tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post7089843196812974815..comments2024-03-28T11:05:44.202-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Allentown Blogger: Is Hava Java Dangerous to Your Vena Cava?Bernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-57555632327454985832009-02-09T08:20:00.000-05:002009-02-09T08:20:00.000-05:00Villa, Repeating a lie over and over does not make...Villa, <BR/><BR/>Repeating a lie over and over does not make it true. Accusing others of doing what you do with impunity may ease your conscience, but it is still a lie. I am none of those people. <BR/><BR/>At the bottom of this blog is a sitemeter. Every time someone reads this blog or makes a comment, it is noted. With all of these people, there are separate IPs, which are partially listed on the sitemeter available to the public. <BR/><BR/>Villa is not just a liar, but is demonstrably a liar.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-77963410047498886032009-02-09T05:15:00.000-05:002009-02-09T05:15:00.000-05:00"KathyD" is Bernie O'Hare. So is "The Banker," "Re..."KathyD" is Bernie O'Hare. <BR/><BR/>So is "The Banker," "Retired ASD Teacher," and many more regulars here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-10676763796118182562009-02-08T20:56:00.000-05:002009-02-08T20:56:00.000-05:00The last comment, posted at 8:28 and purporting to...The last comment, posted at 8:28 and purporting to be "The Banker," is none other than TrollVilla. He has posted anonymously and used sock puppets for as long as I can remember. He has bragged about this in emails to me. I have saved them, too, which really pisses him off. He has also admitted his deception in conversations with me and others. Comments from Villa and his various identities happen to share the same two IPs. I have noticed this. So have two other bloggers. <BR/><BR/>KathyD, you'll be pleased to know he is now impersonating you on his blog, as he has done with many others. <BR/><BR/>Why does he do this? In order to deceive readers into thinking people are actually interested in his and his wife's tiresome "I hate [Jim Martin], [Glenn Kranzley], [The Morning Call], [fill in the blank] posts. But when he called for help against the evil MC, it turns out he has driven all the real people away. <BR/><BR/>No matter what he or his wife write about, the comment thread always returns to their hatred. I try hard not to read his blog, but can't help reading the latest insult and slam. Other than the people he regularly insults, I suspect most of his readers are gone. That's what happens when you don't have enough respect to be honest with them.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-15519664449155849682009-02-08T20:28:00.000-05:002009-02-08T20:28:00.000-05:00I do NOT comment anonymously. -Bernie O'Hare You d...I do NOT comment anonymously. <BR/>-Bernie O'Hare <BR/><BR/>You do it all the time. Most of the time, in fact. If the Villas do it too, they do it to mock you and all your characters. <BR/><BR/>The BankerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-43850568261563759472009-02-08T18:53:00.000-05:002009-02-08T18:53:00.000-05:00This is just more Villa crap. He and his wife path...This is just more Villa crap. He and his wife pathetically impersonate other people and comment anonymously on their blogs under various assumed names. Then they accuse others with ethics of doing it, too. I do NOT comment anonymously. I do not use sock puppets. I am certainly not KathyD. I have no time for his kind of games and have more respect for my readers than to lie to them, as he and his wife routinely do.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-57920690166997681442009-02-08T13:45:00.000-05:002009-02-08T13:45:00.000-05:00"KathyD" is Bernie O'Hare."KathyD" is Bernie O'Hare.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62761949950707153922009-02-08T11:09:00.000-05:002009-02-08T11:09:00.000-05:00Well, looking over all the comments on this post, ...Well, looking over all the comments on this post, I think it's safe to say the group of posters has covered all the possible angles of this story. I don't want to drag this out even further, but Bryan, O'Hare and Todd did post responses that I didn't want to just ignore. This will be my last post on the subject, provided no one specifically asks me for clarification on my points.<BR/><BR/>Bryan's latest blog entry (the interview w/ HJ owner) really amazed me. What a stand-up guy Bryan must be - I really was impressed. In terms of future employment, Bryan won't have any trouble at all.<BR/><BR/>Mr. Todd, also, very aptly handles questions about his resume. I don't disagree w/ any of his points about corporate America. Allentown is much better off w/ community activists like Todd, and I appreciate his POV. <BR/><BR/>Mr O'Hare has misunderstood my intentions with the "timely comment" quote - I was trying to express my thanks for being so quick to reply to my posts. No sarcam intended, honestly.<BR/><BR/>In terms of "judgement" used on the blogosphere, that is the whole point. You have to spend time thinking about what you want attributed to your own (real) name before you post it online. Some bad judgement in this area can affect someone's entire life. <BR/><BR/>Otherwise, I think we just disagree on the potential legal ramifications. I'm sure your risk assessment is valid, I'm just sayin' it's POSSIBLE to be sued for making public comments about a business (or person, or whatever). Freedom of speech does not protect defamation, and it's a fine line sometimes. It does bear consideration when posting public comments that are easily tied to an individual.<BR/><BR/>My daughter is so close to the "100 boxes of cookies sold" mark, so we are off to sell some more Thin Mints and Caramel Delights! Everybody, good luck finding a good cup of coffee (which goes great with GS cookies, btw.) Keep up the good blog work, Bernie, and I'll see you elsewhere in cyberspace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-48352047656019854032009-02-07T23:56:00.000-05:002009-02-07T23:56:00.000-05:00It's true that I have "run through" many of the to...It's true that I have "run through" many of the top employers and I have no shame about it. They were not satisfying MY needs and overall satisfaction, so I FIRED them. (smile) And THAT is a true statement. (This is a "right to work state", but it's funny how we always give the EMPLOYER the power to get rid of us at THEIR will or discretion, no questions asked. I took that pwer away from employers a LONG time ago.)<BR/>I stopped being pro-corporate or a "company man" years ago after I graduated from college and worked for a billion dollar company in Miami, FL. We had expense accounts, power lunches, etc, etc. They told us all was well even though the press said something different. We had parties and award banquests until one Friday I left and came back on Monday and found not one or two people but a WHOLE department gone. This was my first lesson in what TRUE business was all about and how we, as people, can be dedicated to employers but how many businesses are not dedicated to us. So, I stayed ahead of the game, learned and handled jobs like football teams do trades. (I actually gave myself raises by going to better companies) Now this all may seem detrimental and unorthodox to many and it may not be for everyone, but if you believe in yourself, do your research, and have faith in your abilities, NOTHING can stop you. <BR/><BR/>Alfonso ToddAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-11161368320027008462009-02-07T23:41:00.000-05:002009-02-07T23:41:00.000-05:00"Finally, I cannot tell from the tone of Mr. Hare'...<EM>"Finally, I cannot tell from the tone of Mr. Hare's (very timely) responses if he wants comments like mine to appear on his blog, or if he'd rather just accept postings from those of like minds."</EM><BR/><BR/>What a big, fat bullshit burger! I LOVE a big disagreement. I believe in the Socratic method of argument and have always enjoyed people who tell me I'm wrong. Let's review some of your claims. <BR/><BR/>First, you claim I've <EM>"shown some seriously bad judgement in the blogosphere."</EM> Even if true, what the hell does that have to do with anything? I let that slide. Not relevant, except to show your own bias. <BR/><BR/>Second, you proceed to give a young blogger BAD legal advice in which you display a basic misunderstanding of defamation. I may have lost my license to practice law, but not for being stupid. I undertand and have continued to follow up on the law. No offense, but you really don't. After conceding that point, you continue to make shitty arguments about what suits might or might not be possible. Give it up. <BR/><BR/>Third, you note I myself have threatened some people with action to buttress your claim that Bryan might be facing litigation. Let me be clear about that. I make no idle threats just to try and silence someone who disagrees with me. I have advised appropriate authorities when someone engages in criminal behavior that gives me reason to be concerned, and authorities have taken action. <BR/><BR/>Fourth, in another comment, we learn you don't view me favorably. Who cares? You had already made that point once. But I let you bray away. That just establishes some personal animus. <BR/><BR/>Fifth, you laugh off a very apt MLK analogy and claim it somehow shows my bias. Perhaps. Perhaps not. MLK's remark was by no means limited to just racial situations. It could apply to Germans who failed to speak out against the Holocaust. It could apply to people in this country who don't vote and then get stuck with bad elected officials. And it certainly applies to this young blogger. <BR/><BR/>Sixth, your comments to Alfonso Todd really were condescending. He asked you for no employment advice. Job marketability seems to be your obsession. You're very quick to point at the number of jobs Alfonso has had, but not so quick to notice that it might have something to do with the color of his skin. I guess that possibility never crossed your mind. Perhaps that's an area, like I pointed out already, that you could have discussed back channel. <BR/><BR/>After all this, you incredibly go on to claim that perhaps I just want people to comment here if they agree with me and apparently also take offense at the speed with which I responded to your comment as though that somehow means something. <BR/><BR/>Well, if I only wanted people here who agreed with me, your 9 comments would not be up very long. I would enable comment moderation, too. But I encourage disagreement and expect to be challenged. I already know wehat I think. I expect you to defend your opinions, too. In this case, the only argument you defended well was your suggestion that Bryan's remarks, even though true, could hurt him with a prospective employer. It's a sad indictment, but I'll give you that.<BR/><BR/>So far as I know, I have not discouraged you from commenting here, but have forced you to defend your views, as you have done with me. I think you might be right about prospective employers, but you do not understand libel law and were condescending to a tireless local activist. Perhaps a pharmaceutical exec can get away with being smug in corporate America, but here you're just another asshole like the rest of us. <BR/><BR/>The only point where I lose patience with people like you and start deleting is when you attack people. You came close w/ Alfonso, but close is not enough. <BR/><BR/>Your comments here are welcome, especially when you disagree. But be prepared.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-64968402651689025232009-02-07T14:54:00.000-05:002009-02-07T14:54:00.000-05:00On my blog just know I published what I think is t...On my blog just know I published what I think is the proper response to my action. Yes, I deleted my word and went back on it. For that, I feel ashamed. However, I sat down with the owner of Hava Java and discussed these issues with him. So, I might have taken back what I wrote but at the same time I took it to the source. Hopefully that makes my act somewhat more digestible.Bryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02200843189189115019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-32843073048551109872009-02-07T11:59:00.000-05:002009-02-07T11:59:00.000-05:00"Anon - Me, a know it all? I just type fast, that'..."Anon - Me, a know it all? I just type fast, that's all. How do you know it all about me?"<BR/><BR/>Exactly my point: how does it feel?<BR/><BR/>I'll take mr. todd's advise any day. The man is a champion of community involvement and personal responsibility. <BR/><BR/>bernie might be obnoxious, but he encourages discussion on the topic at hand. what he quashes is people making things personal and picking on people. <BR/><BR/>good luck selling gs cookies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-86936973587086121182009-02-07T11:14:00.000-05:002009-02-07T11:14:00.000-05:00Mr. Rogan - Employers doing background checks is "...Mr. Rogan - Employers doing background checks is "awful?" Hmmm...how do you feel about drug tests and medical history checks and intelligence tests, etc. - all regularly done by employers? Employers use tools at their disposal. That IS the real world. You can say whatever you want online- nobody's infringing upon your freedoms here. But be prepared to be judged, even by loony employers stimulated by Palin's image. (God help us all.)<BR/><BR/>Mr. O'Hare and anonymous - My only point regarding Mr. Todd's employment history was that he may not be the best source for career advice. Claiming so many past employers is actually a potential problem for him, but an obstacle I am sure he can overcome, given his obvious talents. I don't know Mr. Todd any better than you guys know me - why is it OK for you to make presumptions about me, yet I cannot raise a simple objection to Mr. Todd's qualifications as a career coach? <BR/><BR/>Anon - Me, a know it all? I just type fast, that's all. How do you know it all about me? It's just very amusing to me that you've cast such a final judgement on me, when you're accusing me of doing the same to Mr. Todd! But, no matter...you're entitled to your opinion. (But is it the truth? ;0)<BR/><BR/>Regarding legal action - you just never know who has a brother who's a lawyer or which employer might be moved to take legal action. It is ALWAYS a potential consequence. I know Mr. O'Hare himself has threatened legal action against others who have made offensive posts online. <BR/><BR/>Finally, I cannot tell from the tone of Mr. Hare's (very timely) responses if he wants comments like mine to appear on his blog, or if he'd rather just accept postings from those of like minds. At any rate, I again repeat my admiration of all bloggers, whether or not I agree with them. Peace to everyone - enjoy this beautiful Saturday. I'm off to help my daughter drum up some Girl Scout cookie sales!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-17319837185620102912009-02-07T10:47:00.000-05:002009-02-07T10:47:00.000-05:00Bernie,Mike Fleck claims he will sue you what, onc...Bernie,<BR/><BR/>Mike Fleck claims he will sue you what, once a week?J. SPIKE ROGANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09812618604210761080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-88331417718191949322009-02-07T10:46:00.000-05:002009-02-07T10:46:00.000-05:00Employers googling a candidate for the jobs name i...Employers googling a candidate for the jobs name is awful. That means a employer can not hire you becasue publicly you backed Obama and he had a hard on for Palin.<BR/><BR/>I just hope employers who do that and look me up get it straight, this is AMERICA, if you want to be a vengefull dingbat, pack your bags for IRAN and north Korea.<BR/><BR/>People use to write letters to editors and such back in the day, did employers troll newspapers at the Library incase someones name came up a few years ago as a "whistleblower" at a job becasue he called for safer standards.<BR/><BR/>Ralph Nader fought for years to protect workers rights to be a whislteblower, and to have the right to free speech. <BR/><BR/>If some little weasel is reading this by me trolling looking for dirt like a blackmail artist. <BR/><BR/>He should rot in hell where he and his type belong!<BR/><BR/>And BTW this is all a MOOT point, with the economy in the water throne, there is no jobs for a employer to troll looking for new employees anyways.J. SPIKE ROGANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09812618604210761080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-49178983509275923092009-02-07T09:46:00.000-05:002009-02-07T09:46:00.000-05:00KathyD,1) Thank you for acknowledging your own fla...KathyD,<BR/><BR/>1) Thank you for acknowledging your own flawed understanding of the law concerning defamation. There is nothing remotely defamatory about Bryan's post, but you managed to scare the hell out of him. Good for you. <BR/><BR/>2) You object to my use of the MLK quote. Too bad. Whether the evil is racism, anti-Semiticism, unsafe working conditions or a restaurant that has no regard for the safety of its customers, we need to resist the urge to play it safe. When we become silent about any of these things, that's the minute our lives begin to end. <BR/><BR/>3) Like libel law, I suspect your knowledge of the business world is flawed, too. No business is going to bring a lawsuit that it will likely lose and that will just cast more unfavorable publicity on itself. I am regularly threatened with libel and have never taken back one word. I have never been sued after nearly three years of some very controversial posts. <BR/><BR/>4) Your comment to Alfonso Todd is an anonymous personal attack having nothing to do with the subject of this post. If you took the time to review his curriculum vitae, you presumably also had time to find his email address. You could write your personal concerns to him back channel instead of posting your condescending remarks here.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-66815316935405057682009-02-07T09:34:00.000-05:002009-02-07T09:34:00.000-05:00kathy d, i find you to be an obnoxious know it all...kathy d, i find you to be an obnoxious know it all. it takes a lot to give advice against telling the truth and then to tell somebody you don't even know (and i do) what is wrong with his work history. i hope you dont treat your friends this way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-83878412143343778632009-02-07T09:15:00.000-05:002009-02-07T09:15:00.000-05:00Bernie - one more thing - thanks for the slander v...Bernie - one more thing - thanks for the slander versus libel post - you're right about my sloppy mix-up of the two. Either way, telling the "truth" is not some magical, protected enterprise. The truth is always open to interpretation, as you well know. And, I'm still laughing about your comparing Bryan's expose of HJ to MKL's exposure of racial injustice. If you want to cut and paste my comments so it looks like I'm slamming MLK, be my guest, but it only goes to show your bias and the depths to which you'll stoop to tryand prove a point. <BR/><BR/>Mr. Todd - I admire your passion and dedication. However, I have to wonder why you've had so very many employers in the valley. You seem awfully young to have skipped around so much. Your long list of former employers is actually a detriment to your resume, as it appears you may have a problem sticking around for the long haul.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-15475947943927895582009-02-07T09:04:00.000-05:002009-02-07T09:04:00.000-05:00I was just out last night with some folks, and I d...I was just out last night with some folks, and I discussed the case of "Bryan and the Hava Java Post" with my friends. Among us, there were 2 guys that own their own businesses and regularly make hiring/firing decisions, and 3 corporate joes who also make hiring and firing decisions at a big pharma company.<BR/><BR/>Here's what I learned...<BR/>1. 4 out of the 5 managers would be VERY worried about hiring someone who posts publicly and negatively about their previous employer. (Remember that old interviewing rule to never say anything bad about your former employer.) The corporate guys, in particular, indicated that the posts would immediately rule Bryan out for a job. (The 5th manager would be somewhat worried, depending on the posts, but he did say he'd have no problem right now finding a candidate with NO issues like this, so Bryan would be at a competitive disadvantage.)<BR/><BR/>2. Employers do monitor internet presence when evaluating potential employees. It is a mandatory part of the recruitment process at the pharma company to rule out candidates with problematic web posts or sites.<BR/><BR/>3. All managers would seek legal action against a blogger who wrote false and disparaging things about their business. (Remember, the "truth" doesn't matter - it's what a judge or jury believes. Hmmm...do you think they'd believe a disgruntled employee or business owners?)<BR/><BR/>4. Everybody recommended that Bryan change his blog so his last name is removed. The picture and first name can stay, so it's not entirely anonymous, but leaving out his last name eliminates his blog from being picked up by future employers. <BR/><BR/>I would urge any blogger to consider the ramifications of their actions. I would also encourage Bryan, in particular, to be wary of listening to fellow bloggers when making important decisions about the value of anonymity. As a former pharmaceutical exec (turned fulltime mom now), I can tell you with 100% certainty that the "real world" has no patience with the manifestos adhered to by hardcore bloggers. <BR/><BR/>I admire all bloggers, including Mr. O'Hare, and I recognize their importance to society. But, rule #1 is to take care of yourself first. Of course, anyone is certainly free to express themselves as they see fit. In a public forum with an infinitely long memory, though, bloggers need to beware that their words really can (and do) come back to haunt them. Sorry if that offends anyone, but it's the truth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-65756211800793870572009-02-07T02:52:00.000-05:002009-02-07T02:52:00.000-05:00Back in the day, they're used to be some really cu...Back in the day, they're used to be some really cute art chicks that worked and hung out there. Are those days long gone?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-22320949493632782122009-02-07T00:02:00.000-05:002009-02-07T00:02:00.000-05:00Bryan, hold your head high. honesty is the best q...Bryan, hold your head high. honesty is the best quality of any applicant. If I can't trust your ethics, i can't trust you with my business.<BR/><BR/>for what it's worth, I have a feeling a few people on this post would gladly vouch for you.Geoff Bracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00634858957329036265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-35019418336819963922009-02-06T15:35:00.000-05:002009-02-06T15:35:00.000-05:00Fairly decent ambience. Nice location but coffee r...Fairly decent ambience. <BR/><BR/>Nice location but coffee really was terrible, to me. <BR/><BR/>At times the snacks were good although highly priced.<BR/><BR/>Bryan has a right to speak his mind. More cajones than most people in the blog world.<BR/><BR/>Good post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62020084000316423672009-02-06T09:14:00.000-05:002009-02-06T09:14:00.000-05:00"when did exposing spoiled cheesecake become a mis...<EM>"when did exposing spoiled cheesecake become a mission you can't refuse?"</EM><BR/><BR/>A restaurant that serves poison on a plate should be exposed. What Bryan did was a public service. What you did was spook him.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-11529430595199631932009-02-06T09:03:00.000-05:002009-02-06T09:03:00.000-05:00"The MLK quote (in Bernie's post)had me laughing."...<EM>"The MLK quote (in Bernie's post)had me laughing."</EM><BR/><BR/>That's no surprise to me.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-25299635112271243742009-02-06T08:34:00.000-05:002009-02-06T08:34:00.000-05:00Bernie - It was very good of you to make the chang...Bernie - It was very good of you to make the changes you made on your blog - I know that is out of the ordinary for you, but it was a very nice gesture. I realize you weren't trying to do ME any favors, but thank you.<BR/><BR/>The MLK quote (in Bernie's post)had me laughing. Speaking out about racial inequality and injustice does not equal speaking out about spoiled food and cockroaches. You have to pick your battles in life. I wouldn't want to take a chance on my future over some coffee shop on 19th!!! <BR/><BR/>I understand Mr. Todd's comments, as well, but again - we're talking about a coffee shop here. Seriously...when did exposing spoiled cheesecake become a mission you can't refuse? <BR/><BR/>Good luck to Bryan in his future endeavors. I wish him luck. Allentown definitely benefits from having concerned citizens like him caring about their city.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-81794374307941127962009-02-06T05:59:00.000-05:002009-02-06T05:59:00.000-05:00After thinking about this for awhile I am really d...After thinking about this for awhile I am really disheartened. It's strange because everything I wrote was true. Yet, I can receive negative consequences for it. That doesn't make any damn sense to me. I know I'm young and new to this but this sucks. <BR/><BR/>Bernie- The way you edited the post was fine with me. I can assure you that this is not over. I have a very good idea as to what I'm going to do about this. Hopefully it will be up in a few days.Bryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02200843189189115019noreply@blogger.com