Giving "Credibility" to Snakes

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) is a disgraced ex-member of Congress. In 2005, a Texas Grand Jury indicted DeLay on criminal charges that he conspired to violate campaign finance laws. Republican Conference Rules forced him to resign temporarily as House Majority Leader.

In Jan 2006, he announced he would not return to his position, but in March 2006 he ran and won the Republican primary election, but in April 2006 he withdrew from the race and resigned his seat in Congress. DeLay is currently facing charges of money laundering and conspiracy to launder money. He has connections to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Two of his former aides were convicted in the Abramoff scandal. You may remember DeLay as being outspoken and w/ out shame in the Terri Schiavo case. He has adopted Rush Limbaugh's stance of wanting President Obama to fail and has called Obama a "Marxist."

Q. Why would Chris Matthews have Tom DeLay on Hardball or give any credibility to DeLay? He didn't challenge DeLay much, and let him rattle on. Do you think Matthews did this to make the R's look like fools? Have the whacky extremists become the mainstream in the Republican Party?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/#30252790

Giving "Credibility" to Snakes

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) is a disgraced ex-member of Congress. In 2005, a Texas Grand Jury indicted DeLay on criminal charges that he conspired to violate campaign finance laws. Republican Conference Rules forced him to resign temporarily as House Majority Leader.

In Jan 2006, he announced he would not return to his position, but in March 2006 he ran and won the Republican primary election, but in April 2006 he withdrew from the race and resigned his seat in Congress. DeLay is currently facing charges of money laundering and conspiracy to launder money. He has connections to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Two of his former aides were convicted in the Abramoff scandal. You may remember DeLay as being outspoken and w/ out shame in the Terri Schiavo case. He has adopted Rush Limbaugh's stance of wanting President Obama to fail and has called Obama a "Marxist."

Q. Why would Chris Matthews have Tom DeLay on Hardball or give any credibility to DeLay? He didn't challenge DeLay much, and let him rattle on. Do you think Matthews did this to make the R's look like fools? Have the whacky extremists become the mainstream in the Republican Party?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/#30252790

Time 4 Tea Baggers!

April 15 Tax Day is "Tea Party" Protest Day!

But I'm confused. What, exactly, are these angry "Teabaggers" protesting?

Why are they so outraged at President Obama? Tax rates haven't increased. In fact, Obama is cutting taxes for 95% of Americans. Only the wealthiest 5% will have their taxes "raised" back to the same level they were during the Bill Clinton economic BOOM years and way, way less than what they were during the (genuflect now please) Reagan administration.

Where were these angry patriot protesters when GW Bush was on a dry-drunken spending spree for 8 years?

Do they blame Obama for TARP?

What exactly has Obama done that is so (impeachment-worthy? really?) wrong in his first 90 days on the job?

Okay, so he's a Muslim (and a terrorist) and a socialist (and a Negro) and not even an actual American and his wife's arm muscles are bigger than McCain's. Other than this stuff, I mean.

Is it because Obama will "spread your wealth around" and "take away your guns?"

Hey, teabaggers, maybe Obama should take away your Social Security and Medicare benefits. These are socialist (FDR, LBJ, boo, hiss) programs after all. How 'bout that?

Fact is, today's patriotic (wink wink) Tea Parties were created purely to placate a bunch of cry baby sore loser Republicans. Well-spoken Conservative Andrew Sullivan describes the movement as "Tea Tantrums," brilliantly, here.

And don't be fooled: GOP teabagging is no grass roots movement. The movement across America to successfully elect Barack Hussein Obama President, now that was a grass roots movement. Plus, the whole Tea Party idea was stolen from the Libertarians and Ron Paul. Fox News created this faux Tea Party protest movement and they're promoting the heck out of it. FreedomWorks, a national Conservative lobby, is funding it. Faux News is gonna cover it (after creating it) like it's some legitimate big news event. It ain't. It's a fauxin' joke. 

So what's next for these GOP teabaggers?

Charity balls?

That might excite their shrinking base.

Time 4 Tea Baggers!

April 15 Tax Day is "Tea Party" Protest Day!

But I'm confused. What, exactly, are these angry "Teabaggers" protesting?

Why are they so outraged at President Obama? Tax rates haven't increased. In fact, Obama is cutting taxes for 95% of Americans. Only the wealthiest 5% will have their taxes "raised" back to the same level they were during the Bill Clinton economic BOOM years and way, way less than what they were during the (genuflect now please) Reagan administration.

Where were these angry patriot protesters when GW Bush was on a dry-drunken spending spree for 8 years?

Do they blame Obama for TARP?

What exactly has Obama done that is so (impeachment-worthy? really?) wrong in his first 90 days on the job?

Okay, so he's a Muslim (and a terrorist) and a socialist (and a Negro) and not even an actual American and his wife's arm muscles are bigger than McCain's. Other than this stuff, I mean.

Is it because Obama will "spread your wealth around" and "take away your guns?"

Hey, teabaggers, maybe Obama should take away your Social Security and Medicare benefits. These are socialist (FDR, LBJ, boo, hiss) programs after all. How 'bout that?

Fact is, today's patriotic (wink wink) Tea Parties were created purely to placate a bunch of cry baby sore loser Republicans. Well-spoken Conservative Andrew Sullivan describes the movement as "Tea Tantrums," brilliantly, here.

And don't be fooled: GOP teabagging is no grass roots movement. The movement across America to successfully elect Barack Hussein Obama President, now that was a grass roots movement. Plus, the whole Tea Party idea was stolen from the Libertarians and Ron Paul. Fox News created this faux Tea Party protest movement and they're promoting the heck out of it. FreedomWorks, a national Conservative lobby, is funding it. Faux News is gonna cover it (after creating it) like it's some legitimate big news event. It ain't. It's a fauxin' joke. 

So what's next for these GOP teabaggers?

Charity balls?

That might excite their shrinking base.

A Teachable Moment

Yesterday, I took our 7 year-old son to a small playground to climb monkey bars, run around, and make movies with his cool camera that "Nee-Nee and Pappy" bought for him. When we arrived, there was not a soul around, and I was anticipating a relaxing respite of basking in the afternoon sunshine in a quiet space.

When I went to sit down on a bench, I noticed a bird had gotten its one leg stuck between the wooden slots of the bench and was flailing around trying to get free. The bird's leg was wedged very tightly and was bleeding.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to free the bird's leg by using a small stick. I knew I could not just leave this bird there to die, while the crows and the hawks waited in the trees above licking their bird lips. I tried pouring some water between the slots of wood. That didn't work. So who do I call?

I called the Humane Society, and they told me they don't deal with wildlife rescue. They referred me to "Helping Hands" in the Poconos. They referred me to a woman who rescues eagles, and her husband told me there is no one locally who could help me and that I should try to help the bird myself. He instructed me to grab the bird with my hands and pour dishwashing liquid between the slots of the bench and the bird's leg would slip free. Well, just as I was about to get some soap (I had some hand wash in my car), a park maintenance man pulled up to empty the trash cans. I showed him the trapped bird and he went back to his truck and got a screwdriver. He was able to loosen the slots on the bench so the bird could free its leg and finally fly away into a nearby tree! Thank you!

I felt good that I did not leave the bird there to die. Our son felt good too. For me, there is a deeper meaning to this story than just helping a poor, trapped little birdie. I think it was a teachable moment which I used to show my child that there can be good results in life if you try to help. You can always figure out ways to help a living creature that's trapped because you care. The care you give to a helpless bird (or ... puppy) can also be extended to humans who are suffering. Yep.

Life can be really cruel, and sometimes people find themselves trapped, like the little bird with a bloody leg-- who would not stop fighting for his (or her) life. We shouldn't be afraid to do what we can do to help, if we believe that is the right thing to do-- even if there are menacing crows and hawks hovering, ready to pounce and devour.

Photo of trapped sparrow by Gianni Villa

A Teachable Moment

Yesterday, I took our 7 year-old son to a small playground to climb monkey bars, run around, and make movies with his cool camera that "Nee-Nee and Pappy" bought for him. When we arrived, there was not a soul around, and I was anticipating a relaxing respite of basking in the afternoon sunshine in a quiet space.

When I went to sit down on a bench, I noticed a bird had gotten its one leg stuck between the wooden slots of the bench and was flailing around trying to get free. The bird's leg was wedged very tightly and was bleeding.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to free the bird's leg by using a small stick. I knew I could not just leave this bird there to die, while the crows and the hawks waited in the trees above licking their bird lips. I tried pouring some water between the slots of wood. That didn't work. So who do I call?

I called the Humane Society, and they told me they don't deal with wildlife rescue. They referred me to "Helping Hands" in the Poconos. They referred me to a woman who rescues eagles, and her husband told me there is no one locally who could help me and that I should try to help the bird myself. He instructed me to grab the bird with my hands and pour dishwashing liquid between the slots of the bench and the bird's leg would slip free. Well, just as I was about to get some soap (I had some hand wash in my car), a park maintenance man pulled up to empty the trash cans. I showed him the trapped bird and he went back to his truck and got a screwdriver. He was able to loosen the slots on the bench so the bird could free its leg and finally fly away into a nearby tree! Thank you!

I felt good that I did not leave the bird there to die. Our son felt good too. For me, there is a deeper meaning to this story than just helping a poor, trapped little birdie. I think it was a teachable moment which I used to show my child that there can be good results in life if you try to help. You can always figure out ways to help a living creature that's trapped because you care. The care you give to a helpless bird (or ... puppy) can also be extended to humans who are suffering. Yep.

Life can be really cruel, and sometimes people find themselves trapped, like the little bird with a bloody leg-- who would not stop fighting for his (or her) life. We shouldn't be afraid to do what we can do to help, if we believe that is the right thing to do-- even if there are menacing crows and hawks hovering, ready to pounce and devour.

Photo of trapped sparrow by Gianni Villa

Case Closed Already?

Related Morning Call "newspaper" Story 

Morning Call reporter Brian Callaway contributed to this story. 

Interestingly, Brian then waded into the fray at The Morning Call "Forum" to ask some questions.  

One Forum commenter posed this excellent question to Callaway, that is, so far, unanswered ... 

Brian Callaway: There's an investigation in progress on this matter. Should The Morning Call be putting forth so much opinion and speculation as to what actually happened here with your provocative headline and first paragraph? It reads like the case is already "closed." Isn't that DA Jim Martin's job?

[Photo: DA Jim Martin] 

Case Closed Already?

Related Morning Call "newspaper" Story 

Morning Call reporter Brian Callaway contributed to this story. 

Interestingly, Brian then waded into the fray at The Morning Call "Forum" to ask some questions.  

One Forum commenter posed this excellent question to Callaway, that is, so far, unanswered ... 

Brian Callaway: There's an investigation in progress on this matter. Should The Morning Call be putting forth so much opinion and speculation as to what actually happened here with your provocative headline and first paragraph? It reads like the case is already "closed." Isn't that DA Jim Martin's job?

[Photo: DA Jim Martin] 

The Arts and Social Capital

I don't have a background in economics or sociology, but I know that the term social capital refers to the value of meaningful human interaction-- cooperation, understanding, building trust, bridging social gaps, easing ethnic tensions. High social capital strengthens a community. Low social capital leads to an intolerant and corrupt society and citizens who are apathetic about their local government. It becomes difficult to identify problems and find solutions. Crime increases. The concept of social capital has been obscured by our current economic panic.

Community arts events and artist groups help to build social capital which can result in actual capital for a city. Therefore, cultural events should not be eliminated when a city is struggling. The arts should not be viewed as just peripheral activities in a city.

A 1996 study found that two thirds of all major city arts agencies in the US were involved in crime prevention, 9 out of 10 involved in helping at risk youth, 9 out of 10 involved in raising cross-cultural awareness (Source: United States Urban Federation, June 1996 Report on the Arts Councils in the 50 largest US cities). So putting the arts on the back burner is not a good idea if a city wants to improve. Smart government leaders can see the interconnectedness and synergy of it all, and the value of the arts. It's more than just pretty pictures for your walls, and it's not just a luxury reserved for the wealthy class.

In Italy, a study of Italian regional government found a strong relationship between the number of choral societies and the effectiveness of government. Apparently, communities that sing together are happy with their government! (Source: Robert D. Putnam, Making Democracy Work, 1993.)

There is a mountain of evidence that arts programs keep kids safe, prevent crime, and beautify shabby neighborhoods.

Art also brings joy to people's lives, and joy makes us more willing to reach out and connect with each other. (Source: Michael Argyle, In Pursuit of the Quality of Life, 1996).

When people attend a cultural event or join a community arts group, they can discover shared understandings. When they participate in creating art, music, or dance, they can learn from each other, become more accepting of differences, respect each other more, and build friendships. The arts are unique in that way.

Dollars and cents aren't the only way to define a successful society. For example, in Canada they developed "Canada's Genuine Progress Index"(GPI) which is a measure of national well being > http://www.gpiatlantic.org/gpi.htm It has five parts: time use (volunteerism, housework and childcare, leisure time), natural capital, human and social capital, human impact on the environment, and living standards. Perhaps we should develop something like this in the U.S., because the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) does not measure human well being.

The GDP shows how much income we produce, but not how it is distributed-- and we know there has been a growing gap between the rich and poor in America.

Bob Lynch, President of Americans for the Arts, estimated that 10,000 arts organizations in the U.S. will close their doors this year. That's 10% of all arts organizations. Maybe during tough economic times, the non-profits and the arts institutions need to find new ways to demonstrate the value of the arts. Perhaps a model for assessing social capital is needed. People will spend time and money on something they feel is valuable in their lives.

I believe we need to create more social capital. Here are 150 things you can do to help create more social capital in Allentown > http://www.bettertogether.org/150ways.htm

Photo: HALA Community Mural at 5th and Gordon Sts., Courtesy Allentown Good News Blog

The Arts and Social Capital

I don't have a background in economics or sociology, but I know that the term social capital refers to the value of meaningful human interaction-- cooperation, understanding, building trust, bridging social gaps, easing ethnic tensions. High social capital strengthens a community. Low social capital leads to an intolerant and corrupt society and citizens who are apathetic about their local government. It becomes difficult to identify problems and find solutions. Crime increases. The concept of social capital has been obscured by our current economic panic.

Community arts events and artist groups help to build social capital which can result in actual capital for a city. Therefore, cultural events should not be eliminated when a city is struggling. The arts should not be viewed as just peripheral activities in a city.

A 1996 study found that two thirds of all major city arts agencies in the US were involved in crime prevention, 9 out of 10 involved in helping at risk youth, 9 out of 10 involved in raising cross-cultural awareness (Source: United States Urban Federation, June 1996 Report on the Arts Councils in the 50 largest US cities). So putting the arts on the back burner is not a good idea if a city wants to improve. Smart government leaders can see the interconnectedness and synergy of it all, and the value of the arts. It's more than just pretty pictures for your walls, and it's not just a luxury reserved for the wealthy class.

In Italy, a study of Italian regional government found a strong relationship between the number of choral societies and the effectiveness of government. Apparently, communities that sing together are happy with their government! (Source: Robert D. Putnam, Making Democracy Work, 1993.)

There is a mountain of evidence that arts programs keep kids safe, prevent crime, and beautify shabby neighborhoods.

Art also brings joy to people's lives, and joy makes us more willing to reach out and connect with each other. (Source: Michael Argyle, In Pursuit of the Quality of Life, 1996).

When people attend a cultural event or join a community arts group, they can discover shared understandings. When they participate in creating art, music, or dance, they can learn from each other, become more accepting of differences, respect each other more, and build friendships. The arts are unique in that way.

Dollars and cents aren't the only way to define a successful society. For example, in Canada they developed "Canada's Genuine Progress Index"(GPI) which is a measure of national well being > http://www.gpiatlantic.org/gpi.htm It has five parts: time use (volunteerism, housework and childcare, leisure time), natural capital, human and social capital, human impact on the environment, and living standards. Perhaps we should develop something like this in the U.S., because the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) does not measure human well being.

The GDP shows how much income we produce, but not how it is distributed-- and we know there has been a growing gap between the rich and poor in America.

Bob Lynch, President of Americans for the Arts, estimated that 10,000 arts organizations in the U.S. will close their doors this year. That's 10% of all arts organizations. Maybe during tough economic times, the non-profits and the arts institutions need to find new ways to demonstrate the value of the arts. Perhaps a model for assessing social capital is needed. People will spend time and money on something they feel is valuable in their lives.

I believe we need to create more social capital. Here are 150 things you can do to help create more social capital in Allentown > http://www.bettertogether.org/150ways.htm

Photo: HALA Community Mural at 5th and Gordon Sts., Courtesy Allentown Good News Blog

Takin' it to the Streets of Allentown

During tough economic times, the arts can thrive. Some of our best American art was created during the Depression in the 1930's, which triggered important art movements such as Regionalism, and Social Realism. Artists such as Thomas Hart Benton painted WPA sponsored murals on public buildings. Artists and photographers Ben Shahn, Jacob Lawrence, and Dorothea Lange depicted American life and the realities of living in poverty. These art movements influenced artists all over the world.

Art brings people together, raises our social consciousness, and can trigger and enhance economic development and urban renewal. While our town's only "newspaper" reports on the cut-backs and financial struggles of arts institutions like the Allentown Art Museum and The State Theater, the local community art scene is flourishing, especially in Allentown.

This past Saturday night, in an overflowing reserved space at the House of Chen Restaurant on Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, a large group of enthusiastic local artists (The Allentown Chen Arts Group) announced and specified plans for a variety of community art events to take place this Spring and Summer, while dining on amazingly dee-lish Malaysian cuisine, thanks to Jenny Chen!

A driving force behind Allentown's street art movement is Allentown artist Duane (Yodi) Vaden, http://yodiobono.spaces.live.com/ who is involved in street theatre, making large puppets, parades, African drumming, youth programs, political activism, and his own fine art.

There are many free outdoor events planned. To mention a few, starting in April on 7th St., the Artists in Action program will be happening every second Sat. of the month. Thanks Pete Lewnes and Yodi. Artists will be on the street in front of local businesses making and selling art, and there will be dancers, musicians, and a teen art program.

The Chen Arts Group is planning Second Saturday artist studio tours, music, and dancing on Hamilton St. And we will be having an indoor fine art show in the lower level community room of the Allentown Art Museum in June.

There will be a Peace Parade in May organized by The Arts Luminarium, a non-profit group. If you are interested in participating, or for more info, check out the Chen Arts Blog. http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Image is Thomas Hart Benton Mural "City Activities" in NYC subway

Takin' it to the Streets of Allentown

During tough economic times, the arts can thrive. Some of our best American art was created during the Depression in the 1930's, which triggered important art movements such as Regionalism, and Social Realism. Artists such as Thomas Hart Benton painted WPA sponsored murals on public buildings. Artists and photographers Ben Shahn, Jacob Lawrence, and Dorothea Lange depicted American life and the realities of living in poverty. These art movements influenced artists all over the world.

Art brings people together, raises our social consciousness, and can trigger and enhance economic development and urban renewal. While our town's only "newspaper" reports on the cut-backs and financial struggles of arts institutions like the Allentown Art Museum and The State Theater, the local community art scene is flourishing, especially in Allentown.

This past Saturday night, in an overflowing reserved space at the House of Chen Restaurant on Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, a large group of enthusiastic local artists (The Allentown Chen Arts Group) announced and specified plans for a variety of community art events to take place this Spring and Summer, while dining on amazingly dee-lish Malaysian cuisine, thanks to Jenny Chen!

A driving force behind Allentown's street art movement is Allentown artist Duane (Yodi) Vaden, http://yodiobono.spaces.live.com/ who is involved in street theatre, making large puppets, parades, African drumming, youth programs, political activism, and his own fine art.

There are many free outdoor events planned. To mention a few, starting in April on 7th St., the Artists in Action program will be happening every second Sat. of the month. Thanks Pete Lewnes and Yodi. Artists will be on the street in front of local businesses making and selling art, and there will be dancers, musicians, and a teen art program.

The Chen Arts Group is planning Second Saturday artist studio tours, music, and dancing on Hamilton St. And we will be having an indoor fine art show in the lower level community room of the Allentown Art Museum in June.

There will be a Peace Parade in May organized by The Arts Luminarium, a non-profit group. If you are interested in participating, or for more info, check out the Chen Arts Blog. http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Image is Thomas Hart Benton Mural "City Activities" in NYC subway

A Powerful Symbol

Yesterday, we visited Sheena's Memorial Garden at West Park in Allentown (lovingly maintained by Greg Palmer). Soon, Sheena's colorful garden will be in full bloom, like it is in the picture shown.

Our First Lady Michelle Obama and some school children are planting a garden on the White House grounds. I see the idea of a garden as the perfect political symbol right now, and as a powerful symbol in our lives.

During difficult times, whether it be grieving the death of a child and fighting for justice, or facing down an economic crisis and a lingering war, there is hope that something new will grow-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. There is faith in what cannot be seen, faith that something will emerge and nourish many people. Faith in something that can be shared and sustained. Faith in the future.

The garden also symbolizes self-reliance, getting your hands dirty and working hard. The garden requires creativity. We have planted some seeds of justice, and we are confident they will bear fruit-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. We will continue to do the hard work during these hard times.

A Powerful Symbol

Yesterday, we visited Sheena's Memorial Garden at West Park in Allentown (lovingly maintained by Greg Palmer). Soon, Sheena's colorful garden will be in full bloom, like it is in the picture shown.

Our First Lady Michelle Obama and some school children are planting a garden on the White House grounds. I see the idea of a garden as the perfect political symbol right now, and as a powerful symbol in our lives.

During difficult times, whether it be grieving the death of a child and fighting for justice, or facing down an economic crisis and a lingering war, there is hope that something new will grow-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. There is faith in what cannot be seen, faith that something will emerge and nourish many people. Faith in something that can be shared and sustained. Faith in the future.

The garden also symbolizes self-reliance, getting your hands dirty and working hard. The garden requires creativity. We have planted some seeds of justice, and we are confident they will bear fruit-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. We will continue to do the hard work during these hard times.

Magistrate Reschedules O'Hare vs. Villa

Readers, the gripping courtroom drama that had been scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, has been moved to mid-May, at the request of the Magistrate. 

For the record, neither of the 2 prior continuances were requested by me-- as has been slitheringly misrepresented by the whiney Complainant in this case, per his standard M.O. 

The first reschedule and voluntary recusal was made by the original Magistrate in the case. 

The second reschedule was requested by legal counsel because of a prior court commitment.  

And this 3rd reschedule was initiated by the presiding Magistrate. 

Personally, I cannot wait for these legal proceedings to get started. 

Unfortunately, we'll all have to wait until mid-May now.    

[Posted by Mr. Dottie] 

Magistrate Reschedules O'Hare vs. Villa

Readers, the gripping courtroom drama that had been scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, has been moved to mid-May, at the request of the Magistrate. 

For the record, neither of the 2 prior continuances were requested by me-- as has been slitheringly misrepresented by the whiney Complainant in this case, per his standard M.O. 

The first reschedule and voluntary recusal was made by the original Magistrate in the case. 

The second reschedule was requested by legal counsel because of a prior court commitment.  

And this 3rd reschedule was initiated by the presiding Magistrate. 

Personally, I cannot wait for these legal proceedings to get started. 

Unfortunately, we'll all have to wait until mid-May now.    

[Posted by Mr. Dottie] 

Marc Waldman, 1968-2009

In late 2004, The Villas auditioned 10 bass players. 

Marc Waldman (despite playing great and having, by far, the most fabulous rock star hair of all the auditionees) came in second and didn't get the job. This had never happened to Marc before. He had always "smoked the audition and gotten the job," which he reminded me in a series of increasingly funny, charming, and endearing phone calls ("Hey Villa,Waldman") over the ensuing months.

When the new bass player we had selected didn't work out, ring-a-ding hipster Marc Waldman and his fabulous haircut by Kathy Parker became The Villas bass player. 

Our first gig with Marc was a private employee Holiday Party at Rodale, Inc. (gulp, don't wanna screw up there) on 12/17/04 and Marc did indeed smoke that gig and all subsequent Villas shows. 

With Marc's longtime Aquabees bandmate Kevin Groller joining The Villas on drums, we (Angie, me, Marc, Kevin, and Bill Wehbe on keyboards) proceeded to have thee most F-U-N the Villas band had ever had since forming in 1999. And our revolving personnel door stopped revolving. In one smooth operator move, Marc Waldman had brought both fun and stability to a band that had experienced both only fleetingly before him. Those who know Marc will no doubt appreciate and maybe marvel at this delicious irony.

From the swingin’ croons of Frank Sinatra to the rippin’ surf riffs of Dick Dale, and from cocktail jazz and John Philip Sousa to The Beatles, Marc Waldman could, and did, play anything, and everything, exceptionally well.

That's Marc playing bass on The Villas new 2-song single (you can hear these songs by clicking on the kick drum at this blog's right sidebar) and on our upcoming 3rd full-length CD.

I will always have an especially warm place in my heart for Marc for his cajoling (and nagging) and encouraging (and insisting) that I perform via cameo appearance on lead vocals with Marc's longtime great surf/cover band, The Aquabees, which includes Kevin Groller on drums, Larry D'Amelio on Farfisa organ, and Dano Dave D'Amelio on guitar. I'll never forget the two 2005 shows The Villas and The Aquabees did together at The Fun House in Bethlehem and the two Aquabees gigs at The Hotel Bethlehem during Musikfest that Marc booked and promoted and played bass in both bands and never got his hair mussed. I haven't had that much fun since.

Our local and regional music communities have lost a truly great one with the passing of Marc Waldman.

We will always miss our Villas bandmate, Marc. 

Marc Waldman's Obituary in The Morning Call

Marc Waldman's Bio at The Villas Website 

[This post was composed by Bill Villa] 

Photo Credit: Annie Giancarlo, Mayfair, 2007. 

Marc Waldman, 1968-2009

In late 2004, The Villas auditioned 10 bass players. 

Marc Waldman (despite playing great and having, by far, the most fabulous rock star hair of all the auditionees) came in second and didn't get the job. This had never happened to Marc before. He had always "smoked the audition and gotten the job," which he reminded me in a series of increasingly funny, charming, and endearing phone calls ("Hey Villa,Waldman") over the ensuing months.

When the new bass player we had selected didn't work out, ring-a-ding hipster Marc Waldman and his fabulous haircut by Kathy Parker became The Villas bass player. 

Our first gig with Marc was a private employee Holiday Party at Rodale, Inc. (gulp, don't wanna screw up there) on 12/17/04 and Marc did indeed smoke that gig and all subsequent Villas shows. 

With Marc's longtime Aquabees bandmate Kevin Groller joining The Villas on drums, we (Angie, me, Marc, Kevin, and Bill Wehbe on keyboards) proceeded to have thee most F-U-N the Villas band had ever had since forming in 1999. And our revolving personnel door stopped revolving. In one smooth operator move, Marc Waldman had brought both fun and stability to a band that had experienced both only fleetingly before him. Those who know Marc will no doubt appreciate and maybe marvel at this delicious irony.

From the swingin’ croons of Frank Sinatra to the rippin’ surf riffs of Dick Dale, and from cocktail jazz and John Philip Sousa to The Beatles, Marc Waldman could, and did, play anything, and everything, exceptionally well.

That's Marc playing bass on The Villas new 2-song single (you can hear these songs by clicking on the kick drum at this blog's right sidebar) and on our upcoming 3rd full-length CD.

I will always have an especially warm place in my heart for Marc for his cajoling (and nagging) and encouraging (and insisting) that I perform via cameo appearance on lead vocals with Marc's longtime great surf/cover band, The Aquabees, which includes Kevin Groller on drums, Larry D'Amelio on Farfisa organ, and Dano Dave D'Amelio on guitar. I'll never forget the two 2005 shows The Villas and The Aquabees did together at The Fun House in Bethlehem and the two Aquabees gigs at The Hotel Bethlehem during Musikfest that Marc booked and promoted and played bass in both bands and never got his hair mussed. I haven't had that much fun since.

Our local and regional music communities have lost a truly great one with the passing of Marc Waldman.

We will always miss our Villas bandmate, Marc. 

Marc Waldman's Obituary in The Morning Call

Marc Waldman's Bio at The Villas Website 

[This post was composed by Bill Villa] 

Photo Credit: Annie Giancarlo, Mayfair, 2007. 

DA Martin, a YEAR to file charges in a DUI Death? You've got some explaining to do.

[March 2010 UpDate: After taking a YEAR to file charges, DA Martin needed another YEAR to get a guilty plea from Gregory Williams. And during these TWO YEARS, Williams, who had crashed into a house hundreds of feet off route 22, killing Shaun Buenzly in the process, was free, and free to keep driving. We believe the citizens of Lehigh County deserve faster service and better protection from its DA]

Eighteen minutes after the bars closed on Sunday morning March 16, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), 23 year-old Parkland grad Shaun Buenzly was killed in a car crash on Route 22 near the Lehigh Valley Mall. Buenzly was a passenger in the back seat of a car driven by Gregory Williams, 23.

State police at Bethlehem told The Morning Call that Williams was driving at a high rate of speed before losing control of his vehicle, leaving the roadway, traveling up a 200 foot dirt embankment, hitting several trees, and a house-- and killing Shaun Buenzly in the process who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver Gregory Williams and a front-seat passenger, Adam Bortz, 22, had moderate injuries and were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

On March 20, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), The Morning Call reported that State police at Bethlehem were "seeking the public's help" in locating a "second car" that may have had "possible involvement" in the fatal crash.

The "newspaper" gave a detailed description of the second car being sought and named a State Trooper to contact if the public had information on the vehicle or its owner.

A YEAR would go by before The Morning Call had anything further to report on the tragic car crash death of Shaun Buenzly.

Last week (i.e., a YEAR later), "no nonsense" (wink wink) Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin finally announced criminal charges in this case.

According to The Morning Call's report from last week, DA Jim Martin alleges that Gregory Williams was driving drunk when he killed Shaun Buenzly. How does DA Martin know this? Turns out Lehigh Valley Hospital extracted a .13 blood alcohol content on Williams the morning of the fatal crash-- a YEAR ago.

Oh, and remember that cryptic "second car" the police and The Morning Call were seeking the public's help in locating?

Turns out the driver of that car, Jamie Torres, had turned himself in to police "a few days later," a YEAR ago.

Somehow, The Morning Call, had, um, missed reporting on, this Morning Call-solicited "break in the case" from a YEAR ago ... until they mentioned it, in passing, in their coverage of Jumbo Jimbo filing charges last week.

In a nutshell, DA Jim Martin had everything he needed to file criminal charges in the apparent (and alleged) DUI homicide death of Shaun Buenzly within days of the fatal crash a YEAR ago.

So what took DA Jim Martin a YEAR to file charges.

According to "reporter" Manny Gamiz of The Morning Call:

"District Attorney James Martin said his office was unable to conclude whether charges were warranted until Feb. 24 [my note: and that's Feb. 24 a YEAR later] when it received results of forensic tests that were done at the state police lab in Harrisburg. Those results were not available."

Also apparently not available (and obviously not even asked by "reporter" Manny Gamiz) was this followup question Lehigh Valley Somebody is asking DA Jim Martin and The Morning Call here:

What were the forensic tests that took a YEAR to complete? Please explain.

3/19/11 Editor's Note: Readers, if you're looking for "reporter" Manny Gamiz's original final sentence quoting DA Jim Martin's "waiting on forensic test results" excuse for needing a YEAR to file charges against Gregory Williams, as reprinted above in our original post, you won't find it in the Morning Call's archived article. That original final sentence appears to have been deleted from The Morning Call archives to shield DA Jim Martin from scrutiny. Stay tuned for confirmation.

Read > THE DIRTY FACTS ON DA JIM MARTIN

Essential Reading > WHY WE FIGHT

DA Martin, a YEAR to file charges in a DUI Death? You've got some explaining to do.

[March 2010 UpDate: After taking a YEAR to file charges, DA Martin needed another YEAR to get a guilty plea from Gregory Williams. And during these TWO YEARS, Williams, who had crashed into a house hundreds of feet off route 22, killing Shaun Buenzly in the process, was free, and free to keep driving. We believe the citizens of Lehigh County deserve faster service and better protection from its DA]

Eighteen minutes after the bars closed on Sunday morning March 16, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), 23 year-old Parkland grad Shaun Buenzly was killed in a car crash on Route 22 near the Lehigh Valley Mall. Buenzly was a passenger in the back seat of a car driven by Gregory Williams, 23.

State police at Bethlehem told The Morning Call that Williams was driving at a high rate of speed before losing control of his vehicle, leaving the roadway, traveling up a 200 foot dirt embankment, hitting several trees, and a house-- and killing Shaun Buenzly in the process who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver Gregory Williams and a front-seat passenger, Adam Bortz, 22, had moderate injuries and were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

On March 20, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), The Morning Call reported that State police at Bethlehem were "seeking the public's help" in locating a "second car" that may have had "possible involvement" in the fatal crash.

The "newspaper" gave a detailed description of the second car being sought and named a State Trooper to contact if the public had information on the vehicle or its owner.

A YEAR would go by before The Morning Call had anything further to report on the tragic car crash death of Shaun Buenzly.

Last week (i.e., a YEAR later), "no nonsense" (wink wink) Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin finally announced criminal charges in this case.

According to The Morning Call's report from last week, DA Jim Martin alleges that Gregory Williams was driving drunk when he killed Shaun Buenzly. How does DA Martin know this? Turns out Lehigh Valley Hospital extracted a .13 blood alcohol content on Williams the morning of the fatal crash-- a YEAR ago.

Oh, and remember that cryptic "second car" the police and The Morning Call were seeking the public's help in locating?

Turns out the driver of that car, Jamie Torres, had turned himself in to police "a few days later," a YEAR ago.

Somehow, The Morning Call, had, um, missed reporting on, this Morning Call-solicited "break in the case" from a YEAR ago ... until they mentioned it, in passing, in their coverage of Jumbo Jimbo filing charges last week.

In a nutshell, DA Jim Martin had everything he needed to file criminal charges in the apparent (and alleged) DUI homicide death of Shaun Buenzly within days of the fatal crash a YEAR ago.

So what took DA Jim Martin a YEAR to file charges.

According to "reporter" Manny Gamiz of The Morning Call:

"District Attorney James Martin said his office was unable to conclude whether charges were warranted until Feb. 24 [my note: and that's Feb. 24 a YEAR later] when it received results of forensic tests that were done at the state police lab in Harrisburg. Those results were not available."

Also apparently not available (and obviously not even asked by "reporter" Manny Gamiz) was this followup question Lehigh Valley Somebody is asking DA Jim Martin and The Morning Call here:

What were the forensic tests that took a YEAR to complete? Please explain.

3/19/11 Editor's Note: Readers, if you're looking for "reporter" Manny Gamiz's original final sentence quoting DA Jim Martin's "waiting on forensic test results" excuse for needing a YEAR to file charges against Gregory Williams, as reprinted above in our original post, you won't find it in the Morning Call's archived article. That original final sentence appears to have been deleted from The Morning Call archives to shield DA Jim Martin from scrutiny. 

Read > THE DIRTY FACTS ON DA JIM MARTIN

Essential Reading > WHY WE FIGHT

George Clooney at The White House

Oo la la! Yesterday my fave actor, the Academy Award winning George Clooney met with President Obama and Vice President Biden at the White House to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. He asked the administration to appoint a "high-profile full time envoy" to Darfur. They said "yes." Darn, I missed George on Larry King last night! I think the genocide in Darfur is something that we just can't ignore, even though we are in an economic crisis at home. Clooney believes that the United States can help, not by sending money, but through diplomacy. It's great to see that Obama's doors are open.

So, who is your favorite celebrity/political activist??

George Clooney at The White House

Oo la la! Yesterday my fave actor, the Academy Award winning George Clooney met with President Obama and Vice President Biden at the White House to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. He asked the administration to appoint a "high-profile full time envoy" to Darfur. They said "yes." Darn, I missed George on Larry King last night! I think the genocide in Darfur is something that we just can't ignore, even though we are in an economic crisis at home. Clooney believes that the United States can help, not by sending money, but through diplomacy. It's great to see that Obama's doors are open.

So, who is your favorite celebrity/political activist??

Privatization of Food Inspections: BAD

Here's proof that putting our trust in the Conservative Ideology "Free Market System" can be dangerous to your (mental and physical) health.

Thanks to the President George W. Bush administration, we saw the privatization of food inspections and cuts to the FDA. According to a February 2007 AP article, there are 12% fewer FDA field employees now and “safety tests for U.S. produced food have dropped nearly 75 percent, from 9,748 in 2003 to 2,455 last year (2006), according to the agency’s own statistics.”

So "private auditors" have been monitoring (wink wink) major food plants. The Peanut Corp. of America, which used private inspectors, was shipping salmonella tainted peanuts for 9 months, putting corporate profit before public health and safety. Nine people died and 22,500 were sickened. Think about how many children eat peanut butter and jelly! 143 million pounds of beef was recalled in February of 2008. (Source:NY Times article below) Remember the tainted pet food last year? Remember the spinach contamination in 2006? Tomatoes? Oh but don't forget: Government isn't the solution, government is the problem. Yep.

Currently the FDA operates under a 1938 law that does not give it the authority to properly regulate our food supply. I found some encouraging info though: According to Tenn. State Rep. Bart Gordon Feb, 2009:

"The FDA cannot set common standards for state and federal inspections, can't require companies to take measures to prevent food contamination, and can't order mandatory recalls. There is also no system to track contaminated food back to the source, and the agency no longer has the resources to inspect food-producing facilities on a regular basis.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am member, began investigating the nation's food and drug safety systems last year. In the next few months, we will take up comprehensive legislation that will give the FDA the authority and resources it needs to modernize the nation's food and drug safety system. This bill will give the FDA mandatory recall power, increase financial resources and enforcement authority, require companies to have a plan in place to prevent food contaminations, and create a food-tracing system."

The private inspector who (wink wink) "inspected" the peanut plant did not know that salmonella would grow in peanut butter. He was not instructed to inspect for salmonella. Perhaps the FDA should provide standards and guidelines for inspections?

Deregulation and less government oversight hasn't worked, whether it's our "just trust us" financial institutions or the safety of our food. And now the Republicans want to continue with their dangerous policies, putting their ideology before the urgency of this economic crisis. They are against government stimulus money to help our economy and prevent a Depression. But they are all for the government giving 800 billion to greedy and loan-reckless bankers, without any oversight whatsoever.

Here's some really important investigative journalism done by Michael Moss and Andrew Martin of the New York Times. Where was the media on this issue during the previous administration? And where was the Congressional concern when Bush made these cuts to the FDA?

Please read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/06food.html

UPDATE 3/12: (From NPR News) " President Obama is expected to name former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to lead the troubled Food and Drug Administration."

The President is taking action! Read about Hamburg here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101777063&ft=1&f=1014

Privatization of Food Inspections: BAD

Here's proof that putting our trust in the Conservative Ideology "Free Market System" can be dangerous to your (mental and physical) health.

Thanks to the President George W. Bush administration, we saw the privatization of food inspections and cuts to the FDA. According to a February 2007 AP article, there are 12% fewer FDA field employees now and “safety tests for U.S. produced food have dropped nearly 75 percent, from 9,748 in 2003 to 2,455 last year (2006), according to the agency’s own statistics.”

So "private auditors" have been monitoring (wink wink) major food plants. The Peanut Corp. of America, which used private inspectors, was shipping salmonella tainted peanuts for 9 months, putting corporate profit before public health and safety. Nine people died and 22,500 were sickened. Think about how many children eat peanut butter and jelly! 143 million pounds of beef was recalled in February of 2008. (Source:NY Times article below) Remember the tainted pet food last year? Remember the spinach contamination in 2006? Tomatoes? Oh but don't forget: Government isn't the solution, government is the problem. Yep.

Currently the FDA operates under a 1938 law that does not give it the authority to properly regulate our food supply. I found some encouraging info though: According to Tenn. State Rep. Bart Gordon Feb, 2009:

"The FDA cannot set common standards for state and federal inspections, can't require companies to take measures to prevent food contamination, and can't order mandatory recalls. There is also no system to track contaminated food back to the source, and the agency no longer has the resources to inspect food-producing facilities on a regular basis.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am member, began investigating the nation's food and drug safety systems last year. In the next few months, we will take up comprehensive legislation that will give the FDA the authority and resources it needs to modernize the nation's food and drug safety system. This bill will give the FDA mandatory recall power, increase financial resources and enforcement authority, require companies to have a plan in place to prevent food contaminations, and create a food-tracing system."

The private inspector who (wink wink) "inspected" the peanut plant did not know that salmonella would grow in peanut butter. He was not instructed to inspect for salmonella. Perhaps the FDA should provide standards and guidelines for inspections?

Deregulation and less government oversight hasn't worked, whether it's our "just trust us" financial institutions or the safety of our food. And now the Republicans want to continue with their dangerous policies, putting their ideology before the urgency of this economic crisis. They are against government stimulus money to help our economy and prevent a Depression. But they are all for the government giving 800 billion to greedy and loan-reckless bankers, without any oversight whatsoever.

Here's some really important investigative journalism done by Michael Moss and Andrew Martin of the New York Times. Where was the media on this issue during the previous administration? And where was the Congressional concern when Bush made these cuts to the FDA?

Please read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/06food.html

UPDATE 3/12: (From NPR News) " President Obama is expected to name former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to lead the troubled Food and Drug Administration."

The President is taking action! Read about Hamburg here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101777063&ft=1&f=1014

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.