Mitch Daniels bows out

Official Statement: "Over the last year and a half, a large and diverse group of people have suggested to me an idea that I never otherwise would have considered, that I run for President. I’ve asked for time to think it over carefully, but these good people have been very patient and I owe them an answer.

The answer is that I will not be a candidate. What could have been a complicated decision was in the end very simple: on matters affecting us all, our family Constitution gives a veto to the women’s caucus, and there is no override provision. Simply put, I find myself caught between two duties. I love my country; I love my family more.
I am deeply concerned, for the first time in my life, about the future of our Republic. In the next few years Americans will decide two basic sets of questions: Who’s in charge here? Should the public sector protect and promote the private sector or dominate and direct it? Does the government work for the people or vice versa?

And, are we Americans still the kind of people who can successfully govern ourselves, discipline ourselves financially, put the future and our children’s interests ahead of the present and our own.

I am confident that the answers will reaffirm the liberty and vitality of our nation, and hope to play some small part in proving that view true."

Carmel hosts Roundabout conference

Traffic gurus from around the world are gathering in Carmel, Indiana this week in the 7th annual International Conference on Roundabouts. Both New York and Japan (pop. 19M and 125M) have fewer roundabouts than Carmel (pop. 79,000) - sent their best transportation engineers here this week to study the awesome effects it has on a community. For example, the Australian state of Victoria began building roundabouts in 1970 when traffic fatalities peaked at more than 1,000 per year. Two years ago, that number had been reduced to 300 while the population more than doubled. Melbourne now has over 5,000 roundabouts.

Not only do they save lives, but with less congestion and rarely stopping, travel time is also cut down - especially during the winter with icy roads.  Carmel is currently building its 69th since 1999 (131st & River Road) - this one located at 96th & Commerce Drive.

Mitch Daniels not saying No

The nation's best governor spoke briefly last night (before heading over to Kilroys) then passed the mic to Indiana's First Lady in a Keynote Address at a GOP-sponsored event. Many speculate that the purpose of the event was to build Cheri Daniels' public speaking repertoire. Mitch's outstanding record on fiscal matters and his recent education reform has earned a large following of supporters urging him to enter the Republican primary including Scott Walker, Chris Cristie, Jeb Bush, Haley Barbour, John Boehner, and Paul Ryan. When questioned earlier in the week, Governor Daniels stated that he thinks he could beat President Obama should he be elected to represent America's conservative party. His CPAC speech gives us some insight on those virtues.

LC Bears ranked #1 in HS Track

The Lawrence Central Boys Track & Field team won the Marion County meet again last night - defeating Ben Davis, Warren Central, Lawrence North, Pike and North Central. In addition to winning the 100, 200 and 800 the Bears also won all 3 relays.

Matt Dorsey, Michael Steele, Adam Turner and Connor Claflin opened with a meet-record 7:50 in the 3,200M relay. Anthony Shelman, Tyrennzie Burgess, Marcellian Gardner and Deontre Gray ran a dizzying 41.3 seconds in the 400 relay (also a meet record), and Steele, Burgess, Jeron Brown and Claflin took the 1,600 relay in 3:17.55. The Bears hope to overcome last year's Runner-up finish at the State meet in June.
The LC Girls also won the Marion County meet this week and look to defend their State Championship even though they lost their top 4 runners to D-I programs last year.

Coach K, Williams, Pitino... Painter, Brey, Stevens

Do NCAA coaches win games [and Coach of the Year awards] because they're that good or because they recruit Indiana's amateur talent?

Is there any doubt that this is still the mecca of hoops? Indianapolis is tied with L.A. for most consecutive drafts represented (5) and they are still killin it in the pros: EJ, Jeff Teague, George Hill, Mike Conley Jr, Josh McRoberts, Gordon Hayward, Courtney Lee, Rodney Carney and former #1 pick Greg Oden.

It can't be understated how significant a feat it is for Tom Crean to lock up all the Elite talent for the next 4 years; hopefully that translates to the same postseason success as the coaches above.