If you haven’t listened yet, the new dateline Louisiana podcast is gaining a number of new listeners.  Several new episodes have now been posted, including great discussions on  all the interesting and exquisite food you can find in Louisiana.  So be sure and check out all these new episodes. You can listen to all the podcasts that have been posted so far by Clicking Here.

All we’re hearing in the press are several high profile decisions from the US Supreme Court. But quietly, other decisions have eroded your basic constitutional rights. Something the Supreme Court Has done a lot recently.Although the Supreme Court stopped short of overturning its 1966 ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, the conservative majority declared that individuals cannot hold police accountable for violating their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. By shielding police from lawsuits arising from their failure to Mirandize suspects, the Supreme Court has sent a message to police that they no longer have to respect a suspect’s right to remain silent. In other words, concludes legal analyst Nick Sibilla, “the Supreme Court has effectively created a new legal immunity for cops accused of infringing on the Fifth Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination.”  See full details by Clicking Here.
 

There’s a major effort in Washington, both by the president and key members of Congress, to pass legislation forgiving current student loans. The amount of these loans currently exceed $1.7 trillion. And that ain’t chump change.  So is this something that Congress and the president should do? Is it fair to the those who earlier  paid off all their student loans? And who’s going to pay all the bill?  Lots of questions to ask, and I address these issues in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The Keystone pipeline has become an issue that now dominates criticism of the President by  pleading how important the pipeline  is to the economic future of Louisiana. My reaction? Hogwash! The issue will not mean diddlysquat to the Bayou State. No new jobs will be created and not a dime of economic development. Read my view in my now column now posted. You can read it by going to the Flashing Red Box above, or by Clicking Here.

I’m excited to tell you about a new podcast that is taking off this week with my cohost Rannah Gray. For years, Rannah and I broadcast a nationally syndicated radio program that you could listen to right here on this site.  We have started a new podcast called Dateline Louisiana, where we discuss the various attributes that make Louisiana, in our opinion, one of  the most interesting states in the whole world. You can listen to our first episode right here on this website. Just Click Here to listen to Episode one. 

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Fifty years ago this month, the Watergate break-in took place in Washington. It seemed like a minor event at the time, but the whole political mess continued to  unwind  and led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Like most of the rest of the country, I was an avid observer of the whole process. I had met Nixon on several occasions, and I talk about it in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

One of the important issues missing from the whole gun debate is the violence that takes place at the movies, on TV and in video games.  Yet we see time and time again the fist kind of violence influences potential mass murderers. Check out daughter Campbell Brown’s article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal a few years back that is right on point.  You can read it by Clicking Here.  

All things considered, Jupiter seems like a pretty scary place. More than 300 times bigger than Earth (and twice the size of all the rest of our solar system’s planets combined), the King of Planets has double the strength of our gravity and an exceptionally dense, dry atmosphere. And you know that Big Red Dot on its surface? Well, apparently that’s a storm that’s been raging for centuries. Truly terrifying stuff.

But some scientists now reckon that Jupiter could be even more beastly than we previously thought. An article in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics says that the planet may have become its ginormous, monstrous self by eating other planets. So I guess we better keep our guard up. We don’t want to be gobbled up by Jupiter. What a way to go!

Kudos to my colleague John Whitehead for his  continuing to stand up for our freedoms. He writes  regular columns on his website The Rutherford Institute. Here’s what he insightfully says this week:

“In a closed society where everybody’s guilty, the only crime is getting caught.”””Hunter S. Thompson

“The groundwork has been laid for a new kind of government where it won’t matter if you’re innocent or guilty, whether you’re a threat to the nation, or even if you’re a citizen. The burden of proof has been reversed. No longer are we presumed innocent. Now we’re presumed guilty unless we can prove our innocence beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Rarely, are we even given the opportunity to do so. Although the Constitution requires the government to provide solid proof of criminal activity before it can deprive a citizen of life or liberty, the government has turned that fundamental assurance of due process on its head. Each and every one of us is now seen as a potential suspect, terrorist and lawbreaker in the eyes of the government.”

The recent legislative session at the state capital of Louisiana provided an excellent chance for legislators to deal directly with the nation’s highest automobile  insurance rates. There were a number of positive suggestions that were offered to legislators. But with all was said and done, nothing of any consequence happened. So policyholders in the state will wallow in the outrageous costs of automobile insurance.  Just what problems were ignored? I set out a detailed list in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

How about my two good-looking and quite athletic grandsons, Eli and Asher Senor? In New York City for Asher’s bar mitzvah. And watching these two guys play lots of great tennis

So what do you choose? Exercise or reading a good book. I say you can do both. I’m at my local health club 5 to 6 days a week, and always bring a book along. If it’s time to ride on my recumbent bike, I can both ride and read. My rule of thumb is that if you have five or six minutes while you’re waiting, sitting, or even standing, it’s good to pull out a book. Just suggesting! And for some interesting reading, go to The Lisburn Press Bookstore at www.thelisburnpress.com.

All across America, the voting process is under siege.  And much of the criticism is directed at secretaries of state who are the top election officials in most states.  A number of groups, many tied to the past president, say there is widespread voter fraud, and the whole system needs to be revamped. So is there any truth in this?  Are there any glitches in the system that compromise the integrity of the election process?  I talk about this controversy in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Two of Louisiana’s most colorful governors certainly are Edwin Edwards and John McKeithen.  They were political allies when McKeithen  was governor and Edwards served as a congressman from southwest Louisiana. Then Edwards was elected, and the relationship between them became strained. I was a first hand observer to the highs and lows of their relationship, and I talk about it in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Sad to say, but another week- another school shooting. It seems like these deranged killers are popping up way too often. And the police response in Uvalde, Texas has been absolutely appalling. Domestic terrorism in America continues to rise. What if anything that we do about it? I express my thoughts about the terrible shooting it in Uvalde in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A nice evening visiting with my friend Charlie Cole overlooking the Mississippi River. Charlie has been working for a number of years on his wonderful project of restoring Como plantation outside of Saint Francisville as a wonderful getaway. The Como Plantation Retreat has been in the works for several years””a vision that has transformed this historic property into a site for spiritual contemplation for Christians of all denominations. Take a look at http://comoplantationretreat.com

This week, I want to tell you all about me and the Killer. Well, not that kind of killer. I’m talking about one of the great country music and rock ‘n roll singers of all time. He’s from my hometown in Ferriday, Louisiana and he was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m talking about Jerry Lee Lewis. You’ll be surprised to learn that he was one of my first clients when I opened up my law practice in Ferriday. I’ve known him for many years. You can read all about my experiences with the king of rock ‘n’ roll in my new column now posted. To read it, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

Randy Weaver has passed away.  Three decades ago, he was entrapped by an ATF agent.  Federal agents subsequently killed his son and wife. The Justice Department denied that anyone’s rights were violated but still paid a multi-million dollar settlement for the Weaver family’s wrongful death lawsuit.  Federal abuses at Ruby Ridge, the subsequent FBI coverup, and the outrageous arguments that federal lawyers made in court to protect the FBI sniper helped awaken legions of Americans to the danger of boundless federal power.  To read more of this tragic event and the continuing overreach of the FBI, Click Here.

What’s going on in my home state of Louisiana and across the nation? A crime wave of violence from coast to coast. Political leaders in both parties who  scream for attention, but offer few solutions. We as Americans deserve better. Much better! I take on the thorny subject in my new column now posted. Where is America’s leadership? And what can you and as average citizens do about it? You can read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I would be remiss not to comment on the passing of my longtime friend Mickey Gilley. He was one of my first clients when I started my law practice in the small town of Ferriday in Northeast Louisiana. Mickey was a  country music star whose Texas nightclub served as the inspiration for the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, died in Branson, Mo. He was 86 and had just come off of the road, his favorite place, having played ten shows in April,” according to Farnum’s statement. “He passed peacefully with his family and close friends by his side.”

When I began my career in Louisiana politics, Nickie performed at several fundraisers in my behalf. We stayed in touch over many years, and I considered him a special friend.  Across his career as a singer, Mickey garnered 17 No. 1 singles between the late 1960s and 1980s, including his 1974 cover of “Room Full of Roses.” His soulful renditions of early rock and roll hits and soul songs cemented him as a country artist who was able to cross genres. Mickey’s family included artist Jerry Lee Lewis and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart as cousins.  God Bless Mickey Gilley.

Well like it or not, I’m moving on up. I’m talking about age. Eighty two years old this week. In the past, I would have assumed that this is really old. Not so says me. Yes, a lot of water has pasted under the bridge, but I’m convinced I still have a good ways to go. We all have concerns about mortality, and I’m surely no different. Well, you play the cards you are delt, and make the most of it. I write about all these concerns in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Mega country music singing star Garth Brooks is certainly a national treasure. But it’s hard to top the thousands of fans that packed LSU tiger stadium this past Saturday night. It was a Garth Brooks weekend with diehard fans traveling from hundreds of miles just to see the king of country music. He wasn’t always so popular. I have a personal story to tell about the first time I heard Garth Brooks, and about being the only person to pay attention to her singing. It’s a special story for me, and I want to share it with you. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Did you know that some so-called celebrities go ahead and hire a book stylist? A book is recommended to carry around and let people think you are a real intellectual and regular reader. Hey I’ve got a good idea. Just sit down and read a book!

It’s a simple fact with no disagreement. Violent crime is running rampant all over Louisiana. In fact, a number of the most violent crime ridden cities in America are right here in the Bayou state. So what can be done about it? Newspaper editorials and columns are calling for a new study commission. What? We studied the problem for years. Give us specifics our citizens are calling out! So that’s exactly what I’ve done in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Being from Louisiana, and having spent a good part of my life in New Orleans, I really love the street performers take their music seriously, and give awesome performances. Here is one of the best performers. Every Breath You Take – The Police | Karolina Protsenko & Daniele Vitale Sax

Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is back on the political scene again. She is a candidate for the one congressional seat in Alaska. Over 50 candidates are qualified to run against Palin. So what do you think about this controversy and outspoken lady? I have my opinions. In fact, I almost rubbed shoulders with Palin. Take a look at my new column where I talk about some of the highs and lows of her political career. You can read it now by going to the Flashing Red Box above or by Clicking Here.

Sunrise church this Sunday Easter morning at the Flora-Bama service in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I’v been a regular down here on the Redneck Riviera for the past 56 years.

Someone asked me what this was a picture of. I told them this was just a typical gas station down here in Louisiana.

The Louisiana legislature is under the gun during its current regular 2002 session, and for good reason. Policyholders who own property  are livid about the cost of insurance, and the way insurance companies are failing to adequately adjust claims. And it’s because property insurance is by far the most expensive in the entire country. And its been that way for a number of years. So what’s the problem? Why can’t the insurance department and the legislature take aggressive action to address these high rates? And why does it take months to get a claim settled in the first place? I address these disturbing issues in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Well, we here at The Lisburn Press hope you feel the same way about happiness. If you live down in the deepest of the deep southern states, you know we have so many productive authors, and so many good books to read. I hope you go to our website and look at all the new publications that are coming out of The Lisburn Press Bookstore. Take a look at www.TheLisburnPress.com, and see if you find something adventurous.

Baird Dodge, principal second violin of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, performs “Over the Rainbow” in the courtyard of his residence, as tenants gather on the fire escapes to enjoy the music.What a thoughtful musical gift from a gifted musician.

We want to let all you folks who come to The Lisburn Press site know the new feature we will be beginning in the next several weeks. We will host weekly interviews with a cross-section of writers, many who pen their work with The Lisburn Press. We will also host a cross section of other authors who have written both fiction and nonfiction about Louisiana and the deep South. so we hope you all will stay tuned for this new feature. Check out more book information at www.theliburnpress.com.

In this week’s column, I take a look at the question of jut how important is Ukraine to the interest of the United States. Should we be actively engaged in this country over 6000 miles away from our borders? Probably so, but with caveats.  Why is Vladimir Putin  so intense on invading Ukraine?  It is America picking in choosing what countries they going to defend? Check out my thoughts and see if you agree. Read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A special day at the Garden District bookstore in uptown New Orleans with a presentation by popular author Karen White. She has written over 30 books, and tells great stories about New Orleans, the French quarter and the south. It was a treat to visit with her at the bookstore. Pictured below shows my visiting with Karen, and a second picture with bookstore owner Chris Tidmore and author Rannah Gray.

In this week’s column now posted, I write about the importance of America’s relationship with Ukraine, and how far America  should go in protecting this country some 6000 miles away. Pictured below are some of the political commentary showing this relationship. And I hope you will read my column listed above.

A warning for my readers. There is a new strain of Covid that is lurking through some parts of the world, that could be quite dangerous back here in the U.S. A lot of us have been lulled into thinking that our lives are back to normal, and we are not really affected by any additional lingering challenges from Covid. Let me tell you by my own personal experience. That’s just not the truth. I can also tell you that you don’t want to go through a serious Covid infection. Again, I know from personal experience. I write it all out in my new column. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

One of the most stunning multimedia art exhibits is the current van Gogh exhibit is traveling throughout America. Lucky for us, it should be in New Orleans soon. Van Gogh was troubled through most of his life, but was pure joy genius when it came to painting. He died broke, but his paintings today sell for multi, multi millions. Below is part of the exhibit that is being shown throughout the country now. I hope you can see it.

Louisiana legislators and insurance regulators are belly hoeing a host of new “catastrophic laws” to hold insurance companies more accountable. But just what are these proposals, and are they even necessary?  My new column raises questions about why the insurance department is not enforcing the laws that are already on the books.  Policyholders in the state seem to have  little consumer protection, and insurance rates continue become more and more unaffordable. So what can be done? I take a look at this complicated and messy issue in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

This is not a photo from 1941. This is a photo from March 2022 in Ukraine with all the color taken out. Yes, a chilling reminder that history does repeat itself.

The fighting gets worse in Ukraine. And whether Americans like it or not, we are directly affected. It just seems irresponsible for anyone in the U.S. to stand on the sidelines. So what can an individual do?  I list a number of opportunities to help in my second column I’ve written on Ukraine. Take a look and see if there’s something you’re interested in. Or if you agree. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We all know parents involved at the school their children and things are going right. Here’s an amusing take on parents complaining, even though their children miss school a great deal. Take a look.

Gas at $4.45 in Baton Rouge. Here’s how I’m preparing.

Countries across the world are expressing concern about what’s happening in Ukraine today. But are we as Americans and particularly here in Louisiana understand the economic and military toll this war will have right here at home?  There is going to be sacrifice regardless of how much America becomes involved. And this sacrifice could well continue for a long time to come. I write about this international tragedy in my column this week. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here. 

Time sure does fly, don’t you agree?  From the Louisiana Senators who were elected in 1971, only four of us are living today. In the picture below, we were suited up for a basketball game against the House of Representatives. All four of us in the photo ran for governor of Louisiana. Pictured from left are yours truly, Bob Jones from Lake Charles, Bill Dykes in the center who is now deceased, Lois Lambert from Gonzales and Paul Hardy from Baton Rouge. I’m sure we could all play just as well today, don’t you agree?

 

I started out in Louisiana political life back in 1972. There sure have been a lot of the changes in our priorities, how we live, our moral values, and what we think is important. And it’s not all good. There’s been a proliferation of gambling in numerous forms, loosening of drug laws, and a whole changing attitude of our personal priorities. Personally, I miss some of the good things about the old days. I write about these concerns in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Hey, it’s Mardi Gras Time down here in the Bayou State. If you haven’t made it down to the deepest of the deep southern states, you sure have missed “passing a good time.” Laissez les bons temps rouler.

All of a sudden, we seem to be going through an uncertain time in America were books are bring banned that have been on the shelves for many years. “To Kill A Mocking Bird?” Mark Twain’s novels? What are we turning in to as a nation? Certainly scary tinmes. Readers and protectors of free speech must stand up!

What a year for former LSU football great Joe Burrow. He’s destined to be one of the best in the NFL. LSU fans have another great player they look back on with awe. Billy Cannon was LSU’s first Heisman trophy winner before Burrow, and left quite a legacy, the highest being an All American and Heisman Trophy winner, the low of going to prison, and the high of coming back in heroic fashion to LSU fans. I write about the Canon-Burrow combination in this week’s column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

How about the spectacular full moon that appeared over Manhattan last week? You can’t much  closer than this.

OK, regular readers of this website. Here is your test. Let’s see just how talented you are.

via GIPHY

That’s right! This virus is still off around and affecting a great number of people. Sure, we’re all anxious to get back to normal. Rushing to fast is going to put us right back where we were a year ago. So keep your guard up friends.

If you live in Louisiana, a homeowner pays the highest property insurance rates in the nation. By a lot. And now some other news. Rates could will go up over 129% in the next 10 years. Yes, rates will continue to rise. Why is this happening, and what can be done about it? I take a look at this critical issue for Louisiana homeowners in this weeks column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It’s always dangerous when the Louisiana legislature is in session. It’s even more so this week with the members take up reapportionment. Under federal law, every 10 years, various political districts have to be redrawn. The problem is that legislators are drawing their own districts. Is this fair? I don’t think so. Instead of voters choosing their legislators, what we have in Louisiana is legislators choosing their voters. It doesn’t pass the smell test. Take a look at my new column and see if you agree. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Ok, I’ll admit.

I’m a huge Tom Brady fan. I signed up for his TB three program, and he’s gotton me off dead weights, and I went to band stretching. I’m approaching 82, and cannot be in better shape, thanks to Tom Brady. I sure would like for him to play another season or two, but I understand why he’s retiring. You can’t blame him. He’s older than most of the coaches in the NFL. He sure was the greatest.The GOAT! Few things as special as watching Tom Brady’s comebacks.

Well gun owners were given quite a bit to consider this week. In San Jose, California, gun owners will be required to buy insurance if they own a gun. And it won’t be cheap. Will we see a political wave of more insurance requirements across the country? And we have the President saying that a shotgun and a couple of shells is all you need to protect yourself. What does all this mean? I take a look at these possible new gun requirements in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Remember all the talk in the Bayou State legislature just two years ago about a dramatic plan to lower the cost of your automobile insurance rates? It was given the name of so-called “tort reform.”  And the insurance commissioner said rates would plummet by 25% in no time. So what happened? What’s today’s status? Surprise, Surprise, Surprise. Nothing happened. Well, that’s not right. Rates did not go down. They actually took a big increase up!  I take a look at this thorny problem for legislators in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Former state representative Steve Carter passed away one year ago this week. He was a leading voice in the legislature for early childhood development, and was highly respected by legislators as well as the educational community. He is deeply missed by his family, so many friends, and those who appreciated the good work he did for Baton Raton Rouge and Louisiana. You can read all about Steve’s many accomplishments by going to his memorial website at www.stevecarterla.com.

What are the best movie performances I’ve ever seen was Anthony Quinn starring in Zorba the Greek. If you seen the movie, you’ll never forget the great dance for Quinn performs. Take a look at André Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra performing Zorba’s Dance (Sirtaki) live in Maastricht.

I’ve had a knee replacement but no one suggested this solution for my sore knees.

You’ve got to be kidding me!  The Bayou State has the worst drivers in America? Why it can’t be. Unfortunately, the comparisons prove otherwise. In virtually every category, Louisiana is close to the bottom of the barrel. What’s the problem? Is it one thing or a whole variety of bad driving habits? Take a look at my new column now posted where I talk about this serious problem. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Way down yonder in the Bayou State, it’s all about the football coach. That certainly is obvious with the recent hiring a new coach Brian Kelly, who will be paid over $100 million. That’s big bucks!  And in a state that is at the bottom of the barrel on most national quality of life lists. Was Louisiana’s flagship university justified in paying such a huge amount of money for a northern guy to come down here and coach a football team? Take a look at my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Louisiana is fighting a tough fight as it tries to get off the bottom of most major quality of life lists throughout the country. Some northern columnists are expressing their disgust by calling for Louisiana to become a protectorate. A protectorate? Stand by and let the federal government take over? Hey, now to think of it, it may not be a bad idea. Take a look at my new column now posted that analyzes this idea. Is it crazy? See what you think by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

As you  can see, I am getting off to a good start for the New Year.

It’s been another difficult year in Louisiana and throughout the country as we continue to deal with the Covid virus. I’ll be receiving my booster shot next week, but still do not feel all that safe.  In spite of this challenge, we have a lot to be thankful for. I review the new year, and think back over past happier times, in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here. And Happy New Year to you.

He sees you when you’re sleeping

He knows when you’re awake

He knows when you’ve been bad or good

So be good for goodness’ sake!”

My friend John Whitehead has written a chilling commentary on the new tools of the surveillance state for his column at The Rutherford Institute. John was often a guest on my national syndicated radio show.  His column is well worth a read, and you can do so by Clicking Here.

As some of you who read this blog regularly know, I’m a frustrated banjo player. In fact, I used to play my banjo on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at a place called Your Fathers Mustache. Helped pay my way through to Tulane Law School. But really, I was not all that good. Here at the holiday season, you can watch a great rendition of a Navy banjo player in dueling Christmas string music. Hope you enjoy.

Happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and a pleasant time of year for all my friends, readers, to all those who agree with my commentaries and to those of you who disagree.  I hope we can put our political beliefs aside, and enjoy this special time of year. I write about the holiday season in my new column this week, and just why it is such a special time of year. I hope you will take a look at it, and blessings to you and to all your family. To read my new column, go to the Red Flashing Box above or Click Here.

A recent visit to the Garden District Book Shop with owner Chris Tidmore. There is a whole section of books published by The Lisburn Press there. Well worth a visit.

Over 1000 singers and musicians gathered to perform a stunning rendering of the magical song Angels We have Heard on High.  It’s a marvelous tribute on the special time of year, and well worth listening to over the next few minutes.

Below is a link the interview I did with the publisher of BayouBuzz, Steve Sablubodsky, on just how political decisions affect private business decisions. Take a look!

A new ranking of states with supposedly poor Judicial climates was released this week by the American Association for tort reform.  Louisiana was named in the top few states by the American Tort Reform Association of America.  So just how bad is the judicial climate in Louisiana, and are there any viable alternatives for the Louisiana legislature to consider? Maybe so, and maybe not. I take a look at some of these alternatives that are being proposed in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Many of us are big basketball fans down here in Louisiana. I have held front row tickets for LSU basketball games over the past 40 years. This week, it was a special treat to go to New Orleans with my son James to see the New Orleans Pelicans. Again we were able to sit in the front row. Unfortunately, it was a bad night for the Pelicans as they were beaten by the Dallas Mavericks. But it still was an enjoyable evening.

It’s the holiday season, and time again to visit with our old friend Ray Stephens. I’ve been a fan of his for many years. He keeps us amused with his new version of the Christmas story as he talks and sings  about his nightmare before Christmas. Take a look below.

Politics is serious business. But there has to be a relationship between members of both parties. To create an effective government, there has to be some camaraderie, friendship, and a commitment to make a good working relationship. Simply put, politics needs to have some fun in it. So what happened? Political life in Louisiana as well as the rest of the country just isn’t fun anymore. Why not? I’ll take a look at the reasons in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

In Louisiana, apparently gambling is the answer to all the state problems. There is no other state in America where the different types of gambling are so prevalent. But then, why is the state at the bottom most quality of life lists?  We even have former slaves quarterback Drew Brees expanding on all the value of gambling. What’s going on here? I take a look at this problem in my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A moving luncheon for several World War II vets, all around 95 years old, at Antoine’s in New Orleans last week. A fine celebration of distinguished Americans who served the country well.

What’s up with that with the supposed sleuths that work for the FBI? They’re supposed to be the nations finest law-enforcement agency. But week after week, there’s either some kind of a specific screwup, or there’s a calculated effort to undermine the rule of law. The Wall Street Journal has even called for the FBI to be disbanded, and let Congress start all over again. Is that the answer? Why can’t the Justice Department, that supposedly oversees the FBI, get it right? That’s the focus of my new column for this week. Take a look and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above all by Clicking Here.

The Lisburn Press has just released our new publication, a book of inspiration called “Reasonably Happy” by Dr. Terry Ellis. Terry is well known throughout the strate and has a large following, so we anticipating brisk sales. It’s available on our website at www.thelisburnpress.com.

A special day honoring veterans all over America on November 11th.  No, it’s not a holiday. No hotdogs and picnics. Just a time to take a moment and honor  thousands of veterans who kept us free for so many years. It’s so easy for the younger generation to forget.  Yes so many live off the valor all those young men and women who chose to serve their country. Should everyone pitch in and help? That’s the focus of my new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking here.

This week, unfortunately, marks the  20th anniversary of the passing by Congress of the so-called Patriot Act.  It was a law passed and actively supported by the Bush Administration following 911, in a paranoid effort to search out so-called terrorist activities, and in the process, dramatically curtailed the individual freedoms of every American.  This invasion of personal rights was the wrong move when the law was passed in 2001, and it’s the wrong move today. I take a look at the Patriot Act in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Like many of you, I’m an old Elvis fan, and always loved his song “I can’t help falling in love with you.” But I came across this recent addition by young lady named Claire Crosby. She’s six. That’s right, six years old. See if you enjoy her reputation as much as I did.

It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago. But it’s been 59 years. That’s when our nation was almost at the break of nuclear war against the Russians. It was the Cuban missile crisis, and I was living in England at the time. I vividly remember getting up in the middle of the night to hear the president declare that we could be going to war. I talk about this crisis in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

So here is the Halloween pumpkin I finally picked out. What do you think?

I’m picking out my pumpkin for Halloween. I’ll be at home in Baton Rouge with plenty of treats.  Hope you look out for the kids in your neighborhood.

Well it is that messy time of the election cycle when legislators are called on to reapportion themselves.  Don’t think they have their own self interest in mind? Good luck with that. The question is should legislators be reapportioning themselves in the first place?  Is this fair to the voters?  I talk about this issue in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I always liked the song Bohemian Rhapsody by the musical group Queen. But then someone sent me this somewhat different version. Cats singing Bohemian Rhapsody? Take a look and see a different view.

The reputation of the United States Supreme Court has plummeted, with the overwhelming majority of Americans losing faith in their ability to be fair. One of the reasons is, they don’t work very hard. They take the whole summer off, and don’t work that hard in the winter. And they consider very few cases which is  appalling, particularly when you consider how important their work is. Check out my new column where I  discuss this troubling issue. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Good news! Emeril’s restaurant in New Orleans has opened back up. And of course Emerald will be consulting me on all his new menu choices. I’m giving him some suggestions below. (Yeah, right!)

I’ve always wanted to play the piano well but never took the time. I have a new piano, and I’m just beginning to learn and some basic cords. I wish I would have begun my lessons when I was very young. Now if you really want to be intimidated, take a look at this accomplished young lady below. She’s five years old. And she plays as well as any accomplished pianist. And she’s five. Simply unbelievable.

Here we go again. Another scandal of ineptitude and outright criminal wrongdoing on the part of the FBI. If you’ve not been following the malfeasance of FBI agents  who did nothing while numerous young female gymnasts were sexually abused, you missed a stomach churning story. The nation’s supposed top law enforcement agency stood by as young female gymnasts were abused for years. It’s a chilling story, that raises questions about incompetence, and why no charges have been brought against numerous FBI agents. You can read my full column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Check out the  stumper below. Can you figure out why the rabbit says what he says?

Louisiana has the dubious distinction of being aligned in a federal district court of appeals that is bizarre, incompetent, controversial, and that often rules in direct contradiction to the constitution of the United States., Every other federal district court rules one-way, and the fifth circuit rules another way. It is wrong, it’s an embarrassment, and it’s a sad state of affairs that the state has to suffer over incompetent judges. This is the subject of my new column which is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Do you remember where you were 20 years ago when this terrible event happened in our lives? I can remember it like it was yesterday. The initial news I received was chilling, but unbelievable. I stayed glued to the TV set our after hour watching the unbelievable events unfold. You can read my thoughts about 911 in my new column now posted. Check it out now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

It seems like another year, another major hurricane. This one had two parts. A sprint and a marathon. The storm itself didn’t do as much damage as past hurricanes have. But the aftermath, connecting power and utilities, will take a long period of time. I look back on the worst hurricane in recent memory ““ Hurricane Katrina. Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.