ROBERT SHIPRACK WINS A MAGGIE !

PERSONAL

I awoke at 7am and awoke to a 3- after 8hrs of sleep. It was a beautiful 42 degree morning. I took my am pills and put out my flag and had a cup of coffee on the south deck. I did reflect on last nights awards ceremony and function at the Convention Center for L.E.R.A., Bob Shiprack's recognition and my introduction of him, I thought were exemplary. All you CPBT readers can take pride in the fact one of our own was recognized by such an august body. All “Maggie” award winners were well deserving.
As a group, L.E.R.A., is a very worthwhile organization and I would encourage all involved in Labor and Management to join.

Representatives from All in One Mobility came by this morning to return my scooter and pick up their loaner and review my bath options, they are putting together a price for the shower for me, but forgot my scooter. I also need to go to Lloyd Center Pharmacy to get my new M.S. Pills. There is also a luncheon next Friday sponsored by O.H.S.U., regarding M.S. And diet that I will attempt to attend. Why these new medications not covered by Kaiser? I am also going to check with the national M.S. Society and ask them if it is usual to diagnose Primary Progressive as Relapsing Remitting on a first diagnosis.

Don't forget, if you have a favorite message from a ”section” you are going to have to research my blog.

Also, 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 was told I am not eligible for Medicare until 2 years after the beginning of my S.S. Disability payments start, which was April 2008, and my eligibility for disability was determined to be November of 2007. 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”, as they were advised not to set a precedent. (FYVM)

Here is my new point: I was diagnosed with M.S. in the fall of 2005 and I was prescribed weekly “Interferon” shots as a treatment for over a year and a half. These shots, I was told cost almost $1,400 each, my co-pay was, I think about $20.00. That means someone (The Trust) paid the difference for about 78 weeks. 78 x $1,380 = $107,640.

I'm thinking there was not enough of a concern by the “committee” to not only save, the trust, or whomever that $100,000+; but making sure a precedent wasn't set by allowing me to get a $10/15,000 walk-in bath seems pretty trivial to me. My second question is, after I got an private attorney to get Social Security Disability, and with his help, it took about 8 weeks, to get my SSD determination and they went back to the time I was “re-diagnosed” with 'Primary Progressive M.S.' instead of “Relapsing Remitting” and S.S. went back to that date, for my back payments.
When I received my Social Security Disability, I was informed that I would be Medicare eligible in two years. I assumed that that 2 years would be over in November, as S.S. determined I was S.S.D. Eligible for payment upon my diagnosis change. That 2 years since the change to Primary Progressive would be in November of 2009. The following paragraph tells you the response I received from Medicare. If I were a Trustee, or advisor to this Trust, would it be my fiduciary responsibility to go after that trust savings for the plan?
ATPA has been our trust administrator for 3-4+ decades, and I have always thought they were top of the line, but now I'm thinking, they think it is their trust.
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.

I thought the 2 years on S.S. Disability, requirement to be eligible for Medicare would 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 as far as they are concerned. Do you suppose that's why they always stall? I do think that is B.S., but I guess it will take another lawyer to get this done also.

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 and Judi could use 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 Brother and Sister in Law Peg and Eric, as Eric's family is dealing with cancer issues with his father; 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.”
Thank You, Mother Mary, for your help and assistance.

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, even my NCA noticed. I did send my neurologist 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. I did get a response from him and he was glad to hear I felt the LDN was helping. He was aware of the new M.S. Pill and suggested I contact his assistant and she would follow it up. I did get hold of her last Friday morning and it appears there is some confusion about the name of the prescription and she will contact him by email, as he is out of the office for a while. Well I did finally hear from their office and they will write me a prescription for that new M.S. Pill. It is apparently another pill that Kaiser Pharmacy does not “compound”. It is not done at the Safeway they sent me to for the LDN but his nurse said there is a pharmacy near Lloyd Center that does. They had no idea of the cost and didn't tell me if this too was not covered through Kaiser.

POLITICAL

I have always been a Democrat. I have always been against allowing other than Democrats vote in the Democratic Primary. As a Democrat I have voted for republicans in a number of general elections. I wasn't voting against the Democrat, I was voting for the republican; there are some that understand that there is a difference.

William "Wally"
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your recent contribution to help OFA fight back against the growing attacks from the insurance industry.It means a lot to know you're standing with us.
Best, Mitch Stewart, DirectorOrganizing for America

I did get to see and talk to Gubernatorial Candidate, Bill Bradbury, at the OAFL-CIO convention and he did tell me he was anti the Astoria LNG plant and from what I heard from Candidate Kitzhaber when he spoke I am not sure. They were both in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act, languishing in Congress. Not too tough to say when you won't have a vote on it. It is an important bill but when you CAN negotiate a contract with your employer, and your employer takes that contract to a customer, and that Customer agrees to it and the hundreds of other hoops the government places in the way of their project, maybe you can explain to me how EFCA helps those thousands of workers that have exercised their choice already.

I think both candidates for Governor would have been at the Summit also, but I haven't heard whether they noticed those nasty pipeline scars in the landscape, if they did, I hope they get me a picture. Judi told me she didn't plan to “participate” in the Summit, I did hear it wasn't too dull for her, but she did bring back a Kitzhaber for Governor sign and I will say I am leaning that way also, because I believe a Doctor in the Governors office would be a good thing once Congress gets the Health Care Bill complete. However, I am not making a decision until I see all of the candidates Jobs programs. 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.

You would think; with over 60% of the American public supporting health care reform, including a public option that ALL this health care “controversy” that is being generated is to take the publics mind off of the Employee Free Choice Act, American Rights at Work, “card check” legislation. Hmmmmmn

I have had many 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., I also heard from one customer, who calls herself a Republocrat?

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 and responding to my health care questions.

I also have listened to Senator Merkley on the Big Ed radio show and he did a real good job also.
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I hope you noticed that I added Michael Moore to my HERO list for his new movie, “Capitalism, a Love Story”. I added him following his appearance on the Charlie Rose Show and I saw in him a real hero that does believe in true Democracy.
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With the r's still using the stall; because they need more time to “read” the health care bill, and requiring 60 votes for ANYTHING TO MOVE FORWARD. 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?)

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, I didn't call the Senators local office yet and try to reach Barbara to find out where it is. 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.

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.

Still sooooo many cages to rattle and wheel squeaking, remaining, and me with only a three wheel scooter! And all those deserving cages I missed in Bend, darn.

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

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 those exorbitant costs. 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

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?

SPORTS

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

The Yankee's are world Champions for the 27th time now, but I haven't seen who was named MVP.

The Blazers are 2-3 but it is early in the season and I'm sure they will get better.

And yes; the Ducks are for real! I bet if you went to the game, and had good seats, Saturdays game was certainly memorable.

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.

The American Rights at Work still needs help. But lets not take our eye off the MAIN issue. E.F.C.A.

The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” 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 for our service men and women is $68.00; JUST WHO IS GETTING THAT RAISE! 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 down to just over 6 pages today.

Thank you Lefty, for sharing your wisdom with me.

CHRISTOPHER, CANDACE, JESSIE AND MILEY:

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.