PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 6am to a 3- after a good 9+ hours of sleep. It is a beautiful morning, I put out my flag, Then settled into my chair, I checked my e-mail, a report is in my POLITICAL section. I made an Amazon purchase (for Judi) that I will report on in the future. I am reviewing C-span, CNBC, CNN and the local news for blog fodder. I did make the Retirements party at the hall yesterday, it was a fitting function and a loss of good people from the staff of my local. I know Mike A. has had some health issues, but I sure hope he gets to enjoy a long and Happy Retirement, I actually hope that for all of them. I had good visits with a lot of people I haven't seen in quite a while. A number of different trades were also represented there. Everyone was happy for the retiree's but concerned about the employment picture, and if 290 will be able to replace so many skilled and dedicated staff in these lean times? After another busy day yesterday I hope I have the energy to make Rick and Brents function tonight, but I am not sure.

POLITICAL

A Brent Barton Town Hall update:

Tonight, I want to hear the concerns facing you and your family. Join me and Senator Metsger for a town hall. We look forward to hearing from you.
 
Where: Clackamas High School library (14486 SE 122nd Ave)
When: Tonight, April 30, 6:30pm to 8:00pm

I'm still asking why the Oregon Democrats, don't support President Obama and his efforts to get us of foreign oil, encourage clean coal technology, and put Oregonians back to work on good union jobs with health care and other benefits?

Baracks 100 day report, needs repeating:

William --

Tomorrow will mark the President's hundredth day in office. A lot of attention will be given to this largely symbolic day, and the truth is that what we do every day after it will be just as important -- if not more. But our accomplishments in this time have been remarkable, and they're having real effects on people and communities throughout the country.

You built the movement that made this possible, and it's up to you to show Americans that real change can happen when ordinary citizens work together.

Explore this interactive map to learn about the progress we've made in the last 100 days and the stories of real Americans whose lives have already been touched. Then spread the word by passing it along to your friends and family.


With the country in crisis, the President took office and acted quickly to restore confidence and stability to our economy. But just as important were the steps we've taken toward building a new foundation for our prosperity, so that we never go back to the system that led us to crisis in the first place.

In just one hundred days, we've made crucial investments to create jobs and improve education, energy, and health care. All of this is a down payment for a new economic vision -- one where skilled workers fuel our economy rather than debt and speculation; one where American leadership on clean energy fuels 21st century innovation; and one where families and businesses are no longer weighed down by crushing health care costs.

Delivering on the promise of change is the reason we built this movement. Now, President Obama is counting on all of us to build support for this foundation and create a lasting recovery for America.

Take a look now at these critical first steps we've taken together and pass it on for others to see:

http://my.barackobama.com/100days

This new direction would not have been possible without you. But our biggest tests are yet to come, and the future is ours to shape. Let's seize this moment together so history will show that, at this defining crossroads, a generation of Americans put their country on the path to long-term security and prosperity.

Thank you,

David Plouffe

I am only giving him a strong B because on Saturday I hope to make the Muster at the Memorial Coliseum for those brave and devoted Oregon National Guard men and women being deployed to Iraq, or where ever. Personally I'd rather they were here to be of service for Oregon.

Is there anyone from Senator Murray's, Senator Cantwell's or Congressman Baird's office paying attention?

If any one is watching from Washington; the state or DC; I have a question. My sister has a mortgage currently with Wells Fargo with an interest rate currently over 7%. She did hear from them WF that the president (OBAMA) has a new plan to help her She was told they could refinance down to a 5% mortgage and they would send her the paperwork. The paper work offered an ARM that could go as high as 8%. I told her to package the paperwork and go visit the local office of her Congressman, Brian Baird or the Vancouver offices of either or both Senators. She thinks & I agree, WF is using the housing crisis, and the (OBAMA) housing program as a scam. I sure hope SOMEONE can tell me that President Obama is not part of this scam?

Could there possibly be some good jobs upcoming?

Coast Guard issues final decision for Bradwood Landing terminal to FERC
 
Coast Guard determines that the Columbia River is suitable for LNG carriers, provided its recommendations regarding safety and security are implemented.
 
APRIL 24, 2009, PORTLAND, Ore. - The U.S. Coast Guard today issued a Letter of Recommendation and Record of Decision for the Bradwood Landing LNG Terminal

I still plan to make muster Saturday and I will be hearing the governor twice this week.

I thought Steve Lanning and his crew did a wonderful job Tuesday, but I'm still looking for my pitcher.

The news is that Senator Arlen Specter has decided he is a Democrat. Does that mean he will return to being an “Employee Free Choice Act” co-sponsor?

It does appear Congress is going try to find out who is at the bottom of the “financial” fiasco. I appreciate them investigating, and as much as it sounds like they may find a Bernie Madoff some where in there, It does seem like a Banks have run a Ponzi scheme, and the similarities in the Savings and Loan Sacandal of the past are uncanny, I'm sure the Bush name won't be the only thing tieing those two scandals together; Ya Think?

SPORTS

Blazers gotta win in Houston tonight, I really think those young guys have been playing really good 5 on 8 basketball, can they keep it up? You gotta believe!

Those Mariners are off to a wonderful start, even though they lost that last one in Chicago, with that Manager who's name I still can't spell or pronounce. With 2 players from Montana they SHOULD be able to go all the way.

Cubbies are off to a good start too.

C0MMUNITY ORGANIZERS

One more time; I have to repeat this for those that did not know..........The Maersk Alabama was the American Flag Ship attacked by Somali pirates that was in the news for days a while back. I really think our donations helped get this out so quickly, Thank You.

Again here is a cool update from American Rights at work, this interview is on the website:

As John Cronan, Third Engineer of Maersk Alabama, says:
"We are American seamen. We are union members. We stuck together, we did our jobs. And that's how we did it."

NWOLC's Labor Appreciation is coming up, I hope you all have your tickets! I got ours, now all I have to do is schedule a nap.

The Helena AOH is still raising funds for their to-do, The Meagher Memorial at Fort Benton Montana. Donations can be sent to The Meagher Memorial at PO Box 1916; Helena Montana 59624. With the many Irish followers I have, maybe I can give them some aid.

I always thought Grampas, and Momas, were supposed to be doing the bragging? I thought I knew a lot about the Jewish faith, considering I have a number of Jewish friends, but they never told me that baby bragging was also a poppas responsibility. A yes Momma I too can read that much spanish. http://wyattgabriel.blogspot.com/

For those that contacted the “Spirits” on the mountain and at the coast, thank you. Help if you can, and may the “spirits” be with you:

I did settle up with the spirits yesterday and found Wally's Walkers team at the MS website was still working good so even though the walk is finished I am going to try to put up a permanent link for Judi's team.

Brandee is still looking for help also.
http://marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=21019798&u=brandeenull&bt=2

Keep those ads going Mary Beth Maxwell, http://www.americanrightsatwork.org

If you know of any women, young or old and interested in what else is out there for different careers I would encourage you to save the dates for the Women in Trades Fair, May 14,15,16 check out http://www.tradeswomen.net

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS

I hope everyone can share the American Rights at work website so my small donation can be utilized to it’s fullest extent. I did send them second small donation, because they are still doing the Lords work.

Please, You can share the American Rights, the MS walk, the March of Dimes walk and the recovery websites; so my taxes and donations can be utilized to their fullest extent.

Whether you attend a church service, a Mosque, G & L gathering, or Synagogue service, please say a prayer that God; yours, mine or ours; keeps our service men and women in the Palm of their hand. And maybe even a big prayer for my nephews Daniel and Christopher and all their family. And all those Oregon Guard soldiers mustering on Saturday at the Coliseum, for their Iraq Tour.

Mike; I'm almost 1700 again and I'm feeling 4.

Now don't forget, say your prayers, and I'll see you next time on my blog.