Villa Ahead of O'Hare

Bill Villa brays this morning that for the first time his blog is rated higher than Bernie O'Hare's in the BlogNet Ratings. Bill's accomplishment was achieved by posting over two hundred off topic insulting comments himself, on his wife's post concerning women's rights. Congratulations Bill Villa, you are remarkable!

Photo Information: This is a promotional postcard from the 1940's for the traveling vaudeville magic act by Allentown magician Herman Weber. Courtesy of the Bill Weber Collection.

Harassment Case Postponed

The case involving harassment charges brought against Bill Villa by Bernard O'Hare has been postponed. After Villa questioned the impartiality of the District Justice, the case will be reassigned. Villa has also questioned the impartiality of the District Attorney, in both counties of Lehigh Valley. This blogger has learned that Villa will accept the Judge shown in the photo, who has a reputation of disliking heavy set people who drive red jeeps.

I Got Snookered

Last month I received a phone call from the alumni office of my alma mater. A pleasant sounding woman asked if I would contribute the same amount I gave last year. I asked how much that was, and she replied $25.00. I said OK, and hung up. It occurred to me that I got snookered. Although they have been writing and calling twice a year for 40 years, I didn't recall ever making a contribution. On the contrary, it often occurred to me that they should give me a refund, or at least not admit I graduated. Having said I would donate, I sent off a check. Now I know I got snookered. Since that time I have received two phone calls and three letters. I am now an member of their esteemed philanthropy society, and started receiving the designed special newsletter. I think they finally taught me something, why people donate anonymously.

76 trombones

Congratulations to Angie Villa (Mrs. Dottie) for championing women's rights on her blog, Lehigh Valley Somebody. As Sasha Curvaceaux so amply put it, " And thanks Mrs. Dottie for covering Womens' Rights Issues! So many other local bloggers just grind their own agenda axes incessantly (BORE-ing!)". What Sasha didn't know then, in the fourth comment, was that comments 7 through 110 would be the Villa's grinding their own agenda axe. Using Sasha, and their whole cast of made up commentators, they attack, antagonize and provoke their growing enemy list in an unbelievable, egoistical, pathological display of aggression.

Ozzie and Harriet

The current census data on Allentown shows that the idyllic 50's is long gone by almost every measure.* Nearly 60% of mothers are unwed, and a quarter of them do not live in the same apartment for even a year. This year as the recession gets deeper, there are many thousands of children with young, poor mothers, not in a position to buy presents. Over 2,600 of them have applied to the Salvation Army for assistance this holiday season. While demand is up 18%, donations have decreased 50%. Those of us, in a more fortunate position, should consider donating to Toys for Tots or dropping a few dollars in the Salvation Army Kettle.

* http://blogs.mcall.com/allentown/

artwork: Family by Jessica Lenard, mixed media on canvas, 50" x 66"

New Angle On Bill White

Today's Opinion Page at The Morning Call, has Ron Angle firing back at Bill White's blog, which criticized Angle for always being against something. Ron takes Bill to task for eating too much chili and his attacks on Emma Tropiano. Both these points have some merit. Bill White has at least four annual themes which dominate his column; food at Musikfest, food contests during the fair, hall of shame and Christmas lights. I made a similar complaint about his blog, being pre-occupied with movies. To his credit he answered my comment, citing his blog as a recreational retreat from the more serious newspaper column; not according to Ron Angle! In fairness to Mr. White, both his column and blog are apparently what both his readers and employer want to read. To curmudgeons like me and Ron Angle, if what you write doesn't annoy most people, you're just a purveyor of fluff. Now to Emma, for a guy like me who doesn't like to shave two days in a roll, and thinks a tie and sports coat should not be worn at the same time, she was the real deal. She never gave a power-point presentation or cited a grant funded study, but she told it like it is, and had practical solutions to real problems. I cannot comment on White's assessment of Angle, I don't follow Northampton politics, but anybody who defends Emma is OK with me.

Rose Colored Glasses

Before I became the politically correct blogger you read here, I had a darker site known as www.molovinskyformayor.com
I still keep that site up for those who prefer not to wear rose colored glasses. At the bottom of it's home page there are several links; Problem of the Month, Insights and New Approaches (also campaign 2005). I no longer add to the site, but think of it as a internet archive. (At the bottom of this page there is a hyperlink to the site) Essentially, it outlines undesirable consequences of good intentions. Last week Alan Jennings announced that KNBT and PPL have contributed 1.5 million dollars to be doled out by a newly formed Alliance of Grantmasters. I suppose that will require another director of handouts. The parent banks and electrical utility know Alan well. Nobody is better at bending their arm than him. How many branches will you open up in center city? How many months of free electric will you provide before pulling the meter?

School Board Does Homework

I give the Allentown School Board an A for electing Bob Smith Jr. as their new president.* Bob served on the board since 2003 and is also head of the Allentown Republican Committee. Allentown has been blessed over the years by the dedication of numerous citizens. Many of them never seek or achieve high profile positions, but clearly are the workhorses from which we all benefit. In addition to serving the interests of his east side neighborhood, Bob attends most City Council meetings. There is no position for which he would not receive my support.

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b9-5asd.6697620dec07,0,2095825.story