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.

A full schedule and a lively show planned for this coming weekend on Jim Brown’s “Common Sense” so check us out.

More Americans die of heart disease than any other cause. It cuts across ages and ethnic groups, killing thousands each year. Statins, designed to lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease, are taken by one in four Americans over the age of 45 ““ and growing. Lauded as a miracle medicine, America’s most prescribed drug appears to offer a simple way to ward off disease, but are statins harmless? We will talk about the possible dangers with statins this Sunday wit Medical expert Mark Estren who challenges conventional wisdom and says there are risks to continued statin use. You can check out Mark’s new book, “Statins: Miraculous or Misguided?” by Clicking Here.

Novelist Van Mayhall, ho has been a guest on our show previously, we join us again to discuss his new book “The Last Sicarius.  This new book continues the series Van started with his highly successful first book, “Judas the Apostle.”Â  You can read all about Van’s new book by Clicking Here.

And, as we generally do, we will take a look at the week’s events and try to bring in a little humor to lighten up your weekend.  See be sure and join us   for some “Common Sense” this weekend.  Check your local listings for times and stations.  Here are just a few of new stations that carry our program.

KQEW 102.3 FM-Fordyce, Arkansas

KMET 1490 AM-Banning, California

WTHV 810 AM ““ Valdosta, Georgia

WTHQ 750 AM- Paducah, Kentucky

WSIC 1400 AM-Statesville, North Carolina

WPGG 1450 AM-Atlantic City, New Jersey

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A lot of you who visit my site know that I’m a big opera fan. I have been so for many years.  And here is a treat for you.  Watch bellow 9-year-old Amira Willighagen, who blows away the judges and audience of Holland’s Got Talent by singing Puccini’s “˜O mio babbino caro’ (Oh My Beloved Father).  Can you imagine what se will sound like in the years to come?

He’s Baaaak!  That’s right. The ole’ Gray Fox, four term Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, has made it official.  No, at 86 going on 87, he is not moving into a retirement center.  Remember, he has a 32-year-old wife and a new one-year-old son.  He’s not slowing down a bit.  EWE is running for U.S. Congress in Louisiana.  Why on earth would he want to do that?  Take a look at my new column now posted to see my thoughts on the Edwards campaign.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.  And you will enjoy checking out some of the Edwards videos below.

Radio Weekend is close at hand, and we have an informative and lively program all set for you.  Our nationally syndicated radio show is heard coast to coast, so check local listings for times and stations.  Or listen live right here on Sunday morning from 9:00 am until 11: am central time streamed live over this website, and over the Genesis Communications Network.

Can a psychic help to locate Malaysian Flight 370?  There’s anew book out that tells the supposed power of psychics, and how such “˜gifted” people are hired by law enforcement and many other groups.  Author Louisa Oakley Green will be my guest to talk about how the US Army has ways that psychic abilities are used every day. Louisa spent much of her career as a science writer and her new book, Loitering at the Gate to Eternity: Memoirs of a Psychic Bystander, is a fascinating look at what psychics can possible do.  Find out more of the book by Clicking Here.

 

And what’s all this controversy abort gluten?  What is it and is it really bad for you?  Let’s find out.  Cathleen Ziegler is the author of an upcoming series of guidebooks designed to help people find quick, meaningful solutions to life’s challenges. Her latest book is “How to Be Gluten-Free in 24 Hours.”   We will review all the week’s national news stories, and bring in a little humor.  So be sure to join us this weekend.

Take a look at this hilarious debate between Robert Redford and Will Ferrell over how to get water to the Midwest. I admire both guys as actors, and they both support a way to deal with the water crisis along the Colorado River. It’s Raise the River vs. Move the Ocean: A lot of humor here and with viewing.

Charismatic and controversial four term Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, who is 86 years old, announced this week that he is running for a congressional seat in the Bayou State.  Before becoming governor, he served three terms as congressman back in the 1960s.  Below is a discussion, including yours truly, about the race and the question of whether or not Edwards can win.  Take a look if you are interested.

So what’s up with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal?  He sure is in the attack dog mode, and has been throwing, what should we call it, a hissy fit in his attacks on the President, establishment Republicans, and just about anyone who disagrees with him.  Is there a method to Jindal’s madness?  Maybe so as he tries to get some traction towards a 2016 presidential bid.  But has he blown an earlier opportunity?  Read my new column now posted and see what you think.  You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.   And check out amusing Jindal video below.
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Program schedule will be posted on Thursday.

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.

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 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.

You want to see a budding musical director. This child looks to be around two years old, but she definitely has a fee for music.  I stumbled across this video, and want to share it with my readers.  Take a look.)

Can you name the song that just could be the most well known tune throughout the world?  I have heard it played and sung in many different countries.  And can you believe, it was written by a former Louisiana Governor?  That’s right-Governor Jimmie Davis.  He took office 60 years ago this week. He was a homegrown redneck from North Louisiana (like me) who started out as a hillbilly singer.  Many hits later, and after a number of movies were  under his belt, he was elected governor twice.  I have some fond memories of this charismatic and colorful Louisianan.  Governor Davis sings his hit song below. You can read my new column by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

It’s post Mardi Gras Radio Weekend, and we hope you can join us on statins coast to coast for our weekly “Common Sense” radio program. And that brings us to Lent; “Fighting bad moral habits and practicing restraint is what Lent is all about,” says author John Horvat.  More than giving up a box of chocolates, Horvat says how about giving up habits that foster frenetic intemperance, which is the real root cause of our economic decline?  His new book, “Return to Order, “that discusses our future, is available by Clicking Here, and his website is www.returntoorder.org.

Then we will look at Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine, and the U.S. response.  Is Putin being a real tyrant? Do we really have a dog in this fight?  And is there anything, really, that we can do that will make any difference?  I have some strong views to discuss on the show.

We will also cover a number of interesting and offbeat stories that will either keep you smiling or make you mad.  So be sure and tune in this weekend to get some “Common Sense.”  Check your local listings for times and stations across America.  See you on the radio.

Well,  the Prez prides himself in sating in shape and leading a national effort to get the country more active and healthy.  So just what doe he do to stay fit?  You can see his workout in the video below.

When you live down here in my part of the country, Mardi Gras is embedded in your way of life.  It goes on for weeks, but the big day is Fat Tuesday (March 8^th this year).  Unfortunately, the weather was a real bump.  Cold and wet that kept thousands of revelers at home.  You can see the sparse crowds and the clean up when they roll the streets up at midnight.  But we will be back next year.  Time now for the Lenten season.

What’s More Important?  Politics or Baseball?

Spring Training time, and to many, it’s time to put all the political talk aside, and get ready for the coming baseball season.  So here’s the question?  Just what is America’s favorite pastime? Is it politics or baseball? Politics has always been a major spectator sport, particularly here in my home state of Louisiana. But don’t sell baseball short. I write about the comparisons in my new column that is now posted.  Take a look and see what you think of my comparisons of these two rugged spectator sports.  You can read it now y going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Hey, it’s Mardi Gras weekend in the South, and we will give an update on this weekend’s “Common Sense” radio show about how these pre Lent festivities are spreading all over America.  And if you are one of the several million folks going to New Orleans Mardi Gras, where do you find a bathroom?  We have a new solution, so you just gotta tune in.

 

Also, should we raise the minimum wage, and just what real effect will it have on the economy? We will talk about it.  Ad how about the riots and chaos taking place in the Ukraine?  Do we, as Americans, have a dog in this fight?  Do you even know where the Ukraine is, and should we consider getting involved?  We will have several views by guests who purportedly understand the situation.

 

Finally, did Adolf Hitler really commit suicide, or did he slip off to a quite hiding place?  Dr. Jerome Corsi is the author of a new book, “Hunting Hitler,” and he will share with us new scientific evidence that may prove Hitler actually escaped Nazi Germany.  You can read all about the book by Clicking Here.  So be sure and tune in for a lively program.  See you on the radio.

I’ll tell you what! There ain’t nothin’ like goin’ to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras. There have been parades throughout the city for several weeks, and it all comes to a head on this coming “Fat Tuesday” with a day of all day and night festivities. Our song tis week is, of course, Professor Long Hair singing “Going to the Mardi Gras.” The whole atmosphere is really hard to describe. Here’s a video below to give you a taste.

Well if you are a die-hard baseball fan like me, this is the time of year to get excited about baseball.  Oh I know tat the regular season does not begin for another month.  But there is nothing like Spring Training, where you can get to see the players up close, and see the up and coming new players in action.  Small ball parks, good hot dogs and cold beer, great weather; how can you beat it?  You can check out below my comments about this year’s spring training.

Watch out dear readers.  It’s those darn lawyers at it again.  That is, according to Louisiana insurance officials and some state legislators.  Proposals are being put forth to reign in all those “frivolous lawsuits” that involve auto accidents. And boy are the insurance companies excited.  Oh if were that simple.  Lawsuits are a small part of a huge problem in the Bayou State.  Read my new column now posted to find out just who are the real culprits in causing auto insurance rates to be out of control.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Hey, here comes the weekend, with a full agenda of issues to discuss on the “Common Sense” radio program.  We are heard all over the country, and live right here on this website each Sunday morning.  Our show goes live from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, but may stations carry our program at different times throughout the weekend, so check your local listings for times and stations.

 

We will spend some time talking about the true meaning of The Four Horsemen”¨ of the Apocalypse “” perhaps the most frightening,”¨misunderstood and enigmatic characters of the New”¨ Testament more.”¨Author Bob Petti will unveil what most of us”¨never knew about the Four Horsemen, and how that topic”¨impacts our destiny and daily lives.  Sure, a little heavy, but a fascinating topic.  Find out more of Petti’s five-volume “Apocalypse Now” e-book series by Clicking Here. 

 

Finally, the greed of Wall Street never ceases. Writer Mike Offit was a Wall Street Trader, and has written a fascinating book about the big moneyed high rollers in the financial world.   Read more about “Nothing Personal-A Novel of Wall Street, by Clicking Here.  So a full program, and we hope you will turn in.

We this week celebrated Presidents Day, but there is little talk about the pride and the struggles of being an American by either political party in Washington. It’s all “blame it on the other party” mentality, and you just have to wonder, how many of these Washington, out of touch, members of Congress, are really “tuned in” to the tough times of those who served us well, but seem to be relegated to the back burner of the American consciousness. Take a look at this inspiring video below”¦.one of my favorites.

Well, many of us watch the news for a variety of reasons.  Some like NBC, or CBS, maybe ABC; and others are diehard Fox news followers.  I switch around a good bit to get a cross section of opinions.  But I guess I can’t really blame country singer Austin Cunningham for being a die-hard Fox news guy.  You can see why in the video below.

Last week, my weekly column took to task elected judges who take campaign contributions from lawyers who practice before them.  Some suggest appointing judges as is done in the federal system.  But is the appointive process really better than electing judges?  Do citizens get better choices and more competent jurists? From my point of view, not the way the system works at the federal level.  My column points out the incompetence of many appointed judges, especially those who sit on the U.S. Fifth District Court of Appeals.  Take a look and see what you think.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by. Clicking Here.

Hey everybody! It’s Valentine’s weekend and we are all set for a lively “Common Sense” radio program. We broadcast on Sunday mornings all over America live from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time. But various stations carry us at various times throughout the day. So check your local listings for times and stations.

So you hit it big and won the lottery. Wow!@ How do you take your money? All in one lump sum or over a period of time? If current trends continue, 2014 will be the year of mega lottery jackpots and generous (if not millionaire-making) inheritances, says Ted Bernstein, (www.lifeinsuranceconcepts.com), a longtime life insurance consumer advocate. He will talk to us about how to plan a windfall, if you are so lucky.

Then we will talk about how the way we communicate is changing. The next great technological shift is already being reflected in our popular entertainment””television shows “Almost Human,” “Person of Interest,” and “Intelligence,” which features a former Special Forces operative who has a microchip implanted in his brain. No one knows better how close we are to making this a reality than REDDEVIL 4 author Dr. Eric Leuthardt. He is the director of the Center of or Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology at Washington University School of Medicine, where he researches brain-computer interfaces.  You will be fascinated to hear about his thoughts in writing REDDEVIL 4, and you can find out more about the book by Clicking Here.

And, of course, we will batter around all the current shenanigans going on up in our nations capitol. The problems get bigger and bigger, the rhetoric gets louder and louder, and its hard to find a common sense voice among all the posturing politicians in Washington. We will have a lot to talk about. So tune in and we will see you on the radio.

Daughter Campbell continues her fight to keep unqualified teachers out of New York City public schools.  It’s a cause she has embraced enthusiastically for some time.  Here she is being interviewed on Fox News New York.
New York News

Well it’s Valentine’s week,  and I’m sure you will be looking after your special “other.”  Flowers, cards, dinner, special treats.   Here’s a great Steve Carell bit from the TV series “The Office” about this special day.

IS LOUISIANA A JUDICIAL HELLHOLE?

According to several watchdog organizations, Louisiana has one of the worst judicial climates in the country.  The state has been given the dubious title of the nation’s judicial hellhole by several supposedly neutral watchdog groups.  What’s the problem?  The state elects judges, all who have to raise campaign funds.  Does this corrupt the system and give the perception that some judges will  be unbiased?  And if that’s the case, what is the way to stop this perception?  I have some good ideas.  Check out my new column by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio program weekend is close at hand, and we have a great show planned for our listeners. Check our schedule on Friday morning for a complete listing of guests and topics.

I’m a Jay Leno fan, and sad to see that this is his last week hosting the Tonight Show on NBC. I’ve seen him do stand up on several occasions, and he is a first rate act. He will continue to do gigs on the road, so I would urge you to catch his stand up if he is in your neck of the woods. My daughter, Campbell, was a guest of Jay on the Tonight show a few years ago. You can see the interview below. I met Jay at the Beau Rivage resort in Biloxi, Mississippi a few years ago, and he was quite complementary of Campbell. I, for one, will miss Jay Leno.

Governors traveling worldwide to attract new foreign investment in their respective states has become the norm all over America. And using any special advantage certainly can help. The present Ambassador to China and former Washington Governor Gary Locke used his Chinese ancestry  to bring a great deal of foreign investment to his home state. Unfortunately, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has failed to use his Indian American background to foster trade opportunities between Louisiana and India. Check out my new column that discusses Jindal’s missed opportunity. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking here.

We will warm op this weekend on the “Common Sense” program with another lively show.  Were you impressed with the President’s “State of the Union” speech?  I wasn’t.  We will talk about it.  Pete Seeger dies and Jay Leno retires.  We will look back.

 

And we’ve all heard it often enough in recent years: “The United States is going the way of the Roman Empire,” which essentially bankrupted itself in the 5^th century.  “The wonderful thing about studying history is that we can identify and understand our ancestors’ mistakes and avoid making the same ones,” says James Mace, who will join us in our first hour ad talk about a comparison between the two eras of history.  You can look over his several books by Clicking here.

 

Finally, we will talk about the growing problem of identity theft. At least 110 million consumers were affected by the hack involving Target and Neiman Marcus retailers. Whether or not millions more will have their identities manipulated and finances ruined within the coming months is anyone’s guess, says identity theft recovery expert Scott A. Merritt.  He has a new book out titled: “Identity Theft Do’s and Don’ts.”Â Check it out here at www.cottamerritt.com.  See you on the radio.

Well, we don’t get a to of snow and ice down here in the deepest of the deep southern states.  But baby, it’s cold outside.  Everything (schools, government offices, restaurants, stores) are all shut down.  Unfortunately, not enough snow to build a snow man or have good snow ice cream.  But we will make due.

One of my favorites, Fred Eaglesmith and his band, come to the Red Dragon Listening Room this Saturday night to perform.  I’ve been following Fred, a native Canadian, for years. He writes much of his own material and is quite a comedians.  Check out his video below.  You can find out more on the Red Dragon by Clicking Here.

Well our Yankee friends seem to be really taking after the South in general, and particularly my home state of Louisiana.  Now I know we have a few problems, but get this language.  A columnist for CNN calls our folks “the most uneducated, morbidly obese, racist, morally indigent, xenophobic, socially stunted, and generally ass-backwards part of the country.”Â  I wish he hadn’t held back.  So what to do?  If Louisiana is such a drag on the national physic, then perhaps we just ought to cut loose and go our separate ways.  And this is not so far fetched as it sounds.  Check out my new column on Louisiana’ secession options.  You can read my new column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Common Sense Radio Schedule will be posted on Thursday.

Daughter Campbell has a new piece published this week in the Wall Street Journal on teachers who are sexual predators.  She has received extensive coverage on here columns about the huge problem in New York City.  This new column points out that it has become a nationwide problem that does not seem to be aggressively dealt with.  You can read the column now by Clicking Here.

It’s great to have a professional sports franchise close to where you live.  We love cheering on the New Orleans Saints, aw do fans for other teams all across the country.  Burt how good a deal is it for taxpayers who are often called upon to underwire the cost of having a pro team?  The Green Bay Packers, one of the smallest sports markets in the country, cost the state of Wisconsin nothing. Zero?  A heck of a deal.  The New Orleans Saints cost Louisiana taxpayers, so far, almost $500 million.  Is it worth it?  Should the state subsidize a football team and ignore the numerous public needs?  Take a look at this week’s column that analyzes this very problem.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio show time is in the wind down stages and we are looking forward to a lively program. Our nationally syndicated show is heard coast to coast, and we urge you to check your local listings for times and stations. We will begin the program by discussing how sports franchises are gouging cities and states across the country in a desperate bid to have a team. Is it worth it? Check out this week’s column above.

Are Death Panels a Real Threat “¨in the Future of Obamacare? “¨Alzheimer’s Advocate John Goetz Says Government’s “¨fallibility is nothing to take lightly, and raises some troubling questions. He will join us to talk about this problem and his book, My Three Moms about his mother’s fight with Alzheimer’s. You can read more about it by Clicking Here.

And how bout the legalization of pot? “It seems only yesterday that Bill Clinton was chewing his lower lip and confessing that yes, he had smoked marijuana in his student years, but he hadn’t actually inhaled. How times have changed. Colorado is the fifth state to legalize marijuana. Should the country do so? Fox News columnist Liz Peek joins us to discuss the issue. You can read more of Liz’s writings by Clicking Here. Join us for quite a lively program. We will see you on the radio.

Those of you who listen to my radio program know I regularly say that is hard to find a good reason to keep any elected official in office.  Well, I finally found a candidate who offers a good reason to run.  In Tennessee, next year’s Governor’s election is heating up and my candidate is Mark “Coonrippy” Brown.  Brother Brown (I’m sure we are related) is livid at the state of Tennessee for taking away his pet raccoon.  The state says one one should keep a raccoon as a pet.  Hell fire, I had one, when I was living up on Ferriday, Louisiana for years.  So Brown is running for Governor.  Check out the video below.

It would seem that every other major problem the nation has to deal with is secondary to what is really important.  And of course I am referring to the Duck Dynasty controversy.  Ole’ Phil Robertson, a Louisiana native, is from my neck of the woods in the Northeast part of the state, and, would you believe, I’ve bought a number of duck calls from him.  So was all the controversy justified?  Of course not.  Simply put, dear readers, we all got conned by Phil and A&E.  Check out my new column where I set out the real scoop as to what really went on.  You can read it now by  going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Phil’s son Allan, an ordained preacher, visits with me at the state capitol in Baton Rouge recently.

 

Our New Year’s show kicks off 2014, an we sure hope you will join our effort to make a little “Common Sense” out of 2013 and, and hopefully, make some positive insights for 2014. We hope you read our New Year’s column on past and future thoughts, still available to read by Clicking Here. And of course, you just gotta read this week’s column about the Duck Dynasty gang. A story that has dominated the news all over the country. Have we got our priorities in order or what?

Well yours truly will be off to the hospital on Monday for a partial knee replacement. And what better way to prepare than to have a guest on our show Sunday to talk about the dangers of being operated on today. Pat Masters has written a book about this very problem called “Design to Survive: 9 Ways an IKEA Approach Can Fix Health Care and save Lives”. You can read about it by Clicking Here.

We will also talk with Ray Kenneth Clark who was a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam, and has written about his harrowing experiences in his new book: “Just Let Me Walk Away.” He faced life and death situations daily, and you can find out more by Clicking Here. So a full packed show this weekend. Check your local listings for time and stations. And Happy New Year!

As we approach the new coming year, I certainly have a lot to be thankful for, and I want to thank so many of you who have been regular viewers land listeners here on my website.  My weekly column continues to grow with new subscribing newspapers and websites all over America. And the Common Sense Radio program has just finished up our most successful year. I am looking forward to 2014, with new ideas, fresh material, and a new ways to keep you both informed and entertained. Thanks again for your strong support. I want to take this time to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

NEW YEAR THOUGHTS FROM THE BAYOU STATE

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I always do.  I’ve witnessed and experienced better years, both personally and for the country, than we went through in 2013.  Optimistic about 2014?  I sure am.  My new column is now posted, and I look at the future, as well as reminisce bit about past New Year’s celebrations.  YOU can read my new column now by going t the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.  In any event, Happy New Year.

Weekend “Common Sense” Radio Schedule will post on Thursday Afternoon!

Thanks for  being a regular viewer of my website.  I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas

I work out at Bally’s Fitness at least five days a week.  A great group of folks, sand as you can see below, they really get into the Holiday spirit.

IN LOUISIANA, TAXPAYERS COME HOME!

ALL IS FORGIVEN.

 You are not really going to pay your Louisiana state taxes on time are you?  What?  Why on earth would you do that?  After all, do what many other Louisianans do.  Hang on to your money.  Invest it or spend it.  And just wait awhile.  Nothing really happens to you.  And before you know it, the state will kick in an amnesty program where you pay no penalties.  Zilch.  Nothing.

That’s exactly what’ happening, thanks to your state legislators, not only in my home state of Louisiana, but also in numerous other states throughout the country.  Those of you who play by the rules get held to a much higher standard than those who flaunt the rules when it comes to paying their taxes.  Take a look at my new column and see how those who want to gam the system and hold off on paying any taxes actually reap big savings.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.

Our annual program just before Christmas comes up this weekend, and we are planning a lively holiday show.  It’s the Christmas Season, not the Holiday Season, and we will chuckle about those who try so hard to be politically correct.  And what about those 12 days of Christmas?  Will you try to impress your loved one with three French hens and two turtledoves?  Be careful, you might not be able to afford it, as we will discuss.

 

And we will kick off with a book I have enjoyed recently, Eben Kruge: How “A Christmas Carol” Came to be written.  It’s a story about Charles Dickens, by author Richard Barlow Adams, and tells how Dickens wrote this all time Christmas classic. I studied Dickens at Cambridge University in England, and “A Christmas Carol” is certainly my favorite by this author.  You can find out more concerning the Adams’ book by Clicking Here.

Finally, Dr. Larry Lytle will be a repeat guest to discuss his book “Healing Light: Energy Medicine of the Future.” “Studies are showing that the proper light frequency can effectively treat virtually any illness, pain, or degenerative disease,” says Dr. Lytle.  Is he on to something?  We will find out.  For you to find out more, Click Here.  So have a pleasant holiday, and we hope you join us this weekend.  Check your local listings for times and stations.  See you on the Radio.

I heard Aaron Neville sing at a law partner’s funeral back in 1990, and have followed his big and successful ever since. What a great Louisiana voice. We had a chance to visit before a Baton Rouge concert last weekend. His voice, at 71 years old, hasn’t changed a bit. And a Christmas time, there is no one better at holiday season music. Take a listen to this marvelous voice below.

My friend George Rodrigue was a struggling artist 40 years ago in New Iberia, Louisiana.  He would paint all day with his dog curled up on the floor by his easel.  He built a solid regional reputation painting Acadian South Louisiana scenes, often centered around a large white oak tree that became his trademark.  Then his dog died, and in memory, he painted his beloved companion blue.  And as they say, the rest is history.  Pictures and images of the Rodrigue Blue Dog can be found all around the world.  George and I crossed paths regularly over many years and swapped many stories and laughs. He died of cancer this week at 71. I’ll be there as his funeral in New Orleans later this week.  A great artist, a great Louisianan, and a wonderful friend.  The Blue Dog certainly is sad today.

Remember ten years ago when NBC newscaster Tom Brokaw wrote a book about what he called “The Greatest Generation?” Well now there’s a new best seller out calling us  “the dumbest generation.” So, in this age of computer technology and new discoveries that happens almost daily, why is today’s generation looked down on?   Brokaw gives credit for a united America that did a tremendous amount of volunteer work.  How about today?  Take a look at my new column that looks at a different direction for America in the years to come. Tom Brokaw, a mentor to my daughter Campbell, is pictured with me below.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

“Common Sense” Radio Weekend is close at hand, and we have a good show lined up for our many listeners allover the country.  We will certainly discuss my controversial column (See above) as to why we are not today the Greatest Generation.  But are we the dumbest generation as some have written?  And since Christmas is right around the corner, we will get an update cost of the 12 days of Christmas.  You will be surprised at what inflation has done in determining the price of the two Turtle Doves and the Partridge in a pear tree.

 

 Dr. Hood Katz, the Dentist to the Stars in California, will also join us in the first hour of our show to discuss the worst holiday foods for both your health and your breath.  We all want to enjoy the holidays, but keep healthy.  And who wants to have bad breath?  You can check out your own breath at Dr. Katz website for free at www.therabreath.com.

 

Then, in our second hour, we will talk with Robert Conroy, a security expert, who brings us up to date on the NSA spying that continues to grow all across America.  We will also discuss his newest book, “1930-America’s Greatest War,” a book that explores what could have been the history of the United States with less intelligence. Read more about it by Clicking Here.   So check your local listings for time and stations.  We will see you on the radio.