Play them again, Sam. These quotes were so good the first time around we thought you'd like to hear them again.

So, as we pause this week to reflect on "Auld Lang Syne" and a year filled with both sad and funny headlines, here are some sound bites -- funny, profound, poignant but, for gosh sakes, not particularly ''official'' -- that we'd like to hear again.

Happy New Year! We're wishing you, dear readers, good news in 2007!

"New Year's resolutions are a good thing. ... It is the time to take self inventory and to pledge to work on self improvements. Your success depends on your level of commitment.''

-- U.S Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St Clair, a psychologist before he entered politics. "Getting it all right," a story about why we make resolutions. Jan. 5

	John Heller, Post-Gazette From left: Jim Felix; daughter, Lauren, 16; son, Shaun, 12; daughter, Kristen, 25; and wife, Debi, handle some of the gear the family makes for Jim Felix's "Sounds of Elvis" shows. March 2. See more photos in the print edition of South. Click photo for larger image.

"We are not getting these run during 'Desperate Housewives.''

-- Robyn Tedesco, spokesman for McKeesport schools explaining the district's purchase of $5,000 worth of commercials on WTAE-TV. "TV spots are to give district positive image." Jan. 12

"He scares our German shepherd to death when we are at home, so we come here.''

-- Sue Mihalyi, of Baldwin Township, on her husband Mark's enthusiastic cheering for the home team in "Here we go, Steelers,'' a story about fans who gathered at Amel's restaurant in that township to cheer the Steelers on to victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC wild card playoff game. Jan. 12

"We're a blue-collar town with a blue- collar work ethic, and a coach who's a hometown boy. We just have to be called the Steelers.''

-- Former steelworker and perpetual Steeler fan Tom Downes, of Dravosburg, as he watched the Steelers win the Jan. 22 AFC Championship at Clancy's Pub in Dravosburg. "Black and gold fever." Jan. 26

"I'm awestruck. I've seen a Steelers Super Bowl victory. I grew up on stories about the legendary Steel Curtain of the 1970s.''

-- Dan Floodstrom, of Liberty, as he watched the Feb. 5 Steelers Super Bowl victory at Clancy's Pub, in "Beers, cheers: Fans get what they waited for,'' the final installment of a series about South fans bellying up to the bar to watch postseason games. Feb. 9

"The sun is shining and this is a beautiful day for a wedding.''

-- Whitehall District Judge David Barton, as he performed a wedding in his office joining Krystle Morgan, of Barberton, Ohio, and her soulmate Gary Dillon, of Elizabeth Borough, on Feb. 14. The judge said he performs at least one wedding every St. Valentine's Day. "Tying love's knot." Feb. 16

"Most kids never think of dance in terms of dancing with another person. Then, they want to get married and have a big wedding dance. They don't want to be Fred Astaires, they just don't want to make fools of themselves.''

-- John Dryden, owner and instructor at Dryden Dance Center in Scott on the popularity of ballroom dance lessons, in "From ballroom to polka, it's all fun.'' Feb. 16

"The classes are small. The teachers are compassionate. Children don't fall through the cracks. No one makes fun of anyone.''

-- Kimberly Grimes, of Clairton, on her decision to send her son Jeremy Vernon, 12, to Walnut Grove Christian School in West Mifflin. "Faith base is a plus, small classes attract many.'' Feb. 23

"It's something that nobody else does.''

-- Claudia Stefurak, of Whitehall, about an unusual holiday art: making intricate Ukrainian Easter eggs at Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, "The reveal remains egg-citing.'' Feb. 23

"There's no pillow fights.''

-- Trish Roberts, of Clairton, on the Purple Pajama Breakfast at the Bradley House in Baldwin Borough, sponsored by her group, the Violet Vixens of the Mon Valley. They're one of hundreds of Red Hat Society clubs in Western Pennsylvania. The event drew 270 Red Hatters from 35 chapters. "Red Hats and purple pajamas ... these women just want to have fun.'' March 2

"He doesn't change his voice. He naturally sounds like Elvis. But he won't dye his hair black or grow sideburns.''

-- Debi Felix, of Lincoln Place, about her husband Jim's popular "Sounds of Elvis" show, which plays in fairs and church and fire halls. "Family helps dad pay highest compliment to idol.'' March 2

"It's not about your date, you can ask anyone. It's about you and the dress.''

-- Jan Pasquini, manager of Babette's formal shop in Bridgeville, in "Passion for Fashion'' a story about prom fashions. March 9

"Of course, we like to have fun, but we would like to get away from the stereotypes.''

-- Jim Green, of Brentwood, state president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, about unfair, untrue stereotypes of Irish people propagated by the media. "Hibernians no fans of Irish stereotypes.'' March 16

"The thing about Africa is that everything is so real and bright and in your face. No subtleties. All the good is next to the evil. All the beauty right beside the ugliness of death and poverty. It's Good Friday and Easter Sunday all rolled up and served up side by each.''

-- From an e-mail written by Kate Fletcher, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, to supporters of her mission in Kenya, Africa. "Helping AIDS orphans means resources needed.'' March 23

"Miracles happen, sometimes twice.''

-- Martina Komarova, 19, a foreign exchange student from Slovakia at Baldwin High School, as she got the news that she had won two competitions and $17,000 for tuition at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in two contests sponsored by the school. "Artwork captures two prizes.'' March 30

"When I became chief [eight yeas ago] burglaries were being committed by burglars to look for property. Now it's junkies looking for something to sell for quick money to pay [for drugs].''

-- Mt. Lebanon police Chief Thomas A. Ogden Jr. telling commissioners that 80 to 90 percent of the community's serious crime is alcohol and drug related. "Chief repeats drug warning.'' April 6

"They [the Modernettes] have children and grandchildren of former members going to the dance school and I'm as proud of them as they are of me,''

-- Dana L. Mauro, a 1983 Bethel Park graduate, and Broadway star who credits her success to lessons learned at the Library borough studio, Ruby Daugherty and Sherry School of Dance. "Twirl: Four-time world champion team seeking a fifth." April 6

"As Christians, if we want to see healing in our land and make a difference in the world, we need to start in our own back yard.''

-- Barbara J. Mima, of Munhall, who was instrumental in creating "The Last Days of Christ,'' a one-hour Passion Play, performed during Lent at the Anne Ashley United Methodist Church in Munhall. "Traditions of passion and passover." April 13

"Their technology is superior to anything we have.''

-- Jefferson Hills Council President Brian Militzer about his town's decision -- as well as that of Brentwood, Pleasant Hills and South Park-- to join more than 100 other Allegheny County municipalities and have emergency calls dispatched through the county's 911 center in Point Breeze. "County 911 adds 4 more towns.'' April 27

"I'm thrilled that everyone will be able to participate in graduation, it's been a long time in coming.''

-- Jan MacLeod, of Mt. Lebanon, whose daughter Meghan, 18, was able to graduate with her friends in the Class of 2006 at Mt. Lebanon High School after the state passed

a law that says special needs students can no longer be denied the right to participate in

commencement ceremonies.

"Law gives option to be in graduation.'' May 4

"For Croatians and Catholics, this is a big deal.''

-- Phyllis Gerber, planner for 50th anniversary of Sacred Heart Church of Saint Martin de Porres Parish in McKeesport. The parish got a visit from the archbishop of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vinko Cardinal Puljic. "Cardinal visit to mark church's 50 years.'' May 11

"If you don't vote, you don't have any business crying about what's going on. You've got to vote, I don't care if it's for the garbage man.''

-- Marge Hanley, 97, of Glassport, who hadn't missed an election since 1938. "Across generations, two voters cherish right to cast ballot.'' May 18

"I can't imagine brothers any closer.''

-- Bill Campbell, 65, a Homestead native, who has a legendary career as a computer software executive. Mr. Campbell donated more than $1 million for a new middle school gym at the Steel Valley High School campus, in memory of his brother, James Campbell, a retired U.S. Navy commander who died at age 63 in March. "Executive has gym built in his brother's memory.'' May 25

"I challenged myself so much, I love to learn, I want to take in as much as I can.''

-- Sanja Cvitkusic, 18, a refugee from Bosnia, who suffers from a rare vision disorder, and who was graduated at the top of her class with a 4.63 grade point average at Baldwin High School. "Long trip, learning all along the way.'' June 1

"With slots a sure bet at the Meadows and a desire to invest in the community, it was time for the upgrade.''

-- Sandy Wilson, director of sales for The Holiday Inn Washington Meadow Lands, about a $5 million upgrade at the 138-room hotel. "Hotel dresses up for gambles.'' June 1

"This is something I've seen school districts really embrace, not because it was required but because it would benefit students.''

-- Sharon Fissel, director of policy services for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, on healthy changes in cafeteria and vending foods. "Schools take aim at unhealthy eating.'' June 1

"It is hard to operate out of a dated location.''

-- Lisa Christian, chief operating officer of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, on conditions at the South Hills YMCA on McMurray Road, in Upper St. Clair. In June the Y announced plans to build a new $10 million facility. "YMCA eyes Bethel Park site to build.'' June 8

"This was certainly a test of my character.''

-- Brenda Atkins Lockley, of Mt. Lebanon, of her experiences at summer camp as a teenager back in the 1960s. She lost all her belongings to a haughty camp mate and a wayward bus and recounted the incident for "Memories of summer camp." June 8

"It's more than fabric, it's more than a flag. It is our American flag.''

-- From winning essay by Natalie Sipple, 17, of McCandless, who read at the dedication of the By the Dawn's Early Light center at South Park. The contest was sponsored by Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Community College of Allegheny County and the Veterans Administration. "Winning essay to be read at new flag retirement center.'' June 15

"Like Thoreau, I'll start my adventures.''

-- Michel Morris, 64, teacher lauded for his Socratic teaching method, who retired after 30 years with Canon McMillan schools. "Teacher's teacher retires.'' June 15

"I AM Henny Youngman,''

-- Harold Wintner, 86, telling a story in the style of comic Henny Youngman, for whom he has been mistaken. Mr. Wintner, of McKeesport and Fox Chapel, is a practicing CPA and was one of several fathers interviewed for "A day for dads.'' June 15

"[Humorist] Erma Bombeck said when you get to a birthday with a zero on it, you hold onto that number until the next one with a zero. So I tell people that I'm 90.''

-- Frances ''Pat'' Hubler Nuernberg, of Upper St. Clair, talking about how to stay young and the importance of arts in our lives. Mrs. Nuernberg was a special guest at the diamond anniversary celebration of Mt. Lebanon High School's pioneer theater department.

"Bows taken as reunion brings back 75 years of theater.'' June 22

"They've been dancing since they were in my tummy,''

-- Fran Savolskis, owner of Fran's School of Dance in Munhall, who recalled being on stage just a week before each of her children were born. Today her son Marty is production manager for the New York City Dance Alliance and daughter Margie is touring with the national company of "Care Bears Live.'' "All the world's a stage.'' June 22

"Painting our nation's flag has given me a richer appreciation of its meaning and importance, especially as we celebrate Independence Day.''

-- Whitehall Councilman Phil Lahr, about his acrylic painting of a U.S. flag and Civil War soldiers now hung in Harrisburg. The art work will be auctioned in March to raise money for restoration of Gettysburg monuments. "Colors of freedom.'' June 29

"It's hard to forget the day you give up your Independence."

-- Greg Zamlule, of Mt. Lebanon, on his plans to marry in a ceremony July 4, right before Brentwood's 5-K race.

"There's always the chance that he'll just keep on running.''

-- Leslie Evans, his fiance, commenting in "Couple take their wedding right in stride," June 29.

Editor's note: The groom didn't run away and the Zamlules, she a retired English teacher and he a retired CPA, and both avid runners, now make their home in Mt. Lebanon.

"I consider myself a professional learner. ''

-- Dr. Timm Mackely, on accepting a new job as superintendent of the Peters Township School District. He came from Groveport-Madison School District in Ohio. "Top job filled.'' June 29

"Our district has never seen this many teachers retire.''

-- Steel Valley Assistant Superintendent William Kinavey on the 33 teachers who retired in June. The district filled 28 of those slots and saved the $1.3 million in the current budget. "Teacher exodus: Retirees plan new lives.'' July 6

"He was my hero. I especially like to imitate him as he cranked up to bat at the plate.''

-- Gregory Gibson Kenney, of Bethel Park, an actor who performs monologues that imitate the legendary Pirate Willie Stargell. " 'Stargell' at bat again.'' July 6

"If it wasn't for Porky we might have ended up listening to Patti Page and Pat Boone.''

-- "Uncle Al" Wanchik, of South Heights, Beaver County, about the July 15 tribute by Homestead borough honoring pioneer rock and roll disc jockey Porky Chedwick. Mr. Chedwick, 88, of Brookline, was born and raised in Homestead.

"The nuns at St. Wendelin's [Baldwin Borough] used to say his music [was] 'the devil's work.' But, it was beautiful, romantic music that you could listen to as you walked with your boyfriend.

-- Jean Chedwick, lifelong fan and wife. Both quotes from "Hats off to Porky.'' July 13

"Nicest stadium, worst record,''

-- Tom Stout, of Mt. Lebanon, of the state of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the broadcast of the July 11 All-Star Game at PNC Park. "A bittersweet night in the barroom.'' July 13

"The appeal of an older car is that you take on the age and feelings you had when you first saw the car."

-- Carl Weber, of McMurray, about his 1962 white Ford Thunderbird in " Cruisin' the classics." July 20

"I could have gotten a medical degree in the time it has taken.''

-- James Aiello, of JRA development Group Inc., about the five years it has taken to get a plan to build around the light rail transit station in Castle Shannon. " 'Walk-able housing' idea takes baby steps.'' July 20

"I had a honeymoon couple going to Italy, but they decided against it and went to the Caribbean.''

-- Jody Harris, manager of Kiernan Enterprises, a travel agency in Upper St. Clair, in "Mideast strife gives travelers pause.'' July 27

"Having experienced people answer questions should make the transition to civilian life easier.''

-- Mike Mauer, of West Mifflin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914, which sponsored a booth for veterans in "Operation Welcome Home a picnic for vets." July 27

"Drowning has always been my biggest fear.''

-- Janina Peters, of Scott, a lifeguard at Dormont pool, who helped rescue a man July 20, in "On duty while everyone plays, they save lives.'' Aug. 3

" I could tell you a story on any subject. On the river there's no end to stories.''

-- Bub Crane, of Cranberry, Nevada and Ohio, a retired businessman about life on his floating home, the Betty Lou, a double stern wheeler named after his wife, in "At home, afloat.'' Aug. 3

"This is something that just definitely needs to be done and should have been done sooner.''

-- John Bielich, of Bethel Park, in "Bethel Park ready to discuss gymnasium." Aug. 10

"Come on in. Grab a dead fish.''

-- Laurena Schultz, librarian at Mt. Lebanon Public Library, leading a session of gyotaku, a Japanese method of printing that uses real fish. "Dead fish give new life to creative impulses.'' Aug. 10

"It's comfortable here. It's a way of life, lots of fun, lots of friends.''

-- Marlene Cegelski, of Elizabeth Township, about life along the Youghiogheny River Trail in "Bucolic and profitable." Aug. 17

"I'm a kid at heart, I haven't given this up yet.''

-- Beth Kish, of West Mifflin, a self-described fortysomething and enthusiastic equestrian in "South Park horse show tradition goes on.'' Aug. 17

"The hottest item we see are leggings. Everything's a little tighter, but more covered up this year,''

-- Heather Hannan, public relations manager, Macy's South Hills Village in "School fashion something to cheer about.'' Aug. 24

"If we don't do these kinds of things, and in a fiscally prudent manner, we well lose population and that will result in an increase in taxes.''

-- Jim Salerno, of Upper St. Clair, about plans for a long-awaited recreation facility in "Center good idea to some.'' Aug. 24

"He came for the coasters, I came for the parade.''

-- Eleanor Dailey, of Baldwin Borough, about her visit with husband Gerald Dailey to the West Mifflin amusement park in "Kennywood strikes up marching band season.'' Aug. 31

"We're not crazy radicals,''

-- Lowry Stoops, of Peters, one of a four dozen residents who spoke against plans for a sewage treatment plant during a Peters Council meeting. "Churchill Road residents oppose sewage plant.'' Aug. 31

Sept. 11, 2001 and the [1998] Columbine [Colorado] High school shootings "really changed our focus on school emergencies from individual crises to a large scale crisis.''

-- Deborah Allen, assistant superintendent of Mt. Lebanon School District, in "911 five years later: How we've changed; the lessons learned." Sept. 7

"You don't have all the congestion of Greater Pittsburgh International.''

-- Kurt Korinko, of West Mifflin, aircraft inspector, in "Allegheny County Airport turns 75.'' Sept. 7

"Either they're stuck baby-sitting or working two jobs to make ends meet"

-- Ted Hale, chief of Library Fire Dept., on why its harder these days to recruit volunteers in "Chiefs work with fewer firefighters." Sept. 14

"I'm excited that families in the South Hills can once again enjoy what I did growing up in Dormont, [movies] and dining choices you can walk to.''

-- John Sparvero, Dormont councilman, on learning that the boarded up Hollywood theater in Dormont will reopen, "Theater to reopen this fall.'' Sept. 14

"Our goal was to lower the number of buses we have on the pavement."

-- Gina Mercorelli, manager of Century III Mall in West Mifflin about the mall limiting buses to the site after a ridership survey. The Port Authority cut about 20 percent of the buses that stopped at the Route 51 side of the mall and some shoppers and employees complained in "Century III limiting buses draws fire.'' Sept. 21

"I cannot tell you how upset I am, I have been retaliated against for speaking out."

-- Debbi Carse in "Volunteers say snub was in retaliation," Sept. 21. Ms. Carse claimed she and two other parents were removed as volunteers for the Upper St. Clair District's Odyssey of the Mind program because they had been vocal critics of an earlier board effort to eliminate the International Baccalaureate program. Mrs. Carse and the others were reinstated a week later.

"The district continues to attract high-level people.''

-- Upper St, Clair school board vice president Mark Trombetta about the hunt for a new superintendent in "Director expects quality applicants.'' Oct. 28

"Every dollar we spend is an investment in the health of the communities we serve.''

-- Robert Horn, vice president of Jefferson Regional Medical Center, about continuing expansion, including a new 535-space parking garage, in "Medical center keeps growing.'' Sept. 28

"It's a kind of history meets People magazine, research meets creativity.''

-- Karen Hoffman, Upper St. Clair, describing her book "Seasons of the Meistersinger,'' a novel that chronicles the life of 19th century German composer Richard Wagner. "A man, his opus.'' Oct. 5

"It's an opportunity to show that libraries are places not just for books, but a place where we help people.''

-- Dolores Colarosa, of Brentwood Library, about a sock hop to collect socks for the needy. "Sock collecting is '50s tribute.'' Oct. 5

"I want to be known as a good educational leader and for doing what's right for kids.''

--Dr. Shirley Golofski, new superintendent of McKeesport Area schools. "Board names first female superintendent.'' Oct. 5

"Before they plant us in the ground, we want to march one more time.''

-- Mary Huschak LeDonne, Elizabeth Township, Clairton High School Class of 1957, a former majorette and dancer who was taking part in the school's 100th homecoming celebration and parade. To prepare, she and other alumni practiced "kicks, jumps and steps'' for weeks. "Deja vu: Queens, musicians dancers parade again in Clairton." Oct. 12

"It's difficult to be unkind when you have a name to the face. It makes it harder when people are personalized."

--Philip Cynar, president of the Mt. Lebanon Community Relations Board, a group formed 40 years ago to combat discrimination in town. "Mt. Lebanon to examine quality of life.'' Oct. 12

"A is for Amidio, a 6-pound boy. B is for Beatrice, a sister so coy. C stands for Caroline, the third little babe"

-- Amidio, Beatrice and Caroline Mattei, 70-year old triplets from Whitehall, quoting from a Post-Gazette page one story published the day they were born on Sept. 27, 1936. "A-B-C Triplets hit 70.'' Oct. 19

"We're all such huge fans. We're devastated. Cole had planned for months to dress [for Halloween] as the Crocodile Hunter.''

-- Robyn Bracco, of Upper St. Clair, getting her son ready for trick or treating in his costume as Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, who was killed by a sting ray weeks before in a freak attack. "Trick-or-treat garb, gorgeous to gory." Oct. 19

"Halloween is a time that you recognize that there's more around you than you sense. But every day, angels speak to you.''

-- Charlotte Ramsey, of the North Hills, a reader who goes under the title Angel Lady, in "Gifts from the spirits' realm.'' Oct. 26

"It's a source of comfort,''

-- Robert Mallery, principal of Markham Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon, about a mural in the school that depicts his late son John, 28, who was killed while working as a civilian in Iraq. "Iraq casualty still has place in school art.'' Oct. 26

"Burglaries are down 62 percent, assaults are down 19 percent. Narcotics are down 27 percent, domestic violence [reports] are down 14 percent and criminal mischief down 22 percent.

-- Baldwin Borough Police Chief Chris Kelly, in "Green Meadows' new owners work to solve problems," a story about how new owners have changed the image of that apartment

complex. Nov. 2

"With holy days and holidays for counting blessings, shouldn't marriage have its own day for giving thanks?

-- Canon Richard Davies, of Old St. Luke's Church in Scott, in "To have, hold, compromise,'' a story about a "Blessings

of Marriage" ceremony. Nov. 2.

"It is frightening, but you just take it one day at a time. I think if it was just me, I would panic, but because I am busy taking care of kids, I can't spend all day panicking because they need me."

-- Molly Keen, of Bethel Park, wife of Sgt. Ben Keen, serving a second tour in Iraq. Mrs. Keen was profiled in a Veteran's Day story, "Some wait for a soldier to make it home." Nov. 9

"Can't talk now, the house is on fire.''

-- Whitehall volunteer fireman James Moore relating a favorite story about the time a fellow fireman answered a ringing telephone in a house that was on fire. "Firefighters honored as company celebrates 60 years.'' Nov. 9

"My shouting and screaming at them does nothing.''

-- Mt. Lebanon commissioner Barbara Logan about the deer problem in that community. "Oh! Deer!" Nov. 16

"I always have basketball to fall back on when Pitt doesn't do good in football.''

-- Bob Frank, of Bethel Park, of his alma mater in "Friendly rivals put smiles where their hearts are," a story about South rivalries in the annual Backyard Brawl, the Pitt -West Virginia game. Nov. 16

"It's just one week out of my life. I have an opportunity to do something that is great.''

-- Kristen Sawl, a Baldwin high school student, who spent her Thanksgiving holiday in Kiln, Miss., helping to restore homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. "Giving holiday time, talent.'' Nov. 22

"It was exciting to meet a dog with such a cool hairdo,''

-- Katie Anderson, 9, taking part in the Reading with Rover program at Jefferson Elementary in Mt. Lebanon. Katie was talking about Max, a 4-year-old Puli, a dog with dreadlocks, in "Paper training." Nov. 22

"I would like to see this building full of children again.''

-- Delores Chalmers, principal of Pathfinder School in Bethel Park, a school for special needs children. She talks about her work to expand programs there in "Finding its own path.'' Nov. 30

"If that house starts to crumble, it will come down here,''

-- Gail Hendrix, of Brookline, about a vacant house sliding on to their Seaton Road back yard. "Couple gets sympathy, citation, no fix for hill." Nov. 30

"I could see him just like I'm looking at you.''

-- Pearl Harbor survivor and Army veteran Bernard Ordos, of West Mifflin, of the action he saw on Dec. 7, 1941. Mr. Ordos was recalling how a Japanese pilot fired a machine gun into his mess hall that day. "Witness to a sneak attack." Dec. 7

"I was honest and it backfired on me.''

-- Linda Foster, of McKeesport, founder of a soup kitchen there that ran for 6 years before it was shut down after officials found out she didn't have a permit. "Operator plans lawsuit over closing.'' Dec. 7

"It's just your average Christmas display, only super-sized.''

-- Robert Cox, of Baldwin Borough, of the 75,000-light holiday display he installed at his home. "Add sparkle to the holidays.'' Dec. 14

"We like to call it the private aviation hub of Western Pennsylvania,''

-- Dan Stainer, director of marketing for Voyager Jet. The firm is expanding at the Allegheny County airport in West Mifflin. "Carrier expanding county airport service; company paying $15 million to upgrade facilities at state's 5th busiest airport." Dec. 14

"During tailgating you talk to people you wouldn't have the opportunity to during a game. ... You get to expand your circle of friends.''

-- Pat McShane Sr., father of Upper St. Clair quarterback Pat McShane, of socializing that goes on at USC high school games. USC won the PIAA Class AAAA championship after an undefeated season. "Nothing gets community together like a state football championship.'' Dec. 21

"That averages 48 classroom removals a month. That's a lot of removals.''

-- Stanley Denton, member of the state board of control at Duquesne City schools. He was reacting to statistics about school police who removed 436 unruly students from classrooms in 2006. "Trouble keeps police busy." Dec. 21

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