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A couple of years ago, I went to a seminar where the speaker said, “The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.” He went on to discuss how many students are merely learning to memorize information as opposed to learning how to learn. Have you ever wondered why or how some kids end up at the top of their class? This month, 225 takes a provocative look at the fact Asian students seem to excel and represent a disproportionate share of the top spots at area schools. Why? Freelance writer Andrea Neighbours talked to Asian students, their parents and their educators to get the answers. More than an article about the best and brightest, the story offers real insight into how so many Asian parents help their children achieve beyond what even they thought possible and the cost of all that pressure.

The overlooked price of war in Iraq

With so much going on in Baton Rouge these days, it’s easy to forget a sobering truth: We’re at war. Our sons and daughters rotate in and out of Iraq with no end in sight.

But too quickly forgotten is the regular GI Joe who serves a year or more of hair-trigger service in that dusty land then returns home and must calm down and adjust to civilian life again. Whether they suffered physical wounds that will take a lifetime to heal, or emotional and mental scars that haunt their nights, these servicemen and women all have a story to tell. Our intern, LSU student Kim Moreau, spent some time with the families of two local Marines, Luke Joseph and Aaron Lemann, and wrote about their lives after war.

Baton Rouge’s cool streak

More proof that Baton Rouge truly does have a cosmopolitan streak is the presence of the iconic Italian Vespa motor scooters. LSU art professor Tom Neff is one of the original Vespa enthusiasts, wallowing in the unique style of Vespa travel. Although it took a hurricane to do it, Baton Rouge even has a Vespa dealership, even though sales have been slow. Read all about Vespa chic and what attracts people to this symbol of Italian cool.

Easy does it

Some of the great Internet ideas happen right in our back yard. Like Bill Kelley’s Web service, easyshoppinglist.com. An artist and music studio manager by training, Kelley figures a lot of people—men especially—struggle to find specific items at grocery stores. So he came up with a service that helps you find just what you’re looking for at your favorite neighborhood grocery story. It’s a novel idea that could catch on beyond Baton Rouge.

Taste of something familiar

The Kantrow family made Byronz a Baton Rouge institution years ago, selling po’boys, sandwiches and ice cream to hungry, loyal customers. The old place, which operated near Baton Rouge High School in Mid City, shut down years ago, but no one forgot the great bread and friendly service. Today, the Kantrows are operating Bistro Byronz, a more sophisticated version of the original that now includes authentic French bistro food. Check out cuisine writer Maggie Heyn Richardson’s review.

Mother’s influence

Lots of things are going on in May, but none is more important than Mothers Day. My father left us when I was four, but my mother more than picked up the slack.

Watching her work so hard and sacrifice her life so her children would have better lives in America has been my inspiration. She was my greatest teacher who taught us of love, forgiveness, discipline and work ethic. The care she gave me, the values she taught me and the love she gives me today have enriched my life in more ways than I can count. Even when I messed up growing up, my mother never gave up on me.

As I watch mothers who work here in our company, mothers at my kids’ school and around town I am reminded the mother has a profound affect on the moral and spiritual part of the character of children. She is their constant companion and teacher in formative years. The child is ever imitating and assimilating the mother’s nature. Many times it is too late that people behold how their mother’s hand and heart of love molded their young lives and shaped their destiny.

We only have one mom in this world. Don’t wait for the tomorrow’s to tell mom you love her.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in the world!