Sentencing Reform
Written by Rob Rogers on Thursday, 15 August 2013.

Attorney General Eric Holder is pushing for fairer sentencing guidelines for non-violent drug offenders. It's about time. The "War On Drugs" has been a massive waste of money and human life that unfairly targets poor minorities.
 

Brewed On Grant: Burgh Bard
Written by Rob Rogers on Wednesday, 14 August 2013.

With all of the drama Pittsburgh has witnessed recently, I wouldn't be surprised if we got a visit from Shakespeare himself.
 

I just gave all of my mock turtlenecks to Goodwill. I'm going in a different direction.

DAVE: The Pirates could win their division.

FOCKER: You will make me very angry if you jump on the bandwagon now.

DAVE: Too soon?

I don't think there should be tip jars at take-out restaurants.

I somewhat shamefully admit that I do watch the last few episodes of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" almost every season. I watch them with my mother. We don't watch the early and middle episodes, but rather join the series in progress when it is down to about four finalists. So, we've been watching this season's version of "The Bachelorette" in recent weeks. And for the first time that I can remember, I genuinely like the young woman on the show, Desiree Hartsock. I find her very attractive. I think I might even have a little crush on her.

Royal Baby
Written by Rob Rogers on Thursday, 25 July 2013.

All this fuss over the royal birth is a little disconcerting. What about all the babies born into poverty who will struggle all their lives against things like hunger, violence and discrimination. Shouldn't those be the ones we cheer for?
 

For the record, I will take this heat and humidity over winter in February any day.

Sid Bream

DAVE: Do you know what Sid Bream does for a living now? He's an inspirational speaker in Pittsburgh. Ain't that just a bitch.

JIM: I did not know that. That ain't right.

Sid Bream

JIM: The Phillies announcers talked about Sid Bream during last night's game. Several times.

DAVE: When the Pirates are on national TV, they invariably mention Sid Bream. It hurts me.

"Friends"

Lately, I have been watching old episodes of "Friends" on TBS because apparently, I am still infatuated with Jennifer Aniston. And let me tell you that she looks even better and more "perky," if you know what I mean, in high definition.

Brewed On Grant: Cinderella Darlene
Written by Rob Rogers on Wednesday, 05 June 2013.

City Council President Darlene Harris switched her party registration to Independent so she would be eligible to compete for mayor in the general election. Does she really think she has a shot? Or is there some odd conspiracy being cooked up between Harris and the current mayor?

JIM: You seem to have lost interest in your blog. Is everything OK?

DAVE: Yeah, I just don't really have anything to say. I'm really, really quietly observing.

JIM: Well, you could at least blog about having nothing to say then. You are leaving your loyal readers hanging.

DAVE: Perhaps I will do that.

Taste Test
Written by Rob Rogers on Thursday, 23 May 2013.

Wow! The voters of Pittsburgh stood up to the democratic machine. They said "no" to politics as usual. It's enough to give a cynic hope.

Mayor-to-be Bill Peduto.

Brewed On Grant: Soap Opera
Written by Rob Rogers on Wednesday, 01 May 2013.

Jack Wagner has run for a lot of offices. He's been City Council President, a State Senator and State Auditor General. He has also run unsuccessfully for mayor and governor. Now, with Luke out of the way, he has jumped into the mayor's race at the last minute. If this doesn't work out, maybe he can run for governor again.

I have two observations from the weekend.

Mayoral candidate Jack Wagner is called stoic, but what he really is is boring.

I like Justin Timberlake. I don't want to, but I can't help myself.

Gun Legislation
Written by Rob Rogers on Friday, 12 April 2013.

Yes, the Senate is considering some mild changes to the gun laws and then the House will do the same. But don't be fooled. They will never change their true religion.

Many of my friends know that for many years I depended on the opinions of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert when deciding what movies to go see or to rent. After Gene Siskel died, the opinions of Roger Ebert became the gold standard. Both men were reportedly special people and talented columnists, and they both died too young.

Brewed On Grant: Peduto Magic
Written by Rob Rogers on Wednesday, 03 April 2013.

Pittsburgh's mayoral race has turned into a wild political ride. First Luke, Peduto and Lamb were in. Then, Luke was out. Then everybody and his mother jumped in. Then, after thinking about it for a week or so, a bunch of people dropped out. Now there are only four left. Peduto is still one of them.
 

Sometimes I think highlights just don't work. These are the worst I've ever seen. Even worse than Pam Oliver.

These are Pittsburgh's five mayoral candidates. They were obviously seated a little close together for this photo. Poor Bill Peduto looks incredibly uncomfortable.

Orie Melvin resigns; governor has chance to appoint new justice
Convicted justice to depart May 1
March 26, 2013 12:12 am
By Timothy McNulty / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Republican Gov. Tom Corbett will have to reach across the aisle to fill a seventh seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which has been deadlocked for nearly a year.

Suspended Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin submitted her resignation Monday, a month after she was convicted on public corruption charges. She is due to be sentenced May 7 and in a letter to Gov. Corbett, she said "it is with deep regret and a broken heart" that she tendered her resignation, effective May 1.

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of this Commonwealth for the past 28 years, and I am deeply saddened that I am not able to fulfill my commission."


http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/orie-melvin-resigns-governor-has-chance-to-appoint-new-justice-680887/

Frozen Gun Laws
Written by Rob Rogers on Sunday, 24 March 2013.

Despite all the talk by Obama and others about stricter gun laws in the wake of the Newtown massacre, it looks like once again Congress won't have the courage to take on assault weapons. This is just sad.

A softer side of Katherine Webb, just for Mr. Blondie.

Al Franken has had an interesting path to the U.S. Senate. Do you remember way back when he was on "Saturday Night Live," he had a small part in the movie "Trading Places" as one of the two guys entrusted to guard a gorilla on a train on New Year's Eve? He's come a long way, to be sure.

Mayoral Mess 
Written by Rob Rogers on Tuesday, 05 March 2013.

Boy Mayor, the cartoonist's gift that keeps on giving, will no longer be giving after 2013. That's right, folks. The juice box comes with an expiration date.

Big Wheel Down
Written by Rob Rogers on Monday, 04 March 2013.

Luke Ravenstahl shocked the region when he said he wouldn't be seeking another term as mayor. Nobody is sadder about the news than I am.
 

Although there have not been any major snowfalls in this part of the country this winter, it still seems like it has been a long, laborious winter. There have been numerous smaller snowfalls, and it has been bloody cold. As for me, it's been an unpleasant winter. I guess it's possible that I'm getting soft as I get older. I probably am. This winter has been so miserable for me, personally, that I am hoping, however fantastically, that this will be my last winter in Pittsburgh. I'm hoping that once I get my health issues worked out that I will be able to move my life to Florida and join my parents down there year round. There are so many things that I would miss about living in Pittsburgh, as I truly love this city. But I feel as though the writing is on the wall. And it says move to Florida.

What is the appropriate time in the morning for people to start using their snow blowers?

What's up with the commercials with Stephen Dorff for electronic cigarettes? What's an electronic cigarette? It's weird seeing commercials on TV for cigarettes. Other than on "Mad Men."

DAVE: Did you see the camera shots of A.J. McCarron's girlfriend in the stands? Truly beautiful. In a world where the term is overused.

JIM: Very beautiful, yes. But old man Brent Musburger gushing over her the way that he did was kind of creepy.

Is that us now too? Are we the creepy old guys when we talk about beautiful women? I don't feel like I'm there yet, but I'm not sure how I would know.

DAVE: We're not there, yet. And we're not on TV.

JIM: Thanks. I guess I feel better about myself now.

DAVE: Did you Google her, yet? I did.

JIM: I did not. I wanted to be surprised by the Hot Girl Friday pics.

DAVE: With Katherine Webb the hottest search on Google today, are you really going to wait to see if I post a photo on Friday?

JIM: I will let you sift through all of the online noise using your vaunted high-speed Internet. I know you only post the best, and I am willing to wait for that.

Bill Peduto for Mayor . . .

Brewed On Grant: Boy New Year
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

The race is on! If you're like me, you can hardly wait for the exciting 2013 Pittsburgh mayoral campaign to really get underway!

I opened two Christmas cards yesterday. They were both the kind that are covered in sparkles. While I am always thankful for any Christmas cards that I receive, given that I don't send any, I cringe when I open an envelope to find a card with sparkles. It takes, oh, about two seconds for them to get all over my hands, and from there, the sparkles seem to spread all over my home and last for months. It drives me crazy.

That's my father . . .

DAVE: Were you and Mom pleased with the winner of "Dancing with the Stars?"

DAD: Sort of neutral. I was pleased for Tony Devoloni, who has been on the show since it started and has never won. I did not care for his celebrity. I always vote for Derek Hough and his celebrity and would have preferred to see them win. I think Derek is, hands down, the best professional dancer on the show.

I don't think that Pippa Middleton looks very good in this photo from her new book about entertaining. And is it just me, or does her hand look a little large?

Obama.

I was watching "30 Rock" last night when I saw my first Christmas advertisement for Target. That seems kind of early to me.

Brewed On Grant: Grant Street 
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

Grant Street has been chosen as one of the "Top 10 Streets In America" ... yahoo! Maybe now "Brewed On Grant" will be chosen as one of the "Top 10 Comic Strips About One of the Top 10 Streets In America".

"Great for kids to play on?" That's just hilarious.

JIM: I tried to make my first Skype call tonight. It showed my friend was online, but he didn't answer when I called. Are you on Skype?

DAVE: No.

JIM: Do you have a web camera on your computer? You should get one and get on Skype. So I can practice using some of this stuff that my kids know all about.

DAVE: Skype is for young people. You and I don't qualify.

JIM: No. Oovoo and FaceTime are for youngsters. Skype is for old heads like us.

DAVE: This homey don't play Skype.

JIM: What a waste of high-speed internet.

DAVE: I waste it everyday.

JIM: I feel like I waste so much.
  
DAVE: You probably do. Everyone does.
JIM: I guess so.

Brewed On Grant: Peduto 
Wednesday, 03 October 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

City Councilman Bill Peduto is planning a run for mayor. Maybe his slogan can be, "I'm Bill Peduto ... and I don't drink out of a juice box."

Can't Big Bird get a little love, Mr. Romney?

It's pink month in the NFL. I don't particularly like seeing pink all over the field during NFL games in October. It just doesn't seem right.

NFL Refs 
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

The NFL referees are back after a much-talked about bad call at the end of Monday night's game. This cartoon was drawn yesterday [Wednesday] before the late night deal, but the point is still relevant. Governor Scott Walker, the man who fought to break the union in Wisconsin, called for the return of the unionized NFL refs. So did Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney. So, unions are OK as long as it is just in the NFL?

One of the worst kept secrets in Pittsburgh came to light over the weekend. The rumors were true. Kevin McClatchy was a terrible owner/president of the Pirates.


And he was gay, too.

In my opinion, car alarms should be illegal, especially those that go off when a bus or a bread truck passes the car. Like house alarms before them, no one pays any attention to car alarms, except to be annoyed by the incessant wailing of them. No one calls the police. They just ignore them. It's time to get rid of them altogether.

With the first game against the Peyton Manning-led Broncos mercifully behind them, it is time for my annual prediction of what the Steelers' final season record will be. I see a challenging season ahead for the Steelers, and I don't think that the team has improved itself over last year's team, which was good, but not great. Therefore, my prediction is 11-5. I just hope that this season the Steelers can at least split the season series with the hated Ravens. Getting swept by the Ravens last season was a bad omen.

Here are the top nine comments made by NBC sports commentators during the Summer Olympics that they would probably like to take back:

1. Weightlifting commentator: "This is Gregoriava from Bulgaria. I saw her snatch this morning during her warm up, and it was amazing."

2. Dressage commentator: "This is really a lovely horse, and I speak from personal experience since I once mounted her mother."

3. Paul Hamm, gymnast: "I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father."

4. Boxing analyst: "Sure there have been injuries, and even some deaths in boxing, but none of them really that serious."

5. Softball announcer: "If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again."

6. Basketball analyst: "He dribbles a lot and the opposition doesn't like it. In fact, you can see it all over their faces."

7. At the rowing medal ceremony: "Ah, isn't that nice. The wife of the IOC president is hugging the cox of the British crew."

8. Soccer commentator: "Julian Dicks is everywhere. It's like they've got eleven Dicks on the field."

9. Tennis commentator: "One of the reasons Andy is playing so well is that, before the final round, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them. . . . Oh my God, what have I just said?"

Here it is, Mr. Blondie.

Other than part of the Opening Ceremonies and the Closing Ceremonies, I didn't watch any of the Olympics, other than two relay races on Friday. Fortunately, Mr. Blondie was kind enough to point out what I had been missing. Leryn Franco.

After 19 losing seasons, I admit it, I got a little caught up in the Pirates this season. But much to my chagrin, they are starting to come down to earth and look beatable. I recently admitted to Mr. Blondie that I didn't think that they Pirates were going to make the playoffs, which is a shame, really, after such a great first half to the season, and Andrew McCutchen looking like the MVP so far. After 19 long years, with the image of Sid Bream sliding into home in '92 seared into my brain, I had gotten a case of Pirate fever. But now it seems that I'm just struggling with a summer cold.

Playing Dead 
Tuesday, 24 July 2012 
Written by Rob Rogers

Where are the political leaders calling for gun control following yet another massacre by someone using assault weapons? Don't hold your breath. The NRA, like some sort of kryptonite, makes congressman and presidential candidates weak and ineffective.

Despite the stern and ominous warnings from the NRA and the conservative right, Obama never "took away their guns." In fact, he has made no attempt whatsoever to tighten gun control laws. Maybe he should have. It probably would never have worked, given how guns are an everyday part of American life and how strong the gun lobby is in Washington. But make no mistake, guns are EVERYWHERE. That prospect has even affected how I behave, knowing that at any given moment I am around people with guns. I don't want to rub the wrong person the wrong way at the wrong time. It's simply not worth it. And I just don't understand our fascination with the damn things. I just don't get it.

Bain vs Bane 
Friday, 20 July 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

"The Dark Knight Rises" hits theaters this weekend. The movie pits Batman against Bane, a villain who first appeared in D.C. Comics in 1993. Rush Limbaugh actually came out and accused Hollywood of creating this villain as a comparison to Mitt Romney's time at Bain Capital. Yes, Rush ... and The Riddler was created as a conspiracy to question what's in Mitt's tax returns!

Made In China 
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

Politicians in Washington are upset about the fact that the U.S.A. Olympic Team will be wearing uniforms that were made in China. They say it is "Un-American." Are they serious? Not only does China own all of our debt ... just about everything we use in our daily lives is made in China. Olympic uniforms made in China ... what could be MORE American?

If you're going to use the express self checkout lines at your local Giant Eagle, then it should be a rule that you at least know HOW TO USE THE MACHINES. If you've never used them before, then use a regular line with a checkout person. When there is a line of folks with just a few items behind you, that is definitely NOT a good time to use the machines for the first time.

I feel like I've complained about this before, but I really cannot stand drivers who go through blatantly red lights. And they seem to speed through them, creating a greater chance of a terrible accident. It seems to be worse at certain intersections in the East End, such as Fifth and Penn.

Also, did you happen to see that over the weekend another great white shark got a surfer? I admit that I'm afraid to go in the ocean. I could NEVER get into the water out in the deep ocean. I would have an anxiety attack. I can maybe wade into the water near the beach until it's up to my knees, but even that makes me nervous. Sharks eat humans. Scientists come up with all sorts of reasons why this happens because the sharks supposedly mistake us for seals, and we're always told that we have a better chance of being hit by lightning or some such rarity. But I'm scared to go in the water, and I admit it.

Jenny Dell is definitely not in Kansas, anymore.

Why, I think that's Jenn Brown. How did she sneak into Jenny Dell's week in the blog?

This is Jenny Dell at the original Starbucks in Seattle. Maybe you didn't notice the Starbucks in the background. Perfectly understandable.

I guess it's common these days for baseball teams to have attractive "sideline" reporters. For instance, I have recently discovered Jenny Dell, the reporter for the Boston Red Sox. Believe you me, she is no Trenni Kusnierek, former such reporter for the Pirates. Unfortunately, there are no photos of her on Google in a bikini. But there are plenty of photos of her looking quite fetching. Enjoy.

Independence Day 
Tuesday, 03 July 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

As we celebrate our independence from King George III's England, let's not forget who owns us now.

ObamaCare is still alive and kicking . . .

ObamaCare
Friday, 29 June 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

The Supreme Court and Chief Justice John Roberts surprised a lot of liberals and conservatives by ruling that the ObamaCare individual mandate was indeed constitutional. Most people watching at home were betting that the partisan court would strike down the entire bill or at least the mandate. Roberts sided with the liberal majority. This is good news for Obama and the 30 million Americans without health insurance.

The softer side of the lovely Jenn Brown.

Although she's not Pippa Middleton, I must humbly admit that I am smitten with ESPN's Jenn Brown. With that in mind, I bring my readers (particularly Mr. Blondie) "Jenn Brown Week," during which I will feature some of the best photos of Miss Brown that Google has to offer. It will be hard to top today's, I fear. But I am up to the challenge. Sometimes it's what a quiet observer like myself has to do to appease his demanding audience, albeit both vast and loyal.

DAVE: Did I hear that the Phillies second baseman got suspended for 50 games for PEDs?

JIM: Yes. Of course, he has no idea how drugs could have gotten into his system.

Here's a new one though:
I'm listening to the local sports talk station yesterday and they had a doctor on (an orthopedic surgeon) and asked him about Freddy Galvis failing his drug test. This guy, A DOCTOR, said that the substance found in Galvis' drug test is legal in some places around the world, like South America (particularly in Brazil). Apparently, Brazilian women use this particular PED as a vaginal cream. And he claims that there have been scientific studies done that if a man has intercourse with a woman who is using this cream, he can get stuff on his "member" that then will show up in a urinalysis.

So it's conceivable that Freddy Galvis had sex with a Brazilian woman who was using a steroid-based vaginal cream, got some on his "member" and then it came off when he peed in a cup for his drug test.

DAVE: Ah, you just have to love those Brazilian women.

I ate a banana the other day and threw the peel in the garbage. I swear, the next thing I knew, there was a fruit fly in my condo. Where do they come from? I think they come through the sink. They're sneakier than stink bugs.

Brewed On Grant: Mayor's Ban 
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

Mayor Bloomberg is trying to fight obesity in New York City by banning big sodas. I wonder what our mayor would do?

JIM: Five people wished me happy birthday on Facebook already today. Do I need this?

DAVE: What have I said about Facebook?

I guess this means that today is your birthday. Happy birthday.

JIM: I just counted and I'm up to 19 birthday wishes from "friends" on facebook. You are the first one though to take the time to send me a personal email.

Well, you and mlb.com.

DAVE: mlb.com is a good friend to have.

JIM: I guess. But they only want me for my money.

Somewhat to my surprise, I was a fan of the show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," even though it was clearly intended for a younger audience (read: kids). Sure, looking at Sarah Michelle Gellar didn't hurt my interest in the show. But that having been said, this recent fascination with vampires completely baffles me. I don't begin to understand why people watch HBO's "True Blood." It's so . . . bloody. And it seems as though every other new movie released these days is about vampires. But I could not just stand idly by without making some sort of comment about the new movie that depicts Abraham Lincoln (yes, THAT Abraham Lincoln) as a "vampire hunter." Now, of course this movie is fiction. But to me, it sullies history. Abraham Lincoln was a lot of things, not the least of which was a great President. But in no world of fantasy or otherwise should he be considered a vampire hunter. Couldn't they have brought Robert Downey, Jr. back to fight vampires as Sherlock Holmes? He appears to be willing to do any movie script that comes his way. I can actually see Sherlock Holmes fighting vampires. Sherlock Holmes wasn't a real person. He's a literary character. Abraham Lincoln was a real person. The President of the United States kind of real. Not a freaking vampire hunter.

JIM: We just hired a new girl named Avis. I am dying to ask her if she tries harder, but I'm not sure that's appropriate.

I don't know how much longer I can help myself.

DAVE: Very funny. Don't do it.

JIM: Maybe I should tell her that I am an Avis Preferred customer.

DAVE: Only if you have a card to prove it.

(Jim does, in fact, have the card to prove it. I saw a copy of it.)

As you may have heard by now, Jane Orie is going to jail. The cover-up is always worse than the crime.

Pharmacist 
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

Catholic Bishops are suing to stop Obama's health care mandate, despite the compromise that the White House made for churches. Catholic leaders still feel like the bill is an attack of religious liberty. That is ridiculous. Many non-catholics work at those schools and hospitals and should have fair access to contraception.

DAVE: My hairline is receding. How did this happen?

MICHELLE: Genetics?

DAVE: I should probably be happy for the hair that I have, rather than mourning the hair that I have lost.

Great cartoon . . .

Facebook 
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

Facebook's public offering is off to a rocky start. No, not for CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the original investors who sold $9 billion worth of their own shares, but for regular investors. Many analysts are saying the stock was way overvalued and will be hard-pressed to deliver the kind of returns people were hoping for. I don't "like" it.

Fat Lady 
Monday, 14 May 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

Governor Tom Corbett has been given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pittsburgh Opera for achievements and contributions to the arts. This is ironic since Corbett is responsible for cutting the funding for arts education programs in Pennsylvania.

Jane Orie suspended from practicing law 
May 8, 2012 6:03 pm
By Paula Reed Ward / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

State Sen. Jane C. Orie has been temporarily suspended from the practice of law based on her criminal conviction.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued the decision on Monday. Her sister, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, who is a target of the investigating grand jury, did not participate in the decision.

Ms. Orie, R-McCandless, is scheduled to be sentenced on 14 criminal counts on May 21 by Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning.

The defense had filed a motion asking for her sentencing date to be postponed so attorney William Costopoulos could have more time to prepare, but today Judge Manning denied that request.

Ms. Orie was found guilty by a jury of misusing her legislative staff to campaign and do fundraising for herself. Ms. Orie will be sentenced on counts including theft of services, ethics violations, forgery and tampering with evidence.

Mr. Costopoulos has said his client will resign her Senate seat before the May 21 sentencing date.

I actually know this drag queen, Sharon Needles. He is a barista in Point Breeze. Small world.


Brewed On Grant: Drag Race
Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

Pittsburgh likes to be number one, whether you're talking about the "most livable city" or the most Super Bowl rings. Now we have another "best of" honor. A Pittsburgh drag queen, Sharon Needles, has been crowned "America's Next Drag Superstar" on "RuPaul's Drag Race."

Keeping up with the Ories . . .

Daughter of state Supreme Court justice under investigation for insurance fraud

May 3, 2012 1:05 am

By Paula Reed Ward / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The daughter of a state Supreme Court justice is being investigated by the Allegheny County District Attorney's office for insurance fraud.

Casey Melvin, 24, of Sharpsburg was involved in a one-car crash in March in Shaler. She is the daughter of state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, who has been identified as the target of a grand jury investigation for possible misuse of her staff for campaign purposes.

According to a police report, completed by Officer Richard J. Fowler Jr., the accident involving Casey Melvin was reported at 12:54 p.m. on March 29 in the 800 block of Butler Street.

Ms. Melvin told Officer Fowler she was distracted when leaving Shaler Plaza and drove into a utility pole as she entered a Sunoco gasoline station. The concrete base of the pole was not damaged, but both air bags of Ms. Melvin's 2011 Jeep Laredo deployed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. She was not injured.

Shaler police Chief Bryan B. Kelly said Ms. Melvin was eating when the crash occurred. She was not cited on-scene.

According to Jeff Sibel, a representative with Progressive insurance, Ms. Melvin attempted to submit a claim for the crash, but it was denied because her policy had been canceled.

There is a grace period, generally, of 15 to 20 days, if a policy has lapsed, he said, and Ms. Melvin's crash happened after that.

"Due to Pennsylvania law, it automatically has to be referred to law enforcement," he said.

Mike Manko, a spokesman for the district attorney, said there is a pending review by his office.

"The only thing I can say is that we have received a referral from Progressive concerning [Ms. Melvin], and we are in the process of reviewing the material."

Chief Kelly said it is a matter of course for traffic officers to check driver's licenses, registration and insurance at the time of a crash.

If there is a lapse in insurance coverage, the company is supposed to notify the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, which then suspends the driver's registration, the chief said.

"I don't know what the lag time is for that," he said.

Mr. Sibel said Progressive does its own "due diligence" on a questionable claim before referring a case to police.

"A lot of times you can tell right away if it's a misunderstanding. You're not going to send that forward," he said.

Ms. Melvin could not be reached for comment.

DAVE: Lots of day games today. I see that your Phillies beat Atlanta. Pirates are losing 2-1 to the Cardinals. Erik Bedard is the Pirates' best starter.

JIM: Yes. I like it when there is day baseball.

I still hate Chipper Jones.

DAVE: I know you hate Chipper Jones. And Jason Bay.

I don't hate anyone. Adam LaRoche would be at the top of the list, though.

Pedro Alvarez has been hitting the ball lately, so the Pirates are a little more interesting at the moment. He hit a homerun, 4-2.

JIM: Nice.

With Pablo Sandoval getting a broken hand last night, it looks like Pirates slugger Garrett Jones is now leading active players on my team in HRs. Probably RBIs too.

DAVE: Garrett Jones? That's not good. To me, he's so blah.

JIM: That's my team. The Blahs.

The republicans are such hypocrites and history revisionists that it truly makes me sick sometimes.


Dead
Thursday, 03 May 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

It's the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden and President Obama is not afraid to brag about it. Mitt Romney and the GOP are criticizing the president for using the war on terror as a campaign device. They clearly forgot that they (the GOP and George W. Bush) invented using the war on terror as a campaign device in 2004.

Both college and graduate school are crazy expensive these days, compared to when I attended them. And the salaries that you get with a degree have not kept up with the price of higher education. It's just more debt for young people before they have even gotten started with their lives. I think college is important. But at what price?


Higher Education
Monday, 30 April 2012
Written by Rob Rogers

It's graduation season, but for some state budgets, it is also open season on higher education. State legislatures across the country, including Pennsylvania, are cutting funds for colleges and trade schools, forcing institutions to raise tuition. It was already hard enough for kids to afford a college education, now it will be even harder.
 

DAVE: No Hannah Storm this morning. So sad. I hate when they have two guys hosting Sportscenter.

I'm so glad the draft is over. Now, I just have to listen to them talk about the results of the draft for the next two months.

JIM: I did a pretty good job of avoiding the draft. I know that the Eagles first round pick was a defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox. And I think at some point they drafted a QB. But other than that, I know nothing. and I'm pretty happy about that.

DAVE: I know virtually nothing about the Steelers except that they took a couple of offensive linemen with their first two picks of the draft. Now, I just want it to go away and never come back.

JIM: I'm already reaching the point where I want this baseball season to go away and never come back. We'll get 'em next year!

DAVE: It's way too soon for that. For you, anyway. The Phillies can still get back into it. It's not like they're the Marlins.

JIM: You mean the Phillies that got two hits yesterday against the Cubs? The first batter of the game and the next-to-last batter of the game? The Phillies who just got smoked at home over the weekend by the Cubs, probably the worst team in the NL? Those Phillies?

DAVE: Yep. The baseball season is way too long to give up so soon. It's not like the football season, which you wanted to end early as well. The Nationals are not going to win that division. The Phillies just need to get Howard back (I don't think they really miss Utley in his condition), maybe make a trade, and then just plug away. They still have a better record than the offensive-less Pirates. And the Pirates don't have a Ryan Howard coming back. What they got is what they got.

JIM: I'm depressed. It is not fun to watch these Phillies.

DAVE: They are celebrating the 20th anniversary of what they call "The Slide" in Atlanta on June 9th with a bobblehead of a sliding Sid Bream.