FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE JIM BROWN WEBSITE AND THE  “COMMON SENSE” RADIO PROGRAM.

With a number of recent killings directed as specific groups, there is a renewed call in many circles for tougher “hate crime” laws.  Of course, these crimes are horrendous and may call for the death penalty.  But should certain crimes be selected based on what the criminal was thinking?  Do we go into intent?  Isn’t this the thought police in action?  If there is a murder, then the victim is dead, no matter what the motive.  Should the exact same crime be treated differently depending on who the victim is?  I think not, and my new column states just why.  Take a look by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio Guest Schedule to be posted Thursday afternoon.

Election day is just around the corner, not just in Louisiana, but all over the country. But so far, there’s not a lot of interest down here in the Bayou State. What’s the problem? Why is it that only about 30% of those registered actually turn out the vote? I take a look at this problem in this week’s column. You can read it now bye going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We normally don’t think about living and dying at the same time. But every now and then, we cross paths with events and people who experience complete opposites in events they faced. I talk about living and dying in this week’s column, remembering that 14 years ago this week, Louisiana’s most notorious serial killer Derrick Todd Lee received the death penalty. And I also talk about the positives of living a full life, in remembering an event with my friend and former Congressman Billy Tauzin.  I hope you will take a moment to look over this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

I really like good magic tricks.  And here is one of the best I have seen. Take a look and see if you can figure it out. Tony and Jordan are identical twins. Their magic is real dazzling. Take a look.

Just a few weeks until election day on November 6th. Here in Louisiana, the top of the ballot is the election for Secretary of State. This is a job I know well, having held it for eight years. So are the candidates talking about the important issues facing the next Secretary of State? So far, it looks like they are not. In my new column now posted, I list the priorities that the candidates should be talking about. There’s a lot of important issues at hand, including the type of voting machines used, voter fraud, and other aspects of the office. 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.

Weekend radio is shaping up well, with a number of interesting topics.  Dr. Jerry Newcombe will discuss his new book, “American Amnesia,” where he comments on world affairs from a Biblical worldview.  Then, Mike “Thomas Paine” Moore has a compelling book called ” How We Dismantled the FBI in our Pajamas.”  You get the idea.  Finally, with Halloween approaching, we need to visit a Ghost Whisperer.Dr. Susan Shumsky, who has written 14 books about ghosts and the afterlife, will join us to discuss.  So be sure and tune in. Check local listings for time to stations.  See will see you on the radio.

Here’s a pretty darn good rule to follow.  I don’t care how busy and complicated your life gets, sometimes you just have to take a break and slow dance.  Life’s way too short, don’t you agree?

My longtime friend and former LSU basketball Coach Dale Brown is the most positive person I believe I know.  He’s always there with positive words of wisdom.  Below is a commentary he sent me recently that should be a must read for all of us.  Read on and I hope you enjoy.

Today was the absolute worst day ever

1. And don’t try to convince me that
2. There’s something good in every day
3. Because, when you take a closer look,
4. This world is a pretty evil place.
5. Even if
6. Some goodness does shine through once in a while
7. Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.
8. And it’s not true that
9. It’s all in the mind and heart
10. Because
11. True happiness can be attained
12. Only if one’s surroundings are good
13. It’s not true that good exists
14. I’m sure you can agree that
15. The reality
16. Creates
17. My attitude
18. It’s all beyond my control
19. And you’ll never in a million years hear me say
20. Today was a very good day
22. Now read it from bottom to top — perception really is everything!

Charter schools are in the forefront of the news both here in Louisiana as well as all over the country. The U.S. 5th Circuit hit a low blow to Charters in Louisiana last week. I write about the decision in this week’s column.  There are those who want the status quo and fight efforts for parental control of these schools.  My daughter, Campbell, is leading the charge for a number of Charter Schools in New York City.  Take a look at my new column, now posted, that points out the challenges for Charters.  You can read the column by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Then you will find it’s well worth checking out Campbell’s New York speech as well as press coverage below.  You can read the New York Post coverage by Clicking Here.

There were two chilling reports recently about both the federal government and private businesses that continue to watch, gather information and keep tabs on so many things we all do.  Oh, its for our protection or for our commercial interests for the to do so-right?  Baloney.  Invasion into our private lives increased dramatically as each week goes by.

PBS had an exceptional program on  titled:  “The United States of Secrets.”Â  The program traces the history of the National Security Agency as it evolves from monitoring potential dangers abroad to an all out effort in gathering private information on all American citizens.  I would urge every American to watch this compelling report.    And Politico has a disturbing story on private surveillance in the lives of all Americans.  You will be amazed at all the spying that takes place in your life.  Take a look by Clicking Here.

Political partisanship has never been more on display as we are watching now involving the confirmation of a proposed justice to the Supreme Court.  Is this the way this system is supposed to work? Can’t we do better than what’s on display right now in Washington? There’s an idea that it is gaining a great deal of momentum. And that’s putting term limits on those who serve in the federal judiciary. 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 a week with so much happening in the news. We certainly have a lot to talk about on our weekend radio show. Besides giving updates on the Kavanaugh hearings, we will talk with healthcare speaker Nancy Michaels about the importance of getting second opinions when you have medical problems. She has written several books that you can find at www.NancyMichaels.com. Also, there’s a riveting new book out concerning the rise and fall of David Duke, former head of the Ku Klux Klan.. Author Tyler Bridges will join us, and you can find the book by Clicking Here. So join us for a lively program. We will see you on the radio.

Three cheers for the huge efforts of these hearty souls in North Carolina working tirelessly to save a home. Below, Jason Johnson (left) and homeowner Archie Sanders work to build a temporary levee to hold back floodwaters in Conway.

This is quite an emotional video that you should take a few minutes to view below. Children saved from the Nazis-The story of Sir Nicholas Winton.  This British Man Who Saved 669 Kids From Nazis Got A Heart-Warming Surprise When They Turned Up To Meet Him.

It’s been ten years ago when the bottom fell out of the Wal Street financial market.  Bankers and insurance executives, who should have gone into bankruptcy and possibly faced criminal charges, all ran to the federal government for bailouts. The first and worst was insurance giant AIG.  The asked for billions then flaunted their excess with outrageous spending.  Check out my new column to see my remembrances and conclusions from this terrible regulatory breakdown.  You can read my column now by Clicking Here or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.

 

Our Common Sense Radio program is about to kick off was a full schedule of topics and guests.  Louisiana Congressman Garrett Graves will join us to talk about what kind of federal response is necessary to all of the natural disasters going on all over the country. Then we will have Dr. Pamela Page, who is featured in the Great Courses Program (www.thegreatcourses.com) , telling you an easy way to learn to play piano.  And we will discuss so much going on in the news currently, so join is for a lively program.  Check local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radio.

Some sad news announced this week. VW will stop making iconic Beetle next summer. After selling it on and off in the U.S. for nearly seven decades, Volkswagen has decided to squash its iconic Beetle.  The company’s American unit announced … it would end global production of the third-generation bulbous bug in July. The last of the original bugs was produced in Puebla, Mexico, in 2003. My first car was a 1959 VW Beatle that had around 100,000 miles on it.  Many fond memories.  I drove it for another 100,000 miles then gave it to my brother.  He drove it until it just stopped one day at about 250,000 miles. The Beetle served us both well.  I’ll miss seeing them on the road.

I always felt pretty darn good about being a country lawyer.  I had a one-man barrister’s office in the small town of Ferriday, Louisiana for a number of years.  I still practice some rural country law and stay in touch with highly competent country lawyers all over the south on a regular basis.  Right now, I’m working on a project with a one-man legal office in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.  But President Trump apparently is not impressed.  Just last week, he made comments about “dumb southern country lawyers.”Â  Huh?  Well Mr. President, I hope you will read my new column in defense of country lawyers. You can read it now by going to going to the Red Flashing Box  above, or by Clicking Here.

A full schedule is on tap for the Common Sense show this weekend. We will get into all this controversy about Nike advertisements. Should Nike taking such strong stands on social issues? Attorney Lance LaRusso Will join us to discuss. Also, New York attorney Kevin Salter we’ll remember what happened on 911, as he stood at the bottom of the World Trade Center. And finally, Victoria Schmidt is 97 years old, and quite a lady. She will talk about her new books. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

The young guns may not understand the meaning of this, but you will.  The Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, MO has closed its doors forever.  The contents of the museum were sold at a public auction.  Roy Rogers told his son, if the museum ever operates at a loss, close it, and sell the contents. He complied.  Do you remember the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robinhood, With Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland?  Well, Olivia rode Trigger in that movie.

Trigger was bred on a farm co-owned by Bing Crosby. Roy bought Trigger on a time payment plan for $2,500.  Roy and Trigger made 188 movies together.  Trigger even outdid Bob Hope by winning an Oscar in the movie Son of Paleface in 1953.  It is extremely sad to see this era lost forever. Despite the fact that Gene and Roy’s movies, as well as those of other great characters, can be bought or rented for viewing, today’s kids would rather spend their time playing video games.

I had several close friend, including the New New York Insurance Commissioner Neil Levin, who were killed on 9/11, all having breakfast in the Twin Towers. My oldest daughter was working that day in the White House  as correspondent for NBC news, as reports  came in of other planes zeroing in. Her reports were chilling. A terrible tragedy we should always acknowledge and remember.

The current scandal in the Catholic Church involving pedophile priests seems to have hit all parts of our country. You might be interested to know that the first priest criminally charged in the US was from Lafayette Louisiana. It created quite a disgrace at the time, but then the shame seemed to have been swept quietly under the floor of the church.  Not any more. And two of earliest and compelling voices of condemnation and concern came from Louisiana.  Check out my new column to read my historical remembrances of this terrible tragedy. You can read it now  by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio Weekend is close by.  California has passed a law requiring women to be on the boards of on all publicly traded companies.  Is government meddling again?   Dr. Cortney Baker,  and expert on gender issues in the workplace will join us to discuss.She’s the author of Unlimited: Conquering the Myth of the Glass Ceiling. Then dating expert Donna Weitzman will talk about finding love on an airplane flight.  See her website at www.donnaarpweitzman.com.  And finally, a former Miss America contestant, South Carolina’sJane Jenkins Herlong will give us an insider’s view of tonight’s pageant.  Jane is the best-selling author of four books including Indie Book Award-winning “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops.” Check local listings four times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

 

        

Senator John McCain was a rare politician.  He actually wanted to get along with members of both parties and get things done.  Not the norm in Washington today.  Maybe it was his background as a war hero.  But he was unique in the halls of congress.  I relate in this week’s column about the time I had a long visit with the Arizona senator.  It was at the invitation of former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer, who was a longtime friend of McCain’s.  Like him or not, he was a special public servant.  You can read all my thoughts in this week’s column by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Guest schedule for weekend radio will be posted Thursday morning.

 

 

My photo of the week.  There are people committed to their jobs, and there are people fully committed to their jobs: Are you that committed?

Do we elect too many politicians in Louisiana? And could some offices be consolidated? The current lieutenant governor is suggesting that the governor and lieutenant governor run on the same ticket, like they do in 25 other states. Is this a good idea? It may be a good time to look at changes in who we elect in the Bayou State. 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.

Lots to discuss in this week’s special edition of the Common Sense radio program.  Is the president right in taking the security clearance away from those who oppose him?  We will have two opposing views.  Lauren A. Wright, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in Politics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, where she teaches courses on The American Presidency and Executive Power.  She disagrees with the President.  ERIC C. ANDERSON is a retired member of the U.S. Intelligence Community whose work focused on Northeast Asia.   He thinks the President is on the right track. So tune in for a lively discussion. Check local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radiio.

Here is a real inspirational commencement address well worth listening to.

A day does not go by we don’t here political parties and political opponents calling each other liars. That certainly is true here in my home state of Louisiana. Calling someone a liar is almost a political way of life. And it’s been a lot more prevalent on the state level than on the national level, where civility used to be in place but is now gone by the wayside. In my new column, I give some creative examples of who is hollering fire fire pants on fire. You can read my new column now bye clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A big radio weekend is close at hand, and we sure have a lively program for our listeners on Sunday. Are we learning about serious problems developing with marijuana?  Dr. Antoine Kanamugire has made numerous studies, and is raising the red flag about marijuana use.  Then Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, a professor of health policy at City University in New York, will discuss why his studies show that Medicare for all will actually save money, not cost more.  This and much more on the Common Sense show. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

Now hear is a great story for you.  Old Timers still relevant.  A baseball signed by Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Tris Speaker, George Sisler, Walter Johnson, Connie Mack, Nap Lajoie, Eddie Collins and Pete Alexander “” in 1939, at their induction ceremony into the Baseball Hall of Fame “” just sold for $623,369. “That crushes the record of $345,000 for a signed baseball, set in 2013 for a Ruth-Gehrig ball.”  The only original inductee who was living at the time “who didn’t sign the ball was Lou Gehrig, who on that day was headed to the Mayo Clinic … [H]e’d been diagnosed with ALS, the disease that would end his career, take his life and unofficially bear his name.”

See these baseball greats below.  On June 12, 1939, legends line up at the first induction ceremony of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.  Front row, left to right: Eddie Collins, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack, Cy Young.  Rear row: Honus Wagner, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Tris Speaker, Napoleon Lajoie, George Sisler and Walter Johnson.

Author John Grisham is one of the most compelling and popular storytellers on the planet.  His books become instant bestsellers, and if you haven’t read this author, you are missing a real treat.  He also is quite passionate, and rightly so, over the number if innocent people in America who are convicted by rogue prosecutors.  Grisham sits on the board of the Innocence Project, an organization that has cleared the names of hundreds of innocent victims of prosecutorial misconduct.  I would urge you to take the time and read his compelling comments this seek in The Wall Street Journal about misconduct by prosecutors.  You can read it now by Clicking Here.

We all recognize the free and laid back city of New Orleans as the Big Easy, or the city that care forgot. There are many good times coming out of New Orleans. But the news now is horrendous. Murder rates at all-time high, with multiple killings on regular occasions. It’s like there’s a war on terror in New Orleans itself. The Crescent City is always been one of my favorites, where I was educated, and have so many fond memories.  But parts of the city are now a warzone.  See my full analysis in my new column now posted.  You can read it buy going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A full agenda planned on this week’s common sense radio program. First, just what is the deep state? We hear so much about it in the news. Columnist Alex Newman will join us to discuss the theory of a shadow government in Washington.  Then author Tomeka Mark will talk about why so many Americans are turning their back on religion.  Her book is titled “Where is Christ in Christ-ians?”Â  And finally has the Miss America pageant become irrelevant? Former pageant contestant and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong will discuss along with her book, “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops.”Â  So tune in for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

Prosecutors have enormous power, both in the state and federal court systems.   Humorist  John Oliver takes a biting look below at the use and misused of prosecutorial power.  I have written often about prosecutorial misconduct, particularly here in my home state of Louisiana.  ( Click Here to Read more.) Hiding evidence that might show an accused is innocent happens way too often in the Bayou State.  A real blight on the judicial system is the history of misconduct in the New Orleans U.S. Attorney’s office.  Take a few minutes and look at the video below that should concern every law abiding American.

My longtime friend Ronnie Lamarque, who is a young 72 years old, is called  Crescent City’s silver-haired singing car dealer and he glowed in the spotlight of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” contest on Tuesday (Aug. 8) but didn’t quite make it to the next plateau. In a telephone conversation Tuesday, Ronnie said that attempting to sing the sweeping Elvis Presley ballad “If I Can Dream” accompanied by a solo piano was a stylistic challenge, but in the end he felt he’d delivered.  He didn’t quite make the final round but three cheers for my friend for going so far in life and being such a great talent.  See him perform below.

I live down in the Bayou State, and we have a reputation for passing dumb laws.   But California really does take the cake.  Did you know that the legislature out west not too long ago outlawed the ingredients for making a Caesar Salad?  That’s right.  Talk about meddling and passing a really dumb law.  I put on my humor cap and write all about it in this week’s column now posted. Take a look and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We’re about ready to go with our  Common Sense weekend radio.  We kick off with British author Veronica Henry, who will discuss her new book, “How to Find Love in a Bookshop.”Â  Then we will talk with football handicapper John Rothschild who has a best-selling book,” Football Betting made Easy.”Â Â  And finally, our old friend and best selling author Sidney Powell will join us to discuss all the corruption coming out of the Department of Justice. Check out her book “Licensed to Lie.”Â  See more By Clicking Here.  A lively program, so check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

We take our right to vote for granted here in the U.S., and it sees that fewer and fewer citizens go to the polls on Election Day.  I was Louisianan Secretary of State back in the eighties and spent a great deal of time urging voters to go to the polls, often with little success. Check lout the photos below.  People wait in a queue to cast their vote in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, landlocked in southern Africa. Millions of Zimbabweans voted peacefullythis week in their first election since the rapid fall last year of ruthless Robert Mugabe, who ruled for 37 years. Look at the lines to vote.  They take their right to vote seriously.

There is a great deal of clamoring going on in Louisiana over enforcing the death penalty.  There are currently over 70 inmates who are on death row, although Louisiana has not had a death sentence carried out since 2010. But legislators and the Attorney General are calling it for immediate executions, either by gas, firing squad, the electric chair, whatever. But what about the fact that several studies show innocent people in the Bayou State are receiving the death penalty? Is that a reason to slow down the process? Take a look at this week’s column and see what I think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Getting ready for weekend radio. The Common Sense showhas a full agenda. What do death row convicts order for the last meal. We will find out and talk with former Angola prison Warden Burrell Caine. And do you know anything about leprosy? Is it contagious? Mike Manes will give us all the inside scoop. And why does the president’s poll numbers keep climbing? His popularity is at a new high. So be sure and tune in. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

When Bekka and Johnny Campbell got married Friday at the Magnolia Plantation in Harahan, the groom’s cake had white icing with the stylized ‘A’ of the Crimson Tide. As cellphone video cameras recorded the moment, Johnny Campbell beamed and celebrated with a handful of other Bama fans as he cut a corner piece. That’s when he discovered his bride had called a trick play that would have made former Tiger coach Les Miles proud. The two cake layers were a bright purple and gold, inspiring chants of “L-S-U! L-S-U!” “They got me,” he said by telephone Monday from Miami, where they are honeymooning. “They definitely got me.”  See video below.

Should trials in the federal court system be televised? The courts are reluctant to open up their courtroom and let the public see what goes on. And sometimes, the way certain judges behave, you can see what they want to cover their procedures in secrecy. But shouldn’t open trials be part of the democratic process? Why is the federal courtroom so veiled in secrecy?  The US Supreme Court, who often makes laws affecting each of us, is dead set against televising their proceedings. Check out my thoughts in my new column now posted. You can read it by clicking on the Red Flashing box above, or by Clicking Here.

Big plans for radio weekend coming up. President Trump really upset NATO allies. Does it matter? Commentator Steve Levy joins us to discuss. We will also talk with Author Lance LoRusso about the increased confrontation between police officers and criminals on the street, along with his book “When Cops Kill.”Â  And political commentator Christopher Tidmore will help up analyze the Trump approach to politics.(See www.theFMZ.com ) So tune in for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

Did you watch any of the World Cup Soccer?  It’s called Football all over the world but here in the U.S.  And here’s a really special soccer story. The World Cup certainly brings out the passion in some people.  One of the most memorable stories out of this year’s games hasn’t happened on the field, however. Instead, in Colombia, Jose Richard Gallego is celebrating the best of soccer with his best friend, Cesar Daza. The catch?  Gallego is deaf and blind. Gaza learned sign language and created a unique set of gestures to communicate every football match in real time to Gallego.  See them communicating below.  What’s one of the most memorable things a friend has done for you? Roger Smith shared this story from is site, and see it by Clicking Here.

A lot of attention is focused on Brussels and Europe this week, as the President continues his criticism of the European Union for not giving more financial support to NATO. But the President does seem to maintain a close relationship with FrenchPresident Emmanuel Macron. And that’s good news for Louisiana. I write about the highs and lows of Franco-U.S. relations and the long relationship between France and Louisiana in this week’s column.  You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A lot of variety in this week’s Common Sense radio show. We will talk about the President’s Supreme Court nominee. Also, a disturbing new disease affecting children called Pans. Kids become uncontrollable, and we will talk to some experts about this serious problem.  Then why are so many musicians committing suicide?  We will discuss with Bethany Ewald Bultman Co-Founding Director of the New Orleans Musicians  Clinic & Assistance Foundation.  And Philip K. Howard, Chair of Common Good and an expert on obsolete laws will tell us about all the laws that have no  business on the books.  So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations see you on the radio.

What a moving video of a wounded soldier and precious young girl named Tempy, who is such a precious child with a common sense and understanding than most people. God bless you and our Soldiers who are fighting for peace and freedom here and abroad !

Whoever the President selects to be the next US Supreme Court nominee, you can place your bets that no one from Louisiana or on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will be given any consideration whatsoever. Judges on the Fifth Circuit regularly get into verbal altercations, with some being call secrecy freaks, and issuing rulings that have been called by the press as being flat out American. The whole bunch on the Fifth Circuit bench are often referred to as gray mice, and all this is explained in this week’s column. It’s a shame that in the Deep South, that overwhelmingly supported the President, offers such incompetent choices for promotion. But that’s just the way it is. You can read my comments now about going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio kicks off what’s a lively Post Independence Day program. We will talk about the changing face of America, and the continuing immigrant problem.  Also, homeless advocate Glen Dunzweiler will join us to discuss whey there are so few Asians or Hispanics who are homeless. Then Dr. Ira Williams joins us, who often calls himself the “Don Quixote” of health care reform and he’s looking for some “Sancho Panza’s” to help him! At 85 years young, he’s spent decades hounding the five Federal agencies created to solve the health care crisis.  So much to talk about, and I hope you will join us. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

Early learning programs are taking place with preschoolers at ages three and four all over the country. It’s a proven fact that 90% of your brain is developed before age four. Yet Louisiana is spending a pittance on early childhood education. There are almost 140,000 kids that need such early learning, with thousands of parents holding down two jobs, or support their kids as a single parent while working. The proof is in the pudding. Early education makes a huge difference in developing later skills. Unfortunately, the legislature of Louisiana is doing very little to assist in this regard. I’ve written all about the problem in my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Wow! Our weekend common sense radio show is really shaping up to be a Blockbuster program. Best-selling author Samuel Mitchan will kickoff our show to discuss his new book about the Civil War called “Vicksburg.” He makes the case that the Battle of Vicksburg was the decisive battle for the defeat of the Confederates. We will also discuss finding lost treasure off the east coast of Florida and the  uncovering of eight Spanish vessels from the 1700s. Exploration president Cliff Bragdon is our guest. And with the 4th of July, that means eating hot dogs. Eric Mittenthal, president of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council will tell us why these tasty treats are so popular. Much, much more to discuss. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio!

There is so much good young talent all over the world. And when it comes to singing, there really is not too young an  age to begin. Check out this darling little girl singing with her dad. She is really something special.

To some politicians, the Russian involvement in our US elections is a real travesty. But guess what? We’ve been infiltrating both Russia and many other countries, undermining their election process for a number of years. And have the Russians really been successful? Then there’s the question of can you really break into the voting machine system? I take a look at all these issues in this week’s column. You can read it now to see what you think. To look over the column, click on the Red Flashing Box above, or Click Here.

So much to talk about on this week’s commonsense radio show. The FBI seems to be imploding from within, and the culture of corruption continues. Is your any hope of signing up the big mess created by the FBI? Harvard professor Lauren Wright will join us to discuss what an earth to do about the immigration problem they continue to grow. (www.laurenwright.com). We’ll talk about immigration alternatives with the New York lawyer Rahul Manchanda.  (www.manchanda-law.com).  And old friend Jeff Crouere, also a syndicated radio host, will discuss his new book, America’s Last Chance. (www.jeffcrouere.com).  So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

So you buy a special gate to block off a ladder to your summing pool, so as to protect young kids. And you certainly expect it to work, right? Well take a look at the video below. This tiny young boy muscles right up over the protection gate into the swimming pool slide. This manufacturer will certainly have some tough questions to answer.

Louisiana automobile insurance costs continue to skyrocket, with no end in sight. Yet the politicians in Baton Rouge continue to ignore the problem. Not a word about higher insurance rates from the governor, the legislature, or the insurance department.  Why are Louisiana costs so high and so out of line with the rest of the nation?  I take a look at the serious problem in this week’s column. And there’s no simple and easy solution. But ignoring the huge costs of insurance for the average citizen is being highly responsible. Read my column and see what you think. You can see it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Our common sense weekend radio program is just round the corner, and we will have a jam-packed show. We will talk about how many Americans are getting tired of the MuellerFBI investigation, with former special FBI agent Jeff Lanza.   Also, sports’ betting is now become legal. John Rothschild is a leading sports betting expert and will join us to discuss. Then America’s moneyman Jordan Goodman will help us understand all this controversy about foreign trade.  And finally, Author and rape survivor Joyce Short will help us understand the current state of the Me To movement. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations we will see you on the radio.

An FBI agent who shot a man in the leg after dropping his gun while doing a backflip on a dance floor has been charged with second-degree assault and more charges could be filed based on the results of blood alcohol tests. Just another in a series of FBI screw ups.

Some choices we have to make in our life are so hard they seem impossible to make. We’re specifically talking about moral dilemmas and life-changing decisions here, when both options just seem so unfair or undesirable but something’s gotta be done. So get ready and calibrate your moral compass because we’ve prepared the hardest test ever! It’s full of moral dilemmas, and the way you solve them can speak volumes about your personality. Take the test below and see what you would do.

Most Americans love their local professional sports teams. Whether its football, basketball, baseball, hockey, or other competitive teams, we love to cheer them on. Major sports teams want the big glitzy stadiums with VIP boxes, huge televisions that surround the stadium, and many other amenities. Who pays the cost? In many instances, taxpayers do. Is this really a good deal for taxpayers, and the best use of public money? I write about it this week’s column. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

The “Common Sense” Radio Show will feature regular hosts Rannah Gray and Leo Honeycutt this weekend as host Jim Brown takes a break up in the North Carolina mountains. Listeners can look forward to current updates on crazy world events, as well as a balanced perspective as to what’s going on in our country today.  Tune in for an enjoyable several hours of listening.  Check local listings for times and stations.  We will see you on the radio.

“It does no harm just once in a while to acknowledge that the whole country isn’t in flames…That there are people in this country besides politicians, entertainers and criminals. And they do really good things.” A little girl wipes away the tears of a man on TV…

As all of you Cajuns and rednecks know, we eat about anything down here in the Bayou State. Even our state wildlife office supplies locals with recipes for nutria.  And that’s a big rat.  So should there be any reluctance to eat horsemeat?  Horse lovers, in the old west tradition, have been protective of their horses.  But horsemeat is a stable food in many countries both in Asia and in Europe.  So is the U.S. ready for an equine diet?  Check out my latest column and see what you think.  You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

A BIG radio weekend planned and we hope you can join us.  Starbucks’s continues to deal with the fallout of not serving some customers.Dr. ArLyne Diamond, President & Founder of Diamond Associates & Workplace Consultant will give advice to this large company. And the sports princess, Kate Delaney, will give her thoughts on NFL players not respecting the American flag. This and much more on the weekend radio show.  Check local listings for times and stations.  See you on the radio.

These royal weddings can realty be a pain. Tea, crumpets, hangin’ out with the Queen. It sure will be good to get back home to Baton Rouge, agree?

THE TOAST OF LSU!

If there ever was a Louisiana legend down here the Bayou State, it was Heisman Trophy winner and football All-American Billy Cannon. He died this week, and the whole state is in mourning. Billy Cannon had his highs and lows, but the people down here loved him wherever he went. Even after he went to jail for counterfeiting, he still was the toast of the Bayou State. I write about the magic of Billy Cannon and my personal experience with his downfall, in this week’s column. See highlights of Billy Cannon below. And ou can read my column now bye going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Showtime for our Common Sense radio program. Do we now have spygate engulfing the FBI? And how about Hawaii’s volcano”“ Is it telling us something? Dr. Richard Ruhling thinks so and will tie in Biblical prophecy. His latest book is “God bless America?” Also author Jim DeFelice will talk about his new book, “West Like Lightning”, about the formation of the pony express. And finally, we will talk with author Jamila Michener about her new book called “Fragmented Democracy”, that examines American democracy involving so many people living in or near poverty. So a full program is scheduled. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

If you live down here in Louisiana, you keep your eye out for flooding during this time of year. There’s massive runoff from rivers and streams throughout the north, the pass right by my hometown. The map below really pushes the focus on how much water actually come down the river. Two thirds of all the water in America drains right by us.  A stunning new map shows the complex network of rivers and streams in the contiguous United States. Created by Imgur user Fejetlenfej, a geographer and GIS analyst with a “˜lifelong passion for beautiful maps,’ it highlights the massive expanse of river basins across the country ““ in particular, those, which feed the Mississippi River.  You can see why we are so concerned about flooding.

Public confidence in both the Republican and Democratic parties is at an all-time low, both in Washington as well as the state level. Political gridlock, in the view of many Americans, keeps anything from getting done. That’s why more and more voters are switching their allegiances to becoming independent. Is there room for a new independent party both from the state level as well as Washington DC? I write about becoming an independent in my new column now posted. Take a look and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Wow! What a weekend radio schedule we have planned. Lots of controversy over the opening of the new Jerusalem Embassy for America. Aaron David Miller, author of “The End of Greatness: Why America Can’t Have (and Doesn’t Want) Another Great President”will join us to discuss. Then, do you live in a happy state?  Pamela Gail Johnson, a happiness expert, will make comparisons. And our friend author Alan Topol will join us to discuss his new bookRussian Resurgence,. So join us for a lively show.  Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on theradio.

So what do you do when a volcano is about  to engulf everything around you?  Simple.  You  go play golf, right?  Check out Ppople play golf in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park yesterday as an ash plume rises in the distance from the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island.  I think I would play another time personally.

Just how long do you want to live? A Pennsylvania University professor says the cutoff should be 75 years, and that nothing much good happens after 75. Do you think is right? Is 75 years enough time to live a full life? I personally don’t think so, and I believe the professor is way off base. But you can see where he is coming from, and get an idea of my response in my new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking Here or going to the Red Flashing Box above.

The whole weekend radio gang is back with Leo Honeycutt and Rannah Gray joining me for a lively program this weekend,updating listeners on all the latest news with a humorous twist. We’ll have some fun, but also pick apart everything from the President down to the coarse language being used all over America today. So be sure and tune in. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

I have always enjoyed trying to figure out magic tricks.  And here’s one I really have no idea how it was done.  Watch magician Nate Staniforth performs the impossible and amazing ‘Lottery Ticket Illusion.’  How does he do it?  I take no responsibility if thinking about this magic trick keeps you awake at night. Take a look and see if you can figure it out.

The Louisiana legislature seems to be rushing a number of new laws expanding the use of medical marijuana. Spasms, stress, back pain, you name it. Under the new law, a wide variety of discomforts qualify you to get a prescription for marijuana. Interestingly, doctors are not jumping on board, and endorsing such a move. Why not? Is anyone really concerned about the addiction that takes place? I write all about this is my new column expressing my reservations. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A full schedule for weekend radio program. Oral friend, Eric Anderson, former US intelligence officer, will join us to update on the Korean situation as well as the present James Comey controversy. What’s better in restrooms, hand dryers or paper towels? Mark Warner, infectious disease expert will discuss. And how about that Georgia nursing home resident that died from scabies infestation? Jo Alch, founder of nursing Acappella home care, will give us her perspective. And finally, just want tis whistleblower. Michael McCray will explain. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

What an impressive new National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which opened Thursday in Montgomery, Ala., as a monument to the thousands of black people who have been lynched. Many of the nearly 4,400 victims had never been named in public.  I’m looking forward to a viewing when I travel up that way next month.

Just what does it take to live and long life, maybe even 100 years?  One component wold be that if we did everything with kindness and love, peace and happiness would come to us. A wise and good person is composed and happy, whereas a fool is always worried and full of distress and negativity. A bad attitude is like a flat tire, until YOU change it, YOU will not go anywhere. take a look at tis insightful video below.

When it comes to the FBI, what’s the real truth about lying? Simply put, the FBI lies in gathering information every day. Now we have the nation’s top cops enmeshed into a number of lies themselves, and being investigated for it. What do we expect from Americans top law-enforcement agency? And are we getting our money’s worth? I write about this my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box, or by Clicking Here.

Radio weekend is almost here and there sure is a lot of talk about. We’ll start off looking at the Starbucks controversy with guess Nita Wiggins. (https://www.nitawiggins.com).  Can Starbucks ever asked someone to lead their establishment?  Then Dr. Paul Wand we’ll discuss the increasing problem of concussions for athletes. (www.brainhealingcenter.com).   America’s moneyman, Jordan Goodman, will help us figure out just what the stock market is doing. And finally, Prof. Kyle Longley, an expert on hat happened in Vietnam, will talk to us about the renewed interest in this terrible war. So tune in for a great program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

So you are considering going out to dinner and wondering just where to go for a really good meal. How but the White house?  The menu for the recent State Dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron was previewed in the State Dining Room.  See if this meets your taste.

There is so much anger and bad news in the world today.  Seems we can’t get away from one controversy after the other.  So let’s pause for a minute and show you a bit of good news for a change.  Enjoy below.

Former FBI Director James Comey is all over America, spinning his firing by President Trump, and trying to sell books. If you are from Louisiana, you probably know about Comey’s efforts to attempt to destroy the reputation of a distinguished LSU professor.  Read all about this huge injustice in my new column now posted.  You can see it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

What a weekend coming up. We really need the whole day. We will try to straighten out the former FBI director James Comey mess for you in his tireless efforts to sell books.  Princeton’s Dr. Lauren Wright will join us to discuss. The US Supreme Court this week is considering allowing states to tax Internet sales. Is this fair? We’ll talk with Chanel Davis, a Dallas CPA. (www.davisanddavis.com.) And how about the fact that most millennials cannot verify what the Holocaust was. We will talk with Prof. David Dillard about this lack of knowledge. And much more. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.Radio Weekend Schedule!

Texas singer-songwriter Terri Hendrix put on quite a show at the Red Dragon in Baton Rouge last night. She covers the gamut in her music and her music belongs to the Americana genre, encompassing folk, pop, country, blues, and jazz. Check her out on YouTube. As you can see, I’m a big fan.

We get it, Texas. Crawfish boils are awesome. We understand why you want to chow down on these tasty critters.  In a commercial for H.E.B., a grocery chain, the owner of a Texas winery throws a boil for his customers. Clearly a few of the finer points of a boil got lost between South Louisiana and Central Texas.

I was told that everything is bigger in Texas. Apparently that doesn’t apply to pots. Look at that tiny thing. And the man says he’s boiling 300 pounds of crawfish.  When the crawfish hits the tables, all the Texans pounce with their tongs to grab those mudbugs as fast as they can. And I get that. Clearly, there isn’t enough to go around. Wait a minute. Back up. Tongs? Tongs?!?  Why do they all have tongs?  The man says he’s boiling for a “few hundred customers,” which is awfully nice of him. So that’s at least 200 people. And he said that he’s boiling 300 pounds of crawfish.  Do the math and that works out to meager 1-1/2 pounds of crawfish per person. 2 pounds for out-of-towners.”  Texans have some strange ideas about a crawfish boils.

A gathering of the few living delegates to the 1973 Constitutional Convention in Baton Rouge last week honored  in the House of Representatives chamber. Not too many of us old guys still around.  (Left to right)-former Rep. Woody Jenkins, House Speaker Bubba Henry, retired Judge Stan Duvall, yours truly, former Sen. Tony Guarisco,Shipping magnate Boysie Bollinger, former Rep. Joe Toomy, and Special Master Pat Juneau.  There’s talk of a new convention, but their will never be a gathering of committed and bright government scholars similar to this that served in CC73.

Louisiana is always looking for the quick fix. It was oil and gas some years back. Today it is casinos and other forms of gambling. And there are discussions in the legislature to increase more gambling options. Is more gambling the answer to improving Louisiana’s quality-of-life? Other states don’t think so. I write about the downsides of legalized gambling in my new column now posted. You can read it by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.