We all "get" political rhetoric and believe in the "marketplace of ideas," but State Senator John Eichelberger seems a bit mean spirited after calling same-sex relationships “dysfunctional” (hello, calling Argentina for conservative GOP SC Governor Sanford...). Moreover, according to a poll released Thursday, for the first time, a majority of Pennsylvanians favor a state law to allow civil unions for same-sex couples.

Philadelphia lost two of its broadcasting giants this week, long time Channel 6 sports anchor Gary Papa and the funny man from Drexelbrook, Ed McMahon, who got his start there. For those of us who grew up watching them, they will not soon be forgotten. Thank you, Gary and Ed for the years of great TV you brought us.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan definitely has his list of accomplishments (he did just help cut the "chain" on the Sands hot new casino complex is his town), but a race against the smart, hard working and affable Charlie Dent will be a difficult proposition. Also, Callahan owes it to his City to decide what he's running for, Mayor or Congress.

Steelers owner Dan Rooney’s ambassadorship confirmation hearings got underway this week before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  Dan will no doubt sail through.  We’re happy for Dan, but we hope his absence from Pittsburgh won’t negatively impact the Steelers this season (we’re not tired of winning yet).

Senator Casey’s team takes it again.  The annual Casey vs. Specter staff softball game ended as it has every time since Casey was elected, with Scrantonicity beating Pennsylmania.  The Specter office is full of rock-stars, but it seems Casey’s crowd is more athletic.  After all, their boss does play basketball with the President.