THANK YOU STU MACLEOD UA LOCAL 488

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 7:30am and awoke to a 3 after 7+hrs of sleep. I don't know when I will get posted. I started start my new “LIST” for my blog. The W.O.W. List; now don't jump to conclusions, it has nothing to do with Wally. It will be my Women of Wisdom award. It doesn't have the “prize” stature of the Nobel, nor the renumeration, but then again I didn't invent dynamite either, but the women I nominate and place on that list will be dynamite women.

I WILL be clearing off a lot of repeat information without new information. I am moving a little slow as it was a late night last night because of the union meeting. I lasted as long as I could but couldn't last as long as everyone else. I was home and heading to bed when I got a text from brother Mike telling me the meetingwas still going at 12:05am. The President/Organizer of U.A. Local 488 from Edmonton, Alberta Canada , brother Stu Macleod was there explaining their new “Red Card” program and the work coming up in their area. He definitely believes in our Union. It sounds like it is a good time to be a Canadian. What I didn't know was the fact that 66% of the “imported oil” that is imported into the United States comes from Canada. You all need to read the message I received from President Obama on his acceptance of the Nobel Prize, I've got it on previous blogs. I took my am pills and put on some coffee. It has been a real “monsoon like” rain this morning along with plenty of thunder. I put out my flag with the yellow ribbon still on the flag pole holder before the rain and thunder and I planned to get to St. Helens for the Life Celebration for brother Jim Cupp but the late night and nasty weather stopped me.
Judi and Mary got off to Bend OK yesterday but I haven't heard how the trip to Bend was.
Don't forget, if you have a favorite message from a ”section” you are going to have to research my blog.

Don't forget, we need to fix that hole in OUR health care coverage, and I hope if you are a 290 member, you will help. The hole is, I am not eligible for Medicare until 2 years after the beginning of my S.S. Disability payments start, which is March/April 2008. With Medicare I believe I would be eligible for a handicap accessible bath, my Kaiser coverage has provided me a contraption to help put my socks on and a handicap, bath-shower chair, similar to a plastic patio chair. While I can still raise my leg over the side of the bath I would really like a bath-shower designed for a person with a handicap. The “lawn chair” in my bathroom is ruining the floor from the splash. When I explained this to my business manager he advised me to write an appeal letter to the trust and they would review my situation and maybe they could help through the self funded plan. I wrote the letter and my request was turned down by the “committee”. (FYVM)

I did get a letter from the trust. They suggested I go back to request help from Kaiser, my provider; or contact the M.S. Society, they may have a program to help with a bathroom remodel. The 2 years on S.S. Disability eligibility will be in November, when I spoke with a person at Medicare to find out what I should do, if anything, the woman I spoke with said that the clock didn't start ticking for the 2 years until I received my first S.S.D. Payment, not when I was determined eligible, that means I am not Medicare eligible until March or April next year. Do you suppose that's why they always stall? I do think that is B.S., but I guess it will take a lawyer to get this done also.
I know it was a coincidence, but I did receive an email donation request from M.S. For research dollars and I sent them $25.00 just before I received the denial letter from the trust.

My blog, has attracted both a google and bing spider; spiders that like recipes. I can't really blame them, as I have sampled most all of Judi's recipes, I think, and Judi asked me to check out the front pages of google and bing and she MADE THE FRONT PAGE! Judi has been working hard on her redesigned sales page, so this will be a regular notice.
Join me in checking it out, if you would. bestmeringuerecipes.com

I would still 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.

I do believe that those prayers helped my good friend Dianna get to spend her “last” Christmas with her brand new Granddaughter and she is now with husband Mike sharing all her joy's of the last 20+ years, without him. And now that she is with him, and based on my short time with her, I know she has earned a special place in heaven. The Obit in the Labor Press for Dianna was very well done, thanks Michael.

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 friends Dianna and Jim and their families and friends 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.”

While I did see Mick M. at the picnic and at Judy's function, I still think think that Congressman Wu should have been to both. I did also see Pete Hackett at the picnic and told him of my challenge; and while they have 10's of Millions of dollars and a decade, plus or minus, invested, they are not giving up. I just wish Congressman Wu would reconsider his stance on that “Private Investment” recovery project in Astoria. I have challenged him, and any Democrat going to the “Summit” to locate ANY of the current natural gas pipelines in the state without a map that showed their location. A challenge still not taken.....Yet any way.

I've always believed that the Democratic Party was the Party of the “working class”. I guess here in Oregon those 1,000 to 1,500 workers don't seem to matter.It sure does seem like some people have a bad case of “I got Mine”.I will again extend this challenge to ALL Democrats that are attending the Summit. Tell me if you noticed on the trip to Bend, from wherever you are traveling from, those ugly gas pipeline gouges in the land anywhere! If you find one maybe you would even send me a picture.

When I was at one of Brents coffee's one person there expressed concern because that LNG stuff is sooo dangerous. I'm thinking, if it was sooo dangerous they would not have those access stations at almost every gas station and they would ban gas barbeque's. Especially in a state that still allows smoking in public, at least so far.

Lets see: are Oregon Democrats, anti-Obama or just anti-union, or both?

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 some things are just cathartic for me, but after a year maybe I should clear things off and start over, I've tried to clear a lot so far.

LDN REPORT

This is my attempt to keep track of my experiences with my LDN treatment for my Neurologist and his RN. So far with the 4.5mg I think I'm noticeably better. I am 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. I did send him an email with my LDN report and asked him about that brand new FDA approved pill, good for “gait” issues, even those with primary progressive, that should be a help for me getting into my shower.

POLITICAL

I would think both candidates for Governor will be at the Summit, maybe they will notice those nasty pipeline scars in the landscape, if they do, please get me a picture. Maybe someone can tell me why the Democrats won't help President Obama with his recovery plan, get us off dirty foreign oil plan and Oregon's double digit unemployment.

I have had a few good discussions with one of my local “Small Business” owners at Gloriaz www.gloriazpubgrill.com there on Sunnyside, a great place to stop for anyone. I did listen in to most of Senator Merkley's Health Care “Town Hall” conference call. Based on what I heard, I really think, as a small business owner without health care now, he would have been quite pleased. I also got a look at a great letter from a fan of Senator Merkley that made many good points; it was from, Herman M. Frankel, M.D

Thank you, Senator Wyden; for your actions in committee on health care. And you have looked and sounded very good on the Big Ed Schultz Show.
Thank you Earl for the service member first time home buyer tax credit fix. HR 3590
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I hope you noticed that I added Senator Byrd of West Virginia to my HERO list. I added him following the speech I saw him give on the Senate floor yesterday (10/14/09) regarding “the surge” in Afghanistan and I had to tie it in with his speech, alone in the Senate Chambers, on giving George W. Bush the green light to go to war in Iraq. When he is gone, this country will be without an important “conscience” in the U.S Senate.
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In my remembrances at Dianna's celebration, Brother Lee Roy Worley came to mind and I feel like I've been remiss in not nominating him for my HERO list. After all I do consider him a mentor and very good friend. He impressed me as the Manager of Iron Workers Local 29, as the District Council Representative and then as the Number Two man in the Iron Workers International. And in watching his rise to that lofty position he NEVER forgot about each individual Iron Worker and their needs. Another one that DID ALL HE COULD DO. I put up Lee Roy Worley on my HERO's list. Anyone who knows him, definitely would understand.

I did get notice that L.E.R.A. accepted my nomination of Bob Shiprack for recognition at their annual dinner meeting November fourth at the Convention Center. He is well deserving and overdue for his recognition.

I also think you should keep watching Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, he has really impressed me (a candidate for HERO).

THIS WAS MY LAST ATTEMPT TO COMMUNICATE MY FEELINGS TO THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY AND THE “BLUE DOGS”:

As a customer, with M.S. and good coverage, I am writing to demand that this company agree to the following. Effective immediately:
1. Stop standing between a doctor and a patient when it comes to deciding what care that patient needs. No one will substitute their judgment for the judgment of the patient's physician in deciding if care is medically necessary.
2. Stop denying coverage or raising rates for individuals or businesses based on a pre-existing medical condition, and end arbitrary caps on payments for necessary medical care.
3. Stop any policy or incentive that rewards employees financially or otherwise for denying care and rejecting claims.
4. Stop using any resources - including funds, employees, and facilities - to lobby against and oppose any aspect of the health reform proposals supported by President Obama and being considered by members of the United States Congress, including but not limited to a national public health insurance option available on day one. Senator Wyden, as one of your constituents, with a blog you've said you read, you obviously know my position, please help. Senator Baucus, as someone who's father is in the Butte, Sports Hall of Fame; and whose uncle served many years in the Montana Legislature, I am also asking for your help. I do believe Mike Mansfield would be there for us.

Now that the r's are using a stall; because they need more time to “read” the health care bill. I am not sure how many people work in a Senators office, but I would assume, one prerequisite would be the ability to read, and a good understanding of the Senators beliefs on issues; not just being a relative of a large donor or knowing which Airports are the “friendliest”! (was that to catty?)

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? I guess I better check to see if I need to become a non profit, or political organization. I should quit putting off connecting to “pay pal”.

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. What do the members of Congress get charged for their internet access?

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. 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, I'm rooting for you.

OK, what did YOU do for the National 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, and as I understand it, she accompanied the head of the O.N.G. to Fort Lewis to bring one of the soldiers back home,. I sure hope they didn't stick her for gas money for the trip.

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

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

Bring our people home! ( THIS IS AN OFFICIAL SQUEAK ! ) (Nobel prize-worthy?)

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

President Barack Obama, Nobel PEACE Prize winner. I wonder how many votes he got from our troops all over the world.

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 wonder how much of the proposed raise in the D.O.D. Appropriations will need to be used to pay these exorbitant cost. 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 bill done first. I still don't know what the people in Washington D.C. are getting charged for their internet access?

Thanks Gib; for the following.........
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands
Protect them as they protect us
Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.
Amen

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, and I sure hope I do not have to put up any more ribbons.

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

Felix Hernandez is my Cy Young leader in the American league; Carlos Zambrano is my Cy Young pick in the National league, of course I don't have a vote.

If the Yankee's go all the way I think A-Rod deserves consideration for MVP.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

The Cancer Center at Providence Hospital, as I believe they were definitely a comfort to Dianna, her family and friends those last days.

My friend Molly Smithson, who is well on her way to becoming a WOW woman; and she is from good HERO stock, has her own favorite non-profit. A non-profit working to raise awareness and dollars for other non-profits. They are choosing to help Mitey Riders www.miteyriders.org. One goal is to instill in teens the intrinsic value of volunteering, another is to empower teens to make a difference in their community. Her organization is “playing for others” at www.playingforothers.org. Plese help if you can.

The American Rights at Work still needs help.

The U.A. Local 290 Member assistance program.

The National Guard, the USO; L. C. S. A. - Labors Community Service Agency, the OSBT (Oregon State Building Trades) and the NWOLC (Northwest Oregon Labor Council).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 overseas. Lets see; a 3.4% raise on $2,000.00 is $68.00; 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 newly designed sales page is: http://bestmeringuerecipes.com

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. That One Gib sent me would work very well.

Mike; My “short” blog is just 6 pages today. May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back; May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rain fall softly on your fields;And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

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