Columns

Do you love or dread family portraits?

My family took the easy way out — again. We had our annual chance at a professional portrait and decided to let (insist) son Gideon pose solo for the umpteenth time.

Constance brought dreams of treasure

As you drive along Highway 82 next to the Gulf in Cameron Parish, the name Constance keeps popping up. Constance Bayou is just west of the Vermilion Parish line, and runs generally north from Big Constance Lake.

We shouldn’t have to beg workers to work

I was down the shore this weekend, enjoying the sea, the sun and the sweeping panorama of people without masks. Honestly, that was beautiful. One of those views was from the patio of a fantastic pizzeria just outside of Atlantic City.

All the presidents’ teeth

Now that Joe Biden doesn’t have to wear a mask in public, I’m back to staring at his teeth. Fact is, the last three presidents have elevated dental awareness to unprecedented levels.

Have you been avoiding the dentist?

Life is returning to normal. But where dental health is concerned, normal may not be good enough. According to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even BEFORE the pandemic, one-third of American adults under 65 hadn’t had a dental exam or cleaning in more than a year.

Why Critical Race Theory is so dangerous

When Thurgood Marshall was strategizing his legal attack on segregation in the public school system of Topeka, Kansas, he asked psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark to repeat an experiment they had first conducted 20 years earlier in the 1930s. In what has come to be known as the “Doll Test,” the...

Riding the rails and dining well

Once upon a time, one of the best places in the world to eat was in the dining car of a first-class passenger train. Chefs comparable to those in the best restaurants turned out delicious meals that were served on fine china set on crisp, white linen tablecloths.

Why we should be grateful to be Americans

Sometimes, the system works. Last week, a client of mine, an abused woman from El Salvador, was granted asylum. You might not think that’s important or impressive. It won’t change the world, and it won’t make the “Breaking News” segment on CNN. But for my client, it’s monumental.

Joe & Tony’s door-to-door vaccine drive

Knock knock. “Who’s there?” “Tony and Joe.” “Tony and Joe who?” “We’re with the government and we’re here to help.” “Get off my property! My father said those were the nine most terrifying words in the English language.” “Come on, man! Open your damn front door.” “OK.

The divine truth of American history and slavery

It is critical that we teach our children the truth about America’s history, including Slavery.