Columns

LaLa lived simply, and loved it

I think I knew LaLa Lalonde for a year or more before I knew his real name. He was a member of the legislature when I met him, but I don’t think I ever heard him introduce himself as “Raymond” or “Representative Lalonde.” He introduced himself simply. “Hi, I’m LaLa,” sometimes in French.

Lying hurts the listener, teller

As a child, lying was something I rarely did. This was a function of two things: being Catholic and being lazy. But perhaps the most compelling reason not to lie is that you will always be outed.

The shameful return of earmarks

Earmarks are back and they’re costing American taxpayers a bundle. In case you’ve forgotten, earmarks, says FactCheck.org, “are government funds that are allocated by a legislator for a particular pet project, often without proper review.

In many states, welfare pays more than work

It may seem a cruel thing to ask whether the government gives too much money away in the name of helping the poor, especially at this time of year, when reminders to help the less fortunate are omnipresent. It is nonetheless necessary to pose the question. Most of us agree there is dignity in work.

Cold enough for you?

I won’t hazard a guess as to whether it achieves immortality like “grassy knoll” or “hanging chads,” but surely the phrase “bomb cyclone storm” will remain in the public consciousness of those who endured its cruelties.

Staying in touch with home

About once a month I get a note from someone who lives someplace else, often far away and for a long time, who reads my column in a community newspaper they still get to stay in touch with the town they will always call home.

Christmas lights: A judgmental guide

One of my fondest childhood memories of Christmas in the 1970s was riding around in the family station wagon, “Bessie,” to look at Christmas lights while I whined to my parents about needing a snack – again.

Hope is all we have in this world

I’m filled with a renewed sense of hope all of the sudden. Truthfully, I don’t know why I feel such hopefulness. Last Friday I went to the hospital to have a hernia surgically repaired.

Will this be your best Christmas?

When writing advertising copy, I sometimes find myself desperately searching for a zinger of a tag line – and settling for trite admonitions such as “Make this the best hunting season ever” or “Make this the best summer vacation ever.

Homeowners insurance may become unaffordable

Just when you thought the insurance crisis along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana, could not get any worse, along comes Congress to try and really muck up the problems faced by property owners who are trying to protect the value of their homes.