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.

I can’t remember when I wasn’t playing basketball, or at least shooting baskets in a make shift goal in my driveway.  I played well enough in high school to receive a number of scholarship offers, and ended up being recruited by legendary North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith.  But I’ll tell you what.  I was never as good as this two-year-old kid.  Take a look below.

My long time friend died this week and the way too young age of 71.  Frank Davis was the resident chef and outdoors director for WWL-TV in New Orleans (CBS). He was one of the hosts of an award-winning two-hour morning news show, and also hosted several daily programs on the outdoors, fishing, and other recreation attractions of the Crescent City. Davis also wrote several cookbooks based on the recipes he cooked up on the show including Frank Davis Makes Good Groceries! A New Orleans Cookbook; The Frank Davis Seafood Notebook; Frank Davis Cooks Naturally N’Awlins; Frank Davis Cooks Cajun, Creole, and Crescent City; and The Fisherman’s Tackle Box Bible.

 Frank and I became friends when we served in the National Guard together.  I was a Captain and PFC Davis was assigned to drive me.  A really funny guy, he kept me in stitches wherever we went.  For years after, I would be a regular guest on his New Orleans radio show where we cooked up a gumbo or Etouffee in the early morning hours.  Many of us here in Louisiana will sure miss our dear friend Frank.

So I’m talking to the Governor of Louisiana last night.  He is scurrying about trying to put together a new game plan and hoping to get a better handle on how to run the state.  And help is certainly needed as the Bayou State is at the bottom of most national lists.  Besides, his popularity numbers are in the tank.  So what should Bobby Jindal do?  You can read my sage advice in my new column now posted.  Go to the Red Flashing Box above, or Click Here.

The “Common Sense” Radio Schedule is posted midday on Thursday.

About 100 feet down, on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, divers had already pulled four bodies out of the sunken tugboat. Then a hand appeared on a TV screen monitoring the recovery.  Everyone assumed it was another corpse, and the diver moved toward it.  “But when he went to grab the hand, the hand grabbed him!” Tony Walker, project manager for the Dutch company DCN Diving, said of the rescue in May.

Harrison Odjegba Okene, the tug’s Nigerian cook, had survived for three days by breathing an ever-dwindling supply of oxygen in an air pocket. The odds of him surviving were astronomically against him.  Read all the details by Clicking Here.  Check out the actual rescue video below.

Some Kids Thought It Was Fun to Pick on the Little Guy, but His Whole Football Team Made a Stand that Will Inspire Your Socks Off.  Check out this video below.

How scary is this?  Prosecutors who can indefinitely imprison you even thought there are no charges against you.  In America?  No way!  Well, yes way, according to the United States Supreme Court.  Someone serving time for mail fraud or tax evasion could be declared “dangerous”Â if a prosecutor feels he or she might have a “tendency” to commit further crimes, even if the sentence was not for a criminal conviction.  That’s not me talking, but it’s the view of conservative members of the Supreme Court as well as Rush Limbaugh.  It’s the Thought Police and the Supremes have given this concept it’s blessing.  What a tragedy.  Take a look at my new column that should raise some chilling questions.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Hey, we sure have a lively weekend radio show plan for you over the Thanksgiving holidays. Too much Black Friday? I think so. Stick around home and enjoy your family. Christmas music and decorations in mid November. Give us a break. Way too much commercialism. We will talk about it.

Also, should you or your loved one have the Right to Die?  Some states are allowing such decisions to be made. And we are learning more about Alzheimer’s. Did you know that over half the caregivers of an Alzheimer’s patient dies before the one they are caring for? Why? Tune in for this and much more on the Common Sense Show. Check your local listings for times and stations. And Happy Thanksgiving!

For the past half century, first lady of American folk music has always been Joan Baez.  I saw her sing for the first time in the early 60s when I was a student at the University of North Carolina.  She inspired a whole generation of American to become pro-active in any number of social causes.  And her music, well, just mesmerized.  And after 50 years, her voice has not changed a bit.  I heard her sing at the Red Dragon Listening room this past Saturday night here in Baton Rouge.  Polite, engaging, and what a treat to listen that brought back memoires of a much earlier me.  Take a listen.  I’ll be a fan as long as the lady is singing.

When the music begins at a basketball game, many fans are on the feet and dancing.  The cameras have even caught me waving around a bit.  Sometimes, a fan will really let loose.  When Bon Jovi begins to shout, who can ignore the rhythmus”¦right.  Check out this fan doin’ his stuff at a Celtics game.

  

Fifty Years!  It just doesn’t seem that long ago that the 34^th president was assassinated in Dallas Texas.  John F. Kennedy had captured the hearts of an overwhelming majority of the American people. But then the walls came crashing down.  He was assassinated in Dallas, but during both the good times and the bad, my home state of Louisiana held a special place, and coveted a special role in the life of John Kennedy.  Take a look at my new column, now posted, where I look back at the special “Louisiana connection,”  JFK had with the Bayou State.  And take a look at the videos below to bring back the stark memories.  You can read my new column by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Rado Schedule to be posted Tuursday.

I don’t know about you, but I’m an unabashed Angelina Jolie fan.  Not only is she an exceptional actress, but also devoted to her family and particularly to the world around her.  Take a minute to listen to her acceptance speech in receiving the Governor’s movie award.  It’s worth the time.  (And a great story about that  photo above.  I’ll tell you all about it next week.)

My friend, former LSU basketball Coach Dale Brown, sent me the video below, that puts into perspective how seriously we take ourselves, yet how really insignificant we in in our world. “There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the only home we’ve ever known; the pale blue dot in the video below.

So get out there; explore and enjoy our tiny blue dot. Learn from and appreciate the unique differences that the billions of people that occupy our speck in this vast cosmic arena have to offer you.

Streamed live on Nov 14, 2013