CenLamar | Est. 2006

  • “Hot Coffee,” The Story of Colin Gourley, and Why Steve Coco Should Apologize or Resign

    At the suggestion of my friends Matt Bailey and State Representative Chris Roy, Jr., I watched the documentary film Hot Coffee, which explores the issue of “tort reform” in America. It should be required viewing: I was particularly moved by the story of Colin Gourley. Honestly, it broke my heart, so fair warning to my mother, my family, and to the amazing people who helped me, when I was a kid. To the Gourley family, I commend you for your courage and tenacity. To Colin’s twin brother, Connor, your brother may not be able to fully express it, but I…

  • Summer Interview Series (Part Three): Senator Butch Gautreaux

    Butch Gautreaux was first elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1996. He quickly ascended to the Louisiana State Senate in 2000 and has served three consecutive terms, representing District 21. Last year, Gautreaux ran a grassroots campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Caroline Fayard, who had been virtually unknown in Louisiana politics, won the Democratic nomination, though she was subsequently defeated by Republican Jay Dardenne. Most recently, Senator Gautreaux, who is prevented from running again for his Senate seat because of term limits, made headlines after delivering a passionate and detailed speech about the failures of Governor Bobby Jindal. It was…

  • Summer Interview Series (Part Two): Michael D. Smith

    Michael D. Smith was born in Shreveport, raised in Alexandria, went to high school at the Louisiana School in Natchitoches, and is a current resident of New Orleans. In 2005, he earned a BA in Religious Studies and Environmental Policy Studies from Rice University, and in 2006, he was awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to study and conduct research in Kathmandu, Nepal. Michael, who is fluent in Tibetan, Hindi, and Nepali languages, spent a year in Kathmandu studying contemporary synthesis in practice and ritual between Tibetan, Nepali, and Western Buddhists. After his return to New Orleans, Michael earned dual Masters…