Some weeks, we really have to work hard to come up with a full weekend show. Boy, not this weekend. We’re loaded with issues to discuss. Ebola and whether we can contain this terrible disease, ISIS, conflicts throughout the world, politics in the US, and so many other topics. With elections close at hand (just a little over two weeks away), mathematician Patrick Andendall will join jus to discuss his new book, Stupid Party, Math vs Myth-The Unmasking of the Destructive Forces Eroding American Democracy.” You can read about it by Clicking Here.

Then renowned defense attorney and Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz will give a perspective on the Middle East and weather Israel should attack Hamas operating in Palestine. He has a new book out, Terror Tunnels: The Case for Israel’s Just War Against Hamas. He will join us in the second hour of our show, and you can read all about the Professor and his book by Clicking Here.  So check your local listing for times and stations.  See you on the radio.

My daughter Campbell, who many of you remember as the White House correspondent for NBC news as well as hosting her own show on CNN, is making a valiant effort to raise the standards of teachers throughout New York. The teachers’ unions or not holding back, and fighting her tooth and nail. For her cause, Campbell has raised money from business leaders throughout the state. The teachers unions are attacking her fund raising, rather than focusing on her concerns about their overall ability to teach. This is apparently the only issue the the teachers’ unions can attack her on.  Actually, I find the cartoon rather funny.  Take a look and enjoy.  And you  can check out Campbell’s view on educational reform in a recent speech she gave to the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.  You can listen or read the transcript by Clicking Here.

I don’t know about you, but fall is my favorite season of the year. There is nothing as pretty as seeing the leaves change up north and along the East Coast. The colors can really be brilliant. We don’t get much color down out here in the south. So I was fortunate to be up in northern Maine last week, and you can see below the colors coming out in radiant shades. I’m hoping to go up to the North Carolina mountains in a week or two, so as to see the leaves change up there also. I’ll keep you posted.  To see the brilliant color of leaves, Click Here.

Pride. That is a key catalyst for any state to be a competitor for economic development across the nation. People who live in the Bayou State generally love Louisiana. But do they have enough pride, and the commitment it takes to be attractive to those businesses that are considering locating in the deepest of the deep southern states? What are some of the important factors that may be lacking? Take a look at my new column now posted and see if you agree with some of the items I have listed. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The “Common Sense” radio show weekend will broadcast  from Quebec, Canada, and is right around the corner and we have a really great program lined up for all our listeners across the country. There is a fascinating new documentary out called ” Six Ways to Santiago,” all about the thousands of people worldwide who make a six week excursion to walk the Camino Trail from the French border to Santiago in Spain. Upon arriving, visitors will find the burial site f St. James and one of the world’s most stunning cathedrals. The film has won  numerous awards, and we will interview director Lydia B. Smith. Check out this fascinating adventure by Clicking Here.

Then, did you know that bootleggers and Baptists have some common ground? Economists Adam Smith and Bruce Yandle provide an accessible description of how economic forces and moral persuasion interact in today’s political world. They will both be on our program and you can find out  more on their book, Bootleggers and Baptists, by Clicking Here.  So turn in for a lively show. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

With tax dollars scarce in Louisiana, this might be an excellent time to streamline on the state and local levels. Just how many boards, commissions, water districts, sewer districts, parish auditors, law enforcement offices, and other special districts are spread throughout Louisiana? Would you believe that no agency, public or private, can list all the public bodies that exist in Louisiana today? And if no one knows that number, then it goes without saying that no one can even begin to know the overlapping costs. Should the state consider streamlining and consolidating? That’s the focus of my new column this week. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio Weekend close at hand, and, as usual, we are planning a full agenda and a lively program. So much has happened in the past week. John Whitehead with the Rutherford Institute will join me to review all the freedoms that Attorney General Eric Holder has pushed to take away from every American. John has been on the program before and you can find more information on protecting hour freedoms by Clicking Here.

And what about this terrible Ebola epidemic?  kIs it a threat to the U.S.?  How does one get it and is there a cure?  We will talk abut it with Dr. Mardia Stone , who has extensively studied this miserable disease.  This and a review of the week’s controversial news.  Check your local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radio.

We’ve been following all the domestic violence that is seething out of the National Football League. But how about federal judges who are every bit as violent with their spouses, and other judges who feel that have the right to demand special consideration? There are many competent judges across the country, but there are also some real whackos that can taint the entire federal judiciary. You and I deserve better. Much, much better. Check out my new column on a wave of questionable conduct by these high and mighty jurists who get their job for life. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Fall is in the air, but the Common Sense Radio Weekend Show won’t stop to smell the roses. We have a full program set for this Sunday’s show. Just who is this ISIS, and how big a threat are they really to U.S. citizens? Howard Bloom is a Middle East scholar who has a new book called The Mohammed Code. In it, he discusses the long and short-term consequences of ISIS. How do the powers of ISIS are different than that of al-Qaeda? And can we define the goals of ISIS? He will join us to discuss all these questions. More on the book by Clicking Here.

 

Then we will talk with Nick Yarris who as on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. He “¨shared a cell with Ted Bundy. He was on Death Row for”¨ 21 years, until DNA proved he was innocent.  Yarris escaped Death Row at age 24, “¨and was the subject of a man-hunt on the FBI’s Most”¨Wanted List. He was recaptured and later became the”¨ first inmate on death row to ask for DNA testing. It “¨took 16 years for him to be exonerated when DNA test “¨results showed he couldn’t have committed the crime he”¨was serving time for. Yarris tells his story in the new”¨book “7 Days to Live.” More on the book by Clicking Here.

 

And, as we always do, we will update you with facts, sarcasm, and humor on the week’s events. So be sure and tune in. Check your local listings for times and stations.

                                                 One of my heroes is Ida Keeling.

She’s 99 years old! NINETY NINE! She STARTED running at age 67. She just broke the record of the 100M sprint in her age group. (Can’t imagine there are too many 90 years olds competing, but nevertheless) THIS inspires me and motivates me to be the BEST I can be at ANY age. Mind you, she STARTED running at age 67, so for all of you who might think its too late, its NEVER too late!

Talk about an ingrate. At the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival, George P. Bush, the Republican nominee for Land Commissioner, said he wouldn’t endorse his father, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, should he decide to run for president in 2016. He himed and hawed, then said he wouldn’t endorse anyone. Hey George!  It’s YOUR FATHER! What kind of politician wouldn’t ben support his own dad, particularly when Jeb Bush is a pretty darn good potential candidate. If he hasn’t the gumption to support his own Dad, he needs to quite running for public office.  Plus, if you look at the video below, he looks and talks like a wimp.

So are we in America about to open up a whole new chapter in the Middle Eastern war saga? What has eleven years in Iraq taught us, at a cost of some seven trillion dollars and who knows how many people killed. How big a threat is this barbarian group ISIS? It was terrible the killings they did to American journalists. But are we operating with our emotions or a plan for our own safety? There are way too many questions that need answering, both by the President as well as members of congress. Take a look at my new column where I list a number of questions that, so far, we as Americans have received no answers. You can read the column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio Weekend is about here, and we look forward to having you join us if you can to make a little “Common Sense” about the world around us. How much more do we get involved in the Middle East? We spent some seven trillion dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan and what do we have to show for it? Should America jump into the Syrian civil war? And how big a threat is ISIS? We will talk about it.

 

Then, we will talk about a new book about what it would be like if you didn’t age; “NO TIME TO DIE“ By Kira Peikoff. Science has barely begun to unlock the secrets written in our DNA. Researchers are relentlessly hunting for the answers to chronic diseases, cancer, rare disorders and the biggest mystery of them all””aging””but at what cost? Bioethicist Peikoff asks the most troubling scientific question of our time in this taut thriller: when does medicinecross the line? Read more about this book by Clicking Here.

 

Then we must talk more about the Middle East.  Don Liebich is a non-partisan Middle East foreign policy expert and the author of ‘Fault Lines: The Layman’s Guide to Understanding America’s Role in the Ever-Changing Middle East‘.  Read all about it by Clicking Here. See you on the radio.

One of the most enjoyable jobs I had when I was in public life in Louisiana, was serving for eight years as the Secretary of State. Is it important job, dealing with handling the entire election process, being the state’s chief historian and keeper of all the state archives, and being the top business officer. That’s been over 25 years ago, and I’ve watched other Secretary of State’s come and go. The current secretary, my good friend Tom Schedler, has done excellent job. I hosted a reception for him this past week in Baton Rouge with a number of others who support Tom.

Can you believe that the top five happiest cities in the U. S. include Lafayette, Houma, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Alexandria and Lake Charles are all located in Louisiana? I know we Red Necks and Cajuns have a good time and all, but is the rest of the nation not letting the good times roll like we do down in the Bayou State? The unhappiest? New York City. What? The Big Apple? How can that be? Check out my new column just published with all the inside scoop as to who’s happy and who’s not so happy. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio “Common Sense” weekend is close at hand and we have full show of controversial issues to discuss. Welcome again to our new Fairbanks, Alaska station KFAR, 660 AM.  This is really the “Last Frontier” so we are glad you folks “North to Alaska” as the song goes will join us.  And what about the President and his slowness in reacting to the bloodshed in a number of countries. How far should the U.S. go? Is Obama offering solid leadership? Tune in and we will talk.

 

Author Sidney Powell joins us to discuss the continuing cover-ups by the Justice Department and the IRS. Her book, Licensed to Lie-Exposing Corruption in the Department of Justice, is a tell all about prosecutors who are flat out of control. Read all about her book by Clicking Here.

Then we will end with author Mathew Burrows, a 25 year CIA veteran, who pent ten years at the National Intelligence Council (NIC), analyzing the most pressing challenges facing our world. His book, THE FUTURE, DECLASSIFIED, lays bare all that is at stake for America’s standing in the world, and for ordinary Americans who want to maintain their quality of life in the face of unprecedented change. Read more by Clicking Here.   So tune in for a lively show.

There’s always something special about attending a major-league baseball game. Those of you that read this column regularly know that I’m a diehard at spring training each year over in Florida to see a number of major league baseball teams. Last week, I had the pleasure of taking in the Boston Red Sox at their home field in Fenway Park up in Boston. They were playing the Toronto Blue Jays. You can check me out at Fenway Park above. And I’m also pictured with Toronto relief pitcher Erin Loupe, who hails from Hahnville, Louisiana. We had lunch in Boston before he headed to Fenway, and pitched several innings in relief. The baseball season is coming to an end, but I certainly will be over in Florida for spring training in 2015.

Have you taken the ice bucket challenge yet? People everywhere can be seen dumping buckets of ice water on their heads to raise awareness and funds to fight ALS. Children, adults and celebrities alike are joining the social media phenomenon to fight back against a disease that currently has no cure. I took the challenge twice in on day. I’ll challenge each one of you viewers to take up my challenge and make a donation. You can find out how to give by Clicking Here.

Was there something unique as to what happened in Ferguson, Missouri recently? Obviously, there was a major breakdown in communication and leadership, from just about everyone involved. And I mean everyone,  from the President, the Governor and all the others involved in this killing.  How about all those who jumped to conclusions? And are  other communities ripe for a similar outbreak of violence? Check out my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.

Common Sense Radio Weekend is at hand and we really have a great program set for our listeners all over America. And we do want to welcome a new addition to the “Common Sense” network of stations. KFAR 660am in Fairbanks, Alaska is our newest affiliate. Glad you are part of our network of stations. We note it’s in the 50s in Fairbanks right now. We look forward to talking and hearing from you folks way up north.

 

My column this weekend is about Ferguson, Mo. Could the same thing happen in your community? We will talk about it. And great news! Our President has decided to end his 16 day vacation and go back to work. Syria, Isis, Ferguson immigration crisis, and the Israeli – Palestine fighting was not enough to keep him off the golf course. We will sure have some comments.

 

And what are exorcisms and are they still going on in the Catholic Church? Author William Brazzel has written about them in his new book, “The Seventh Holy Man. Read more by Clicking Here. Then we will continue a religious theme as author Chelsen Vicari will talk about her book, “Distortion.”  (See by Clicking Here.)  Are politics, particularly from the Christian left, twisting the Gospel? We will talk about all this and much more. So join us. See you on the radio.

So are you happy with the job your congressmen and senators are doing up in the nation’s capitol? Most Americans are not, as congress has an all time disapproval rating at 10% favorable. Those 10% must have been living in a hole. So you want to do something about it and protest? You can, and right now. Check out the flag that flies on my front porch at my home in Baton Rouge. That’s right! It says: “IN THE FALL, FIRE “˜EM ALL! If you want one, and who wouldn’t, you can order one now by Clicking Here.

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

Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race has become a real knock down free for all. Incumbent Mary Landrieu is in the fight of her political life as Red State Louisiana becomes more republican. So can the Lady pull it off? Not out of the question, but in this current campaign, Landrieu has often been her own worst enemy. She seems to stumble by her own making weekly and Election Day is getting close. Take a look at my new column that weighs in on Landrieu’s chances. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A jam-packed schedule is lined up for this Sunday’s “Common Sense” radio program. Will the President ever decide to come home form his vacation while the world seems to be going up in flames? We will take about it. Then cancer expert Bill Henderson will offer some ideas about alternative medicines. Educational expert Dara Feldman is not happy with how we teach our kids in elementary and high school, and neither are we. We will listen to her thoughts about a major makeover. And Pulitzer Prize winner Alison Lurie Thinks Buildings Say a Whole Lot About Us. “Your house can tell others whether you’re happy or well organized or friendly””even what your politics are.” Didn’t know that did you? So tune and give a listen. We will see you on the radio.

Do you remember the singing group, The Subdudes, who were so popular back in the70s and 80s? Lead singer Tommy Malone still tours and is still quite a performer. He was in my hometown of Baton Rouge last week at the Red Dragon Listen Room. Check out Tommy and the Subdudes on the David Letterman Show some years back. I can tell you. His voice hasn’t changed one bit.

Energy production has been a mainstay of the Gulf Coast states, particularly in Louisiana, for well over a half a century. Actor Jimmy Steward echoed the prevailing view in his 1950s movie, “Thunder Bay,” when he told the oil production naysayers: “There’s oil under this Gulf. We need it. Everybody needs it. Without oil, this country of ours would stop and start to die.“ OK, we do need lots of fossil fuel. But what’s the trade off? Did Louisiana make a deal with the devil and accept significant bad consequences with all the royalty money rolling in? Check out my new column that discusses this very issue now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

So are you happy with the job your congressmen and senators are doing up in the nation’s capitol? Most Americans are not, as congress has an all time disapproval rating at 10% favorable. Those 10% must have been living in a hole. So you want to do something about it and protest? You can, and right now. Check out the flag that flies on my front porch at my home in Baton Rouge. That’s right! It says: “IN THE FALL, FIRE ‘EM ALL! If you want one, and who wouldn’t, you can order one now by Clicking Here.

If you want to read about a remarkable young man, look over the business success story of my nephew, Gary Solomon, Jr. It seems like no major sporting or entertainment spectacle takes place anywhere in the country without the Solomon group being involved. The Essence Festival, the Superbowl, the NBA All-star game, and major conventions nationwide are more and more calling on Gary Jr. Take a look at the article below to give you an idea of Gary’s impact on the entertainment industry. What a future he has in store. Read more by Clicking Here.

Former President Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace 40 years ago this week, as Watergate brought him down. He did it to himself by taping all his office conversations. But is the Watergate scandal his only lasting legacy? I met Nixon on two different occasions, and I take a look back in my new column. He had fond memories of my home state of Louisiana. You can read all about my thoughts on the 37^th President by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

And below is a photo of my introducing the former Vice President at Tulane Law School in 1966.

Weekend Radio is close at hand and we have a lot to talk about this weekend. Stations coast to coast, so check local listings for times and stations carry our program. Or you can listen live over the Genesis Communications Network by going to the Genesis box on the upper left side of this website. We will try to make some sense about the past week’s news. Common Sense is often had to find with those who are supposed to be looking out for us in the nation’s capitol.

Can robots play a major role in caring for and communicating with senior citizens who need constant care? Dr. Louise Aronson, University of California professor and practicing physician will join us to discuss that benefits for future robot use. Her book is called “A History of the Present Illness,” and you can read more about it by Clicking Here.

Then Marc Dunkelman joins us to discuss his new book, The Vanishing Neighbor, where he shows how the traditional web of relationships that makes up American life is undergoing fundamental change, why it matters, and what we need to do about it. You can read all about Mark’s book by Clicking Here.  So join us on the radio.

Well if you have not been following the major educational debate taking place from coast to coast, daughter Campbell is leading the charge for change in the teacher tenure laws. And boy has she stirred things up. Check out her appearance below on The Colbert Report, and then the comments in support of Campbell’s efforts by Whoopee Goldberg. Then you can read some of the national press she is receiving.  Click Here to read the latest from The New York Times, and Click Here for recent article in the Rochester News.

Lynn Drury is a New Orleans gal that has been apart of the Southern music scene much longer than her young looks let on. She has a great southern outlaw flare with music that is soulful and that reflects a tough life-Maybe Mississippi grit. I enjoyed her concert last week in Baton Rouge at the Red Dragon Listening Room, my regular weekend stop. Take a listen. Her website is found by Clicking Here.

So what’s up in the Louisiana U.S. Senate race? Can you believe that not many voters like any of the candidates? Incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu has to deal with the President as an anchor around her neck, and Republican Bill Cassidy seems to only know how to say NO. Tea Party candidate Rob Maness seems lost in the shuffle. This race, the last to be held in the nation, has voters shaking their heads. So is there an alternative? Maybe. Check out my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

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

 

You’ve probably heard of the term “fracking” and have a foggy understanding that it has something to do with extracting natural gas from the ground. But are there bad consequences? We will talk with engineer and environmentalist Greg Kozera.

The Bible contains some remarkable stories of miracles”¨and divine interventions. Are these types of events still”¨happening today? Daniel Fazzina, author and host”¨of the long-running radio show Divine Intervention, will be our guest. His book is called “Divine Intervention: 50″¨True Stories of God’s Miracles Today,” and you can find out more about it by Clicking Here.

And finally, the Isreali-Palesine crisis will be discussed. Danny Muller focuses on disaster management and response in the Middle East and Haiti. He says, “What can’t be seen or understood in the pictures and reporting coming out of Gaza is the long term impact the most recent Israeli assault is having on the young minds of children in Gaza. ” Is his analysis correct?  Tune in to see what you think.  So join us.

Well, daughter Campbell has not slowed down a bit in her quest to dramatically improve public education in New York. She is presently heading up an effort to dramatically revise teacher tenure rules, and hold wayward teachers much more accountable. She is the force behind a new lawsuit that challenges a number of present rules and regulations. The lawsuit asserts that three years isn’t enough time to determine whether a teacher should receive tenure; takes issue with the lengthy disciplinary process required to dismiss teachers, opposes the “last in, first out” statute that privileges senior teachers during layoffs, and takes aim at the state’s teacher evaluation system. To read all about her efforts, Click Here.

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

The death penalty is rarely enforced anymore, and there is a good reason. It seems a week does not go by in the U.S. where some convict sitting on death row has good lawyers who turn up evidence of prosecutorial misconduct. There have been convicts here in my home state of Louisiana who have comes within days of being executed, and later found to be innocent. And in way too many instances, rogue prosecutors in both the state and federal system withheld evidence of their innocence from their lawyers. New Orleans is particularly a cesspool of prosecutors who purposely hide exculpatory evidence. So what gives? Check out my new column now posted about this real miscarriage of justice. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The weekend is closing in, and there is so much going on in the news for us to talk about on the Common Sense Weekend program. We were not able to connect, because of international transmission problems, with our guest David Dellit. He will be on our show this weekend to continue our discussion: it necessary to believe in God in order to be a good, moral person? Unlike the rest of the industrialized countries surveyed by the Pew Research Center, the majority of people in the United States say yes ““ a belief in God is necessary to be good and moral.  David is the author of “The Valentine Prophecies,” (www.thevalentineprophecies.com.  He will join us live from Australia.

 Then we will go to the weekly news and so much controversy to discuss. Was Gov. Rick Perry right to call out the National Guard to try and control the Texas-Mexican border? Should Israel have invaded Palestine strongholds in Gaza and the West Bank? What does the U.S. do about the renewed aggressiveness of Russia? The list grows long. So be sure and join us. Check your local listings for times and stations in your area. See you on the radio.

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

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

Must be some big weather problems a comin’ down in the Bayou State.  Just has to be.  Why else would Louisiana property owners be stuck with sky rocketing insurance rates?  The state’s biggest insurer, State Farm, just went ahead and raised their rates on homes by as much of 20%.  What?  How can that be?  Check out my new column that tries to figure out what’s happening, and why the same increases are not taking place around the rest of the country.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or Clicking Here.

Weekend Radio is fast approaching and we have a lively and active full-blown program for our listeners. There is so much in the news.  But how about this topic?  Is it necessary to believe in God in order to be a good, moral person? Unlike the rest of the industrialized countries surveyed by the Pew Research Center, the majority of people in the United States say yes ““ a belief in God is necessary to be good and moral.  Do you agree?  We will talk with David Dellit, author of “The Valentine Prophecies,” (www.thevalentineprophecies.com.  He will join us live from Australia.

The Middle East conflicts are moving west to Israel and Palestine, as warfare could well be close at hand.   Joshua Muravchik will join us who is author of Making David into Goliath: How the World Turned Against Israel, to help discuss this growing and troubling problem. Find out more by Clicking Here. So join us for an informative program.

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

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

Your heart has to go out to the poor average Joe living in New Orleans.  The Crescent City is in a battle to stay afloat as it deals with major street crime, corrupt politicians, and a dysfunctional criminal justice system where even federal officials can no longer be trusted.  And the murder rate, actually the terrorist attack rate, seems to be continually climbing.  I wrote about the dysfunction taking place in one of America’s great cities this week.  What to do?  Check out my new column now posted.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The Weekend Radio schedule will be posted on Friday.

Special holidays like the 4^th of July always have, for good reason, a special acknowledgement of those military service men and women who have defended our country for so many years.  There are few veterans in congress today.  Most politicians reflect the comment of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who, when asked why he did to volunteer for the military, said he had “other priorities.”Â  They don’t think it’s all that important to serve one’s country.  Spoken like a true chicken hawk.  I’m proud of my military service.  The Army and the National Guard for 12 years.  From time to time, I get out my old uniform (it still fits).  Take a look at the moving video below about being proud of military service.

The rest of the nation has been grumbling for years over the massive federal bailouts that seem to go to hurricane prone states along the Gulf Coast year after year.  “Maybe those folks down there should pack up and move,” some Yankees have suggested.  But oh how the debate has changed.  Wildfires out west, tornadoes in the Midwest, flooding up the Mississippi River, earthquakes a continuing threat, and heavy storms back east.  Now the entire country is beginning to realize that there is no insolation from natural disasters.  So what to do?  I just might have a few ideas.  Checkout my new column now posted on how to deal with this growing problem.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Even though this is the 4thof July Weekend, we have prepared a full packed, lively program for our listeners.  I’ll be broadcasting from New York City and hope to meet a good number of our listeners who catch our program over WVNJ, 1160 AM in New York City as well as stations WPPG, 1400 AM and WENJ, both in Atlantic City.  We have a gumbo of topic, including immigration, the meaning of the 4^th of July, this week’s Supreme Court Decision on contraceptives, a little religion, and much more.  So be sure and tune in.  Check local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radio.

A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines.  Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused bybaggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar.  During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded: “Good luck with that one, pal.” So he posted a retaliatory video on YouTube. The video has since received over 6 million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Naturally his response was: “Good luck with that one, pal.” Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for  the product recognition from the video  that has led to a sharp increase in orders. Check out the video below.

What Would America Be Like If We Lost The Revolutionary War?  The Brits are still smoldering over their loss and our yearly efforts to “rub it in.”Â  Since I was in school in England (Cambridge University), I had a jolly ole’ time rubbing it in, but my British friends didn’t think it was all that funny.  So, just what would it be like?  The Brit will tell you to imagine how great America would have been if Great Britain won the Revolutionary War.  Take a look at this tongue in cheek video below.

Twenty-Eight years ago this week, President Ronald Reagan traveled to West Berlin, and at the Brandenburg Gate admonished: “Mr.Gorbachev take down that wall.”Â  The Berlin Wall had been erected by the puppet soviet state of East Germany. Unless you are over sixty five or are a history buff, you may not understand the tensions that existed then had many observers feeling that we could be on the brink of war with the Soviet Union.  And would you believe?  I crossed that wall and almost caused an international incident.  Check out my new column by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

It’s almost radio show time and we have arranged a jam-packed and interesting program for this weekend.  We begin with Dr. Joel Wallack, an internationally renowned health expert on genetics as well as the developer of a whole series of vitamins and minerals.  His new book is called  “EpiGenetics: The Death of the Genetic Theory of Disease Transmission,“ and you can read all about it by Clicking Here.

 

 Then we will look at what America’s options are in the growing drama in Iraq.  Colonel Jack Jacobs, military adviser for NBC news will join us to consider the options.  Colonel Jacobs is the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, and we will talk about his book, “If Not Now, When?: Duty and Sacrifice in America’s Time of Need.”Â  More about the Colonel’s book by Clicking Here.

 

And we will also talk to a guest who was holed up in Bagdad last week and could not make the show. Sami Rasouli is the founder of the Muslim Peacekeeper Team, and he will give us a first hand evaluation. His website is found by Clicking Here.   So join us for a great program.

A new advocacy group is helping parents prepare a challenge to New York’s teacher tenure and seniority laws, contending that they violate children’s constitutional right to a sound basic education by keeping ineffective teachers in classrooms.  Campbell Brown, a former CNN anchor who has been a critic of job protections for teachers, launched the group, Partnership for Educational Justice, in December. She said six students have agreed to serve as plaintiffs, arguing they suffered from laws making it too expensive, time-consuming and burdensome to fire bad teachers.” Read all about her efforts by Clicking Here.  http://goo.gl/vyu1VR

What a weekend for live music in my home city of Baton Rouge. A great show Friday night with Ramblin’ Jack Elliott playing at the Red Dragon Listening Room in downtown Baton Rouge. Ramblin’ Jack is 82 years old going on 30. I had the great pleasure of spending an hour listening to him spin past tales before the show. He mentored Bob Dylan and his best friend was Johnny Cash. I’ll bet no one knows and plays so many shows. Tip of the hat to Ramblin’ Jack. Check out his video below.

The night before, it was a treat to hear the Clair Lynch Band from Nashville. Long recognized and praised as a creative force in acoustic music, Claire Lynch is a pioneer who continually pushes the boundaries of the bluegrass genre. She is the reigning Female Vocalist of the Year for the International Bluegrass Music Association. Dolly Parton credits Claire with “one of the sweetest, purest and best lead voices in the music business today.” Listen to her below.

Iraq is imploding as Republicans and Democrats alike are scratching the heads as to what went wrong.  Meanwhile, party gridlock in Washington has brought any sense of responsible governing to a standstill.  The President faces what may well turn out to be his single biggest crisis during his time in office, and he spent most of last week vacationing on California golf courses.  Are we observing a freak show or what?  You can get my thoughts on the international mess by reading my new column now posted.  Go to the Red Flashing Box above, or Click Here.

And the video below is of news comedian Jon Stewart, and his  take on all those who created this mess in Iraq now speaking out, writing Op Ed pieces, and being interviewed about how to clean up the mess they in fact, created. Take a look.

Radio weekend is close with a number of topics on the front burner.  What, in the good Lord’s name, is happening in Iraq?  Things seem to be much worse from when the U.S. got involved, or when Prez Obama pulled our troops out.  The whole involvement has been a colossal mismanagement blunder.  So what are the options for America?  We will talk directly to Iraq with our guest, Sami Rasouli who is founder of the Muslim Peacemaker Teams in Iraq to get a first hand evaluation.

And we will continue the immigration debate.  Texas Governor Rick Perry is moaning and groaning again about the federal government not stopping illegal immigrants cross the Tec-Mex border.  Then Ole’ Rick hollers about the 14^th Amendment and tells the feds to stay out of Texas’ business.  Governor, what are you doing to stop all these illegals?  Or do you call on the feds only when it is convenient for you politically.  We will talk about the Texas two-faced approach.

 

So all in all, a lively program set for Sunday.  Check your local listings for times and stations.  We hope to see you this weekend on the radio.

Well, there’s a big controversy down my way in the Louisiana swamps over feeding alligators. A local tour guy who takes folks through the alligator infested swamps just likes to jump in the water and feed these critters. And the Gators take food out of his month. Local game agents are appalled and think this is completely improper. Hey look. If some nut wants to jump in the water and be gator bait, let him at it. Your government being overly protective. Take a look at the video below and see what you think.

 

So did you attend a graduation in the past few weeks for a family member?  Maybe a college grad, high school, or even grade school?  I’ve given a number of commencement addresses, and can’t remember a word of what I told these young folks.  “Change the World, do good works, follow your dreams?  Naah.  At least I would not today.  These young folks need some practical, down to earth advice, and I did just such in my new column.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our regular nationally syndicated Weekend Radio Show is shaping up well, so get ready for a jam-packed list of topics to be discussed.  A huge upset in Washington as the House Majority Leader is ousted by a complete unknown.  The lesson here is that incumbents are in trouble and we may see a house cleaning in the fall elections.  And that might not be all that bad.  We will talk about it.

 

Then lawyer and best selling author Sidney Powell joins us to discuss her new book, Licensed to Lie-Exposing Corruption in the Department of Justice. That our government is corrupt is the only conclusion. This book helps the people understand the nature of this corruption””and how it is possible for federal prosecutors to indict and convict the innocent rather than the guilty. Oh yes.  I’m looking forward to this interview. Read all about the book by Clicking Here.  Check for local times and stations.  See you on the radio this weekend.

There is a reason that Japanese students consistently outperform American students in standardized testing.  Japanese kids spend more time in the classroom and work harder.  That’s just a fact.  Japanese students spend 240 days a year at school, 60 days more then their American counterparts.  And take a look below at a Japanese bus taking kids to school.  Ever see an American school bus like that?  Sure it costs more money.  It’s  just a matter of what a country thinks is important.

Boy, we really have some responsible public officials in this country.  Check this out.  Dennis Kneier, the mayor of a wealthy Los Angeles suburb, is apologizing after he was caught on camera in a “poo-dunnit” case. Surveillance video shows the San Marino mayor tossing dog waste onto a neighbor’s lawn.

Former Louisiana Governor John J. McKeithen would have been 96 years old this week.  History has shown him to be Louisiana’s transition governor during the 20^th century.  And “Big John” was the fellow that got me interested in Louisiana politics.  My column this week looks back to the 1960s and the impact that he had on the Bayou State, or as he referred to it, as the deepest of the deep southern states. There is a short biographical video of him below. You can read about my relationship with John McKeithen by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The weekend is coming, and that means it’s time for the “Common Sense” Radio Show.  We welcome three new radio stations to the “Common Sense” network of radio stations all over America.

KLID (1340 AM) in Poplar Bluff, Missouri

WKRO (1490 AM) in Cairo, Illinois

ҬKVOC (1330 AM) in Casper, Wyoming

-Our old friend, Steve Berry is back on the bestseller charts again with his new book, “The Lincoln Myth.”Â  Steve has had a number of best selling thrillers, and this new book debuts as number three on The New York Times best seller lists.  It’s a present day mystery that looks back at what Lincoln did and did not do during the Civil War.  A great read that I enjoyed and that you can find out more about by Clicking Here.

 

As always, we will review the past week’s news, and particularly look at all the dysfunction in Washington, from the Veterans Administration scandal, to massive problems within the FBI, as well as this strange release of an American serviceman who may or may not have betrayed his country.  And of course the question of why the congress is not showing more oversight and backbone. So be sure and tune in.  Check your local listings for times and stations.

This week in Brevard County, Florida, a public defender got beaten at arraignment, literally. Judge John Murphy is accused of punching veteran public defender Andrew Weinstock in the face repeatedly, after the two exchanged words in the courtroom. Murphy reportedly wanted Weinstock’s client to waive his right to a speedy trial, and when he refused, the judge said “If I had a rock I’d throw it at you” and then invited him outside of the courtroom to “beat [his] ass”.

The dialogue in the courtroom was captured on video (below). In the video you can see Weinstock exit the courtroom, reportedly thinking it was just to talk. Once they got off camera, without saying a word, the judge reportedly grabbed him by the collar and began punching him in the head. You can hear the sounds of scuffle on the courtroom video. Two deputies broke up the melee, after which Judge Murphy returned to the bench and began hearing other cases. “I will catch my breath eventually,” Murphy said.“Man, I’m an old man.” Keep your guard up when dealing with sanctimonious judges, both in Florida, and here in my home state of Louisiana.

We all know that politicians tend to exaggerate from time to time.  But then comes along a brazen public official who outright falsifies the facts.  So be it with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, from my home state.  Kudos to government watchdog C.B. Forgotston, who pointed out how Jindal twisted the facts in a recent interview. Here is C.B.’s take that is right on the money.  You can see Jindal’s misstatements below.

“If you want a good laugh, watch a TV interview from earlier this week of Bobby Jindal by Sean Hannity.  Watch the first 50 seconds (more and you will puke) where Jindal nods in agreement about how Jindal turned a state deficit into a state surplus.No, I didn’t write that wrong. The exact opposite is true. Jindal took a $1.1 Billion surplus left him by Gov. Kathleen Blanco and turned it into at least a $2 Billion deficit. That does not include the increase in the pension funds liability or the increase in state debt.”

So just how does a city win the right to host the Superbowl? New Orleans thought it was a cinch to get the 2018 bid, and were shocked to see the nod to Minneapolis.  But it really shouldn’t have been a surprise.  Minneapolis is building a one billion dollar state of the art stadium.  Is that what it will take?  And if so, should Louisiana spend a billion or two just to host a football game?  Check out my new column where I put a pencil to the numbers.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

 As a side note, check out the coloring on the Superdome above.  All the lighting was done by my nephew, Gary Solomon, Jr.  Really a talented young man.  Check out his companie’s’ website by Clicking Here.

As we kick off the summer season, our “Common Sense” radio program picks up peed with a number of hot topics to discuss.  Did you go to graduation with a commencement speech?  I personally can’t remember a word of any commencement address I have ever attended (many) or a word of any of the addresses I have given myself.  Why have them?  We will talk about it.

 

And summertime means, to many, diet time.  Is there one sure fast diet plan?  Nope.  Nutritionist Matt Fitzgerald’s new book, Diet Cults exposes the fact that, despite their surface differences, all diets claiming to be the “one true way” to attain good health are fundamentally the same””tribal, nonrational, power-seeking””and to offer an alternative to people who are turned off by the diet cults yet want to eat better.  He will be our guest and you can find out more about his plan by Clicking Here.

 

And educational problems continue to haunt the U.S. as our kids continue to slip in comparison to many other countries.  Dr. Jonathan Jefferson will be our guest to discuss his new book, Mugamore, Succeeding without Labels-Lessons for Educators.   You can read more about it by Clicking Here.  This and much more.  So join us.  Check your local listings for times and stations.

You will note a number of articles on the right column of “Relevant News” that pertain to the FBI’s new policy of taping interviews of witnesses and suspects.  The legitimate question is raised of why the FBI has, for so long, been afraid of a small tape recorder.  They are being accused of being intrusive into the lives of all Americans by gaining access to everyone’s emails and phone calls.  Yet when it comes to getting the actual facts and recording the exact words of a conversation, the Bureau has shied away and refused to order agents to “˜get it right’ and tape record the conversation.  Finally, someone in the FBI is using a little “Common Sense’ and a new directive will order agents to record their interviews.  Unfortunately, for many who were convicted, based solely on the memory of an agent, who can make mistakes or carry on his or her own agenda, there is no chance to be declared innocent.  The FBI had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21^st century.  About time.

The Democratic President and Louisiana’s Republican Governor seem to square off regularly.  Bobby Jindal, from down in the Bayou state, never misses a chance to take a pot shot at the President, Obamacare, the economy, disaster relief; you name it and Jindal loves to direct the fault at the White House.  And from all reports, the bad feelings are mutual with Jindal receiving little respect in the Oval Office.  But are these two politicians really all that different?  My column this week points out where the share common ground, and not all that much in a positive light.  You can read the column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A big weekend ahead. I’ll be handling our “Common Sense” program from San Diego, California on Sunday, so it will be a treat to get out on the west coast.  Banning, California (KMET-1490 AM) is one of our large station that carry my show, and I’ll be in that part of the country to check out the vast damage from all the recent wildfires.  It is just one more reason why we need a national catastrophic insurance fund, (something I have been proposing for years) , for the numerous weather related problems that we have experienced.  I’ll talk about it.

 

We will also discuss too many federal laws, you’re right to end your life, and some new and startling information about whether Adolf Hitler actually committed suicide back in 1945.  All in all, a jam-packed radio show, so be sure and tune in.  Check your local listings form times and stations.

What a delightful day this past week in Amite, Louisiana, a small town between New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi.  Some old friends invited me over to address the Amite Kiwanis Club, and boy did I enjoy all the seafood at Mike’s Catfish House.  My old friend, television promoter and Action17  News Website Editor Ken Benetiz covered the talk, and you can see and listen to my comments in the Video cast box of Jim Brown Radio Show above right.

 Besides Ken, Deke Bellavia was there as editor of the Amite-Tangi Digest.  Deke is one of the most well known sportscasters in the South.  He broadcasts as “The Big Chief” daily on WWL in New Orleans from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm weekdays. That’s Deke and yours truly above..

Tangipahoa parish President Gordon Burgess was there, and old friend who has run the parish for over 30 years.  I was fortunate to have Gordon in my support camp over many statewide elections were I was a candidate.  Gordon is 80 years old, and as you can see above, is still going strong.

Like Lisa Minnelli sang in Cabaret, it’s money, money, money that makes the world go round, and that’s certainly true in politics today. Candidates for public office, especially in Congress, are obsessed with raising campaign dollars.  And we are seeing massive sums of “dark money,” campaign dollars from unknown sources outside the state, pouring into contested races like we have here in Louisiana.  When all is said and done, as much as 80% of all funds spent on may U.S. Senate races will come from outside the state where the candidate is running.  And folks-that’s just not Kosher.  In fact, the system stinks.  Take a look at my new column, now posted, and see what I think we should do to curtail outside spending.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

 And for some fun, check out Lisa and Joel Grey below singing the song that directly affects these outrageous expensive campaigns.

The “Common Sense” radio weekend program is fast approaching with a full agenda on the schedule this week.  We will pick up on the national story that I commented on in the blog below, about revelations of widespread spying on all Americans.  In fact, it is far wider and more extensive than anyone has revealed up to now.  A sad commentary on the destruction of the American Constitution.  We will talk about it.

Then, for a change, we will talk about Angels.  A new book, The Sacred History, by Mark Booth, tackles the great spiritual myths of history, examining the varying explanations””both ancient and modern””of the mystifying realm of angels. These are the stories of how people have been helped, in times of crisis and joy, by angels and other spiritual beings since the beginning of time.  Are you a believer?  Check out our show and see what you think. You can find more about this book by Clicking Here.

And a real treat.  Freedom fighter John Whitehead will be a special guest. Here has written a dramatic account of the los of many of our freedoms called A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State, that discuses the inner workings of an increasingly pervasive surveillance state, including the NSA’s program to track the communications of every American.  John pulls no punches in calling for real change in how the government supposedly looks out for our freedoms. Here’s more on John’s best selling book.  Just Click Here.

As a side note, I’ll be in Amite, La. on Thursday of this week speaking to the local Kiwanis Club, and over in Crowley, La. next Tuesday to speak to the Crowley Lions Club.   So be sure and tune in for a great program.  See you on the radio.

There were two chilling reports this week about both the federal government and private businesses that continue to watch, gather information and keep tabs on so many things we all do.  Oh, its for our protection or for our commercial interests for the to do so-right?  Baloney.  Invasion into our private lives increased dramatically as each week goes by.

PBS had an exceptional program on this week titled:  “The United States of Secrets.”Â  The program traces the history of the National Security Agency as it evolves from monitoring potential dangers abroad to an all out effort in gathering private information on all American citizens.  I would urge every American to watch this compelling report.    And Politico has a disturbing story on private surveillance in the lives of all Americans.  You will be amazed at all the spying that takes place in your life.  Take a look by Clicking Here.

I had the pleasure of being in New York City last week and attending a dinner attended by some 1000 people in honor of my daughter Campbell.  The speaker at the dinner was former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and I had the chance to have a nice visit with him. I asked him head up about his interest in a presidential run.  He hemmed, he hawed; he smiled and quite frankly, expressed little interest in the subject.  The speech he gave was all about education, and nothing about America’s future-not the fodder for a guy who wants to follow his Dad and Brother into the White House.  My money says he won’t run.  See the Los Angeles Times article this week that concludes the same thing, by Clicking Here.

Charter schools are in the forefront of the news both here in Louisiana as well as all over the country.  There are those who want the status quo and fight efforts for parental control of these schools.  My daughter, Campbell, is leading the charge for a number of Charter Schools in New York City.  Take a look at my new column, now posted, that points out the challenges for Charters.  You can read the column by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Then you will find it’s well worth checking out Campbell’s New York speech as well as press coverage below.  You can read the New York Post coverage by Clicking Here.

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Weekend radio is almost here, and we have a full plate to talk about.  Will Jeb Bush run for president?  I talked with him about it last week, and will give you my opinion.  We will also discuss some chilling recent Supreme Court decisions that greatly diminish basic freedoms of all Americans.  And the big banks continue to be too big to fail thanks to a tolerant Justice Department.  Why the coddling of these financial crooks?

And there are new studies out that paint a grim picture of using too much sugar.  And that is just what way too many Americans are doing.  We will talk about the dangers and what to do about it with Dr. Gerald Edelman and his new book, Sugar Rehab.  More about Dr. Jerry’s book by Clicking Here.

 

And finally, author Martin Goldsmith will discuss how numerous Jewish refugees were turned away from the United State during World War II.  His book, Alex’s Wake: A Voyage of Betrayal and a Journey of Remembrances paints a chilling picture of sending many Jews back to concentration camps land certain death.  Read more about this book by Clicking Here.

So join us this weekend to make some Common Sense” out of the world around us.  Check local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radio.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wanted to be an artist. Yes I have the paint, several easels, lots of drawing paper, tracing paper and a variety of pencils. I just have not acquired much talent. But here is really an exceptional female artist that really has excelled. Watch her work below.

We all have friends”¦some of us lots of friends.  But if you are into social media, then how many genuine friends do you really have?  So many of us, including yours truly, have become so obsessed with Twitter, Facebook, texting, and so many other social venues, that we often do not put all these electronics aside, and just get to know some interesting people around us.  Take a look at the video below.  It might just really open up your eyes to what you could be missing.

They are fighting and feuding in the Louisiana legislature over what to do about a run-a-way levee board that wants to, can you believe, hold oil companies liable for years of damage to the Louisiana coast.  It’s a political insiders game, as the Governor wants much more control over appointing levee board members.  Louisiana has 23 levee boards that oversee levee protection along hundreds of miles of waterways.  But here’s the question.  Why have any levee boards at all?  Take a look at my column this week and see what you think.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The “Common Sense” radio weekend is fast approaching, and we are planning a full schedule of information, and, as always, some hard hitting opinion that may ruffle a few feathers.   Let’s start with tis question?  Is sugar making you fat?  Or even more, doing great harm to your body.  You know we are health conscious on our program, and Dr. Gerald Edelman will join us to talk about the dangers of too much sugar.  His book, Sugar Rehab, paints a chilling picture of too much sugar in your diet.  You can find out more by Clicking Here.

 

Then we will discuss miracles and how we tend to assume that if miracles happened at all, they happened a long time ago amongst primitive peoples. But are there modern miracles that cannot be explained that have happened in our lifetimes.   Mark Booth will join us to discuss his book, “The Sacred History:  How Angels, Mystics and Higher Intelligence Made our World.”Â  You can read more about it by Clicking Here.

And a lot more as we review the controversial news of the week.  So join us and help us try to make some “Common Sense” out of the crazy world in which we live.  Check your local listing s for times and stations.  We will see you on the radio.

Daughter Campbell continues her efforts to shake up the educational ingrained establishment in New York City by demanding more accountability from teacher’s unions. Fox News in New York strongly endorsed her efforts in a TV editorial this week. Campbell was honored earlier this week in New York by the Success Charter Schools Association where former Florida Governor Jeb Bush was the speaker. You can see the Fox News story below.

New Orleans socialite extraordinaire Mickey Easterling was a longtime family friend who passed away recently at 83. Thanks to some extreme embalming, a New Orleans socialite attended her own funeral with a cigarette holder in one hand and a champagne glass in the other. And she wanted it that way.  At the funeral, Mickey was propped up on a bench, adorned with hot pink feather boa and a pin spelling out “#1 Bitch” in sparkling stones.  You can see her at her funeral below.  What a gal!

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal made a splash of headlines a few weeks ago by proposing his alternative to Obamacare.  Many of his ideas are the part of the same list he’s been shopping around for years, some of it pieced together from a litany of Republican proposals. But here is Jindal’s Achilles heel. In my new column this week, I outline that Jindal’s problem is that he’s good at proposing, but weak at implementing.   So does he need to do more than just talk the talk?  And should he take his ideas to the Louisiana legislature to put them in place in Louisiana?  Read my column and see what you think.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Hey folks, we have a great radio show lined up for you this weekend, and we hope you will listen in.  Welcome to the growing list of new stations that have joined the “Common Sense” Network of radio all over America.

KQEW 102.3 FM-Fordyce, Arkansas

KMET 1490 AM-Banning, California

WTHV 810 AM ““ Valdosta, Georgia

WTHQ 750 AM- Paducah, Kentucky

WPGG 1450 AM-Atlantic City, New Jersey

 I wrote a column several weeks ago about the rising problem of drunk driving all over America.  Amy Milstead, President of Milstead Automotive, will be our guest and tell us how a number of companies are actively engaged on getting teenagers as well as the community to be safer on the roads. Amy created a Last Call program through Milstead Automotive that for a flat rate of $50 they will come pick up a person (and their vehicle) who has had too much to drink and safely get them home.

 

Our old friend, Alan Topol, is one of the nation’s most prolific and popular novelists.  Hard on the heels of The Russian Endgame Allan has a new great thriller. Rife with the exotic backdrops and hairpin plot turns that put Topol on the best-seller list, THE ARGENTINE TRIANGLE is a heart-stopping foray into human vice coupled with power accelerating towards catastrophe.  You can read more about it and order the book by Clicking Here.

 

And let’s talk about rally great hotdogs.  It’s the opening of baseball season, so where in American are the very best and unique hotdogs? This year baseball fans will consume more than 21 million hot dogs at stadiums across the country. That’s enough to round the bases 29,691 times.  We have done some research across America. Which Major League frankfurter is the most FAN-tastic? We’ll talk about it.  Oh, by the way, we will also point out the worst hotdogs in the U.S.  Hands down, the worst I have ever eaten is right here in Baton Rouge in Tiger Stadium at LSU.  So tune in for a lively program.

Like you, I have my favorite movie stars. And guess what? I actually have photos of me with them. Take a gander at the Jim Brown rogue’s gallery.  I’ll sure put in a good word for you if you want to meet any of these well-known ladies. Let me start up with Saundra Bullock below.  She considers home New Orleans and we see her there a good bit.  So we have a lot in common, right?  Just where do we hang out?  Read on.

Then, of course, who could pass up the chance of “hangin’ out with Halle Berry.

“¨And who  wouldn’t want to make small talk with Cameron Diaz?

So, I’ll bet you re impressed-right?  And aren’t you a bit envious that you can’t be around and hang out such big stars like me?  Well, we media guys do get some special breaks.  But here’s my secret.  You can too!  That’s right.  You can hang out with the likes of these lovely Hollywood movie stars.  Ya wanna know how you do it?  Are you ready.  It’s really quite simple.  All you have to do is buy a plane ticket to Las Vegas, check into a glitzy hotel, hop in a limo (you want to make a nice impression), then tell the driver”¦”take me to the Madame Tussand’s Wax Museum.”  And there all the ladies will be.  So enjoy, and tell them all I said hello.

So what are they going to do about “the Kissing Congressman” down in Louisiana?  Oh, if you haven’t heard, Fifth District Congressman Vance McAllister has gotten himself into quite a mess. Smooching with one of your staffers doesn’t go too well in red neck country, at least as far as public officials go.  The Governor and the Republican Party head honcho are calling for the Congressman’s head and demanding he resign.  But should Republican big wigs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge tell voters in Northeast Louisiana what to do?  Check out my new column and see what my thoughts.  Then  see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our “Common Sense” weekend radio show is close at hand with a lively Easter program planned and scheduled.  Hey, do you believe in reincarnation?  A record Number of Americans Now Believe In Reincarnation – Who Were You In A Previous Life?  We will talk with Lisa Caza  is psychic medium, teacher, and author who says she works primarily with angels and spirit guides.  We will see how convincing she is, and you can find out more about her by Clicking Here.

 

And we will take a look at how he so-called “New Atheists” claim that modern science proves that there is no God; that the universe came out of nothing; that evolution fully explains the complexity of life.  But noted mathematician and science journalist Amir Aczel argues that their interpretation of science is, at best, faulty, self-serving an exaggeration of what science really says.   His new book, WHY SCIENCE DOES NOT DISPROVE GOD , is a tour through the history of science and an analysis of the religious implications of our ever-increasing understanding of life and the universe.  A heavy but extremely interesting subject to discuss.  Read more about the book by Clicking Here.

So join us for a information packed program this weekend. Check your local listings for times and statins, or listen live right here on this site from 9:00 am until 11:00 am each Sunday morning.  We will see you on the radio.  And Happy Easter.

Daughter Campbell has formed a non-profit educational support organization in New York City, and is keeping a close eye on all aspects of public education there. She will be honored for her educational commitment, sponsored by Success Academy Charter Schools Association, on April 28th in New York with former Florida Governor  Jeb Bush as the principal speaker.  Her latest comments and concerns appeared in last week’s New York Daily News, and you can read her thoughts by Clicking Here.

Hey, you are running for election in the U.S. Senate and you are putting up on TV new campaign ads.  So you say: “Let’s fake a Senate hearing!   No one will ever notice.”Â  That’s apparently the thought process of the Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu campaign.  Well, her “fake” senate hearing has created quite a stir.   In a new ad released this week, Landrieu dramatically denounces the federal government, scolding them for not taking the needs of her constituents seriously on oil and gas revenues.  No problem here.  But the ad inferred that she was denouncing in the Senate committee hearing chamber as the new chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.  But the ad was fake. The campaign also uses different people in the ad than the actual staffers during the hearing.  She is being roasted in the national press for faking her campaign ad.

Lots of states have a special talent where they are number one in the nation.  It’s Hawaii for healthiest, Rhode Island for governing, Connecticut for basketball.  And my home state of Louisiana?  It leads the nation with the worst drivers!  Drunk driving is a major reason.  Way too many drunks on the road and lax enforcement in getting them off.  Check out my new column that looks at this serious problem.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

And don’t miss this chilling video below.

Weekend radio on the Jim Brown “Common Sense” Network is close at hand, and we are planning a lively program for or listeners. Could We Become An Un-United States”¨Â In Our Lifetime? “¨Historian David Richards says ignorance of our history”¨Â threatens our democracy.  He makes some chilling comparisons between today and 200 years ago when George Washington was president.   You can read all about his new book, “Swords in Their Hands” By Clicking Here.

And it’s almost time to begin spring sailing if you are a sailor like me.  Jim Graham has written a great  book about the Kennedy family that emphasizes the Kennedys’ love of sailing and the sea, and how that sport affected their outlook on life and their view of the world.  Sailing was the way that President Kennedy relaxed  We will talk with Graham about his book, and you can find out more by Clicking Here.  And of course we will have the controversial news of the day.  So tune in.

My regular viewers to this site know that I often post Google Hangouts, where I either interview, or am being interviewed on a wide range of subjects.  My weekly columns appear on a major Louisiana website, Bauyoubuzz.com, and publisher Steve Sabludowsky just posted an interview we did concerning the upcoming Logician U.S. Senate race.  A new poll just was released giving an update on this race that cold affect who controls the U. S. Senate in the coming years.  Take a look.

If you love the water and have been around an ocean, you certainly knowhow to follow the ebb and flow of the tides.
For 8 years, Michael Marten has been taking photos from different spots of the British coast line, documenting the daily rhythms of the tides. He has produced some amazing videos of the difference between high tides and low tides. To see these comparisons, Click Here.

March Madness is reaching its crescendo with the NCAA basketball men’s finals taking place this Monday night.  And there sure is a lot of money involved.  Well over $2 billion, with the universities and the coaches making more and more every year.  But there is one group that is being both exploited and shortchanged. It’s the players themselves.  The athletic scholarship, I would argue, is outdated and insufficient to cover the basic expenses of the athletes.  Read my new column and see what you think.  You can see it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

So much to cover in this weekend’s “Common Sense” radio program. This whole General Motors mess, where a number of people were killed over a faulty ignition switch that cost 70 cents, grows bigger and much worse. Was there a cover-up? And should GM, if it is proven that key employees knew of the problem and covered it up, be criminally prosecuted? Big fines have proven to be ineffective. We will talk about it.

And is there a hidden epidemic of numerous medicines that can kill? Dr. James Marcum expresses this concern in his new book, “Medicines that Kill.” He will join us as our guest, and you can find out more about his thoughts and the book by Clicking Here.

We welcome three new radio stations to the “Common Sense” network of radio stations all over America.

KLID (1340 AM) in Poplar Bluff, Missouri
WKRO (1490 AM) in Cairo, Illinois
KVOC (1330 AM) in Casper, Wyoming

Thanks you guys for joining my program. Hey, we will see you on the radio.

For all you readers who love Louisiana politics, I was part of a webinar recently that took a look at current intrigue in the legislature, and in the mindset of Governor Bobby Jindal.  Award winning reporter Tyler Bridges joined me along with BayouBuzz publisher Steve Sabludowsky for the analysis.  Take a look.

Two long time friends from back in my political days died this week.  I began my Louisiana State Senate career by making a long association with Jefferson Parish Senator Hank Lauricella. Hank was a former Heisman Trophy runner-up at Tennessee who went on to serve more than three decades as a Louisiana state legislator.  He was 83.

Hank was a single-wing tailback at Tennessee from 1949-51. He finished second to Princeton’s Dick Kazmaier in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1951 while leading Tennessee to a national title.  He was a gentleman’s gentleman with a real competitive edge. My wife’s family has been in business with Hank and his family for a number of years. We will sure miss him.

Dick was a State Representative from  “down on the bayou” in Lafourche Parish, and he too started off we me in the legislature.  Dick was smart, funny, and a joy to work with.  He supported me in just about every statewide race I was in, and never let a moment pass to remind me that he was the one who got me elected.  I too will miss Dick.

Lots of high fives given by Gulf Coast Congressmen last week, particularly amongst the Louisiana Delegation. They were congratulating themselves over the new flood insurance legislation that is supposed to protect property owners in flood prone regions from getting hit with huge flood insurance rates from the federal government.  But did property owners really get a break?  Maybe not.  Take a look at my new column, now posted, that says maybe this new law doesn’t really do all that much to give property owners any significant relief.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.