Remember Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, who was an NBA All Star and played shooting guard and small forward with the Houston Rockets? A ten-time All-Star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBA named him one of basketball’s fifty greatest players in professional basketball history. So I’m hangin’ out after a recent Baton Rouge Smokey Robinson concert, and standing right next to me is Big Clyde. He could not have been more pleasant. He’s a personal friend of Smokey, so I’m in the “Big Time” hobnobbing with these big shots. Take a look at Clyde in action below.

Is it reasonable to ask a voter to give proof of their identity?  Or is this too much of a burden in a democracy where the right to vote is sacrosanct?  All of us are regularly asked for the identification. When we cash a check, when we board an airplane, many times we use a credit card, or in picking up a prescription from the pharmacy.  So what’s the big deal of requiring the same ID when one goes to vote?  The Justice Department is now saying that such an ID requirement is an unreasonable burden, place particularly on minority and Hispanic voters.  What do you think?  Before you decide, you might want to check out my new column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

I’m an old Triathlon competitor from way back.  Not that I was all that good, but I enjoyed the swim, bike, run combination, and I competed in events around the South for a number of years.  And here’s some advice. Ironman contestants: in the future, please make sure to cross the finish line before celebrating and pretending to be an airplane. Jérémy Jurkiewicz of France was essentially””keyword is “essentially”””done with the Ironman 70.3 Brazil this past weekend, so he decided to stop short of the finish line for an inexplicable reason. Maybe he didn’t think second place was close behind. Who knows? Anyway, Brazil’s Igor Amorelli turned the corner, saw what Jurkiewicz was doing, and broke into a full sprint. Somehow, Jurkiewicz noticed at the last second, pushing himself in front of Amorelli and actually winning with a time of 3:52:40.3. (Amorelli finished with a time of 3:52:42.0.) Check it out below.

HOW BAD CAN LOUISIANA INSURANCE CLIMATE GET?

 The cost of property insurance in Louisiana is skyrocketing, and rates have become unaffordable to many.  And if a property owner is able to scrape up the spiraling yearly premiums, their claims are often not being paid. Just last week, this column wrote about how projections of increasing premiums could, in some parts of the state, exceed 1000%.

 But that’s just one part of the problem.  Louisiana has the dubious distinction, year after year, of having the highest property insurance rates in the country. And the bugaboo that has caused so much damage to the state’s insurance climate is Citizens Property Insurance Company.   Take a look at my new column now posted about the sad state on insurance affairs in the Bayou State.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio weekend show time is here and we have a jam-packed agenda scheduled for the weekend.  How about my man Smokey Robinson?  He played to a sold out house at the L’auberge Resort here in Baton Rouge, and simply brought down the house with his easy listening, melodic old standers that all of us remember.  Smokey is 73 and still going strong.  He will join us to discuss his staying power in the music business and how it all started.

Then we will discuss a new study that raises questions about the effectiveness of fish oil supplements. Is it really all that good for your heart?  Our guest will be Dr. Jay Udani, who will analyze the most recent studies. Now a lot of people, including me, regularly take fish oil. What’s going on?  Then we will follow with the Iheese Impresario, our old friend Barrie Lynn.

 

Finally, do you understand leprosy and how one gets it?  How is it treated?  There is a lot of misunderstanding, and we will be joined by researcher and author Claire Manus to talk about her new book: “Out of the shadow of Leprosy.”  You  can read more about her book by Clicking Here. So there’s a lot to talk about, and we sure hope you will check your local listings for time and stations. See you on the radio.  Check out one of my favorite Smokey Robinson great hits below with  Sheryl Crow.

Bill Kirchen came to Baton Rouge last week, and brought down the house at the Red Dragon Listening Room.  In 1967, Kirchen began his route to guitar stardom as a founding member of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. The group recorded seven albums and established a reputation as one of the first bands to play a style of rock’n’roll that featured substantial doses of honky-tonk, rockabilly, western swing and country music.  Remember the big hit, Hot Rod Lincoln?  That was Bill.  Check it out below.

Following the band’s breakup in 1976, Kirchen went on to front several groups of his own and release 10 albums, as well as perform and record with Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Nick Lowe and Gene Vincent. Now, at age 65, he maintains a rigorous touring schedule, playing over 200 live shows each year.

A 1000% increase in property flood insurance rates?  “Are you kidding me?”  That’s the reaction by thousands of homeowners along the Gulf and East Coast who are facing huge increases from the national flood insurance program.  “Outrageous,“ say members of congress from these coastal regions.  But if they want to find out who the culprit is that caused this to happen to property owners, all they have to do is to look in the mirror.  Coastal property owners now facing a huge problem, so what to do?  Take a look at my new column on how to dig us out of this hole.  You can find out my proposed siltation and read my column by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The Weekend show scheduled begins this week with current controversies in the news.  We now learn that the National Security Administration ( NSA) has admitted over 1000 violations of the law as they continue their quest together complete information on every single American.  Does that, dear listener, bother you? Do you feel you have nothing to hide, so what difference does it make? We will talk about it.  We will also take a look at the college loan controversy where millions of young people are way over their heads in college loans.  Is it our job, as taxpayers, to bail them out?

 

On the medical front, our guest will be Dr. Robert Slay, who discusses the dramatic obesity rates.  And can you believe he is also a comedian? In a humorous way, he will take a look at what we should do to stay a heck of a lot healthier. His book, “The Battle Buddy Diet,” can be looked at and ordered by Clicking Here.

 And finally, the photographer Michael Woods will be on our show to talk about the numbers 666. Are there clues buried in these numbers that have special; Biblike meaning? Michael has memorized, word for word, entire chapters and sections of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Bible. He will give us his interpretations as to how the identity of 666 was found, and what it means us in modern life. You can read about his latest book, “Pauline Paradoxes Decoded”, by Clicking Here.  So all in all, we have a lovely show. We’ll see you on the radio.

As I often do on a Saturday night, last week I headed for my favorite musical venue, the Red Dragon listing room. Performing were to Nashville singers, Eric Brace and Peter Cooper who really put on a heckuva concert. Peter used to be a reporter and travelled with the George Bush campaign bus back in 1980. He met my daughter Campbell on the campaign trail, and have some fun memories. These guys are great musicians, and I hope you’ll take a listen below.

We will be talking about the growing immigration controversy in Washington, and just what to do with all the illegal immigration on this weekend’s  “Common Sense” radio program. What to do with eleven million illegals, with more than 350,00 new additions each year?  And if some form of amnesty is given by congress, what are the assurances that the wave will not continue?  Ray Stevens is quite an entertainer, and he has amusing take on the problem.  Take a look and listen below.

Can we, in America today, find the right balance between keep us free and keeping us safe?  The answer should be a resounding “Yes!”Â  But in this new world of digital technology, it has become so easy to scoop up virtually every detail of any citizen’s daily life. The Internet makes it so easy for government agencies to find out everything about you.  How far should the government go in gathering up all your private data?  They say stopping a terrorist is like looking for a needle in a haystack.  But all of us”¦.every American, is part of the haystack.  Take a look at my new column that delves into trying to reach this critical balance. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

This week’s radio schedule will be posted Thursday afternoon.

If you live in Louisiana, the state’s first family is not one based on a politics.  It’s the New Orleans Manning Clan; with two sons of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning now each star quarterbacks in the NFL.  Direct TV has a new advertisement out with all the Manning guys, where they are actually rappin’. That’s right, rappin’ and dancing. You’ll enjoy it, so take a look.

It would be an understatement to say that political watchers in Louisiana are both stumped and dumbfounded over how a group of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s political appointees have filed a multi billion-dollar lawsuit against 97 oil companies that have operated in the state.  The legal action says its time for the petroleum industry to pay up for years of environmental damage and neglect.  Jindal, the fair-haired boy of the oil industry, is apparently livid.  Will the suit go anywhere?  And what are the merits? And is the oil income to the state worth all the environmental damage that has allowed some 2000 square miles of Louisiana coast to fall off into the Gulf of Mexico?  Take a look at my new column that explores this complicated problem.  You can listen to more about the suit in the video below.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The “Common Sense ” program is shaping with a solid schedule for the weekend.  We will take a hard look at the American economy and future projections with special guest,  international economist and former World Bank counselor George R. Tyler.. In his new book, What Went Wrong: How the 1% Hijacked the American Middle Class . . . and What Other Countries Got Right, Tyler takes the reader through a fascinating examination of the American economic experience over the last 30 years, comparing middle class growth in the United States with that of more prosperous nations. So what can we expect in the future?   You can find out more about his book by Clicking Here.

Then we will be joined by All My Children actress Mary Ann Wasil, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. She’ll share her personal story and how she’s faced her battle with grace, style and faith.  We will talk about her book, “A Diary of Healing,” and you can find more about it by Clicking Here.  So check your local listings for times of Jim Brown’s “Common Sense.” See you on the radio.

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In Memoriam

My mother-in-law was quite a special lady.  She passed away this week at a young 84. Doris was the rock-solid matriarch of the Solomon family, and oversaw a slew of kids grandkids and great grandkids.  This special lady was quite talented.  We have several of her oil paintings in our home, and she painted landscapes from all over the country.  She married my deceased father-in-law Teddy Solomon in 1949, and lived in McComb, MS until the couple and their six children relocated to New Orleans in 1969.  All her family loved to gather at her home to eat her home-cooked Lebanese food, watch movies, and just spend time with “Maw Maw.” After her family and friends, her next love was playing bridge. And as we all know, “Bridge players never die – they just shuffle away.” Let the Good Lord take good care of Miss Doris.

Have you heard of the hot new musical group Under the Streetlamp?  They are four guys who all have performed in the Broadway show, Jersey Boys, and they sure put on an electrifying evening of Oldies from the American songbook of years gone by.  They performed in my hometown of Baton Rouge last weekend and received one standing ovation after an other.  It was a treat visiting with them as you can see above.  Check out one of their classics below.

I can’t think of anything more enjoyable than ticking your head in the mouth of a crocodile or an alligator. Really seems like fun doesn’t it?  Check out these guys in the videos below and just watch how much they are enjoying themselves.  Boy, I’ll bet you can hardly wait to try this yourselves”¦right?

I’ll admit it. I’m a lousy dancer. I’d look bad doing the foxtrot. But I always enjoyed watching creative dancing. I think you will get a kick out of the video below.

It was all the fault of television! Some observers of the Zimmerman trial felt like it was a real miscarriage of justice for the whole soap opera to be played out on TV.  Too many opinionated broadcasters, radio show hosts, columnists, and the public at large just had way too many opinions and disagreements. How can you get a fair trial like that they say?

But how wrong they  are. If there’s a problem in the American judicial system, it’s because of all the secrecy. On both the federal and state level,  judges routinely affect the final verdict by their desire to keep many of the decisions out of the public view.  Open the doors up, and let fresh air and sunshine come in I say. That’s the focus of my new column, now posted. Take a look at my thoughts and see what you think. You can read the column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

“Common Sense” Radio Weekend is close at hand, and it will be hard to cover so many issues in the news.  How about the demise of Detroit? The city used to be known as the “Paris of the West,” and “the Arsenal of Democracy.”Â  But now it has fallen and it  may never get back up again.  What happened?  Was it all the fault of the auto industries’ demise?  Hardly!  We will talk about it.

 

We often talk about medicine. But how about taking care of injured soldiers 150 years ago?  Author Scott McGaugh has written a compelling book about a renowned Civil War doctor who saved thousands of soldiers.  The book is called Surgeon in Blue: Jonathan Letterman, he Civil War Doctor Who Pioneered Battlefield Care, and you can read all about it by Clicking Here.

 

And finally, the doping of our professional athletes continues to be a growing national scandal.  Why do so many top flight athletes dope themselves up, and why aren’t the laws of prevention being enforced?  Lots to talk about this weekend.   We will see you on the radio.

Keith Sykes is a songwriter’s songwriter. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. From the early stages of his career up to the present, well more than 100 of his songs have been recorded by well-known artists such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Roseanne Cash, George Thorogood, and Jimmy Buffett.  He has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Austin city limits, as well as literally thousands of venues all over the world.  I’ve known Keith for a number of years, and never miss his concert when he’s in my neck of the woods, usually at the Red Dragon Listening Room.  Take a listen.

Daughter Campbell is the director of the Parents Transparency Project in New York City, and actively involved in major educational reform there.  One of this organization’s priorities is to shed light on the problem of sex abuse in the city schools in the hope that penalties for the offenders are severe.  She appeared on Fox News and NBC last week to talk about this serious and concerning subject.  You can watch these  interviews below, and find out more about her efforts by Clicking Here.

New York News

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Well the Zimmerman verdict came in, he was found not guilty, and the case is now over ““ right? Hardly! This whole terrible storm of controversy that has cast deep divisions all over America still has a ways to go.  Will the Justice Department change Zimmerman with a hate crime under federal law?  If they do, I would argue it would be a gross miscarriage of justice.  For what is a hate crime?  Do we bring in the “Thought Police” and look into an accused mind?  Look at my new column now posted that looks at hate crimes, and how chilling such accusations can be.  You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

On some weekends, the news is slow, and I have to dig for issues to discuss. Not this weekend. The aftermath of the George Zimmerman trial will be front and center, as the Justice Department considers bringing charges of a hate crime. What’s a hate crime, and should there even be such crimes based on thoughts? Get ready. Here come the thought police.

We will also be joined by Conrad Black, a high-profile mega ““ media mogul and biographer from Canada, who spent 3 1/2 years the US federal prison. He a new book out called Flight of the Eagle that debunks America’s status as a future superpower, saying the U.S. has been lucky so far. Is he right? You can read more about Black and his book by Clicking Here.

And historian Jamie Malanowski will join us to review once again some of the terrible event from the Civil War. He has the outlandish idea the American army bases should not bear the names of any Confederate generals. Do you agree? I’ll do my best to defend ole’ Robert E. Lee and other generals who have been memorialized all over America. You can read more about his book by Clicking Here. See you on the radio.

Some of you may know that I was a runner many years ago. Back in the 60s, I had the great honor of representing America on the United States track team. In that capacity, I had a chance run against athletes all over the world, traveling worldwide of the US team.  In later years, I took up the triathlon. Not the Iron Man that would take someone like me six or seven hours. Smaller triathlons throughout Louisiana and the south were my foray.    But I always wanted to go to Hawaii and do the real and complete Ion Man Triathlon.   Below is one of the most aspirational videos you will ever see. What a father was able to do for his son. Just an unbelievable experience, showing dedication and love between father and son. It’s a little long, about six minutes, but worth your time to view.   Take a look below.

We had the sweetheart of Cajun music come to Baton Rouge this past weekend to entertain at the Red Dragon Listing Room.  This is a small music gem located in the downtown area, which brings in southern music acts each weekend.  Yvette Landry, from the small south Louisiana town of Breaux Bridge, really lights up the stage.  A real charming lady besides, with the best smile in country music.  Check out her video below.

TO OUR YANKEE FRIENDS, WE SAY  — GET A LIFE!

What is it about some Northerners, particularly a concentrated populous up  on East Coast?  The must have never wanted reconstruction to end.  There is a view among some that Southerners are country bumpkins who see their image reflected in movies like Deliverance and TV programs like the Beverly Hillbillies.  The Washington Post recently referred to many southerners as part of an “all around fruitcakery of the right wing white South.”Â  What’s going on here?  Are we going to fight the Civil War all over again?  Check out my thoughts in my new column now posted.  You can read it by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

 

 

We are gearing up for weekend radio just a few days away, and have a jam-packed show this week for listeners.  So much the cover, and so little time. We will bring you an update on the Zimmerman ““ Travon Martin trial in Florida, where the case will be likely close to being given to the jury. Is he guilty or innocent? We will talk about it.  And we certainly will talk about my new column now posted about how many northerners want to refight the Civil War.  A good number of disparaging remarks have been made following the recent Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act decision, and I felt it time to refute some of the outrageous statements. We’ll talk about my new column.

Then we will be joined by a woman warrior who served in Iraq.  Miyoko Hikiji spent 9 years in the Army, was highly decorated, and served in combat.  She has a new book about her experiences called: “All  I Could Be:  My Story of a Woman Warrior in Iraq, and you can read all about Miyoko and her new book by Clicking Here.  So a full show, and we sure hope to see you on the radio. Check your local newspapers for times and stations.

Well, what can I say? Those of you who follow my site regularly know that I consider myself somewhat of a sports expert. But I didn’t do too well at Wimbledon this past weekend. First, it was Maria Sharapova. I really thought this is her year. And I had taught her everything I know about tennis. She was knocked out in the early rounds.

But then, I thought, well the new kids are taking over. And oh yes. I had worked hard with German newcomer Sabine Lisicki. Hey, she made it to the finals, and I was pumped. But, after a valiant effort, she lost. Oh well. I’ll look for my next prodigy for next year. Actually, I met both of these to the stars down at the Bollettieri tennis facilities in Bradenton, Florida. I have know Nick Bollettieri over the years, and he is always nice enough to let me pay a visit, and stay in touch with some of his star  athletes. This is an annual trip I take for spring baseball, and a little work out at the Bollettieri facility. See you next year, Nick.

Well sadly, at least too many comedians throughout the country, Texas Gov. Rick. Is not going to run for reelection. He really gave us some funny moments during his quixotic race for president. Take a look at how my friend, Andy Borowicz, reviews what we will miss in Rick Perry.

SAN ANTONIO (The Borowitz Report)””Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced yesterday that he would not seek reëlection, telling supporters, “The time has come to pass the mantle of leadership to a new generation of boneheads.”

“I’ve had a good run,” he said. “But after twelve years, someone else who isn’t playing with a full deck should take a turn at the wheel.”

Can you remember back to the days when Democrats and Republicans could differ in their approach to problem solving in Washington, but still get a long, and socialize when the sun went down? No longer today. When we think of cooperation in the nations’ capitol, we look back to Ronald Regan and his relationship with Democrats like House Speaker Tip O’Neill. I interviewed the Speaker a number of years ago on a television show I was doing out of New Orleans. He said he just couldn’t help not liking Republicans like Reagan, and although they differed on many issues, they often were able to get things done. He is a funny video of the President and the Speaker enjoying a night at Ford’s Theater with a funny comedian, Michael Davis.

What happens to a major state university that has fallen from grace, is dramatically underfunded, and has plummeted in national rankings of first-rate colleges throughout the country? You bring in new leadership don’t you?  That’s what my home state university, LSU, has done as it tries to recoup, and re-obtain the national standing it held some 50 years ago. But it’s going to be a long climb up.  Just what happened to the university  that was one called the “Pride of the South?”Â  And how does it get back in the mix of first-rate landmarks of higher education?  That’s the new challenge for incoming President Dr. King Alexander.  And as you can well imagine, I’m quite free with my advice.  So check out my new column on what steps he should take to get LSU to pull himself up by the bootstraps. You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A Fourth of July weekend holiday radio show special for this Sunday.  We will look back on a busy week of news that includes the Zimmerman trial, the immigration debate, and the overalls racial tone in America today.  Has it improved, or getting worse?  And this weekend is the 150^th anniversary of two the major battles of the Civil War. What a waste. We will talk about it.

 We will also talk about a major new book, The Wisdom of the Oval Office, by author Pierce Word. What can we learn today from presidential quotes, some of which the go back over 200 years?  You can find more about this popular new book by Clicking Here.

 And we all know that major battles in the heart of war can change the course of history.   What are some of the major battles that have had long-term impacts on the course of history?  James Lacey and Williamson Murray have written a major historical account of such battles in their new book, Moment of Battle:  The Twenty Clashes that Changed the World.  They will join us and you can check out their book by Clicking Here.   See you on the radio.  Check your local listings for times and stations on the “Common Sense” program heard coast to coast.

 

 

I see where Jessica Simpson just had a baby. A new boy, her second child. I guess she’s not going to be able to celebrate the Fourth of July with me this year.

   

  LOUISIANA A SECOND RATE STATE UNDER VOTING RIGHTS ACT!

Good decision or bad decision?  The United States Supreme Court effectively struck down the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965.  This 48-year-old law required nine states, including my home state of Louisiana, to submit to complete federal oversight for all election procedures.  The high court determined that, whatever reasoning existed in the 60s, there was not adequate justification to continue federal oversight today.   And my verdict?  Good for the court.  These nine states have been treated like second class citizens for years.  Remember Florida and all the election irregularities back in 2000?  They didn’t have to comply with  federal oversight.  So where’s the equal treatment and fairness?  Check out my new column and my views as to why the Supreme Court finally got one right.  You can read it now by clicking on the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Yes, the weekend is fast approaching, and we’re getting all set for other lively radio program this weekend.  We will discuss several Supreme Court decisions that were handed down this week. Of course, the Voting Rights Act that is so controversial. I wrote about it in my column of this week, so take a look.  And is support for gay marriage growing? The Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is legal in California, in that couples have certain guaranteed civil rights. The debate will go on for sometime, but we’ll talk about it.

 

Our old friend Steve Berry, who has been in the program a number of times, will join us again to talk about his new best-selling book, The King’s Deception.  “It’s a  Dan Brown-ian secular conspiracy about The Virgin Queen driving nonstop international intrigue. The book jumps into a high-stakes diplomatic showdown””an international incident fueled by geopolitical gamesmanship and strange Tudor secrets. Throw in a Libyan terrorist and you have a compelling read.  I thought so.  You can read all about the book by Clicking Here.

And of course we will spend some time trying to find a balance between surveillance, security, and our freedoms.  I talked about this dilemma on several of our previous shows, and have written about it extensively.   Corydon Dunham spent years dealing with legal issues for NBC news. He will give his overview of government overreach.  So all in all, we will have a fact filled and exciting show. Check your local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

I’ve been a Vince Gill fan for many years. He’s a regular at the Grand Old Opry, and he just comes across as a basic, down to earth performer. No arrogance about him as you find with many performers, he’s not pretentious, always has a big smile, and the kind a guy you just like to hang out with. I did for a while last week.  He was in Baton Rouge performing at L’auberge Casino Hotel and put on a great show to a packed house.  Below is my favorite Vince Gill song, The Reason Why.

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.  You can check out the latest gossip on her by Clicking Here.

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.

In the 1976 movie, Network, actor Peter Finch plays the role of the aging news anchor, Howard Beale. In the climatic scene that we all remember, Beale opens up his apartment window, and screams to  no one and everyone: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.”Â  That’s how many people feel today after watching the bungling and the failure to properly monitor what is going on up in the nation’s capital.  How can some 29-year-old high school dropout have the keys to the entire national security information system?  We seem to have the Keystone cops in charge, and a lot of people wondering, who’s watching the watchers?  That’s the focus of my column this week that is now up and posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.  And check out Howard Beale’s rant below.  And I agree with him.

This week’s Weekend “Common Sense“ radio program is shaping up as a fully packed agenda of current front burner problems and issues. We will elaborate on this week’s posted column on the ineptitude of almost non-existent congressional oversight of the various American intelligence agencies. And are there limits on just how much spying the government should be doing? We will certainly talk about it. Dr. Mark Thornton, an American Economist who is a senior fellow at the Mises Institute, will be our guest to talk about government overreach. You can read his various writings at www.mises.org.

And how can you put a little zip in your daily work, organizations which are involved, and meetings that you participate in. Author Delia Horwitz, who’s written a new book called “Collaboration Soup,“ will join us to give her business perspective. You can find out all about her ideas and the book by Clicking Here. So be sure to tune in for a lively show.

Well it’s been a field day for political commentators and cartoonists over the Obama administration abuses of many of our basic civil rights. Surveillance is their name of the game, and there has certainly been a lot of humorous commentary. Unfortunately, the subject is not humorous. Take a look at some of the funnier cartoons below.

Things really jumpin’ at the Red Dragon Listing Room this past weekend.  An old Louisiana friend, David Egan brought his whole band along for some Cajun blues style music, and it was a treat to listen to David’s group again, that I have heard on a number of occasions. Several of his band members were old has been athletes like me so we had a lot to reminisce about before the sow.  Take a listen to Dave below, and if you find yourself in Baton Rouge any weekend, you certainly need try out the Red Dragon Listening Room. Chris Maxwell does a heck of a job putting on great musical acts every week.

Are you at all troubled by the new revelations that the federal government is monitoring virtually every aspect of your life?  Many people feel that it makes no difference for they “have nothing to hide.”Â  I wonder how many peasants felt that way over 300 years ago when King Richard’s Army regularly entered anyone’s home and carried on whatever search his minions desired.  You see, we have this little thing called the Constitution that a great number of Americans have died to defend. I tried this week, in my new column, to set out the pros and cons of government spying.  That’s right.  When you gather up a complete dossier on every American who is under no investigation, then that’s simply spying on every American citizen.  Check out my new column, and see if you agree. You can read it by clicking on the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

And check out then Senator, and now Vice President Biden,  talking about how intrusive the same kind of spying going on today was wrong  under the Bush administration. So  it was wrong when Bush was president but OK today.

It’s radio time on Sunday, and we have lined up a lively and informative program. Of course, we will kick off with all of the surveillance controversy that has dominated the news in recent weeks.  Just how invasive should the government be with your privacy?  That’s the focus of this week’s column and we will talk about it.  It’s also Father’s Day, so I’ll reminisce avouch my Dad and we will talk about the changing roles of fathers today.

 Dr. Kevin Ryan will join us in the first hour to talk about his book on dealing with cancer, answering questions about how one responds when they are told they have this disease.  His book is entitled “When Tumor is the Rumor and Cancer is the Answer: a comprehensive text for newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families.”Â 

 And finally, we will talk with Paul Lipton who h as written a deeply inspirational book about living “agelessly.”  The book is called  “Hour of the Wolf,” and you find out more about it by Clicking Here.  So be sure to tune in for information packed show. . We will see you on the radio.

Were you there when your daughter got her ears pierced? For my first daughter, I watched the whole procedure. No, not at the tattoo and piercing shop. On national TV. It’s been a few years ago. But below, you can watch my oldest daughter, Campbell, get a piercing when she hosted the weekend Today show on NBC. You enjoy her facial expressions below.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

There is something quite startling that seems to be happening up in the nation’s capital. The newly elected, younger upstarts are making a major effort to taking control, particularly within the Republican Party. And you know what? That might not be just all that bad. Sen. Ted Cruz from Texas, and Sen. Rand Paul from Kentucky, are at he top of these new revolutionaries’ that are gaining criticism from many of the old guard, but getting a lot of attention from both the press and many disgusted Republicans. T=Cruz, in particular, seems to be the focus of many attacks from Democrats. I don’t agree with some of what the guy says. But I’ll readily audit that he touches a nerve from independent like myself who are disgusted with both parties in Washington. Take a look below about some of his recent statements on the floor of the Senate. Then, and this may surprise you, check out Democratic operative James Carville’s comments about the fact the Cruz just might represent the future of the Republican Party. Keep an eye on this guy.

WHY YOUNG VOTERS ARE DISENGAGED FROM POLITICS!

 So much cynicism by voters today.  Is it justified?  Yes, say younger voters.  And in large and growing numbers.  Whatever buzz inspired younger voters to support Barack Obama in 2008 has been severely diminished by the gridlock in Washington.  Voters under thirty (and the rest of us, for that matter) have witnessed nothing but conflict and partisan politics while the economy languishes and major problems go unresolved.  You can make a good argument that interest in the political world is waning by many of the under 30 crowd.  And there are good reasons.  Take a look at my new column where I take a look at this changing phenomenon. You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The Radio Weekend is upon us, and we here on the “Common Sense Show” are working hard to get ready for a lively show.  We will begin our show by looking at some of the top news events of the week. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder, for example, told a legislative committee in Washington this week that some banks were just “too big to fail.” What? They’re too big to fail, so you and I have to pay for them? Will dig into this issue.  Then Holder compounds his problems by equivocating over whether or not a drone attack can take place against American citizen on American soil. Boy, this guy really knows how to dig his hole.  But we will see what you think

Then we will raise the question, “were Christians persecuted after the death of Jesus?” That’s the general opinion today and throughout recent history. But a Catholic theologian at the University of Notre Dame says that’s just not the case. Professor Candida Moss specializes in Biblical studies and early Christian history, and has written a fascinating book called  “The Myth of Persecution.”Â  She writes how the early church exaggerated, invented, and forged stories of Christian martyrs, and says none of this is true.  You can read all about her new book by Clicking Here.

And finally, is there any real serious chance for immigration reform, and will it take legalizing 12 million illegals immigrants?  Let’s hope not.  Peter Brimelow will join us, and he is considered to be one of the leading voices on immigration policy.  You can read about Peter and his organization, by Clicking Here.  Peter’s book Alien Nation is available by Clicking Here.  So join us for a lively program on stations all over America.

 

Well as you regular readers of my site know, I rarely miss you show at the Red Dragon Listing Room here in my hometown of Baton Rouge. It’s a great venue for songwriters and singers from all over the country.  Kevin Welch came to Town last week, along with his son, Dustin.  They were both quite talented. Kevin is an Okie and major label artist who also has a major streak of independence. He has written songs for top artists, had a lauded career on a major record label, helped found an artist’s collective label and has partnered with many of Nashville’s best. Check out one of my favorites, I Feel Fine Today,  below.

In the Wizard of Oz, Auntie Em tells Dorothy, when a tornado approaches, to get to the storm cellar.  That was almost 80 years ago, yet very few Oklahomans have built storm cellars today. And tornadoes have never been more plentiful.  Should the federal government (i.e. us taxpayers) continue to pay for damage and clean up when local officials do not put in to effect strong building codes and other requirements?  Jim Brown raises this important question in his new column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking Here, or by going to The Red Flashing Box above And see a video below of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado as it approaches.

Weekend “Common Sense” radio is fast approaching, and our staff is putting together a lively program that will cover a variety of issues.  Former United States Sen. and presidential candidate Bob Dole thinks the Republican Party should hang a sign on its door saying “closed for repairs.”Â  Dole has never been one to mince words, and he feels the GOP has run out of new ideas and any positive agenda.  Do you agree?  We will talk about it at some length on Sunday’s program.

 

Then we will talk with author Thomas Fleming, who has a controversial new book out called “a Disease in the Public Mind.” He has raised the question as to why in the United States, Americans turned on one another in the Civil War, when no other country that has slavery had the internal fighting found in America. Why the bloodshed? Were there no other alternatives?  You can read more about Fleming’s book by Clicking Here.

 

And how bad is caffeine for you? The Food and Drug Administration, prompted by growing public pressure, announced this month plans to investigate the use of caffeine as an additive, with a focus on the risks it poses to children and adolescents.  How far should the government go in telling the public what the can and cannot do in what they consume.  We will hear from the Competitive Enterprise Institute on too much government involvement in our lives.  So be sure and join us for a lively show.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz seems a bit off the wall to many voters, and is just their cup of tea.  Get it?  Cup of tea?  He’s a big Tea Party guy?  Oh well.  In any event, the Senator and I were certainly on the same page this past week, as he went to the floor of United States Senate and said rather bluntly, “I don’t trust the Republicans.  And I don’t trust the Democrats either.”Â  We are stuck with the Demo don’ts and the Republi cants, and neither party is serving the American people well.  If you are from the opposing party, then you are the enemy.  How far from a working democracy have we come!  See the Senator’s comments below.

Hey, remember the rock group Herman’s Hermits? They were an English beat band, formed in Manchester in 1963 as Herman & The Hermits. Back then, they rivaled The Beatles and the Rolling Stones in popularity.  A few of there big hits included I’m into Something Good, Henry the eighth I am, Mrs. Brown You’ve got a Lovely Daughter, and There’s a Kind of Hush.  The group’s acoustical guitar player was a Brit named John Gaughan. He was in Baton Rouge last week, and is now in Anglican minister.  We had quite a lunch, reminiscing back to the musical years when I was in high school and college. I surely remember the group well. Take a look at, what is certainly my favorite song below; Mrs. Brown You’ve got a Lovely Daughter.  A little basic today, but would you believe it was number one in the nation back in the 1960s?

2014 is shaping up to be a barnburner of an election year, with the control of the U.S. Senate at stake, which means continual paralysis for another two years against Obama administration. From time to time, I want to take a look at some of the major Senatorial races throughout America.  And, as you could expect, we will start this week with my home state of Louisiana.  The Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee has profiled Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu as the most vulnerable Democrat up for re election in 2014.  So who has a chance of knocking her off?  Is Governor Bobby Jindal still in the picture?  Or does Congressman Bill Cassidy have the only shot?  Take a look at my thoughts in my new column now posted.  You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The weekend “Common Sense“ radio show is fast upon us, and boy, do we have a lot to cover. The President continues to undermine basic constitutional freedoms as criticism continues to grow over his handling of the Benghazi, the IRS, and now tapping of telephones by the Justice Department of a cross-section of news media.  What happened to constitutional rights?  And the two-faced posturing by members of congress just make the hypocrisy all the worse.  We will talk about it.

 You have read about Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a double vasectomy.  Dr. Laura Cassidy, wife of Congressman Bill Cassidy from Louisiana, has been outspoken in discussing various options for women in this same situation. She will join us in the first hour of our program.

 Then we will be joined by Sherry Blackman, author of a new best seller, “Call to Witness,” about her personal story of a woman who stood alone against the pharmaceutical industry. You can read all about her new book by Clicking Here.

 It’s also Memorial Day weekend, a time to honor our servicemen and women who gave their lives for their country. Many younger people just look on it is another holiday. It’s much more, and will have several military guests on the show look back and remember.  So be sure and join us by checking your local station for exact times to listen to the “Common Sense“ show.

 

Are you a country music fan like me?  Remember now, I’m from Northeast Louisiana. Home of the likes of Tim McGraw, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilly, George Jones, and a host of other country music stars.  And I always have enjoyed Travis Tritt, who normally puts on a Garth Brooks like show with a large band and singer backup.  But I had a real treat to hear him playing by himself last week. Not only is he a great entertainer, he’s an unbelievable musician. I can’t recall listening to a better guitar player.  Take a listen.

There was not much good news coming out of Oklahoma this week. But as is often the case in many tragedies, a light of hope can peek out from all the rubble. Take a look at this elderly Oklahoman who thought she had last her dog. A small reward compared to the devastation that took place, but it made one lady a whole lot happier.  Take a look and finish watching the video.

To many, the Obama Administration seems to be obsessed with undermining personal freedoms and spying on its citizens. Calls are coming from members of congress and a variety of outside conservative leaning groups for a special prosecutor to be named.  Personal freedoms are under attack and government snooping seems to be at an all time high.  But is it?  These same groups, including the Tea Party and the media like the Associated Press showed little concern when the so-called Patriot Act was enacted right after 9/11.  I suppose it all comes down to whose ox is being gored.  Both the Bush and Obama administrations have shown contempt for many of the freedoms our forefathers fought for and that are basic guarantees in the Constitution.  Check out my new column that discussed this troubling problem. You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

And  take a look at the video  below.  It portrays a scathing speech from Congressman Mike Kelly over the ineptitude and collusion of the I.R.S.

The news media and number of politically connected organizations are outraged that the Obama administration for invading their privacy. And they have good reason to be. If there is any doubt about our liberty, our privacy and basic freedoms that could be under attack, the last few weeks show a real erosion of what we take to be basic rights under the U.S. Constitution.  But come on now.  Where was all this outrage over the past 10 years?  On Sunday’s show, we will question all these members of Congress who voted for the Patriot Act that allows the federal government to do exactly what is been going on. So why are they complaining?

We will also talk about Internet gambling. Should we open up the doors for anyone to gamble on their computer? Prof. John Warren Kindt, from the University of Illinois, will join us to talk about the dangers, and the social effects of allowing gambling anytime day or night, and all across the world.

 

And finally, how well do you speak Spanish?  And can you hade traveling without any foreign language background?  Mark Frobose is the leading language expert in America today. We’ll talk about your needs like to have a language background. His website is www.languageaudiobook.com.  So join us for a lively Weekend Show.

Members of Congress of the nation’s capital seem almost obsessed with passing new criminal laws.  Are there that many crimes in the U.S?  And any of the federal crimes seem to be punitive, arbitrary and bewildering.  Harvard law professor William Stuntz puts it this way: “We are coming even closer to living in a country where laws on the books makes everybody a felon, and prosecutors get to decide what the law is and who has violated it.”

Our representatives in Washington now want to delve into any number of local crimes, flaunting the intention of our country’s founders.  Drugs, robbery, car theft, the list goes on and on.  What happened to the 14th amendment and states rights?  John Rutherford, with the Rutherford Institute eloquently talks about how we are being over-run by intrusions of the federal government.  Take a look.  And you can read my thoughts on way too many federal laws in a past column by Clicking Here.

Clicking Here.

If you have never had the chance to see comedian Kathy Griffin perform, you will have missed, well, quite an experience. She blew in to Baton Rouge last week, and yours truly had nice visit with America’s controversial and somewhat foul-mouthed sweetheart. Kathy is a two-time Emmy winner, NY Times bestselling author, fiver-time Grammy nominee, Broadway darling, and a multi-faceted performer with rapid-fire wit. She has been making audiences laugh for years discussing Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders. And yes, she is quite off color in her routine. But she is really funny.  You can check her out on the Jay Leno show below.
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Does it bother you that you are getting a little older? As the years have passed, do you look back on the highs and lows of what you considered to be a productive life?  And would you really change anything if you had it to do all over again?  Hey, it’s my birthday this week, and, yes, I have gotten a little older.  So I reflected a good bit in this week’s column.  When does a person consider himself or herself being old?  I don’t.  But time does have a way of giving you a wake up call every now and then. Take a look at my new column and see how age might have affected you.  The column is available now by going t the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We are ready for the radio weekend, with the top lineup of topics and guests.  This whole terrible Cleveland kidnapping offense gets murkier and murkier. Public officials and the press are having a day one one-upping each other in printing and sending out salacious new facts or alleged facts.  Psychologist Dr. Bart Rossi will join us to discuss some of the tough questions that need to be addressed.  How do the teens held for years in a Cleveland home re-assimilate into society?  How do they deal with their anger? What about their captors? What makes them do what they are charged with doing?  We will look at all these issues.  Check out Dr. Rossi’s website by Clicking Here

And did the FBI drop the ball when it came to stopping the Boston Bomber?  It looks like 9/11 redux as Russia warned the FBI but little follow-up was done.  Is it time for a shake up in the agency as well as the Department of Homeland security?

 

On a lighter note, how well do you handle getting old?  It was my birthday this week (see this week’s column by Clicking Here), and perhaps you can identify with some of the things I have experienced.  So tune in for a lively weekend program.  We will see you on the radio.

Almost every weekend, the Red Dragon Listening Room has a great concert for those of us living in the Baton Rouge area. I’m a regular there, and owner Chris Maxwell just holds me a front row seat. I’m always surprised at the talent that comes through this part of the country. This past Saturday, I have the great pleasure of taking in the Will Kimbrough concert.  Will is from Nashville, a really great guitar player, and has toured with the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, and many other country cross over singers.  One of my favorites by Will is “Goodnight Moon“ heard below.  You can read all about Will and his music by Clicking Here.

Automobile Dealer and business magnate Gerry Lane reached the pinnacle of success in the South by building one of the largest automobile dealerships in the country.  He began from humble beginnings in the dustbowl of Oklahoma, and then went to California where he learned how to sell cars. And boy could he sell those vehicles.  At the end of his career, his business had produced over $10 Billion in sales.  He was truly an American Success story.  I say “was,” because Gerry died this week.  He fought cancer for more than 20 years, and it finally caught up with him.  My company, The Lisburn Press, recently published a best selling book on his life.  He donated more than $30 million to civic endeavors, and was one of the most respected guys around.  We will all miss Gerry Lane.

The Boston bombing caused so much damage, that it is really hard to comprehend. We have seen individual photos in the newspapers. But the attached below is chilling, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and a horrible, terrible tragedy. Some of these photos are quite graphic, so caution should be used in showing them to young children. But this is life in a completely different world we live in today. If you feel up to it, take a look.  To see these videos, Click Here.   And also a graphic video below.

BIG BANKS NEED STRONGER REGULATION

 The Big Megabanks took taxpayers to the cleaners in 2008 accepting some $700 billion in federal funds and claiming they were way to big to fail.  But has anything really changed.  Nary a Wall Street Banker was convicted in the bailout fiasco, and many think the same old, same old is still taking place in the big bank community.  Stepping up to the plate with a new proposal are two U.S. Senators, who have offered ideas that are worth considering.  Ohio’s Sherrod Brown and Louisiana’s David Vitter are on the right track.  I’ve worked with each of them on problem solving in the past.  Take a look at my new column that tries to make sense of these big banks who want to say too big to fail.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

It’s radio weekend time, and we have a full and packed schedule of issues to talk about this weekend.  We will begin with a follow-up on the Boston Bomber killings and review new developments.  According to new sources, the FBI had been watching the killers for months.  So what happened and why the law enforcement breakdown?  Join us to talk about it.

What if you were falsely accused of committing a crime. Would you consider plea-bargaining, even if you were not guilty? To avoid the hardship, the massive attorney Geese, and just get over? We will have Michelle Gesse join us to tell a compelling story about her new book, “What if you were falsely accused of committing a crime. Would you consider plea-bargaining, even if you were not guilty? To avoid the hardship, the massive attorney Geese, and just get over? We will have Michelle Gesse join us to tell a compelling story about her new book, ” A Difficult Bargain: How to Think About Plea Bargains If You’ve Been Falsely Accused of a Crime.”

We will have several bankers join us to talk about proposed legislation in Congress to put into place new regulations to keep the megabanks from failing.  Our interviews will be a follow up to this week’s column now posted.  And since we always try to keep our listeners healthy, nutrition expert Doug Ingoldsby will talk about everyday stress in our lives, and healthy ways o deal with it.  So a lively show for all..  Please join us.  We wlll see you on the radio!

Educators and those interested in educational reform from all over the south converged in Baton Rouge last week for a major educational seminar.  Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was one of the headliners, along with daughter Campbell.  Her comments were hard hitting and she passionately gave her views of what is holding many states back when it comes to educational reform.  You can check out her comments below.

As many of you who read this site know, I’m a big fan of the Red Dragon Listening Room here in my hometown of Baton Rouge. Musical entrepreneur Chris Maxwell really does a yeoman’s job of bringing in great musical acts with the likes of Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, Keith Sykes, and Rodney Crowell. One of my favorites is Chicago bred Robbie Fulks, who performed at the Dragon this past Friday night. Robbie is an incredible songwriter, a wonderful performer, a very funny fellow and an all-around good guy. He has built a remarkable career by zigging when people expect him to zag. To put it lightly, he travels to the beat of a different drum”¦”¦in a very cool way. Check out his song, “Let’s Kill Saturday Night“ below.

THE BOMBER, MIRANDA AND THE CONSTITUTION!

 The Boston Bomber looks about as guilty as you can get, yet some people are calling for him to be fully protected by his constitutional rights.  Constitutionals rights?  Isn’t it an open and shut case? Why does he deserve any protections? In fact, many others think a military court should try him as a terrorist.  Yes, he is a naturalized American citizen.  Should that matter?  I raise some sticky and, quite frankly, some uncomfortable questions in this week’s column about just how important is the constitution of the United States in tis case.  Take a look and see if you agree.  You can read the column now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

So you are a woman feels it necessary to carry a gun, and in many parts this country, it just makes good common sense. Here’s the question? When do you keep your gun? Do you have to carry a purse wherever you go? Thee are some options’ that may work a lot better. Take a look at the video below.

Are you a jump roper? I have jump rope to stay in shape most of my life. I’ve slowed down a bit with bad knees, but I still try to use a rope whenever I can in my workouts.  But no matter how long most of us work to do it, we will never come close to the young lady in the video below. Man, can she use that rope.  I guess I’m more like the guy in the picture above.  Take a look.

HOW DO WE RESPOND TO MORE TERRORISM?

 There are trade-offs when you live in a democracy. By the nature of an open government, the populace certainly will be more vulnerable than in a more restrictive form of government.  But none of us want such restrictions.  So as terrible as it may seem, we have to try to minimize, but also to deal with the Auroras, the Sandy Hooks, and now the terrible tragedy that just took place in Boston.  Are violent terrorist attacks on the up rise in the U.S?  Take a look at my new column and see if you agree with my views.  You can read the column now by hitting the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

What a news week. The terrible tragedy in Boston, the gun control debate in Washington, immigration reform on the front burner, many states are struggling to stay afloat financially, and deep concerns about terrorism all over America. We will cover all these topics on the “Common Sense” program.

In this era of continuing constitutional challenges on any number of issues, how would the first president, George Washington, handle so many of these crises? And is it really fair to compare what’s happening in America today to the time of the founding fathers? Times were different then. Does that make a difference of how we interpret the Constitution? Dr. Logan Beirne has written a fascinating book called blood of tyrants, about how George Washington forged his presidency. We will put many of these questions about Washington directly to him. You can find out for information about his book by Clicking Here.

And finally, Dr. Kate Tulenko will join us to talk about immigration, and the fact that many Americans are losing their jobs to high-value immigrants in the medical field. Her new book, “How Importing Jobs Impacts the Health Crisis Here and Abroad,” points out this problem, and you can find out more by Clicking Here.  See you on the radio!

Hey folks, you better keep your guard up when you go to McDonald’s. It can really be a rowdy place. I never thought it would get this rowdy. Man, if I see a couple ladies like this going after one another, along with the confrontations of those behind the counter being this defensive and with all the foul language, well, I want to get out the door. Take a look at see what you think? Be careful, because there is some pretty rough language.

Is there something exquisitely special about New Orleans? Of course there is, and wherever you live in the country, you know it. That is, in the private sector.  Jazz, food, artists, writers, and creative young people moving in to the Crescent City in record numbers.  But, unfortunately, the city that care forgot has a criminal legal system that is completely out of whack.  Remember the movie with Nicholas Cage called Bad Lieutenant Port of New Orleans?  Cage is a crooked cop, and at one point tells his partner to “˜Shoot him again.”Â  Why, he’s dead,” says the other cop. Cage says: “His soul is still dancing.”Â  It would seem that the justice system is bleeding the city to death.  Killing its soul if you will.  Take a look at my column on this great cities’ tragedy.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here. And take a look at this shocking video of the New Orleans prison system below.

Radio Show schedule and guests to be posted Friday.

I’m a big Mary Gauthier fan.  And it’s not that she is from my hometown of Baton Rouge.  She’s a heck of a song writer, and the Louisiana native-turned-Nashville resident Gauthier (it’s French; pronounced Go-SHAY), whose songs have earned praise from Bob Dylan and Tom Waits, and been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Blake Shelton and many others, is not bragging, just explaining, in that practical way of hers. It’s the same way she discusses experiences that led to some of the extraordinary songs she performs.

Mary’s truest musical roots are entwined with the sort of juke-joint country and shantytown blues associated with the likes of Johnny Cash. I heard her at a small concert in Baton Rouge at the Red Dragon listening room this past Sunday night.  Now I’m not a drinking man, but check out her song, “I Drink,” below.  One of my favorites.

My father-in law was quite a guy, and he quietly passed away this past weekend. He was called a Movie theater magnate. T.G. “Teddy” Solomon, who expanded a family theater empire to more than 600 theaters in eight states before introducing the megaplex concept to south Louisiana with his Palace theaters, was 93.

“I’ve been in the theater business all my life, and my daddy before me,” T.G. told the Houma Courier in 2002. “We started out with drive-ins, then went to downtown theaters and then shopping center theaters. But, the Palace theaters are the finest theaters yet in my opinion.””¨”¨Named after the Solomon family’s first theater, other Palace theaters would follow at Clearview Mall in Metairie, on the West Bank, in Hammond and Houma.

“There’s no business like show business,””¨”¨ he would proudly say” “¨”¨After selling his movie theater company, T.G.  remained active in the motion picture industry, serving on the board of the National Association of Theatre Owners and chairman of the Louisiana Film and Video Commission, an entity he helped pass into law.  He loved dancing to Hello Dolly, and his favorite song is on our jukebox on the left side of this page.

T.G.Solomon is survived by his wife, Doris, their six children, 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.”¨”¨Funeral services will be held Thursday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans. A Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m.”¨”¨In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, 54296 Louisiana 445, Loranger, La. 70446, or to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, 10045 Riverside Drive, Third Floor, Toluca Lake, Ca. 91602.

In America today, you pretty much have the right to live as you choose. Many things are bad for you, but it your choice to decide how much you want to eat, if you want to be a heavy drinker, or do you smoke, smoke, smoke that bond cigarette. Freedom of choice”¦Right! We all want the right to be left alone, and live in the manner we wish. But then you wear down, and maybe want to just shut down. End your life. No way in America, with very few exceptions. Check out my column, now posted, that looks at quality of life and when, maybe, it’s not worth living any more. You can read it now by hitting the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.

And you might take a look at some thoughts from Dr.Oz below.

The gun control debate seems to be narrowed to increasing background checks.  Today, daughter Campbell let loose in the Wall Street Journal and on MSNBCs Moring Joe, to take on the entertainment industry.  She criticizes the President for not strongly speaking out over the violence that permeates movies, TV shows and video games.  You can read her Wall Street Journal article by Clicking Here, and watch her TV interview below.

The “Common Sense” radio weekend is fast approaching, and we have a solid lineup of guests and topics to cover. This week’s column talks about your right to die. This is a controversial subject, and assisted suicide is only available in four states in America. What do you think? Should you have that right? We’ll talk about it in our first hour on Sunday morning.

While scientists search for the biochemical switch, which will someday turn off the human aging process, tens of millions of baby boomers aren’t waiting — they’re busy with their own quest for immortality on the bike paths, tennis courts and exercise mats of America. According to the National Institute on Aging, next to diet and shunning tobacco, nothing a person can do increases life expectancy more than exercise. So we will discuss this with Dr. Payam Hakimi of Body of Harmony, an institute of health and healing in Los Angeles.

Also on our agenda will be the immigration debate and what a dud opening the first week of major league baseball was last week. So tune in for a lively show. Check your local listings for time and day of the “Common Sense show” in your part of the country.

So do you believe in Leprechauns?  Well, there’s a group of people in Mobile Alabama who think they have found one. I drive through mobile regularly to visit relatives, and to go to the beach. It’s nice with community. But Leprechauns?  I don’t know what’s worse, that people actually believe in that or that a allegedly serious news channel is covering the story.  Check out story below.

Well the luster is off the South Korean rapper who has the most watched video in youtue history. Psy, the South Korean rapper whose viral pop hit “Gangnam Style” has been viewed more than 900 million times on YouTube, participated in two anti-American performances about a decade ago, a story that finally trickled into English-language media this week. Here is the song.
“Kill those f—— Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captive”‰/ Kill those f——- Yankees who ordered them to torture”‰/ Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law, and fathers”‰/ Kill them all slowly and painfully,” Psy sang at a 2004 concert in South Korea, held in protest of the United States and its military. The lyrics are not his “” the song, “Dear American,” is by South Korean metal band N.E.X.T. “” but the performance is in stark contrast to the smiling, good-natured pop star that Americans have been introduced to over the past six months. Here is his all time hit video below.

It’s quite obvious that members of Congress have way too much time on their hands. If there were not a vast number of national critical issues to deal with, several senators have now become obsessed with a major national concern.  Would you believe ““ outlawing horsemeat.  That’s right! Let by Louisiana senator Mary Landrieu along with South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a small festering of congressmen are on the charge to put an end to the outrageous sale of the horsemeat.  Of little concern is that horsemeat is becoming more and more popular worldwide.  What a waste of time I say.  How say you?  Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Flashing Red box above, or by Clicking Here. And take a look at one guy’s thoughts on horsemeat below.
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Radio time close at hand and we are glad to be back at our flagship station, Clear Channel’s WJBO, in Baton Rouge over the Easter weekend.  Next week, we will be broadcasting from Pensacola Florida.  We hope you will be able to tune in, so check the Genesis local listings of a station in your part of the country, or check our Genesis Communications’ website found on the upper right to locate where we are on the air.

 

Metaphysical Visionary & Author of 20 books on Spirituality & Personal Development; Stuart Wilde will join us to suggest to our listeners14 ways to clean up their souls. They may not be new to you but it may time to ‘Spring Clean’ your energy and finds some old and new ways to get you motivated. You can find a long list of Stuart’s book by Clicking Here.

 

And how’s you heart doing? Are you taking a satin? Statin drugs are by far the most over-prescribed treatment for dealing with heart disease; could this being a $31 billion dollar a year industry have something to do with the pharmaceutical industry keeping this drug so close to Americans’ hearts? We will talk with best-selling nutritionist Dr. Jonny Bowden, (as seen on Dr. Oz & “˜The Doctors’) about what he says is the deceit of the drug industry and his new book, The Great Cholesterol Myth. You can get information about the book by Clicking Here.

See you on the Radio!

I had a tough time picking out a favorite cartoon for this week to post on the left side of this site.  I opted for “liberty and justice for sale,” that sums up just how things get down Washington, D.C.  But below are a few of my additional favorites for this week.

To put the world in perspective, if you took 100 people, and broke them down in the demographics of the world at large, what would you end up with? This is a fascinating chart that shows you what languages are spoken and where, sand a world breakdown of religion, age, gender and much more. It’s fascinating to see just where the United States ranks in comparison to the rest the world. This is well worth taking a look. Click on the image to enlarge it, so you can see a much bigger view.

The World as 100 People infographic by JackHagley.

Boy, the hammer really came down last week on Louisiana property owners and drivers as new figures showed automobile rates continued to rise, as well as higher property insurance costs. The damage to Louisiana families and businesses is staggering.  Some $2 billion ripped away from the state’s economy because of these outrageous costs that are way above the national norm.  And unfortunately, both legislators and insurance regulators are taking the blasé attitude of “well, that’s just the price you have to pay for living in Louisiana.”Â  Take a look at this week’s column to see my analysis.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.

The weekend is quickly rolling around, and the “Common Sense” show will be on the air before you know it. We really have a lively show set for this week coming up. Ten years ago, America began the Iraq war to find supposedly weapons of mass distraction. They were nowhere to be found, and thousands of American lives, and several trillion dollars later we are limping back home with much of the rest of the world skeptical of what the mission was all about. We will talk about it on this weekend’s program.

And how’s you heart doing? Are you taking a satin? Statin drugs are by far the most over-prescribed treatment for dealing with heart disease; could this being a $31 billion dollar a year industry have something to do with the pharmaceutical industry keeping this drug so close to Americans’ hearts? We will talk with best-selling nutritionist Dr. Jonny Bowden, (as seen on Dr. Oz & “˜The Doctors’) about what he says is the deceit of the drug industry and his new book, The Great Cholesterol Myth. You can get information about the book by Clicking Here.

And we will end the show by giving our listeners advice on finding affordable insurance, and list a number of insurance scams going on all over the nation. So be sure and tune in thi8s Sunday on stations from coast to coast.

Well, we all know love takes many forms, and we all know the special relationship we all have with our pets. I’ve had many dogs, cats and even owls over the years. What about an animal from the wild though? Can they still love you for all their lives? If you have any doubt, take a look below.

It looks like we are more and more becoming a paperless society.  Email, no more faxes, video art, eBooks, its all on the web, and much better”¦.right?  Well maybe not.  Take a look below.

Although I lean towards libertarian thinking, I’ve never been particularly enamored with Kentucky U. S. Senator Rand Paul, who, like his father, is a staunch libertarian.  Maybe it’s his messy curly hair.  But I certainly don’t consider Paul to be a “wacko nut job” as Senator McCain called him on the floor of the U.S. Senate last week. It was all about Sen. Paul’s filibuster over the President refusing to answer whether or not he would ever authorize drones on American soil to kill Americans. I think Rand Paul is right, and he is a “wacko nut job,” well then I guess I’m one too.  Read my full column by  hitting the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.  And take a look at the idea below that is right on.  Do you Stand with Rand?

We Will Post Weekend Radio Schedule Here Friday Afternoon.

Well you are never too old to dance. In fact, to many, dancing is a way of life that really can keep you young. And if you want to see a prime example of this, check out the video below. You know this 88 year old gal really enjoys life, and dancing is all part of her healthy attitude.  Go Mama!

March madness got off a little early this year, as the picking of the new pope put aside basketball, even for the bookies and for those placing bets. A guy named Tom Rauen has created a game that mimics the single-elimination tournaments made famous by college and professional sports in the U.S. He even created the “Sweet Sistine.”

In this fictional matchup, cardinals are divided into brackets against one another and it is up to the contestant to decide who would make a better pontiff.

People who end up picking correctly win what Mr. Rauen calls a “swag bag” of goodies, such as T-shirts, hats and other odds and ends made by his company. And below are the odds of winning. The winner, Pope Francis (former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio) was a minor pick with odds of only 4% to win, and not even making the cut below. You can read about the Rauen system by Clicking Here.

Angelo Scola (Italy) 9/4

Peter Turkson (Ghana) 7/2

Odilo Pedro Scherer (Brazil) 4/1

Tarcisio Bertone (Italy) 6/1

Marc Ouellet (Canada) 9/1

Christoph Schonborn (Austria) 12/1

Gianfranco Ravasi (Italy) 14/1

Peter Erdo (Hungary) 14/1

Sean O’Malley (United States) 14/1

Angelo Bagnasco (Italy) 20/1

Leonardo Sandri (Argentina) 20/1

Timothy Dolan (United States) 20/1

]ARGUING WITH GOD IN NEW ORLEANS!

 Did you watch the much-hyped, The Bible miniseries on the History Channel. There sure was a lot to cover, and there are  only 10 episodes hours.  So it was like watching the Bible’s greatest hits, a series of theme-park tableaus of one disaster after another.  Oh,I’ll watch again this Sunday.  But here’s my problem.   I’m having a really hard time accepting that a loving God would take Abraham, the father of all civilization, and put him to the test.  You know”¦.tell him to go kill his only son.  Say what?  Yes I have a problem with that.  Take a look at my new column now posted, and see if you agree or disagree with my reasoning.  You can read the column now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by  Clicking Here.

The Radio Weekend is upon us, and we here on the “Common Sense Show” are working hard to get ready for a lively show.  We will begin our show by looking at some of the top news events of the week. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder, for example, told a legislative committee in Washington this week that some banks were just “too big to fail.” What? They’re too big to fail, so you and I have to pay for them? Will dig into this issue.  Then Holder compounds his problems by equivocating over whether or not a drone attack can take place against American citizen on American soil. Boy, this guy really knows how to dig his hole.  But we will see what you think

Then we will raise the question, “were Christians persecuted after the death of Jesus?” That’s the general opinion today and throughout recent history. But a Catholic theologian at the University of Notre Dame says that’s just not the case. Professor Candida Moss specializes in Biblical studies and early Christian history, and has written a fascinating book called  “The Myth of Persecution.”Â  She writes how the early church exaggerated, invented, and forged stories of Christian martyrs, and says none of this is true.  You can read all about her new book by Clicking Here.

And finally, is there any real serious chance for immigration reform, and will it take legalizing 12 million illegals immigrants?  Let’s hope not.  Peter Brimelow will join us, and he is considered to be one of the leading voices on immigration policy.  You can read about Peter and his organization, by Clicking Here.  Peter’s book Alien Nation is available by Clicking Here.  So join us for a lively program on stations all over America.