Columns

OJ’s death is an opportunity for us all

I’m pretty sure that the number of people who are mourning the death of OJ Simpson can fit into the trunk of the smallest car Hertz ever rented. He was a man who killed his wife Nicole, as well as innocent stranger Ron Goldman, and was acquitted because he played the race card.

The saga of O.J. Simpson exposed a divided nation

O.J. Simpson died last week. Many younger people will just say “So?” To anyone over 50, his life and his actions created riveting news, and poised him, both good and bad, as one of the most recognizable personalities in American history. O. J. was a little of everything.

A good month to prevent distracted driving

“It wasn’t my fault the car in front of me hit me. I glanced at my text message for only a second when our bumpers collided.” “How could the car in front of you hit you?” “The idiot stopped to let a deer cross the street — and dented my front bumper with his rear bumper.

Dust cloud darkened skies, dirtied homes

April 14, 1935, is still referred to as Black Sunday in the American Midwest because that was the worst day of one of the worst dust storms in U.S. history. More than 300,000 tons of topsoil were blown away during that storm, some of it landing in south Louisiana.

Will you still need me, will you still feed me?

During my career as a late-in-life columnist, I have been blessed with the opportunity to chronicle three birthdays ending in zero. (My so-called “good” cholesterol has not exactly overperformed in helping me reach these milestones.

A perspective of Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem turned 90 years old last month. She is the oldest living feminist from an era when this was a sign of being a “serious woman.” The thinking goes that unless you call yourself a feminist, people will send you back to the kitchen, forcibly impregnate you and hide your shoes.

Tread cautiously for a new Louisiana constitution

There has been a lot of chatter in recent months about the need to rewrite Louisiana’s constitution. And for good reason. This original slim document has now blossomed into the nation’s seventh longest state charter with over 83,000 words.

Insights from great minds on taxes

Wise and witty thoughts are the only things that bring me any solace during tax-filing season — thoughts, such as these: “The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30% of their ice cream.” (Bill Murray) “What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector?

Are you a fan of noisy restaurants?

A recent Wall Street Journal article provided food for thought about the decibel levels in restaurants. According to the article, in 2023, audio data from the app SoundPrint found that 63 percent of restaurants are too loud for conversation.

Traveler reveled in south Louisiana voyage

The little steamer Fairy carried the mail from Franklin to Lake Verret near Napoleonville in the 1850s, holding the contract because it could make the trip in only six hours when the wind blew wrong and a lot faster on a nice, quiet day.