There have been twelve new publications added to the Forum. The first six are posted under the GM, Ford and Chrysler tab. The first article comes from the Detroit News Washington Bureau reporting that General Motors Co. plans to delay its filing of the paperwork to start the initial public offering process until early next week, all because of the management shakeup at GM. The second article comes from the Detroit News stating that Daniel “melon head” Akerson, the next CEO of GM, is similar to the last; a longtime telecommunications executive, wealthy, Republican and a Cadillac owner. He and his wife were supporters and financial donors to George W. Bush and John McCain. The best thing I can see so far about melon head Akerson is that he owns a Cadillac. The third article, also from the Detroit News, tells that Ford Motor Co. is tapping the sun’s energy to help power production of the next-generation Focus and hybrid-electric vehicles coming to market in the next two years. The fourth article, also from the DNWB, gives more information on GM posting a $1.3B earnings increase. The fifth article reports that the Boss is back as a production model. Ford Motor Co. announced Friday morning that it will offer a limited number of the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, playing up the powerful reputation of the legendary engine. The sixth article comes from a Free Press Business Writer telling that incoming General Motors Co. CEO Dan “melon head” Akerson, even though being a strong GOP supporter, is already working with the Obama administration to reduce the government’s 61% ownership stake in the Detroit automaker.

It’s Friday and that means that it is time for this week’s edition of bcb monitor meds. We post articles like these in the hope that you might find some tidbit of useful information that will make your retirement years healthier, happier and longer. There have been three new posts placed in the Medical, Dental and Vision portion of the Forum. The first article comes from the Health section of ABC News. It reports that with summer in full swing, Americans are constantly reminded to put on sunscreen and avoid tanning beds. But an often overlooked source of ultraviolet radiation can be found in many nail salons, and some doctors warn that it could be hazardous. The bottom line is that there is some evidence that UV nail lights could be a risk factor for skin cancer. The second article comes from the New York Times stating that if your pants are feeling a bit tight around the waistline, take note: Belly bulge can be deadly for older adults, even those who aren’t overweight or obese by other measures. The third article asks the questions: When you go to the gym, do you wash your hands before and after using the equipment? Bring your own regularly cleaned mat for floor exercises? Shower with antibacterial soap and put on clean clothes immediately after your workout? Use only your own towels, razors, bar soap and water bottles? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you could wind up with one of the many skin infections that can spread like wildfire in athletic settings. As usual we want you to know that our philosophy at Blue Collar Benefit Monitor is that true health care reform must start at home through maintaining a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, keep regular medical, dental and vision checkups and by quitting smoking.

Two new posts have been entered into the Open Discussion section of the Forum. The first article comes from the Detroit News reporting that the number of automotive dealers in the United States is expected to fall about 3% this year. As of July 1, there were 18,223 dealers nationwide with 258 closing since the first of the year. The second article comes from a Free Press Business Writer. It tells that Takata Corp., one of the world’s largest seat belt and auto safety system manufacturers, is planning to invest $14.6M to build a new crash test simulation track in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

One new post has been added to the Opinion category and comes from a Free Press Columnist. The article gives some details on why this is not necessarily the wrong time for a GM IPO.

We at Blue Collar Benefit Monitor hope that all of you have a safe and happy weekend and as always we thank you for your continued support.