New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, after a resounding reelection victory, has in a short time become the Republican frontrunner to receive the GOP presidential nomination in 2016.  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has been criss-crossing the nation for years trying to get some tractor for the same goal.  But in recent months, Jindal seems almost like an afterthought.  Last year’s news.  So what happened the wiz kid that took off years ago in a quest to be president?  Is he “old news” or does he still have a shot.  Check out my views in my new column now posted.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The weekend “Common Sense” radio show is shaping up nicely, with a full list of topics to discuss. We are approaching the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and I’ll have my thoughts of what kind of a legacy did he leave. And for those who believe there was more than one assassin, my home state of Louisiana plays right into the conspiracy theory. Todd Elliot has written quite a book about A Louisiana lady named Rose Cherami, who told authorities that she knew Kennedy would be killed on November 20. Todd will join us to discuss his theories, and what he thinks of her allegations. The book is called “A Rose by Many Other Names,” and you can find out more information by Clicking Here.

And how about this idea. Should the United States annex Canada? There is free exchange between the two countries, and quite a bit in common. Diane Francis is an American ““ Canadian award-winning columnist for the bestseller called “Merger of the Century: Why Canada and America should become one country.” Do you think the idea will get very far? Find out more about the book by Clicking Here. And be sure and tune in for a lively  radio weekend.

Old friend Julia Reed joins me at the Louisiana Book Festival in my hometown of Baton Rouge over this weekend. Julia is a gem of a Southern writer, has written several books, written extensively for Vogue, The New York Times and numerous other national publications.  Her new book is called But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria!, a hilarious account of southern living, numerous recipes filled with great Southern insights.  You can read more about her book by Clicking Here.  Julia will be on my “Common Sense” radio program ion early December.

I’m a big basketball fan, and had the honor of being recruited by legendary North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith back in the late 50s (Yeah, I’m an old guy.) So I watch a lot of basketball at all levels, and maintain my front row seats at the LSU basketball games. Sometimes bad things happen. Check out the video below of Harlem Globetrotter Bull Bullard who was seriously injured when he dunked the ball and held on to the backboard.

Government red tape, outdated rules and regulations, and out right state federal bungling can sure make it difficult for the average citizen.   There can be no worse example than in my home state of Louisiana, particularly when it comes to insurance regulation.  The Bayou State has for years the highest across the board insurance rates in the country.  Take your pick”¦.auto, homeowner’s or health insurance.  And the rates keep getting higher and higher.  Why doe this happen?  Where are the elected officials who should be saying: “Wait a minute.  This just is not right and we have to change the system.”Â  But you nary have heard a discouraging word from those on the public trough.  Read my new column now posted about how elected officials have both impeded and actually caused insurance rates to skyrocket.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Well, if you listen to last week’s program, you found out quickly that we were having some audio problems and transmission difficulties to our set satellite location in Minneapolis Minnesota.  Try as we made, we just couldn’t get the audio working satisfactorily, and we had to put up a rerun from several months ago. My apologies to all of our listeners.   But we’ve made the required corrections, and are all set to go for this weekend. Because none of our guests were allowed to be on last week’s show, we are following the schedule of October 30. You can see the whole listing below. Thanks for understanding.

 I was in Washington recently, and had the chance to visit with Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, who has for good reason, bristled at reports that the U.S. government spied on the company’s data centers, calling it potentially illegal. “It’s really outrageous that the National Security Agency was looking between the Google data centers, if that’s true. The steps that the organization was willing to do without good judgment to pursue its mission and potentially violate people’s privacy, it’s not OK.”

Schmidt said Google registered complaints with NSA, President Obama and members of Congress. “The National Security Agency allegedly collected the phone records of every phone call of 320 million people in order to identify roughly 300 people who might be a risk. That’s just bad public policy…and perhaps illegal. There clearly are cases where evil people exist, but you don’t have to violate the privacy of every single citizen of America to find them.'” How true.  To read and listen to more of Schmidt’s concerns, Click Here.

I’ve always wanted to visit South America, and Venezuela is one of the countries on my list.  Beautiful mountains, great beaches, and some 600 islands make it one of the most attractive countries in the southern hemisphere.  Caracas, the largest city,  is known for being one of the most cosmopolitan and modern cities in South America.  But you better think twice before riding the subway.  Take a look below.

A whole lot of talk up in the nation’s capital right now, but little been done.  Ideas that supposedly “make a difference” are being floated by both political parties both in Washington as well as statehouses across the country.  But too often, government has become too complicated for politicians to administer these ideas.  What’s the old saying?  90% of life is execution and implementation.  However, in the nation’s capitol, we find too much design and not enough performance.  And both political parties shoulder the blame.  What’s a poor voter to do?  Maybe it’s time to clean house.  Take a look at my new column and see if you agree.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

 

The “Common Sense” weekend is here, and we have a lively show planned.  We will talk about points I made in this week’s column about how Democrats can’t seem to govern, and Republicans don’t want any part of governing.  So do we really need either party, both which have proven to be both incompetent, unresponsive and down right dysfunctional?  Chime in and let me know what you think and if you agree.

 

And should the NSA (Big Brother Watchers) continue to carry on suspicionless mass surveillance. There is a new broad coalition called StopWatching that is gathering numerous high profile members to petition the government to quite spying on innocent Americans.  Coordinator Ryan Radia will be my guest to take a look at just how serious the problem is.

 

Finally, is America’s future bright?  Authors James Bennett and Michel Lotus think so, and have written a new book called “America 3.0: Rebooting American Prosperity in the 21^st Century.  Michel Lotus will be our guest in the second hour of our weekend show.  Check out the book by Clicking Here. So be sure and tune in, and check your local listen for times and stations.  See you on the radio.

If you come to this site regularly, you know that I’m an unabashed music fan. I like it all from hard-core country to Opera. And from time to time, I post a variety of videos. Look at this week’s song on my jukebox. One my all-time favorites is Bobbie Short. I’ve heard him for years at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City, as well as other venues around the country. My wife and I were in the Carlisle late one night, with only a few people in the audience. Who walks in but Gloria Vanderbilt, the artist, actress, designer and socialite who happens to be the mother of newscaster Anderson Cooper. Gloria and Bobby Short were quite an item at that time. We set there for several hours as he sang one love song after another to her. They must have been having some problems the time, for after number of songs, she ran out the door in tears. What a sight to see. Here’s a great Bobby Short song below where you can see him on the screen, and get an idea about what a great performer he is.

If you lived down here in the Bayou State there are just some things you don’t forget.  How to make a good roux, how to dance the fais do do two step, and where you were on the Halloween night when LSU’s Billy Cannon make his football runback of the century against Ole’ Miss. The highs, then lows, and back to highs of the LSU legend have made folklore for thousands of folks down here.  The run was 54 years ago, then came his downfall.  And maybe the over reach defines Billy Cannon.  Read on to see his best and worst.  Watch the run right now on the video below. You can read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio program time is at hand, and we have a lively show in the works for this coming weekend.  We will talk about the approval rating of our lawmakers in Washington DC. Do you know that cockroaches, traffic jams, and colonoscopies, have a better positive rating then do members of Congress.  So who’s to blame?  Well, maybe we should just look in the mirror. Why do you and I keep electing these same people over and over again, who keep screwing up the country?  We will talk about it.

 

And finally, our United States Supreme Court has decided to go back to work. They’re just getting off a four-month vacation. You and I would like to have a deal like this one wouldn’t we?  Clark Neily is the senior attorney for the Institute for Justice, and has a new book out called: “Terms of Engagement: How are Court should enforce the Constitution’s promise of limited government.”Â  We will talk about the highs and lows of the nation’s highest court.  You can find out more of Clark’s book by Clicking Here.   So we will see you on the radio.

Folks down here in the Bayou State just can’t get enough of the Cajun Prince, former Governor Edwin Edwards. Love him or hate him, he continues to fascinate the local populace. His new bride, Trina, is 34 years old, the Guv. is 86, and they just had a new baby. “˜Bout right! Now their new reality show begins this week on the A and E channel, Friday nights at 8:00 central time.  This is the same channel that carries Duck Dynasty. To check out thoughts on the new show, check out the video below.

 Fifty year ago, the FBI opened widespread murder investigations into what was left of the Ku Klux Klan in Louisiana.  The Klan had once held a significant presence statewide throughout the first half of the 20^th century. But following the enactment of 1964 Civil Rights Act, the FBI was given the authority to crack down on what used to be unevenly enforced state violations, and Klan activity in the Bayou State slowed to a trickle.  The Klan is long gone, but there are still a number of unsolved murders.  Check out my new column on the Klan’s past activities, and whether closure will come in the future.  You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The cartoon above says it petty well. We have a bumbling, dysfunctional federal government and congress whether the government is shut down or not. And you ask: “Whose fault is this meltdown?” The joke’s on us as Congress is still getting paid. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel summed it up pretty well on his late night TV show: I want the names of the idiots who elected these people”¦. Oh, wait. It was us? Never mind.”We will sure talk about it on our Sunday show.

A highlight of this Sunday will be my interview with Pulitzer prizewinner Sherry Fink. Her new book, Five days at Memorial ““ Life-and Death in a Storm ““ Ravaged Hospital, has become an overnight bestseller, and talked about throughout the country. It’s Hurricane Katrina revisited, and the tragedy of those who died at Memorial. You can read all about it by Clicking Here.

And we will talk with Ron Cummings, the founder of AminoGenesis. He has a major effort going on to donate needed goods over the holidays to troops in Afghanistan.

Finally, political commentator and author Diana West will take a look at the current dysfunctional situation in Washington, and asked the question of what Ronald Ragan would do? Her new book is called “American Betrayal: The Secret Assault on our Nation’s Character,“ and you can read all about it and order it by Clicking Here. So we will see you on the radio.

Daughter Campbell continues here efforts to get rid of New York teachers who are guilty of sexual misconduct in public schools.  Her latest article in the New York Post is getting a lot of attention in school districts across the country.  You can read her Post article by Clicking Here, and read a response to her efforts that appeared in Commentary Magazine by Clicking Here.  Campbell also appeared recently on MSNBC’s  Morning Joe to talk about the rigid political views of the Planned Parenthood organization.  You can see the interview below.

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

Vicious attacks come daily from each political party against the other in Washington DC.  Capitol observers say they can never remember a time when there was so much rancor, bitterness, and outright hatred. You regularly hear the President, the Democrats, the Republicans, all accusing each other of being liars.  In fact, even within party caucuses, there are reports of members almost coming to blows. What the heck is going on up there?  Why can’t these congressman be level headed and calm like state legislators?  Well, maybe not.  There is often all out war here in my home state of Louisiana.  Take a look at my new column now posted.  You can read it now by gong to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We are on the fast track for a lively weekend radio show just around the corner. Government shutdowns, political parties refusing to talk to one another, and incompetent Supreme Court that has just decided to go to work, all these issues will be discussed.  And we are the leader of the free world.  Other countries seem to be laughing at us.  How do we get out of this mess?  Tune in to hear my thoughts.

 

And we always talk a bit about your and my good health. Dr. Michael Cantwell will join us to talk about and raise the question:  “Does spirituality affect your health?”Â  His premise is that treating patient’s bodies and minds is always enough, and sometime you have to also consider their spirits.  He has a new book out called: “Map of the Spirit.” You can find out more about it by Clicking Here.

 

Finally, how do you deal with catastrophic events? Dr. Mark Rubinstein has looked at psychological problems from the World Trade Center 9/11 terrorists attacks to the recent Boston Marathon bombing.  He’s a forensic psychologist and has been an expert witness in a number of trials. Oh and yes. He has a new book out called “Love Gone Mad.” It’s fiction, but an interesting read, and you can find out more about it by Clicking Here.  So we will see you on the radio this weekend. Check your local listings for time and station.

Look, I certainly know that when you get a little older, you slow down a bit. But does life end at 40? Miley Cyrus thinks so. Take a look at her “off the wall” thoughts to Matt Lauer on the Today Show. And by the way, I can personally verify that she is dead wrong.

Congress is in “shutdown mode,” but just what were they doing when they were supposedly paying attention? Or do they ever?  Sen. John McCain says: “The problem is that most members of Congress don’t pay attention to what’s going on.”  And you cannot find a better example of the way members of Congress bumble than in the new huge rate increases in flood insurance.  Gulf Coast congressmen and senators, both Republicans and Democrats,  are running around like the sky is falling.  So why, pray tell, did every one of them vote for the huge rate increases?  Didn’t one member of Congress or staff member pay enough attention to see the damage that would be caused?  Take a look at my new column where I point out how Congress, particularly those members along the Gulf Coast, really dropped the ball. You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio weekend is close at hand, we certainly have a full agenda on the “Common Sense” radio program this Sunday.  We have picked up a number of new stations, so be sure and check your local listing and times in your part of the country.  We start off by talking about the current government shutdown, and whether or not it is the responsible thing to do. Are members of Congress really paying attention? Are they doing their job?  Or is there mostly personal conflict, without any real consideration of the serious issues facing this country? We will talk about it.

Do we need all the lawyers in the U.S.?  Americans like to have lawyers by their side when they need them, but we don’t like them very much, according to Pew surveys taken this year and in 2009. Only 18 percent of us think lawyers contribute much to society.  Even Shakespeare wrote in Henry VI: “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.”Â  John Peick, who specializes in law studies, will join us to discuss the state of the law in the U. S. today, and his book, “Clients are from Earth ““Attorneys are from Law School.”Â  You can find out much ore about it by Clicking Here.  

 

We will also have a timely interview with former secretary of the treasury Michael Blumenthal.  He was the 64th United States Secretary of the Treasury in the Carter administration., and we will take about the government shutdown, and his new book,  ” From Exile to Washington,” and you can rad more about it by Clicking Here.

 

And finally, we will ask the question, “Is There a Middle Ground Solution for Israel and Palestine?  Award-Winning Israeli-Educated Author Michael J. Cooper Says “˜No.’ Check out is book, “Foxes in the Vineyard” by Clicking Here.  A good show so we will see you on the radio.

Let’s just call it like it is. We have a lot of really stupid laws on the books throughout this country. Every state has laws that make no sense, or a waste of time, costing taxpayers millions and millions of dollars to both implement and enforce.  Assaulting someone specifically with your teeth? How about prohibiting the tying up of your alligator to a fire hydrant?  And in some states, it’s illegal to gargle in public.  Then, oh yes, there is California.  Did you know that in rather weird California, the legislature outlawed the ingredients for Caesar salad?  Boy, there is an issue that should take precedence over education, crime and a host of other front burner issues.  I write about many such dumb laws in this week’s column now posted.  You can read it now by clicking on the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio Show Time!

Sunday is just around the corner, we are already preparing for a lively weekend radio program. We broadcast Sunday mornings from 9 AM until 11 AM. But on numerous stations across the country, our program is run at various times throughout the day. For example, herein my hometown of Baton Rouge, the region’s largest station, 1150 AM-WJBO, runs our program from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm.  So be sure and check your local listings for times and stations.  Here are just a few of the recent stations that have signed up to run the “Common Sense” Show:

 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

As far as Sunday’s show, we begin at the top of the hour with a discussion about how hundreds of Americans die needlessly every day because of dangers found at even the most impressive medical centers. TV medical reporter Pat Mastors will discuss what’s slipping through the cracks at numerous hospitals.  Her new book is entitled  “Design to Survive,” and you can read all about the problem by Clicking Here.

 

Then our old friend, Van Mayhall, join the show to give us an update on his hot new thriller, Judas the Apostle.  Did Judas actually betray Jesus Christ?  Van is close to publishing a sequel, and you can read more about the novel by Clicking Here.

 

Finally, when someone dies, does his or her digital world continue to live?  This concept is not very far off with the new age of a “digital death.” These days, you can set up your Facebook, Twitter, and even email to send messages for you after you die.  E.J. Simon will join us to talk about his new book,  Death Never Sleeps. You can find out more about it by Clicking Here.

 

And finally, we will explore why Asian kids seem to do so better in American schools. Are there Chinese secrets that show a different approach to discipline and learning? There’s a new book out that gives these secrets and we will talk about them. It’s written by Yukong Zhao, and it is called “The Chinese Secrets for Success.”Â  More about the book by Clicking Here.  See you on the radio.

It’s nice for all of us to get together with friends from time to time. A number of my former colleagues from my Louisiana legislative days traversed to Lafayette for a luncheon at Don’s seafood this week. In two and a half hours, we solved about all the state’s problems, as you can well imagine. And let’s don’t even begin to share the “second guessing” of current Gov. Bobby Jindal. And we did bitch about the present guys and gals a lot. I’m pictured above with “Coach” Raymond Blanco, husband of former Governor Kathleen Banco, and former legislator and Congressman Buddy Leach.

Above is pictured (left side) Former Sen Armand Brinkhous, Judge Osward Dequir, Buddy Leach, “Coach” Blanco, yours truly, Sen. Larry Bankston,  (then far right coming forward) Sen Joe McPherson, former representative and district Attorney Eddie Knowles, Sen. Marty Chabert,  Sen. Don Kelly,   and our organizer, former Sen. and current Court of Appeals Judge John Sanders. Don’s Seafood has never been so lively.

A&E: The Governors Wife from Larry’s Deli on Vimeo.

Well, the country has  already been introduced to Louisiana’s Duck Dynasty. Now the A&E cable channel is featuring the fairy tale of the Alexandria, Louisiana woman who married the prince of Louisiana politics.  That’s right.  There is no doing away with cagy Ole’ Edwin Edwards. The new TV series, The Governor’s Wife, is centered on Trina Edwards, who married  former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards shortly after the octogenarian Edwards’ was released from federal prison. A&E’s cameras follow her new daily life and how she and her two boys, from before her marriage to Edwards, adjust to being part of the family of Louisiana’s most-famous politician. The network’s promotion of the new series features Trina Edwards narrating the not-quite-Disney-like story, set to debut October 27.

Now that America’s once staunchest ally, Great Britain, has turned its back on giving its support to the U.S. direct intervention into Syria, is any county willing to stand toe to toe with America?  Not the Mexicans the Germans or even, pray tell, the Canadians?  Isn’t there any one who will come to the battle call?  Yes.  The French.  What?  That cowardly country that would not join us in our noble efforts to bring freedom to in Iraq, Afghanistan or even way back in Viet Nam?  That’s right.  The French are about the only major country to give strong support to the U.S.  And good for them.  I always felt the French have got ton a bad rap for some of their past reluctance to stand with us.  And I wrote about it in this week’ column now posted.  You can read it now by hitting the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Here comes the weekend, and we have a full agenda scheduled coving many of the key topics in the news worldwide. We will begin by talking about my recent hip replacement,  undertaken by Dr. Bryan Griffith.  What caused the necessity for such surgery and just how complicated is it?  You can find out more of Dr. Griffith by Clicking Here

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We will continue with the idea that all men are created equal is a founding principle of the United States. So, is the belief in American exceptionalism inherently contradictory ““ or even dangerous?  Russian President Vladimir Putin apparently thinks so; in his recent New York Times op-ed piece he wrote that American exceptionalism is “extremely dangerous” and that “we must not forget that God created us equal.”Â  My first guest will be Wade Fransson, author of “The People of the Sign,”  a memoir recounting his life with the Worldwide Church of God, a once prosperous church whose members saw themselves as divinely exceptional. You can find more about the book by Clicking Here.

Then, our old friend and nationally acclaimed writer Alan Topol will join us to discuss is latest international thriller, THE RUSSIAN END GAME.  Allan has also been speaking out a good bit on the Syrian conflict, and just what America’s role should be. He will have much to talk about on both the current international level, as well as his new book involving the Russians.  You can read all about his new book by Clicking Here.

 

Finally, one of the most bizarre the escapes from a federal prison happened right here in my home state Louisiana.  Author Byron Christopher’s book, The Man Who Mailed Himself Out of Jail, is about a killer and escape-artist Richard Lee McNair.  How was he able to escape from a federal penitentiary?  We will find out.  More on the book by Clicking Here.  So be sure and tune in for a lively weekend radio show. Check local times and stations. The “Common Sense” program is heard coast-to-coast. We’ll see you on the radio.

I’ll admit that I have always wanted to be a magician.  I understand that illusion can be created with mirrors, boxes with false bottoms, and light.  But I also like the lighter trick that all of us can do..  I came across this short clip of some basic, but fun magic.  And if you are a magic fan like me, you might want to take a look below.

The Thai telecommunications conglomerate True is getting rave reviews worldwide for its latest spot, “Giving,” which tells the story of a man unexpectedly rewarded for a lifetime of good deeds he performed without expecting anything in return. TrueMove too says it “believes in the power of giving without expecting a return.” Watch this fresh and inspirational story.

What gives in the nations’ capitol?  Why all these new laws being proposed? Congress today seems not to understand the difference between violation of a regulation and a crime.  There are a number of actions that are illegal but not criminal, and if criminal, then do not necessarily have to be federal crimes. Have we reached the point where people in Louisiana and throughout the country have come to accept that any federal agency with power is some how a police power? I sure hope not.  Read my new column now posted that looks at this serous problem.  You can read it now by hitting the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio weekend is close at hand, and we are preparing a lively “Common Sense” show for listeners coast to coast. Going to war in Syria will be a hot topic, and we will discuss the positives and negatives of the US war with Brian Mauro, a national security analyst.. He will join us for the first hour.  Brian heads up The Clarion Project, and you can find out more about his organization by Clicking Here.

And how actively involved will the Tea Party and conservative organizations be in the coming 2014 senate elections.  Will strong conservative candidates actually hurt or help the Republican effort to take over control of the U.S. Senate?  Senatorial candidate Rob Manus, from Louisiana, is trying to be one of those conservative new senators. He will join us to talk about his campaign, and the conservative movement in general.  You can find out ore about Rob by Clicking Here.  So be sure and join us for an informative program.  Check your local listings for times and stations.

My buddy Clint Eastwood may soon be handing out a fistful of dollars in his divorce settlement. Sadly, “Dirty Harry” and his much younger wife have separated after 17 years of marriage. I tried to tell Clint to be careful in marrying younger women. But old guys never pay attention. (Actually, I met Clint one night a ways back in New Orleans, and spent a good while talking to him about staying in shape to feel much younger. He now has three ex-wives and eight kids. I’ll just betcha he will be married again before you know it.

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.