There have been eleven new publications added to the Forum. The first can be found in the UAW national, regional and local specific topics portion. The article comes from the Detroit News reporting that United Auto Workers President Bob King said on Friday that President Barack Obama and his staff “saved the auto industry” with federal bailouts of GM and Chrysler and any derogatory statements made by administration officials during that decision-making process miss the point. It’s a real shame that so many Americans don’t understand just how important the auto industry is to our great country.

Five new posts have been placed under the GM, Ford and Chrysler tab. The first article comes from the Detroit News stating that Ford Motor Co. wants to ensure it has the “baddest” pickup out there with the introduction of a SuperCrew option and more standard power for the already extreme F-150 SVT Raptor for the 2011 model year. The second article, also from the Detroit News, reports that movie and television star Tim Allen will appear in commercials for the all-new 2011 Chevy Cruze when they begin airing Tuesday. The third article tells that Dan “melon head” Akerson, General Motors Co.’s new CEO, issued his first statement to all GM employees on Thursday, a Labor Day message noting that he has already met with union leaders. This could be all for naught if melon head isn’t around come contract negotiating time. The fourth article from the Detroit News states that the exact timing of GM’s “road show” and stock sale could change, depending on market conditions and the approval process of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fifth article is a release from the Associated Press reporting that Ford Motor Co. on Thursday settled a Mississippi lawsuit over a 2001 accident in which a New York Mets prospect was killed when his 2001 Ford Explorer rolled over and crashed in the Florida Panhandle.

One new post has made it into the Hodgepodge category. The article comes from AOL Autos. It tells that the summer travel season is winding down and unofficially comes to an end this Labor Day weekend. This is a good time to address recent industry reports indicating that, presently, 11% of vehicles on America’s roads, or about 28 million cars, trucks and SUVs are driving around with at least one bald tire and 55% are riding on at least one under-inflated tire. Please check your tires before your Labor Day trip.

TGIF; This means that it is time for this week’s edition of bcb monitor meds. We post articles such as these, and tonight a personal note, in the hope that you will see some piece of information that might help make your retirement years healthier, happier and longer. The personal note is something that I found useful during all the different doctors I went to while going through my cancer experience. It is a good idea to have a list of all the medications, vitamins and supplements you might be on. My doctor’s office has wallet sized cards for just that purpose. Illnesses or injuries can happen quickly and whether you are at an emergency room or the office of a new doctor, that is always one of the questions that is asked on the forms they have you fill out, what medications are you taking? I found out that Vitamin E is a natural blood thinner. It is a good idea to have one for yourself and all members of your family and especially older family members that you might be a contact person for. Now, there have been three new posts added to the Medical, Dental and Vision portion of the Forum. The first article comes from the Health section of the New York Times. It reports the fact is that sugar and cavities go hand in hand. But the total amount of sugar you eat has less impact on cavities than the pattern in which you consume it. The second article is all about Tinnitus, the medical term for “hearing” noises in your ears when there is no outside source of the sounds. It tells of common causes, how to care for it at home, when to contact a doctor and prevention. The third article comes from AOL News. It tells that researchers from the U.K. have identified eight warning signs of cancer, which could help catch the disease before it spreads.  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, keeping regular medical, dental and vision checkups and by quitting smoking.

One new post has been entered into the Open Discussion section of the Forum. The article comes from the Detroit News giving more information on the 4,600 electric vehicle charging stations that are to be installed throughout the country, 280 of which are to be placed in Michigan.

This Labor Day Weekend is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American worker, that’s you and me brothers and sisters. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5^th, 1882. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday and that’s the way it has been ever since. We at Blue Collar Benefit Monitor hope that all of you have a safe and very happy Labor Day weekend and as always we thank you for your continued support. Enjoy “our” holiday.