Take a look at this week’s column commentary. New Orleans District Attorney Eddie Jordan has resigned. And my thoughts are quite simple. Good riddance to one lousy official who has done so much damage to the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. Eddie, you will not be missed.
Doomsday
Monday 10-22-2007 6:24am? CT
Is the end of the world coming in the future…maybe near future?? Some believe this scenario is out laid out in the Book of Revelations.? Dr. Alfred Adams was my guest last week, and the phone lines were jammed with callers who take the predictions of a real crisis at hand quite seriously.? Do you?
Jim and the Big Guy
Friday 10-19-2007 12:45pm? CT
The final days of the Louisiana Gubernatorial election brought a number of statewide candidates by our station on Howard Ave.in New Orleans.? The latest was Sen. Walter Boasso, running for Governor. With runoffs in many races a certainly, I’m sure we will be over run with candidates calling to be on the air.
Jim Bernazzani
Thursday 10-11-2007 8:35am? CT
The FBI has an active presence in New Orleans, post Katrina, and the Louisiana Director, Jim Bernazzani, was on my show this past Wednesday.? We have read and heard a lot about the FBI’s involvement in corruption and street crime throughout the city.? But Bernazzani spent quite a bit of time talking about anti-terrorist protection throughout our area.? ? I plan on having him back on the show at regular intervals.
Tiger football
Monday 10-08-2007 7:49am? CT
LSU football was the talk of the state over the weekend.? We of course had to talk about it, and what a game it was between LSU and last year’s number one team, the Florida Gators.? If you have been completely out of touch, LSU won in the final minutes, to stay number one in the country.? Joining me of Friday’s show to talk about the game was the voice of Baton Rouge morning talk radio, Kevin Meeks. Kevin is with our sister station WJBO and lives and breathes LSU football.? What a weekend.
Thinking about next year’s election … already made up your mind? still deciding? try this fascinating website!
Takes about 1-2 minutes.
Having trouble deciding who to vote for in 2008?
This will compare your answers with ALL candidates.
I found this to be of interest …. It did not select the candidate I had expected!
Of even more interest was which were way down the list – and why..
Click on the website below
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I have received numerous comments and compliments about this website, and many viewers are impressed as to how there is so much current information, humor and music. Who is my right hand man and webmaster who keeps the site updated? It’s my nephew, Conway Solomon, pictured below.
Below is the emotional and moving photo of a young couple beginning a new life.? The Marine is making the best of putting his tragic past behind.? He was severely injured in
Ruthie Frierson
Friday 09-21-2007 7:32am CT
Many New Orleans residents in the private sector saw how slowly the recovery effort was moving, many rolled up their sleeves and did what the political leadership should have been doing. One of these community activists is Ruthie Frierson, who formed Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans, and she was on my show on Thursday of this week. Ruthie and her many supporters lead the fight to consolidate levee boards in Louisiana, reduce assessors, and now is involved in a major effort to curb crime. The city needs a lot more Ruthie Friersons to really make a difference. For more information, you can go to www.citizensfor1greaterneworleans.com.
Sally Forman
Friday 09-21-2007 7:28am CT
If you want the “inside scoop” on how New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin responded following Hurricane Katrina, you get a pretty god picture in Sally Forman’s new book, “Eye of the Storm-Inside City hall during Katrina.” Sally was the communications director for the Mayor up until her husband, Ron, decided to run for Mayor against Nagin. We talked about the strange happenings earlier this week on my show.
Subject: Hold Our Leaders Accountable
Here’s a great way to let your voice be heard.?
We have a major election in Louisiana a little over a month a way.? And all of us are being lobbied by these political wannabes for our support.? Here’s what I hope you will do: when asked for your support, make the candidate sign the 99.5 FM Contract with Louisiana.
The 99.5 FM Contract with Louisiana makes the candidate promise, in writing, to support a number of reform measures.? These are sensible measures, like insurance reform and ethics reform, needed to cleanup and streamline Louisiana.
Simply download the Contract from our web site <http://www.new995fm.com/cc-common/emta/c/0/303763/7132350/1/c.html> . It’s in the convenient PDF format, and it will print as a single page. Then insist that any candidate who wants your support sign the Contract.? If you send us a copy of the signed Contract, we’ll post the candidate’s name on our web site, so everyone can see who is committed to change.?
If you have a moment, be sure to pass the Contract link to your friends and family, and let them help us hold our leaders accountable too.
Best,
Jim
Al Sharpton
Friday 09-14-2007 7:50am? CT
Rev. Al Sharpton was in my studio this past week.? He does his own syndicated radio show each day, and used the Clear Channel Studios while on a visit to New Orleans.? The Rev. is quite a controversial fellow, but a funny guy to visit with.
Freedom Walk
Monday, September 9th.
A large crowd was in Baton Rouge this past Saturday morning for the 2007 Freedom Walk, commemorating the anniversary of the tragic events that took place on 9/11 back in 20001. Greta Perry from St. Tammany was on my show recently to talk about the national walks that took place this past weekend by 188 groups located in 46 states across the country.? Pictured is my friend Janet Boles who was part of the walk on Saturday.
Karen Herman and Courtwatch NOLA
Sunday 09-09-2007 1:51pm? CT
If you live in New Orleans and are sick and tired of the rampant crime that continues to take place, he is a way you can do something about it.? There is a group called Courtwatch NOLA, that is staffed with volunteers to keep an eye on case in criminal court.? Karen Herman heads up this organization (pictured here with me), and she is looking for help.? She was on my show this week.? You can contact her at www.courtwatchnola.com, or call her at 504 994 2694.
The General
Tuesday 09-04-2007 5:06am
It was almost like John Wayne coming back to New Orleans.? General Russel Honore, former commander of the Joint Military Task Force, was back to visit on the two year anniversary of Katrina.? The General calmly answered many questions about the harrowing days right after the catastrophe, and his efforts to lead the recovery.? We need more leaders like Gen. Honore her to continue this long effort.
Sunday,? August 26th, 2007
Women helping to bring back the Greater New Orleans area was my focus this week.? Community Activist Ann Milling joined me live in studio to talk about the many women who have come from the private sector, and are volunteering their time and efforts to make New Orleans whole again.? Ann formed the vocal group, Women of the Storm, that has lobbied Congress to come and see the Katrina devastation.
Weather Channel Guy and Attorney Russ Herman
Friday 08-24-2007 9:37am? CT
The Weather Channel guy was on the show this week.? And how timely can you get with Hurricane Dean lingering in the Gulf.? Brian Shield is the Chief Information Officer for the Weather Channel, and spent an interesting hour on my show.? You would be amazed at the number of people who tell me they keep the Weather Channel on all day.
New Orleans Attorney Russ Herman was my insurance expert this week, answering many calls as the date to file lawsuits on homeowners issues in Louisiana fast approaches.? Russ was a Tulane Law School classmate of mine, and it was good to visit with and old friend.
Sean Riley
Former State Representative Sean Riley from Baton Rouge was in our 995fm studio this week talking up the Blueprint Louisiana proposal.? The group is urging? legislative candidates to sign a pledge of support for the Blueprint ambitious ;program of reform in state government.
Musical notes
Tuesday 08-07-2007 8:43am CT
I am pictured with members of a working group of band members who meet for a learning session each Tuesday night at the Sounder Cafe in the Marigny on Charters Street. You would be surprised how talented some of these young people are both singing and on their instruments. I’ve been a regular at the Sounder for some time. Give it a try.
Rev Terry
Monday 08-06-2007 10:19am CT
I spent some time last week visiting with Rev. Bill Terry of St. Emma’s Episcopal Church at the Wall of Names, the list all those victims of homicide kin New Orleans since the first of the year. The totals now are at 110 people killed, and the rate per capita leads the nation. As I have said repeatedly on my show, the criminal justice system in New Orleans has become dysfunctional with little progress in sight.
You can hear a lengthy interview of Jim discussing the bleak insurance situation in Louisiana on Sunday, August 4th on Channel 4, WWL, in New Orleans at 10:30am.
And check out this week’s Baton Rouge Business rep0ort.? The Front Page Headline blares out “Citizens Corp. could be the Worst financial disaster in the last 100 years. “? The story analyzes the dismal picture of the state run property insurance company of last resort. And the person quoted in the front page headline is Jim Brown.? You can read the whole troubling story now by going to http://www.businessreport.com/news/2007/jul/31/unnatural-disaster/. The link is also listed in the news article section at the bottom of this homepage.
Rev. Bill Terry
Friday 08-03-2007 10:14am? CT
If you want to see the names of those murdered this year in
by the French Quarter.? Rev. Bill Terry has a billboard listing all the victims this year.? He was in studio on my show this week, and we covered both the
Harry Lee
Friday 08-03-2007 10:12am? CT
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee joined me in the studio this week and we held a lively discussion about the alleged beating of a teenager who was speeding and arrested.? The young man claims he was unduly beaten.? Sheriff Lee says he is reserving judgment until a full investigation takes place, and will not remove the officers from duty.? Some Black Ministers have called for their removal, and have criticized the Sheriff.? But he is standing firm.
Sheriff Lee will be in California all next week at Stanford University to continue treatment for leukemia.? He has been told by his Doctors that his medical problems are in remission, and this should be his last treatment.
Direct Democracy
Tuesday 07-31-2007 9:17am? CT
How responsive to constituents should our legislators be?? That’s a question I explored Monday with Michael Trufant from Baton Rouge.? Michael is? am part of a team that has developed software where registered voters in a district would be able to see each bill in the legislature and vote on it(online, audited, and certified)? ? ? ? Prior to a vote on the floor on any legislative bill, the elected official sees and “locks in” the vote of the people and votes as the people of the district voted.
That process, according to Michael,? is a campaign commitment…to truly represent the people and vote as they voted each and every time. No varying on bills that register more than 100 constituent votes.? “The elected official votes after constituents vote”. Prior to a vote on the floor on any legislative bill, the elected official sees and “locks in” the vote of the people and votes as the people of the district voted.That process is a campaign commitment…to truly represent the people and vote as they voted each and every time. No varying on bills that register more than 100 constituent votes.? “The elected official votes after constituents vote”.
Interesting idea.? I wonder how many legislative candidates would make such a commitment to voters in Louisiana?
FEMA trailers and formaldehyde
Thursday 07-26-2007 8:51am? CT
FEMA trailers and formaldehyde were hot topics on my show this week.? There are major problems with numerous FEMA trailers located in both Louisiana and Mississippi, and the phones rang continually as many callers shared their experiences with health problems linked to formaldehyde that is emitted fro the wood bindings of a number of trailers supplied to Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims by FEMA.
Paul Stewart, from Bay St. Louis, was a guest on my show Wednesday.? He is a former Army Lieutenant who lived in a FEMA trailer, and had some real congestion problems.? Paul testified before a congressional committee last week in Washington, and received nationwide publicity”
“Louisiana FEMA director Jim Stark also joined me in studio, and took many questions about trailer safety, and options for those who want alternative housing.? Jim took a lot of tough questions, but hung in there for a long hour.”
Buddy Roemer
Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer was a guest on my Friday the 13th show, and he did not hold back in raising questions about the lack of strong leadership in New Orleans.? The Governor also told my listeners that Congressman Bobby Jindal is all but a cinch to be Louisiana’s next governor.? Buddy Roemer is a successful banker living in Baton Rouge.
Did you know this site is now available in eight languages?? Just scroll down to the bottom of this? page and pick the language you want including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese
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Baton Rouge Chamber President
Baton Rouge Chamber President Steven Moret was Jim’s guest this week to talk abut the failure of major ethics reform in the recent session of the Louisiana Legislature. Moret and other members of a new group called LA Ethics 1 coalition had proposed major tougher ethics standards and financial disclosure for legislators, but the reform legislation was defeated in the waning days of the session. Moret plans to push this issue in the coming statewide election.
Former CIA Director James Woolsey
Former CIA Director James Woolsey was a guest on my show recently, and discussed America’s dangerous dependency on foreign oil. He told my listeners that American is in a Middle East war where we are financing both sides. Our purchase of oil from that part of the world is lining the pockets of the terrorists we are fighting. A chilling message about our future.
Sammy Kershaw
Lt. Governor candidate and country singer Sammy Kershaw was my Friday guest on Jim Brown in the Morning. Besides politics, we talked a good bit about country music. I let Sammy know that country music is a way of life if you come from my old home town of Ferriday, Louisiana. Hey, and what a treat to see “the Killer,” Jerry Lee Louis at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April. I have known Jerry Lee for years, and he sounds today as good as ever.
Innocence Project
? The Innocence Project of New Orleans was discussed on Wednesday’s show, and my guest was the Chairman of the Board, Kathleen Norman.? Kathleen was actually the foreperson of a jury that convicted and sentenced an innocent man to death.? Later, when confronted with evidence of his innocence that had been in possession of the FBI and withheld form the defense, she became an outspoken advocate for his release.
Sheriffs! and more
Crime control and prevention was the focus of Thursday’s show. I was joined by Sheriff Jack Stephens of St. Bernard Parish, and Sheriff Jiff Hingle of Plaquemines Parish for a lively discussion and numerous callers.
What can seniors do about skyrocketing health insurance, particularly prescription drugs? With me today do discuss this important issue was Linda Jones and Molly Prokop with the Jefferson Council on Aging. This is an extremely import area of concern for more and more of my listeners.
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Jiff Hingle
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Jiff Hingle was my guest today during the 190:00, and we discussed crime issues in general, and the overall recovery of Plaquemines Parish.? The sheriff was, as always a good and? lively guest, but I may be a bit prejudiced since he is my brother-in-law.
Jim Brandt
Public Affairs Research Council Director Jim Brandt was in studio with me this week talking about a number of issues before the Louisiana legislature at the present time.? PAR releases regular studies on important public policy. You can access all the PAR reports on their website at http://www.la-PAR.org? 
Jimmy Fitzmorris
Former Lt. Governor Jimmy Fitzmorris spent the 10:00 hour with me on Tuesday, and we reminisced abbot his long political career.? Fitz was President of the Louisiana Senate when I was first elected State Senator back in 1972.? The phone calls were numerous, with some callers asking Fitz to run for Governor this year.? At a young 83 years of age, he said he has other priorities, specifically his grandchildren.
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Tom Laird was a guest during the 9:00 hour on Tuesday of this week, and talked at length about his combined experiences of New Orleans and his lengthy trips to Tibet.
Tom’s new book on Tibet is in book stores all over New Orleans.
Increasing crime rates and what to do about it was the focus of my show on Tuesday of this week.? Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gussman joined me along with New Orleans City Council President Oliver Thomas to discuss a new “NO Crime” program? to update crime locations by map on the web.
Tulane Journalism Professor Paul Greenberg was with me on the show on Wednesday, and we covered the gamut of subjects, including Recovery Czar Blakely’s comparison to Don Imus, the New Orleans job market, and the miserable insurance climate in the Greater New Orleans area.
Gubernatorial candidate John Georges was a a guest on my show Monday.? He has $5.5 million in the bank and says he will announce for Governor in Mid June.? John feels the time is right for a businessman to run with new ideas.
The New Orleans Levee is a satirical publication at newsstands all over the New Orleans area.? Publisher Rudy Vorkapic came by this morning to share some humorous commentary.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney surprised the political pundits last week when he outpace the Republican presidential field in money raising, putting together $23 million. His Louisiana campaign manager, New Orleans businessman Scott Sewell, was by the station this week to hype the Romney campaign.
World class marathoner Bill Rogers was a guest on my show today. As an old “has been” athlete, I have followed Bill’s career for many years. He won the Boston Marathon four times, and still is running hard at 59. All of us should get out, particularly during this time of year with great weather, and exercise more.
It looks like the courts are finally putting the squeeze on a number of insurance companies who have failed to meet their contracts. Insurance companies are facing legal challenges over whether wind coverage operates in tandem with flood coverage. And there could be as much as 14 billion dollars at stake. On my show this week were Belle Chase lawyers Charles Balley and Andrian Colon, who represent a number of homeowners on this important issue. There are pictured with me here.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is having a world class exhibit from a cross section of French museums on paintings of women by world class French artists. Museum Director John Bullard was a guest on my show last Friday to talk abut this really outstanding event. John used to appear on y Cox TV show, an has done a marvelous job of making the Museum one of the finest in the country. This exhibit is a must see for you and your family.
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I spent an enlightening hour with Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee who was a guest on my show last week. The Sheriff and I have been friends for over 35 years when we served in the Louisiana National Guard together. People have different views on the Sheriff. But you cannot argue with his results. Crime continues to drop in Jefferson. Harry will be a regular guest on Jim Brown in the Morning.
Welcome to my new website. I hope you will enjoy taking the time to look over a number of new features that we have put up for your enjoyment, your entertainment, and perhaps even some knowledge that you will not find anywhere else. I’m glad to have all of our previous viewers, and welcome to all of those of you throughout the country and all over the world, who regularly check in here JimBrownLA.com.
Some 700,000 hits have come to this site in the past two years alone, and our numbers are growing by the day. Hopefully, our newly designed website will offer you even more opportunities to be a regular, interactive viewer, and I look forward to adding more material of interest in the weeks to come.
Jim in the studio ready to begin his daily show.Hey, are you a regular listener yet on my daily radio show, The Jim Brown Program, on thenew995fm.com? I broadcast from the Clear Channel Studios in the heart of downtown New Orleans each weekday from 8:00 am until 11:00 am. This station is the old “Rock of New Orleans” that used to have the call letters of WRNO. The classic rock has moved to 104.l FM, but the real rock is on talk radio at thenew995fm.com. So be sure and tune in to hear yours truly pontificate on any number of controversial subjects to keep the crowd stirred up every day.
I have a cross-section of interesting guests almost every day. I also write a daily blog that you can read on the station’s website, and you can access it by going to http://www.thenew995fm.com, hitting the “Hosts” column in the homepage, and pulling up my site. You can both instant message and email me right off this site.
