METALLICA ON THE IFC

2moro night, Metallica will be on the Independent Film Channel during Automat.  Look  forward to a chat with Lars,  and some behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the video for "The Day That Never Comes."  For more info, CLICK

mipagina.univision.com/bart21

I know the feeling that brother A.J. from Louisiana is experiencing about not being able to go online because of excessive grievances. This has been my busiest week as an APWU steward in almost 2 years. My "station vacation" as a steward is over.

My current station manager, Jim the Alien, is taking the early out and is temporarily being replaced by a former clerk named Morgan. ( I am currently thinking of an online moniker for "Morgan.") Jim trained Morgan for the last two weeks of September about his role as a station manager before beginning the process of burning up his sick leave.

Morgan is no stranger to me, I first met her on Tour One at a sister station as a DBCS Clerk. We were hired on the same date back in 1995. At one point, we were friends, I was 25 and she was 22 and we were youngest clerks in the station at that time. Without going into details, after 13 weeks on the job (exactly one day after her 90 day probation) - Morgan became a career light-duty clerk who was restricted to answering phones and doing paperwork. Eventually, Morgan became a 204b and took the ASP course to become a certified supervisor. Morgan was transferred to another post office outside of Colorado and I never saw her again for another 12 years.

Only after seven days on the job as the "acting station manager", I have received more grievances concerning Morgan than I have received in seven months! Understandably, anyone, be it management or craft, will make mistakes on any job that is new to them. However, the mistakes that she is making involve blatant disregard for the APWU, NALC and NRLCA Contracts and the ELM and the POM. Morgan has been all over the carriers and clerks like body hair on Robin Williams.

Today, at 11 AM, was my first chance to sit down with Morgan to settle these recent Step One grievances. This was our actual conversation:

ME: Good morning Morgan. Thank you for granting me steward time to settle these grievances.

MORGAN: This is a big waste of my @#$!! time. What are these cry-babies complaining about?

ME: These grievances involve violations of Article 8 (OTDL), Article 31 (Craft-Management Cooperation), Article 37 (Management doing Craft Work) and violaton of ELM 665 (7 day suspension discipline while skipping a Verbal Discussion and Letter of Warning) Which violation would you like to discuss first, Morgan?

MORGAN: I have only been here for a week and I can tell that this is the worst station that I have ever had to manage!! You people make me sick!!

ME: Think of it as a challenge, Morgan. Again, I ask, which grievance would you like to settle first?

MORGAN: I have no time for this b~llsh|+! You think because I am new to this @#$!! station that I don't know anything! I have been in management for 12 years now! I know all of your @#$! sneaky union tricks!

ME: I am happy to know that you have such insight on our sneaky union tricks, Morgan. Again, I am asking - which grievance would you like to settle first?

MORGAN: You are making a mockery out of me. I should deny all of these petty step one grievances! (Unintelligible shrill shrieks and assorted sailor and prison slang begins.)

ME: Obviously, you are too emotionally distraught to discuss this in an adult and intelligent manner. Should we try again around noonish?

MORGAN: I won't be here at noon!

ME: Um......does 1 PM sound fine?

MORGAN: I won't be here at 1 o'clock either!

ME: How does 2 PM sound?

MORGAN: I won't be here at 2 PM either. In fact, I won't be here when you clock out.

ME: Wow, Morgan! A three-hour lunch! The postmaster would be interested in hearing about that?

Sometimes, a little bit of sugar goes a long way with a bucking horse. In this case, it didn't work. I honestly believe that any station that has a knowledgeable and aggressive steward on site - can tame any wild beast within management to become more cooperative. There are those within the postal ranks who are still emotionally immature and view every situation in the worst-case scenario. What bothers me more is that we have people on the Executive Board of our unions that also have this same viewpoint.

I was reading an article that originally appeared in the Washington Post last Friday titled, "USPS Considering Layoffs." I noticed that the postal websites and the Burrus Bulletin on APWU's page linked the story on Saturday. While reading the newest Burrus Bulletin link: http://www.apwu.org/news/burrus/2008/update12-2008-100308.htm I got the impression that the article was more of a political plug of Burrus' political views than actual union news. The only thing missing for the article was, "My name is Barack Obama - and I approve this message."

Before the Postal Service lays off anyone there would be many steps that would have to be taken. Many offices are not understaffed and the issue of appropriate complement will come into play concerning routes and staffing. Presently, the offices that have been dubbed "overstaffed" have been reverting jobs and are excessing employees. In the worst case scenarios, consolidation is being implemented.

There is no doubt that we have been mis-managed into a financial pit. The P.O. is facing a critical situation. Concerning individual layoffs, there are many avenues through Article 12 that need to be utilized. Also the large section of the ELM 354 , particularly (ELM 354.21) would have to be totally exhausted before any layoffs occur. If you know how the Contracts and Postal Regulations play out you will see that a layoff issue would also include front-line managers with less than six years of service. According to NAPS, managers would be the first to go - but from my experience I find that one hard to believe.

Our respective contracts expire in 2010. Time is our worst enemy for now and we still have room for corrective actions within union and management before the worst happens.

I don't want to end this blog on a negative note after being off of this site for 6 days. This is the real back page off of a trade journal from our Hot Case called "Construction Week."  Me thinks the McGard company needs a new ad campaign:

When I first saw this ad, I thought that there must be some men who are so anal that they thought that all of the ladies wanted to access their man holes.  Perhaps, the dude who designed this ad was an ex-postal worker and assumed this was the perfect advertisement.

 

 

I think that Dawson guy, who comes on air, at night, is ridiculous. I think he is more harmful, than he is helpful. What are his credentials anyway? Is he just some guy, someone thought sounded cool, and plucked him right off the street for the night slot? Bah! I'm going to school for Psychology-- Clinical Psychology, to be exact. I cringe every time I hear Dawson's answers....and the sad part is-- there seems to be a lot of people who listen and follow him. I guess fake hope is better than no hope-- I just wish the hope was more accurate...and more...mm....more something...healthy, perhaps. I mean, I'm not really asking him to give up his slot at night-- I love KDWB-- I've been a long time listener-- and I'm just really concerned about Dawson's logic, itself. Does anyone else feel that way? [cricket cricket cricket...]. I hope someone does.

By the way-- I have nothing against the guy, myself-- and I, by far, know I am no position to be giving or critiquing advice-- because I have no credentials myself-- I am merely a student-- I just hope bad is not turning into worst.

Acupuncture "boosts IVF success"

It's the Tony Bruno Show on AM 570 KLAC. On the show tonight...Harry Kalas (Phillies Hall of Fame Broadcaster), Tommy Lasorda (Dodgers Hall of Fame Manager) and Larry Bowa (Dodgers 3rd base coach). Plus, we got Lakers Tickets to giveaway at 8:30p.m...Tune in at 7p.m...and we'll take you Into the Night!!!

We just played this and I was checking this out on youtube so I thought I thought I would share

Tú poesía dicha por ti salida de tú egoísmo. si me quieres te podria querer, si llegaste amarme yo también lo intentare, si me alcanzaste a tocar el alma podrás entrar en mi corazón y pertenecerte por siempre, si tú vida estuvo en mis manos en medio de mi sonrisa burlona hoy mi alma te pertenece en el sendero de tú dulce sonrisa, perdoname señor por el daño que estuve apunto de causarle a ese ángel suyo que lo único que hizo es brindarme protección con su mirada y que yo viera mas aya de mi endurecido corazón y de mi alma perdida por que si no la hubiera conocido al igual que seguido los pasos perdido en este momento es tuviera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 gosenlo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regueton

 

 

 

 

 gosenlo

I know what you're thinking. It's 2008, and "Friends With Benefits" and casually hook ups are the shiznit, but women may be shocked to learn that fully 77 percent of men seek out girlfriends who have potential as a wife. Somebody they can grow old with. You read correctly. Men these days are looking for that little characteristic in their chick if she is, what I like to call, "Wifeable."

 

That's the word from the Great Male Survey conducted by AskMen.com, which attempted to reveal through the answers to 150 questions some of the deepest secrets of men, everything from lifestyle to sexuality.

The results of the Great Male Survey proved most modern conceptions of men to be not always 100 percent. For example, men are often portrayed in the media as being immature, insensitive and afraid of commitment. Instead, it's just the opposite! Modern man is driven by a sense of values, loyalty and family.

Some interesting findings. Does this sound like the men you know?
--77 percent of men look for girlfriends with "wife potential."
--69 percent of men would never cheat on their partner.
--61 percent of men feel that the depiction of the male gender in commercials is not accurate.
--60 percent of men are nostalgic for the days when a handshake in business meant something.
--57 percent of men cook at home and enjoy doing it.
--56 percent of men say that being a good father or husband makes a man "manly."

Meanwhile, AskMen.com partnered with Shine to ask their female readers questions that would define the modern woman. They found that today's woman is bold--bolder than most men.
--20 percent of women admitted to having had more than 15 sex partners, while only 17 percent of the male respondents said they have had more than 15 partners.
--34 percent of female respondents said they would not change a thing about their lovers, while only 17 percent of men said the same. Additionally, 23 percent of female respondents are completely satisfied with their sex lives, versus only 14 percent of males.
--Only 17 percent of the female respondents have lied to a partner about their sexual experiences, while 31 percent of men say they have lied.
--More women share sex fantasies with their partners than men do.

Did you learn something??? Props to netscape for the brilliant idea.

Hit ya'll up tomorrow. PEACE!

-Vijay The Intern 10-06-08

MY life has been really great i just started football,

and i just got a c on my grammar test. and i am a

young republican living in la and i just had a science test

today, ( that was harrrrd!) here is my life so far .

                                  sincerely,   

                                   Austin

With the Giants moving to 5-0 this weekend and the Bengals going to 0-5, the time is right to jump ship. Meanwhile, there is plenty of room on the Giants bandwagon for any of you the frustrated of cincy. Not only are you welcome on the bandwagon, but if the Bengals start winning you can jump right back off. We probably wont notice, but at least you will. Its a good feeling rooting for the best team in the NFL, period. These guys are waiting....

The real 85?

HEY THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HERE I HOPE I DO WELL

My best wwe pics and videos!!!

I've always been a fan of cars and motorcycles.  Well,  the good (read: European/Japanese) ones.  That's how I wound up doing what I do today.  I'm an assistant manager/techinician/whatever you want to call it at a foreign automotive repair facility.  We always get all kinds of fun/fancy cars in to work on (and test drive!).  Usually the people that own these vehicles are actually pretty cool.  But every now and then, something like this happens...  And this story, is the worst.  Please continue:

A ten year customer of our's brought in his BMW 5-series sport wagon.  He complained about a few things that he wanted repaired, and he also needed an oil change.  After spending time on the car, it was apparent he needed shocks and struts, brake pads and rotors (front & rear), and his oil change (which he always specifies we use Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil). 

I proceeded to call him with the estimate for the repairs.  After giving him the total cost (roughly $1,500... $1100 cheaper than the dealer, but still using OEM parts), he asked if I could break it down individually.  I gave him the price for each repair, and after each one he just said, "No, thanks."  We got down to just the oil change, and he said, "You know, you guys have been getting more and more expensive as I come here.  Over the past ten years, I can't help but notice how your prices have slowly increased.  This is absolutely ridiculous.  Please just do the oil change, and I'll take my business elsewhere."

This man is a geologist for EXXON-MOBIL. 

After I explained everything to him (including how he had paid the exact same amount for an oil change for the past three years and how he works for an oil company and has the audacity to bring up price increases), he decided to go ahead and have the repairs done. 

Granted, we did do the work, but it took a lot more convincing than it should have.  I mean, he drives a BMW.  Some people just don't understand that higher-end cars legitimately cost more to repair, even the people who have owned them for years.  I understand that the automotive industry does have a bad wrap for "ripping people off," but I just ask everyone to compare prices.  In the end, they always realise that we offer the best quality work (better than the dealerships... I mean, it is me we're talking about.  Heh...) and the best price.  I do have to sleep at night, so I can never justify ripping people off.  That's why we have so many loyal customers.

Even ones that work for Exxon-Mobil.

Wheh the Bengals start pissing me off and life seems like its out to get me, I just pick one of these babies up and tear into some tastey riffs. Ive been playing 15 or so years and teaching for 4. I have 5 students every week and a few that take lessons less frequently.

This is my 1996 American Fender Stratocaster. It plays like a dream and sounds like one too.

And here is my 1997 Corvette Standard Warrick bass guitar. It is a sweet piece of wood. Long scale neck, but only passive pick-ups. I can slap, pop or tap my way out of any bad mood with this one.

So thats how I release a little steam. How do you?

I'm not homeless anymore!  LOL

Yup.  We signed the lease tonight!  Hooray!

We are in celebration mode here in the tiny apartment. :)  Got sparklers for the kidlets. 

Finally.  Something in our lives is resolved.  We move in ten days (again!).  Tomorrow my hubby has a meeting about the job/salary negotiations.  Then the real party starts!

More details about our new digs tomorrow.  You are not going to believe this place.  I'm feeling like I have a horseshoe you know where ;)

I am planning on sleeping like a log tonight.......

:)

Sé Fuente...
Sé agua abundante, pura y cristalina para quien tiene sed de amor, de  cariño, de fuerza y de apoyo.
Sé Puerto...
Puerto de  llegada de  almas cansadas, abrazando y recibiendo con amor a aquellos que andan perdidos por el mundo, y que necesitan de un lugar tranquilo para descansar  el fardo que cargan.
Sé también puerto de salida, para quien necesita partir, inspirándole a llevar una vida mejor, con renovadas esperanzas.
Sé Puente...
Puente que conecta la  vida terrenal a  la  eternidad del cielo.
Para ser puente, comprende, perdona y deja que las personas pasen a través de ti hacia el amor infinito
Sé Camino...
Camino largo, exquisito de  pasear. 
Sé camino que guía, y orienta hacia la verdad a  los peregrinos de  la  vida y estos agradecidos plantarán flores a tus pies.
Sé Estrella...
Sé estrella que ilumine gratuitamente a los que se te acercan.
Sé estrella guía, estrella de los que navegan por la vida y están perdidos.
Sé estrella que desde lo alto muestre a los demás la ruta de la felicidad.
Sé Lluvia...
Lluvia que moja los corazones secos, vacíos de  amor, de esperanza, de  paz. 
La  lluvia es siempre esperada, porque de ella depende la  continuidad de  toda  la  humanidad.
Sé Árbol...
Árbol que da frutos para quienes tienen hambre, que da sombra y  refresca el arduo calor de  los caminantes que siguen por la  vida.
Porque ser árbol es  tener raíces sólidas y  profundas, brazos que se alargan, que se extienden...  producir flores, adornar el alma de  alguien,  ser fuerte y  enfrentar temporales.