US Goverment Bailout

"BAIL EM OUT! ???? Hell, back in 1990, the Government seized the Mustang Ranch brothel in Nevada for tax evasion and, as required by law, tried to run it. They failed, and it closed. Now we are trusting the economy of our country and the banking system to the same nit-wits who couldn't make money running a whore house and selling whiskey!

Hudson River Incident ~ NTSB/FBI Findings

An investigation in conjunction with the FBI and the NTSB has determined the cause of the US Air Plane to go down in the Hudson River. This is a very early report and as details become available I will share them.

Divorce and your pension at American Airlines

Another week closer to spring and the sounds of love will be in the air. And that is what this weeks

Working Mans Blue Collar Blog

Subject of the week ....

Little known fact at American Airlines ....

Say you and your wife have been married twenty years and you have worked at American Airlines for twenty years. You come home one day and your spouse tells you they want a divorce. She is entitled to half your pension based on 20 years.

So you go to court and everything is "said and done" it is in the divorce decree. When you retire she will get her/his half based on 20 years. Then say for some reason she dies the next day after the divorce is final. What happens to that 20 years of your pension ?

If you think it goes back to you THINK AGAIN !!

No American Airlines KEEPS IT. That's right. Here you are still working and now the last 20 years of service you only get half of it !!!

Bullet Proof Suit & Cool Bomb Proof Cadillac

President Obama Wears Bullet-Resistant Suit at Inaugural

By Jose Fermoso January 21, 2009 | 6:00:30 AMCategories: Apparel, Security

Barack Obama had more than the Presidential 'beast' limo taking care of his safety yesterday.

According to some reports, he wore a suit made by a clothier specializing in bullet-resistant clothing during the inauguration ceremonies.

While no one from the U.S. Secret Service have yet to mention any details about the garment's structure, some are speculating it may have come from the line by Colombian designer Miguel Caballero. As we noted last year, Caballero is well known for his super tough but flexible and business appropriate clothing (see pic at right), such as the $7,500 polo shirt that can stop a shot from a 9-mm revolver.

Due to some of the unfortunately rising levels of dangerous conflicts in Colombia and other parts of Latin America, the need for this type of clothing has also led to a spike in sales.

According to Caballero, many of his garments offer more than three levels of ballistic protection and they are about seven times more flexible than the Kevlar vests that are usually worn. Designers that use Kevlar tie together dense strands of the material (500 to 1,500 filaments per strand of yarn, according to Slate), which is then weaved into the clothing.

With close to 2 million people on hand to watch the president-elect take the Oath of Office, the level of security was understandably tight and every precaution was taken to ensure safety for all.

Earlier this month, we noted that President Obama will be using the safest Presidential limo ever built, the so-called Cadillac One (or simply, "The Beast"), whose toughness rivals a tank and seals off like a bank vault in the event of a potential attack.

President Barack Obama

That great American spirit

By Barack Obama

WASHINGTON -- On the day of the first inauguration to take place in this city, a small band of citizens gathered to watch Thomas Jefferson assume office. Our young and fragile democracy had barely finished a long and contentious election that tested our founding ideals, and there were those who feared our union might not endure.

It was a perilous moment. But Jefferson announced that while we may differ in opinion, we all share the same principles. "Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind," he said, urging those assembled to begin anew the work of building a nation.

In the more than two centuries since, inaugurations have taken place during times of war and peace, depression and prosperity.

Beneath the unfinished dome of the Capitol, a young lawyer [Abraham Lincoln] from Illinois swore an oath to defend the Constitution a divided nation threatened to tear apart.

In an era of unprecedented crisis, an optimistic New Yorker [Franklin Delano Roosevelt] refused to allow us to succumb to fear.

In a time of great change, a young man from Massachusetts [John F. Kennedy] convinced us to think anew with regard to serving our fellow man.

At each and every moment, the American people have joined with one heart and one mind - not just to commemorate a new president, but to celebrate those common ideals, share our hopes for a brighter future and resolve to advance our bold experiment.

We now gather at a new time of great challenge for the American people. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in turmoil. We have much work to do toward restoring prosperity and renewing the promise of this nation.

And yet while our problems may be new, what is required to overcome them is not. What is required is the same perseverance and idealism that our Founders displayed. What is also required is that we break free from rigid ideology and small thinking, and together grab hold of this opportunity to bridge partisan divides and deliver change for the American people.

The state of our union and challenges of a new century demand that we move beyond the old debates and stale arguments. We must focus today not on the dogmas of left and right, but on practical answers to the difficult problems of our times.

The impetus for that change will come from the American people, where the ultimate power in our democracy lies.

That is why the events of this week are not simply about the inauguration of another American president - they are a celebration of our democracy.

We have made this inauguration the most open and accessible in our history, with the sole purpose of involving more citizens than ever before. And as we gather on a mall, in our neighborhoods and in our homes to begin our new journey together, we remember that our greatest strength has always been found in one another.

For the first time ever, we're opening up the entire length of our National Mall for an inauguration. We've invited ordinary citizens from across the country, welcomed local schoolchildren and their families to the parade, and worked with local organizations to distribute free inaugural ball tickets to D.C. residents and military families. And we'll broadcast and webcast the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball so that all Americans can join us - wherever their neighborhood may be.

We've heeded Jefferson's words by involving Democrats, Republicans and independents in all aspects of this inauguration. We will hold a series of dinners to honor leaders whose lifetime of public service has been enhanced by a dedication to bipartisan achievement, including my former opponent, Sen. John McCain.

We will couple the spirit of this inauguration with the celebration of the life of a preacher who once stood and shared his dream for America on this very mall. Martin Luther King lived his life as a servant to others, and today, ordinary citizens all across the country honor that legacy through the more than 10,000 service projects they've created on USAservice.org.

And I'm asking the American people to answer the call and turn today's efforts into an ongoing commitment to enrich the lives of Americans in their communities, their cities and their country.

After all, it's that commitment to one another that's always led us forward as a people. Because from those first citizens to the millions technology will connect this week, through times of great challenge and great change, we have remembered that fundamental American truth - that what unites us is always more powerful than what divides us.

That is the spirit that has always sustained us. That is the principle that must drive us now. And I am confident that if we come together and summon that great American spirit once again, we will meet the challenges of our time and write the next great chapter in our American story.

(The preceding essay was written by Barack Obama exclusively for The Washington Times)

Wisdom from a little boy named Logan

Sometimes we all need to keep things in perspective. And just when I think I know something somebody comes along and reminds me how much I don't know. as a matter of fact ... I don't even have a clue.

US Scare for a reason

Workings Mans Blog so here you go the week in review.

US Scare is what we call them in the aviation industry and for a good reason.

The pilot did a wonderful job of getting that aircraft back down. Also something should be said about the flight crew in executing an emergency evacuation under any conditions. Great people work there.

But US Airways has had some maintenance issues over the last few years since they filed for bankruptcy protection. It will be interesting to see if it was only a bird that brought the aircraft down. Lets see how this shakes down.

Talk about flight crews has anyone noticed flight attendants in general. At one time they had age and weight restrictions. Only the best looking and well kept could become a "Stewardess". With the restrictions now gone we have whats called "Red Eye Queens". These are older women who weigh in around 200 to 250 pounds and have to go down the isle broad side. They work these "Red Eye" flights because all the passengers will sleep and they wont be required to go up and down the isle as much. I have seen other flight attendants that were so old and frail that I do not know how they pass the evacuation tests. It is a safety concern that will only become a problem when it is a problem and people die ... Its only a matter of when and not if.

On the lighter side of aviation ....

This week while I was doing a security check on an International flight and I found a phone in first class. Nothing abnormal and it is custom to turn it on and try to find the owner. If anyone has ever lost a phone they know what a bummer it is to lose that information.

This phone had a very nice screen saver of a English Bulldog and as I start scrolling to see who owned it I was to amazed to discover the owners is ... no other than .... Gloria Estefan. She was up in the Admirals Club in terminal D and was panicked she lost her phone. I sent it up to her and thought maybe she could give me a shout out ... Nothing !!! Looking back I should have sent her a text message saying something like ..." Call Me G Friend".

GO STEELERS

Turd Hearse Wreck

This is a working mans Blog so here ya go ...

If anyone has ever worked at American Airlines they know that it is like NO OTHER work environment in America. The crap that goes on the flight line you couldn't write it ... even if it happened in Hollywood....

This week in Review...

An employee was care flighted to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Big Carl is his nick name and this guy is as big as "Andre The Giant". He works on the Lavatory dump truck (I call it a TURD HEARSE ... where all good things come to an end). Hardest worker I know and true "Gentle Giant" ~ 25 to 30 year guy a real "poster boy" for the company....

The front wheel of the lav truck just "fell off" as he was on his way to service an airplane. The Turd Hearse skidded to a halt and he was ejected from the vehicle and head smacks into the curb. One of my union guys said his head was pointing in one direction and his body in another and Carl was not moving...

They shut down the road way and in comes the helicopter (thank god for EMS people ... best in the world) and take him away. We find lug nuts from the wheel had snapped off and all the lavatory trucks are out of service until they can be inspected. I assume OSHA will be out to complete their investigation to see what was the cause...

Later in the week I get a call from another union official (who shall remain nameless) and he informs me that OSHA was out and found an extension cord that was improperly plugged in and he removed it so nobody would "get in trouble". I also noticed this week that there are letters from the company posted everywhere that we need to be in uniform or expect dire consequences....

A guy almost dies and is now out of work and the only thing I hear about is an extension cord and you better be in uniform ? What I should have heard is that every Chief Chief of every title group was informed of what happened and instructed to check their vehicles in the immediate work area.Anyway .... Carl has two broken vertebrates in his back and he is going to have a long road to recovery. He has 10 days to get better then he is dumped into Texas Workers Compensation system. .

Then the employee starts loosing retirement credited service (even though he got hurt at work). He is "off payroll" and has to start paying for his own health care and after two years if he is not better Workman's Compensation is stopped and he is on his own.What a terrible way to end a
long career.

Edit: I spoke with Big Carl this morning and he was moved that people who did not even know him would care. Also he said that he has 2 broken vertebrates in his lower back. Once again Thank you for your words of encouragement.

Welcome to America

A Russian arrives in New York City as a new immigrant to theUnited States.

He stops the first person he sees walking down the street and says, 'Thank you, Mr. American, for letting me in this country, giving me housing, food stamps, free medical care, and freeeducation!'

The passerby says, 'You are mistaken, I am Mexican.'
The man goes on and encounters another passerby. 'Thank you, Mr. American, for having such a beautiful country here in America!'

The person says, 'I not American, I'm Vietnamese.'

The new arrival walks further, and the next person he sees he stops, shakes his hand and says, 'Thank you, Mr. American, for this wonderful America !'
That person puts up his hand and says, 'I am from the Middle East, I'm notAmerican!'

He finally sees a nice lady and asks, 'Are you an American?'

She says, 'No, I am from Africa!'

Puzzled, he asks her, 'Where are all the Americans?

The African lady checks her watch and says, 'Probably at work!'

Teamsters Rally January 14 th

**Allied Waste Teamsters Vote Yes Rally**

Wednesday, January 14th 3pm

Corner of Carson and Elliott Reeder Road

Physical street address of Allied Waste is 6100 Elliott Reeder Road, Fort Worth TX 76117.

(121 airport freeway exit Carson)

Sounds like this could be fun !!!!

Elbino Deer

This photo was taken in Bozeman Montana. I have heard many wonderful things about Montana. This is on my list of "places I want to go" list.

Texas Motor Speedway Job Fair Jan 31st

We are having our annual EVENT STAFF Job Fair and it is scheduled for Saturday Jan. 31st from 9 am til noon.

The location will be in the Infield Cafeteria at Texas Motor Speedway. We would like to get as much participation as possible and jobs of every variety are available

.

These positions are for the up coming racing season. They are not long term professional jobs so you will not need a resume.

(All the drivers positions are filled at this time :)

If you are tired of just sitting in a seat and want a totally new exciting racing experience then these are the jobs for you. Everything needs to be looked at in perspective ...

They are PAYING YOU to watch a race !!! Only in America. God I love the Red White and Blue :)

Employees also get a free camping spot located outside turn 4 across from the helicopters. Things you will need to apply ...

1) Drivers Licence or School I.D.

2) Copy of Birth Certificate and/or Social Security Card

3) Must pass a pre employment racing question. (We need to judge your intelligence)

Here is the Question in case you want to study ......

What Color is the Checkered Flag? (You would be surprised how many fail this question).

I have some wonderful positions with me in the suites so if you come out please let me know you read it on the blog.

Marley & Me and a dog named Truman

My son took me to the movie Marley & Me for our father/son day out. This was one of the most moving movies I have seen for a long time. For anyone who has had a family and a pet they can relate to this story.

Our family dog is named Truman. He is a black Lab and 100lbs of "Burning Love" and exactly like the dog Marley. When Truman decided that I was the person he would give his heart to 5 or 6 years ago he was just a stray that someone dropped off out in the country.

He chews everything he can get his teeth on ..... jumps on me every time I walk in the door .... still cant figure out that whole leash thing.

But .... no matter how bad things get he LOVES ME every time we meet. He whines, kisses, rolls over and just gets so excited. He is the most loyal friend I have. When we hear "Bumps" in the night he is the first on his feet. People can learn alot from pets ..

Last year he decided that he wanted on the jet ski and jumped on the back. I thought he would fall off and swim back to shore. But then I forgot he isn't like other dogs. Now we spend many weekends together riding all over the lake. Once I was stopped by the lake patrol because they didn't know if he needed a life vest?

I know someday he will go to heaven and he will be waiting for me with his stick. I just hope that I remember to bring his dog treats.

Marley & Me .... Good Movie and bring a Kleenex.

Union Pacific Lingo for Dummies ... Huh ... Thats me :)

Most people do not know that the Railroad has its own language. Coming from an airline back ground learning to communicate with other workers was one of the hardest parts of railroading.

Here are some examples:

BACK TO THE FARM—Laid off on account of slack business. When a man is discharged he is given six months twice a year.

BAD ORDER—Crippled car or locomotive, often called cripple. Must be marked at night by a blue light when men are working around it.

BAT THE STACK OFF OF HER—Make fast time, work an engine at full stroke.

BEANS—Meet orders; lunch period.

BIG HOLE—Emergency application of air-brake valve, causing a quick stop. Big-holing her, the same as wiping the clock, is making an emergency stop.

CHAIN GANG—Crew assigned to pool service, working first in, first out.

COLOR-BLIND—Employee who can't distinguish between his own money and the company's.

COON IT—Crawl.

CROAKER—Company doctor.

DOGCATCHERS—Crew sent out to relieve another that has been outlawed-that is, overtaken on the road by the sixteen-hour law, which is variously known as dog law, hog law, and pure-food law.

DOPE—Order, official instructions, explanation. Also a composition for cooling hot journals.

GLORY—String of empty cars. Also death, especially by accident.

HIGHBALL—Signal made by waving hand or lamp in a high, wide semicircle, meaning "Come ahead" or "Leave town" or "Pick up full speed." Verb highball or phrase 'ball the jack means to make a fast run. Word highball originated from old-time ball signal on post, raised aloft by pulley when track was clear. A very few of these are still in service, in New England and elsewhere.

WEED WIESEL- Supervisor hiding in the weeds to catch you doing something wrong.

These are just a few of the slang words used on the railroad. The first time I heard lets "Cut Up Our Dope" I almost freaked out. Weed Wiesel is my Favorite.