Columns

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.

Louisiana school choice: Moment of truth

The State Legislature has quickly passed bills promoting Educational Savings Accounts (ESA’s) out of both the Senate and House Education Committees, and the ESA bills are now headed for critical floor votes — and an all-out opposition from government educational bureaucracies.

Moved by the disaster in Baltimore

I was born in Baltimore at the end of 1961. I was only in Charm City for the first months of my life, and was younger than a toddler when my mom and dad traveled back home to their native Philadelphia.

Freedom of choice in motorcycle helmet debate

One of the hot issues in the current session of the Louisiana Legislature, meeting at the state capitol in Baton Rouge, is the repeal of a law that currently mandates the wearing of a safety helmet when riding a motorcycle.

Shorty’s infield dash just part of the game

In early 1919, a newspaper writer mused that “with the advent of spring comes the yearning in the heart … for the great national past-time — baseball.”

Ever have a work spouse?

You probably have quite a few co-workers with whom you exchange chitchat, banter and superficial observations on current events. (“I fervently believe both Hamas and Putin could be nullified simply by … oooo…fresh Krispy Kremes! Never mind.”) And then there are the “work spouses.”

What is a respectable tip for OK service?

The other night, I took a friend out for her birthday at an upscale French restaurant. The food is magnificent, as authentic as anything I tasted when I lived in Paris — cue the accordion music. But even perfection has its tics. Normally, service at this restaurant is sublime.

March Madness means big bucks for college athletes

Are you all fired up and into March madness? It’s my favorite sports time of year. I understand you may disagree, but I’ll take the college basketball tournament over any other sporting event, even the Super Bowl.