The Soapbox

One-time Idol Peter Jennings Dies

Back when I was a young journalism student, I wanted to be the next Peter Jennings. I subsequently found my calling was in the law and moved on from my journalistic aspirations. However, the passing of anyone that impacts your life is acutely felt. Journalism lost a great talent and a positive force yesterday with the passing of Peter Jennings.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are starting to see the error of their ways

Pennsylvania lawmakers recently tried to do an end-around the Pennsylvania Constitution by giving themselves a pay raise that they called an "unvouchered expense."  This strategy attempts to circumvent the PA constitution's prohibition on lawmakers voting for a pay raise and having it go into effect during the same term. According to Article II, Section 8 of the PA Consitution, "No member of either House shall during the term for which he may have been elected, receive any increase of salary, or mileage, under any law passed during such term."

Now, Operation Clean Sweep: Pennsylvania, started by Russ Diamond, appears to be forcing several lawmakers to reconsider their actions.

City Stench Makes Sniffing Out News Tough

In what can only be taken as proof that nothing much newsworthy happens in August, the Inquirer today reports that Philadelphia, like other large cities, stinks when it's hot.

I guess the odor is preventing reporters from sniffing out other more newsworthy stories.

I'm Back

My self-imposed exile while I prepared for and took New Jersey and Pennsylvania's bar exams is over. Results don't come out until mid October for PA and mid November for NJ. Therefore, I won't tell you how I did because, frankly, I have no idea. I'll let you know in October and November.