happy Mother’s Day for mothers all over America. We will reminisce.  And what’s your favorite baseball movie? The new issue of Baseball Digest features iconic baseball movies celebrating their 30th anniversary: Editor in Chief Rick...Read More

My mother died a few years back after a full life at 93.  I  sure do miss her and I’ll talk about her on this weekend’s Common Sense Radio Show.  She was  full of life and active right up  to the day she passed away.  I’ll join so many others in remembering and wishing a Happy...Read More

Everybody knows the Louisiana State song, You are my Sunshine. It is the best-known song all over the world. But some folks in the legislature are giving serious consideration to making a change. Some folks down in Cajun country want the new song to be Hank Williams popular diddy, Jambalaya.  What’s the history behind these...Read More

Radio weekend is close at hand, and we’re preparing a lively Common-Sense radio show. Lots of talk from Democratic presidential candidates about Medicare for all. Is it possible or pipe dream? Dr. Alieta Eck (www.affordablehealthinc.org) will join us to discuss.  And Did you celebrate birthday last week? What’s it all about, and how serious for...Read More

It’s getting close to time for qualifications in this year’s gubernatorial election campaign. If you’re running for a major statewide office, it is almost too late to get started, unless you are a millionaire.  So what’s the story in the governor’s race? Incumbent Gov. John Bell Edwards looks to be in the driver’s seat, having...Read More

Weekend radio is close at hand, and we have a lively show planned for all our listeners. Former VP Joe Biden is about to announce for president, and we will discuss whether he is insensitive to the#MeToo movement with business coach Kelly Accetta. (www.truth.coach).  And how about the death penalty. For or against?  We will...Read More

Our family vacation traveled to Paris in 2004 and took us to Notre Dame. The cathedral has weathered some heavy damage over the years. In 1831, the writer Victor Hugo published his novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”  Hugo wrote: “[I]t is difficult not to sigh, not to wax indignant, before the numberless degradations and...Read More

Just beginning is the Louisiana legislature’s bi-annual fiscal session, and election season is only months away. There are lots of goofy proposed laws thrown into the legislative hopper. Rather than dealing with some serious funding issues, there’s much talk around the capitol about alligators, almond milk, crab traps, and meatless hamburgers. Really heavy stuff to...Read More

Common Sense radio weekend is close at hand, and we will have a full agenda to talk about. Old friend and Pastor John’s Stahl Will join us to talk about the Easter season. Why are so many young people no longer growing up in a church atmosphere? Then psychiatrist Dr. Donald Pet will give his...Read More

Virginia won, give them that but with a lot of question marks.  and before everyone puts the university up for sainthood consider this.  There is a big difference between a “miracle” and biased officiating. Auburn beat Virginia and the refs put their thumbs on the scale. There were a number of questionable calls that went against...Read More

If you are a college basketball fan, you certainly have taken notice of all the dysfunction going on at LSU right now. After a successful season where the Tigers won the Southeastern Conference title, the coach now under suspension, and the program is in complete disarray. Just what happened, and what should be done now?...Read More

Guest list and show schedule to be posted Friday Morning.Read More

I don’t know about you, but I’m a great flash mob fan. Just look at the exuberance of all these young folks from Russia, gathering on a snowy day having a really wonderful time. Obviously this took some planning, but what a wholesome thing to undertake. Horray for flash mobs.Read More

A crane is pictured lowering a rusty remnant of the Holocaust onto tracks outside Manhattan’s Museum of Jewish Heritage.  It’s a windowless German boxcar like those used to transport men, women and children to Auschwitz and other Nazi death camps.  It’s among 700 Holocaust artifacts, most never before seen in the United States, being prepared for...Read More

It’s election year in Louisiana, and one of the big issues will be the outrageous cost of automobile insurance. It’s the highest in America. So the politicians are running for cover. Several commissions have been appointed, and everybody is screaming what to do, what to do. It’s simple in my opinion. And I’ll explain in...Read More

We are excited about our Common Sense weekend radio program soon to air.  Who could do a better pick of selecting Final four winners? Artificial intelligence through the computer, or basketball fans? We will talk about it with DJ Sebastian, who advises clients on advanced technologies. And how about the charges being dropped against actor...Read More

“The Killer” himself, Jerry Lee Lewis, is a little under the weather right now. He had stroke, and will miss the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. I already had my tickets. You may not know it, but Jerry Lee was my first client as a lawyer when I moved to Ferriday, La. some 52...Read More

We are getting ready for the Common-Sense radio show, and a full packed weekend. Dr.  David Young join Josh from Connecticut to talk about how local police killed his dog. A chilling story. Then did you observe the Spring equinox?  Donna Henes will tell us just what it means.  And finally, professor David Peters, a...Read More

Pretty cool! The Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day, a city tradition since 1962. Below … How it happens, per the Chicago Tribune: “Three men [on a boat] use flour sifters to dump about 40 pounds of an environmentally friendly orange powder into the river.”  The powder … turns the water bright...Read More