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.
.

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.

 

How bailout this amazing ending to a NEW ROCHELLE-MT VERNON BOYS BASKETBALL game? “¨While it seems like there’s a new crazy, jaw-dropping buzzer beater made every other day, this one from the championship game in White Plains, N.Y. might top all of them. Talk about a crazy ending. Take a look and see if you can figure out just who won?

 

Here’s a gut-wrenching story of incompetence by a public official if you ever read one.  A state senator in Colorado scolds rape victim for supporting concealed carry on a college campus.  Do you get this? The brave young college student in the video below was raped, and only wished she had had a gun. You’ll be dumbfounded at the Senator’s comments that the gun would not have helped. Take a look.

 

ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS A SHOTGUN,

TWO SHELLS, AND INSURANCE, HUH?

The ongoing gun debate had two new elements added to the mix this past week.  Vice President Joe Biden suggested that a shotgun was all any individual needed for self-protection. And several states proposed legislation that would to require gun owner’s insurance for anyone possessing a firearm.  Do either of these proposals make sense?  Not from my way of thinking.   And I speak form past experience of being a gun owner and being an Insurance Commissioner.  Take a look at my new column and see what you think.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

It’s radio time as the weekend approaches, and we have a full agenda to talk about in Sunday’s nationally syndicated radio show.  Will the government shutdown with the so-called sequestration? And what does sequestration mean in the first place? What’s happened to the immigration debate? Will any changes really have a chance to be put into law, or will the present immigration laws stay on the books?  Same goes for the current and controversial gun debate taking place.  Yes, we have a lot to cover.

And how about the present arguments by some that we   should “give up on the Constitution” because Washington and the other Founding Fathers “knew nothing of our present situation.””¨”¨ John Berlau, who has been on our show before, “¨and is a Senior Fellow for Finance and Access to Capital”¨Competitive Enterprise Institute, says “Washington knew more about the ‘present situation’ of entrepreneurs frustrated by government hurdles than most legal academics writing for the New York Times could ever ‘remotely’ hope to.”¨”¨John will join us during our first hour to talk about how relevant  the constitution is today.

 And is America prepared for a massive cyber attack?  The threat of cyber warfare has suddenly become very real, with President Obama signing an executive order mandating development of standards to protect the computer systems that run critical sectors of the economy and directing U.S. defense and intelligence agencies to share classified threat data with those companies.  Author Charles Martin will join the show to discuss his chilling new novel, “Provacateur.”Â  You read about it by Clicking Here.

 So join us.  We will see you on the radio!

Just when it seems like we only see bad things on the news, a story like the one below comes around and makes us all feel a little bit better. A mentally challenged young high school basketball player gets a chance to actually play. He is overwhelmed, and really feels the attention. You’re not going to believe what happens by one of the opposing players. This has to make you feel good. Take a look below.

The former president of one of the Louisiana’s largest parishes (counties) is heading to jail.  Aaron Broussard is preparing to head to prison for three years and 10 months for conspiracy to commit bribery and theft from a program receiving federal funds.  “I apologize for disgracing my office,” said Broussard shortly after he learned of his sentence.  He was one of Louisiana’s longest serving public officials and was well known all over the state.  Most observers will tell you Broussard was a progressive public official who did a lot of good for his constituents. But he let his guard down, and sought personal benefit that brought him down.

It was 10 1/2 years ago on a Sunday morning when Broussard appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” as the damage of Katrina throughout south Louisiana was still overwhelming. Federal help was slow in arriving. Broussard or gave an impassioned speech, breaking down in tears.  You can see his emotional response to Moderator Tim Russet’s questions below.

BIG BANKS AND THEIR CRIMINAL LEADERS GO SCOTT FREE!

 After years of financial chicanery, federal prosecutors have decided that Wall Street manipulators are both too big to fail, and too big to jail. There has been a pattern of the largest banks on Wall Street engaging in the most relentless and irresponsible behavior ““ and this has undermined the entire U.S. financial system.  “Nobody goes to jail. This is the mantra of the financial”“crisis era, one that saw virtually every major bank and financial company on Wall Street embroiled in obscene criminal scandals that impoverished millions and collectively destroyed hundreds of billions s of the world’s wealth ““ and nobody went to jail.  It’s simply unbelievable. Take a look at my thoughts and analysis in my new column. You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by going to the Red Flashing Box at the top of the page.  And take a look at the PBS “Frontline investigation shown below.

A jam-packed show plans for the “Common Sense” weekend close at hand. What about these drones in the sky. In the last six months alone, some 5000 people have been killed in Afghanistan. Many supposedly are civilians. Are we on the right course here? Or are we taking lives irresponsibly? We’ll talk about it. Also, we’re going to discuss the role of women in the Catholic Church. Should nuns have more authority? Will the new pope open up a discussion about just what role women should have? This will be interesting.

 

My new column above talks about the criminality that is found throughout the banking system, and the lack of any aggressive federal prosecution. Why are these banks too big to fail, and too big to go to jail?  Louisiana Banker Preston Kennedy will be our guest, and he will talk about the greed and corruption that seems to be in engulfing the financial system, particularly big banks. I think he’s right on.

 

And we will have attorney and author Scott Mager on the show to talk about his popular motivation book “You are the Best.”Â  Scott tells you to quit worrying, eradicate the doubt in your life, refuse to be afraid, and get over any fear. Scott says that’s what happiness is all about.  You can read all about his new book by Clicking Here. So a jam-packed show, and we look forward to you joining us this weekend. See you on the radio.

Comedian Jon Stewart of The Daily how made much fun out of a new horsemeat scandal.  Apparently, in Europe, horsemeat had been mixed to a small degree in hamburger sold there. Stewart, and many of us were just aghast.  Horsemeat!  In our hamburgers?  What’s the world coming to?  Remember now, we Louisiana eat about anything. Nutria, alligator, muskrat, raccoons, you name it. It’s in our gumbos.  So what’s the big deal about horsemeat?  Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu is leading the fight in Washington to ban consumption of horsemeat in the U.S.  So Landrieu has no problem with eating Porky Pig, Donald Duck or Bambi. But it’s apparently a big deal to eat Mr. Ed. Check out my column from last year on this riveting issue by Clicking Here.  And check out Jon Stewart’s comments below.

Eleven years old and already a basketball prodigy.  Julian Newman is an 11 years old phenom out of Downey Christian School in Orlando, Florida.”¨He is 4’5″(135cm) and he plays against opponents that are 6 and 7 years older than him.”¨See this prodigy in action!”¨”¨Check him out below.  I he a future NBA star or what?

I have been a Les Miserables’s fan for many years, and anxiously anticipated the movie that came out recently. It certainly deserves an academy award.  And there are takeoffs worldwide.  The South Korean air force produced a Les Miserables video parody on YouTube for “motivational purposes.” This version of the19th century French novel-turned-musical has an alternate storyline. The plot lacks any mention of revolution, and instead consists of a Korean airman who wishes to have his girlfriend visit his base, despite an overbearing boss.  If you enjoyed the Broadway show or the movie, take a look.

Though I’m not a Catholic, I’ve always felt a strong bond with the Catholic Church.  The church will soon have a new pope, with the opportunity for reviewing the past, and making progress towards, what some feel, a needed change in the future.  Catholicism can have an affect on many non-Catholics like myself, and I look back at the influence of a number of catholic leaders who influenced my life.  Yes, even those of us who are not of the catholic faith are interested in the precepts and problems of the church today.  Check out my new column now posted about my thoughts on the future of the church.  You can read it now by gong to the Flashing Red Box above or by  Clicking Here.

As the weekend rolls around, it’s “Common Sense” Radio Time this Sunday.  And we sure have a lively show for our listeners cast to coast as well as this listening all over the world. Remember that some 15% of our listeners come from outside the United States, and we welcome them.  The Carnival cruise ship Triumph languished in the Gulf of Mexico for days, and certainly inconvenienced a large number of passengers. But was it really such a major story?  A lot of important things were happening worldwide and we will talk about them.

 

Kevin Cullen, author of WHITEY BULGER: America’s Most Wanted Gangster and the Manhunt That Brought Him to Justice, will join us for the first hour to talk about national manhunt the one on for 20 years.  Bulger was a major public enemy that, amazingly, had the FBI on his side. You be stunned by the story. Find out about this new book by Clicking Here.

 Then we take a look at Pope Benedict’s pending resignation, and the future of the Catholic Church.  Father Emmett Coyne will be our guest, who’s written a book about too much fear in the Catholic Church. The book is called “TheTheology of Fear,” and you can read more about it by Clicking Here.

 And Finally, Dr. Michael W. Wagner will come on the show to discuss the red-blue split within America today.  Is the United States a bitterly divided country, split along harsh partisan political lines, or are we a nation composed mostly of moderates trapped between the extremists yelling from either end of the ideological spectrum?  Wagner and colleagues Edward G. Carmines from Indiana University and Michael J. Ensley from Kent State University will explore these questions in their forthcoming book, “Beyond the Left-Right Divide: How the Multidimensional Character of Mass Policy Preferences Affects American Politics,” to be published later this year.

 

Those of you that follow my website and read my columns on  regular basis, know I have a history of being a hurdler. At least I was a pretty fair one some six belt notches going to waste.  Back in the 60s, I had the honor of representing my country as a member United States track team. I ran the sprints and the 400-meter relay, but was primarily a high hurdler.  But I never came close to receiving the attention of a young Australian hurdler name Michelle Jenneke.  She has been dubbed as the sexiest hurdler alive. You can check out her video below, and see why.

IMMIGRATION REFORM — PRINCIPAL OR POLITICS?

Immigration reform is back on the front burner as a major issue in Washington, and the Republicans are taking the lead.  When Senator John McCain was asked why Republicans were actively joining Democrats in a bipartisan effort to legalize millions of illegal immigrants, McCain forthrightly replied:  “Simple.  Elections — the Republican Party is losing the support of Hispanics.”Â  In other words, principal has gone by the wayside, and politics is the driving force to survive and succeed in the nations’ capitol.  Whatever happened to enforcing the law and allowing a legal path to entering the United States?  Check out my new column now posted and see if you agree. You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

And check out Ray Stevens below on illegal immigration.

The “Common Sense” radio show will again broadcast live this weekend from New York City.  Listeners throughout New Jersey and New York City can hear us over station WVNJ, 1160 A.M.  Sure it’s cold up here, with snow projected for the weekend. Quite a different changeup from the shorts and short sleeve shirt weather we have in my hometown in Baton Rouge.  But whatever the weather, we have a full and lively show plan for you; we hope you’ll tune in.

 We have heard so much, in the recent financial crisis, about how everybody has an idea that Wall Street and the politicians who are supposed to watch it are corrupt, not many people know how or why, or can it explain it in a way that everyone can understand.  Moshe Silver, a veteran compliance specialist and no-holds-barred financial sector analyst, can and will join us in the first hour of our Sunday program.

Silver not only exposes the TOP 3 WAYS WASHINGTON AND WALL STREET CAUSE THE FINANCIAL CRISIS, but does it in a way that anyone can understand; and he clearly spells out the ramifications for those of us who are not in the financial sector. His book is called “Fixing a Broken Wall Street,’ and you can read all about it by Clicking Here.

 And why is it that Government almost always responds to a crisis or tragedy by attacking the rights and privacy of law-abiding citizens?    First it was the Patriot Act, one of the worst pieces of legislation ever conceived by Congress.  Today, it is the Second Amendment and our privacy.  Tomorrow, it will be greater government control of the Internet.  And in the weeks ahead, it will be critical decisions about the debt ceiling and whether Washington will finally have the guts to cut spending and face the reality of an unsustainable $16 Trillion debt.  Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is chairman of a group called “Our America Initiative,” formed to defend our liberty and our economic freedom from the nonstop attacks by the government.  He will join us during the second hour of our program. You can find out more about Our America Initiative by Clicking Here. So be sure and join us.

The White House released a photograph of President. Obama shooting skeet up at Camp David, and immediately, the skeptics poured out of the woodwork. Was it a coincidence that the photograph was released right in the middle of the gun debate, showing that the president was gun owner himself?  Then to increase the skepticism, the White House issued a statement, printed below, saying that there should be absolutely no photo shopping of the president in shooting attire. Good luck! The photos started appearing on the Internet almost immediately.  You can see just a few shown below.

“This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph,” the White House statement read. “The photography may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.”

Almost immediately, an assortment of Photo shopped and variously captioned images sprouted up online, poking fun at the president.

In the current 2^nd Amendment gun debate, both gun control advocates and those citizens who demand the right to bear arms point to the U.S. Constitution as the source of their strong individual beliefs.  But are there really any guaranteed constitutional protections these days?  Both congress and the courts have slowly but methodically stripped away many of what we thought were our guaranteed constitutional rights.  The Patriot Act was one of the most un-American laws ever conceived and passed into law.  So does the Constitution really mean anything any more?  Take a look at my new column and see if you agree.  You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The “Common Sense Show” will be broadcast live this weekend from New York City.  Listeners they are can hear our program on one of our larger stations in the country, WBNJ, that is heard it throughout New York City as well as all of New Jersey.  Remember, listeners on the East Coast along the eastern seaboard hear our show one hour later from 10 AM until 12 noon on Sunday morning.

 We have a full agenda, with a variety of guests, so I hope you will tune in.  And since we are in the hot spot of the latest national disaster, we will talk with John Englander, whose new book, “High Tide on Main Street“ examines past weather patterns, and makes some predictions of future storms.  Yu can read about his new book by Clicking Here.

  We will also talk with the authors of a national best seller, “Rethinking Money.“ The book points out that just as computer operating systems become obsolete, so has our system of money. Complementary currencies are meant to be used alongside our federal dollars. There are more than 4,000 alternative currencies already working successfully throughout the world, including BerkShares in Massachusetts.  The authors, Bernard Lietaer and Jacqui Dunne, paint a fasicanating picture of how we will trade and pay in the future.  You; can read about their book by Clicking Here.

 A full packed program, so turn in.  We will see you on the radio.

It’s time that everyone in America speaks English. No exceptions. That’s the buzz phrase in many of the recent political campaigns around the country this past fall. In Alabama, a leading candidate for governor looks into the camera and says: “We speak English so if you cannot speak English or refuse to speak English, get out of Alabama and our country.” OK, so maybe government should only communicate in English. But what about your freedom of choice? Why should the government or anyone mess with your right to speak in any way you please? Humm! Take a look at a column I wrote several years back that is just as applicable today, and see if you agree. You can read it now by Clicking Here. And you will find the video below amusing and on target.

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

 

Does the national Republican Party have a problem? Many within the leadership ranks don’t think so. Not a problem say some party operatives.  Don’t overreact to the latest defeat.  The Democrats will screw things up and swing voters will be rushing back to the GOP column in the next election-right?  Not quite.  You have to go back to 1988 to find a Republican candidate for president who was able to garner more than half the popular vote.  In five of the past six elections, Democrats have out polled Republicans.  So what does the Republican Party need to do?  Take a look at my new column now posted.  You can read my thoughts by Clicking the Red Flashing Box above  or by Clicking Here.

Great Radio Listening this Weekend!

 

It’s a long, cold winter with plenty to talk about on the weekend “Common Sense” radio show.  This week, we look at healing thyself.  Stem Cell Therapy is quickly becoming a popular treatment for sports related injuries and as a fast and effective alternative to other injuries to the joints and spine. Stem cell therapy has proven to provide amazing results that has changed lives by using the body’s own stem cells to repair and heal itself.  Dr. Damon Noto is one of the few doctors in New York who perform stem cell therapy, and he will be our guest during the first hour of Sunday’s program.  For more information about his work, Click Here.

We will also talk about the current uncertain state of American’s national defense as well as the obesity epidemic in America that you and I as taxpayers are paying for. This and much more on the Common Sense program, so tune in.

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Jim Brown’s Common Sense

Tobacco Smoke Enema Kit

Tobacco Smoke Enemas (1750s ““ 1810s)

The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient’s rectum for various medical purposes, primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims.A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke towards the rectum.The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration, but doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase “blow smoke up one’s a@@.”

This has been reintroduced in Washington D.C. by members of congress from both parties. It’s about the best suggestion both Republicans and Democrats have come up with to deal with our anemic economy.

We have listeners on the “Common Sense” show from all over the world, and I generally talk about national and international issues, as most of you know. Many of you, who reside throughout the country, and outside United States, may not fully understand the uniqueness of my home state of Louisiana.  Now I know that many parts of the world are quite unique.  And we all think where we come from is a very special place.  I feel the same way about the Bayou State, and I hope you’ll take a minute to look over the video below. It will show you much of the charm of our wonderful state. Enjoy.

So the country avoided going over the fiscal cliff, and we were all saved from financial Armageddon! Right? Good luck! Congress did a lot more than just kick the can down the road. They dramatically increased spending by a mere  “4 Trillion Dollars,” and raised taxes on 77 % of the American population. Is it any wonder that a new poll has cockroaches with a higher favorability rate than members of congress? I kid you not. I try to put this whole financial mess in some perspective in my new column now posted. See just how this new law, supposedly passed to keep us from falling off the fiscal cliff, directly affects you. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here. And below is a simple explanation of what a sham the whole fiscal cliff crisis was in the first place.  Take a look.

Here is a great story about your government in action.The Montana Department of Employment, Division of Labor Standards claimed a small rancher was not paying proper wages to his help and sent an agent out to investigate him.

GOV’T AGENT: “I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them.”

RANCHER: “Well, there’s my hired hand who’s been with me for 3 years. I pay him $200 a week plus free room and board.
Then there’s the mentally challenged guy. He works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here.
He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night so he can cope with life.

He also sleeps with my wife occasionally.”

GOV’T AGENT: “That’s the guy I want to talk to – the mentally challenged one.”

RANCHER: “That would be me.”

One of my fellow talk show hosts on the Genesis Communications network is Alex Jones, who has a wide-ranging national audience, and can really light up the conservative base.  Alex started a petition to deport CNN’s Piers Morgan for advocating gun control. Morgan conducted one of his most entertaining interviews in a while on Monday night, although the term “interview” is perhaps a bit generous in describing the tirade from Alex. He quickly became unhinged without much input from Morgan, who got in only a couple words throughout the segment. The video is well worth your seven minutes, but if you don’t have time, Real Clear Politics transcribed the best parts. When Jones really took off, around two minutes in, he started jabbing his finger at Morgan and yelling: “I’m here to tell you, 1776 will commence again, if you try to take our firearms! It doesn’t matter how many lemmings you get out there in the street begging for them to have their guns taken. We will not relinquish them. Do you understand?”

 Later, when Morgan asked Jones if he knew how many gun homicides there were in Britain, Jones called him a “hatchet man of the new world order” and challenged him to a boxing match, in which “I’ll wear red, white, and blue, and you’ll wear your Jolly Roger.” Morgan, regrettably, did not accept.  Alex keeps you entertained.  Here is the whole interview below.

Those of you who follow this site know that I have written extensively about the criminal justice system, and particularly about prosecutors who cross the line.  It seems that every week, there are new allegations of prosecutorial misconduct across the country.  Texas has always been a hotbed for errant prosecutors who put obtaining a conviction ahead of any sense of justice and fair play.  But in the past few years, you would have to look far and wide to find a jurisdiction that is so beyond the norm that prosecutorial misconduct has almost become the modus operandi.  I’m talking about”¦where else but New Orleans.  Take a look at this week’s column that reviews this whole troubling area, and pin points a major new scandal in the Crescent City.  You will be appalled.  To read the column, go to the Red Flashing Box above, or Click Here.

This week’s radio schedule will be posted on Friday morning of this week.

Here is a marvelous video of a Female Yellow Lab with a little Downs Syndrome boy who has likely never seen a dog up close before. The dog is so gentle & keeps trying to engage the child. What a beautiful animal! If you only see one video this week – hope this is the one. Thanks to my good friend, former LSU basketball Coach Dale Brown for sharing this with me so that I could share it with you.

Hey, are you a Huey Lewis fan?  Huey Lewis and the News have been around for over 35 years, and I have been a fan from day one. Who can forget their great hit, “The Power of Love,” that was the theme song for the movie, “Back to the Future” starring Michael J. Fox?  So you can imagine the treat I had of hearing Huey Lewis in concert last week, and having the chance to visit with him for a while before the concert.  Take a listen to his major hit below.

Rape is a terrible atrocious thing for any person to have to deal with. But what happens when a judge makes light of it? That it was something that could have been avoided by the person being raped?  What kind of judge, making such outrageous statements, should be allowed to stay on the bench in the first place?  If you agree, click on the link below. This California judge should not be on the bench. He should be kicked out of public office. If you agree, sign the petition. This is a horrible thing to happen, and made worse by such an insensitive judge.  To find out more and sing this petition, Click Here.

The holiday trilogy of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s is just winding down as December 31^st approaches.  What are these special days supposed to mean to each of us?  Certainly lots of festive parties and family gatherings.  Shopping for all three holidays has become big business for retailers.   But what do they mean to us, individually?  Read over this week’s column now posted.  I suggest that the meaning is much more.  Another opportunity?  A second chance?  Read over my thoughts and see what you think and if you agree.  You can read the column now by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.

One more radio program for the year 2012.  And we certainly will have much to talk about.  We will look at the year in review, and make some predictions for 2013.  Have you made your New Year’s resolutions?  I have a number of my own to share with you.  The fiscal cliff, guns, video games, mental health”¦boy, we can go on and on.

Author Brian Vanyo will join us to talk about his new book, the American ideology. Brian is unconstitutional scholar, goes back to the founding fathers. He has concerns about the growing national debt, class warfare, and too much regulation.  But whose fault is it, Republicans or Democrats? I’ll ask Brian all this. You can find out more about his new book by Clicking Here. 

You wake up one morning and your bank account is inaccessible””you can’t pay for so much as a cup of coffee. You can’t get your prescriptions filled and even if you did, you have no way of knowing if they’ve been contaminated. Every form of communication is down. Trucks can’t get through endless miles of gridlock to deliver food.  Even if they could get the public utilities back online, you have no way of knowing if the water has been polluted.  Sound like science fiction or an episode of Revolution?  HIDING IN SUNSHINE , John and Caitlin Stuart’s tautly realistic thriller,  paints a chilling picture of what could actually happen if there was a cyber-attack on the physical infrastructure and banking system in America,The authors will join us on the show, and you can read more about their book by Clicking Here.

So a lively New Year’s eve program.  Be sure to listen.  We will see you on the radio!  And Happy New Year!

I have not witnessed such a soul searching and intense debate over anything so controversial since the aftermath of 9/11.  The terrible tragedy in a small Connecticut town has brought our country to tears, anger and frustration.  And there are no easy answers.  But at least there seems to be a new climate for the beginnings of a serious debate.  No, we don’t want to give up our guns, at least in my part of the country.  But is there a middle ground?  Let’s hope so.  My column, now posted, takes a look at the present climate for compassion and logical thinking.  You can read it now by Clicking Here or by going to the Flashing Red Box above.

And  daughter Campbell has penned an opinion piece that is being picked up by news outlets around the country.  Se says this rhetoric is detrimental on both sides of this volatile argument.  You can read her column by Clicking Here.

 Well, the weekend is here, we’re all set for lively Sunday Christmas show. Of course, the whole gun debate will be front and center, with so many people searching for answers to stop the violence. But which when we go? Is it limiting guns? More money for mental health? How about videogames? There’s a whole litany of solutions, and we will talk about what make common sense.  Peter Cohan will offer the economic side to the issue. “The number of guns made in the US rose 16% between 2010 and 2011 to 6.4 million guns, and the FBI expects to run 17.8 million firearm Peter is a management consultant and venture capitalist and teaches strategy at Babson College. He’s appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, CNBC, and PBS’s Wall $treet Week.

 Also joining our program will be Dr. Linda Miles who agrees that much needs to change in both areas. Invite her to talk about the lack of services for young men like the shooters in Connecticut, Colorado and Oregon. She’ll explain the importance of getting communities involved in mental health issues and the need for treatment.

And finally, Dr. Daniel B. Botkin, scientist and renegade naturalist will join us to discuss his new book, THE MOON IN THE NAUTILUS SHELL, where he draws on new research and statistics, case studies on climate change, and personal observations to explain that too frequently we rely on folklore rather than fact as the basis for our environmental policies. You can read all about his book by Clicking Here. So a fully packed program, and we hope you will join us this weekend.

I’m a Flashmob fan, and have posted a number of such gatherings from time to tike on this site.  But the one below has special meaning over this holiday season.  I post this great version of the Hallelujah Chorus every year.  If you have not seen it and have not gotten swept up in the Ho9iday season, you have quite a treat in store.  Be sure and watch the video below.