4250 Viking Drive

Facebook Status Updates of the Week

2012-01-27T09:28:00.002-06:00

With the State of the Union, GOP debates, American Idol and Conference Championships, there was a virtual cornucopia of Facebook statuses this week. Here are some of the highlights: I haven't watched a State of the Union address since ghw bush, and that was because I was 8 and we had 3 channels and he was on all of them. For those that missed the State of The Union last night, let

Reactions to the State of the Union Address

2012-01-25T10:28:00.001-06:00

In the news biz, we receive emails all the time with comments about this or that. With last night's State of the Union Address, it was certainly no different. Here are the reactions from some "locals" who emailed us overnight. I was very happy to see the president talk a fair amount about American energy as well as how it can grow American manufacturing. The question is if he’ll be

Why I don't Facebook about politics (very often)

2012-01-24T15:00:00.002-06:00

My good friend, and Bossier Press-Tribune Managing Editor, Sean Green wrote an editorial in the Monday edition about a political discussion he had with some of his friends on Facebook. His friends were getting all wound up about the presidential race this year, and Sean's point was that the president (or Executive Branch) was but one prong of government and that it is short-sighted to think

Facebook Status Updates of the Week

2012-01-20T08:35:00.004-06:00

It's time once again for some of my favorite Facebook status updates from the past week. Maybe someday one of my friends will become famous for their Facebook status (Probably not.) Political CNN's post debate show finally mentions Ron Paul 55 minutes into the broadcast, saying, "We haven't talked much about Ron

Rick Perry is out... who's next?

2012-01-19T09:02:00.001-06:00

From my inbox... BREAKING NEWS...CNN is now reporting that Texas Governor, Rick Perry is expected to be dropping out of the GOP 2012 race. So, how many does that make in the past two weeks? The past four months? Personally, I have not decided on who I want to be the GOP nominee. That being said, by the time the nomination process reaches Louisiana, we may not have any choices (other than the

Facebook Status Updates of the Week

2012-01-13T12:41:00.000-06:00

We all see them. One of our Facebook friends posts a clever status update and it causes us to chuckle, or even contemplate life, etc. Each Friday, I want to share some of my favorites of the week. So here goes. Of course most of them have to do with the BCS National Championship Game and/or LSU. Hostess is near bankruptcy. Everybody go buy some Ho-Hos. WE CAN DO THIS! Rooting for Alabama. I

And the Winner is...

2012-01-10T14:14:00.001-06:00

It is easy to look back on what you did the past year if you are in the newspaper business. Everything you did is packaged neatly (most of the time) in the editions that were published. This week, I have been reviewing the newspapers from 2011 in order to choose entries in the Louisiana Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest. Wow, what a year it has been. As I perused the pages, stories,

Tragedy Strikes BAFB... Covering the story

2012-01-06T10:10:00.001-06:00

The Friday morning rumormill erupted about a Barksdale Airman killed in Afghanistan. As we all scrambled for confirmation, a local TV station sent out an alert on their mobile APP. Now that it was “out there” we knew everyone would be scrambling to get the story. After all, it isn't every day someone from Barksdale is killed in action. Thank God for that. In this day and age, it is big

What are your plans?

2012-01-02T10:11:00.001-06:00

I hate New Year's resolutions. Since so many of them have been broken over the years, the term doesn't have any meaning at all to me. That being said, I think it is imports for everyone to take time to reflect on the past year — evaluate on what was (or wasn't) accomplished — and make plans/set goals for the coming year. So many people are short sighted these days. They can't seem to look past

The End Is Near

2011-12-27T16:32:00.002-06:00

For followers of this blog, you know that I have taken a hiatus from my normal eating plan for the holidays. There was just no way I could fight off that much temptation... lol. So this is the final week before things get back to normal. Normal is defined by very limited access to fried food, and hopefully regular trips to the gym each night after work. Several of my friends are wanting to

And so this is Christmas...

2011-12-21T08:54:00.003-06:00

And so this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over. And a new one just begun. As things ramp up toward Christmas Day, please remember why we are doing all that we do. Remember that Christmas is about more than just gifts and gatherings and trees and lights and Santa. Count the many blessings in your life, even if this Christmas isn't as bountiful as past ones. For Christians,

2011 in the News - and Song

2011-12-19T09:33:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, we in the news business take ourselves too seriously. Maybe this might remind us how ridiculous some things in the news actually are. Keep in mind, this is satire folks. May the Blog Be With You.

Long live the (incandescent) light bulb

2011-12-16T11:53:00.002-06:00

From the "I didn't even know they could ban that" department, fans of incandescent (non fluorescent) light bulbs can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now. According to the Washington Times, Congressional negotiators struck a deal Thursday that overturns the new rules that were to have banned sales of traditional incandescent light bulbs beginning next year. That agreement is tucked

No Secret Santa, Please

2011-12-13T14:52:00.002-06:00

We all know the drill. Someone in the office gets the "bright idea" to administer a "Secret Santa" gift exchange. Before you know it, you have a little slip of paper with a coworker's name on it and a mediocre budget. It is at that moment where the panic sets in. While you may have worked with this person all year long, you really have no idea what to get them for Christmas — especially on a

Welcome to the bandwagon, America

2011-12-12T13:19:00.002-06:00

Some folks may think I am late to the game with my "Tebow" column in today's Bossier Press-Tribune. However, to my closest friends and co-workers, they have known my "Tebowmania" for many years. While I could write today's blog about many things, the further frenzy around Tebow, created by yet another come-from-behind win has me thinking about little else. So, I am sharing that column on my

Better late than never?

2011-12-08T15:12:00.001-06:00

I don't usually complain about things such as mail delivery, but two instances this week have led me to believe there are some issues. Monday, I received a postcard in the mail asking me to support a particular candidate for State Representative. Unfortunately, that election took place LAST MONTH. Of course, this is Louisiana, I may actually still be able to vote in that election. The other

A funny thing happened...

2011-12-07T15:46:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite local blog sites is asseeninshreveport.com, which unfortunately seems to be ending its run on the world wide web. In honor of their irreverent look at our fair cities, here is an "ASIS" moment I witnessed today. Can you See it? Let's take a closer look... Someone is going to be a little "conflicted" on January 9. May the Blog Be With You.

They did this to us...

2011-12-06T15:43:00.001-06:00

On the CBS Early show this morning, there was a news report about the possibility of Standard and Poors downgrading the European Union's credit rating. While the story itself wasn't unexpected, the anchor's reaction was. Erica Hill said, "We over here (in America) know what that's like. They did it to us." They did? We had nothing to do with it I suppose. Standard and Poors arbitrarily

My two-cents on the BCS situation

2011-12-05T15:09:00.001-06:00

Since everyone is commenting on the BCS Championship matchup between LSU and Alabama, I thought I'd throw my two-cents worth into the conversation. First of all, it really doesn't matter to me who faces LSU this year. They are a fine team and deserve to be playing for the title. That means a lot coming from me, a Gator fan. LSU has certainly shown the nation it is the team to beat. That being

Songs of the Season

2011-12-02T14:21:00.001-06:00

Last night as we were putting up Christmas decorations, we had Pandora playing Christmas music to keep us in the spirit of things. There is just something about Bing's rendition of White Christmas, or his duet with David Bowie on Little Drummer Boy that really makes it feel like the holiday season. Just for fun, I changed the Pandora station to "Christmas Parodies" and got quite a few "different

Surprise Surprise Surprise

2011-12-01T09:58:00.001-06:00

It is not often someone can pull "one over" on me. But this past week it happened — fortunately, in a good way. My wife gave me an early Christmas present in the form of a redecorated office — all without my knowledge. She, my son and a close friend of the family all set me up. I should have seen it coming, but it was so far out of my realm of possibilities, I just didn't. They weren't the

Snapshots of the Season

2011-11-30T16:15:00.001-06:00

This time of year provides some of the greatest photo opportunities for the newspaper we see. From homes that are decorated, to school children in local Christmas plays, there are plenty of "photo ops" out there. I would like to encourage the readers of the Press-Tribune to send in their holiday photos to newsroom@bossierpress.com. We'd love to publish them. May the Blog Be With You.

2011-10-22T07:44:00.001-05:00

Well, I am into the second phase of the Dave's version of the Atkin's Diet. The good news is that I have lost 16 pounds in the past two weeks. However, 12 of that was week one, and just 4 during week two. Hard not to be a little disappointed on those second week numbers. Still, an average of 8 pounds a week isn't shabby at all. I will have to step it up though if I want to reach my target weight

"Carbs are the enemy"

2011-10-05T13:07:00.001-05:00

As I stood on the scale and read the results, I knew something had to change. 300 doesn't look good no matter what height you are. Although, I was still wearing my shoes. For the past several months, I have been exercising off and on (mostly off).. I've been watching what I eat.. sometimes. And no progress whatsoever. It is time to go back to the tried and true way for me to lose weight. Time

Memories of 9-11

2011-09-13T10:26:00.001-05:00

I ran this as a column in the Bossier Press-Tribune, but thought I would share it here as well... It seems everyone has their own Sept. 11 story. For some, they remember where they were when the first plane struck the first tower of the World Trade Center. They remember wondering what tragic factor could have caused such an accident. Shortly they would learn that it was no accident.

Fashion things you shouldn't try

2011-09-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

I am not fashion expert, but at at 42, I know a few things I should not try — the button fly jeans I am wearing today is a good start... I honestly hate these jeans, but they were the only thing I could grab quickly at the house this morning after my coffee exploded on me in the car. I learned two lessons today: 1. A little crease in the rim of a to go coffee cup is weak enough to cause

Aww.. man... No funnel cloud?

2011-08-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

As today's thunderstorm passed through the area, I was anticipating the possibility of a tornado. In fact, I was excited. Some people may think that is at the least strange, and at the most sadistic. However, I wasn't hoping for any type of destruction, I just want to take a photo of a funnel cloud. My wife and I used to race out of the newspaper everytime there was a fire or storm. Our hearts

Now I really feel old

2011-08-23T14:36:00.000-05:00

Each year, just prior to the start of school, I would share the Beloit College Mindset list as part of my weekly column. It dawned on me that I hadn't done this in awhile, so today's blog comes straight from them — with a few comments from me of course. So, if you know a college freshman, this is their mindset. 2011 ListWhat Berlin wall? Humvees, minus the artillery, have always been available

Diet, Exercise and Fried Chicken

2011-08-22T14:35:00.000-05:00

A funny thing about being in my 40s is that I can't seem to lose weight as fast as I did when in my 20s and 30s. Ten years ago, I could drop 20 pounds in just a few weeks by cutting out carbs and playing a little basketball. Not so these days. The last time I got "serious" about my diet, I went "Atkins" and only lost a few pounds over a couple of weeks. I wasn't pleased and I dropped the diet.

The problem with looking back

2011-08-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks, a number of groups have popped up on Facebook with titles such as "You know you grew up in (enter name of city) if..." or "You know you graduated from (enter name of school) if..." People are flocking to these groups, loving to reminisce about "the good old days." While a lot of this is fun, and has allowed some old friends to reconnect, constantly looking back can be a

Will you be Courageous on September 30?

2011-08-18T13:49:00.000-05:00

I used to be an avid moviegoer. When I was in High School, I can remember staying out late for the first showing of various new releases at the theater. I can't tell you how many times I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark, Top Gun or Good Morning Vietnam. I am sure I lost count at 10 or so. As I got older and life got busier, I stopped going to movies as much. Sure, I would watch a DVD here and there,

Are you ready for some football (previews)?

2011-08-17T09:59:00.001-05:00

Even though the temperatures don't indicate it, the "boys of fall" will be suiting up and taking the field very soon. In fact, they are already practicing — as if you didn't know that already. This time of year also means the Bossier Press-Tribune is working on its annual Football Preview. This collaborative effort with our sister newspaper in Minden has become the premier local football section

Back from "Off the Face of the Earth"

2011-08-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

It seems like forever since I last blogged. To be honest, it has only been a mere 15 months. So much has changed since then. Newspapers are changing as well. It is an exciting and somewhat anxious time for our industry. In Bossier, things are progressing along. Construction is taking place all over and the economy is still solid. We are very blessed in northwest Louisiana. In the coming days

From the 'Stating the obvious" Department, I have not yet arrived

2010-04-07T12:42:00.002-05:00

A funny thing happened while I was at Subway, I realized I was still a work in progress. Let me explain.While meeting a good friend and colleague for lunch, I found myself using phrases in conversation that were less than "nice." I found myself talking about others and using adult language (nothing the normal culture would disapprove of, mind you).After lunch, I immediately felt horrible for the

Got some change?

2010-02-22T12:36:00.001-06:00

Change. The word itself brings many images to one's mind. For some, it is a political slogan which led Barack Obama into the White House. To others, it is a much-feared word signifying upheaval in their lives. In 1999, my life changed. I went from publisher of the Minden Press-Herald to publisher of the Bossier Press-Tribune. It was a change that brought many challenges. The struggling weekly

Fees release me... Let me go

2010-02-03T13:10:00.002-06:00

I heard that many governmental bodies, facing budget shortfalls, are increasing “fees” as opposed to raising “taxes.” Even at the Federal levels, the idea of allowing tax cuts to expire as a way of increasing revenues seems to be a certainty. Whatever you want to call it, sending more money to government is still a tax increase. Now, I know that we all have to do our fair share during these

iPad? Really?

2010-01-27T14:59:00.004-06:00

As I perused the web during lunch today, I came across Apple's "BIG ANNOUNCEMENT." The unveiled their latest, revolutionary device. The iPad.What "genius" in marketing came up with that name? Aside from all the feminine hygiene jokes that are sure to follow, it just doesn't ring well in the ears.Some are already panning it as a HUGE iPhone that can't call anyone.I am usually 100% Apple anything,

Low Riding in Bossier Parish

2010-01-21T11:52:00.004-06:00

Luxury cars are a wonderful thing -- most of the time. I have been blessed to own a 2004 Lincoln Town Car for the past year. While I don't exactly look cool in it, it has been a pleasure to drive. Being 40, it is hard to look cool in anything.About two weeks ago, something strange happened. The power seat went out on the driver's side... More specifically, the power recline. This would not be a "

Back in the Saddle (I think)

2010-01-20T16:13:00.002-06:00

Since my last post, college football season has come and gone. The Saints are in the NFC championship game and it is 70 degrees outside in January.As a New Year's resolution, I resolve to write more blogs. (Hopefully this one will last longer than my "eat healthier" resolution).May The Blog Be With You

College Football Is Upon Us — WOOHOO

2009-08-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine made a prediction for this year's college football season. “Florida will go undefeated and win the national championship so Tim Tebow's speech will be the greatest in the history of college football.”This would be expected from a Florida fan such as myself, but my friend is a die-hard, purple and gold, Ole Miss hating, LSU fan.I don't believe he actually thinks that, but it does

What I did on my Summer vacation

2009-07-30T12:36:00.003-05:00

Can you believe summer is already coming to an end? Tomorrow, we publish or back-to-school special, and it made me realize how fast things are moving this year.This was the first summer that didn't involve baseball in some form or another. Both my boys decided not to play. Zach, my oldest, found a job this summer. He is saving money for a truck. Joshua did not want to miss out on youth services

No justification for this much debt

2009-04-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

Recently, I overheard a friend of mine talking to his daughter about a school project that was due soon. The exchange was all too familiar.“Most people haven’t even started theirs yet, Dad. You should be glad that I am at least doing something.”“I’m not raising ‘people,’” he said. “I am raising you.” The daughter’s justification for her actions (or lack of) reminded me of some of our elected

Pelosi is more than out of touch

2009-04-19T12:59:00.001-05:00

As hundres of thousands of Americans shouted a cry of protest to excessive taxation and government spending in the form of “Tea Parties,” some legislative leaders made it clear how out of touch they really are with average Americans. One leader in particular was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D – Calif.While being interviewed by a Fox affiliate in San Francisco, Pelosi belittled the protestors and

Doesn't matter - it's in the past

2009-03-30T09:22:00.002-05:00

I have become a full-fledged member of the "Facebook" generation. Not only have I joined, but I have found many friends that I had lost touch with over the years.It is funny how many people from your past you forget, but they don't forget you — or vice versa. The "reunions" online bring back memories of the "good old days."The human mind has the unique ability to only remember the "good times."

Introducing your presidential cabinet

2009-01-26T12:49:00.001-06:00

With all the news surrounding President Obama and his choices for his cabinet. I would like to offer the following nominations… based on a long, thoughtful process.Department of StateSecretary: Pope Benedict XVIEveryone comes out to see him when he travels. And would you tell the Pope “no” when he’s negotiating?Department of the TreasurySecretary: Dave RamseySmartest money man out there. Of

They Never Got A Bailout

2009-01-21T12:44:00.003-06:00

Red Buttons was a well-known comedian in years gone by. His most famous bit usually came during the “Dean Martin Celebrity Roast” television specials.Red would spout off about the fact they were have a dinner in honor of whoever was the “honored” that night, and that many famous people never “got a dinner.”For example, Red would say, “Doctor Spock, who said, ‘Never raise your hand to your kids,

Separated from Family

2008-11-12T16:24:00.003-06:00

Absence makes the heart grow fonder… or so they say. By the way who are “they” anyway? That’s the subject for another blog.In 1988, I was stationed at Keesler AFB, Miss., finishing up tech school when I received orders to Loring AFB, Maine. “Maine?” was the first word out of my mouth.Being southern born and reared, and a former resident of Largo, Florida, I thought there were plenty of bases in

Have you ever wondered, "Why?"

2008-11-07T11:29:00.005-06:00

The events of the past several days in Specht household, our church and our nation could certainly cause one to ask "Why?"From a historic election to the tragic loss of life for a close family friend, the question of "why?" has come to mind more than once. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God heal some and not others? Why do major expenses hit when we are trying to save money?

Politics enters Fast Food

2008-10-21T11:19:00.001-05:00

It seems we are inundated with political commercials these days. One side is accusing the other side of this and that. The other side fires back, and no one really knows where the truth resides.Can you imagine if other commercials adopted this form of advertising?Waste in government. Waste on Wall Street. And now — waste in the Fast Food Industry.For years, McDonald’s has been wasting hamburger

Orderly conduct in the house

2008-09-24T10:41:00.000-05:00

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the other churches.”1 Corinthians 14:33 (NLT)This past weekend, several members of our church, including my wife and I, attended the Church Ministries Convention for the Louisiana District of the Assemblies of God in Pineville, La.There were many tracts of learning, from Sunday School to Media. I chose those surrounding church

Meat and Chesse Only, Please

2008-09-18T08:35:00.002-05:00

It's diet time again for good Ol' Dave. Usually, I live life by two simple rules: Eat when hungry. Sleep when tired. Every once in awhile, however, my simple life is interrupted by two other rules: Pants don't fit. Two helpings aren't enough.When I turned 33, I went to my doctor who said, "Your numbers a slightly elevated, which is no problem now, but more of a problem when you are 40 — even a

Sarah Palin has made the race interesting

2008-09-08T17:02:00.002-05:00

The race is on. All of a sudden, a “ho-hum” presidential race that many in this neck of the woods were less than enthused about, is the talk of the town, the television and the nation.Who would have thought John McCain would create such and uproar (both for and against) with his vice presidential pick? Certainly not me, and obviously not the Democrats or the mainstream media (notice I didn’t

Made Fresh Daily

2008-08-08T10:59:00.003-05:00

In case you didn't know already, the Bossier Press-Tribune began five-day-a-week publication this week. It has been great fun and something we have been wanting to do for a long time.Here is the press release we sent out to our friends and colleagues about this exciting change.BOSSIER CITY – The Bossier Press-Tribune began publishing on a five-day-a-week schedule today. According to Editor and

The "Big" News is coming

2008-07-21T15:50:00.002-05:00

By now, most business folks in Bossier have received an invitation to our chamber after hours this Thursday.Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro has graciously agreed to co-host this event with us, so we all know the food is going to be excellent.Everyone at the office is sprucing up their areas in anticipation of the open house. We try to stayed as organized as possible, but we are a newspaper, which

We interrupt this routine to bring you...

2008-06-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

Life happens.Isn’t it funny how the routines we enjoy in life are often interrupted by life itself? For example, I remember when I started this blog, I planned to write at least once a week, if not more often. For a while, things went well. I found myself in a routine.Then life happened.The duties of work, home and church all crept in to my established routine – right to the place where there was

Goodbye Dr. Shell

2008-05-07T09:42:00.000-05:00

When I first learned of Dr. Eddy Shell’s untimely death, my heart skipped a beat. I call it “untimely” because Dr. Shell has always been a fighter and a winner. This bout with cancer was, in his way of looking at things, another challenge in life.Many have told of Dr. Shell’s influence on them in the classroom or as a colleague. While I never sat in one of his classes, Dr. Shell taught me much

Is David Specht in the room?

2008-04-04T16:12:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Gov. Bobby Jindal was in town to speak about the recently completed special session. He made his stop at Bossier Parish Community College and I was in the audience to listen to his comments.With him behind the podium were many of the northwest Louisiana delegation, including District 9 Rep. Henry Burns. Gov. Jindal offered each legislator an opportunity to speak before

Coming to a neighborhood near you

2008-02-27T11:53:00.000-06:00

Beginning last Friday, I have enjoyed the privilege of throwing newspapers in the Dogwood Subdivision of Haughton. It has been a very rewarding experience.First, it gets me out of the office. It seems I have been stuck indoors as of late and throwing newspapers on a nice afternoon is really refreshing.Next, it makes me realize how fast our area is growing. Have you ever tried to map a

Are you an "Angry White Man?"

2008-02-19T15:32:00.001-06:00

The following is from the Aspen Times-News. Someone forwarded it as an email, so I hope it is ok to share it with you here:In election 2008, don’t forget Angry White Man function createQString(s) { return escape(s); } var Heading = "In%20election%202008%2C%20don%92t%20forget%20Angry%20White%20Man"; var tempTitle = createQString(Heading); var Title = "&t="+tempTitle;

Commuter Blues

2008-02-06T09:49:00.000-06:00

For those who do not know, I have a 30-mile commute on Interstate 20 to the office. Since mid January, there has been construction on that route around the Haughton exit.If you are traveling to Bossier on I-20, you have two choices, stay on I-20 or take U.S. Hwy. 80.During the past few weeks, I have tried both routes and neither one is any better than the other. In fact, I have come to the

A New Year

2008-01-04T15:06:00.000-06:00

In the Movie, Forest Gump, a young lady tells Forest that the best thing about the New Year is that you get to start over. This week has felt like a fresh start in many ways.As the holidays end and the Christmas decorations come down, you feel like you finally have your house back.The schedule is no longer filled with parties, gatherings and events, Routine can return to normal. With the return

A "Road to Bethlehem" Encounter

2007-12-18T10:47:00.000-06:00

During the past couple of days, I have some interesting encounters with the "fat man in the red suit." The first meeting with Santa Claus came Sunday night following our church's Youth and Children's Christmas production.Santa was there to have his photo made with the kids. You should have seen the look on each child's face as they waited for a chance to sit on Kris Kringle's lap. Some kids were

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2007-12-11T14:43:00.000-06:00

Today's predicted high temperature is 78 degrees. Last night's low was a balmy 62 degrees. This certainly doesn't feel like a "Winter Wonderland."Even the grass on the highway is confused. There are patches of green showing up all along the interstate. I fear mowing may be in my future if things don't change soon.Does this feel like Christmas at all? Certainly, the temperatures are not making

The compass points to controversy

2007-12-06T14:30:00.000-06:00

There has been much ado concerning the movie "The Golden Compass." Much like "the Harry Potter uprising," Christians have organized their opposition and have been quite vocal (at least in email and blogs) about it.As a Christian, I too am concerned about what can influence our kids - either on the big screen or in the pages of a book. I also enjoyed reading fantasy novels in my youth. So, I don't

Subscribe today and receive 100% off the cover price

2007-12-04T15:33:00.000-06:00

We all know that my blog posting schedule is erratic at best. Sometimes, I post every day. Then it could be weeks before my next post.Since I know all my loyal readers (thank you, mom) can't wait until my next installment, I have a neat little thing that lets you know when I have posted an entry.On the right-hand side of this page, is a little "widget" that lets you subscribe to email

Give your best

2007-12-03T14:01:00.000-06:00

The day after Thanksgiving, I watched the movie "Facing the Giants" for the second time. If you can get past some of the corny acting in the beginning, the movie is a very good story, and very inspiring.At one point, the coach in the movie tells his place kicker to "give God your very best and leave the rest up to Him."That phrase stuck with me. How many times have we asked God to take care of a

Congrats Glenbrook Apaches

2007-11-30T16:05:00.000-06:00

The Glenbrook Apaches just won their first MPSA foootball state championship over the Bayou Academy Colts. My oldest son, Zachary, was there to watch the game in Clinton, Miss.There is nothing quite like your school going all the way in a sports.Now, my attention turns to Benton. Go Tigers! Beat Bastrop!May The Blog Be With You.

Armageddon Pay Per View

2007-11-29T07:41:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had strange and interesting thoughts in those early morning moments between sleep and awake? Perhaps it was some revelation that you turned into a "brilliant idea" later in the day. Or maybe it was the answer to a question you had been seeking when you dozed off to sleep.This morning, I had such a thought, albeit this wasn't so much a revelation - as it was an interesting look at

The All Star Cast of Left Behind

2007-11-13T08:23:00.000-06:00

I am in the third book of the Left Behind series. (Yes, I know, What took me so long to start reading them?)I made the mistake of watching the first Left Behind movie before deciding whether or not to read the books. Like many adaptations, the movie does not do the book justice. However, I believe the casting in the movie could have been much better. (Sorry, Kirk Cameron)This was the topic of

Is there really an answer to our problems?

2007-10-30T15:37:00.000-05:00

I realize much of my writings of late has to do with governor-elect Bobby Jindal. This is not one of them -- although something he said got me thinking.I was reading the transcript of Jindal's interview with Fox News' Chris Wallace Sunday.During the interview, Jindal spoke of making things in New Orleans better than they were before Hurricane Katrina hit. "Don't rebuild the failing schools..."

Ethics and Accountability

2007-10-29T13:40:00.000-05:00

As Bobby Jindal transitions into the Governor's Mansion, the rumors and questions are flying concerning the Special Session he promised to call to address ethics reform. There are those who wonder if he will adopt the initiatives outlined by Blueprint Louisiana — if he has a broader scope of ethics reform — and what he believes can really be done in a single session?If the governor-elect were

That "maniac" attends what church?

2007-10-26T10:13:00.000-05:00

We have all seen those white window decals that people have on their cars. Some have their favorite team logo, while others may tout their child's prowess on a baseball field. They have become the "bumper stickers" of the new millennium.Our kids' school got into the act last year, and parents throughout our town have a red and blue "G" in their back windows promoting the fact their child (and a

"It's the (Social) Network"

2007-10-24T15:27:00.000-05:00

A friend joined myspace today. I joined facebook. I'm really not sure why, but my wife has a facebook, so I thought I should have one too.This whole social networking thing is a bit odd for me. Granted, millions of people all around the world are connecting in ways that seemed impossible a few years ago. It is all still a little too "out there" for me.On an unrelated note, I began reading the "

Politics and Prayers

2007-10-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

Let's face it. Running for office is a tough endeavor. I have watched a host of candidates walk streets, put up signs, run advertisements, participate in debates and forums, and a host of other things in an effort to be elected to office.Regardless of which candidate has secured your vote, all must be acknowledged for their efforts this year.Yesterday, I spoke with Lucy Cooper, a candidate for

Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Halo 3

2007-10-11T18:17:00.000-05:00

Someone told me that if I included Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, or some of the other "major search engine topics" that more people would visit my site.So I guess I just did it.Oh, and why did I mention Halo 3? Because it is a really cool game.May the Blog Be With You.

Welcome Home

2007-10-09T16:25:00.000-05:00

I wasn't prepared to go. I had other things on my mind. Then, the managing editor came into the room. "Can you go cover the troops return from Guam? We're swamped with this political section."The request threw a monkey wrench into my plans for the morning, but I agreed and went without any sort of fuss.With my trusty camera in hand, I headed out to Barksdale. I was anxiously awaiting the plane,

Do not blog before you've thought it through

2007-10-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

Each morning, I have a 30-minute commute to my office. It is during these times I come up with some of my best blog subjects — usually in response to something reported in the news on the radio.However, by the time I get to the office I have either:a) Thought better of putting those thoughts "out there for the world to read."b) Forgotten whatever brilliant commentary I had in my mind a few

Change for change's sake

2007-09-24T15:20:00.000-05:00

I spend a lot of time reading management books, listening to management audiobooks and perusing management resources on the Internet. While no one source will turn me into the "greatest manager since sliced bread," they all offer things that will benefit my endeavors to be better at what I do.Once such resource is www.managementhelp.org. I sometimes read the articles to gain insights into general

Societal Division: The New Math

2007-09-21T13:46:00.000-05:00

I am not going to go into some long dissertation about the events of the past several days. We have seen quite enough of it all.I will say that I see a recurring theme... Unity (or should I say they lack of it?)It seems our nation (and our area) find reasons to split about anything. The phrase "there is always two sides to the story" has never been more true. Equally true would be the phrase, "

I'm not a preacher, but...

2007-09-20T14:55:00.000-05:00

"Are you a preacher, sir?" the voice at the end of the aisle asked me."Uh, no." was the best response I could give on such short notice. I can see where the mistake could be made. After all, I was in a Christian book store. I was wearing a shirt and tie. I was mumbling to myself - (OK, that last part was an exaggeration).The man who had caught me off guard had a little humor of his own. "That's

Walk the line

2007-09-19T08:25:00.000-05:00

Good journalists know the difference between covering the news and "making" the news. We have learned that if we interject ourselves into a story, then that story or even our own reputation comes into question.In the past, this has been easy. All a journalist had to do was keep their opinions out of news stories and on the Editorial Page. Not so with the advent of the Internet.On Monday, I

AFCYBER coming home

2007-09-14T12:26:00.001-05:00

We've been talking about it for months. In fact, I am sure some person are tired of hearing about this "Cyber Command" stuff. But Wednesday, it was made official - well, at least as official as the military and federal government can be. Barksdale Air Force Base will be home to AFCYBER - at least on a "provisional" basis.When news first came out about the potential for the command coming to our

Famous kids

2007-08-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when someone comes up to you and says, "I enjoy your columns." Unlike a political opinion piece, a personal column is the wrtier's opportunity to share his or her own thoughts and/or experiences.In one such column, I shared the story of my oldest son's affection for Barney the Purple Dinosaur. Later, a person came up to me in Shreveport Regional

Good to be home

2007-08-06T14:11:00.000-05:00

For the past 8+ days, my family and I have traveled to North Carolina and back. The "adventure" lived up to its billing in every sense of the word.We drove, camped, whitewater rafted, took lots of photos, drove some more, ate even more, explored, toured, golfed and slept. (Not necessarily in that order)I learned what the right demographics can do for a local economy. I also learned what it feels

Immigration Letter

2007-07-27T10:08:00.000-05:00

Like many other folks, I receive my share of forwarded emails. Some I read, others I just send straight to the trash folder. Once came in today that claimed to be a letter to the editor that was refused for publication n a California newspaper. I do not know if it is a hoax or not, but some of the points in the letter were worth sharing, in my opinion.Subject: ImmigrationORANGE COUNTY (CALIFORNIA

Invest in a spellcheck you moron, and other comments

2007-07-09T14:45:00.000-05:00

When we decided to allow comments on the nwlanews.com website, I knew we were running a risk. Still fresh in my mind was the hullabaloo surrounding certain comments made on a message board run by the Minden Press-Herald and the ensuing arrest and defamation charges.This time around, the comments are at least from registered users, so we can track them by their IP address if anything “criminal” is

The evil delay

2007-06-14T13:36:00.000-05:00

Some days, I wish a newspaper could be printed instantaneously.I wrote an editorial for our Friday edition concerning the budget battle in Baton Rouge. I wrote about the importance of not spending the budget surplus on recurring expenditures, etc.Most of the material for the editorial came from a story in The (Baton Rouge) Advocate. That story chronicled the stalemate between several House

Podcasts Galore!

2007-06-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

During the past couple of months, I have committed to read more books. Specifically, I have committed to read nonfiction books.I read (or heard) somewhere that the majority of millionaires read at least one nonfiction book per month. I could remember a time when I really enjoyed reading fiction, so I decided to try nonfiction. To my surprise, I have thoroughly enjoyed my books thus far.Since you

Diet Update

2007-05-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

For those who have been following the "more personal" aspects of this blogg, they know I was trying to lose some weight through "standard" dieting methods.I gave up on that about 2 weeks into it and returned to my deep fried extra fat please, eating habits.Then something happened. At church one night, there was a collective challenge issued among the 30-somethings. Who could lose the most weight

Tree killers

2007-05-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

As someone in the newspaper business, I take my fair share of criticism for 'killing trees." After all, the news is printed on paper. However, I have yet to see the outcry from environmentalists taking issue with junk mail.Or how about those to kill trees in the hopes of reaching the right person, by sending multiple versions of the same letter to several people at one place.Case in point -

Where have you gone, Marshall Fannin?

2007-05-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

People in Shreveport-Bossier media and blog enthusiast alike know the name Marshall Fannin. His satirical look at our area was unique in this day and age of political correctness.Last week, he took aim at the governor's race -- posting a pseudo-press release from the Democratic Party of Louisiana, followed by a pseudo-interview with U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal.Both were obviously in jest and quite

Why do we blog?

2007-04-26T12:27:00.000-05:00

I've been watching the antics of many publications and so-called newsgathering organizations and everyone (including nwlanews.com) is doing the same thing -- promoting blogs.Don't get me wrong, I like my share of www.marshallfannin.com as much as the next guy, but are blogs really the "journalism of the future?"Also, are blogs written for the reader, or for the writer? More times than not, the

Stupid Computers

2007-04-18T14:12:00.000-05:00

Have you signed up for daily updates from nwlanews.com yet?If you have, then you didn't get an update today. Are you wondering why? It's because computers are STUPID.I do the same process each day. Get stories -- send stories to list...Computer sends them out -- everyone is happy. Not today. Computer says it sent them out -- but no one got emails. (I know because I am on the list too).Maybe I

Too early to predict?

2007-04-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

A group of media types were discussing the governor's race over lunch recently. While the obvious subject of John Breaux residency issue came up, there were no "clear cut" winners.Here are a few of the things that were said. Of course there is no factual basis to any of this, merely speculation.John Breaux will not run... Regardless of his residency issue, wouldn't Breaux have already declared if

Is it still news?

2007-04-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

We didn't update the website yesterday. We meaning me. Update, meaning the Bossier Press-Tribune portion.We have one of our largest editions of the year hitting the streets Friday and coordinating all the sections was quite an undertaking. And frankly, I didn't get around to it.The first thing I did at the paper this morning was update the site with "Tuesday's news." As I posted sports stories

Fighting with computers

2007-04-02T13:24:00.000-05:00

People who follow this blog know that computers and I don't always get along. However, what many may not know is that most of the things you see on the website www.nwlanews.com, are a result (in part) of my efforts. That's right, if you don't like it, blame me...Anyway, I have been working on a way to deliver news headlines to the emails of people who want them. That way, you would know when the

Innocence lost

2007-03-29T13:14:00.000-05:00

In the midst of recent stories about people being arrested for sex crimes involving the internet and juveniles, comes this little piece out of the Lafayette Daily Advertiser:Mother arrested for allegedly arranging sexPolice say underage girl was a gift for adult son Jason Brownjbrown@theadvertiser.com Detectives

Could be exciting

2007-03-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

"When severe weather strikes. We are there."How many times have you heard that from some television weather folks?I love chasing storms. In fact, I have just come in to the office from one such excursion. I traveled throughout Bossier Parish this afternoon chasing reported severe storms and tornadoes (or at least the damage they left behind).Fortunately for the people of Bossier, no damage so far

In the mood to comment?

2007-03-23T13:54:00.000-05:00

A recent study by the Bivings Group offered some keen insight to newpaper websites and what people expect from them.One of the more interesting findings from the study:Just as Web users have come to expect interactivity from blogs, they have also come to expect interactivity from news articles in general. Thus, it was surprising to find that only 19 of the nation’s top 100 most circulated

Higher taxes on the horizon?

2007-03-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

Here at the Bossier Press-Tribune, we receive many press releases via fax, email and "snail mail." We tend to look each one through the eyeglass of "Is it in Bossier, and/or Does is affect Bossier?"With our limited space in the newspaper, and so much going on in the local community, not everything we would like to publish in print makes it to the final copy of the newspaper.Yesterday, I received