Columns

Give Depp credit for defending his reputation

I was feeling a bit under the weather this past week, so I ended up spending time at home in front of the television. The thing that really mesmerized me was the Johnny Depp trial on Court TV. I never watch Court TV.

A few random observations

I never had the Easter Bunny pegged for a PR flack, but he can now add it to his CV. Shortly after the White House Easter Egg Roll, the basket-toting Easter Bunny intervened and led President Biden away from a reporter who asked the president about Afghanistan.

Louisiana Survey is revealing

Last week, the annual “Louisiana Survey” was released by the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication. The survey, actually a poll and analysis thereof by the school’s lefty professoriate, was the 20th conducted in a series dating back to 2003. It was an eye opener, to put it mildly.

Sudden illness ended captain’s career

Hinckley Street and the century-old Hinckley house in the old St. Landry Parish town of Washington are reminders that Oramel Hinckley was one of the most significant steamboat captains in the heyday of Bayou Courtableau.

Dreaded mask mandate makes a comeback

Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney has issued another edict. As of Monday, everyone who wanders into a public indoor space in the city must wear a mask. Or to put it in Biblical terms, So Let It Be Fastened, So Let It Be Worn.

Earth Day 2022 – All about balance

The Earth rotates on its axis, just one example, though quite important to our existence, that the Earth is all about balance. Throughout our lives, we continually seek balance – whether work and family or activity and rest.

Learning to appreciate the regular flu

I recommend the seasonal flu — but please allow me to explain. About a week ago, I felt suddenly rundown and weak. I just wanted to lie down. I thought nothing of it at the time.

Early retirement: threat or menace?

“But I’ll keep workin’/As long as my two hands are fit to use…” – Merle Haggard I haven’t run away and joined the circus, but I am nearing the age when a financial safety net admittedly has the allure of the Sirens of Greek mythology.

Of crawfish, paqueing, and sweet dough pies

There are across south Louisiana some religiously observed Easter week rituals that have little, if anything, to do with religion. They were birthed in the solemnity of Eastertide but they also reflect a native irreverence about gospels of any sort, be they religious, political, or social.

Fantasy takes over reality in Disneyland

A few years ago, someone started a campaign to make Elsa the first lesbian Disney princess. It didn’t get much traction at the time, just like the idea that Ernie and Bert were shacking up as domestic partners on “Sesame Street.” Fast forward to 2022.