Opinion

Over the last two weeks, we studied thebirth of Jesus and the arrival of the ThreeWise Men in the Christmas story. This week,we look at what the world was likewhen Jesus was born. At that time,two very different cultures shapedthe world: the mighty empire ofRome and the faithful land of Judea.Rome and Judea were connectedbecause Rome ruled over Judea, butthey …

Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis died25 years ago this month. He was my friendand a great supporter for many years.Besides serving two terms as LouisianaGovernor, he wrote the song thatcould be the most recognized American song worldwide. Go to a smallAsian community where little or noEnglish is spoken. Start humming,“You Are My Sunshine.” More likelythan not, the locals will join in …

At 3 p.m. every weekday, if possible, I love to be stretched out on the couch watching reruns of “Wagon Train” on MeTV. It somehow just makes me feel good, though I’m not sure why.  I grew up with it from 1957-1965 in my formative years – as did many of you – but I also grew up with “Bonanza” …

Last week we looked at the travels of Joseph and Mary and what would have been happening to the family if the actual date of birth was December 25th. This week we will look at what was happening to one of my favorite parts of the story of the Christmas Season, the three Wise Men.  The story of the Three …

The mornings are brisk and the leavesare changing. Fall is here and a wonderfulseason is being ushered in. No, not Thanksgivingbut Christmas. In the past I had beenquite critical about the marketingpractices that brought Christmasto the shelves of the retail giants assoon as Halloween candy had beenpassed out. Truth is, the Christmasseason historically has begun. Thethought that Mary and Joseph …

Here’s my question to you in this week’scolumn. Do you feel lucky? Not the luck youwould want if you were confronted by DirtyHarry. Remember Clint Eastwood’s words:“You’ve got to ask yourself one question:“Do I feel lucky? Well do youpunk?’ ” No I mean positive “feelgood luck” of decent things happeningto you.I’m more of a live and let live kindof guy. …

It’s hard to believe that the financial capital of theworld, the pinnacle of free trade, ground zero forthe birth of a nation has thrown off the principles thatmade it great and has embraced a form of governmentthat will ultimately destroy it. New York has voted ina socialist form of government that is anythingbut good for a vibrant vivacious hub ofAmericanism. …

Halloween and October may be over, butI’m still haunted – not by ghosts, but by theprice of candy these days. When a bag offun-size chocolates costs nearly as much asa full tank of gas, it’s enough to makeeven a sweet tooth think twice. (OK,I admit: That’s hyperbole, but not bymuch.)So that got me pondering whatI like to call “creative economies”– …

My first hint that I wanted to becomea writer began in high school. Sort oflike that first yellow bloom on a tomatoplant, my English teacher, my aunt LillianMontgomery picked up onsomething like that tiny bloomthat gave her a hint that her gangly,awkward nephew might possiblyhave an inborne ability tostring words together in a meaningfulway.I resented Aunt Lillian at firstbecause she …

My first hint that I wanted to becomea writer began in high school. Sort oflike that first yellow bloom on a tomatoplant, my English teacher, my aunt LillianMontgomery picked up onsomething like that tiny bloomthat gave her a hint that her gangly,awkward nephew might possiblyhave an inborne ability tostring words together in a meaningfulway.I resented Aunt Lillian at firstbecause she …