Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Jib-Jab Presents 2009 - Good Riddance

2009, as only the guys at Jib-Jab can recap.

Windows Mail

I learned something new today when I clicked on Windows Mail for the very first time. Windows Mail is the successor to Outlook Express.

I never got my new messages with Outlook Express from my gmail account even though I retried on several occasions. I performed the entire setup procedure perhaps a dozen times.

Today when I clicked on Windows Mail it knew that I had a gmail account? I simply entered my ID and password and downloaded my gmail onto my computer.

If you'd like to try this at home or work and are having problems give me a call and I'll try to assist in your efforts.

However, I don't think you'll have any issues.


Good Day,

Philip


Overview

Windows Mail is the successor to Outlook Express

Windows Mail builds on the foundation of Outlook Express, adding a variety of new features designed to make your e-mail experience more productive and fun, while helping to reduce risks and annoyances such as phishing and junk e-mail.


Quote:

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

Saturday, December 26, 2009

iTunes to Electronic album of the year!

iTunes USA have named Fever Ray as their favorite electronic album of 2009 in their Rewind 2009 feature.

Fever Ray is nominated in three categories by Swedish public service radio: Pop, Dance and Rookie!

tinyurl.com/feverray2009

As I learned about Karin Dreijer Andersson today it just kept getting better and better.


Enjoy!

Philip

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Lakewood Police Officer's Christmas Letter

Lakewood Police Officer's Christmas Letter
December 19, 2009

tinyurl.com/lakewood2009

I'm pretty sure you'll need some tissue for this story so since you have them handy check out the Soldier's Silent Night Christmas song too.

tinyurl.com/ssn2009

Download the song!
groups.yahoo.com/group/tacomaclub/files/Music/

Share a holiday message with our group?

206-424-0956 voicemail


Happy Holidays!

Philip
Founder
tacomaclub @ Y!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Rheinland Pfalz, Germany

Sud Rheinland Pfalz
South in English


I've spent the past couple of years living near the German wine strasse in Rheinzabern. In fact, I spent most weekends visiting this area. The German wine road parallels the Alsace region of France. It's about 30 kilometers (18 miles) in length and runs North to South. It ends just across the border in France near the town of Bad Bergzabern. The quaint little town of St. Martin is commonly known as the diamond in the wine strasse. Take the Edenkoben exit just a few kilometers North of Neustadt on autobahn 65 and follow the narrow road North. South of Edenkoben lies the vila of King Ludwig. Nope, not the crazy king that bankrupt Bavaria, the summer home of his grandfather. It's also the stop for a chair lift to the highest point in the Rheinland Pfalz.

My photo albums include the towns of Lauterbourg and Wissembourg located in the Alsace region of France. The Flickenstein castle album shows lots of terrain features.

Photos;

http://picasaweb.google.com/atkins.philip/STMARTINGERMANY#
http://picasaweb.google.com/atkins.philip/TOTHETOPOFTHEMOUNTAIN#

Sunday, December 13, 2009

My Miracle

It was a nice spring day back in 1982 as I crossed the five lane street on foot between the laundry mat and the post exchange on Ft. Lewis.

I had my rain jacket tucked under my arm since it had rained for six straight weeks. I was trying to finish my errands for the day while half way across the street my life suddenly changed.

I was hit by a speeding truck as it turned onto the roadway. The impact caused my head to strike the hood of a large 4x4 of some sort and when I came to rest my head was under a portion of the front tire. It was the drivers side and had it rolled one half or perhaps a quarter turn more my head would have been under a large tire.

The paramedics arrived and since I hadn't moved I was taken away strapped to a board. I was placed in the emergency room and soon I had electrodes strapped all over my chest and head. I was covered with warm sheets and was beginning to go into shock. The doctors were also marking on my left leg with some sort of black maker. It actually reminded me of a game of tic tack toe.

The whole time this event was taking place I remember praying and asking God not to let me die. My reason, I was too young and had much to accomplish and that I would live a diligent life in His service. Whatever that might mean?

The medical staff left the room and while praying this whole time out loud I began to move and soon was pulling off the electrodes from my head and chest. I'd made up my mind that I was getting out of that place.

When one of the nurses appeared and asked what I was doing I simply explained that I was going home.

The doctors soon thereafter returned and marveled that I could move so I persuaded them to fetch my clothes.

I had a very large bruise and knot on the top left portion of my head where I had struck the truck hood. I had to eat soup for weeks because my jaw was stiff and sore.

I also had a very large bruise on the thigh of my left leg and had to use a kane for several weeks.

When I didn't show up for formation the next morning my lieutenant came knocking and when he saw my injuries was shocked. Lt. Kort was very understanding and as my platoon leader took care of all the details.

I'm not sure how far that truck knocked me after I was struck but interesting enough the rain jacket I was carrying was never returned.

Had the driver not delivered the exact amount of brake pressure at the precise moment it would have been another story all together.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

My twitter

A funny thing happened on the way to living the most interesting life anyone could have ever imagined.

It's not bragging if it's a fact, right?

On rare occasions have I met folks who have more of a diverse background than that of myself.

Of course, there's a reason, some years I've traveled around the world nearly a dozen times.

I'm interested in sharing stories, photos and messages just as much as the next person.

That's why I've been exploring some of the lastest sites such as twitter, facebook and blogs.

The world of social networking doesn't necessarly replace your family but it's possible.

I've lived abroad for more than 11 years and what a great way in which to stay in touch with your friends and family members.

Its become all about me!


Philip Atkins
http://twitter.com/atkinsp
Text via twitter @ 40404

Linkedin.com

Linkedin.com
December 12th., 2009


I've been surfing the Internet for more than 20 years and have grown accustomed to most of the hipe.

However, I've recently used the free service at linkedin.com to join several of my websites together.


Joined today via linkedin.com

* My profile page at google
* My tweeter account
* My blog
* Tacomaclub @ Yahoo!


In addition linkedin provided me with a means in which to upload my resume and present a very professional looking profile.

I'm sending this to ask you for a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, let me know.

Thanks in advance for helping me out.

-Philip Atkins

http://www.linkedin.com/in/philipatkins

New website offers thousands of books for free

Monday, December 07, 2009

By Daily Crux Editor Justin Brill:

ManyBooks.net is now offering 25,472 popular (and not so popular) eBooks at no cost.

The site allows you to browse by numerous categories such as authors, titles, languages, most popular, and recommended, and you can also read reviews from other visitors.

The website doesn't offer the wide selection of other online stores, but hey, you can't beat the price.


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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Links > Music > Jessica Mauboy

Hey folks,


Check out Jessica Mauboy's music videos in our links section.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tacomaclub

Links > Music > Jessica Mauboy

I've provided a link for a free music download to the hit single Up/Down.


Good Day,

Philip


"Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding." - Albert Einstein

Saturday, December 5, 2009

The Gospel Truth

Hi Everyone,

I'd like everyone to consider the following story provided in the link below very closely.

Last Sunday I began to write a short message concerning the gospels.

In fact, I'd been wanting to write this story for several weeks but have been very busy working on other projects.

I wrote this message from one of our upstairs bedrooms which is probably the only story that I've ever composed on this particular computer.

I was about halfway through my message and on the television I began to hear that four Lakewood police officers had been killed at the Forza coffee shop in Parkland, Washington.

I live in Parkland too and this incident occurred just a few miles from my home.

This incident stunned our community for days as you might imagine.

Also, this incident occured only about a month after the two Seattle police officers were shot in their patrol car in which one of the officers perished.

My point? Life is short and know one knows what tomorrow will bring.

In addition to this one of my co-workers died this week. Her name was Dee Grylls. It was the second co-worker that I've lost in five short years. My other co-worker to perish was Sean Riley who worked along side of me in Iraq during my overseas duty from June 2005 until June 10, 2006.

Therefore, I earnestly ask that you read the following story and consider sharing it with your friends, family and co-workers.

Its perhaps the greatest form of kindness that you can perform this holiday season.

God Bless,

Philip Atkins
Tacoma, Washington


The Gospel Truth
December 5th. 2009

Continue to the story below....

John 18:33-38 - King James Version

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did ohers tell it thee of me?

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done ? Jesus answered , My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.


The Gospel Truth
revelations.zoomshare.com/files/gospels.htm


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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Free Classifieds: Seattle & Tacoma

Free Classifieds
November 18, 2009


I like to make extra money with the free classifieds during the holidays.
Listed below are my favorite local classifieds in order.

Enjoy!


Craigslist: Classifieds
seattle.craigslist.com

7 days online, up to 4 photos, large word limit.
Edits allowed after ad is published online.

Q: How many people use craigslist?
A: More than 50 million in the US alone
Q: How many job listings does craigslist receive?
A: More than 1 million new job listings each month

See; Craigslist's A One-Stop Swap Shop

-------------------------------------------------------------------

NWsource: Classifieds
nwsource.com

14 days online, up to 5 photos, 2,000 text characters, Web site link.
No edits allowed after publishing ads.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

TheStranger: Classifieds
thestranger.com

30 days online, up to 6 photos, There's no word limit for your web post.
Edits allowed after your ad is published online.
A reminder is sent when your ad is up for renewal.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Saving Private Ryan Ending (Hold the bridge)

I'd watched Saving Private Ryan on TV when if first aired about ten years ago and apparently had forgotten the ending.

The last thing I remembered was Tom Hanks getting shot and had basically forgottten everything after that point.

Once you see the clip you'll understand why from all of the horror, action and emotion in this brutal sceen.

I watched the movie again last night for only the second time.

They're many awesome things that happened thoughout this movie thanks to Steven Spielburg.

The reason that I'm writing this blog is due to the fact that I visited Omaha Beach and Normandy, France a couple of years ago. It was the 4th. of July weekend in 2007.

I also visited the American cemetery at Normandy so when you watch the second clip you'll understand the emotion that brought this film full circle in my life.

I don't have any more words, I didn't take any photos at the cemetery and will probably never visit again.

However, it was enough to change my life forever.

I hope that I will always remember and appreciate those incredible sacrifices of our American soldiers.


  • Saving Private Ryan Ending (Hold the bridge) 9.17 min.

  • This is the final part of the film that I had forgotten (Private Ryan) 2.50 min.


    Godspeed,

    Philip Atkins
    Tacoma, Washington
  • TacomaHires Job Fair

    Wednesday, November 18, 2009

    Location: Hotel Murano
    1320 Broadway Plaza
    Tacoma, WA 98402
    Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

    Bring at least 30 resumes!


    The event is just around the corner! We have created a Job Fair guide for you to print out and take with you to the event. The guide has the companies participating, a selection of open positions, as well as tips for maximizing your time at the event. To make the day of the event as smooth as possible let's cover a few things that you can do ahead of time-- select your business attire, print out 30 copies of your resumes, and map out how you will get to the event. Do your best to arrive early and dress appropriately in case there is any time that you will need to wait outside.

    Once you have printed your guide do a final review of the companies and positions and write down any questions that you want to be sure to ask at the event. You can also make notes in the guide on key points you would like to discuss. Remember, the career fair is a great chance for you to make connections with recruiters, to learn about new opportunities, and to move forward with your job search. Keep an open mind about companies and jobs that you may not initially see as a fit with your background or interests.

    Stay positive! You are taking action by attending the career fair and reaching out to make new connections- this is a great step forward in your job search.

    We'll see you at the Job Fair.


    Selected companies attending the event include:

    •Silpada Designs
    •AFLAC
    •Argosy University
    •Army National Guard
    •Career Directors International
    •COUNTRY Financial
    •Passion Parties / Independent
    •Prepaid Legal Services, Independent Associate
    •Salem Communications Seattle
    •Shaklee
    •The Art Institute
    •Waddell & Reed
    •Univera
    •Puget Sound Business Journal


    Links;

    Job Fair Guide!
    http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fair_guide/2810
    {or} http://revelations.zoomshare.com/files/job.fair.guide.pdf

    Upcoming Job Fairs;
    http://tacoma.localhires.com/events/MjgxMA==/Tacoma+Job+Fair+November+18%2C+2009

    New Job Postings in Tacoma
    http://tacoma.localhires.com/jobs/


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    Saturday, November 14, 2009

    IP Geolocations

    Click the link provided in the following message and your current IP address and location will be made available

    Friends and family will appreciate this featured service since most communication devices today connect through the Internet via an IP address.

    What a great way to stay in touch and in some cases, let's pray not, track a family member should the need arise.

    Perhaps if everyone used this service most amber alerts could be avoided.

    At the very least the number of abductions could be greatly reduced.

    In any case check out the following link to locate someone.

    http://revelations.zoomshare.com/files/geoip.address.htm

    Connecting through this service will instantly display your current location.

    Please be sure to email the site to your friends and family with hand held Internet devices.

    Most email services display the IP adresses of the sender in the message header. Perhaps you'll need to expand the option in order to view this feature?

    Visiting from out of town? What a great way to keep from getting lost by saving time and money in finding your destination.

    If you happen to know someone who's traveling overseas this could also become a very powerful tools for personal safety.

    In a perfect senerio it might go something like this;
    Let's say a person is in harms way and is able to log into their email account in order to send a disstressful message which in turn relays their current IP address and location. Let's also assume this person is being held in captivity and doesn't know their current location.

    Does anyone currently use such a service?

    If so, please let me know just as long as its offered free of charge.


    Good Day,


    Philip Atkins
    Tacoma, Washington

    Friday, November 13, 2009

    Singing The Torah

    The highest form of Judaism taught by the Torah is that Jewish rabbi's learn not just how to read but how to speak.

    In the Hebrew language the rabbi is taught how to speak and sing to god with proper voice tones.

    Its why you see so many characters in the Hebrew language and its taught that this is the way in which god speaks.

    Jesus himself was called Rabboni which is the highest respect you can give someone who teaches from the Torah. See; John 20:16

    Jewish people singing who were taught from the Torah can be a very spiritual experience.

    I'd like to invite you to visit the following artist who sings both in Hebrew and the English language.

    Her name is Neshama Carlebach and she signs with the voice of an angel.

    Take time to enter into the house of the LORD today.


    Neshama Carlebach
    http://www.sojournrecords.com/artistpage/neshama_carlebach


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    Thursday, November 12, 2009

    Veterans Day

    Veterans Day
    November 11, 2009


    An annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11.

    However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave, and if it occurs Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be so designated.

    It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

    November 11th. is also the 1st. day of the German celebration known as Fasching that doesn't end until February.


    Source;

    wikipedia.com

    The Berlin Wall

    The Berlin Wall
    November 09, 2009


    It seems like a life time ago and I suppose that it was indeed since I visited Berlin in the fall of 1980.

    I had won the battalion soldier of the quarter award and for the accomplishment was sent to visit Berlin for five days courtesy of the US Army.

    Our accommodations were at the Lake Wansee Recreation Center. Its a gorgeous place and I traveled daily to downtown Berlin to what locals called the kur-fu-dam.

    Berlin is a large and fascinating city with several great museums. Its more than 100 miles in circumference according to wikipedia.com.

    In those days know one was allowed to visit East Berlin but as soldiers we were allowed to visit as part of an exception. We had to remove our name tags and surrender our ID cards to the officer in charge. We were all dressed in our class A uniforms.

    I'd heard that a green US Army ID card back in that day was worth ten thousand dollars. The US Army soldiers never needed a passport to enter a foreign country.

    The one thing that I'll always remember is how cheap everything cost.

    At the time we received twelve German East Marks per German Deutsche Mark (West Marks) and twenty East Marks per dollar. When all was said and done a beer cost about five cents. I even shopped one afternoon away for something in the neighborhood of ten bucks.

    East Berlin was a very quite, clean and orderly place. Quite the opposite of West Berlin indeed. We also got to visit some military cemeteries as well.

    Being a soldier in former West Germany from February 1979 until that same month in 1981 had allowed me the opportunity to see both sides.

    I had ridden the US Army duty train from Frankfort, German through East Germany and it ran only at night. They had much to hide in those days and namely the lack of economic progress.

    I had also spent my two years living near the East and West German border. This area is known as the Fulda Gap and I lived within 10 kilometers of the border in Eiterfeld, Germany.

    I often visited friends within the 1K zone. Road signs strictly forbid military personal from visiting the 1k zone without special orders but I never checked to see if they offered any waivers.

    These folks were very kind and generous people and since I grew up in rural West Virginia I felt right at home.

    I'll never forget the family of Adam Rudolph who has since dearly departed. Not only did we enjoy some great times and meals together but this family also shared their home.

    That's normal for a German though.


    Sources;

    Youtube Video: Berlin East Side Gallery
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEs-MGQ9UZk&feature=youtube_gdata

    German President Visits Berlin: 'The joy of freedom'
    http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/11/09/berlin-wall-celebrations.html?ref=rss

    Wikipedia: The Berlin Wall
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall


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    Sunday, November 8, 2009

    Free Classifieds: Seattle & Tacoma

    Free Classifieds
    Novermber 08, 2009


    I've been posting classifieds most of the day after revisiting an old listing of free classifieds sites.

    Several years ago I would have chosen craigslist but I've been spammed for the better part of the year.

    The reason that I wanted to mention the following sites, even though I haven't actually sold anything yet, is the ease of use and marketability.

    These sites include a large reader base and are well established on the Internet and in the local community.

    My hat goes off to both of them because I believe that everything on the Internet should be free.

    I wanted to list 2good2toss.com but they still haven't gotten back to me on my first ad. It's also a Tacoma city and Pierce county site courtesy of the local government. The most expensive item listed with 2good2toss must sell for no more than $199.00 bucks.

    I also want to mention the freecycleseattle.org site at yahoo. They have over 20,000 members so if you want to move your stuff then this is the site. I currently receive about 25 messages per day from this group and last month 2,500 messages were posted.

    If you don't mind driving or shipping to Portland this yahoo freecycle site has about 40,000 members.

    Wow!


    Give these guys a try today!

    nwsource.com | thestranger.com


    I wished all sites were this easy to use!

    Philip Atkins
    Tacoma, Washington

    Saturday, October 31, 2009

    My Life

    My Life
    October 31, 2009


    I worked in Germany during the late 1970's, through the 80's and into the early 90's as a Hawk Missile Crew Member for the US Army.

    It was a great experience and I was able to do quite a bit of traveling to many countries.

    In fact I visited most of the countries in western Europe. Belgium and Germany are definitely two of my favorites. I'm particularly fond of the Greek island of Crete.

    I retired from active duty in 1992 with many awards and decorations but the best experience was the soldiers and friends that I encountered along the way.

    I returned to the states in the fall of 2008 after living in Germany for the previous two years. My vacation apartment was located on the border of the Alsace region of France in Germany's South Rheinland Pfalz.

    Some of the most amazing places in which I visited were Normandy, France and Krakow, Poland. I've always been interested in WWII and since visiting these two places it has greatly shaped my view of the world.

    Since there usually isn't any do-overs in life I believe that when you seek adventure it's the best road less traveled.

    I wouldn't trade my experience for anything.


    Philip Atkins
    Tacoma, Washington

    Atkins Surname Means; Son Of Adam
    http://www.google.com/profiles/atkins.philip



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    Saturday, October 24, 2009

    Riesling Wine

    Riesling

    One of the world’s noble grape varieties, Riesling makes especially fine wines in Washington State.

    Tasting Notes: Distinctive honeysuckle, nectarine and peach aromas, with fresh, fruity flavors balanced between sweetness and acidity.Serving Suggestions: Mild cheeses, seasonal fruits, roasted white meats, ham, and spicy dishes.


    Source;
    www.coveyrun.com

    Sunday, October 4, 2009

    Vehicle Safety and Preparedness Tips

    Subject: Going on a trip?
    Date: October 04, 2009


    Recent traffic news concerning frost indicates that fall and winter have officially arrived.

    In regards to auto safety I've found a link that I wanted to share which gives advice on how to stay safe this season.

    Whether you're simply driving to work or planning the next road trip this advice will help you to arrive and in some cases survive the trip.

    Rumor on the street is that we're in for another bad winter just like last year.


    ==================================================================


    Vehicle Safety and Preparedness Tips

    Wind and winter storms, flooding, landslides and downed power lines can create hazards on our roads. The National Weather Service, for example, states that about 70 percent of injuries during winter storms result from vehicle accidents, and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm.

    There are two types of preparedness kits you should have in your car at all times - a vehicle safety kit and a personal survival kit. Below are suggested items to include in each kit. Items should be stored in airtight plastic bags inside storage containers.


    Source;

    Vehicle Safety and Preparedness Tips: Washington State
    http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_travel_preparedness.shtml


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    Philip Atkins
    Tacoma, Washington
    http://www.google.com/profiles/atkins.philip

    Sunday, April 12, 2009

    I'm pretty phyched

    Hallo,

    I've published most of my European photos to google and I've created a nice looking profile through their service as well.

    Today I created a google group and a blog so I'm curious as to which one will be more successful?

    Perhaps both but we usually end up with a favorite with just about everything we encounter.

    Cheers!

    Phil