The LuLac Edition #4, 675, January 25th, 2022

 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED

Our “Maybe I’m Amazed” logo.

Meat Loaf Edition  (Photo: L.A. Times)

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that Meat Loaf had to convince the big shots at the record companies to take a chance on his talents. They felt classic rock didn’t need ballads.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” album, four decades after its release, sells an estimated 200,000 copies annually and stayed on the charts for over nine years, making it one of the best-selling albums in history.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that while never a guest host, Meat Loaf appeared on Saturday Night Live twice as a musical guest in 1978 and 1981.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that Meat Loaf was quite the Facebook writer who personally kept in touch with his fans.  As a matter of fact, he was a follower of Mrs. LuLac’s social media account.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that during a raucous Meat Loaf concert at the GM Kirby Center, this blog editor actually fell asleep during the concert.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that Meat Loaf wrote a book released in 1999 called “To Hell and Back: An Autobiography. It was a pretty good book.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that Meat Loaf was one of the contestants on Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice”. At one point Meat Loaf went bat shit crazy fellow competto Gary Busse and that was wildly entertaining. When Trump heard about the performer’s death, he said, “"Meat Loaf was a great guy - got to know him very well doing 'Celebrity Apprentice,' " Trump said in a Friday statement. "He was smart, talented, open, and warm” Trump described the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" actor's success as "enormous," saying, "We all loved him. Meat Loaf will be greatly missed!"

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that the most memorable episode of “House” in 2009 was when Meat Loaf played Eddie.  The character lies on his deathbed, his wife Charlotte is stricken with respiratory failure. The team takes Charlotte's case and wheels Eddie into her room, as he seems to gain strength when he sees her suffering

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that the woman who does the duet with Meat Loaf on “Paradise By the Dash board Light” was Ellen Foley. Many of her fans know her as public defender Billie Young in the TV series “Night Court,” which she starred in for the first season.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that Meat Loaf was on Broadway before he gained fame as a rocker. In December 1972, Meat Loaf was in the original off-Broadway production of Rainbow at the Orpheum Theatre in New York. After the tour, Meat Loaf rejoined the cast of Hair, this time on Broadway.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED….that Meat Loaf, who performed at a 2012 rally for then-Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, called his own political views "schizophrenic."

Here are two of his classics:

The LuLa Edition #4, 674, January 24th, 2022

 MONDAY MEMES 

The LuLac Edition #4, 673, January 20th, 2022

VOTING RIGHTS ACT NOT PASSED 

In 2006 the Voting Rights Act was reaffirmed in the Senate by a 98-0 vote. This year 50 GOP Senators and two Democratic opportunists and pretenders chose process over people.  The frustrating thing is the two Senate wins in Georgia last year don't mean a hill of beans when one southern knucklehead and one horribly dressed woman gets a final say over saving our democracy. In the words of our friend of this site, Dr, Joe Leonardi, "Biden would have been better off with a GOP Senate".

 

DONALD TRUMP MAY HAVE ‘FALSELY AND FRAUDULENTLY’ VALUED ASSETS, AND ERIC TRUMP TOOK THE FIFTH TO MORE THAN 500 QUESTIONS: NEW YORK AG

 

 Iyvana Trump, Eric "Mr. 500" Trump and Don Junior. (Photo: GQ)

Former President Donald Trump may have “falsely and fraudulently” valued multiple assets, and his family has adopted a tactic of delaying and ducking testimony—when they’re not pleading the Fifth, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) claimed late on Tuesday evening.

In explosive court documents released just before midnight, James alleged that the 45th president’s company inflated the size of his Trump Tower triplex by nearly three times or tax benefits, did not assign a value to the Trump brand, and may have used “fraudulent or misleading” asset valuations on six properties to obtain economic benefits.

Trump and his children Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump have tried to quash their subpoenas for what they call “an unprecedented and unconstitutional maneuver” for their documents and testimony. According to the attorney general’s latest petition, Eric Trump invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination to more than 500 questions over six hours during his pre-2020 election deposition. (USA Today)

 

MASTRIANO ENDORSES FELLOW ARMY VETERAN AS HIS CHOICE FOR PA. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

 

My guys, Teddy and Doug. Two domes going for the big dome in Harrisburg. (Photo: America First Report)

Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano has given a fellow Army veteran Teddy Daniels his endorsement as Pennsylvania’s next lieutenant governor.

Daniels, of Wayne County, shared via livestream on Facebook on Wednesday his intention to run for the statewide office rather than pursuing the state’s 8th Congressional District seat that he ann “After much thought, much consideration, after people from across the state have approached me, I have made the decision to announce my candidacy for the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania,” he said on Facebook on Wednesday. Attempts to contact Daniels and Mastriano for comment were unsuccessful.

Daniels, considered a far-right conservative much like Mastriano and a self-described “ruffle-your-feathers type person,” identifies himself as an anti-establishment candidate with no interest in working with the Republican Party to get his message out in his pursuit for the Republican nomination for the state’s second-in-command post.

That was evident in his video where Daniels accused the GOP of only being interested in status quo politicians. He took a shot at GOP gubernatorial candidate Jake Corman, the top Republican in the Senate, for taking the leadership of the Senate GOP’s 2020 election review away from Mastriano and handing it to another senator due to Corman’s quest for the governor’s office.an ounced he was seeking on Saturday at Mastriano’s formal announcement of his gubernatorial bid.

This is my GOP dream ticket.

 

DR. OZ APPEARS IN OLD FORGE

The Doctor with Lynette Villano. (Photo: Villano Facebook page) 

Here's a shot at the crowd last night which is nothing to sneeze at. (Photo: Villano FB page) 

 Dr. Oz greeted a packed house at Arcaro & Genelle in Old Forge Wednesday night. The surgeon and TV personality is now a Republican contender in the race for Pennsylvania’s open seat in the U.S. Senate.  “People generally care much more about what you stand for than where you came from. I chose to be in Pennsylvania. I love this state. I always have, I talk about it endlessly, I do free clinics across the state. I’ve done lots of work within the state of Pennsylvania in addition to vacationing here, so for me it’s not a foreign issue,” Dr. Oz said.

Oz did not appear in Wyoming County. The GOP faithful from Luzerne County also made the trek. The fact that Oz had a packed house tells you that his candidacy is not a joke. He has money and name recognition, two things that go well in an already overcrowded field for the Toomey seat. (WBRE/WYOU TV, LuLac)

 

ELIZABETH WARREN HINTS SUPPORT FOR PRIMARYIMG  MANCHIN, SINEMA IF VOTING BILL DOESN'T PASS

 

Senator Elizabeth Warren (Photo: Business Insider)

Senator Elizabeth Warren declined to rule out supporting primary challengers against Democratic colleagues who may block legislation that would expand voting rights across the United States on Tuesday.

The Senate  began debate on the voting rights legislation—which would expand voting access and restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965—on Tuesday.

But two moderate Democratic senators, Kyrsten Sinema  of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, threaten to derail the bill through their support of the filibuster, a Senate rule requiring at least 60 votes to end debate on a bill.

In an evenly-divided senate where no Republicans s have said they would vote to end the filibuster on the voting rights legislation essentially kills any chance of the bill passing. Manchin and Sinema have faced calls from other Democrats  to change it to allow the bill to go through but have declined to do so.

Warren—a progressive leader within the Democratic Party—on Tuesday declined to rule out endorsing primary challenges against Manchin and Sinema if they do not vote to change the filibuster during an appearance on CBS News, possibly adding more pressure to the pair of centrist senators.

"We'll address that when we get past this week," Warren said when host Nate Burleson asked if Sinema and Manchin should face primary challengers when they're up for re-election in 2024. I would definitely support that and even contribute to defeat them. (AP)

 

FROM THE HE’S AN IDIOT DEPARTMENT:

JOE MANCHIN SEES 'NO USE' IN HOLDING A VOTE ON VOTING RIGHTS THAT IS ALMOST CERTAIN TO FAIL — THANKS IN PART TO HIM

Senator Joe "small minded" Manchin. (Photo: L.A. Times) 

Sen. Joe Manchin said that he doesn't see the point of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer forcing a vote later Wednesday on the party's major voting rights proposals given that they are virtually destined to fail, thanks in part to his stance.

"I would like to see us stay on the bill. There's no use to try to bring this to finality by having a vote that's going to fail tonight," Manchin of West Virginia told CNN's Manu Raju ahead of a pivotal day for Democrats.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to force a vote that weakens the Senate's filibuster after Republicans blocked the party from passing voting rights legislation. Democrats, including Manchin, are united behind the party's two bills but Manchin and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema are steadfast in opposition to changing filibuster rules.

Republicans are expected to block Democrats from passing their legislation. Schumer is then expected to force senators to consider changing the filibuster, the de-facto 60-vote threshold for most legislation, but due to Manchin and Sinema's opposition that effort will also fail.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called Schumer's expected moves a "sad spectacle." Schumer and President Joe Biden have repeatedly said the party's voting rights proposals are about the continuation of the American experiment itself. Schumer has stressed that it is important for all senators, including his fellow Democrats, to put their views on the record.

What is sad is this: McConnell who carried water for the most corrupt and worst President of the United States has the gall to call this sad. Once again with the Republicans of today: ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION.

 

CASEY, TILLIS, SMITH, MURKOWSKI INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKFORCE

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS CAN ADDRESS THE SOCIAL CAUSES OF PREVENTABLE DISEASE, REDUCING HEALTH CARE SPENDING SIGNIFICANTLY

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

As communities across the Nation tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen the workforce of community health workers and address health disparities among underserved communities. Studies have demonstrated that community health workers can identify and address the specific health needs of their communities, promote healthy behavior and reduce hospitalization. The Building a Sustainable Workforce for Healthy Communities Act would reauthorize a competitive grant program to support state and local governments, tribal organizations and community-based organizations in expanding community health worker programs.

“Investing in the health care workforce has never been so vital,” said Senator Casey. “The pandemic highlighted inequities in health care that long preceded it and exacerbated the public health and economic crises we are currently experiencing. Community health workers are uniquely suited to understanding the needs of a community and reducing health risks. By investing in our health care workforce, we can put the country on the road to economic recovery.”

“With the current labor shortages facing our communities, we must continue to invest in the future of our health care workforce,” said Senator Tillis. “Our communities need more support, proper resources, and access to necessary health care. I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation that will do just that, ensuring we are recruiting, training, and retaining qualified frontline health care professionals.”

“Community health workers play a vital role promoting health in their communities,” said Senator Smith. “This bill will help empower community health workers to promote optimal health outcomes for populations in medically underserved communities, taking an important step forward in advancing health equity and closing health disparities.”

“Community health workers serve an important role, particularly in areas with shortages of health providers. They are patient advocates—providing care, education, resources, follow-up, and so much more,” said Senator Murkowski. “As we continue to grapple with COVID-19 and health care provider shortages, this grant program would help communities ensure community health worker services are able to continue and expand.”

Grant funding would be used to recruit and train community health workers who understand the needs of the community and support outreach to underserved communities and those requiring additional assistance during a public health emergency. These health care workers would promote positive health behaviors and improve access to services supporting physical and mental health, such as childcare, housing, education, and nutrition. 

 

GOV. WOLF URGES U.S. SENATE TO PASS THE JOHN LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT AND THE FREEDOM TO VOTE ACT

Governor Tom Wolf (Photo: LuLac archives)

Gov. Tom Wolf is urging the U.S. Senate to prevent election sabotage and protect our freedom to vote by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

“This is a critical moment in our nation’s history to protect voting rights and the Senate is running out of time,” said Gov. Wolf. “The Senate must pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act now. With anti-voter politicians in state legislatures across the country unleashing a barrage of bills to undermine the right to vote, choose their own voters, and attack free and fair elections, the stakes are too high for Washington gridlock.

“The Senate should consider suspending the filibuster rule if it means protecting the foundation of democracy that this county is built upon. Without Senate action to protect the right to vote and ensure the integrity and transparency of our elections, the voices of many Americans, especially Americans of color, will be suppressed.

“Voters of both parties across the country support both bills. It’s time for the Senate to listen to state and local officials, business and community leaders, and millions of Americans by preventing attacks on our elections and preserving the right to vote by immediately passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

On Dec. 13, 2020, the governor joined a coalition of 17 governors in sending a letter to U.S. Senate ​Leaders Charles Schumer and Mitch McConnell expressing concern about threats to our nation’s democracy and urging passage of the two bills. The governors noted federal action is necessary because state legislatures across the country are considering an unprecedented wave of anti-democratic bills that would undermine the right to vote that would create disparities that threaten our nation’s electoral process.

The governor is also encouraging the Pennsylvania state legislature to pass HB 2090 from prime sponsor House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton that would bolster the state’s election process and further remove barriers to voting.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

 

WARM RADIO GOES COUNTRY

WARM Radio which was a CBS Sports Radio station for several years went classic country. Dubbed Big Foot Country Classic Radio the programing is simulcast with 108.7 FM. To my knowledge WARM never went country. At one time in early 1966 WARM did a Country Top Ten Countdown on Sunday evenings starting at 10. The major country entity at hat time was WGBI AM at 910 on the dial. Later WDLS which is included in the WARM station ID was a player in the market along with Cat Country. Froggy 101 which took over the WGBI frequency has been a dominant player in this radio market. The change came suddenly over the MLK Day weekend. Now there is a rumor out there that Cumulus sold WARM to  a group that wants to make it a Hip Hop station. (For real!) THat makes the country format just a placeholder. We'll see. 

WALN TV 

 BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM 

  This week's guest will be Christin Sankey from Reach Cyber Charter School. You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River. 

 

BOBBY V'S DOO WOP SOCK HOP 

 

1975

Our 1975 logo.

President Gerald Ford appoints 

Vice President Nelson Rockefeller to head a special commission looking into alleged domestic abuses by the CIA……..The flight of Soyuz 17 with the crew of Georgy Grechko and Aleksei Gubarev) aboard the Salyut 4 space station…… International Women's Year islaunched in Britain by Princess Alexandra and Barbara Castle……..Steel roller coaster Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom) opens at Walt Disney World in Florida, becoming one of the park's most popular attractions into the 21st century…..The United States Atomic Energy Commission is divided between the Energy Research and Development Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, partly in response to the 1973 oil crisis……The 6.8 Ms Kinnaur earthquake affected Himachal Pradesh in India with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), killing 47…….In Hanoi, North Vietnam, the Politburo approves the final military offensive against South Vietnam…….American talent agent Michael Ovitz founds the Creative Artists Agency…..Work is abandoned on the British end of the Channel Tunnel and this week in 1975 the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Mandy” by  Barry Manilow. This was the first song that hit big for Manilow who would go on to become a world class entertainer.