I wish I had the knack to write a good poem. I’ve tried, but I’m just not very good at it. A few have this special gift to make words flow and dance across the page. Robert Hass has such a gift and he has become one of the country’s most well read poets. Hass has won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and he has served as the poet Laureate of the United States. I caught up with him at a recent reading down at Tulane University, my law school alma mater, a few weeks ago. Check out my interview below.
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A LOUISIANA GUY THEY COULD CALL MR. PRESIDENT?
Here’s your question for the day! Name a Louisiana resident who seriously considered running for President?  Here are a few hints to round out his profile. His resume’ shows that he was well educated and intelligent, was a member of congress, was elected governor of Louisiana”¦.and is short. Several candidates come to mind, right? Bobby Jindal, and now, Buddy Roemer. But there were more who flirted with the nation’s top job. Click Here to read my new column or go to Jim’s New Column on top right.
Buddy Roemer looks to be off to an impressive start in his initial visit to Iowa. He made a good impression at the first Presidential Forum, according to a number of press reports. To watch his presentation, see the video below.
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Now I’ve got to tell ya, Buddy has some tough competition out there. If you have any doubts, check out the approach of Paris Hilton be
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The “Common Sense” radio show this weekend has a full array of guests. There will also be continuing analysis of both what’s happening in the Middle Ease, as well as an update on the Tsunami in Japan.  Then, I’ll have author “˜Steven Rosenbaum, who, in his new book  Curation Nation, “curates the curators” by gathering together  insight and advice from the top thinkers in media, advertising, publishing, commerce, and Web technologies. Full information about his book can be found by Clicking Here.
The Ken Kamen joins me to talk personal finance. He zeroes in on the philosophy of investments, advising readers how best to maintain a strong financial position, especially given the latest run of economic jitters. And he does so by leveling the knowledge of investments, scrutinizing the past, and scouring the present for lessons to be learned.  His new book, Reclaim Your Nest Egg, is available by Clicking Here.
And finally, with Monica Lewinsky back in the news, I’ll talk with Ken Gormley who teaches law at Duquesne University. In 1999, the shocking revelation of President Clinton’s affair with a White House intern captivated the nation and nearly sank his career as well as that of prosecutor Ken Starr. Professor Gormley has new insights that have never been reported in his new book, The Death of American Virtue. More information is found by Clicking Here.
A really full and informative show is scheduled this Sunday, from 9:00 am central time until 11:00 am, on the Genesis Communications Network. You can also listen on the world wide web by accessing my radio program at the top of this site.
During my annual baseball spring training trip to Tampa each year, I spend my mornings at the Bollettieri Institute trying to stay in good shape for a guy my age. This is one of the premier training facilities in the country with professional athletes in a number of sports coming here to reach peak fitness. Many of the world’s top tennis pros live there year round. Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton spent the week at the Institute while I was there. The facility includes state of the arts training programs in football, basketball, tennis, soccer, baseball and golf. The Institute’s founder, Nick Bollettieri, takes a few minutes out of a training session to visit above.
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The guy who runs the tennis program at Bollettieri is Red Aimee, who is a Louisiana naïve from Laplace.  Red has been looking out for me at the Institute for a number of years, and we visited about his program above.
One of Red Aimee’s top players is Sabine Lasicki from Germany. She is nationally ranked, and obviously has a bright future ahead. That’s me above giving her a few pointers. (Yeah, right!) You can check out her website by Clicking Here.
A great weekend at the Natchez Literary and Film Festival recently. Director Carolyn Smith (pictured above), and old friend from my Ferriday days, was the Executive Director and did a first rate job. Writers and film makers from around the country came to give advice to new authors and film makers. Natchez is quite a place with more anti bellum homes than anywhere else in the country. I broadcast my radio show live two Sundays ago from Monmouth Plantation, one of the real Nachez gems. I’m pictured below with Monmouth owner Lori riches, who lives in California, but travels to Natchez monthly to oversee her vast property.
So you want to have your own anti bellum home? I can tell you from personal experience that it is a real labor of love. The video below tells about my major undertaking to live in a historic home.
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ARE BASEBALL AND POLITICS INTERTWINED?
Just what is America’s favorite pastime? Is it baseball or politics? The past few years offered interesting contrasts. On one hand, we went from a full-blown presidential campaign right into a major political controversy of how to “stimulate” the economy. Certainly in the past year, politics has become a major spectator sport both in Louisiana and throughout the rest of the country. But don’t sell baseball short. Not only has baseball been around longer than any of America’s professional team sports, the game’s highs and lows have been injected in national politics almost from the sport’s inception. I’m in Tampa, Florida this week check out the major league baseball teams as I do each march. And politics always enters into the discussion. So check out my new column by Clicking Here.
You can also catch me on the radio the rest of this week in Baton Rouge on WJBO am from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. We will talk about the latest US Supreme Court decision allowing vicious hate speech to interrupt a soldier’s funeral. And how about Louisiana’s own former Governor buddy Roemer announcing for President? (Of what you say? How about Prez of the U.S.?) So tune in this week, and you can listen on the worldwide web at http://www.WJBO.com.
And below are some scenes from my week in the Tampa area. As you can see, I have a big time every year.
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REAPPORTIONMENT BLUES-NO RIGHT TO CHOOSE!
It’s redistricting time for legislators, both in Louisiana and throughout the country. Criticism that decisions are being shaped behind closed doors is raining down on this politically sensitive process. Lawmakers in my home state have scheduled a number of meetings to discuss the process of divvying up the various political boundaries including congressional, public service commission, and their own legislative districts. Many of the sessions are not open to the public.  “Wrong!” cry the press and the good government groups. But the question should be, why are legislators meeting at all? Check out why there is a much better way to proceed in a non-partisan way that gets the politics out of the process. you can read my new column now by Clicking Here.
And please note that I will be making my annual trip next week to Tampa, Florida for baseball spring training. I’ll certainly have a new column up next week on baseball and politics. See you then.
A full and lively radio program is scheduled for this Sunday, as I will have the pleasure of broadcasting live from Natchez, Mississippi. The “Common Sense” radio show will be part of the Natchez Book festival and I will have broadcast facilities set up at historic Monmouth Plantation in the heart of one of the nation’s most historic cities. Several of the authors making presentations will be guests on the show.
There are a number of stations in Mississippi that carry the “Common Sense” program, including Jackson (WPBQ am), Hattiesburg (WHSY am), and McComb (WHNY). We will also have on the show Oxford, Mississippi author Curtis Wilkie, who just published a riveting new book, “The Fall of the House of Zeus.’ It’s the true story of Mississippi lawyer Dickie Scruggs, one of the most successful plaintiff’s lawyers ever, who became entwined in a legal bribery scandal that sent him and many others to jail, and reads like a John Grisham novel. To order his compelling book, Click Here.
So be sure to listen in this Sunday, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time on stations throughout the country, or right here on the world wide web.
Now I’m sure you will agree that everyone needs to get a way to the islands from time to time. I tuned out last week on the back side of St. John in the Virgin Islands at the invitation of my law school roommate, and came back with some stories to tell.  Do you know where Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island:” is located? Well check out my video below and I’ll give you the whole background. And by the way, the temperature on St. John says between 75 and 80 degrees all year long. How boring. (Yeah, right!)
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Below is my visit with Tom Lawson, a Virginia lawyer who spends a great deal of time on St. John and has developed quite a reputation as a painter in the Islands. His Picasso like figures blend in with Tom’s island interpretations, and have become quite popular. Take a look as Tom explains his approach to his art.
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Remember singer Pat Boone? The guy in the white bucks who played and sang in all those smaltzy movies, and who was the All American guy? I ran into him up in Washington last week while attending the Washington Mardi Gras Ball. He’s become a vociferous conservative politician. I tried to be polite, and merely wanted to hear his favorite song. Take a look at what happened in the video below.
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 The 34th President of the United States took office 50 years ago last week, with tributes and remembrances flowing from all over the world.  But to Republicans and Democrats alike, John Kennedy seemed to capture the hearts of the American people in a way that was unique in presidents before or since. And from the first stirrings of his efforts to become president, to events that took place after his death, my home state of Louisiana held a special place in the Kennedy legacy. You can read my new column now by Clicking Here.
President Kennedy at the Crowley Rice Festival with Judge and Mrs. Edmund reggie.
Louisiana attorney Camille Gravel is pictured with Jackie Kennedy at the Rice Festival. Gravel was legal counsel to numerous Louisiana Governors.
I had the distinct honor this past weekend to be inducted into the Louisiana political hall of Fame. Each year, the board of directors selects several honorees to recognize who have been actively involved in Louisiana Politics. The Hall location is in Winnfield, Louisiana, home of former Louisiana governors Huey and Earl Long. The museum there is filled with memorabilia collected over the years. You can see some highlights from my special night below.
I’m joined by two other new members-Chief Justice of the La. Supreme Court Kitty Kimball, and Ralph Pearlman, who oversaw Louisian’s budget for many years.
Louisiana Fifth District Congressman Rodney Alexander stopped by for a visit.
The Long name is quite special in this part of the state, and I’m joined at the reception by State Senator Gerald Long, and his cousin, former State Representative Jimmy Long.
One of the instigating forces behind the Hall of Fame is Washington lobbyist and native Louisianan Ted Jones. As you can see from the photo above, Ted is a multi-talented guy and a long time friend.
Curent Louisiana Secretry of State Tom Schedler stopped by for a visit in from of my exhibit. I kid Tom that he has some big shoes to fill following my tenure in the job back in the 1980s.
Daughter Gentry joins me for the special occasion.  She remembers well being quite a campaigner in years past.
Just a few campaign items gathered up over 28 years in public office. It will be nice to have them out of boxes and displayed for years to come.
So who ya’ rootin’ for in the Super Bowl game on Sunday? It’s an easy choice for me living down here in Louisiana. The Packers are one of the best examples of how a sports franchise should operate. They don’t go to the state capitol hat in hand, looking for a handout. The team is owned by citizen stockholders all over Wisconsin, and the Packers’ management doesn’t regularly try to blackmail public officials into giving more handouts under threat of picking up and moving the franchise. Louisiana could learn a lesson from Green Bay. You can read my thoughts in my new column now posted by Clicking Here.
Hey, we have a full blown and lively radio show planned for this Sunday morning, and I hope you will have a chance to tune in. A full update and analysis of the exploding Egyptian revolution in the making. And when you see TV film of the rioting and demonstrations in Cairo, do you notice all the young people involved? Sixty per cent of the population there is under 30. Young demonstrators’ and political activists are and in full force throughout the Middle Ease. A far cry from the limited number of young activists in America today.
 Also joining me on the show is historian Marc Schulman, whose new book, “JFK History Maker,” offers a modern tribute to President John Kennedy, who was inaugurated 50 years ago. He offers a fresh new look at the Presidency from the perspective of events than have taken place over the past five decades. The book can be ordered by Clicking Here.
 I’ll also be joined by New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf, whose new book, “These Things Hidden,” tells the chilling and absorbing story of an unconscionable murder. Heather has also been a strong advocate for “Safe Haven Laws,” which are growing in popularity throughout the country. Her new novel can be ordered by Clicking Here
 A full show, so be sure and tune in or listen to our podcast. See you on the radio Sunday all over American and worldwide on the Genesis Communications Network.
The new “Twilight” film has captivated my home town of Baton Rouge with movie star sightings occurring throughout the city daily. The various movie sets are surrounded by fans who want to catch a glimpse of the stars. One of the films main actors is Cameron Bright, who has made over 20 films, and starred with the likes of Robert De Niro and Nichole Kidman. Cameron and family members joined the Brown household for dinner this week. He is a well spoken young man, so take a look at his thoughts.
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We all seem consumed with our electronic toys, don’t we? Smart phones, I Pads, texting and emailing continually. Wouldn’t it be nice to take a break, just shop a bit, and get away from all the wave of new products that supposedly tell us how to communicate? A bit of sarcasm here. Take a look at the video below.
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New Orleans continues to maintain its premier position of the murder capital of America, and one of the top five murder cities in the world. Eighteen murders so far this year. Five murders took place on the day of celebration for Martin Luther King.  Is the city setting new record, and just what’s wrong? And I have a few stories to tell about some of the worst murders in the Crescent City. And you will find of great interst troubadour Bob Dylan’s thoughts. Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by Clicking Here.
 And we have a lively and interesting weekend radio show planned on Sunday, January 26th. My guest will be Christopher A. Preble who is the director of foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute. He is the author of three books including The Power Problem: How American Military Dominance Makes Us Less Safe, Less Prosperous and Less Free , which documents the enormous costs of America’s military power, and proposes a new grand strategy to advance U.S. security. You can get more information and order the book by Clicking Here.
Valerie Plame went form a clandestine CIA agent working the Middle East to a national celebrity once she was “outed” by the Bush White House. The compromising of her secret activities with the CIA led to a Justice Department investigation with which exposed that there was a coordinated at the highest levels of government to embarrass her husband, Joe Wilson. The Vice President’s Chief of Staff, “Scooter” Libby went to jail over the violation of federal law. Since then Valerie has written a book and her story was told in the movie, Fair Game,” starring Shawn Penn and Naomi Watts who portrayed Valerie. We visited about her efforts to speak the truth against the powers that be.
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Can you weave a web of symbolism in numbers? Many people do. Look at the number “one.” One is the first number used when counting and therefore it is considered to have great power; without it there would be no numbering system as we know it. Every numerical system we are aware of has had one as its initial starting point. As one is common to all numbers, it is often seen as the origin of all things and represents perfection, absolute, and deity in monotheistic faiths. So how about the fact that this is a special year for using number one.
This year, we will experience four quite unusual dates. 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11. And 11/11/11. Now here is where it gets real freaky. Take the last 2 digits of the year you were born, and then add the age you will turn this year. That’s right. Add them together. Hummmmm. This is a special year for you because of the number one.
Could you believe it? A number of pundits who watched the state of the Union “response” this week for several Republicans where saying: Hey, we miss Bobby Jindal.” Two Republican voices took the political TV stage following the President. First came Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.), and then came fiery Michele Bachmann (Minn.). They both said the government spends too much money, but neither gave any specifics. They both gave the same pledge: We’re working on it. So Big Deal! Down here in Louisiana, we are saying: “Let Bobby give it a shot again. As bad as he did two years ago, the recent responses have been dry rag dull with “no beef.” Remember the Jindal days?
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After eight and a half years in a federal prison, Louisiana’s prodigal son has come home. And far from quietly slipping back into home confinement, the former Louisiana governor was greeted with the attraction generally reserved for a rock star. There was the kind of media coverage and public fascination generally reserved for a President or the Pope. Even the Kingfish would have been envious. Edwin Edwards is back. You can read about all the hype over his return by Clicking here. or going to “Jim’s New Column” in upper right corner box of this site.
Because my publishing company, The Lisburn Press, had published the recent biography of Edwin Edwards, I was asked to do a number of interviews as to why there is so much interest in the former governor. I was  interviewed on NBC’s Channel 33, and you can watch the whole interview below.
To watch the interview about the huge interest in Edwin Edwards, Click Here.
To watch an additional interview as to what Edwards will be doing in his new job, Click Here.
On my radio show this past Sunday, I interviewed Linda and Tony Cole, who discussed vividly and emotionally about a silent stalker who caused great hardship for their son Anthony. This young man collapsed n his school program, and no one knew that he had Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which is a congenital heart condition. It took 13 attempts to start his heart, and he was in a coma for over a year. Today, Anthony is fully dependent on his family. His tragic case points out the importance of proper medical screening, even for young folks like Anthony. I would urge every parent to read Linda and Tony’s book, “Resurrecting Anthony.” You can order this compelling book by Clicking Here.
 
Are there political lessons to be learned from Saturday’s tragic shootings in Tucson? The talk show pundits on both the left and right would have us believe that the other side’s hyper-partisanship has been the catalyst for a growing vehemence and hatred that led to the terrible violence by one deranged killer. Are there underlying causes to explain this shocking event that can be directed towards either side of the political spectrum? But killings tragically happen, and birds fall from the sky. Stuff happens, and the mentally deranged can do some terrible things. We sure saw that in Tucson last week. My column now posted looks at political opportunism, and the lack of mental care in America. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
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FULL SCHEDULE OF ISSUES ON SUNDAY RADIO
 We won’t have to worry about what all to talk about on my Sunday radio program. The shooter in Tuscan, and just what his motives were.  What looks to be the same old gridlock in Washington? Pro footballer Michael Vick wants a dog. What? The dog killer wants another one? Good luck with that! And remember the chilling Hitchcock movie “The Birds?” Who can forget those massive flying flocks diving down on the heroine of the movie, actress Tippi Hedren!” Well guess what? Tippi will be a guest during the 10:00 hour (central time). So much to talk about and I sure hope you will tune in. You can listen live over this site, and in stations all over America. See you on the radio.
Johnny Mathis has to be one heck of a singer with real staying power. I first saw him in a concert back in 1958. And he’s still going strong. We had a visit this past weekend over in Biloxi at the Beau Rivage resort. Johnny tells me he plays tours and plays golf 250 days a year. And his voice is just as strong and mellow today as it was over 60 years ago.
 I told him about seeing him perform at the Chase-Park Plaza Hotel when I was a senior in high school. I took my then girl friend to a dinner theatre, and we arrived a few minutes early to see the cities’ sites from the top of the hotel. As we were coming down the elevator, Johnny got on heading down for his show. We said hello then and he walked with us towards the showroom entrance, before heading for the side door. The concert was great and his big hit them was “Misty.” After the show, I asked for my check. “No charge sir. You’re with Mr. Mathis.” Wow! The waiter must have seen us walk in with Johnny and assumed we were part of his entourage. So a full dinner and concert, all on Johnny. He really laughed when I told him the story last week.
You will see below one of the most disturbing videos I can recall watching in a long time. But I feel it is a must view for you and particularly young members of your family. There still is way too much drunk driving in this country, particularly in my home state of Louisiana. Prepare for some rough viewing, but definitely watch this video below.
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It does not seem like that far back that I was elected to my first statewide office and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. In 1979, I won the election for Louisiana Secretary of State. I was able to build a new state Archives, re write the election code and modernize the whole corporation laws and requirements in Louisiana. My good friend Tom Schedler just took over the office, and we recently had the chance to visit about a number of ways to update the focus of the office in the years to come. He filled an unexpired term and will have to run for re election this fall.
So happy New Year! And by the way, get ready for higher property insurance rates along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana. One would think that if anything, homeowner’s rates would be going down. After all, there has been virtually no hurricane activity in the Gulf for the past four years. And with the national economic slump, home prices have dropped which should translate into lower insurance rates. Not so say the experts. My column this week takes a look at why you will no doubt pay more for the cost of property insurance, particularly if you live in Louisiana. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Sunday’s “Common Sense” radio show is shaping up to be a lively two hours, and I hope you will be able to join us. With the New Year, there will be plenty of topics to cover. On our agenda is an interview with singer Johnny Mathis. He preformed this week at the Beau Ravage resort in Biloxi, and I had a chance to visit with the musical icon that has been a headliner for more than 50 years.
 Also scheduled on the show is award- winning writer Tess Smith McGovern, who has a new concept of bringing a variety of short stories to you in the palm of your hand. She will be with us during the 10:00 hour. Plus much current news of dead blackbirds and whether or not football star and dog torturer Michael Vick should have a dog. (I vote NO!)
 So be sure and tune in this Sunday morning, January 9th, on stations nationwide or right here over the worldwide web at the top of this site. Our show airs from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time. See you on the radio.
Spring is not too far away, and that, to me, means baseball season. Each year, I travel with a regular group of guys to spring training in Tampa, Fla. A work out at the Bollettieri athletic training camp in the morning, and a different major league ball game in the afternoon. It’s a treat to meet die hard baseball fans from all over the country. I had the chance last weekend to swap some baseball memories with LSU successful baseball coach Paul Mainieri. We are pictured below. He cleans up pretty good for a ball coach.
 
Also pictured below is Maria Sharapova, who trains at the Bollettieri complex. Nice scenery while working out.
Have you been following the new wave of extemporaneous “Flash Mobs?’ Well, it’s not completely extemporaneous, but a few, generally young folks, pre arrange to join in song or dance in a public location. Take a look at one of my favorites. A Christmas Food Court Flash Mob singing the Halleluiah Chorus. And notice all the average folks who just join in. Hooray for Flash mobs.
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We are winding down the old and bringing in the new. I’m taking a bit of time to think back over some memorable past New Years. Some go back more than four decades. Join me on memory lane by reading over my new column. You can get it now by Clicking Here.  Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
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It’s the day after New Year’s this Sunday, and we have a fully packed radio show planned. We hope you can find time to spend two hours with us from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time. Of course we will be talking about your New Year’s resolutions, and what to expect on the national scene. We join you in hoping for a much better 2011.
 Hey, how would you spend your life if you had just one year to live? Jim’s guest will be Clint Arthur, who has written several books on how to change our life in the year to come. Here’s just a few of the topics I’ll be covering with Clint in our second hour on Sunday.
 1) Why do so many people give up on New Year’s resolutions by the end of January? Â
2) What are the 5 things our listeners must do immediately to make 2010 the best year of their life?
3) How does a person’s subconscious mind trick them into short-changing themselves, and how can a person turn that around?
4) How did you quit smoking, lose 40-pounds, and triple your income, and why will only 1 out of 34 people be able to quit smoking this year?
5) So let’s use smoking as an example, tell us the 11 ways to keep your resolution to quit smoking.
6) Are there actually some very common goals that do more harm than good? Â
7) A lot of people have friends who are holding them back ““ how can our listeners stop their friends from destroying their dreams and ambitions?
 Got your interest?  We will cover much more with Clint Arthur on Sunday. Be sure to tune in.  To access Clint’s website and order his several books, by Clicking Here.
New York Times correspondents David Rohde has quite a story to tell. He was a reporter for the Times in Afghanistan, and set out in November of 2008 to interview a Taliban commander. Unfortunately, he was headed for nothing but trouble. He is kidnapped and spends eight months in a Taliban make shift prison with no contact to the outside world. Finally, eight months later, he escapes, and has quite a story to tell.  We visited recently in Washington and I was mesmerized by his wild tale. David will be a guest on my Sunday radio show in late January. His new book is about the entire ordeal, and can be ordered by Clicking Here.
It’s getting close to redistricting time for legislators, and the criticism that decisions are being shaped behind closed doors is already raining down on this politically sensitive process. But when legislators draw the reapportionment lines, isn’t that a real conflict of interest? We don’t pick our legislators”¦they pick us! There has to be a better way. Check out my new column on the abuses of the present reapportionment system, and some ideas to make it work better. Check out my new column by Clicking Here.
It’s a busy two weeks for me on the radio, and I hope you will have the opportunity to tune in. I’ll be hosting a two hour daily program on the voice of my hometown in Baton Rouge, WJBO.  You can catch me on the air each weekday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm central time. It’s hard to believe that over 30% of my listeners and visitors to this website come from outside the United States. So for those of you who tune in over the internet, you can catch the show at http://www.wjbo.com.
My Sunday show is syndicated all over America, and I we have a huge internet audience that averages well over 300,000 listeners. You can listen on each Sunday morning by coming right here to this site. And we podcast every show to allow you to listen at any time of day or night. By the way, all the shows I did in New Orleans at Clear Channel’s WRNO are also available in the box at upper right on this page. On this Sunday’s show, I’ll take a look at where our country is heading in 2011, so I hope you can tune in.
And to all of you who have supported me on the radio and by reading my weekly columns, let me wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for keeping an eye on me.
 
It wasn’t that long ago when the economy was churning. So instead of planning a reduction of the deficit, both political parties in the nation’s capitol joined the fray by adding massive entitlement programs, cutting taxes, and entering two wars that cost several trillion dollars. Both parties in Washington are supporting a second stimulus package that will blow another $1 trillion hole in the budget. Forget the ever growing deficit. And the same problem exists here in my home state of Louisiana. Check out my new column on irresponsible spending now posted. You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by going to Jim’s New Column on upper right.
 
Radio listeners throughout south Louisiana can catch me on the radio for the rest of this year on WJBO out of Baton Rouge. We will cover a lively review of both national and local issues that took place during 2010. You can listen on the worldwide web at www.WJBO.com. The program is broadcast weekdays from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm central time.
Surprise last Sunday if you tried to tune in to my weekly Sunday radio show. The winter storm and heavy snow not only postponed the Minnesota Vikings-New York Giants football game in Minneapolis, but also caused my show to be cancelled. I broadcast the show from Baton Rouge or New Orleans each week, but the actual transmission goes out over three different satellites from Minneapolis. My producer and engineer support were not able to leave their homes the storm was so bad, and the Genesis Communications studios were shut down.
So we are back on for this Sunday with a repeat of many of the topics scheduled from last week. The corruption of politicians with campaign money will be the focus of the first hour this week. we will talk about how money is the key, and qualifications mean little. My guests include Gabriela Schneider from the Sunlight Foundation in Washington, D.C. as well as Meredith McGehee, who is the policy director at the Campaign Legal Center, also in the nation’s capitol. They both will join me during the 9:00 am hour central time.
Also joining me at 10:00 am central time will be author Eric Lamet, who tells of his flight with his parents from Hitler’s Germany to Italy during World War II. It’s a riveting and important Holocaust memoir. So tune in this Sunday on your local station or on this site. See instructions at top of this page.
 
Last week long-time U.S. ambassador Richard Holbrooke suffered an aortic dissection–a tear in the aorta that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or abdominal complications. Half of patients who experience this event, which fortunately is rare, never make it to the hospital. Holbrooke made it to the hospital, but died within days at age 69. My Mother passed away a year and a half ago from the same complications, so I knew when I heard about his situation that he had a real uphill fight.
He was probably the most respected U.S. diplomat in the forefront of American’s foreign policy. I had the chance to talk with him several months ago in Washington, and found him engaging, blunt, and confidently knowledgeable about the world of foreign affairs. He knew my daughter and son-in-law from New York, and was quite gracious in his praise. A class guy that died way too young, and who America will greatly miss.
Well it’s the end of the year, and here’s a review of some of the “way out” political adds. I’ve done my share of these commercials over the years with varying results. But nothing quite like these. ads.  Take  a look.
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My home state of Louisiana has been the poster child for being cursed by the Black Swan theory. I had the opportunity a few months ago to visit with the theories’ originator, Nassim Taleb. That’s him with me in the photo above.  He is a futurist, and an economic philosopher. Taleb says some leaders live in a world where they feel disasters rarely happen. It’s the proverbial “black swan” theory. In ancient literature, a black swan was a proverbial phrase for something extremely rare or non-existent. Certainly a good metaphor for the mindset of both BP and federal and regulators following the recent Gulf spill.  But this ignores the basic premise we all know as Murphy’s Law. “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”. Louisiana and the nation need to be more cognoscente that “stuff” dos happen and game plans need to be in place. You can read a recent question and answer session in Time Magazine with Taleb by Clicking Here.
 
ARE TEA PARTIERS, ESPECIALLY IN LOUISIANA,
SELLING OUT FOR CAMPAIGN MONEY?
It was just a few months ago when we listened to Tea Party candidates across the country declaring that they were going to Washington in order to shake up the political establishment. No more “politics as usual” was the battle cry. But in a matter of a few weeks, these new guys and gals on the block have rapidly embraced the Washington culture of big-money fundraisers. And the new so-called reformers are gathering up the big bucks for their campaign war chests. The more we hear about change in Washington, the more things stay the same. Check out my new column about hypocrisy and politics by Clicking Here.
 
Political campaign money is being raised at record rates by candidates across the nation. No sooner is one election over than incumbents start raising money for the next contest. The process just is not in the country’s best interest. On my Sunday radio show, we will talk about how money is the key, and qualifications mean little. My guests include Gabriela Schneider from the Sunlight Foundation in Washington, D.C. as well as Meredith McGehee, who is the policy director at the Campaign Legal Center, also in the nation’s capitol. They both will join me during the 9:00 am hour central time.
During the 10:00 hour, we will discuss the rapidly changing world of internet publishing, where short story writers can upload their work and have it immediately available right to the palm of the readers hand. My guest is award winning author Tessa Smith McGovern.  Boy how the publishing world has changed. And my publishing company, The Lisburn Press, has a number of new books in the hopper. You can check them out by going to The Lisburn Press box above right. Be sure and tune in this Sunday.
I’m a big movie buff, but have not had the chance to see that many new films in recent months. Luckily, I did see the recently released film “Fair Game”-which covers a poisonous Washington controversy about how we got into the war in Iraq. The book outlines how the White House deliberately revealed the identity of a key CIA operative, whose husband was challenging the Bush Administrations assertion that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. As we have come to find out, there were no such weapons. The bigger issue is how government agencies lie and fabricate to cover up or to just “get” someone, whatever the justification. The message is simple. And it’s the same message I have framed by my desk. “I love my country-It’s the government I’m afraid of.” Go see this film. And hey, keep your guard up. A review of the film below.
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Don Meredith died this week at the young age of 72. You younger visitors to thins site might not remember Don. He was a star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, and a legendary broadcaster with Howard Cosell on Monday Night football. He was the guy who made Monday night a glitzy, energetic a special time that made the ratings soar. Fans know him as “Dandy Don,” but I knew him as Joe Don.
 I spend my freshman year in college at SMU in Dallas, and Joe Don talked me into joining the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he was a member. He took me under wing, pushed me to make my grades and razzed me constantly about working out more if I wanted to be a great athlete. When I told him I was not all that happy at SMU and was considering transferring to North Carolina, he simple told me: “Follow your dream. Do what you think is best for you.” I saw him a few years ago on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. He asked me: “Well Jimbo, did you follow your dream?” Dandy Don was a class act and passed away much too young. A video tribute below. Time to “turn out the lights” Joe Don.
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Sarah Palin brought her indomitable road show to my hometown of Baton Rouge this week with the flair and the chutzpah of a larger than life personality, which she just might be. Security was tight at the local Books-A-Million, and the crowd of over 1000 was given strict instructions of what it could, and could not do.  From the way her entourage carried on, on you would have thought she was trying to be like Louisiana’s own, Governor Bobby Jindal.  Check out my comparisons, and comments about Palin’s new book in my new column now posted.  And look at the video below about Palin’s book singing here in baton Rouge. You can read the new column  by Clicking Here.
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Business And Politics highlight the Jim Brown “Common Sense“ radio program this coming Sunday, December 5th. Jim has a strong lineup of guests, plus lively discussions of the week’s news. Professor Steve Gillon will discuss his book, “The Pact, Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the Rivalry that Defined a Generation,”  that reviews the political turmoil following the democratic congressional losses in 1994 when Bill Clinton was President. How was Clinton able to reach a compromise on key legislation with the Speaker Newt Gingrich and the republicans, and are there lessons to be learned by President Obama.
And how do entrepreneurs in business find the new ideas for rapid growth. Business adviser Eran Roman has worked with some of the country’s most successful companies and will discuss key marketing approaches that work. Check out his new book below.  This and much more on Jim’s Sunday show from 9:00 am until 11:00 am central time. You can listen live and find stations that carry the “Common Sense “show right here on this site.
You can get more information and order this book by Clicking Here.
You can order Eran Roman’s Marketing book and get more information by Clicking Here.
GET OFF BOBBY JINDAL’S BACK
ABOUT TAKING A SABBATICAL!
(For  Jindal-Book Tour?  Toga Party?)
So what’s with all the criticism about taking a sabbatical? It’s become a big issue in my home state of Louisiana with educators, legislators, and good government groups debating the value versus the cost of taking a little time off. Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, who is touted by some national commentators as a new “Republican “Great Right Hope,” is dead set on any university professors taking a sabbatical leave from their classrooms. But if it applies to the goose, what about the gander? What about Jindal’s present “sabbatical” as he crisscrosses the country to sell books and support other Republican candidates? Check out Jim’s new column now posted on this touchy subject by Clicking Here.
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Welcome to a new radio station joining our “Common Sense“ Network this week. Its station WTHQ, 750 AM out of Paducah, Kentucky. I’ve been to Paducah, and it’s as great town in Western Kentucky right where the Tennessee and the Ohio rivers meet, half way between St. Louis and Nashville. The surrounding area has several hundred thousand residents, so we are looking forward to a large listening audience in the weeks to come. Welcome Paducah.
And this Sunday morning, November 28th, several guests will join me. Gideon Rose is the editor of  Foreign Affairs Magazine, and has written a compelling book called “How Wars End.” He argues that we easily get into wars, but do a poor job of planning how to bring them to an end. He will join me at 10:00 am central time. Also on the show is author Freeman Hall offers an amusing look at what goes on behind the retail business and now stores tempt you to shop, all in his new book “Retail Hell.” Timely reading at this “shopping” time of the year. Freeman will join me at 9:30 am central time. And of course, as usual, we will take a “Common Sense” look at the week in review. So tune in this Sunday morning.
One of LSU’s all time great basketball players is former point guard Howard “High C” Carter, from Baton Rouge. Howard played in the NBA and throughout year for 13 years before retiring. He openly admits he had a drug problem while playing professional ball, and is giving testimony regularly to young people about how he got off drugs and changed his life. I was on a program last week with “High C” and legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown. I told Howard I’m ready to play him one on one. What do you think?
JINDAL ONE OF MANY NATIONAL WANNABES
FROM THE SOUTH
Last year, before the President’s State of the Union address, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was the fair haired boy of the national Republican Party. He had even been considered as a vice presidential candidate on the McCain ticket in 2008, and every pundit had him high up on the list of contenders for 2012. But like the old saying goes, “the south shall rise again.” Potential candidates for a Republican national ticket are emerging from all over the South.  What kind of competition  do these other potential candidates offer?  Take a look at my thoughts on my new column now posted.  You can read it by Clicking Here.
Many educators feel, and I agree, that the focus of educational reform is directed at the adults with little regard for the kids being taught. We fight over school boards, term limits, and other adult centered issues. But what’s happening in the classroom? Secretary of Education “˜Arne Duncan has written a challenging article in this month’s Foreign Affairs Magazine about how American kids are losing ground to countries worldwide. Duncan told me recently at a conference in Washington (see above) he would be glad to come to my home state of Louisiana to discuss a number of reforms with legislators. So far, no one down here has asked him. You can read the Duncan article by Clicking Here. And by the way, don’t miss the movie “Waiting for Superman.” It is a realistic picture of the failure of our public system in the U.S. today.
I had the pleasure recently to speak to a number of students at the School of Mass Communication at Loyola University in New Orleans. These young journalists to be were eager to talk about the changing role of reporting and gathering the news. And I certainly did not miss the opportunity to warn them about the secrecy in our court system today, and how so many individual rights are being trampled on by federal judges. I’m pictured with some of the students above, along with Professor Sherri Alexander.
The Tea Party movement has engulfed a Republican Party that now has an agenda of low expectations centered on whatever it takes to beat Obama in 2012. The Democrats, from the President on down, have lost control of the narrative with little vision of passion being offered to the American public. Forty percent of American voters think it’s time for a third party alternative.  Are we split into two Americas with no vision for our future?  I explore this major problem facing our political leaders in America today.  Take a look at my new column now posted by Clicking Here.
MSNBC’s Willie Geist will be a guest on my weekly radio show this Sunday, Nov. 14th at 9:30 am central time. We will talk about his new book “American Freak Show. ” Â The best and worst of American politics. If you are up early and watch Morning Joe on MSNBC (6 to 9 am central time), Willie is one of the co- hosts each weekday morning. Â Willie worked with daughter Campbell when she was with NBC. Â You can order Willie’s book by Clicking Here.
Check out Bush foreign policy adviser Dan Senor, as he discusses the reasons for going into Iraq this week on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. Dan is a regular on both Morning Joe and Fox News when it comes to issues in the Middle East . His new book, “Start Up Nation,” made the New York Times best seller list, and is available on this page. Oh yes. And by the way, he also happens to be my son-in law.
The Republicans were big winners in last Tuesday’s national election, taking control of the House of Representatives, and coming close to a takeover of the Senate. But is it enough to say that you are winning solely because the other side blew its opportunity? Numerous polls show a majority of Americans view the Democrats as the party of big government and the Republicans as the party of big business. And frustrated voters are wondering just who represents them. Check out my new column on what both parties need to do in the months to come. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
My “Common Sense” radio show was broadcast live from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina this past Sunday. Dan Vallie, pictured below, runs the campus radio station, and is a veteran consultant to radio stations all over America.  We talked n the air about how the media is going through quite a revolution right now. Also pictured is Chancellor Ray Peacock, the top dog a the University. Ray is an LSU graduate, and had some good Louisiana stories to share. I sure appreciate their hospitality in opening up the campus studios for my national broadcast. You can listen to the show by hitting the “Listen Live” link at the top of this page.
Dan Vallie
Chancellor Ray Peacock
Let's face it. We are all spoiled rotten. Take a look below to put things in perspective.
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I always wanted to run a marathon. I did finish several triathlons, but never took the challenge of one of the major marathons throughout the world. The granddaddy of them all is the Athens Marathon, and how many such races can celebrate a 2,500th anniversary? The first marathon was run back in 490 B.C. at the Battle of marathon, a Greek City. When the battle was won, a messenger carried the news back to Athens on foot, a distance of 26.2-miles. And that’s the standard marathon distance today. In the New Orleans airport, I met the two local ladies pictured above on their way to Athens last week, to make the annual run.  Three cheers to Twyle Torregano and Carolyn Fink, for their yeoman’s effort.
Will the rolling tide of the Tea Party and a Republican onslaught really bring about major changes Washington following this Tuesday’s election? Don’t count on it. Let’s just say we are in for some fine tuning that should have taken place two years ago when the Obama Administration first took office. All the political pundits around the country are making their projections and predictions, so let me weigh in on some of the things to expect in 2011.  Check out my new column by Clicking Here.
Are you ready for Halloween? I have my pumpkin carved out, with a really big one this year. Check them out all below. Hope you have you costume ready. You can see mine in the video below. Happy Halloween!
A nice evening in New Orleans last week where I was the banquet speaker at the yearly convention of the Louisiana Private Investigators Association. With the changing world of the internet and new applications for wireless electronic surveillance, there was much to talk about with this group. Robert Weltz, who is the LPIA President, presented me with the speaker’s award.
Universities across the country are facing a major cash crunch, and supporters are lobbying their respective legislatures to maintain current funding. Here in Louisiana, higher education is expecting draconian cuts of 30% or more. The focus is to keep present funding. But are colleges like LSU doing its share to convince the public that it needs all the money it presently receives? I pose some tough questions for all our universities in this week’s column. Should professors get tenure, take sabbaticals, and concentrate on research rather than being in the classroom? Are undergraduate students being short changed? Take a look at my new column now up by Clicking Here.
Well the popular Old Spice commercial has created a lot of buzz for the ladies, but is also copied by a number of political candidates running this fall. Check out the original Old Spice guy, then have some laughs looking over the political take offs.  It’s the “In” thing to do politically this election year to copy this popular TV spot.
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Just when you thought the insurance crisis along the gulf coast, particularly in Louisiana, could not get any worse, along comes congress to really muck up the problems faced by property owners in being able to financially protect the value of their property. If congress and the Obama Administration have their way, look for already sky high insurance coverage costs to take a big leap upward. And to the detriment of the property owner, nary a discouraging word is being heard from state officials along the gulf.  Take a look at my new column now posted on this issue of concern to all property owners.  You can read it now by Clicking Here.
It seem you can’t go anywhere with the problems of Louisiana being a part of the discussion. I was in Washington, D.C. several weeks ago attending An Ideas for the Future forum sponsored by The Atlantic Magazine. And of course, there was lots of talk about after effects of Katrina as well as the Gulf Oil spill. Below are just some of the participants, all who had varying views on what Louisiana has gone through in recent  years, and how well, or how badly the state and federal governments responded.
 
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (pictured with me above), who may run for President in 2012, feels Louisiana should lower the rhetoric a bit. “After the oil spill, we need to tell the nation we are open for business, and not keep hollering about the oil.” Barbour’s point is that you discourage visitors when the state so publicly demands recompense for oil on the beaches  and  for testing seafood. Go ahead and push for  monitoring and clean up, but do it behind the scenes so as to quite scaring away the tourists. When you keep hollowing about how bad things are in the New Orleans area, it’s no wonder the torist business is off.
Ken Feinberg (above) is a Washington attorney who has mediated some of the largest and most controversial public conflicts in the country. He was special master overseeing the 9/11 fund, and is handling Gulf Oil claims along the coast. He is quite articulate in analyzing how you go about determining just what a life is worth. Ken told me his efforts to settle the multitude of Gulf Oil claims was one of his toughest tasks to date.
How about my man Spike Lee? Every time he saw me at the conference, he would holler across the room: “Who Dat!” His two HBO films have captured the tragedies of Katrina and the oil spill better than any other effort. And he sure does love New Orleans.
Public frustration seems to be boiling over as the November 2nd election approaches. Is there a candidate anywhere in the country that is addressing the issues that are drowning America in red ink and more debt? My new column cites a number of examples where both Republicans and Democrats have missed the boat on what is important to the average voter out there. These wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are costing the country more than $2 billion a week. A week. Does anyone know this? And what do we have to show for it. I’m pictured below with Ahmed Chalabi, who is the leader of the Iraqi National Congress and former Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. You will be startled to read what he has to say. Check out the column by Clicking Here.
In several columns, I have written about the Black Swan theory.    In ancient literature, a black swan was a proverbial phrase for something extremely rare or nonexistent. How to assess risk is a key problem along the Gulf when it comes to figure the odds of oil spills and hurricanes. Professor Nassim Taleb has a New York Times best seller entitled “The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable.” We could use him on the Gulf Coast to educate our public officials about too little planning for disasters and assuming too much risk. We talked about this in Washington last week. (To see my column on the Black Swan and the gulf oil spill, Click Here.)
Senator Jim Webb from Virginia was a combat Marine in Viet Nam, and has written nine books. The Atlantic Magazine named him one of the world’s 27 “Brave Thinkers,” and he has a strong commitment to protecting America’s security interests. He expressed the same concern over the massive spending in the Middle East with so little return that I wrote about in this week’s column.
Charlie Cook is the political insider’s guru in Washington, D.C. The Cook Political Report is a must read for all who traverse Capitol Hill, and Charlie has become one of the most respected political observers in the country. He happens to be from Shreveport, and our mothers played bridge together for many years.  Charlie and I both participated in the Washington Ideas Forum sponsered by the Atlantic Magazine last week in Washington. Instead of being a Washington Big Shot, he tells me he would much rather be back home in Louisiana. Charlie will be a guest of my radio show the Sunday beforwe the big November 2nd election.
With a major national election just a month away, the stakes continue to get higher. Will the republicans regain control of congress, and will the President have his hands tied on major policy decisions for the next two years? Every major spending issue, the cost of the war, the national debt and healthcare can trace a viable solution to educational reform. A well-educated workforce is the key to pulling the country out of the present economic doldrums. But in election contests nationwide, and particularly in my home state of Louisiana, improving public education is rarely, if ever, mentioned as a campaign issue. Check out my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
The new rising political star in the Republican Party “has dabbled in witchcraft.” So maybe tea Party candidate Christine O’Donnell has cast a spell over her coverts. That’s about the only logical reason to explain the “off the wall” pinball effect of the GOP embracing a quagmire of diversionary issues that keep a responsible political agenda out of whack.  Take a look at my new column now posted to see my thoughts on the challenges for Republicans in the coming weeks.  You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Well now we know.  It’s voodoo.  That’s what’s happened to many Republican candidates.  A spell has been cast, I guess.  Instead of focusing on spending and the economy, many Republicans are all over the wall on social issues.  a message to all the candidates.  Most of us want the outrageous spending to stop…then just leave us alone.  Christine O’Donnell is the big upset winner in the Deleware US Senate race last week, and she has practiced  Witchcraft! Here is what she says:  “One of my first dates with a witch was on a satanic altar, and I didn’t know it,” she said. “I mean, there’s a little blood there and stuff like that. We went to a movie and then we had a little midnight picnic on a satanic altar.”  Our kind of gal…right?  Here she is on and old Bill Maher  show talking about her mystic exploits.
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SO REGGIE BUSH GIVES THE HEISMAN BACK?
BIG DEAL!
Reggie Bush gave up his Heisman trophy this week. If you don’t know anything about him, Bush is the star running back for the NFL’s Superbowl Champion New Orleans Saints. Someone needs to tell Reggie he is doing us no favors. He repeatedly broke the rules. And he is a terrible example for kids all over the country who aspire to play college sports. And how does LSU great Billy Cannon fit in?  Take a look at my column about the Bush saga of disappointment by Clicking Here.
Eat your heart out fellas. That’s Kathleen Turner “hangin’ out” with me a few years back. Who can forget her sizzling performance in “Body Heat?” If you missed it, take a look at one of her tamer scenes below. Actually, she is a real basic down to earth gal from central Missouri. I was born and reared for a number of years in the “Show Me” state, so we had a lot to talk about.  You can see a scene from “Body Heat” below.
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One of the most energetic and talented fellows I have ever met also happens to be the basketball coach with the most wins in LSU’s history. Coach Dale Brown is an icon in the basketball world having honed his playing and coaching skills in his native North Dakota.  Thanks to Coach Brown, I’m a die hard basketball fan, and have season tickets for LSU basketball on the front row. A number of locals almost talked Coach Brown into running for congress a few years ago. I was ready to write him a check, and I wish he would have run, for the country would have been better for it. We have been friends for many years, and we often get together to solve the world’s problems.
When Bill Clinton was on the defensive, back in his first presidential run in 1992, the Democratic message was all over the map. At a time when the country was stuck with staggering economic woes, Louisiana’s own national political commentator James Carville stated the obvious:  “It’s the Economy stupid!”The Ragin’ Cajun got the nation on point then, and the Democrats and Republicans need to stop bobbing and weaving and get on point now. Jim Brown takes a look at the looming economic crisis in this week’s column now posted. You can read it by Clicking Here.
You can see the “Ragin’ Cajun himself talking about the economy in the video below.
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The political pyromaniacs are on the loose in the nation’s capitol, with both parties pandering to their respective bases. Little concern for a large pile of national problems-the economy, healthcare, Afghanistan, Iraq, job creation. . All the rhetoric from both parties seems to be exclusively focused on the “ground Zero mosque.” Is the controversy really all that important? Check out my new column now posted on this controversial subject by Clicking Here.
A downtown Manhattan blogger with a camera strolled around the Ground Zero two block periphery and snapped some photos of the “hallowed ground” many political leaders  say the proposed Cordoba community center and mosque will defile. It may not be a matter of the law, or Constitutional rights to free expression, some  lawmakers  are saying. . Taking a stand against the mosque is taking a stand for decency.  So let’s take a look at how “decent” the area is.
The New York Dolls gentleman’s strip club an off-track betting parlor and fast food holes apparently pass the decency test.  So below are a summery of what all this “hallowed ground looks like.
Well sad to say, my candidate for Tennessee Governor, Basil Marceaux, did not make the cut. Sad, because what a governor he would have made. Basil is the guy I talked about on several occasions. He referred to himself as “BasilMarceaux.com” when not referring to himself as “an international Internet celebrity and an international superstar and a dark-star candidate.”  My kind of guy. Basil was a guest on the Jimmy Kimmel Show recently, and you will love him. Take a look below. And you can read more about my man Basil by Clicking Here.
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Former Senator Ted Stevens was able to weather a number of difficult challenges in his life, but the clock finally ran out on the 86 year old Alaskan. He had survived as the federal government did its best (or maybe it’s worst) in trying to destroy his political career in a most unsavory way. But the southwestern Alaska wilderness took its toll, and a second plane crash took his life on a rocky mountainside this week. Former LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe lived and has much to be thankful for. But he got a bad shake at LSU. Take a look at Jim’s observations in his new column now up. You can read it by Clicking Here.
I’ve always had a lot of respect for Steve Wynn, who single handedly revitalized Las Vegas, and is building casinos in Asia now.  I happened to run into him when he opened the Wynn hotel a few years back. When heard I was from Louisiana, he told me frankly how the state had really missed the boat in bring in casino gambling. “New Orleans could have been second only to Las Vegas, and the biggest tourist stop in the nation,” I remember him saying.
  He has always been a blunt, opinionated guy. And he sure is so today about how the country is being run. Note that he does not blame just one party, but accuses both Republicans and democrats of not using Common Sense. It’s worth listening to him.
Have you ever soared up in the sky in a hot air balloon? It’s amazing how quite it becomes, and how much more vibrant all the colors appear. I had the chance with my son to take a balloon ride last weekend at the Baton Rouge Balloon Festival. In spite of the heat, it was quite trip. Take a look and come along with me for a ride.
 
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Remember the 50s rock group, The Cowsills?  Hair, Rain and many other mega hits. Then they disappeared. Well the youngest member, Susan, has a solo act that was in Baton Rouge at the Red Dragon Listening Room last week.  I was in the number, and that’s Susan pictured with me above. She has quite a haunting voice. Give a listen to her New Orleans interpretation of post Katrina.
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(photo above, Lake Charles Councilman Stewart Weatherford, club Prez Hardy Parkinson and Jim)
Jim Brown: Insurance Louisiana’s No. 1 problem
BY MIKE JONES AMERICAN PRESS (August 9th, 2010)
The high cost of insurance is Louisiana’s No. 1 problem, Jim Brown, former state insurance commissioner and secretary of state, told the South Lake Charles Optimist Club on Monday.
    “Louisiana pays $3 billion more than the national average for insurance,” Brown told club members, who met at Seafood Palace. That $3 billion, Brown said, leaves the state and hurts the Louisiana economy by making it more costly to do business here. Insurance costs weren’t specifically mentioned as a factor in the decision to close Avondale Shipyard in the New Orleans area, but it was likely a consideration, he said. Avondale is moving resources to Mississippi because insurance costs are a lot less there “” and in other surrounding states, Brown said.
    He criticized the Legislature for not taking up any major insurance reform bills in its last regular session, saying the topic isn’t “a front burner issue.” Since he left public service, Brown said, he’s gotten into book publishing, writes a column and recently became the host of a nationally syndicated radio talk show. He said the show, which airs 9-11 a.m. Sunday, can be heard on his website, www.jimbrownla.com.
    Brown said the impression he’s gotten from callers is that there is little sympathy for the state over the Deepwater Horizon disaster because there was too much “doom and gloom” talk from Louisiana politicians.  He said Louisiana seafood is safe to eat, but that people in other parts of the country have gotten the impression that it isn’t. Brown said his daughter, Campbell Brown, who works for CNN, has told him that some restaurants in New York City advertise that they don’t serve Louisiana seafood.
    “Sometimes I think we overreact, both about the good and the bad,” he said.He said Louisiana politicians have been too critical of the Obama administration over the deepwater drilling moratorium. Brown said the state still needs the cooperation of Obama even if he isn’t popular here. Brown predicted the moratorium would be over within a few weeks.
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It’s time that everyone in America speaks English. No exceptions. That’s the buzz phrase in many political campaigns this fall. In Alabama, the 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 my column now posted and see if you agree. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
Or take a look below about how everyone speaks English, and what happensz when you do.Â
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LSU Football Coach Les Miles may know a lot about football (though he needs a darn good season this year to prove it), but he probably should not be the Louisiana spokesman for explaining all the damage caused by the current Gulf Oil spill. Here is an interview with Miles by a national radio show. Would you pick the Coach to be your spokesman?
She also did something about taxes once. And she’s pretty. But that stuff’s secondary – man, look at her shoot! And with the possibility of a repeal of the D.C. handgun ban, those are the sort of skills the voting citizens of the Arizona 3rd congressional district are (apparently) looking for when it comes to electing their next representative.
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 Dwight McKenna, New Orleans Coroner.
Who do you want running the morgues of New Orleans: Dr. Frankenstein, or Dr. Dwight McKenna?
That's the implicit question in this pretty gross 30-second spot, where McKenna accuses current incumbent coroner, Dr. Frank Minyard, of selling body parts from unclaimed corpses (something Minyard says he absolutely, positively, has not done. At least not since 1990. But it was kind of legal back then!).
Also, bonus points for whoever can identify the fake organ that makes its appearance at :16 (I think it's a liver).
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The “Rally for Economic Survival,” organized and orchestrated by the oil industry drew thousands to the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana last week. “No Moratorium” and “Drill baby Drill” were the T-shirt slogans of the day. State officials made no bones about their willingness to have an open slugfest with the federal government.  All well and good, and there are certainly logical arguments against a long-term moratorium in the Gulf. Perception is critical when any state is trying to take on the feds. So is Louisiana being “perceived” as hollering wolf too much?
Take a look at Jim’s new column about this touchy and controversial subject. You can read it now by Clicking Here.
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Daughter Campbell Brown says goodbye to CNN viewers after several years hosting her nightly show. I’m glad she is moving on to new projects, but you can understand that as a Dad, it was nice to tune in each evening and check up on my kid to be sure she is eating well and taking care of herself.  You can watch her CNN goodbye below.
So you live in Tennessee and you have to make you choice as to who to vote for in the coming governor’s race”¦right? Well you certainly need to take a look at the people’s choice, Basil Marceaux. I have a friend who lives in Tennessee and say that Marceaux is a cinch to win. Take a look at his commercial below and see what you think.
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Louisiana has produced one of the top tennis coaches in the nation. He is called Coach Red by the hundreds of great athletes he has coached over the years. Coach David “Red” Ayme, starred as a top player himself at Nichols State University, then went on to join legendary coach Nick Bollettieri where you find the premier sports training academy in the country. I go down to Bradenton, Florida each March during baseball spring training for my own weekly “tune up.” That’s the coach and me above, and check out the article about his exploits by Clicking Here. And one of his premier talents is Maria Sharapova, one of the world’s top tennis players. As you can see, I gave her a few pointers below.
The present financial disaster in Louisiana has cost the Louisiana economy almost three billion dollars. Check this figure again. Not three million, or 300 million, but three billion dollars.  No, it’s not because of the oil spill. The loss is worse for it’s been going on for years and there is no end to the huge losses in sight. Check out Jim Brown’s NEW column now posted. You can read it by Clicking here.
Remember that Jim is on the radio each morning this week at http://www.WJBO.com, 1150 am out of Baton Rouge. And this weekend, Jim takes a lively look at the week’s major news stories on is nationally syndicated program that is heard at http://www.jimbrownla.com.
Also, Jim was interviewed this week by the voice of the broadcasting industry, RBR Cable News and BR-Radio News. You can listen to the whole interview by Clicking Here.
I was in North Carolina last week taking in the 60 degree weather as I try to do every few months. I’m a Chapel Hill grad, and have always had a special affinity up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And, of course, I had to go check up on my mountain”¦right? I mean, everybody ought to have their own mountain like me. I’m hangin’ out at my mountain below. Then I was off to the Carolina beaches, and lots of questions about the Gulf oil spill. I share my thoughts while on the beach.
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A Louisiana fisherman went to the President’s Commission to investigate the Gulf oil spill last week. His name is Drew Landry and he gave the panel a message through a song he wrote while playing his guitar. He represents the strong feelings of thousands of Louisianans who have been directly affected by this disaster that is devastating the Louisiana marshlands. Take a look and listen to Drew’s message.
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Also, there is a new video our calling for a united effort to Save the Gulf. A number of welll known faces have joined in, including Sandra Bullock, Saints quaterback Drew Brees, Lenny Kravitz, and Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Other big names appearing in the video include chefs Emeril Lagasse and Leah Chase, "Mad Men" actor Bryan Batt, actress Alfre Woodard, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and musician Dave Matthews. Take a look.
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Jim’s Common Sense has a lot to consider this Sunday. So many “off the wall” stories to discuss and review. Let’s start with Mel Gibson. What’s up with this guy? An international superstar that goes nuts in his private life.  Is he really trying to self destruct? What a fall from grace for a guy that so many of us loved to watch on the movie screen.
Jim takes a close look at the new financial overhaul legislation just passed this week by Congress. Was it necessary? No.  Just enforce the laws that are on the books now.
And why do French women seem to age so gracefully? Catherine Deneuve is 66? Come on! What are the special insights of the French “maturation” process? Jim has some ideas.
You will love this one.  Did you know that the U.S. Government just spent $181,406 to study how cocaine enhances the sex drive or Japanese Quail? Money well spent”¦.right? Jim will have some strong opinions on this one.
 You can listen to his Sunday morning show live at http://www.jimbrownla.com, and on numerous stations all over America. His show is also available by podcast 24/7.
 You can also listen to Jim all next week on WJBO out of Baton Rouge, 1150 am, weekdays from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. On the worldwide web at http://www.wjbo.com.
 And Jim’s daughter, Campbell Brown, will host her final show of The Campbell Brown hour this Wednesday, July 21st, on CNN from 7:00pm until 8:00pm. Jim will fly up for her last program from New York City.
 Jim will cap a busy week back in New Orleans on Saturday Night, July 24th, where he is the keynote speaker at the annual convention of The Conservative Party USA. Jim’s evening address will take place at the Loews New Orleans Hotel.
 Full information about Jim’s future shows and appearances can be found on his website at http://www.jimbrownla.com.
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NO NEW COLUMN THIS WEEK
JIM’S ON VACATION.
About the last thing on anyone’s mind right now, particularly in my home state of Louisiana, is whether or not Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan will be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.  It’s pretty much a “done deal,” right? Whoever the President wants, the president gets, regardless of political party. Oh, in the Kagan case, the republicans will throw up some half-hearted concerns about Kagan being too liberal and not enough of a “strict constructionist,” whatever that is supposed to mean. So why should the average American care? See what Jim has to say this week by Clicking Here.
There is amazing video of a gun battle in Afghanistan that serves as a stark reminder that freedom isn’t free. A 23 year old Brit soldier, Lance Corporal Adam Smith, was on his very first foot patrol in Afghanistan when he was struck in the head by enemy fire. He miraculously survived, and his video reminds us of what our brave men and women in the military are risking for us here at home. Read the story Here, and watch the video below.
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I’ll tell you what. It’s hard to beat politics in Alabama when it comes to gun totin’ God fearin’, patriotic candidates for congress who continually invoke the founding fathers as a way to solve all the nation’s problems. Check out the latest below from Congressional candidate Rick Barber.
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