State Round-up

I was reading assorted news sources this evening, and I found this little gem:

Act 71, which Gov. Ed Rendell signed into law in July, allows for seven "racinos," as the track/casinos are called, along with five stand-alone casinos.

Two of the stand-alone casinos must be within Philadelphia city limits, and a third must be in Pittsburgh. That leaves two other stand-alone casinos to be built elsewhere in Pennsylvania. Some developers in the Poconos or the Bethlehem-Allentown areas of Eastern Pennsylvania also are angling for a stand-alone casino license.

"Citizens of Philadelphia! To thank you for your votes both as a mayoral candidate and most recently, governor, I am giving you a casino. And not just one, but two! I could give you more school funding, or more opportunities for community growth, but why would I want to give you money when I could take it courtesy of a one-armed bandit?"

Now, I have to admit that that previous statment was chock full of sarcasm. But the point remains, does Fast Eddie think he's doing Philly a favor by requiring that they have two casinos?

In other state news, I've heard rumors that a certain Mouse has been buying some pretty large chunks of acreage in the Gettysburg area. I'm looking to substantiate the rumors. Perhaps the Mouse is making another run at the "America" park.