Blue Collar

Tornado and a Train

2009-10-29T03:36:00.000-07:00

Ever seen a Tornado hit a train? This is looking back from the Locomotive towards the train/consist. We are instructed to keep the train moving but even if you saw the Tornado it would take over a mile to stop. At the 1:08 minute mark you will hear the "Swoosh" that is the train coming apart and the emergency application taking place. Watch for the trees sway as the train is rolling down the tracks.

Human Statue of Liberty 1918

2009-09-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

It is 18,000 men preparing for war in a training camp at Camp Dodge in Iowa .
EIGHTEEN THOUSAND MEN!!!!!

FACTS:
Base to Shoulder: 150 feet
Right Arm: 340 feet
Widest part of arm holding torch: 12 1/2 feet
Right thumb: 35 feet
Thickest part of body: 29 feet
Left hand length: 30 feet
Face: 60 feet
Nose: 21 feet
Longest spike of head piece: 70 feet
Torch and flame combined: 980 feet
Number of men in flame of torch: 12,000
Number of men in torch: 2,800
Number of men in right arm: 1,200 Number of men in body, head and balance of figure only: 2,000

Demolition in Vegas.

2009-09-23T03:45:00.000-07:00

Great Video.

When this Casino was on strike I picketed with the workers. When the workers finally got a union contract I marched in the front doors with them and guess who was standing beside me? No other than Jessie Jackson.

Karma is a bitch.

2009-09-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

I wonder how this turned out?

The GREATEST Thing A US POSTAL Worker EVER Did

2009-09-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

I received this in an E Mail today and wanted to share it.

This is one of the kindest things you may ever see.

It is not known who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the US postal service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after
she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how
much she missed Abbey.. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that
when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought
we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take
care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very
much.. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got
sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to
swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she
is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an
envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven.
We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the
front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the
letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter
box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the
letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on
our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith
opened it. Inside was a book by Mr Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies..' Taped
to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened
envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and
this note:

Dear
Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.
Having the picture was a big
help. I recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit
is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog.
Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep
your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to
keep and have something to remember Abbey by..
Thank you for the beautiful
letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me.
What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send
my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way,
I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is
love.

Love,
God

Crime Report in Wise County

2009-08-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

The United States Border Patrol is asking citizens to keep on the look out for a red 1951 Chevy that they suspect is being used to smuggle illegal immigrants across the border of Mexico and into points along the U.S. border. If you see the vehicle pictured below and
have reasons to believe that it is the suspect vehicle, you are urged to contact your local police department or federal government authorities.

Faces & Places in Columbia

2009-05-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can not tell if I am in Newark Texas or Bogota Columbia. These people remind me of my neighbors.

Bogota Columbia Flowers

2009-05-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

At first I was a little hesitant to be in Bogota on business but it turned out to be one of the best countries I have ever visited. Only negative I could mention is that there are 12 million people living in an area the size of Arlington.

I have never seen so many different types of flowers. Even in the Hawaiian Islands nor the Caribbean.

Strip Tease Wise County Style

2009-04-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

I think I have seen this person at Tater Junction in Boyd.

New Audi Quattro at Texas Motor Speedway

2009-04-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is the new Audi Quattro that they are testing today at the Texas Motor Speedway.

There is something about a rear mounted engine with a 420 horse power engine that makes the heart beat harder. This six speed gets about 4000 miles on a set of tires.

I was going to ask how much ??? But then does it matter I /We together couldn't afford it. It still amazes me that Texas Motor Speedway pays me for this? Only in America !!

Barry Greens Halloween Costume

2009-03-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

(Just Kidding)

My First Underwear Ad

2009-03-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I will do this again.

All Dogs Go to Heaven ~ Or do they ?

2009-03-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

This is literally a 'church signs' debate, being played out in a Southern US town, between Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church, and Cumberland Presbyterian, a fundamentalist church.

From top to bottom shows you the response and counter-response over time.

The Catholics are displaying a much better sense of humor!
You get the impression that the Presbyterians are actually taking this seriously and are getting a bit upset...

Insanity cant be all bad ?

2009-03-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice !

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write ' For Marijuana.'

6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.

9. Sing Along At The Opera.

10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

13 . Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity

14. PICK UP A BOX OF CONDOMS AT THE PHARMACY, GO TO THE COUNTER AND ASK WERE THE FITTING ROOM IS.

Mans Best Friend saves another dog !

2009-03-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is some incredible footage of a dog saving another dogs life. I have heard that people live longer if they have a pet. I know my dog Truman has made my life better !

Enjoy the footage.

Superbowl Condom Commercial you didn't see

2009-02-28T05:25:00.000-08:00

This is an Adult theme commercial viewer discreetness advised.

Safe sex not optional but mandatory.

Why NFL Quarterbacks Need Short Last names...

2009-02-25T16:13:00.001-08:00

Dang Steelers Ruin Everything !

Penguin Humor

2009-02-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

This is a great Penguin clip from Comedy Central.

Worlds Largest Airplane

2009-02-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

32 wheels! -- Cost more than some houses just to rotate the tires!

The World's Biggest Airplane!!!

Russian Antonov 225

Attached pics are of the Russian behemoth when it came into Medford , OR ,

to pick up two Sikorsky fire fighting helicopters to take overseas -- $1,000,000 to transport them!

While they were loading the helicopters, the Russian pilots (two crews), went into town to buy cigarettes by the case and Levis jeans.

It is amazing something this huge can stay in the air.

The Wright brothers would never have dreamed it.

Speed Control in Denmark

2009-02-18T16:16:00.000-08:00

This is a great clip from Denmark on how they are controlling speeders. It would be my guess that maybe we should try something like this in America. I say lets volunteer Wise County and see where it goes from there ?

WARNING: Some Nudity PG 13

Mothering should be Instinct

2009-02-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

If animals can figure this out why cant humans.

Reading another blog (Big things small county) there was a story about a little girl who was made to stand outside in only a T-shirt and sweatpants in 40-degree temperatures for several hours. Punishment for something she did wrong.

They wanted her to see what it was like to be Homeless.

How can people do this to any child is beyond me? Is there something they missed when they were young? If anyone has a clue please let me know.

Machine Gun Party here in Wise County

2009-02-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

Great Video of a good ole fashion machine gun shoot off.
I could see some of the locals enjoying this ...

What every 9 year old Wise County kid needs. A Big Ole Mountain Dew & a Machine Gun !

757 Lands Safely at LAX after 1 engine dies

2009-02-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

2009-02-16

Officials say an American Airlines flight on its way to Chicago from John
Wayne Airport in California's Orange County was diverted after one of its
engines went out.

American Airlines spokesman Billy Sanez says the engine on Flight 1236 died
just minutes after takeoff at 3:21 p.m. Sunday. The 757, carrying 149
passengers and a crew of six, was diverted to Los Angeles International
Airport, where it landed safely about 10 minutes later.

Nobody on board was injured.

The incident is under investigation.

Ft.Worth Train Mishape

2009-02-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

This looks to be a case were an Emergency Stop sequeince was initiated. I would guess by the pictures that when the cars separated the box car was sent up and was shaved off by the bridge I beam.

Court to hear strip-search challenge

2009-02-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

STRIPED SEARCHED AT WORK !!!

It just creeps me out for another person to look at me under this circumstance. What do you think?

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia previously issued a delay in implementing the rule, which will remain on hold pending the appellate review.

The rule, as written by the Bush administration DOT last year, would require strip searches of rail and transit workers during certain mandatory drug testing.

The UTU and the other rail unions maintain it violates the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable searches.

Under current and still effective rules, a rail carrier has the discretion to require direct observation during an individual return-to-duty or follow-up test, but is not required to do so.

The Bush administration DOT sought to replace this discretion with the mandatory-observation rule.

Specifically, the currently delayed DOT rule would require that a same-sex observer employed by the railroad "request the employee to raise his or her shirt, blouse, or dress/skirt, as appropriate, above the waist; and lower clothing and underpants to show, by turning around, that they do not have a prosthetic device [that could be used to deliver a substituted urine specimen.

After the observer has "determined that the employee does not have such a device, [it] may permit the employee to return clothing to its proper position for observed urination," according to the challenged rule.

Union Toilet

2009-02-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

I was sent this photo by one of my Union Brothers this week in response to a grievance I had to file on behalf of the Rank & File.

For the last few months we have had to constantly argue with the company for the very basic of needs. This week it came to a head when I filed a grievance for toilet paper.

When they designed Terminal D there was no thought put into restroom facilities. They have one urinal and one toilet in a work area for over 50 to 100 men to use. We have complained for months to have it cleaned and restocked to handle this kind of traffic. And one time there was blood on the floor were the building cleaners just waxed over and the stench was overwhelming.

We had enough this week when I had to use the SPORTS section to wipe myself !

Maybe I am expecting to much ?

Sniper Picture from Iraq

2009-02-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Right Between The eyes At 1500 yards, that's damn near a mile away.

This is a highly trained American sniper with his 50 caliber rifle which is his best friend. His assignment is to protect the 'Green Zone' in Baghdad , Iraq (basically his job is prevent the terrorists from sneaking into the compound).

Below, we see Achmed.

One day Achmed tried to breach the perimeter and got tagged

From 1500 yards out. Note the vest laden with explosives!

Achmed won't be doing this shit anymore

Thomas Jefferson Quotations

2009-02-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Some very interesting quotations of Thomas Jefferson who has seemingly foretold the future......OUR future!

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we
shall become as corrupt as Europe.
Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who
are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it
goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of
the world.
Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense
of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results
from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and
bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against
tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the
blood of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas
which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
Thomas Jefferson

Very Interesting Quote in light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read
what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our
liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever
allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first
by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that
will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all
property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent
their fathers conquered.

Steelers BRING HOME the Trophy ~ Parade Pictures~

2009-02-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

I just got these photos from my family who was able to attend the parade. They said it was like 10 degrees and a absolute zoo. Good Times !!!

Photos from Home

2009-02-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

As I get ready for today's Superbowl my memories bring me back to Pittsburgh Pa in the late 1970's. I worked at Three River Stadium from 1977 to 1979 and had the pleasure to watch the true "Steel Curtain" and the birth of the "Terrible Towel". To be a teenager and feel the Thunder as Terry Bradshaw took the field in the stadium was ELECTRIFIED I carry that feeling with me still to this day. Back then athletes were real heroes and played the game of men. We were taught then that you could be anything you wanted all you had to do was believe and work. Just get up every day no matter what and try again.

As I look back ... I now realize how much I had when I had so little. A friend sent me some pictures taken this fall and some from yesterday. Hope somebody enjoys them as much as me.

US Goverment Bailout

2009-01-29T11:20:00.001-08:00

"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

2009-01-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-20T16:29:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-16T06:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-14T16:29:00.001-08:00

Turd Hearse Wreck

2009-01-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

**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

2009-01-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

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 :)

2009-01-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

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.

Sunset from the back porch. Good bye 2008 !!!

2008-12-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

Another year ... Some good .. but some bad.

My 2008 REFLECTIONS

Best words I uttered this year .....

Lets see what this baby will do !!! (Said when I operated my first locomotive/freight train). WOW it was cool.

(Side Note: Then I struck a 19 year old kid/college student south of Waco talking on his cell phone. He lived but it took the WOW out of my first trip)

Worse & Best phrases I heard all year........

Doctor: We have good news and bad news. Good news we did not see a tumor. Bad news is we did not see a tumor. We do not know what it can be but lets run more tests.

(Side note: If more men got breast cancer it would be an all out effort to find a cure & women are stronger than men).

Best feeling all year ......

From my Son: Dad I love you and Thank you for ALWAYS believing in me.

The good news is I have seen Wise County progress somewhat into this century. It still is a "Good ole boy" system but realizing it has to adapt to the ever changing influx of people.

Best advice I received all year was from Barry Green (of all people).

I asked him if he would like to get back involved with local government as a Democrat. Although still a Democrat (and always will be) he said NO. I assumed at that time the scars were still fresh from when he served. It wasn't until later that I discovered that the local infighting would never permit the local party to become united. Good news for republicans.

Okay I am done venting. May everyone who reads this have a Happy and Healthy New Year !

My New American Made Cat

2008-12-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

If this isn't American as it gets I do not know what is? What do you think I should name them?

Did Religion Kill President John F. Kennedy ?

2008-12-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

I have a meeting this coming week with the 6th floor museum about loaning the recordings for the public to enjoy. Many people do not know what a significant role Ft.Worth and religion played in that terrible day. Below is a story done by TCU magazine.

For the Record

President John F. Kennedy visited Fort Worth once. He delivered a breakfast speech to a packed house at Hotel Texas. Less than two hours later he was felled by an assassin's bullet in Dallas. The morning's events often get buried in the tragedy of what happened in Dallas, but a recording found last year is a tangible reminder of TCU's ties to that historic day.

By Jeri Petersen '00

Fort Worth was abuzz the day President John F. Kennedy visited. Granville T. Walker '31 (BA '35, DDiv '47), then-minister of University Christian Church, offered the benediction at the president's breakfast speech. Walker's two daughters, one of whom was still a student at TCU, were amazed that their parents had the honor of being part of the entourage.
At 11:25 a.m., with the president safely aboard Air Force One for the 13-minute flight to Dallas' Love field, Walker returned to his office at the church across the street from Ed Landreth Auditorium.

As he sat down to put the finishing touches on his Thanksgiving sermon, he turned on the radio and listened in disbelief: The president had been shot. He paused, then began drafting a new Sunday message only hours after he had offered the last public prayer the president heard.
That Sunday, Walker delivered an impassioned sermon. A politically active minister, one often at odds with conservative local leaders, he talked at length about the heritage of law and order, the heritage of free speech and of equality, of liberty and respect for the opinions of others. Although the church did not record Walker's sermons until 1966, those in attendance recorded his poignant address in their hearts.

Last year, his sermon was heard again.

It was November 2005 when Fort Worth resident Mark York noted an ad for an estate sale offering "presidential memorabilia." York is a lifelong Democrat and Kennedy admirer, having been born, coincidentally, the month Kennedy was assassinated. Arriving at the home of the late Joe Shosid '50 (MA '52), who was a special assistant to Jim Wright for about 30 years, York marveled at the wall-to-wall presidential items.

But the sight of four pristine records with KXOL radio labels titled "President John F. Kennedy's Fort Worth Visit" made his heart beat a little faster.

"An art dealer had the records in his hands, and I asked him what he thought about them. He said that they should be interesting since Kennedy was only here once," York said. "He handed them to me, and I asked if he didn't want them. He said no, so I paid $4 a record."
York didn't own a record player, so he had a sound studio transfer them to compact disc. Shosid's records obviously had been made as a set because, unlike traditional discs, which are recorded front to back, these were recorded front to front, one through four, then back to back.
When he slipped them into a CD player, York wasn't surprised to hear Kennedy's breakfast speech, which is widely available. What did startle him was about a minute of news – KXOL newscaster Russ Bloxom '61 and news director Roy Eaton '59 announcing that the president had been shot and killed, as well as reporter Bruce Neal's '59 phoned-in interview with then-Rep. Jim Wright at Dallas' Parkland Hospital.

And York was baffled by what appeared to be sermons delivered by Granville T. Walker. In the opening segment, Walker spoke loudly, almost angrily – uncharacteristic for him. At least part of the message seemed to have been given within days of the assassination, as Walker referred to Kennedy's visit, saying, "On last Friday morning some of us were privileged to be in his presence at the breakfast. … After the president's address, I gave the benediction. … "

York also wondered why KXOL recorded Walker and whether the recordings represented one sermon or several. He contacted the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum in Boston, the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas and former KXOL personnel, and learned that the recordings had never surfaced in other archives, including a KXOL collection stored for 38 years by former KXOL reporter and program director Bob Bruton '58, which were made public a few years ago. Bruton covered Kennedy's Fort Worth speech and had attended the unpublicized burial of Lee Harvey Oswald at an east Fort Worth cemetery three days later.

Who made the long-forgotten recordings remains a mystery, although Bruton believes it is likely that the KXOL general manager told an assistant, possibly Jerry Hahn '46, to put them together.
The search for information revealed a little-known fact weaving TCU into the fabric of that wrenching day: The president had been considered to receive an honorary degree from TCU the morning of the assassination. When trustees voted not to award the degree, the breakfast speech at Hotel Texas was hurriedly scheduled.

Kennedy's Catholicism had been an issue in the presidential campaign. Gov. John Connally, Texas' Democratic governor in 1962 and a staunch Kennedy supporter, knew it would please the president to receive an honorary degree from a respected Protestant university.

Then-trustee Sam Woodson was cited in the March 1979 Staff Report of the Select Committee on Assassinations to the U.S. House of Representatives, saying he recalled that late in October 1963, Connally contacted Chancellor M.E. Sadler about awarding the president an honorary degree. The board ultimately rejected the idea, saying, "University procedure required that candidates for honorary degrees be nominated from within the university and be evaluated by both the faculty senate and the student senate."

According to the staff report, Gerald J. "Jerry" Bruno, who did advance work for Kennedy's trips and speaking engagements, including the Fort Worth visit, said possible embarrassment resulting from the president not receiving the honorary degree eliminated TCU from consideration for a program that morning.

The report noted:

"It is ironic that if the honorary degree ceremony at TCU had been held, especially with a subsequent reception of some kind, logistical complications might have delayed the President's arrival in Dallas and thereby interfered with the scheduled occurrence of the mid-day motorcade. If such a delay had occurred, the opportunity might have been lost for an assassin to take advantage of certain conditions that promoted Kennedy's assassination. Such conditions included the physical absence of many employees from their places of employment during the midday lunch hour and the presence of large crowds on the streets immediately after the shooting."

Although his visit to Fort Worth did not include an honorary degree, Kennedy did receive a warm welcome in Cowtown. The recording York found is another artifact documenting the impact he had during his few hours here.

President George W. Bush is leaving with one of the lowest approval ratings in the history of numbers

2008-12-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

Lets blame everyone but himself. And to think he is moving to Dallas could you imagine him being your neighbor? A very sad legacy in the HISTORY of United States of America. And really I think it was more about the Republican Ideology than it was about him. Heaven help America and I pray we get back on track.

My New Next Door Neighbor

2008-12-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

This is how you know your life has turned out really ... really ... bad.

Could you imagine what kind of parties this guy has?

Posted on boat of the National Park River Tour Costa Rica?

2008-12-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

Picture this ... I am sitting in the boat of this wonderful jungle tour in Costa Rica. And I see a sign on the wall of the boat. The ONLY sign on the whole damn ship. I assume it says something about maybe ... Like

Keep Hands in Boat at ALL times ....

Max number of people on boat ...

Life preservers are located ....

Tips are Good ... SOMETHING of importance ....

But no.

I guess they have a problem with people that take this tour for the underage sex?

The best conversation I heard the whole week in Costa Rica. Was between a brother and sister on a Snorkeling tour I was on.

"9 year old boy": Look sis I just caught a fish with my hands ! (Little Puffer fish)

"14 year old sister": Good Lord put that fish down. You are going to Traumatize him !!!

The hardest part of any journey in life is the first step. Sometimes it takes a leap of faith.

2008-12-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Blog Heaven

2008-12-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

This is very new to me and I am sure there will be bumps in the road.