Jim is taking a break for the next several weeks, and will be out of the country until early April.  This site needs some updating, so there will be no new posts up for the next two weeks.  If you signed up on the box at left, we will see you receive a notice as to when we are fully back up and running again.  We look forward to getting back in touch with you in two weeks.  Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what does Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal do now?  He stumbled in his State of the Union rebuttal to the President, and needs to find some way to get back on track.  I have a pretty good idea if I do say so myself.  Maybe he headed in the wrong direction when Jindal was bitten by the Presidential bug.  He got the first letter in the place where he should have been heading.  But no Governor, it’s not Iowa.  Take a look at my column now posted to see where Jindal should be traveling and what to put on the front burner.  You can read the new column now posted By Clicking Here.

Abd here is one of many responses I have received to the column, a good post by Len Bahr at Lacoastpost.com.  Take a look by Clicking Here.

 

Louisiana has produced a number of country music stars, and one of my favorites is Joe Stampley from Springhill, just north of Minden, La.  Joe has been around since the sixties and has a long list of country hits. I’ve known him for almost that long.  He was in Baton Rouge last weekend and w had a nice visit before his performance at the Hollywood Casino.  I guess one of my favorite hits by any artist is Joe’s big number, All these Things.  When you hear it, you will certainly remember it from the late 60s.  It’s my song of the week on the jukebox, so give a listen.

I’m having some technical problems with my Jukebox from time to time, so if Joe’s song is not up right now, you can listen below.  You will remember it, for it’s an all time good one.

 

If you are a baseball fan like me, you have to have a favorite team or two.  I’ve always like the St. Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds.  Pete Rose is the bad boy of baseball, but was also one of the games all time greats when he played in Cincinnati.  He lives in Los Angeles, but commutes on weekends to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas to sign and sell his reds memorabilia.  He told me he makes a lot more doing this than he ever did playing baseball.

Below, you can see me pictured at the Reds spring training ballpark in Sarasota.  Add you will also see me having dinner with Pete last year over at Beau Rivage in Biloxi.

It’s March, and that means baseball season is about to begin. I have been in Tampa Florida all this past week where 13 major-league baseball teams make their home for spring training before the season begins. That is the focus of my column this week. Take a look at how I compare baseball and politics. There are a lot of similarities, and some big differences. You can read this week’s column now posted by Clicking Here, or by hitting “Jim’s New Column” on the box at left.

One of the highlights of my annual trip is to spend mornings at the International Performance Institute just out of Tampa in Bradenton, Florida.  Top athletes from all over the world come here to get themselves in top shape. The guy who started it all is legendary coach Nick Bollettieri.  He is regularly sought out by many of the world’s top athletes for Nick to tune up their game. It’s a real treat this week for me to “tune up a bit” and see these top athletes in action. Nick is pictured below with yours truly, and some of the other Louisiana guys who join me for spring training.

While working out at the Bollettieri Institute, I had the chance to visit with the world’s top woman’s tennis player, Maria Sharapova.  She has quite a website with photos of this lovely No 1.  You can check her many activities by Clicking Here.

It was off each afternoon to see a number of major league teams play, including the Yankees, the Pittsburg Pirates, the Minnesota Twins, and the Cincinnati Reds to name a few. Below are shots of the days activities.

Jerry Lee Lewis is from my hometown of Ferriday, and I’ve heard him sing andplay numerous times. He always steals the show. Now here’s something you don’t see every day. Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino – three of the greatest ivory ticklers of their day – playing pianos on the same stage at the same time. Brace yourself and make sure your sound is on because this show will really rock you.This is a once in a lifetime appearance and one you will not forget! Ron Woods of the Rolling Stones, Carl Perkins (Blue Suede Shoes) and others playing ‘Back-Up’. A ‘Cameo Appearance’ by Rod Stewart and all directed by Paul Schaeffer. But you know who steals the show. Why Jerry Lee of course.

Daughter Campbell has her hands full with her demanding TV show, a new baby on the way soon, one more at home to care for, and a big mold problem.  The New York Post did a feature on her challanges last week.  You can read it by Clicking Here.

Country singing star John Conlee has been performing and racking up some pretty good tunes for over 30 years. The first time I heard him was up in St. Helena Parish about 45 minutes from Baton Rouge. He was the main act at the bear Creek Steakhouse and Saloon. He is a little guy, but has a deep voice, and became a fan right away. Oh by the way, he had an opening act that night. There was another singer who performed the same weekend back in the late 1970s. I was waiting for John Conlee to perform, and listened to the other guy. I asked the bartender who he was. “Only he’s some guy the drives in here from Oklahoma.”   “What’s his name?” I asked. The bartender responded: “I think he calls himself Garth Brooks.” Enough said.

I am pictured below at a Baton Rouge concert last week with my old buddy John Connolly. His hits are many including Friday Night Blues, Busted, and Rose Colored Glasses. He is featured on the jukebox this week with one of his all-time hits you will recognize called Lady Lay Down. Give a listen.

RADIO SHOW UPDATE

Jim’s Sunday show is normally on WRNO in New Orleans from 11:00am until 1:00pm.  However, because of NASCAR programing, Jim will be on the air this Sunday from 12:00pm until 1:30pm.  The subject this week, what else, is La. Governor Bobby Jindal’s weak rebuttal to th President’s State of the Union speech.  Is it time form Jindal to come home and get to work?  See what Jim’s listeners think by turning in at WRNO.com.

 

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal went toe to toe with the President Tuesday night, and the reaction around the country is that Jindal blinked.   His words read better than how the Governor delivered them, but the was filled with the same old GOP rhetoric we’ve been hearing for 20 years”¦.government is the problem and we need more tax cuts.  I gave my analysis in this week’s column now up.  Actually, I was much easier on the Governor than a number of conservative TV Pundits.  You can hear Jindal’s speech and some of the reaction in the news clips below.  You can read my new column by Clicking Here.

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It was Friday the 13th.  Rush Limbaugh told his listeners:

There was a promise from the Obama administration, the new era of responsibility and transparency, that all such legislation would be posted on the Internet for five days so that the public could read what is being voted on.  Ain’t going to happen.  In addition, they have reformatted the bill.  They’ve made it a PDF file when they posted it.  Now, for those of you that don’t use computers, basically what that means is that it cannot be keyword searched.  A PDF file is essentially a picture of a page, and so you can read every page but you cannot keyword search it.  It’s not a text file as legislation normally is, as posted on these public websites.  They don’t want anybody knowing what’s in this.

Limbaugh intoned, “Now, for those of you that don’t use computers…..” that PDF files can’t be searched.  Actually PDF files are easy to work with and can be searched by keyword.  One only has to click on the binocular icon in the PDF toolbar to put in a keyword search. 

It’s probably pure coincidence that TV cartoon character Homer Simpson has had similar problems learning to use a computer. Take a look below.

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Below is my interview by LaNewslink.com on the dangers for Governor Bobby Jindal being so high profile on the national scene, and the challanges he faces here in Louisiana.

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Well La. Governor Bobby Jindal has had quite a week.  He was a guest Sunday on “Meet the Press’ and challenged the President’s stimulus plan, saying he would turn down some of the money.  He has received praise form conservative Republicans, and has also received a lot of criticism for what some call “political posturing.”Â Â  You can read a critical editorial of Jindal’s stance in the New York Times by Clicking Here.  And you can watch Jindal’s Meet the Press interview below.

 

I have always loved the old Christian hymn Amazing Grace.  It was a stable in many of the small churches I attended when I lived in North Louisiana.  One of the most moving versions I ever head was sung by former Governor John McKeithen at a funeral in his home town of Columbia.  He was an early mentor of mine, and I always think of him when the song  is sung.  Here is a wonderful, new version of the grand old standard.  Take a minute to listen.

 

 

 

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

 

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is walking a tight rope when it comes to balancing his conservative views towards government spending and the practicality of filling a budget deficit of some $2 billion. He gives the Republican response to the President’s State of the Union message this next Tuesday night, and will have to deal with the issue of whether to accept federal stimulus funds head-on. Jindal says he would have voted against the stimulus package in Washington, and is not sure how much of the federal money he will accept.

 But he doesn’t call the shots here. Under federal law, Louisiana Legislators have the right to accept the money even if Jindal does not. So has he placed himself in a box? Jim raises this question in his new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking here. And you can also see Jindal’s comments when he was interviewed on a local TV station by Clicking Here.  And here’s what CBS news has to say about Jindal’s reluctance to take federal funds.  Click Here

NEW RADIO SHOW SCHEDULE

Jim’s weekend radio show schedule has changed.  NASCAR has hit the radio airwaves on WRNO, so Jim’s schedule will vary in the next few weeks.  This Sunday, February 22, Jim’s show will be on from 12:00 pm until 3:15 pm.  Lots of Mardi Gras info, plus his normal batter of all the things going on in the state and around the country.  Be sure and tune in.  That’s WRNO radio in New Orleans at 99.5 fm, and on the web worldwide at www.wrno.com.

would be good for the state for many of us to go back to school.  And I mean to teach or volunteer in some way to help our kids.  I have taught Louisiana history at both Tulane and LSU.  As Secretary of State, I was the keeper of all the state’s historical documents.  I have written extensively about the history of Louisiana.  Yet did you know that I am not qualified to each in ay public school?  That’s because I do not have a teacher’s certificate. How absurd.  There are thousands of older citizens with vast knowledge who would be willing to spend some time, if even a few hours a week, in the classroom.  But we put up artificial barriers to keep them from helping out.  Is it any surprise we educate so poorly?

I did agree to teach an 8^th grade class in Baton Rouge last week at the Woodlawn Middle school.  Some inquisitive 8^th graders had many questions about our state’s history.  You can see some photos below of the class and my efforts to share with them some of my own political experiences over many years.

Pictured above is the 8th grade class of Danelle Miller (She’s in green on the left).She met me, of all places, at an Eagles concert in New Orleans, and asked me to teach her class.

You will see in my new column this week that I wrote about the President’s Stimulus Package, and the box the Gov. Bobby Jindal might be in if he decides not to take some or all of the money allocated to Louisiana.  One low point of the whole debate over how much to give out was New York Senator Chuck Schumer’s comments about pork.  Listen to his comments below.  He is dismissing the concerns that I share with a great many Americans.  There is way too much waste in government, and we should all care.

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Louisiana Senator David Vitter seems to be the strongest of the loyal opposition in Washington against the President’s Stimulus Package.  But what do Vitter and his Republican cohorts offer as an alternative?  And are they now opposing funding for projects they were embracing just last year?  Take a look at my new column now posted to see my evaluation.  Then let me hear from you.  You can read it now by Clicking Here.

And Vitter’s announced opponent, Porn Star Stormy Daniels from Baton Rouge, continues to garner publicity in her campaign efforts.  Check out video below.  She apparently is ready to move from one type of stimulus to another in Washington.  You can check out her current news coverage below.

 

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I’m a real movie buff, and generally see four or five movies a month. And who isn’t a Clint Eastwood fan? Therefore, it was an easy choice to go see Clint’s new movie, Gran Torino, now playing. He wrote, directed and starred in this compelling story of racial tension in an inner city neighborhood involving Clint’s South-East Asian neighbors and local gang members. Like in Dirty Harry, Clint has some memorable one-liners, such as Get off my Lawn!-said with a rifle in his hands.

I had a chance to have along visit with Clint in New Orleans back in the mid 1980s. He was there making a movie, and I was introduced to him at the Fairmont Hotel during a movie theater convention. He was down to earth, had lots of questions, and told me he might get into politics in his home state ofCalifornia one day. He later became Mayor of Carmel. We talked a lot about workout schedules, good food, and now much he enjoyed New Orleans.Below is a photo of Gladys and I when we first met Clint. Don’t miss seeing Gran Torino.

 

Do you want to see the future of computers?  It’s really unbelieveable what new technology will be available in the near future.  A new type of computer  that looks like a coffee table.  It’s called “surface computing” and you can do some pretty amazing things on this all purpose high tech product.  It’s well worth your taking the time to look at the video below if you want to see what the future will be like.

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It’s hard to pierce the ivory towers that surround the US Supreme Court.  But that’s the present system and we as citizens are being shortchanged by the lack of work being done by the high court.  Judges cry for a pay raise, but spend long summers vacationing and moonlighting, instead of doing the public’s work.  Check out my new column now posted on why the Supremes get so little done.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the “Jim’s New Column link on the left row of boxes.

Hey, when you have been around a god while like me, you have over a forty year history with the music of the Eagles.  I was in that number at the New Orleans River Center last week when the eagles came to town.  I have seen them in person on a number of occasions, consider myself a diehard fan, and look forward to another future concert.  You can see me taking in the concert with  Don Henly on the drums behind me and longtime Eages members Tim Schmidt and Glenn frey on guitars. Check out my jukebox on the left and you can hear Tim as lead singer on the Eagles’ hit “I Can’t Tell You Why.”You can also read about the concert by Clicking Here.

It was quite a sports day at LSU this past Saturday as top Tiger basketball players back many years were honored at halftime of LU’s game against Arkansas.  The Tigers won big, and it was a thrill to be there to see so many past great players.  I’m pictured below before game time above, then below with old friend former state Senator James David Cain, and then, last but not least, I’m giving you a courtside view of the Tigers girls who set directly in front of my front row courtside seats.  You can see why I enjoy the games so much.

 

 

 

 

 

My long time friend and mentor, former North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, passed away this week.  Jim was a young 68, and had a massive stroke early last week.  I had talked to him just before Christmas, and we had planned a long visit in the North Carolina Mountains where his mother was living.  I have known and worked with Jim for almost 20 years, and he was the guy I would call when there was an insurance problem in Louisiana I was trying to solve.

I met Jim at the Fairmount Hotel in New Orleans some six months before I became Louisiana Insurance Commissioner.  Jim loved New Orleans and never missed a good reason to come down to the Crescent City.  He knew every good restaurant, and took me to some I didn’t even k now about.  Jim was a strong consumer advocate and really looked out for the average policyholder in his state.  He in stilled a lesson in me to be a fair but tough regulator.  I will be at Jim’s funeral in Raleigh, joining so many friends Jim has touched.  He was a great public servant, and we will sure miss him.

 

Since the story was posted below, a new name is “busting out” (literally) to challange the Louisiana Republican. . Her name? Stormy. Porn star Stormy Daniels. There’s a whole “Draft Stormy” movement online, in bright LSU colors even, at http://www.draftstormy.com/. (She’s from Baton Rouge)  Below is her background video.  So who put her in the race?  The state Democratic Party?  Absolutely not the say.  However “Stormy” got into politics, it will no doubt all come out.

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You would think with new officials just being sworn in at the US Capitol, the political scene would quiet down for a while.  Not so in Louisiana where jockeying for federal elections is already taking place.  A major event takes place next month involving whether of not independents can vote in future congressional primaries.  It could have a direct bearing on La. Senator David Vitter’s chances for re election in 2010.  Check out my new column now up by Clicking Here, or by hitting the box on the left titled “Jim’s New Column.”

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich can probably count down the days until he loses the title “Guv.” His popularity is below 5%, he’s been impeached by the Illinois House of Representatives, and a number of Illinois Senators have made prejudicial remarks already concluding that the governor is on his way out the door. Here’s my problem. This whole process stinks to high heaven.

The current  US attorney who indicted him, one Patrick Fitzgerald, made a number of prejudicial statements in direct violation of the rules of the federal courts in Chicago and in most jurisdictions throughout the country.  Now we learn that the Illinois Senate has no intention of letting the Governor call any witness in his behalf.  Is this a trial or an “ousting?”Â  It well may be that it’s time for Gov. Blagojevich to go.  But there is supposed to be due process and a just procedure, not a railroad job.  The way his impeachment case is being handled is a blight on any fair system of justice.  Gov. Blagojevich gave one of his longest interviews about his prediciment to Campbell on CNN a few days ago.  For the full story of her questions, Click Here.  And you can watch her entire interview with the Governor below.

 

 

Well the ranker between Republicans and Democrats has not seemed to have died down a bit. If you are a member of one party, than all the problems we face in this country who are the fault of the other party. You want to know my opinion? On a number of major issues before the Congress in recent years, for all practical purposes, you can put both parties in a paper sack, shake them up, and it really wouldn’t make much difference which one you pulled out. Below are two videos to tell you why you should become a Republican or why you should be a Democrat. It’s obvious we still have a long way to go.

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Oh, and while we are pointing out extremes, you can find out just who was behind the Hudson River plane crash last week in New York by looking below.

 

 

There were high expectations in Louisiana that outgoing President George Bush would pardon former Governor Edwin Edwards.  But it did not come to pass.  Just why didn’t Bush do what he had told several people he would do?  Jim has a theory and you can read it all now by Clicking Here, or by hitting the “Jim’s New Column” link on the left side of this page.  The Moody newspaper chain in Louisiana expressed disappointment in an editorial this week, which you can read by Clicking Here.  You can also watch  local news coverage on the no pardon for Edwards story below.

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So how about George Bush’s legacy?  There will certainly be much commentary on how the President handled his job.  One of my favorite takes so far was given by the outrageous comedian Sarah Silverman who shared her thoughts about how the  new incoming and old outgoing Presidents are have done or will do  on the Keith Olbermann show this past Monday night. Take a look below.

 

Well Obama supporters flocked to Washington for a massive turnout of support, and demanding change.  I hope the photo below, showing the mass of  litter left on the ground, is not an indication of the change about to take place.   Click here to see commentary of the firstr few days at work foor the new administraion.

 

But inspite of all the trash, it was still quite an inaugural.  The highlight for me ws the singing of Aretha Franklin.  I get a real thrill listening to her sing about our country.  Take a listen.

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When does the killing stop in New Orleans?  A city with the highest murder rate in American, and recently named as on of the five most crime ridden cities in the world.  But with what seems to be almost daily killings, nothing could stun anyone compared to what happened last week.  What a dastardly deed that a father could do to his son.  I hope you will take a few minutes and read this week’s column by Clicking Here, or hitting the “Jim’s New Column” box on the left side of this page.  And below is a small tribute to lost children in our country.  Take a look.

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There is quite an ongoing story taking place in New Orleans involving the attempt by the Archdiocese to close down several long existing catholic churches in the uptown area of the city.  Archbishop Alfred Hughes says the churches need to close. He says attendance is off after Katrina, the churches have financial problems, and there is a shortage of priests.  Not so say many of the parishioners.  Vigils have been held around the clock at both churches, and several arrests for t4esspssing were made last week.  So church attendance is drastically falling off all over the country, while we are arresting dedicated church goes in New Orleans?  Makes no sense.  To get the full story, check out my long timed college Christopher Tidmore’s story on this whole mess, by Clicking Here.  And take a look at the video below as church parishioners are arrested last week.

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Some guidence seems to be necessary form the Pope himself.  Now I tried my best to talk with the Pope on  a recent journey to Rome.  Yo can check out my visit below.  Take a look at both photos. , There is me, ofcourse, and at the top of the photo, right above the red banner, you can see the Pope.  Of course our visit was strictly confidential.

 

One of National Public Radio’s most popular shows is the weekend program “Wait!Wait! Don’t Tell Me. Not My Job.”Â  Campbell was a guest this weekend, and had to answer questions about former pro basketball player Dennis Rodman.  She’s not much of a sports buff, but you can listen to her efforts on the quiz show by Clicking Here.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin continues to complain about the treatment she received during her recent campaign on the John McCain ticket. She started out as the new darling of the GOP, but her star quickly plummeted as she made statements showing a lack of knowledge on may national and international issues. Here’s an article this week from the Los Angeles Times, on Palin’s latest rants, and an evaluation of who caused her problems, the media or herself. Read it by Clicking Here. And whether you are a Palin supporter or not, you can’t help but chuckle over the song below, a take off on “Don’t cry for me, Argentina.” It is funny.

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In trying to solve a problem, government often creates even more costly problems through the effort.  That is certainly the case when it comes to trying to help

Louisiana homeowners who face the highest property insurance rates in the nation.  But the Legislature and the Insurance Department exasperated the costs by favoring homeowners over taxpayers as a whole, creating really bad public policy.  The mess created is the focus of Jim’s column this week.  You can read it now by Clicking Here, or by going to the box entitled “Jim’s New Column” on the left side of this page.

Hey, it’s a new year, and we all are hopeful that common sense will prevail in the state capitol.  But it looks like the state is off to a shaking start, particularly in the insurance field.  Happy New Year anyway.

 

And for a good overview of Louisiana’s spiriling insurance problems, take a look at the video below; an interview with Jim by WWL TV in New Orleans.  As you will see, Louisiana has some major hills to climb in trying to get a handle on high insurance rates.

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Take a look at Uncle Jay’s  perceptions of just what happened in 2008.  You will enjoy this amusing review.

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Should the appointed new US Senator from Illinois be sworn in to the US Senate?  Of course he should. What ever Illinois Gov. Blagojevich’s problems, he still is the Governor, he has not been indicted, and there are no allegations that he made any deal with his appointee, former Illinois Attorney General Ray Burris.  Democratic Leader Harry Reid is holding up any confirmation because the Illinois Secretary of State refused to sign the Governor’s order appointing Burris.  I know something about the duties of the Secretary of State, having held the same position in Louisiana for eight years.  Any signature by the SOS is merely ministerial.  You cannot just arbitrarily hold back any signing or you are guilty of malfeasance in office.  Place your bets.  You cana read the latest update on the case by Clicking Here.  I say Burris will be confirmed and take over as Illinois’ new senator within the next week.  For more, see the video below.

 

 

 

Take a minute to look at the photos below.  There is a huge rock near a gravel pit in Hwy. 25 in rural Iowa.  For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times.  A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed.  

As you can see, it is quite an impressive sight.  Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos.  (all angles) of the rock.  I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it’s not.  It is actually painted on the rock too.  The artist is a local painter named Ray ‘Bubba’ Sorenson. Few Americans even fly the flag any more.  I have one at home and at my office that flies 365 days a year.  How about you?

 

Former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco offers a GOOP conspiracy theory in an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Mathews.  She says Bush was getting slammed “nationally and internationally” for his handling of Katrina during those early, desperate days after landfall and an executive decision was made to shift the blame.  “(Bush’s) political office decided that another scapegoat was necessary.”Â  Blanco says the White house even leaned on The Washington Post to run unflattering stories on its front page of her.  Come on now Kathleen!  It’s a little far fetch3ed to think that the President is in cahoots with the newspaper that continually has criticized the President.  And there is plenty of blame to go around; including that directed at Blanco.  You can see the former Governor’s comments below.

 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

 

Daughter Campbell has had one busy year, with full election coverage, her “No Bias, No Bull” reports, each night on CNN, a young son to care for and a new son on the way, and a major feature in Vogue Magazine on the newsstands now.  You can read some of  the Vogue feature by Clicking Here.  And take a look at her views on the Bailout in her recent commentary below. 

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My radio show on WRNO is still going strong each Sunday from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Amy Kirk was my longtime producer on weekdays and now both produces and does on air talking herself.  Amy fills in for me from time to time, and we are pictured below working together in the New Orleans Clear Channel studio. I’ll be off the last Sunday in January, as I will be in the nation’s capitol for the annual Washington Mardi Gras Ball.  Look for Amy to fill in for me on that date.

Louisiana and former Governor Edwin Edwards took some shots on the Tonight show last week as Jay Leno visited with Robin Williams. Both comedians told Edwards stories, neither of which are true, but brought big laughs from the audience. With just a few weeks left in the Bush Administration, it’s a 50/50 bet as to whether or not the President will pardon the former Governor.  For the mnost recent news story on eedwards’ pardon attempts, Click Here.  You can see the Leno-Williams exchange below.

 

The Governor of Illinois continues to take any spotlight off of Louisiana, so there is some local good news in all the controversy up there.  Bu how about this federal prosecutor claiming that the actions of the Governor would make Abe Lincoln “roll over in his grave?” Well not quite.  You see, ole Abe was right in the thick of financial wheeling and dealing in Illinois himself.  Check out my new column with all the sordid details.  You can read it now by accessing the box on the left marked “Jim’s New Column,’ or just by Clicking Here.

 

And La. Citizens Property Insurance Co., the state’s biggest financial debacle,  continues to rip off Louisiana policyholders buy dragging out the payment of claims.  The end result is that all property policyholders, o matter who you may be insured by, will get stuck with a tap of well over $30 million.  It’s a continuing scandal now involving the state insurance department.  Read more about it by Clicking Here.

So you are a parent who is frustrated about the cost and quality of the childcare your kid is receiving.  You are looking for a better solution, right?  Well maybe here is the answer for you.  Check out the video below on ways to look after your kid while you have more time for yourself.

Report: Many U.S. Parents Outsourcing Child Care Overseas

 

Campbell continues to receive aacolades for her weeknight show with an edge on CNN.  To read some of the latest commentary on her show, Click Here.  And a TV critic gives his take on her stye in the following video.
 

 

Whatever you might think of President Bush, you sure have to give the guy credit for his ability to bob and weave.  A few days ago, an Iraqi journalist threw both his shoes ant the President during a news conference.  The Prez dodged like a prize fighter and wasn’t touched.  Kudos to our President for his quick reaction.  But where was the secret service after the first shoe was thrown?  You can read about the whole incident by Clicking Here, and you can watch the shoe throwing video below.

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Our family has a  camp up in the St. Francisville area, quite close to the nuclear power plant.  I’ve alway been a bit apprehensive, not over concern of an explosion, but about the waste.  Where will it go?  Right now, it is kept on site.  It’s dangerous and will take a thousand years to loose its toxcidity.  And  there are plans to build a new plant right beside the existing plant.

A nuclear power plant hasn’t been built in the United States in two decades, but that could change in the next few years after a consortium announced locations in six states as possible sites for a nuclear renaissance.Nuclear power consortium NuStart Energy on Thursday named the sites from which it will later pick two for which to apply for licenses to build and operate nuclear power plants.

Four of the six already house operating nuclear power plants. The sites, by location, are:

 

• Scottsboro, Ala. The Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, an unfinished site owned by the U.S. government’s Tennessee Valley Authority.
• Port Gibson, Miss. The Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, owned by Entergy.
• St. Francisville, La. The River Bend Station, owned by Entergy.
• Aiken, S.C. The Savannah River Site, a U.S. Department of Energy nuclear weapons lab.
• Lusby, Md. The Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant, owned by Constellation Energy.
• Oswego, N.Y. The Nine Mile Point plant, owned by Constellation Energy

To see a video of potential problems in St. Francisville, see below.

 

That’s right. It snowed early this morning (Thursday).  What a rarity.   It seemed the whole neighborhood was up to see the flakes come down, and throw snow balls.   It was a rare treat that we have not seen in years.  Gladys and I found are neighbor’s showman for the photo above. That’s one of our dogs, Shorty, with us.

Hey, you want to hear a good snowman joke?  Two snowmen were out in the open yard.  One turns to the other and says: “Funny.  I smell carrots too.”

So what do you think?

 

A major insurance scandal is percolating in Louisiana, and it comes as no surprise to those who have been following the shenanigans of the state created Citizens Property Insurance Company. The first of what may be a number of indictments were handed down by a state grand jury last week that tagged the ex CEO of this company that has faced major problems form day one.  You can read the press reports of the indictments by Clicking Here.

 

The Citizens debacle is the subject of this week’s column now posted.  You can read the column now by Clicking Here.  And be sure to watch the video link below that sums up possible future problems facing those who created and operated Citizens.  I was interviewed for this story by WAFB TV in Baton Rouge.  And if you want to review the numerous recent news reports on the whole Citizens mess, take a look on the left side of this page in box titiled; “Insurance Info and News.”  You will find complete coverage here. A real mess has been created .  Stay tuned.

 

Link to WAFB TV (Channel 9) story on Citizens.  Click Below

http://www.wafb.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3214866&at1=News&h1=CEO

 

In Louisiana, the Governor’s office annually presents an award that recognizes extraordinary service by an individual who has enhanced opportunities for persons with disabilities. The award was given this week at the old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. This year’s statewide 2008 Volunteer of the year Award, I’m proud to say, went to my brother-in-law, Gary Solomon from New Orleans.  Gary has devoted a good part of his life to a number of major volunteer activities throughout the greater New Orleans area as

 

well as throughout the state..

A host of dignitaries attended the ceremony to honor Gary.  Pictured above, our lieutenant governor Mitch Landrieu, Gary Solomon, Federal Judge Jay Zainey, and yours truly.

 

 

Can you believe all this outrageous criminal behavior by the Governor of Illinois? His name is Ron Blagojevich, and to put it gently, he is a corrupt bonehead. The FBI (who as we well know you cannot always trust) apparently have tape recordings of the Governor  discussing the withholding of state funds from a Children’s Hospital until the chief executive made campaign contributions, and outright trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by president — elect Barack Obama. How can this guy be so brazen? How stupid to even talk about these criminal activities. Not only is he a crook, he’s a dumb crook.  And when you talk about the corruption Louisiana, did you know that the Governor before Blagojevich is also in jail?  Maybe they can share a cell, and talk about all the damage they have done to the state of Illinois.

To read details of the charges against the Governor, Click Here. In the first video below, the charges against the Governor are set out in some detail. The second video shows the Governor holding a prèss  conference the day before he is arrested telling any and all to tape his conversations.  Well they did, and his term as Governor is about to come to an abrupt end.

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Finally, my daughter weighs in on how the President elect gives a weak response to his reaction of the brewing Illinois scandal.  Check her out here.

I’m a big Holly Clegg fan.  Besides being longtime friends, I really admire the numerous cookbooks she has produced.  Here’s her latest, just in time for Christmas, and the proceeds go towards helping fund wetlands preservation, so vital to Louisiana.  The book is available at all bookstores.  Hwer website is www.hollyclegg.com.

trim&Terrific™ Gulf Coast Favorites 

Best selling trim&Terrific™ cookbook author, Holly Clegg presents over 250 easy, healthy and delicious recipes from her Louisiana kitchen inspired by the Gulf Coast  

Think you have to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare healthy, delicious meals inspired by the unique flavors of the Gulf Coast?  Think again!  Holly Clegg is spicing things up with an exciting collection of recipes indigenous to the Gulf Coast region.  In her new cookbook trim&Terrific™ Gulf Coast Favorites (Holly Clegg Publications, September 2008; soft cover/ $24.95; ISBN: 978-0-9815640-05), Clegg presents over 250 easy, everyday, mouth-watering recipes that celebrate the abundance of fresh seafood and local ingredients that define the cuisine of the Gulf Coast.

 

I don’t know about you, but I have been watching Meet the Press each Sunday morning for as far back as I can remember. Even now, when I do a Sunday morning radio show, I have one eye on what guest is appearing on what has to be the most popular new show on television. There always was a “comfort ability level” with hosts Tim Russert before his death, and lately with Tom Brokaw.  Now, David Gregory, takes over the show this Sunday. Gregory was a colleague of my oldest daughter Campbell, when they both worked at the White House for NBC. I met David in New Orleans a few years back, and he could not have been more personable. I look forward to his long tenure, and his keeping me informed on what’s happening throughout the country and the world each Sunday morning on Meet the Press. See below the announcement of his new job.

 

There’s a three hundred pound gorilla loose in Louisiana called “public healthcare” that continues to eat up a growing sector of the state’s tax dollars.  Meanwhile, the state’s efforts are focused on trying to stop the bleeding, with little emphasis on offer affordable healthcare to over one million people who do not qualify for pubic assistance.  The working poor, many who are middleclass, just cannot afford the high cost of healthcare insurance. And just this week, a new study was released concluding that Louisiana is the most unhealthiest  stae in the nation.   (To read the full study, Click Here.)

  

 The Legislature hasn’t even considered any options for those in need of cheaper health insurance.  And the Governor, who cut his teeth on healthcare issues, is under criticism for traveling the country rather than dealing with this front burner issue. (See story on his travels by Clicking Here.)  Jim looks at this serious problem in this week’s column.  You can read it now by Clicking Here.

 

I’ll have to tell you”¦..I’m an unabashed Angelina Jolie fan.  She is a captivating women and one really fine actress.  I haven’t missed any of her recent movies.  A few of my favorites are “Life or Something Like it,” Original Sin, Wanted, and Beyond Borders.  I have watched her in Laura Croft-Tomb Raider several times.  And she deserves an Academy Award (she has one already) for her compelling role in Changeling.  She has mesmerized New Orleans with “Jolie watches” being posted on the internet regularly when she is in her new adopted home. Below are her video comments about New Orleans.

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Here is a real tough one.  How much control should you have over your life, particularly if you are withering away and perhaps have five or six months to live?  Should you have the right to pull the plug?  Most states say no.  It’s a difficult issue, and I’ll be talking about it on this Sunday’s radio show on WRNO.  You can read a compelling article that appeared in last Sunday’s Los Angeles Times, entitled  “Time for Dad to Die,” by Clicking Here.  And spend a few minutes listening and watching a few case histories in the video below.  Then you make your choice.  Should someone have the right to die?

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Remember my column written last month when I proposed that Louisiana become its own country?  Well would you believe it?  There are voices worldwide who are predicting that the U.S. will splint up into various countries in the years to come.  In fact, a leading Russian political analyst has said the economic turmoil in the United States has confirmed his long-held view that the country is heading for collapse, and will divide into separate parts. (To read full story, Click Here) 

 

Now, national radio host Glenn Beck (who is a regular on my station WRNO) has his break up plan, and agrees this may happen.  Far fetched?  Of course.  But the world is obviously changing.  And Louisiana, with its mineral wealth, would be one of the richest countries in the Americas.  To read my previous column, Click Here.  And to read all the international fuss by Glenn and the Russians, Click Here..

 

Can American automobiles continue to be competitive on the international market?  I wrote last week about the financial impact of the GM in Louisiana that directly has created some 25,000 jobs.  To read my column, Click Here. Take a look at the following video that tells the story of Ford Motor Company’s success in Brazil.  Why can’t we duplicate this same approach right here at home? Click Link below to see the video .

http://Info.DetNews.com/video/ index.cfm?id=1189

 

I’m taking a little break this week over the Thanksgiving holidays, so there will be no new column posted, and just a few changes here on my website. I will be doing my Sunday radio show on WRNO Sunday morning as usual from 11 AM to 1 PM. If you’re not able us and throughout South Louisiana, you can listen to the whole show right here on this website. In addition, I’ll also be hosting a four hour show on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I’ll be on WRNO beginning at 5 AM and staying on the air to 9 AM. So if you getup that early in the morning, be sure and tune in.

So long, dear Rambler Luderin Darbone, the Cajun swing fiddler and co-founder of the Hackberry Ramblers, died on Friday in Sulphur. He was 95 years old.  I heard him perform some months ago at the Shaw Center in Baton Rouge. Born in Evangeline and raised in Texas, Darbone co-founded the Hackberry Ramblers with Edwin Duhon in 1933. The band combined Cajun music with the popular western swing and country music of their day, and in 1935 the Ramblers recorded for RCA Bluebird. Sixty-four years after the band’s inception, the Ramblers were nominated for a Grammy Award for their album Deep Water for the best traditional folk album of 1997. That same year, Darbone and Duhon received a National Heritage Fellowship from the Folk Arts Program of the National Endowment for the Arts.   His most famous song was the cajun classic Jolie Blond.  He he is, playing the fiddle, in a 1936 rendition of this popular french tune. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/znDv9ddJtd4" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

It was back to my old hometown of Ferriday this week will try was the guest speaker at the Ferriday Chamber of Commerce. A good chance to talk abut my new book and visit my old stomping grounds and renew friendships with a number of friends that go back to the mid-1960s. Actually, under some new political leadership, this part of the state seems to be growing, has cleaned itself up, and has a brighter future than just a few years ago.  Pictured below with me are (from left) old friend Leo Young, Delta Music Museum Director Judith Booth, State Representative Andy Anders, and Ferriday Mayor Glen McGlothlin. (To read news coverage of my talk, Click Here.)

               Photo by Joey Martin with Concordia Sentinel

Take a look at this week’s column now posted. What about all this bail out talk in Washington? How much effect does it have right here in Louisiana? Will quite a bit, I point out in the column. Did you know that some 20,000 jobs are in our state will be directly affected if the Big Three auto producers go out of business? You can read this week’s column by Clicking Here.

 

 And after you read the column, take a look at the video below. It’s a great parody of how our Washington bureaucrats come up with all their crazy numbers.  Will go actually made many years ago, or I think you agree to meet is right on the money will how many of our officials will come up with their projected dollar amounts. Will hope you enjoy it.

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Just when you thought that insurance regulatory problems in the Department of Insurance could not get any worse in Louisiana, more problems, and even outright violations of the law, raise their ugly heads. Just this week, the insurance department was blasted by the Legislative Auditor in a 60 page scathing report alleging that the insurance department has allowed the troubled and under fire Citizens Property Insurance Company to operate in direct violation of state law.  Citizens was charging illegal rates, and the insurance department was accused of refusing to provide requested information. The State Auditor stated that there was complete lack of cooperation from the insurance department. In addition, the department continues to stonewall continuing requests by the auditor’s office by refusing to turn over internal e-mails and other information that clearly is in the purview of the legislative Auditor to receive. The insurance commissioner is accused of “violating state laws buy not making the documents available.” To read more on this brewing scandal, Click Here or Click Here.

Since the election of new Pres. Barack Obama, gun sales have skyrocketed. A lot of people are apparently worried that Obama will make a major effort to control who can own a gun. I think there’s fat chance of this happening. But the two videos below tell you a lot about what you do to give yourself protection, and how you can cut down on crime with handguns. Between approaches taken by William Shatner and Chris Rock, they both have things figured out pretty well. Take a look.

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Regular readers of this site know that I’m a die hard basketball fan. I walked out of a dinner party this past Tuesday evening so I could go home and watch the UNC- Kentucky game on television.  I am a real Tar Heel fan since my days at Carolina in the early 60s. (Sports trivia question — who was UNC’s legendary basketball coach Dean Smith’s first recruit? Go to the boxes on the left, hit “press comments”, and click on article 1.)  And whatever you think of Pres. Barack Obama, he still is quite a basketball player. Take a look at the video below, and watch him hit quite a three-pointer while talking to our troops overseas.  And to reqasd about the importance of basketball in Obama’s life, Click Here.

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Now that the election is over, we need to get back to the really important matters in our lives like football and hate crimes. That’s what my column is about this week. I know you’re wondering how the two are intertwined. Well Alabama’s Nick Saban came to town last weekend, and when he was hanged in effigy, the door opened on the possibility of new law violations in Louisiana. Read all about it by Clicking Here.

 Also, be sure and take a minute to listen to a new song on my jukebox by Mary Gauthier.  She is quite a balladeer of soulful and soulless music, and she appears in person at the Shaw Center on Friday night. I’ve been listening to her music for a number of years. And I also hope you take a few minutes each week to listen to my podcast. You really need to. It’s my therapy to be able to ramble a bit each week about what I think is important, and sometimes irrelevant. Take a listen.

 

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has wasted no time, once the presidential election was over last week, traveling the country, giving numerous national TV interviews, and making no bones about the fact that he plans on being a major player in Republican politics on the national scene. His Achilles’ heel may possibly be not addressing numerous growing problems he will face in Louisiana. The state faces a $1 billion shortfall in the coming year, and there is a litany of problems including a restructuring of the health system, a crumbling infrastructure, and insurance rates across the board that are the highest in the country.  Jindal is certainly a talented fellow, but he is juggling a lot of balls right now, and needs to protect his turf at home in Louisiana. I wrote about this balancing of interests in last week’s column that you can read by Clicking Here. If there’s any doubt about Jindal’s national ambitions, just take a look at the following video.

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The outrageous lack of oversight continues as more troubling audits show widespread mismanagement and outright theft on the part of those running the state created Citizens Property Insurance Company. Citizens has been called the biggest financial disaster in Louisiana’s history. And for good reason. This notoriously mismanaged company was on the road to disaster from day one. Proposed by the Department of Insurance, and created by the legislature, the debacle of Citizens has cost Louisiana taxpayers well over $1 billion. A new audit, just released, shows widespread abuse and misspending on everything from football tickets, to fancy resorts, cigars, Mardi Gras balls, all with no justifiable ties to helping policyholders and taxpayers who have to pay for the Citizens mess.  You can read a summary of this new troubling audits will I Clicking Here or Here.

It was Veterans Day on Tuesday of this week. And very few people remembered in any fashion. There are only one or two American flags in my large subdivision. State employees in Louisiana were given a holiday, but it was merely a day away from work. Nothing special.  I know of no public official in the state who attended and spoke at any remembrance gathering. How quickly we forget the losses and sacrifices of so many men and women who fought to give us or freedom.  Younger people reading this site will have no comprehension of the draft and the choices one had to make it enlist in the armed services. Do you have a couple of minutes? If you do, who and you’re not moved by the video below, then it’s easy lesson as to how little our patriotism means in this country today. Take a look. It’s only two minutes of your time.

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Now that the election is over, I wrote this week about some of the winners and losers in the past election.  The list includes La. Gov. Bobby Jindal, Tina Fey and Joe the Plumber.  Yu can read it now by Clicking Here.

 

If you know anything about Louisiana politics, you are well aware of how exciting election night can be.  The Secretary of State’ office is a buzz counting the precinct returns as they come in from Clerk of Court’s offices all over the state.  In the old days (pre-1980), there was a wait of several days before complete results were known.  I changed all this when I was elected as Secretary of State, and the system has been updated ever since.  I paid an election night visit to the office and visited with current Secretary of State jay Dardenne (below) as the returns came in late Saturday night.

I have always been a big fan North Carolina US Sen. Libby Dole.  I had a delightful dinner with her in Natchez, Mississippi back in the early 1970s. But she was soundly defeated in her re-election efforts this past Tuesday, and she only has her own self to blame. Dole has always been a Washington insider, having headed up the national Red Cross from Washington, D.C.  office, and being married to former US Sen. Bob Dole. But she took the people in North Carolina for granted, and in the year 2006, only came home to the state on 13 days. That’s just not doing your job. In her re-election efforts, she ran a highly negative TV spot against her Democratic opponent, state Sen. Kay Hagan, accusing Hagan of not believing in God.  Hagan is an elder in her church and attends regularly.  For good reason, Dole was overwhelming voted out of office.  You can see her negative TV spot as part of Campbell Brown’s commentary below. 

 

 

Presidential Candidates. Funny Pictures. – For more amazing video clips, click here

You just will not believe the dream I had last night.  It was the strangest thing you can imagine.  Now those of you who have followed my years of public service know full well that I’m a quiet, non— controversial kind of guy.  But in my dream last night, I was right in the center of this massive national controversy.  Now here’s what happened.  Oh well, it might be better for you to take a look yourself.  Check out the video below show you too can find out about the nightmare I experienced last night.

Atlanta high school kids below  give an energetic presentation of your right to vote for whoever y9u want for President, but how it’s important to vote.  And by the way, I think the pundits are going to be surprised at the high number of yunger voters who will go to the polls on election day. With the economic breakdown in this country and the war in Iraq, many of these young people are realizing they have a lot at stake.  I think the turn out will be at an all time high.

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Campbell Brown “cuts through the bull” and raises questions about how McCain insiders are calling Sarah Palin a Diva.  Check her comments below.

 

Are you happy that you as a taxpayer have plowed some $120 million into the AIG insurance company?  Yet insurance regulators over the country seem to be quite blasé about the shenanigans of AIG.  And you may not realize what a big presence this giant company has right here in Louisiana.  You can read all about how Louisiana policyholders are really taking a hit because of the outrageous actions of this company.  You can read Jim’s new column by Clicking Here.

And you won’t believe how AIG officials live so extravagantly.  Check out their $85,000 partridge hunting by Clicking Here.

There been several major national stories on Jim’s daughter Campbell, who is making quite an impact each night on CNN.  You can read the New York Times story by Clicking Here, and the Washington Post story by Clicking Here.

 

 

Would you like to get an idea of how Sarah Palin would operate if she would end up as President?  Well click on the link below, and take a look.  Be sure and click on different parts of the office to see her various reactions.  I hope you will find the experience amusing.  To watch Sarah operate as President,  Click Here.

In less than two weeks, we will have a new president elect.  The first president I remember watching on election night was John F. Kennedy.  I was in my apartment at the University of North Carolina, and stayed up until the early morning hours watching his first comments as the new president.  Like most Americans, I was captivated by his energy, his youth, and his inspiring words.  Take a look below at Kennedy’s first public gathering once he knew he would become the 35^th president of the United States.

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Some political observers are puzzled over the last minute endorsement by Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy, who is running for the U.S. Senate.  Kennedy’s opponent, incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu, is solidly ahead in recent polls.  So why would Jindal get in the middle of what seems to be a losing cause?  Jindal has been traveling around the country in recent weeks laying a foundation for a possible Presidential bid in 2012 if the McCain-Palin ticket looses.  One would think Jindal would not want a vindictive Senator Landrieu undermining his efforts.   And why did Jindal wait so late to get involved?  Here is Jindal’s endorsement below.

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If you live down here Louisiana, we are use to seeing and reading about movie stars throughout our state all the time.  That’s pretty neat, but we pay a price for the small pleasure.  The state is giving away millions of dollars to movie producers in order to lure them to do their work here in the Bayou State.  Is it worth it?  Take a look at my new column and see if you agree with the glitter of Hollywood that could well be taking advantage of Louisiana taxpayers.  You can read my new column by Clicking Here.

I have a new book out.  It’s really an easy title to remember. 

It's called:  "Adventures in an Alternative Reality of Living in Louisiana-Enter at Your Own Risk."

Quite a title.  You can check out the new book, and find out how to order it by simply going to his publishing site at:http://www.authorhouse.com/bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=54455.

 The book is a continuation of Jim's perspective, often zany and offbeat, but full of "on the mark" insights of Louisiana political and social life.  So give it a look.  It's available in both hardback and paperback

The book is a continuation of Jim's perspective, often zany and offbeat, but full of "on the mark" insights of Louisiana political and social life.  So give it a look.  It's available in both hardback and paperback.

In the heat of a presidential campaign, there are charges, innuendos, inaccurate statements, and outright lies that plague any major candidate.  We have certainly seen this take place in the present McCain-Obama slug fest.  That’s why it is refreshing for a political commentator to deal with misinformation head on, and try to keep this heated race in a proper perspective.  The fact that the commentator happens to be my daughter brings a great deal of pride when she forcefully speaks out, as she does each night on CNN.    Take a look below at her no bull commentary.

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Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal traveled to Gainesville, Florida for the LSU ““ Florida game last week, and held a rally in front of a Florida fraternity house.  He injected a little humor into his remarks by giving his top 10 reasons why LSU and Florida fans agree on a number of things.  You can read the story of his speech by Clicking Here, and see his remarks below.

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And more Jindal news.  Conservative columnist Josh Trevino, the co-founder of RedState.com, writes on his blog that he couldn’t bring himself to vote for John McCain, and instead, penciled in Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as his choice:  Check out his inner turmoil by Clicking Here.

And remember, the first presidential primary is in 2012.  So who’s going to Iowa to speak just two weeks after the Nov. 4th election?  Why Gov. Bobby Jindal.  He is being touted in Iowa as a presidential candidate. Check out the article by Clicking Here.

 

How many of you have ever attended your 50^th year anniversary of your high school reunion?  I had the great pleasure last weekend of becoming reacquainted with so many old friends, a number of whom I have not seen in the past 50 years.  I graduated from a first rate high school in the suburbs of St. Louis back in 1958.  You can learn all about my high school class by Clicking Here.  I am pictured below with a number of old friends, and we’ve all agreed to stay in much closer touch in the years to come.

 

The presidential race is coming to an end for two candidates, but would you believe, the jockeying is already beginning for 2012.  And Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is right in the mix.  You can check out my thoughts by reading this week’s column about a major fundraiser in Florida this weekend, and why Jindal may have alreadystarted a campaign for president.  You can read this week’s column by Clicking Here.  And if you can believe it, there are people in Florida who will raise $25,000 just to visit the Louisiana governor.  Check out the invitation below.

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Peter Baronoff

Slater Bayliss

Dr. A.K. Desai

 

Dr. Jason and Denise Rosenberg
Dr. Steven and Rebecca Scott

Kathleen Shanahan

HOST COMMITTEE

Carlos Alfonso

Brian Ballard

John Beebe

Robert Bernstein

Travis Blanton

Matt Bryan

Bob Burleson

Tim Cerio

Chanta Combs

Bryan Day

Jim Frogue

Danny Gaekwad

Jillian Hasner

Randal Johnson

Mark Kaplan

Steve Madden

Gene McGee

Will McKinley

Van B. Poole

Jim Smith

Denver Stutler
Jason Unger

 

(Host Committee In Formation)

 

With special guests

The Honorable Dean Cannon, Florida House Speaker Designate

The Honorable Adam Hasner, Florida House Majority Leader

 

SAVE THE DATE

For an event honoring

The Honorable Bobby Jindal

Governor of the State of Louisiana

 

Saturday, October 11

Time TBD:  based on kick-off time of UF/LSU game

At the home of

Dr. Jason and Denise Rosenberg

16008 N.W. 78th Avenue, Alachua, FL 32615

 

Event Co-Chairs/Roundtable discussion:  Raise $25,000

Event Hosts/Photo Opportunity:  Raise $10,000

Event Guests: $2,500

 

Formal invitation to follow with exact time

For more information please contact:  Mary Kate Johnson at 301-379-6630 marykate@themkgroup.net

Checks should be made payable to:  Friends of Bobby Jindal. The maximum allowed by Louisiana law is $5,000 per individual and $5,000 per corporation.

Jimmy Davis was the first Louisiana governor I ever met.  He took me under wing back in the 1960s and supported me every time I ran for public office. Whenever he came through  my hometown of Ferriday, he would stop for coffee and share numerous stories of his years in public life. When he ran for governor in 1971, I was running my first race for state senator. When Gov. Davis came through my district, he would always call, have me up on the stage, and introduce me as the next senator before taking off on a chorus of one of his many  songs.  He died at 101 and would have been 109 on his birthday in a few weeks.  I’m pictured below stopping off at the Jimmy Davis Tabernacle in Jonesboro, Louisiana where I paid a visit a few weeks ago.  All over the world, people can sing one of America’s favorites.    Take a look at the video below.   You will hear the Governor himself singing You are My Sunshine.

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Daughter Campbell has caused a lot of controversy  on the cable news circuit.  She was profiled in Saturday’s New York Times on the growing popularity of her weeknight evening television show and how she has become more opinionated during the current Presidential campaign.   You can read the Times article by Clicking Here. And you can watch her television rant below

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Should Louisiana Secede from the Union ?

Don’t laugh.  You might find the logic interesting.  Check out my NEW column on how the Bayou State has been continually short changed.  YOU can read my reasoning now by Clicking Here.

LATEST POLLS

The current financial crisis has not been helpful to Sen. John McCain's candidacy. That's the analysis from consultant dick Morris, who is a regular on conservative talk shows like Sean Hannity. Take a look at the electoral map put together by Morris to see his take on where the electoral votes are for both McCain and Obama. by the way, Dick Morris took the first poll I ever paid for back in 1986. He told me then I should have run for U.S.Senate. And I should have listened to him. To see his state by state analysis, Click Here.

Lousiana Lawmaker Faults Media For Focusing Attention On His Eugenics Proposal»

Louisiana State Rep. John LaBruzzo (R) recently stirred controversy by advocating a form of eugenics to decrease the number of poor. “I realized that all these people were in Louisiana’s care and what a massive financial responsibility that is to the state,” he said. “I said, “˜I wonder if it might be a good idea to pay some of these people to get sterilized.'” His plan would also give tax incentives to the rich to encourage procreation.

Appearing on CNN today, LaBruzzo defended his proposal by arguing that “the taxpayers of America are kind of getting fed up” with supporting welfare programs. He cited the “totally reliant” residents who relied on government evacuations during Hurricane Katrina. When CNN’s Kyra Phillips asked why he couldn’t invest in education and poverty-reduction programs, LaBruzzo faulted the media for focusing too much attention on his eugenics program:

Every one of the ideas you brought up were talked about in the brainstorming session. Obviously the media thought this was the one they could get some ratings out of. We talked about getting involved in the community. “¦ We talked about a lot of those issues. This is one that the media grabbed hold of because it gets ratings.

He also blamed the “tremendous influx of illegal aliens” for “bringing down the economy even more.” Watch it:

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But this week, LaBruzzo explicitly ruled out more common sense solutions. “LaBruzzo said other, mainstream strategies for attacking poverty, such as education reforms and programs informing people about family planning issues, have repeatedly failed to solve the problem,” the Times-Picayune reported.
LaBruzzo seems to be dead serious about implementing the plan. He “gathering statistics“ now and is planning to introduce legislation “if he finds that the number of people on welfare has increased” over the past decades.

Despite how busy the last week has been, it would be a major faux pas not to acknowledge the passing last week of Paul Newman. He was simply the quintessential movie star. A handsome guy with penetrating blue eyes, who graced the screen with his style, humor and great talent. After can you begin to pick the best Paul Newman movie? Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid of course. And what a classic The Sting was. Hud, The Long Hot Summer, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, I saw them all. Remember The Drowning Pool? It was filmed in Franklin, Louisiana; in the same house were former Gov. Mike Foster lives today. He was my favorite actor, who gave away over $200 million to charity. Check out the film tribute below.

How can you make any sense out of this present financial crisis? Exactly how did we get into this mess? I gave it my best shot in this week’s column. And it’s just not a problem in New York or Washington, DC. For those of us who live in Louisiana, those representing us here are just as responsible. You can read my analysis in my latest column now posted by Clicking Here. There is as lot more commentary about the Wall Street mess further below

The weekends have really become busy for me. Last Saturday, my niece got married, and it would be hard to find a prettier bride. You can see me below beaming over niece Amelia, who married former LSU football star Jack Hunt.

And I’m off this weekend the St. Louis for, can you believe, my 50th year class reunion I’ve enjoyed staying in touch with a number of old classmates. If you’re interested, you can read about the gathering of Ladue High School‘s class of 1958 by Clicking Here.

I know something about stirring up controversy. But my oldest kid did a pretty good job of stirring up the pot this week. She has begun a campaign to “Free Sarah Palin.” Her knock is that the McCain political handlers have muzzled the Alaska Governor, and won’t let the press grill her as they like to do. We don’t always agree, but she is right on the money this time. You can read about the uproar she has caused by Clicking Here, and listen to her strong opinion below.

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During the almost 12 years I spent as an insurance regulator, I continued to hear the cry that there was “too much regulation taking place.” Limit the regulation, and let the free market work its magic. Well, the so-called “magic” has come to pass. As I wrote last week, not just on a national level, but right here in Louisiana. So regulators stood aside, and the element of Wall Street greed has taken over. $20 million annual cash bonuses. Sell sell sell, with little concern for the stability of the financial market. The mentality of Gordon Gekko, right out of the movie Wall Street, has apparently taken over the whole system. Remember Gekko’s words? “Greed is good.” You can hear the wisdom of this Wall Street philosopher below.

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So you are confused about the upheaval of the national financial markets, and want someone to tell you just what’s happening, and what we should do about it… right? Well you are not alone. On my radio show this past Sunday, caller after caller expressed concern, rage and disgust over how our elected officials have handled the financial mess we seem to be in today. Why were these banks, insurance companies, and other financial entities allowed to run rampant with little or no regulation? And it hits right home to Louisiana when companies like AIG take a nosedive, as I wrote in last week’s column which you can read by Clicking Here. So who do you turn to for the best overview of where we’re been, and where we ought to go? I can suggest two sources to watch or listen to below. CNBC’s Jim Cramer lays it all well with his no holds barred approach. (See video below.) And yours truly, on this past Sunday’s show, summed up how irresponsible the financial oversight has been. You can also listen to a short clip of my comments below. Unfortunately, we will be talking about this problem for a long, long time to come.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Online Videos by Veoh.com

As anyone who regularly follows my website knows, I am an unabashed country music fan.  And it should not be surprising.  After all, I lived in Ferriday, Louisiana for a number of years, and got to know all the musical legends there including Jerry Lee Lewis, Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, and of course, my longtime friend, country music singer of the year Mickey Gilly.  Mickey and I are pictured below along with current La. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne as we all dedicated a country music museum in Ferriday this past May.  But take a moment to watch the video below if you want to hear the latest country song that will really grab your heart.  It’s worth a view.

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Both political parties should have received wake-up call this week following the crash of key financial institutions in New York. But the problem hits right home here in Louisiana with a potential collapse of AIG insurance group. You might be surprised at what a huge presence AIG has right here Louisiana. I wrote about it at length in this week in my weekly column, and concluded that the buck stops with Governor Bobby Jindal. You will also read about Gov. Sarah Palin making here first visit to Louisiana on October 6^th. You can read the column now by Clicking Here.

And how about the Governor’s new official portrait along with the first lady by popular Louisiana artist George Rodrigue. You get a first look right here on my website.

 

Charges continue to fly in the current race for the White House, and depending upon what side you are on, one could make a pretty good case against either candidate.  But realistically, both McCain and Obama are pretty solid candidates for each of the respective political parties.  McCain is both a war hero, and has been an appealing political maverick for most of his career in the U.S. Senate.  Obama is the young visionary, and an agent for change.  Following are appealing commentaries showing both candidates in a favorable light. Lots more to show with just six weeks to go until election day.

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If you wanted to pick the perfect typecast for VP candidate Sarah Palin, it would be an easy pick. Tina Fey, formerly a regular on Saturday Night Live, made a return visit this past Saturday to play her look a like double, the Alaska Governor. She was a big hit, and we will certainly see Fey back for repeats. Whether you are a Palin fan or not, you will have to admit that Tina Fey does one heck of a great imitation.

Bobby Jindal for President? The Louisiana Governor? Wait. You mean Vice Prez don’t you, and that didn’t happen, right? Well some, can you believe, are already talking about Jindal for the top spot in 2012, with or without Sarah Palin. Jim’s NEW column is now up, and he takes a look at the present campaign, and takes a peek at four years from now. You can read it all now by Clicking Here.

And be sure and check out Arron Tippin’s brand new song, just released this week, about how it’s time to drill for oil in the U.S. Titled (appropriately) “Drill Here, Drill Now,” you can play it on the juke box. And what kind of kisser are you. Take a look below.

Now that the storm has passed along the gulf coast and (fingers crossed) Hurricane Ike seems to be moving away from Louisiana, insurance issues are now on the front burner for many residents. Wind this time, not water. And that’s good news, for insurance companies cannot hid behind questionable water claim denials. Losses in Louisiana will top $15 billion, significantly above what is being projected by the La. Insurance Department. (You can read about their low ball numbers by Clicking Here.) Many homes took a lot of damage and electricity has not been yet restored. But it’s important to contact your property insurance company as soon as possible.

Another blow to Louisiana homeowners is the sharp rise in what they get for their money.  At the urging of the La. Insurance Department, the legislature irresponsibility allowed insurance companies operating in Louisiana to impose deductibles as high as 5 %.  This has really put many homeowners in a financial bind.  As a national insurance consumer group asked: “Who’s looking out for Louisiana homeowners?” To read of the hardships being caused, Click Here.

If you have any trouble reaching them through normal channels, here are two options. First, you can get the storm number of insurance companies operating throughout Louisiana by Clicking Here. Look on the top left side of the page. Second, is all else fails, don’t hesitate to email me, and I will be glad to try to steer you in the right direction. You can contact me at info@thelisburnpress.com.

The Brown Family was well represented during convention week this time around. My sister, Madalyne (upper left) was a delegate at the Democratic Convention in Denver. She met up with my daughter Campbell who covered both conventions for CNN. Madalyne has been a delegate for a number of conventions, and is escorted by her husband Jiff, who (would you believe) is the Republican Sheriff of Plaquemines Parish below New Orleans. My first convention was 44 years ago, and you can read about it by Clicking Here.

Hey, we all like a good kiss. But sometimes you end up with some that are clumsy or even bizarre. I’ll let you be the judge. Take a look at some of the more famous kisses, political and otherwise.  And to read about appropriate political hugs and kisses, Click Here.

How about Angelina Jolie and her brother?

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The Gores?

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/cejHD79MOnA" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]Jocko and Presley?

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Obama and Mrs. Biden?

Well we are cleaning up in the aftermath of Gustav that caused some $10 billion in damage to Louisiana. Two million customers lost power, and there is a great de3al of cleaning up to do. But wait. HURRICANE IKE is on its way into the Gulf and could pose a real new threat to the Gulf Coast. That’s what the weather experts are saying. So keep an eye out yourself if you live down our way, and we will up to the minute information on our site but can also get it by Clicking Here.

RADIO UPDATES- I’ll be giving regular updates on 99.5fm, WRNO out of New Orleans. . So be sure and tune in. Back to normal program scheduling beginning next week. You can contact me on the air either by email at jim@wrno.com, or by phone at 504 260-0995. And thanks to so many of you who are listening over the internet. I really appreciate your calls and emails. I’ll read your emails on the air, so send your thoughts to Jim@WRNO.com.

I’ve just returned to Louisiana after a week in the North Carolina Mountains, followed by another week out west in Hood River, Oregon where my youngest daughter lives with her husband. And there certainly is a lot to catch up on, with problems to address. On the national front, the Democratic convention is dominating the news. I’ve been a delegate on a number of occasions in the past, and my sister, Madeline, is representing the Brown family as a.delegate in Denver. I of course keep up with the proceedings by watching CNN as my oldest daughter Campbell does the play by play. Check out my column this week on remembering past conventions, both Democratic and Republican. You can read it by Clicking Here. And whaqt are the options for the Republicans if Hurricane Gustav does hit the Louisiana coast? Ge the latest update of what Republicans will do by Clicking Here.

Below, you will see some of the scenes from the beautiful mountainous region around both Mt. Hood and Mt. Saint Helene just south of Portland.

 

Some of the Brown gang is pictured above after a day of hiking this glorious mountainous region. My son James is on the right, and my son-in-law Tom is on the left. It was a treat to spend some time with my youngest daughter, Meredith who lives with Tom on the mountainside right on the Washington –Oregon border.

The bridge in back of me connects Oregon and Washington, and it is privately owned. Similar bridges and roads all over America are not built with public funds. Unfortunately, many legislators in Louisiana want everything to be built and run with public funds. What a waste.Think about how much more could be accomplished and how much money could be saved if the private sector could be more involved in public projects.

 

Yes, they believe Bigfoot is alive and walking the woods in the Mountains of Oregon. My daughter Meredith and I stopped off for a bit of hobnobbing with members of the Bigfoot Society and their Bigfoot Bash and Bounty along the Columbia River Gorge. And low and behold, take a look at who we stumbled on.