PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 6am to a -3 after 8h+ hrs of sleep. And no lower back pain. I put out my flag with the yellow ribbons under a cloudy 45+ degree sky. I then came in for a couple of massages and coffees. My attempt to put up a “Wally's Bragging” pitcher on my blog was successful.

I did get out yesterday and entertained myself and Sister-in-Law Peg and Niece Lacey at Gloriaz where my premonition of 9's was proven wrong. At the Labor Day picnic we ran into Judy O'Connor escorting Senator Wyden around right after we got there and they were kind enough to take a pitcher with us, and he said he is still a regular blog reader, cool, huh! That pitcher has become my first “Wallys Bragging” entry.

I did get a few minutes to observe the House and Senate on s-span, and, for some, the recess was not enough time to improve their attitude, “And that's just the way it is”, I suppose. Is it nit picking to say, “Why is it sooo hard to say Union Labor”?

I now have completed my PICC “speech” and did manage to keep it under five minutes. I am safely home now following the Luncheon and I hope it was well received. I actually went over and thanked an old nemesis for coming, and I am sure that disarmed a few in the crowd. I still have the newsletters Burton sent over to me and I am going to review them all, if I can. They really need to be in a library somewhere as there are many good stories to review. I am not sure how many readers were attending this PICC reintroduction, I wished the turnout was better.

Especially now, the functions PICC provides are really needed and I also think the New D.O.L. Would latch on if it is revived. If you read that last sentence real fast does it sound like “The New Deal”, appropriate maybe.

I have settled back in to check out the TV for blog fodder and with the House and Senate back and it has started anew the Health Care Debate; “and that's just the way it is!” one minute speeches. I am amazed at the uproar of the thought that the President of the United States is wanting to address school children, I also thought the President's speech yesterday was great. Shouldn't there be a test for people to get to Congress? Not like the “No Child Left Behind” system they currently have in South Carolina, and apparently is embraced by the voters of South Carolina. If that jerk yesterday was an example of “Southern Hospitality”, I'm thinking they are still grading on a curve! As I've told my good friend Bruce B., I consider myself a Lincoln Democrat, but I am beginning to wonder if some of those States should have been allowed back in the Union !

I am going to share my PICC speech here, as at least, I, thought it was great:

WE ARE HERE TODAY TO ATTEMPT TO RESTART A PROGRAM THAT
WAS BEGUN OVER 20 YEARS AGO BY ONE OF THE BEST LABOR LEADERS IN THIS COUNTRY. BROTHER EARL KIRKLAND, OF THE COLUMBIA PACIFIC BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL, AFL-CIO.
I WOULD ASK THOSE OF YOU THAT CAN REMEMBER, TO REMEMBER THOSE TIMES. 1987 – 1988. IT WAS LESS THAN A DECADE AFTER PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN BROKE THE PATCO STRIKE, AND HIS VICE-PRESIDENT WAS IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND WE WERE CLOSE TO THE END OF A DECADE OF AN ANTI-UNION PERIOD IN THE WHITE HOUSE. MANAGEMENT DEFINITELY HAD THE UPPER HAND. BROTHER KIRKLAND WAS ENVISIONING HIS RETIREMENT. AND KNEW THAT JUST THE RELAITIONSHIPS HE HAD BUILT OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES WERE NOT GOING TO BE ENOUGH TO BUILD OR SUSTAIN THE PROGRESS THE BUILDING TRADES HAD SEEN OVER THE PAST 20 PLUS YEARS. I BELIEVE HIS VISION OF THE FUTURE WAS A LITTLE BLEAK FOR HIS BELOVED BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL, AND HE WAS LOOKING FOR A NEW WAY TO DO BUSINESS THAT WOULD AID ALL HIS AFFILIATES. I AM NOT SURE WHO CAME UP WITH THE CONCEPT OF EXCEL BUT I BELIEVE HE THOUGHT IT HAD ENORMOUS POTENTIAL IN THOSE TROUBLING TIMES. HE WAS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SERVE HIS MEMBERSHIP, AS YOU COULD TELL FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNION LABOR RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION 20 YEARS BEFORE, AND THE BUILDING OF THE RETIREMENT MANORS. I DON'T THINK IT WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT THE FIRST PICC PROJECT, WITH DEVELOPER TERRY BRANDT WAS A RETIREMENT FACILITY. EARL ENVISIONED A FULL SERVICE PROGRAM THAT COULD FINANCE AND BUILD A MAJOR PROJECT THAT INCLUDED ALL OF THE TRADES. I BELIEVE THAT PICC WAS THAT VEHICLE. THE TIMING WAS GOOD TO START IT; AS HE ENVISIONED, I BELIEVE, A CONTESTED ELECTION FOR HIS REPLACEMENT AND A PROGRAM THAT COULD KEEP ALL THE TRADES FOCUSED ON “A BETTER WAY” IN SPITE OF THE OUTCOME OF THAT REPLACEMENT ELECTION. IN 1988 I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE THE SUCCESSFULL CANDIDATE IN THAT ELECTION.
THE SUCCESS OF THOSE EARLY PICC PROJECTS, I BELIEVE, WERE THE FOUNDATION OF A STRENGTHENING OF THE BUILDING TRADES, AND LABOR IN GENERAL IN OUR AREA. PICC WAS NOT ONLY A VEHICLE FOR LABOR AGREEMENTS (BY PROJECT) IT WAS ALSO A VEHICLE TO DRAW ON THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL WHO WORKED ON THEM.
I THINK THE BEST EXAMPLE, OF MANY, THAT CAN BE FOUND IN THE ARCHIVE OF TOOL BOX MEETING REPORTS IS THE STATEMENT BY A LABORER-FACILITATOR “ MOST CONTRACTORS HIRE US FROM THE NECK DOWN. LABOR HAS A VALUE FROM THE NECK UP AND THAT IS WHAT PICC IS ABOUT.”
WHEN A CUSTOMER HIRES A CONTRACTOR, HE HIRES A CONTRACTOR THAT HAS THEIR OWN CERTAIN WAY OF PERFORMING THE MANY TASKS ON A PROJECT. WITH THE PICC PROGRAM IN PLACE, A CUSTOMER GETS THE ADDED VALUE OF THE EXPERIENCES OF EACH WORKER ON THEIR PROJECT WHO, IN MANY CASES, HAS WORKED FOR MANY DIFFERENT CONTRACTORS, EACH WITH THEIR OWN, “BEST WAY, TO GET IT DONE” AND THAT PROJECT HAS, THROUGH PICC, A VEHICLE TOO SHARE THAT INFORMATION.
WHILE PICC DID PROSPER IN THE PAST AND CAN AGAIN, I WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO CONSIDER, THIS MAY BE THE BEST WAY TO GET IT DONE, BUT IT IS ALL UP TO EVERY ONE OF YOU.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO CONSIDER ALL YOU SEE AND HEAR TODAY, AND AS PRESIDENT OBAMA SAID YESTERDAY, ISN'T IT TIME TO MAKE IT BETTER FOR EVERYONE.

Maybe it's because I have not been able to attend, as a guest, a NWOLC, board or regular, meeting for quite a while but the lack of “labor liaisons” from most of the Oregon delegation is still really disappointing, especially during the recess. Although the turnout at the Labor Day picnic was really good, there were a few notables that I did not see. I actually saw and spoke with a few old friends at the picnic and was greatly encouraged. I did see that Dr. John is running for Governor again, and I think he has chased out one potential adversary, in fact I have been invited to a B.D. Celebration and he will have Dr. John as a speaker. I do think he is looking forward to being a Governor with a national Health Care Plan. I received an email from my friend with M.S. that he will be making a firm decision later this month.

My blog, has attracted a google spider? A spider that like recipes, I can't really blame it, as I have sampled most all of them, I think, and Judi asked me to check out the front page of google as she MADE THE FRONT PAGE!

bestmeringuerecipes.com

Again, I will say thank you, to all those who joined my request for prayers for me, all my friends and relatives, and the men and women in the service of their State and Country.

I would ask everyone to continue the prayers that can. As I said in my original email, I AM living proof of good results. And as I am back to driving, and not just golf balls; all those OTHER drivers will need those prayers.

My daily prayer, is to Mary Mother of God…..”O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear OUR prayer. As your children we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially for my dear friend Dianna and all in need.
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help ALL of us, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever, Amen.”

After seeing Judy operate at her last Labor Day picnic, both she and Tony will be missed. While I did see Mick M. at the picnic, I still think think that Congressman Wu should have been there. I just wish he would reconsider his stance on that “Private Investment” recovery project in Astoria. I would challenge him to locate ANY of the current natural gas pipelines in the state without a map that showed their location. And while I do like venturing to Lincoln City and Grande Ronde, It sure does seem like someone has a bad case of “I got Mine”.

I know I have been repeating things, maybe too much, on my blog; but some of this stuff I need to be reminded of and some of this stuff others need to be reminded of, and after a year maybe I should clear things off and start over.

LDN REPORT

This is my attempt to keep track of my experiences with my LDN treatment for my Neurologist and his RN. My third day of the 4.5mg was also noticeably better. I know I've been experiencing better days, even since I started the new 3mg pill and now that I'm doing the new dosage I am seeing a marked change.

My regular excursions do not seem to be too tiering, and my lazyboy is as good as my oxycodone, most of the time. I am at 4 now and noticed a marked increase today.

My NCA was impressed at my last visit, I believe next time he will be amazed, maybe I'll be taking a BULL Session Trophy . My next appointment with him is the 21st. He did his adjustments and commented on the fact that I was not as sensitive as past visits and he showed me the neck traction device and how to set it up, I still have yet to try it though, but I will be giving it a try soon. He also commented on my “gait” and mobility. I have done a lot of walking the lately and I do believe this new pill, and his supplements are helping. I did also give his phone number to niece Heidi and I sure hope he can help her as much as he has helped me.

POLITICAL

Senator Ted Kennedy has passed away and I am sure he would like some assistance so he can have an affect on the Health Care Debate and actions to be taken. You can help here:
If you agree, please vote "YES" here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/20/082009_kennedy/

The coverage of his services were wonderful and well deserved, what an amazing man!

YOU DIDN'T MISS THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS YESTERDAY, DID YOU?

“PRESIDENT OBAMA MADE A TELEVISED SPEECH TO THE NATIONS STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS. MANY REPUBLICANS ARE PLANNING TO KEEP THERE KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL IN PROTEST. AS A RESULT THOSE KIDS VOTED OBAMA AS THE BEST PRESIDENT EVER.”

One of the health care groups I receive information from asked me to write a letter to the Editor for Health Care. I used the following, and checked the box for it to be submitted to USA Today as I am sure the local ones listed probably would not post a letter from me. I also sent a letter to Senator Merkley regarding Health Care and received a response from him thanking me for my letter concerning upcoming tobacco legislation. I thanked him for his quick response, told him the letter I sent him was for a public option and in support of the final “Obama” supported Health Care Bill and not Tobacco Legislation, even though I am a smoker trying to quit.

“I have negotiated contracts with health care for over 20 years in various settings and there were always three factors that had the biggest affect on the money negotiated for a raise. A) The size of the unit you were negotiating for. B) The amount of training (schooling) needed to perform the work at a high level. C) Did the contract have a retirement plan and did the retirees get health care? I don't know if you could see it but I sure have; The accusers of him (Obama) leading us to “SOCIALISM” and “DEATH PANELS” seemed like the same egotistical people I used to run into when I was trying to organize a unit or bargain a contract. You could explain that when you negotiated a contract you would use the example of the best employee that employer had, and the employer would use the example of their worst, and the employer would try to convince their employee's, that the union would not allow “THEM” to pay that top performer what they really deserved because the “union” made them pay those slackers the same as the top performers. Most people in Organized labor would admit that some of the best wages and benefits were in the Building and Construction Trades. After all, for the most part, our job was to work ourselves out of a job. It's always “US” vs “THEM”, those “socialistic government death panels” vs those concerned citizens on “Wall Street” making decisions purely on the patient's best interest and their ability to pay.” (Bu$$ $&11) (At least they don't have to pay for the slackers)

I did have a good discussion with one of my local “Small Business” owners the other day at Gloriaz there on Sunnyside, a great place to stop for anyone, and I thought he had a good idea. We have 300 million Americans, with 50%+- of whom are working, don't they all have withholding? Why not take $10 a month from everyone, put it in a pot to cover – or buy - insurance for all Americans without health care. Seemed like a good KISS proposal to me. I also discussed my conversations with Steve Novick and Mike Schaufler at the picnic and while he does have concerns with Steve he and Gloria do like Mike S. I did forwarn him that Steve did tell me he was going to try and stop by. By the way as a small business they can not find affordable health care. Maybe my friend Alan can stop by and offer some help.

One person that was at the NWOLC board meeting I went to was a gentleman that is running for a seat on the Metro Board. I have personally worked with him on many issues, and based on what I have seen from my lazy boy observation chair, (Metro Council Meetings are televised), he sure is needed there, and I am sure glad I got to have that conversation with the chair and explain why I was supporting him. This candidate's name is Duke Sheppard, and I will do everything and anything I can do to help. (even from my scooter)

Also; I understand, one of my favorite Oregon Legislators, who just happens to chair the Oregon House Labor committee may be challenged in his primary by a youngster that has a passionate wanna be attitude. I used to like that kid, but to move into a district because he thinks there may be blood in the water and it is a good opportunity for him, tells me he doesn't think things through, not a really good trait for a wanna be legislator. I did get a wheelie nomination form from my friends at the Bus Project and I decided to nominate him, for no other reason than he deserves it, as he worked really hard to keep the lemmings from running to the cliff. I was also appreciative of Jefferson Smith coming over to us at the picnic; the us being Judi, I and Mike following his introduction on the stage. I am hoping we can convince Mike to do another Fund raiser at Gloriaz and maybe get the BUS will stop by. P.S. There may be a new good development in this story.

My own State Representative, Brent Barton did have a good run on the Hero's list, but where was he, I did miss him at the picnic. With Judy O'Connor as a well deserved “HERO” on the Hero List, her actions Labor Day proved she was overdo. (She is also a lemming hearder) for all those reasons that are in the Congressional Record, and, she did, ALL SHE COULD DO!
Thanks again Brent, on behalf of my nephew and all the guard serving as we enjoy the freedom they have provided.

Did you happen to know it is more dangerous in the Capital of the United States than in Iraq, more murders per 100,000 poulation. Please, someone tell me I am wrong.

The Health Care Bill debate is really heating up now “they” are back in session. It almost appears a few democrats want to give those supreme court, anti-Sotomayor, r's a run at my zero list.

From what I heard the other day Max Baucus was no longer in the running then from what I heard and saw, he is back in the running for the zero list and from what I thought I heard this week, Ron may be eliminated from consideration also. (Kent Conrad N.D.?) I have been watching Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island for quite a while on this and other issues and he has really impressed me (a candidate for HERO).

I believe I have mentioned before about the CIGNA Insurance executive I watched on Bill Moyers Journal. If you missed it I hope you were down at Terry Schrunk Plaza for the Health Care Rally and you heard first hand about how the insurance industry scuttled “Hillary Care” and how they are attempting to scuttle some, if not all of the Health Care reforms President Obama is proposing. Wendell Potter, former insurance executive turned health care advocate, was the featured speaker, along with other community leaders and everyday folks like you. And again, Tom Chamberlain was great...........NO BLARNEY!

I've been watching a lot of the r's give their speeches on what is wrong with the President's plans and the (mostly) Democrats support of them, but they keep leaving that all important first or last line of their speech out......... “I GOT MINE”!

It has struck me, this Hero/Zero list nomination and choosing one is a lot like fishing off the Oregon Coast. While there are some who like BOTTOM FISHING and some bottom dwellers do cook up OK, isn't it more exciting to go Salmon and or Tuna fishing and don't they make for a better feast. Hmmn,
just thinking in my holey brain way I guess.

Judi and I have been talking and we are considering putting on a “Deaf Frog Dinner” at the Mehrens Clackamas County estate, after all she is a Culinary Institute Chef and I am considered an excellent host, right? Would you take a chance on it?

Trina's setting up of my Internet program (skype.com) to be able to connect with Daniel, and Christopher directly (and others) and the video-call I had with Daniel and then Christopher, I think has also been keeping me at 4+. I did miss Daniels skype call the other day and I feel really miserable about it but Judi told him about my golf exploits and he was quite happy. Trina was in the neighborhood because she was helping out (volunteering) at the Guard near here, and she said she will try to stop by to help start that Lefty (the ballplayer – not political ) video I've been nagging about, I am sure glad I haven't seen her yet, as I am clearly not close to being ready. I have decided to stop nagging, ABOUT THAT ANYWAY.

You would think after nicking our Men and Women in the Guard $65.00 a month for internet access, they could at least provide even a little gas money to their volunteers. HINT,HINT,HINT I Hope Willy reads this and tells Earl.

I still don't know yet, if the “soft landing” bill is done but that is one issue I will keep harping on until I am sure. I guess I could go to the Senators website and there may be something on it there.

As near as I can figure, all that needs to be done for the soft landing at the State Level (Legislature) is complete; thank you Rick and Brent; and everyone. I believe the next brick (pillow) to be placed, is the responsibility of the Federal Government and I believe that it is in the hands of our own Senator Wyden. (a safe place for it right now, I hope) but, as that famous live artist says......GET 'ER DONE. - SOFT LANDING !

I watched those upstart House democrats rallying on the capital steps in front of the camera's and they were very firm that “rolling over” for the “Blue Dog” Democrats on health care could lose more than they “gain” in any republican support, hang in there, you liberals.

OK, what did YOU do for the Guard today. Daniel's wife Trina is helping, with a houseful of kids and a 3? year old recovering from 3rd degree burns, and with Daniel in the Middle East.

Still sooooo many cages to rattle and wheels left to squeak remaining, and me with only a three wheel scooter!

For Senator Wydens Plan, it's not a bad plan, it just needs(?) a public option and we need him for budget reconciliation and a return to true majority rule democracy, you can check his plan out at:
http://wyden.senate.gov/issues/Healthy%20Americans%20Act/HAA_Employee_Examples.pdf

By the way; You don't have to be a ”wheel” to get heard, just squeak for a while.

Bring our people home!

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

Thanks for the call today Daniel.

There was a real nice Memorial for those newest Oregon Guard Casualties, I listened for the gun salute as Willamette National is just up the hill but I couldn't hear it, please take a minute as you read this to say a special prayer for them and their families.

When I relate to anyone the story of our Guard members being charged for internet access; everyone I speak to is as disgusted as I. I quit talking about it at the health care rally as those “professional rallyists” were ready go off on a tear, and we need to get this health care done first.
By the way; I mean no disrespect for putting the yellow ribbon on my flag pole holder, The flag comes in at night but I plan to leave the ribbon there until Daniel comes over to untie the knot.

At the 11th Hour, on the 11th Day, of the 11th Month a cease fire was signed to end the war to end all wars in 1918. How's that worked out so far?

SAVE PUTTS PALACE

Over 50 years ago my uncle “Putt” built a cabin at Georgetown Lake in Montana, (Putts Palace). His cabin at the lake and many others like it developed recreational areas for the use of just regular citizens. And while doing this they protected the environment for future generations. He was not a RADICAL ENVROMENTALIST, he was just a mechanic, a Pearl Harbor Survivor with kids that liked fishing.
He believed everyone owned the lake and deserved access to the Public Lands and then came the “Summer Homes” at the lake, and now thanks to those “absent owners” it appears they are “buying” (LOBBYING) to price the riff-raff out of their real “cabins”. I am not sure if I'm part of the riff, or part of the raff, but as they yelled out the windows in that old famous movie........”I'm mad as hell, and I'm not taking it any more!”

SPORTS

I still think Felix Hernandez is a Cy Young leader right now in the American league, even though his last outing didn't get him number 15.
Hopefully the Mariners can get back to winning and I hope they keep it up. I really hope they can extend their season.

I also still think Carlos Zambrano is the Cy Young leader in the National league.
Then there is that kid with the Dodgers who is still looking pretty good and they are winning. There is also a good one at San Francisco.

Also, now knowing I am related, by marriage, to a RAMS coach, GO ST. LOUIS, and I would advise all of you FFB people drafting RAMS players is probably going to be a good move, even though I don't know him that well I do know Patti Ann and Bill are first class motivators. I finally got my name and password straight at NFL.COM, but I still don't know if I have a team.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS

The American Rights at Work still needs help.The National Guard, the USO?

L. C. S. A. - Labors Community Service Agency

M.A.C.G. Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (Tom, Terry, Frances, we need to talk.) Frances; welcome back from the D.R. I'm not sure who did it, but I am now on their email list and I received a “monthly” newsletter.

Here's two, from what I consider the top of the list, the OSBT (Oregon State Building Trades) and the NWOLC (Northwest Oregon Labor Council). Judy O'Connor told me she is retiring and Her and Tony are moving to Montana. I have also set aside October 10th and I sure hope her and Tony are in town. I have known Judy, and Tony since Lon Immel, Ron Fortune and Bud Barnes. They taught her well, she learned even better; but I WAS the one to teach her to dance. She will definitely be missed and hard to replace, but whomever does, they will do fine, with aid from everyone.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS

“GET 'ER DONE” - SOFT LANDING ! And give them back their money!

So it wasn't bad enough our Men and Women in the Guard got nicked $40.00 before they shipped out NOW they have to pay $65.00 a month for internet access. RON....JEFF.....PATTY.....MARIA.....EARL.....BRIAN, CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT !

Desert Heaven; It's officially out there now......... here's where Judi's sales page is:

http://bestmeringuerecipes.com

Please, I hope everyone can share the American Rights at Work, the MS walk, the March of Dimes walk, the long awaited and past due - The Epilepsy Run/Walk
Team: The Epilepsy Slayers at http://efnw.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=3&i=307542 and the Recovery websites; so my taxes and donations can be utilized to their fullest extent.

I sure hope that fund raiser for Kaitlyn at Gloriaz last night was a success.

Whether you attend a church service, a Mosque, GLBT 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. (Dianna, Jim, Maria, Hayden, Maggie, Kelli and her brother also), don't forget the extra one, maybe two, aw lets do three for Dianna, and maybe an extra one for the families of those Oregon Guardsmen.

If your not moved by this story, you can't be moved.....I know Jose is.......By the way Judi and I were there Sunday night........were were you? .Subject: Former migrant worker did safely blast into space, "Si Se Puede!" He is up there right now!

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/former_migrant_worker_about_to.html

Mike; My “short” blog is still to long, (over 4,800+-), and I am late with this posting for a couple of good reasons; one reason was because of the PICC luncheon, I also interupted my posting to meet with John M., Bob S., Mike S., and John E. then when I got home I was interupted by a skype call from nephew Dan in Iraq but thanks to you, my golf excursions, Jerry and Tim, John and Bob and the guys; remembering Mom and Dad, and the Labor Day Picnic; The PICC luncheon and the new LDN dosage, I am feeling a good 4+, almost 5 so far today. I have changed my scoring system; to keep track of even the most subtle changes. It is September 10th and even with all my edits I am way still too long. I did reach one my one year anniversary of my blog on the 5th and maybe it's the time to start over? Now don't forget to say your prayers.

I'll see you next time on my blog