Below is an excellent video on the perspective of millennials in our country today. There’s a great deal of talent, but also a sense of entitlement. Here is an excerpt of Simon Sinek, a commenter on today’s younger generation from an episode of Inside Quest. It is well worth a few minutes to review. And as Simon says, put down your smart phones while you watch.

OK, OK. I know The New York Times is not a popular publication down here in the deepest of the deep southern states. And boy did they get things riled up in a recent article on the editorial page saying that black athletes are being exploited at LSU. They went further to say that whenever LSU gets beat in football, judges in Louisiana are harder on defendants, particularly in the person charged is black.  Hummmm!  Are you skeptical?  Take a look at my new column where I analyze the national publication article. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by  Clicking Here.

It was 19 years ago this week. A horrific scene glued by TV watchers all over the world, as two planes hit the World Trade Center in New York City. So many lives lost, and so many questions still on answered.  This event dramatically changed our lives, and brought a whole new wave of security facing all Americans. Where were you on 9/11? I write about my personal experiences in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Louisiana has always lagged far behind other states in educational attainment. Now we just get some news from the state Board of Education. If your kids are going to learn virtually, they have to have access to the Internet.  So what’s new? This information has been obvious for a number of years. I wrote about it in this column eight years ago. Take a look at my column now to see my thoughts on why the state is lagging so far behind. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I have always been fascinated by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. He was known to transmute vibrant colors and great detailing of his everyday observations onto the canvas. The poor artist died with little money and during his lifetime, he managed to sell only one painting. Often referred to as the ‘Mad Artist,’ van Gogh is today regarded as one of the most popular Post-impressionist painters. Many of his paintings are on exhibit in Paris, and below is a marvelous visual video portrait of the amazing and gifted painter. I thought you might enjoy.

To mask or not to mask? That is the question.  Here’s a fun parody of whether or not to mask based on the hit Broadway Musical Hamilton.  Checkout what side you are on.

Another cleanup begins as Hurricane Laura devastates the Gulf coastline and moves up through Louisiana.  Fifteen years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc and tore into the soul of New Orleans and south Louisiana.  It was one of the most trying times in the state’s history.  I look back at my personal experience with Katrina, and ask, do we still have much to learn about dealing with these massive storms that will continue in the future?  You can read my new column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

As I have written before on this website, I wish I were a really good dancer. Looking back over these 80 years, I just wish I had danced a lot more.There are so many really good dancers today.Take a look at the video below to see the cast of Ghee do some really creative dancing. And so did the video technicians who put this video together.

It’s always a treat hanging out with my buddy Tony Bennett. He looks great for being 94 years old. (Oh alright! You caught me. The photo was taken at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum in Las Vegas. We both look pretty good in wax, don’t we?)

If you live in Louisiana, you were bombarded with assurances by the insurance industry that new laws limiting the rights of policyholders would show a dramatic drop in the cost of automobile insurance. 25% by the end of this year. But guess what? It looks like you policyholders really got conned.  Now the insurance lobbyists are saying, well not so fast.  Your rates are really going to go up!  What gives?  Check out 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.

Are you getting tired of staying home and binge watching so much TV? All right, I know there’s a limited amount that you can do with a pandemic going on. And like you, I’ve watched any number of TV series and old movies. One of my favorites is about the outlaw Jesse James. You might be surprised to know that there are some real controversy about just where Jessie ended up. And would you be surprised to know that it just could be here in Louisiana? Check out my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Sure, I pick up my iPhone regularly, and I am on social media a good bit. But how much is it affecting us? Social Media and technology can connect us, but it can also harm us. Take a look at today’s generation and their digital addiction. And see what did you think?

Bourbon Street in the New Orleans French Quarter is still dead as a door nail.  Do you think it will ever come back?

How about those little critters that seem to be taking over Louisiana and other coastal states? Nutria didn’t exist down here in deep South until the last 50 years. What to do? What to do? Are there any solutions?  Well, yes, if you want to be experimental. Did you know that these little varmints make a tasty dish? Now don’t rush to judgment. Read my new column and see if you agree. It may change your whole gastronomic approach to your next meal.  You can read the column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Here are some big news. We have a new podcast basis. My colleague Rannah Gray and I have started a podcast about the fascinating things one can find in our home state of Louisiana. And where to begin? Whether it is the food, the music, art, politics, you name it, Louisiana is often called the most northern of the Caribbean countries. Our first episode is listed below. So take a listen and learn some new things you might not know about the Bayou State.

Do you like to dance? I sure do. OK, I’m not very good at it. But everyone likes to think they have a little rhythm, and get out on the dance floor from time to time. Actually, I was pretty good back in high school. That’s why I like the movie, Footloose so much. Here’s a great video below of many of the great dance scenes, all to the same Footloose song.  Take a look and listen.

Money, money, money goes the song from the Broadway show Cabaret. And this should be an issue in Louisiana comes to electing state judges.  Insurance lobbyists push through legislation in the recent session of the Louisiana Legislature that limits rulings of judges when it comes to automobile injury cases. But if money is the problem, why did not the legislature deal with that issue of campaign contributions to judges? I write about this thorny problem in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

What do you do when you’re in the middle of a pandemic, stuck at home, and bored to death? You read of course!  Book sales are at an all-time high throughout the country, as people have more free time. I write about the joy reading in this week’s column. And you’ll find some interesting facts about. reading in other countries. Take a look and see if I have sparked your interest in picking up a good book, particularly if it’s from The Lisburn Press. You can read the column now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Chef Paul Prudhomme is a Louisiana national treasure. He put Louisiana on the map of culinary specialties to food buffs all over the world.  Chef Paul  died some years back, but his name and reputation has continued over the years at K Paul’s restaurant in New Orleans. Sadly, now it is closed for good. I take a look at Chef Paul’s career, and my long friendship with him in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We hear so much about social distancing today. You would think it’s a brand new idea, and obviously quite necessary as we fight this pandemic. Well keeping your distance is not all that new. Take a look at this great Buster Keaton movie from 1920 as they are social distancing way back then.

The Louisiana legislature just passed new laws that are supposed to reduce auto insurance rates. 25% reduction says the insurance commissioner. And before the end of the year. Realistic? Of course not. There’s a lot more to reducing insurance rates in the Bayou State than clamping down on people’s right to sue. I take a look at this problem in my new column, and outline what really should have been done rather than the smokescreen that was passed by the legislature. Don’t go spending money you think you’re going to get. You can read my column now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Are we supposed to be politically correct in everything we do? Some people think so. Well there are issues involving race, gays, transgenders, praying in public, and even who can or cannot bake a cake. Everything we do these days has a “politically correct” connotation attached to it. Have we gone to far in America, or is there some middle ground to allow freedom of expression without offending others? Check out my new column to see what I think and to decide if you agree. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

As part of my pandemic defense, our family is up on the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Boone North Carolina for the summer. And look who I came across.  I’ve found a new hiking buddies. He’s lots of laughs.  And we are both keeping up common sense protections.

Can any of us even remember life before the digital age? Things were so much simpler then. We were sitting down at family meals, spending lots of time reading, never looking down at iPhones, because they did not exist. Actually, one of the only benefits of the current pandemic is the fact that we have more free time. Check out the video below to see what life was like in simpler times, and maybe we can now adopt some of these relaxing and creative methods to focus on your own life. I’m sure try to do so.

We are living in uncertain times, with COVID-19, economic problems, and racial confrontations. But political life goes on, and both Democrats and Republicans are preparing for their national conventions. New Orleans was in the running for the Republican national convention up until a few weeks ago. In my new column, I talk about the last time the city held such a convention, and why the Crescent city is such an appealing location for large gatherings. You can read the column now by Clicking Here or going to the Red Flashing Box above.

I’ve seen a number of Broadway shows in my life, but at the top of my list has always been Les Miserables. The music is wonderful, and it’s a compelling story about the French revolution. If you’ve never seen the show, I would urge you to do so. Below is a shopping center flash mob who put on quite a performance. It’s certainly worth taking a look.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has stirred up a real hornet’s nest of controversy over standing for the national anthem. He didn’t make a big deal about it. He just said in his opinion you should stand. Boy the criticism sure rained down on him. So what do you think?  Is it unpatriotic to sit during the national anthem? Take a look at my new column and see what I think. I don’t hold back. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I’m cooking up a storm with fresh vegetables up in the North Carolina mountains. It was 38° this morning when I got up to start cooking. Who knows, I might put out a new addition of the famous “Jim Brown’s World-Famous Squirrel Stew and other Country Recipes.” Stay tuned.

All over the nation, there are a wave of protests over what many feel is the continuing glorification of many events in our nation’s past. How far should we as a country go in  obliterating  monuments, images, writings, motion pictures, and other symbols that often memorialize individuals whose past actions are today politically incorrect?  I write about many of these contradictions in this weeks column. You could read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Are you ready for this year’s Democratic and Republican national convention? Quite a change from years past. We’re not even sure at this stage whether the parties will even have a convention. I’ve had the opportunity of attending seven different national conventions, both democratic and Republican. Remember picking candidates in smoke-filled rooms? I do. I talk about several of the conventions I attended in this week’s column. You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

When it comes to operating the congress in the nation’s capitol, one would think that we were still in the horse and buggy days.  Members of congress spend half their time flying back and forth from their home districts to Washington, D.C.  And often it’s for routine matters and non-controversial committee hearings.  We can do so many things virtually form banking to purchasing online.  Why can’t the congress act, in some limited way, remotely and spend more time in their congressional districts?  I discuss this option in my new column now posted.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

This past weekend, Memorial Day weekend, we were to  pause and honor those who served and gave their lives for our nation. Relatives on both sides of my family served their country with honor and distinction. My Uncle had quite a navel military career.  In the final months of World War II, Commander Jack Gentry was flying a reconnaissance mission over the Pacific when his flight cameras captured photos of the Japanese flotilla. He made the cover of Life Magazine as his pictures allowed a direct attack on the enemy fleet that sped up the ending of the war with Japan. He went on to command the battleship USS Enterprise until his retirement from the Navy in the 1960s. Our thanks to all our military heroes.

As terrible as the coronavirus is, life goes on, and there is a wave of comedy making fun of what we are going through in our daily lives.Here’s one of may parodies below:

DOES LOUISIANA CARE ABOUT OLD PEOPLE?

The Coronavirus has caused havoc in Louisiana and all over the U.S.  But the damage has been shouldered mostly by older people. So the question is-does Louisiana, and many other states, really care that much about our senior citizens?  I take a look at this troubling question in this week’s column, and you’ll be surprised at some of the things I found. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Check out below the Erie picture of looking down a deserted Bourbon Street in the downtown New Orleans French quarter. One of my very favorite restaurants is Galatoire’s, that you can see in the picture on the left. It’s hard to find a better meal anywhere in the world than you could get at Galatoire’s. I’ve been there 100s of times. I “˜ve walked up Bourbon Street for more than 60 years, starting when I was a student at Tulane university law school. I’ve never seen Bourbon Street so attractive, or so empty.  I’ll look forward to the time where it’s busy again, filled with people, and allowing me to enjoy great meals at Galatoire’s.

THE NEW NORMAL IN OUR LIVES!

I’ve just turned 80 years old, and who could have predicted what the world is going through now? Who could have ever imagined that our lives would so dramatically change by a virus that just a few months ago was dismissed by our leaders as a minor problem that really would not affect our lives that much.  A little social distancing and we will all be back to normal in no time.  How wrong they were.  Read  observations in my new column now posted.  You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

I find a pleasant surprise now and then when older books that have been published by The Lisburn Press turn up. A friend of mine was checking out a flea market over theLafayette  area recently, and look what he found. My first book, printed back in 2005, is still making the rounds.  It’s not selling in the large volume that I experienced in the first few years after publication. But one turns up every now and then.  Nice to see such books are still circulating.

Below are some of my personal thoughts and observations as I reach a new milestone-turning 80 years old. I also write about my thoughts about the past, present and future in my new column now posted. You can read it by Clicking Here or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.

Well, at least all you readers have plenty of time for this now.  So many goo books to read.  Check out many of our new publications at www.thelisburnpress.com, or click on The Lisburn Press link on the right side of this page.

On our front door is a drawing by 9 year old grandniece Yvie Hunt, thanking all the service workers and responders who are helping us daily get through this difficult time. Yvie is saying in her drawing that even we have to be isolated, we are not alone.

I’ve been a John Prine fan for many years. Always wanted to see him in person. He died yesterday, but just take a listen to his ode to going to heaven. My kind of wish and my kind of dude.

Each year on April 1st, I make it a habit of posting a funny April fool’s joke. Not this year. Sad to say it’s not April fool but April Cruel. Let’s all pray we get through this month safe and healthy.

Do I look bored at home or what? I asked wife Gladys what will be the highlight of our day. She said “Let’s change the sheets.”

My book tour, like so many other events, has come to a temporary end. We’ve canceled all the book signings that were set for March April and early May.  Here’s hoping but this terrible virus will be contained, and we will get back to our normal way of life in the not too distant future. We are scheduling a number of fall events for my book My Louisiana Odyssey, as well as book signings and presentations by other authors whose books will be published by The Lisburn Press.

My last book presentation was to the Bunkie Rotary club, arranged by my longtime friend Claudia Norman. Claudia and I are pictured below at a great seafood restaurant in Bunkie.   Keep checking this site, for continuing updates.  Good luck to us all in fighting a war against this terrible virus outbreak.

The Brown book tour took a break over the past 10 days to celebrate Mardi Gras, then head back east. As you can see, heavy snow falling in the Blue Ridge mountains, up in Linville, North Carolina. I’ll be returning and back on the tour next week (March 3rd) and will speak and sign My Louisiana Odyssey at the weekly meeting of the Zachery Rotary Club.

It’s crawfish season here in the Bayou State, and a regular stop for me as a travel throughout South Louisiana is Crawfish Town USA in Henderson, La. Even has-been politicians like me still have their name on a chair. I was there this week to sit in my own chair and eat lots of boiled mudbugs.  Quite a treat.

The book signings continue all over Louisiana. This coming week, I’ll be speaking to the Ville Platte Rotary Club, The Luling Rotary Club and the Roundtable Club in New Orleans.

Guest at  the Hammond Rotary Club recently.

A good turn out at the Northshore Kiwanis Club in Mandeville.

With Rotary President Rebecca Jacob a the Denham Springs Club.

A visit and book signing last week to the Ponchatoula Rotary Club.

Three long time friends getting together to visit at Mike Anderson’s restaurant in Gonzales this week. That’s former state senate president Mike O’Keefe on the left and Governor Edwin Edwards. We old guys are all hangin’ in there The Governor is 92 and Mike is 88. I’m the kid in the group.

It was treat renewing old friendships at the Alexandria Rotary Club this week. Central Louisiana was my home for many years. I not only swapped many stories, but also sold a good number of copies of “My Louisiana Odyssey.” I’m pictured here with Professor Robert Wright from LSU in Alexandria (left) and old friend Ed Caplan, who for many years has had a clothing store in Alexandria.

A pleasant visit to Vidalia (just across the Mississippi River from Natchez, Mississippi) to speak to the Concordia Parish Library Association about my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey.” A number of students pictured here from the Vidalia High School were in attendance to learn a little Louisiana history. This week’s speaking schedule is listed below:

January 21^st-Alexandria Rotary Club-noon

January 22^nd-Hammond Rotary Club-noon

January 23^rd-Northshore Kiwanis Club-noon-Covington

January 28^th-Gonzales Rotary Club-noon

Speaking this past Thursday to the Ferriday Rotary Club up in my old hometown. Attorney Joey Booth is incoming Rotary Club president.  His dad, Judge Leo Boothe is a longtime friend.  Leo Young on my right helped me get started in Ferriday some 50 years ago.  It was a treat to see old friends and talk about my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey.”

A nice visit this past week with the Baton Rouge Lions Club to discuss my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey.”  Club members had many Bayou State stories to share with me themselves. Maybe for a new book.  I’m pictured with club members John Fontenot and David Young.

It was good to be in Natchitoches this past week visiting old friends and speaking about my book to the Natchitoches Rotary Club.  Former State Senator Don Kelly and I had a long visit, reminiscing about starting off in the legislature together back in the 1970s. I’m pictured below with Rotary members including long time friend attorney John Luster (right).

The new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey,” is being distributed all over the south. I’m pictured here in Boone, North Carolina at The Foggy Pine bookstore with owner Mary Ruthless, where my book is being distributed. Glad to see the interest in Louisiana by folks up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. More information about the book by going to www.jimbrownla.com.

Hopefully, we all are kicking off the New Year on a positive note. LSU is on the verge of winning a national championship, the Saints are in the playoffs, and initially, there’s real spirit of optimism. I sure hope it lasts. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I always do.  Take a look at my New Year’s column and my thoughts about 2020. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or By Clicking Here.

Happy New Year to All. 2020 will be a good year for you to write a book.

Looking forward to the Holidays with old friend Father Cleo Milano, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge.  I’ll be slowing down a bit over the holidays but Father Cleo will have his work cut out with a full scale of Christmas and New Year’s services and other events.  Happy Holidays to all my friends.

Most of us have been swept up in the momentum of the holiday season. We have passed Thanksgiving, reached the Christmas milestone and are approaching New Year’s Day, the third in the trilogy of holidays. Sure, there is a lot of our attention on holiday shopping, football (especially here in the Bayou State), and social events. But it is also a time to reflect of what the three holidays can mean to all of us.  A second chance, and maybe even a new beginning.  Check out my annual Holiday column by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by  Clicking Here.

My Louisiana Odyssey is now available at local bookstores in the Baton Rouge area.  In Denham Springs, John Cavalier reports brisk sales at the Cavalier Book Store located in the Antique Village on Range Road.  Up in St. Francisville, Missy Couhig has a delightful bookshop on the main street of town called Conundrum Books where My Louisiana Odyssey is on display.  And in Baton Rouge, the city’s oldest bookshop, Cottonwood Books, has a good supply of our new book.  I’m pictured below with Cottonwood Book owner Danny Plaisance who handles sales.  We are lucky to have such quality locally owned bookstores throughout the Baton Rouge are.

An enjoyable lunch with the Baker Rotary Club Most of the members bought my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey.” Picture below with several of the club’s regular members.

It was a pleasant trip to Northeast Louisiana a few weeks ago when I travelled to Monroe to speak to the Monroe Rotary club. My old friend Dr. Russ Greer was the host and gave me quite the introduction, more than I deserve.  I’ve spoken to this club on numerous occasions in the past, and it was good to renew old friendships. Thanks to the many club members that bought my new book.  I’m pictured below with Dr. Greer (left) and state representative Bubba Chaney.

Spoke this week to the Port Allen Rotary Club and the Kentwood Rotary Club about my new book “My Louisiana Odyssey.” And you have a choice of two covers. How about that.  You can order the book on the right side of this site.

I’ll be talking about my new book, “My Louisiana Odyssey,” as a speaker at the Louisiana Book Festival this weekend at the state capitol in Baton Rouge. Pictured below with Lt. Governor Billy Nunguesser, state librarian Rebecca Hamilton, and author Rannah Gray. Below also is the coming week’s book tour schedule.

Thursday, October 31st”“ Guest on the Jim Engster Radio show. (9:00 am)

Saturday, November 2nd. Featured speaker at the Louisiana Book Festival (Louisiana State Capitol. 11:45 am.)

Louisiana is facing an election runoff for the state’s next governor. Incumbent John Bel Edwards is in the fight of his political life, and not by just taking on the Republican challenger. He is also under assault by Pres. Donald Trump. He’s a Democrat in a Red State, and the question is can he survive? On the other hand, he won election four years ago under the same circumstances. How is the race shaping up? I take a look in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Also, please note that this is my last column for a while. I’ve been writing a weekly column for the past 16 years and have never missed a week. Hey gang, I need a break. I have family obligations, grandchildren to visit, some traveling to do. Oh, I’ll be back on the scene. And I’ll from time to time give you updates on this website, so stay tuned. I’ve enjoyed writing my column, and i hope to start up again. Talk to you soon.

JIM BROWN’S BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE

Pictured with Cavalier Book Store owner John Cavalier.  Off on a statewide book tour.)

Thursday, October 31^st– Guest on the Jim Engster Radio show.  (9:00 am)

Saturday, November 2^nd.  Featured speaker at the Louisiana Book Festival (Louisiana State Capitol. 11:45 am.)

Tuesday, November 5^th -Speak to St. Francisville Rotary Club.  7:30 am.

Thursday, September 7^th.  Speaker to Monroe Rotary Club.  Noon

Thursday, November 14th.  Kentwood Rotary Club.  Noon   

President Donald Trump has stirred up a hornet’s after he ordered an immediate pullout from northeastern Syria.  Maybe he could have been a bit more diplomatic.  But are a thousand U.S. troops really going to make any major difference in the chaos taking place in this part of the world?  Take  look at this week’ column now posted.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking here.

Were you pleased with results in last week’s Louisiana first primary election? Needless to say, the results showed a number of surprises. Incumbent Gov. John Bell Edwards was forced into a runoff, contrary to what to the polls that were taken in the last few weeks. Now there will be quite a knock down drag out run-off with lots of negatives TV spots that will begin soon. And what happened in the insurance commissioners’ race? I give a full explanation in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The Lisburn Press has published a compelling story of the yellow jacket epidemic in New Orleans back in the in 1800s.  I’m pictured above with author Renee Uzee ,who is speaking all over Louisiana about his popular new book.  It’s available on our website at www.thelisburnpress.com.

The Lisburn Press has been selected for the 2019 Best of Baton Rouge Award in the Book Publisher category by the Baton Rouge Award Program.The Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Baton Rouge area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. We at the Lisburn Press are proud of receiving this high honor.

Did you vote in advance i n the first primary election for numerous offices that were on the ballot? About 35% of the registered voters did in Louisiana. There’s been a huge upturn in people voting early since the laws have been changed. In my column this week, I write about some of the stranger things that happened to me when I absently voted. For instance, why no donuts! Take a look and see what you think. You can read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I have kicked off my new Louisiana book tour,  to promote my book, My Louisiana Odyssey. At a recent stop was in Lafayette, I spoke to the Lafayette Rotary Club.  As a public official in the past, I have spoken to this large civic club on a number of occasions.  It was a treat to renew old friendships and talk about my new memoir. I’m pictured here with Rotary Club President Nanette Heggie and have put to use my new special cup to good use.

Saturday night Live on NBC, always a bit edgy, had a funny and one the money sketch on race relations in our country last weekend. It’s well worth watching.

With the Louisiana statewide election only a matter of days way, it’s time for me to look into my crystal ball, wave my magic wand, and make predictions of just to who is going to be the winners and losers. Incumbents always have a big advantage and that is certainly true this time around. I’ll look at the statewide races and tell you my observations. Also, voters are straddled with for constitutional amendments. I’ll tell you why it was irresponsible of the Legislature to even put them on the ballot to begin with. So lots to predict with just a few days left until the polls open. It’s all on my new column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Absentee voting is just beginning here in Louisiana with statewide election day just a few weeks off. As I’ve written before, there are only two major statewide races on the ballot. There’s a real horse race for governor, and the question is can current incumbent John Bel Edwards win in the first primary. But the second race of interest is that for Insurance commissioner. Long time incumbent Jim Donlon is getting a run for his money, and it looks like challenger Tim Temple is on the verge of real upset. I talk about it in this week’s column. You can read it all now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Down here in the Bayou State, the election for major offices as well as the legislature and local offices is only a few weeks away. So how do we sum up what people are thinking? BORING! Very little interest, and it’s just quite surprising. After all, voters all over the country are quite mad about their elected officials, and politics in general. I write about this general malaise of little voter interest in my home state in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

 After the debacle of last season’s N.F.C. championship game, you would think officials would be bending over backward to not have a huge missed call go against New Orleans. But in the first half of the much-hyped rematch between the Saints and Rams, Jared Goff fumbled the ball to Cameron Jordan of the Saints, who had a clear path to the end zone for what would have been a game-changing 87-yard touchdown. Not so fast. The play was incorrectly blown dead as an incomplete pass, so New Orleans could not advance the ball. The referees just blew another call…again!

If you come to my website regularly, you know I make fun of both political parties. That’s one of the advantages of being a registered independent. You can be a bit sarcastic on either side. Here’s a good rant for the Republicans. New song out by country singer Brian Lewis titled “I thank my Dog’s a Democrat.”  Take a look and listen and you will smile a bit.

The Louisiana Democratic Party is upset with Republican Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin saying that “Louisiana is one of the most vulnerable states for election interference in the nation.” Any truth to such charges? I happen to know a good bit about the elections process because I served as Louisiana Secretary of State through the 1980s. In this week’s column, I take a look at the concerns expressed by the Democrats and you can read what I think. Also, you might enjoy a little history about election fraud in years past. You can read my column now about going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

State wide elections in Louisiana are just around the corner, and it is an exciting time for political watchers to see the candidates pressing the flesh and attending so many public events throughout the state. Or are they? It’s a sad state of affairs that retail politics have been cast aside by the candidates, particularly at the state-wide level. It used to be that you could not attend any public gathering without being besieged by those who seek public office. But no more. What happened to retail politics? I write about it in this week’s column. You can read it now bye going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

What’s all this talk about America buying the country of Greenland? After all, it’s stuck way up there in the northern corner of the world, and not really worth anything is it? Surprisingly, yes, and it’s certainly in the interest of United States to acquire Greenland if possible. America has acquired land from many other countries throughout the nation’s history. Should we stop now? I take a look at the President’s suggestion of buying Greenland in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

I’ve always been a fan of country singer Johnny Cash. His is music is one of the reasons I took up playing the guitar. And I’ve always admired him for being such a strong patriot. I was particularly taken by his comments you can watch and listen to below regarding the state of America today, and the meaning of the American flag.  It’s worth taking a few minutes to listen.

Election day in Louisiana is less than two months away. There’s very little interest in most of the statewide races, but the governor’s race is turning into a knockdown drag out event. Can current Gov. John Bel Edwards win out right in the first primary? If not, he’s going to be in for a heck of a run-off election, with the possibility of President from getting involved. I look at this whole scenario in my new column that is now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The gubernatorial election in Louisiana is only two months away, as incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards is on the stump for second term. So is Bobby Jindal running against him? The previous two-term Republican Gov. Is being criticized every campaign stop by Gov. Edwards. You would think he was running against Jindal. But that’s not the case. Regardless, Bobby Jindal continues to be the whipping boy for Democrats. I take a look at Jindal’s career, and give you an explanation as to why. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

And check out the Youtube voided below making  fun at Jindal’s expense.

Election season is here, with qualifications just ending. What should the candidates be talking about? The Bayou State is way behind most other states across the country in many surveys that rank education, economic development, health and overall quality of life.  Does any candidate, from governor on down to the local level, really offer any specifics towards a master plan for the state?  How do we get out of the rut we are in? Or do we just continue to jump from one crisis after the other, with no vision about a solid future for the state?  I write about this dilemma in my new column now posted. You can read it but going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

My good friend Rannah Gray has written a best selling true crime novel, Familiar Evil, and it is being used as the basis for a TV series.  It airs on August 22nd on the Investigation Discovery Network, at 9:00 pm central time.  You don’t want to miss it.  Check out your local listings for your local channel of the Investigation Discovery Network.

A lot of people complain about their elected officials and feel they need better results when it comes to governing on a local, state, or national level. But how do you determine performance? In the private sector, if you invest in a company and don’t like what the leadership is doing, you can all ways sell your stock or pull out of your investment. But what about the public sector? Is there a way to gauge how effective our public officials are doing in their jobs? And then pay them accordingly? I think so, 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.

There is nothing tastier and greater varieties of seafood than what we have here on the Gulf Coast. I was anxious to try lobster, clams and other delicacies when I was up in Maine visiting my two oldest grandsons recently. Lobsters were tasty, but unfortunately, our friends on the East Coast know very little about seasoning. You’ve just got to have the Tabasco sauce, don’t you? I write about my experience with Tabasco in this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.