Pennsylvania
updated
1:27 a.m.
This is rich . The shady company that Luzerne County gave a no bid contract to do a basic function of government, paying it's employees, subcontracted the work to another outfit. Former HR Director and debit card abuser Doug Richards has been indicted for taking a bribe from an unnamed contractor. It's not hard to figure out the connection. Outsourcing a basic government function like ho...
Gort42 - 1:27 a.m.
Day 021/365 2.08.2010 – Puppy Love Originally uploaded by goose3five Gabby and I took Kira to the dog park this afternoon and we got our first taste of the energy of the border collie breed. This little puppy, only 8 weeks old, was keeping pace with my daughter as she ran around the park. And, unlike how I would react after such torture, she still planted a sloppy one on her...
Comments From Left Field - Mon 11:08 p.m.
John "Jack" Murtha, 1932 - 2010 Rep. John "Jack" Murtha, PA's longest serving Member of Congress passed away today. There are numerous online obituaries for Murtha, but I like this from Think Progress best: During the Bush administration, Murtha became a forceful, outspoken voice for Iraq redeployment. In November 2005, the former Marine and Iraq war hawk came out and called for an ...
2 Political Junkies - Mon 9:21 p.m.
I knew he was having complications, but had hoped he would pull through in the end. Ultimately, it looks like his time was up. Rest In Peace Representative Murtha , in 19 terms you sure made us all very proud. ...
Declarations of Pride - Mon 2:46 p.m.
I did not see this coming , despite his hospitalization. With Murtha gone, I suspect that seat is wide open, and a possible Republican pick-up. ...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Mon 1:12 p.m.
TL: State Rep. John Yudichak Monday announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination for state Senate in the 14th district. Yudichak, 39, made the announcement at the construction site of the Luzerne County Community College's Culinary Arts Institute in center city Nanticoke Rick Arnold, a Republican from Mountain Top, will announce that he will run for Yudichak’s House seat. H...
Gort42 - Mon 12:46 p.m. - 3 clicks 
Selective Sourcing by Richard Mellon Scaife's braintrust. Something we've come to expect. Take a look. This is from today's editorial page at the Tribune-Review: When an engine blows blue smoke, it's best to look under the hood. After the IPCC's melting-glaciers claim backfired, deeper investigation by inquiring minds raised more questions. Among them, the 2007 IPCC assertion that climat...
2 Political Junkies - Mon 4:22 a.m.
Day 020/365 2.07.2010 – Puppy Breath Originally uploaded by goose3five Please join me in welcoming the newest member of my family. She is a yet-unnamed red tricolour (red, tan and white) Border Collie and yes, she has the sweetest puppy breath around! UPDATE: The name is chosen and she is Kira. View my Project 365 set on a black background at Flickriver Share an...
Comments From Left Field - Sun 4:44 p.m.
About 24 hours have passed since the massivee snow storm. 72 hours until the next one begins. I am not sure if I am surprised, or what, but in my neighborhood Philadelphia, and Philadelphia government did its just really, really well. On Friday, everyone parked, and stayed off the streets on Saturday. On Saturday, most people shoveled their sidewalks, and did so pretty quickly. And ...
Young Philly Politics - Sun 2:04 p.m. - 3 clicks
Snowmageddon or not, Pennsylvania State Democratic Party bigwigs met this weekend. News that State Auditor Jack Wagner had support of more than half the delegates was encouraging to me. Could it be that Democrats were finally going to put forth a candidate for Governor who was qualified for the job and was more than a pile of populist rhetoric? That's what rebuffing Dan Onorato and his multi-mill...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Sun 2:04 p.m. - 4 clicks
An astute reader mailed this in yesterday: Between you and me, you’re way off base with your post “A Tale Of Two Papers.” You must not have read the rest of Mike’s story. It includes an interview that offsets what the Climate Depot guy said. It chalks his words up to nothing more than “character assignation" that seeks to attack the person, not the issue. A very strong point, indeed. That wasn't ...
2 Political Junkies - Sun 12:44 p.m.
I've been hammering at Bank of America and other big banks for their predatory lending and awful customer service. Seems I'm not the only one: Italy Seizes Bank of America Assets - Fraud Is Finally Catching Up With Wall St./Bankers From what I can tell, the bank near me that has done the best is TD Bank. I am switching to TD and so far I am happy. They avoided predatory lending (probably bec...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Sun 9:26 a.m. - 18 clicks
Day 019/365 2.06.2010 – Inukshuk Originally uploaded by goose3five I took “3 hour tour” today of downtown Vancouver to try and get a look at the sites before evreryone shows up for the 2010 Olympics. During my walk I came upon this section of shoreline just outside of the Edgewater Casino that is filled with little hand stacked rock sculptures. This inukshuk was ...
Comments From Left Field - Sat 9:26 p.m. - 2 clicks
Uh-oh! Looks like action is needed: Shoveling a path: Someone decides to make a tunnel... She's actually trying to eat her way through: A well deserved break: BONUS MD PHOTO: From Silver Spring, Maryland early this morning. My sister's car is -- fortunately -- on the right: ...
2 Political Junkies - Sat 8:27 p.m. - 2 clicks
We just got done with dinner and Mrs G selected the video of Marley and Me to watch tonight. I'm told I will cry at the end. ...
Gort42 - Sat 7:49 p.m.
Poor Sam Hyder , he just couldn't take it anymore. Despite being a martial arts expert and possibly the most well trained employee in the history of Luzerne County who has travelled all over the USA to gain knowledge on how to be the best deputy warden of a county lockup he could be he just couldn't deal with people whispering mean things about him at church. He has been on paid leave u...
Gort42 - Sat 6:20 p.m. - 3 clicks
Pennsylvania Democrats Unanimously Endorse Single Payer Senate Bill 400 and House Bill 1660 Lancaster – The Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee today unanimously endorsed a resolution calling for passage of single payer healthcare, Senate Bill 400 and House Bill 1660, also known as the “Family and Business Healthcare Security Act.” Given the healthcare reform deadlock in Washington...
Beaver County Blue - Sat 4:29 p.m. - 17 clicks
Why Green Power Jobs Are Important For Ohio –and Western PA as Well By:’Irishbobcat’ OhioLeft Yahoo Group Feb 5, 2010 – The green-collar jobs movement just got another major boost: a groundbreaking new report underscores how the growing green economy can provide high quality jobs for those who need them most. The author, Professor Raquel Rivera Pinderhughes of [...] ...
Beaver County Blue - Sat 4:22 p.m.
Former Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo has dropped out of contention to succeed retiring Sate Senator Ray Musto saying he has more important things to do than run for office. Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton is looking at making the race and will let us know later in the week. The early favorite is Nanticoke State Represenative John Yudichak who shot down the wishful thinking of local Republicans ...
Gort42 - Sat 4:22 p.m. - 4 clicks
I'd like to start out by saying that the Pennsylvania Progressive 2010 Summit was a rousing success no matter what metric you use to measure it. There were wonderful speakers, great workshops, wonderful booths, and two wonderful candidate events. The first night had a gubernatorial debate which I diaried here . The second night had a Senate Forum featuring Representative Joe...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Sat 11:03 a.m.
Hi Folks: I have a plea for help from fellow Kossacks here regarding HIPAA or insurance laws. Here's the backstory: Economic tough times, expensive healthcare and all that (see also: 318,297 diaries over the last twelve months)...low and behold I've ended working retail here in Pennsylvania in order to get a bit of cash and some benefits. The position is Union, so the benefits have been exc...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Sat 8:02 a.m. - 2 clicks
Day 018/365 2.05.2010 – Lookin’ Rough Originally uploaded by goose3five Wow, a combination of Friday pet blogging and Project 365. How can you beat that? This is of our two Shitzu’s, Buddy, looking like she is in dire need of a grooming. View my Project 365 set on a black background at Flickriver . Share and Enjoy: ...
Comments From Left Field - Sat 12:01 a.m.
Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Democracy One Senator -- Richard Shelby (R-AL) -- has blocked all of Obama's nominations because he wants pork earmarks for his state. From Talking Points Memo : Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) has put an extraordinary "blanket hold" on at least 70 nominations President Obama has sent to the Senate, according to multiple reports this evening. The hold mean...
2 Political Junkies - Fri 3:03 p.m. - 2 clicks
Natural Gas Drillers are willing to do whatever they can to dispose of wastewater without getting shut down. They would love to have a way to dump it into the Philadelphia water supply. It's just a matter of time, in fact, until they do. This industry has only begun. Right now, natural gas drillers are drilling away all over the state, generating more water than they know what to do with (and ...
Young Philly Politics - Fri 11:43 a.m. - 4 clicks
Stu Bykofsky wrote an editorial in the Daily News yesterday slamming calls for immigration reform and the current CIRASAP bill that was recently introduced in the House and has been signed on to by several local politicians. Stu’s essential argument: ‘This bill only helps people who are here “illegally;” if you want to fix the problem, just tell people to get to the back of the line.' This ...
Young Philly Politics - Fri 9:29 a.m.
More evidence that Republicans are assholes who have no interest whatsoever in governing. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, is blocking Senate action on executive branch nominations, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said this afternoon in an e-mail. In response to a question from the Press-Register, Reid spokeswoman Regan Lachapelle confirmed that Shelby has place...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Fri 9:20 a.m.
Downtown Pittsburgh Predictions by the local TV stations for Snowpocalypse 2010! are all over the map (no pun intended): WPXI: 3 - 6 inches WTAE: 4 - 7 inches KDKA: 8 - 12 inches No idea how much the storm may effect DemFest 2010 -- this year's State Democratic Party meeting -- which is scheduled for today and tomorrow in Lancaster, PA. But if you're in the mood to b...
2 Political Junkies - Fri 5:00 a.m. - 2 clicks
Do you remember Michael E Mann? He's the scientist up at Penn State whose emails were among those in the so-called "Climategate scandal." Climategate was supposed to show how the world's scientists falsified data, suppressed dissenting views, and covered their tracks by deleting their emails. It all pointed (so the skeptics said) to the unmistakable conclusion that Global Warming is a fraud. ...
2 Political Junkies - Fri 4:49 a.m. - 8 clicks
Officials: Latinos key to accurate city count The Census in key not only to the apportionment of the House of Representatives in the Congress and state legislature but it used in funding formulas for a myriad of federal and state programs. Legal or not America's Mayor Lou Barletta wants you to fill out the form so Hazleton can get it's fair share. " Hopefully everyone will participat...
Gort42 - Fri 12:42 a.m. - 7 clicks
Steven Solieri is an accountant that lives in Lake Ariel that has a number crunching business in New Hyde Park, NY and Lake Ariel and is a Professor of Accounting at Queens College in New York City who has a Ph.D. and 4 Masters Degrees. His welcome message on his website : I am not a politician and do not want to act like one, ever. I consider myself a businessman and patriot who, like...
Gort42 - Thu 11:48 p.m.
Day 017/365 2.04.2010 – Stirrup Originally uploaded by goose3five This is another look a the stirrup ladder on the previously pictured climbing wall. Everything in this image feels rugged, rough and masculine. I particularly like how the red stirrup pops. View my entire Project 365 set on a black background at Flickriver . Share and Enjoy: ...
Comments From Left Field - Thu 7:58 p.m.
Tuesday evening I had the privilege of attending the inaugural meeting for the Women & Girls Foundation planning committee for their annual event. This year's focus is "Women in Media" and it was quite an array of perspectives at the table. The gist of the project is to highlight the contributions of women within a particular field. Previous "themes" have been women in the law, sports, scie...
Pittsburgh Women's Blogging Society - Thu 6:39 p.m.
Last spring Sen. John Eichelberger said of LGBT couples, "We're allowing them to exist." His statement caused an uproar, as LGBT people and their supporters were outraged that someone with such bigoted views could hold office in Pennsylvania. As offensive as that statement was, Sen. Eichelberger's latest move is even worse. This week he introduced legislation to put his views into the Penn...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Thu 2:07 p.m. - 20 clicks
From Jack Tapper via AmericaBlog Let's start here: "Bleak Unemployment Assumptions in Obama's Budget" You have to hate an article that starts that way; especially if you are unemployed! " In the supplemental volume “Analytical Perspectives,” the Obama administration estimates that the annual average rate of unemployment will remain at 10% for 2010, and dip only slightly next...
Declarations of Pride - Thu 11:50 a.m. - 5 clicks
Nicely done. It is always refreshing to see a challenger concede defeat in an election by remembering we are all in this together. His goal is our goal. After some hesitation from him, and now from me, I say "nicely done candidate Hynes." "I'm supporting him because I believe that our shared values and his basic decency is what Illinois needs, especially compared to what's be...
Declarations of Pride - Thu 11:24 a.m.
There’s a lot happening over at the School District that every council member -and state legislator - ought to know. So if you haven't already, pick up the latest issue of the Public School Notebook for more information: First up, Renaissance Schools – yet another list of failing schools (this time there are 26 schools:14 identified Renaissance schools, 12 “alert” schools), yet another ...
Young Philly Politics - Thu 10:46 a.m. - 7 clicks
This selfish jerk's truck is occupying THREE parking spaces! Not surprising that the owner supports an unrealistic tax policy, and is a Huckabee supporter to boot. (photo is deliberately slightly blurry to obscure the registration plate) ...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Thu 7:28 a.m.
The Inquirer has a story on school violence in Philly public schools, other than South Philly: Trouble was brewing at Fels High School last school year: Asian students were jumped and beaten. Disabled students were assaulted. "It was scary," Eileen Coutts, then an assistant principal, said of the climate at Fels. Worried that the unrest might escalate, Coutts invited members of community...
Young Philly Politics - Thu 5:28 a.m. - 9 clicks
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wastes 2 (TWO) of its " Thursday Takes " on the "fraud" that is global warming: The scandal grows : The same British scientist alleged to have suppressed evidence contrary to the theocracy of global warming now is being accused of fudging data from Chinese climate stations. The Guardian of London says Phil Jones "sought to hide problems in key temperature data on whi...
2 Political Junkies - Thu 4:39 a.m. - 3 clicks
Now that Frank Pizzella has resigned from the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board a replacement must be chosen by the board. Christine Katsock was tapped to fill the spot of admitted crook Jim Height because she topped the ballot in the primary. Harry Haas was the runner up in the general election and should be appointed to fill the vacancy. Fat chance of that happening, it would make to...
Gort42 - Thu 1:27 a.m. - 10 clicks
“There is zero chance Paul Kanjorski defeats Lou Barletta. Zero,” Corey O’Brien told POLITICO in an interview. “I may be wrong about that, but I’m not good at negative numbers. Republicans are giddy about this race.” He said the Massachusetts miracle helps his campaign and Kanjo can't rely on the President's coattails this time out predicting "we’re going to win this primary.” He th...
Gort42 - Thu 12:44 a.m. - 8 clicks
Day 016/365 2.03.2010 – Pride Originally uploaded by goose3five No artsy photos today, just a dad and his pride. Sorry I could not resist. Gabrielle received her 1st Dan (Poom) certificate from the WTF today and I could not resist sharing. I am so proud. Since she is only 8 she will keep this belt but continue to test until she is 15 at which point we expect that, if sh...
Comments From Left Field - Wed 10:40 p.m.
THE. WORST. POLITICAL. WEB. AD. EVER. As TPM advises, "Just watch extra closely at the 2:26 mark. And then at 2:38. There are no words." (h/t to A Spork in the Drawer where I first saw this and h/t to all the folks who made #demonsheep a trending topic.) . ...
2 Political Junkies - Wed 10:19 p.m.
Little late this week getting the newsletter to Daily Kos. Some parts might be outdated, but most is up to date. I also want to draw attention to a fellow Culture Kitchen blogger, Leo Igwe, whose attempts to further reason and oppose fundamentalism in Nigeria have gotten him beaten up by a mob and harassed by cops. Here are his two most recent articles regarding Nigeria: Humanism and the Ques...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Wed 6:10 p.m. - 10 clicks
You can watch the entirety of the debate on PCN here . It does require you to poke around some though. Its probably worth the effort. The PA Progressive Summit 2010 was held in Harrisburg Jan. 29 through Jan. 30, more information here. The "debate" between House Rep. Joe Sestak and current Democratic Party Sen. Arlen Specter was held Saturday night. Here are my random impressions, more or l...
Three Rivers Online - Wed 3:48 p.m. - 13 clicks
I watched all four of the remaining Democratic Party nominees debate last night at the Pennsylvania Progressive Summit 2010. The debaters included Allegheny County Commissioner Dan Onorato, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty and Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner. Quick Impressions I think Onorato will probably win it because he's raised the most mo...
Three Rivers Online - Wed 3:36 p.m. - 20 clicks
Time for some light reading. Salmon Alley -- How can you not love a post titled: " Fox News Sunday Smackdown " !?! I haven't read enough to learn if this is a regular feature, but I sure hope it is! Rising Hegemon -- I used to read this blog regularly, but somehow lost touch with it. I don't know how I have survived without it! Just my kind of commentary.&n...
Declarations of Pride - Wed 3:36 p.m. - 4 clicks
This new course correction from Powell who formerly didn't support (during Clinton Administration) the DADT policy is a BIG deal! Now the questions of motivation ensue: Is this because he really believes in the repeal of DODT, or simply because he wants to push Obama into challenging political waters? Hard to tell why he changed his opinion , but good news either way!&nb...
Declarations of Pride - Wed 10:05 a.m. - 3 clicks
Many of you have probably heard of the recent poll of self-identified Republicans commissioned by Daily Kos (conducted by a non partisan research firm). It's chock full of frightening findings such as 39% of the Republicans polled believe that President Barack Obama should be impeached with another 29% not sure; 63% believing Obama to be a socialist; a total of 58% either not sure if he wa...
2 Political Junkies - Wed 4:45 a.m. - 4 clicks
I will be holding a Town Hall meeting at the Hazleton Elks Lodge on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6 PM. I will discuss Mayor Barletta's plan to sell the HCA's water assets, and I will answer questions from the audience. Again, the meeting will be held at the Hazleton Elks Lodge on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6 PM. The Lodge is at the following address: 635 East Broad Street Hazlet...
Gort42 - Wed 1:01 a.m. - 4 clicks
With all the election horse race news lately I have been remiss in covering the latest in the ongoing Luzerne County corruption scandals. TL: Wilkes-Barre Area School Board President Frank Pizzella Jr., charged with passing a bribe onto another school board member, has signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. I'm actually disappointed in Frankie kneecaps. He vowed to fight ...
Gort42 - Wed 1:01 a.m. - 4 clicks
Is the GOP Establishment imploding the party? Last week, the Northampton County Republican Committee met to consider endorsements of candidates. When Judge Dally won his election, he vacated a state representative seat which must be filled with, yet another, special election. (First suggestion - If you want to run for another office you MUST RESIGN your current office. This would fix a lot of pro...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Tue 9:44 p.m. - 2 clicks
The Washington memoir, in which leading members of the political establishment dish on their experiences in political campaigns or presidential administrations past, is a staple of the D.C. scene. Former presidents, cabinet members, and senior administration members, architects of controversial policies, and highly public survivors of political scandals, are almost expected to write books about t...
Comments From Left Field - Tue 7:43 p.m. - 3 clicks
Day 015/365 2.02.2010 – Primary Colours Originally uploaded by goose3five Notice the nod to “British” Columbian English? Yea, it was intentional. Being an American in Canada I find it quite difficult to get used to the subtle differences like the “ou” in colour rather than simply an “o” or the pronunciation of pasta with an a as in ass (...
Comments From Left Field - Tue 5:21 p.m. - 2 clicks
I am not typically one to let Oprah tell me what to do, but after seeing her episode with Michael Pollan and his documentary " Food, Inc. "; I was actually moved to watch this frightening & fascinating film per her direction. All I can say, is that this movie changes everything for me . I think it's very important that as consumers we are aware of where our food c...
Declarations of Pride - Tue 1:07 p.m. - 2 clicks
I know that many readers of this blog knew, or knew of, Joaquin Rivera, the beloved musician, counselor and activist who passed away so tragically last year. So, I thought I would pass along this mural, newly painted inside Olney High School as a part of City Year's piece of the MLK Day of service. City Year (for whom Louie U-A, the sometimes YPP poster, the designer of many of these mur...
Young Philly Politics - Tue 12:49 p.m.
Great article by James Fallows in the Atlantic on why bipartisanship is getting nowhere, and who is to blame. "Bipartisanship in the American sense means compromising on legislation so that a sufficient number of members of Congress from BOTH parties will support it, even if (as is typically the case) a few majority party members defect and most minority party members don't join. Bipartisanshi...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Tue 12:49 p.m. - 2 clicks
by Randy Shannon February 2, 2010 Federal Election Commission Individual Contributions Donor: Richard Mellon Scaife Date: 2007-2009 Recipients and amounts (partial list): Republican Federal Comm. of PA $35,000 Sixty Votes Coalition $10,000 Club for Growth PAC $ 5,000 Republican National Committe $ 5,000 John McCain 2008,...
Beaver County Blue - Tue 10:21 a.m. - 2 clicks
I think everyone on here knows where my political sympathies lie, in general, right? So hopefully I'll be given the benefit of the doubt when I say the following: NARAL is a pack of hypocrites and, while CBS has a boardroom full of candyasses, I'm marginally more on the network's side in this whole Superbowl pro-life ad brouhaha than I am on the side of the nation's chief pro-choice lobby. Don't ...
Young Philly Politics - Tue 5:49 a.m. - 2 clicks
I think I missed this a few weeks ago. From CNN in mid-January: Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum confirmed to his supporters Friday what pundits have been speculating for months - the conservative Republican is actively considering a run for president in 2012. In an e-mail and letter to supporters of his Political Action Committee, America's Foundation, Santorum writes, "After talking ...
2 Political Junkies - Tue 5:49 a.m. - 10 clicks
TL: Thom Greco was thinking about entering the race in the 14th Senatorial District... but his legal residence lies outside the district. He has property in Wilkes-Barre but lives in Butler Twp. I have to be careful here because he has a bad habit of suing people everytime one of his bars/restaurants doesn't work out. Greco also got Luzerne County to take the railroad junkyard on Market...
Gort42 - Feb 2 - 8 clicks
The Democrat Congressman Chris Carney took in $153,000 during the 4th quarter of 2009 , $121,000 from PACs and only $25,000 from individuals and has $483,746 cash on hand. Carney campaign spokesman Josh Drobnyk told the TL: “Congressman Carney is grateful for the support he receives from Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike and is working hard to protect our families and improve...
Gort42 - Feb 2 - 5 clicks
Day 014/365 2.01.2010 – Wet Originally uploaded by goose3five The rain has returned to Vancouver. It is never gone for long when you live in a rain-forest. As a photographer there are two ways to see the rain; an infinite number of little wet obstacles or an opportunity to be creative. Today at least I chose the latter. I have been eyeing this wicked antique green pick-up ...
Comments From Left Field - Feb 1 - 3 clicks
Sen. Arlen Specter ( R D-PA) At this weekend's PA Progressive Summit, Sen. Arlen Specter couldn't seem to wait his turn and took the stage as his Democratic primary opponent Rep. Joe Sestak was giving his closing remarks. You can watch his antics here for yourself: You can read more about Specter's Kayne moment at The Pennsylvania Progressive . . ...
2 Political Junkies - Feb 1 - 3 clicks
But I thought that "Climate Change" was a " fraud ." But if that's the case then why would the Pentagon (THE PENTAGON) write in its most recent Quadrennial Defense Review : Climate change and energy will play significant roles in the future security environment. The Department is developing policies and plans to manage the effects of climate change on its operating environment, missions, and f...
2 Political Junkies - Feb 1 - 2 clicks
From the Post-Gazette : Three officers under investigation by the city for allegedly beating a Homewood teen during his arrest last month have been placed on paid administrative leave, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said this afternoon. Good! I will be blogging more on this later today. . ...
2 Political Junkies - Feb 1 - 3 clicks
First, PCN-TV (Channel 48 on Comcast) will broadcast yesterday's 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Forum (pictured above) tonight at 8:00 PM. Next, Chris Potter blogs at Slag Heap on reports that gubernatorial candidate -- and current Scranton mayor -- Chris Doherty may be dropping out of the race, but taking a run at lieutenant govern...
2 Political Junkies - Feb 1 - 8 clicks
Every morning during the week, the cadets at the Police Academy raise the colors and stand for roll call. Not easy when it is 17 degrees out and you can't put your hands in your pockets. ...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Feb 1 - 5 clicks
I found Ruth Ann Daily's column today in the Post-Gazette to be most informative. Unfortunately, since it's still more or less impossible to embed a youtube video in newsprint (though I am sure someone at CMU is working on it - RIGHT?) and all the lovely and talented Ruth Ann could do is link to the video, I feel that it's my duty as a friend of all things Post-Gazettey to pick up the slack, ...
2 Political Junkies - Feb 1 - 2 clicks
Day 013/365 1.31.2010 – Weathered Fence Originally uploaded by goose3five As the world will find out in about two weeks the weather in Vancouver does not fit the American picture of Canada. As a matter of fact, it is down right temperate. Don’t believe me? Here is a great geeky tool for the chart/graph lover in you. It is a monthly summary of the highs and lows at...
Comments From Left Field - Jan 31 - 2 clicks
I am increasingly intrigued by the idea of term limits for City Council, brought to a head by Councilman Goode's bill. I think that there are reasonable arguments to made against them, and that people can disagree, but, at this point, none of the reasons against them on the Philadelphia level are large enough for me to consider the idea anything but very good. Before addressing why I think...
Young Philly Politics - Jan 31 - 3 clicks
The FEC year end campaign finance reports have been posted online. The 1st quarter 2010 reports will tell us more. The Republicans Chris Paige has $3500 cash on hand with no PAC contributions and raised $18,000 from individuals mostly from people outside of Pennsylvania. He kicked in $3473 of his own money for net receipts of $21,724. Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta loaned his campaign ano...
Gort42 - Jan 31 - 9 clicks
February Astrology with Astrological Happenings Horoscope is a bit of a quieter month to indulge ourselves in, but as I always say - take advantage of the quieter timing to recharge our batteries! Our thought-processing and ways of communication for the next few weeks can feel like a strategic game of chess as Mercury enters intelligent Aquarius February 10 . We're mentally focused, staying...
Pittsburgh Women's Blogging Society - Jan 31 - 8 clicks
I am all for helping the people of Hait as much as I am people who suffer from any natural disaster. But there comes a time when I think the motives of some so called "helpers" are purely selfish. When Gov Rendell personally escorted 40 some orphans on a plane to Pittsburgh, I saw a potential act of kindness perverted to a PR stunt. Call me a cynic or whatever, but all I saw was a political ...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Jan 31 - 2 clicks
Our other dog, Dusty. Like most dachshunds, she's stubborn, has a voracious appitite, and is intensely loyal. She also has a bad poop eating habit, so you might want to decline if she offers you a kiss. ...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Jan 31
Weird. Actor Elmore "Rip" Torn has been charged with breaking into a Connecticut bank and carrying a loaded handgun while intoxicated. State police say the 78-year-old Salisbury resident was arrested Friday night after police found him inside the Litchfield Bancorp with a loaded revolver. ...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Jan 30 - 6 clicks
1-2-3-4-5 Originally uploaded by goose3five The five count in pattern 8 . This photo is part of a set taken during my 8-year-old daughter Gabrielle’s taekwondo Poom belt promotion test at Phoenix Sports Academy, January 30, 2010, Coquitlam, British Columbia. Share and Enjoy: ...
Comments From Left Field - Jan 30
Molly's first Piratefest! I was a bit worried allowing the Parrot to get this close, because he's been known to eat children. ...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Jan 30
Day 011/365 1.29.2010 – Foreshadowing? Originally uploaded by goose3five As I sat at my desk looking for acceptable ways to position this little rodent skull on my portable Western Digital hard drive I couldn’t help but worry that this wasn’t a bit of foreshadowing. Just in case I am going to back up my hard drive. View my entire Project 365 set on a black bac...
Comments From Left Field - Jan 29 - 3 clicks
City Councilman At-Large W. Wilson Goode, Jr., primary sponsor of the City’s first campaign finance law, introduced charter change legislation that would limit the amount of successive terms that can be served as a member of Philadelphia City Council. The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter would be amended to provide that members of City Council shall be limited to three successive four-year terms,...
Young Philly Politics - Jan 29 - 9 clicks
Spread the word. Applications are due February 2, 2010. Girl Gov Girl Gov (www.girlgov.org) is an initiative of the Allegheny County Change Agents. Regional Change Agents is a project of the Women and Girls Foundation. (www.wgfpa.org) Girl Gov is a one-day legislative shadowing program for girl’s grade 8-12 who live in Allegheny County. The Girl Gov shadowing program will take place on Mon...
Pittsburgh Women's Blogging Society - Jan 29 - 10 clicks
I have been at this for 9 years now. I started humbly as an underwhelmed voter trying to decide what to do, and where I would fit in when Bill Clinton left office. I quickly, through the joys of the internet, and the information there for the taking, found out that George W Bush scared the crap out of me! So I started making lists of his "accomplishments" as Texas Governor and...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 29
See ya later, you murdering terrorist ! The jury has found Scott Roeder guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Wichita abortion provider George Tiller. The jury also found Roeder guilty of two counts of aggravated assault. Sentencing is set for 8:45 a.m. March 9. I was a bit worried that Kansas would fall for his "preemtive murder" defense. Glad to find out I was wrong ...
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Jan 29 - 2 clicks
Decided to adopt Mike's numbering system, so Project 365 wont end until 2011 (unless I get bored with it). Here's our old girl, Britty. I got her from Animal Friends in August of 2001, and they estimated at the time that she was around 2 years old, so she's getting long in the tooth. SHe still loves to run in the yeard, but she has a bit of arthritis, and some days she's a little stiff....
Froth Slosh B'Gosh - Jan 29 - 2 clicks
As first reported by Sights on Pennsylvania West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy will seek the Republican nomination to take on long time Democratic State Rep Phyllis Mundy in the 120 th District that includes a big chunk of the west side of Luzerne County. Mundy was unopposed in 2008 and faced token opposition from one of my favorite local cranks and talk radio fan John Cordora...
Gort42 - Jan 29 - 5 clicks
MoveOn's dial test results from the President's State of the Union speech. Posted using ShareThis ...
Three Rivers Online - Jan 28 - 5 clicks
Ah the wonders of modern technology. Just over 24 hours ago, I, like nearly 50 million other Americans, tuned in to the SOTU Address. Steeped in tradition, it is one of many political rituals that helps to make this country the 'land that I love'. Regardless of which side of the aisle you sit, we should all be able to agree on that. And last night was no exception. But of all the moments that...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 28
There has been a lot of talk about what the Tea Party should focus on during 2010. One Berks GOP insider, who now leads a group of about twenty while the spin-off group has hundreds, went so far as to say that "our" (is he one of us?) "only goal is to stop Obama and elect Republicans. Anything else is a distraction." Political beltway pundits declare that we all have to put aside our "differences...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Jan 28 - 2 clicks
Day 010/365 1.28.2010 – Congratulations Originally uploaded by goose3five Congratulations are in order as my little one (pictured here on the beam at right) was promoted to the competitive gymanstics team at her gym today. As you can imagine we are very proud particularly because both my wife and my sister were sucessful competitive gymnasts in their youth. I have to tell ...
Comments From Left Field - Jan 28 - 2 clicks
How great would it be to have a high speed rail that connected Philly, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh? I think that would be pretty amazing. And the news come on the heels of the SOTU push for infrastructure development & spending . Funny how the timing of these things works out. ;-) ...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 28 - 11 clicks
Last week, Patrick Murphy was one of ten Democrats in Congress to sign onto an anti-immigrant resolution which, among other things, states: ". . . any immigration reform proposal adopted by Congress should not legalize, grant amnesty for, or confer any other legal status condoning the otherwise unlawful entry or presence in the United States of any individual." I’ve admired Congressman Mur...
Young Philly Politics - Jan 28 - 2 clicks
The State of the Union is going to get most of the attention on the national level so Tom Marino could have picked another day to make his announcement. His challengers for the 10 th CD Republican nomination also made major announcements. Madeira Announces Run for Congress Dallas, PA, - January 27, 2010 - Entrepreneur and small businessman David Madeira will be officially announcing his b...
Gort42 - Jan 28 - 2 clicks
Former US Attorney Tom Marino did a 4 stop tour yesterday announcing that he is running for the Republican nomination for Congress in the PA 10th District. I missed his stop at one my favorite lunch spots in Kingston but the people who were there greeted him warmly. In another stop he gave his reason s for running against Chris Carney. There are four areas we have to just attac...
Gort42 - Jan 28 - 2 clicks
Day 009/365 1.27.2010 – Camera Shy Originally uploaded by goose3five This was shot in the monitor reflection of my powered-down Macbook Pro. It explains the slight ghosting around the edges of my image (look at my shoulders or head). View my entire Project 365 set on a black background at Flickriver . Share and Enjoy: ...
Comments From Left Field - Jan 28
Ever since I became interested in politics I always loved ceremony of the State Of the Union speech from the President no matter who was the occupant of the White House at the time. I have to admit that the Brits do it better with the Queen's Speech or the Speech from the Throne as it officially called. I won't do the play by play because there is plenty of other bloggers that d...
Gort42 - Jan 27 - 3 clicks
By Mark Feeney and Bryan Marquard, Boston Globe Staff Howard Zinn, the Boston University historian and political activist who was an early opponent of US involvement in Vietnam and whose books, such as “A People’s History of the United States,” inspired young and old to rethink the way textbooks present the American experience, died today in [...] ...
Beaver County Blue - Jan 27 - 2 clicks
The PA GOP has a habit of anointing candidates while fending off conservative reform candidates. And they spend a lot of money to fend off primary challengers in the process! Imagine, spending more money to fight off conservative reformers in primaries instead of fighting off Democrats in the general election. But things have been changing. It has been long in the making, I have been involved ...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Jan 27
I have heard the same mantra for years. You can't move to the "far right" and win in the northeast. You have to worry about "demographics" and be "moderate" to win in the northeast. You have to appear "bi-partisan" and "compromise". Of course, I always asked, is it "far right" to say "spend less, borrow less and tax less"? Two years ago, some local GOP bigwigs said "yes" or "you can't cut govern...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Jan 27 - 2 clicks
TL: State Senator Raphael “Ray” Musto (D-Luzerne/Carbon/Monroe) announced today that he will not seek re-election and retire from the Senate at the end of his current term. "After nearly 40 years of public service to the citizens of the Northeast and seven terms serving the 14th Senatorial District, it is time to retire from the Senate," Musto said in a release. . Expect a cro...
Gort42 - Jan 27 - 2 clicks
Poor Gayle . She is one of those that believes being gay can be "cured." Perhaps she thinks that being "Bi" can be cured? Actually, I don't know what she thinks!? All I know is that at the age of 4 I had an innocent obsession with Mr. Smith, my gym teacher. I was in love. I didn't know it was wrong. I didn't know it was "not OK" until much later to ...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 27
I know this will be a shocking turn of events to many Americans, and sure to virtually every cowardly politician, but yesterday the VOTERS in OREGON voted to RAISE taxes to balance the books! Wow, now isn't that a novel idea?!?!? I have always said, I don't mind paying taxes as long as they are not being wasted. Well, it seems that I am not alone. In Oregon, the passed tw...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 27
Via the Tax Prof Blog comes the news that, Graham is amongst is amongst a group of college presidents that sent a letter to to the American Bar Association asking that the organization eliminate tenure requirements from its accreditation standards. What do you folks over at DSL think about that? Technorati Tags: Penn State , Dickinson School o...
Left of Centre - Jan 27 - 2 clicks
So kids, what are we expecting? Will we hear a forceful leader that has an eloquent speech and the fire to drive results in the House, or will we just have a eloquent speech that is meaningful but ultimately unsupported? I hate to be a nay-sayer, but I am betting in the later. ...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 27
We will have to wait until the weekend for all the FEC reports to posted but Corey O'Brien sent out a press release today saying he has raised over $200,000 so far with $100K cash on hand. Congressman Paul Kanjorski had $800K cash on hand according to his last report and O'Brien's campaign manager claims that Kanjo will report he has over $2 million going into the spring. Lou Barletta's 3Q...
Gort42 - Jan 27 - 5 clicks
Day 008/365 1.26.2010 – Camera Shy Originally uploaded by goose3five Say hello to my daughter Gabby’s 1.5 year old bearded dragon, Phoenix. This is as good a time as any to plug Gabby’s cool video entitled “Me and My Pet’s.” Check it out. View my entire Project 365 set on a black background at Flickriver . Share and Enjoy: ...
Comments From Left Field - Jan 26
I'm sure you remember James O'Keefe the clown that filmed those ACORN videos last year which showed some bad judgment on the part of ACORN employees, but no actual lawlessness. Well, he's in the news again and this time it appears that the law was broken. The trouble for James is that he's the one breaking the law. Alleging a plot to tamper with phones in Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu's off...
Left of Centre - Jan 26 - 2 clicks
Five Questions With Panera Bread iMac Man [Interview] Unwittingly snapped by a sandwich shop paparazzo, Panera Bread iMac Man took center stage of our corner of the internet for one day in December. More pictures surfaced, but our questions remained unanswered. So we got in touch. ...
Comments From Left Field - Jan 26
From the inbox: Tom Marino to Make Major Announcement WILLIAMSPORT, PA – Tom Marino, former United States District Attorney in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, will make a major announcement about his political future in the 10th Congressional District at the following events on Wednesday, January 27, 2010: 10:00AM Young Men’s Republican Club 621 Washington Blvd Williamsport, PA 1:00PM...
Gort42 - Jan 25 - 3 clicks
When State Senator Chip Rhoads - (R) of the 29th Senate district died, there was a need for a special election to fill the seat. The GOP Establishment went into high gear. They wanted to coronate State Rep David Argall - (R) with another back room deal. The grassroots pushed back and demanded an open process. Well, we did get that, but the delegates were all hand picked by the county chairpersons...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Jan 25 - 2 clicks
Hi All... I am in the midst of rebuilding this page and making other user friendly adjustments to Declarations of Pride. I plan to change the layout, logo, and the name. Declarations will ultimately become "PridePress." I have much to be proud of. It is that pride in America, our founding principles, my relationship, and our collective lot in life that motivates me to write. One of the great...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 25 - 2 clicks
The New York Times January 23, 2010 Op-Ed Columnist They Still Don’t Get It By BOB HERBERT How loud do the alarms have to get? There is an economic emergency in the country with millions upon millions of Americans riddled with fear and anxiety as they struggle with long-term joblessness, home foreclosures, personal bankruptcies and dwindling opportunities for themselves and [...] ...
Beaver County Blue - Jan 24
The Supremes Have Opened the Floodgates By Sen. Russell Feingold January 24, 2010 Sen. Russ Feingold Published by CounterPunch. Key Points About the Citizen’s United v. FEC Decision The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC has opened the floodgates to corporate money in federal campaigns in ways we haven’t seen for nearly a century. While for decades corporations have [...] ...
Beaver County Blue - Jan 24 - 2 clicks
Start: Feb 18 2010 - 7:00pm Timezone: Etc/GMT-5 You are invited to a meeting of the GLBT community on Thursday, February 18 at 7 PM at Craze Night Club, 1607 Raspberry St, Erie PA 16502. At the meeting will be Jesse Salazar, who heads Senator Casey’s statewide LGBT and Latino Affairs. Also present will be Gary van Horn, president of the Delta Foundation in Pittsburgh. We will be dis...
Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy - Jan 24 - 3 clicks
With the addition of Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban to the race the Pennsylvania GOP can now field a football team in the primary for Lt. Governor. I think that Urban has been a voice of reason in Luzerne County and is the only commissioner candidate that I have voted for in the last 2 elections. He is opposed to a tax increase and wants cuts in personnel and programs to b...
Gort42 - Jan 24 - 6 clicks
From the inbox: Yale to Hold Kickoff Event for PA-10th Campaign Pike County resident Ted Yale will be holding a meet and greet session with voters next week to formally kick off his campaign for U.S. Congress in the 10th district. He will first need to win the Republican primary in May before facing incumbent Democrat Chris Carney in the November election. While he announced his can...
Gort42 - Jan 23 - 5 clicks
I don't listen to a lot of local talk radio anymore and missed much of the the latest manufactured controversy about Luzerne County Bureau of Elections Director Leonard Piazza posting a flippant remark on his Facebook page during office hours that may have taken a minute or two out his day. The afternoon shock jock of WILK decided to make this into a big deal after convicting Judge Chet Mu...
Gort42 - Jan 22
Thank you ever so much John Roberts & George W. Bush . Yesterday's ruling changes everything we know about America and her ideals. Yesterday, the Supreme Court put Congress and every other political position on the auction block to sold to the highest corporate bidder. Truly, this is one of the greatest calamities in the history of our Democracy. This is now our greatest national prior...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 22
Beaver County Area doctors plan Haiti mission By: Bob Bauder Beaver County Times Times photo by SALLY MAXSON Jan 21, 2010 – Dr. Raniah Khairy, left, of Tri-State OB/GYN in Beaver goes through supplies with office manager Kelly LeFebvre. Khairy will take the supplies with her when she leaves for Haiti Sunday as part of a medical [...] ...
Beaver County Blue - Jan 22 - 2 clicks
Two Dozen States’ Unemployment Funds in the Red, Nine More Within Six Months by Olga Pierce, ProPublica – January 20, 2010 12:42 am EST The record 20 million Americans who collected unemployment insurance benefits last year landed on a safety net that was already deeply frayed. New Interactive: ProPublica Predicts if Your State’s Unemployment Insurance Fund Is About [...] ...
Beaver County Blue - Jan 21
Cindy McCain has put the ideals of America before the hate-based rhetoric of her husband's political party of choice. I am sure I am late to this news, as is Cindy, but equality comes first; and in this instance, being late is better than not being there at all! " The McCains are one of the most well-known Republican families in recent history, and for Mrs. McCain to have reached out ...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 21
Maybe Massachusetts was a wake up call? Maybe Obama & the Administration got the message? I am encouraged to hear that suddenly (obviously by sheer coincidence) the President is providing baby steps of direction to the Democrats. "Don't " jam " through the health bill " The question now, is which message did they get? Did they hear that a plurality of Americans actually want so-called...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 21
Exclusive: Kucinich shreds Democrats for betraying the promise of change By Sahil Kapur Thursday, January 21st, 2010 — 9:45 am Slams health bill ‘madness’ WASHINGTON — Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) on Wednesday said the Massachusetts election was a “wake up call” for Democrats and that his party had better change course or it could suffer devastating losses co...
Beaver County Blue - Jan 21
The Rude Pundit is spot on! This is just a piece of his mind: 1. Oh, grow a fucking pair already , whiny goddamn Democrats like Anthony Weiner or Barney Frank . You still belong to the majority party, the big majority party. You should be out there shredding Republicans, saying that they want to take us back to the policies of the Bush administration. Put that shit on repeat and use it. T...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 20
I hope the results yesterday rang a LOUD bell in the heads of Democrats everywhere. You made bold promises. Those promises earned our votes. Now that you in office, you call those promises "controversial" and are afraid to advance them. That fear is what will cost you your job in Washington. We elected you on your promises. Make good on them, and we will reelect you. Cower in fear of your...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 20
Sue 'em. Tired of years of public urination, assaults and vandalism, residents near UC Berkeley's southern edge on Tuesday sued dozens of the university's fraternities. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court against more than 70 groups and property owners, contends that the fraternities make life miserable for neighbors by encouraging underage drinking, littering sidewalks and st...
Left of Centre - Jan 20
Machinists Remain Opposed to Health Care Excise Tax Washington, D.C., January 14, 2010 Despite the so-called agreement announced today by various labor organizations, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) reiterated its opposition to any health care reform legislation that is funded by taxing the value of workers’ existing health care benefits. “The IA...
Beaver County Blue - Jan 19
Sign the Anti-Rahm Emanuel Petition. We need the Dems to be a real opposition party. Posted using ShareThis ...
Three Rivers Online - Jan 19 - 2 clicks
The President's approval is at 50% one year into his term. Frankly I am surprised it is that high. I think he was overly optimistic, and some might think arrogant, to give himself a B+ for performance. And that, for me, was the beginning of the end of his approval from the public. How could he hold himself so highly, when clearly so many of his hallmark campaign promises of "Change We Can Be...
Declarations of Pride - Jan 19
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c Mass Backwards www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis Technorati Tags: Jon Stewart , MA-Senate Powered by ScribeFire . ...
Left of Centre - Jan 19
The first thing I want to write is that there are some really good State Reps from the Lehigh Valley. I think Steve Samuelson, Bob Freeman, Jen Mann, Karen Beyer and Joe Brennan are pretty good at what they do. On the flip side, Gary Day, Julie Harhart and Doug Reichley sum up everything that is wrong with the Statehouse. I can do a post extrapolating on all the above some other time, this one is ...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Jan 18
When NCAA President Myles Brand died last fall, the speculation was that Graham could be his successor. A search is now underway and Graham's name is again being bandied about as a potential successor. Penn State President Graham Spanier, who once led the Division I board of directors and remains active in the NCAA, also has support as a prospective candidate, say several people...
Left of Centre - Jan 17
UPDATE: Latest news here . ______________________________________________________ Brebis de Saint Michel de L'Attalaye (BRESMA) orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Haiti run by Pittsburgh (Ben Avon) sisters Jamie and Ali McMutrie covered by CNN : For updates on how you can help go to That's Church and Let's Help Them Get Out of Haiti You can d...
Pittsburgh Women's Blogging Society - Jan 15 - 3 clicks
