Sunday, November 27, 2011

'It was a blessing in disguise; was the best thing that happened' KOMO News.m4v

'It was a blessing in disguise; was the best thing that happened' 11.25.2011 KOMO News.m4v



'It was a blessing in disguise; was the best thing that happened' KOMO News.m4v - http://youtu.be/djhZ6-I5b1c


"Don't make the mistake of thinking I joined the Army out of some misguided, short lived sense of patriotism. My sense of duty and place in the Army was something I couldn't get rid of. I had and have a deep [seated] feeling of pride and joy in my heart and in my soul when I was/am protecting someone. What I was most proud of and died protecting was you, those I loved, my country, and my God." - Tyler Holtz 22

County food drive honors fallen Lakewood officers

County food drive honors fallen Lakewood officers 11-29 ~ 12-05-2011 - http://bit.ly/uU0PSf

Submitted by Jill Blocker, KOMO Communities Reporter
Saturday, November 26th, 2011, 3:20pm


Click on the image to see a larger flyer!

It's been nearly two years since four Lakewood police officers were gunned down at a coffee shop and lost their lives.

To honor them, the Lakewood Police department is hosting the Fallen Officers Food Drive. The food drive kicks off Tuesday, on the anniversary of that fatal day.

“We’ll be here from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening collecting whatever people feel they can bring to us,” says Lakewood Police Chief Chief Bret Farrar. “For the remainder of the week, though Sunday, you can drop off at any Forza Coffee locations in Pierce County, any Pierce County Library branches or the Lakewood Ace Hardware location.”

Farrar says turning that day into something positive is the best way to remember officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold, Greg Richards and Mark Renninger.

True Freedom

True Freedom | listen now! | comment
November 27, 2011

“Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.
‘Let us break their chains,’ they say,
‘and throw off their fetters.’" — Psalm 2:1-3

King David wrote these words possibly as he faced a conspiracy against Israel by her surrounding enemies. But as he took note of their plotting and planning, David remained confident. Why? Because he knew that the God of Israel, of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was in total control. He knew, without a doubt, that he had been chosen and appointed by God and that God would fulfill His promises to him.

Do we have that same confidence of the spirit?

The truth is, despite what we read in the headlines every morning or watch on the evening news, God is in control. He alone is all-powerful. He alone created the world. God knew about every empire then, and every world power today, before they even came into being (Daniel 2:26-45). Yet, throughout history and even today, the world and its leaders shake their fists at God — and His people — and declare their autonomy from him.

And what does God do? David tells us in verse 4: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs, the LORD scoffs at them.” God laughs at the nations much in the same way a parent laughs at her three-year-old who stomps his feet and declares that he can “do it himself.” Just as a parent knows the child’s boundaries and what he can — and cannot — do, God knows us thoroughly. He knows what a nation can or cannot do because He has set the boundaries.

We, too, can be tempted to believe that we are in control and free of God’s “fetters” and rule. Yet, inevitably we all serve someone — whether it’s an organization, another leader, or even our own selfish desires. We can only be truly free when we wholeheartedly serve and follow the One who created us in the first place. When we do that, we can have the same confidence that David did and enjoy God’s blessing on us.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Great Thanksgiving Hoax

The Great Thanksgiving Hoax
Friday, 11.25.2011


Dear Daily Crux reader,

Today, you'll receive just one e-mail from the Crux team... and it will be a little different from the content we normally feature.

After all, most readers are more interested in eating turkey and spending time with family than reading about finance this weekend.

In place of our normal handful of links, we're sending just one. It's written by Richard Maybury, a man we consider a national treasure.

Maybury is the author of the most insightful and useful set of history books you'll find anywhere in the world: the Uncle Eric series.

He believes in the ideas that made the founding of America the greatest event in history: liberty, free markets, private property, and personal responsibility. Reading his books is a revelation for many people... and the perfect antidote to the statist brainwashing our children receive these days.

The link below is to Richard's piece titled "The Great Thanksgiving Hoax." Sharing it has become one of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions around the Crux office. Whether you've read this classic before or are seeing it for the first time, we guarantee it will be the best thing you read today.

If you agree, we encourage you to pass it along to your friends and family. Now, more than ever, we think folks could use a reminder of the real reasons to be thankful today.

You can read it here.


Regards,

Brian Hunt
Editor in Chief, Stansberry & Associates


P.S. We believe the more people read and internalize the ideas presented in Richard's Uncle Eric books, the better off the world will be. And we can attest the series makes for a fantastic Christmas gift. You can learn more about it here.

We also encourage you to read the Daily Crux's recent interview with Richard. It was one of the most popular – and timely – interviews we published this year, and it's completely free to Crux readers. Click here for access.


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Copyright 2011 Atkins & Assoc. All rights reserved.

1 injured when disabled car struck at Auburn

1 injured when disabled car struck at Auburn
Friday, Nov. 25, 2011
The Associated Press


AUBURN, Wash. — One person was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident early Friday on Highway 167 at Auburn.

The Washington State Patrol told KIRO-TV the person was pushing a disabled car on the highway when it was struck from behind by a vehicle that left the scene.

The injured person was taken to a hospital in serious condition. The driver of the disabled car talked to troopers, but another passenger in the car ran off.

Washington License Plate

973 - TXR


Sources;

http://bit.ly/sFEH5z
http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/crime/1-injured-when-disabled-car-struck-at-auburn/nFmn3/


___
Information from: KIRO-TV, htthttp://www.kirotv.com/index.html


© 2011 Atkins & Assoc. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Stay Healthy at Work

Stay Healthy at Work
Don't Work Yourself Sick
By Dona DeZube, Monster Finance Careers Expert, and Allan Hoffman, Monster Tech Jobs Expert


Are you working yourself sick? Your attitude can play a major part in your happiness at work. Having a high level of control over your job responsibilities can backfire if you lack confidence or take setbacks too personally. Combine the two, and you're more vulnerable to infections, like bronchitis, influenza or even the common cold, says a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology.

Employees who thought they had control over their job responsibilities and who did not blame themselves for negative outcomes suffered the least amount of stress even in demanding jobs.

The bottom line, say researchers, is that if you have an inclination for self-blame, a job where you have less control in a high-demand atmosphere may be better -- that way you can blame the job instead of yourself when things go wrong.

Has this inspired you to look for healthier work pastures? Check out these


  • 10 jobs that promote a healthy lifestyle and environment:



  • Source;

    http://snipurl.com/2ng2o4


    ©2011 Atkins & Assoc. All rights reserved.

    Sunday, November 6, 2011

    Leavenworth Snow Bus

    Join Alki Tours on Leavenworth Snow Bus
    December 3 2011
    $54 per person

    Get in the holiday spirit as we travel over the mountains to Leavenworth's Treelighting Festival. Smell chestnuts roasting on an open fire, see carolers strolling through the streets and watch as the entire town is illuminated in one fell swoop at dusk. On the way home, imbibe in some holiday cheer. Enjoy shopping and lunch on your own in this festive town.

    Departures to Leavenworth also available December 10, 2011 and on December 17, 2011.

    Reserve This Tour Now!


    Home:

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

    Join Alki Tours on Rail To Leavenworth Treelighting Festival

    December 9 - 11, 2011
    3 days
    $389 per person/do
    Single supplement $139
    Book by May 20, 2011 for a $30 dollar per couple discount

    Celebrate the Christmas season in style as we travel by rail on Amtrak's Empire Builder over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth. Upon arrival a motorcoach awaits to whisk you away to 2 nights at the Best Western Icicle Inn. Stay in the heart of this quaint Bavarian Village. The next morning enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Then spend the whole day at the Leavenworth Tree Lighting Festival. Enjoy chestnuts roasting on an open fire, entertainment and strolling carolers before the town is magically illuminated at dusk! After the festivities, we will return to Seattle by motorcoach.


    NOTE : All tour prices are based on a cash discount. A 4% fee will be added to any tour paid by credit card.

    Download the Alki Tours Detailed Itinerary


    Reserve here!

    Home:

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

    Welcome to the Alki Tours Leavenworth Snow Train!

    December 3 or 10 or 17, 2011

    Tour Description

    Each Saturday in December, Alki Tours, located in West Seattle, operates the ONLY day-trip train that goes from Seattle to the winter wonderland of Leavenworth to see the annual Tree Lighting Festival. On each departure, eight hundred passengers board the train to enjoy a catered continental breakfast, onboard entertainment including strolling musicians, magicians and of course Santa. Near the 4000 foot summit, the train will transit Cascade Tunnel�the second longest in North America. At approximately 12:30pm, the train will roll to a stop in Leavenworth.

    There is no place like Leavenworth during the Christmas season. The town is dressed to the hilt for Christmas with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, carolers strolling the streets, food booths, sleigh rides, local crafts, outdoor entertainment and more! At dusk, everyone gathers to sing "Silent Night" and witness the lighting of the village as it is transformed into a magical sea of lights. After, we'll reboard the train for a cozy trip home. A catered dinner is served on the return trip and the entertainment will continue.

    Please read the following information before booking your Snow Train excursion.

    We would like to thank both Amtrak and Burlington Northern for allowing this special opportunity to run a daylight train to Leavenworth during the Christmas Season.

    The Snow Train is not your ordinary excursion train. We operate on heavily used Burlington Northern tracks between Seattle and Chicago and are subject to Burlington Northern dispatch. The following information is to help orientate you on how the Snow Train operates. While we try to cover most of the major information and question, you can be certain the following information cannot possible cover all the circumstances that may arise.

    If you have any other questions please submit them after you have read the following information.

    2011 Dates & Pricing

    Dec 3, 2011
    Dec 10, 2011
    Dec 17, 2011


    Coach Class $149 per person
    Premium Class $199 per person
    Dome Car $239 per person

    Cars and seating cannot be guaranteed
    In the event Premium or Dome class become unavailable you will be assign coach seating and the difference in price will be refunded - full refunds will not be given

    Dome and Premium Seats will either be at tables in the Silver Lariat, or tables or cocktail style seats in the Amtrak full dome car Premium Seats are in the Silver Lariat or Cafe Cars. Silver Lariat - www.calzephyrrailcar.com

    Also available for private parties "The Silver Solarium" The Silver Solarium consists of lounge & Dome seating Maximum Occupancy 45 **- www.calzephyrrailcar.com *

    *Must be reserved well in advance - Call for details *

    *Train car configuration and cars are subject to change*


    We do not recommend the "Snow Train" tour for very small children, it is a long day.

    ******Sample Snow Train Documents, subject to change******

    Dear Guest, It is a pleasure to welcome you aboard the "Snow Train" to Leavenworth featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. The following are answers to many questions regarding the "Snow Train". Please note that the following information is subject to change without notice.

    What to wear...
    Casual warm clothing is suggested so that your trip will be comfortable and relaxing. The average daytime temperature in Leavenworth during the winter is in the low 30's so you should dress accordingly. After the sun goes down temperatures can drop into the teens. Be sure to wear a sweater, warm coat, mittens or gloves, long underwear, hat, umbrella, raincoat and comfortable walking shoes that will keep your feet warm dry (i.e. boots). Layers of warm clothing are essential for your enjoyment.

    Your Carry-On Items...
    You are welcome to leave your carry on items in your seat or in the overhead storage area on the train or you can carry them with you during the day. Alki Tours will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items on the train.

    Your Tour Director...
    Each train car will be accompanied by car attendants, whose objective is to guarantee your comfort, provide information and make the trip as enjoyable as possible. Remember that they can only be of assistance if you make your needs known.

    Timeliness...
    It is your responsibility to be on time for the scheduled train departures. Alki Tours will not be responsible for any person missing the train for any reason.

    Beverages and Snacks...
    For your convenience and enjoyment, there will be two cafe cars on the train with a variety of snacks and beverages (Alcohol - subject to legal approval). (Amtrak and the City of Leavenworth Public transport prohibit the consumption of personal alcoholic beverages while on their vehicles). Violations will result in the confiscation of any opened alcoholic beverage containers. Intoxicated or belligerent behavior will not be tolerated and violators are subject to removal from the train and Leavenworth City Transit Busses and may be prosecuted under applicable Federal and/or Washington State laws.

    Gratuities...
    Gratuities for your car attendants should always be your determination however we are often asked if there is an industry standard. Car attendants are usually tipped from $2 to $3 per person per day if you enjoyed their service.

    Dining...
    Continental Breakfast - ***Sample Menu - Subject to Change***
    A continental breakfast will be served to you in your seat after the Everett stop. Gretchen's Ham & Cheese on Croissant, fruit juice, fresh-cut fruit cup, and hot regular coffee.


    Dinner - ***Sample Menu - Subject to Change***
    A chilled gourmet dinner will be served to you in your seat tonight after we clear the 7.8 mile long Cascade tunnel. Your dinner will include: Asian Chicken Salad, hearty wheat roll, fresh-cut fruit cup, beverage, and Gretchen's fabulous desert. Vegetarian meals must be requested at time of booking your trip departure. We are sorry we cannot guarantee any other special meal requests.
    Meals on your own...
    Lunch is on your own. You may wish to bring along a lunch or snacks that you can eat at your leisure on the train or you can dine at one of the many quaint restaurants in Leavenworth. The restaurants will be very busy, so you may wish to plan accordingly. For general Leavenworth information you can contact the Leavenworth Chamber at 509-548-5807.


    Boarding Information...
    Inside the station, there is no need to "check in" or stand in line. Boarding announcements will be made prior to the trip departure. As you approach the train, notice that the cars are labeled alphabetically. Proceed to the car designated on your boarding pass. At the train side, an Alki Tours representative will check you and your traveling companions in and seat you. This will be your seat assignment for the entire trip. (Please note: single and odd numbered parties will be required to share seating and may need to be re-seated). ******Physically challenged people, please call our office for additional information****** If you fail to board the train at your designated station you may not be able to be seated with your traveling companions. Parties boarding at different location may not be able to be seated together.
    Parking information:
    Will be sent out with tour documents approx 10 days prior to departure. Prices usually range from $8-$25 depending on where you park.

    OTHER IMPORTANT SNOW TRAIN INFORMATION
    Snow Train tickets are not refundable for any reason unless ALKI TOURS cancels the departure. Please do not listen to any news reports or other sources of information regarding trains. If you have any questions as to whether the Snow Train is operating please show up at the station and send someone into the station before you pay for parking to verify the train is operating. Once the Snow Train departs the station no refunds, partial refunds or credits of any. kind will be given regardless whether the train makes it to Leavenworth or not. While this has never happened�.yet, we have on occasion arrived late leaving little time in Leavenworth for eating and shopping. Please consider this before paying for your reservation.
    Traveling by Washington State Ferry to the train station?
    In case of a late arrival you may miss the last ferry. We suggest that everyone have some form of transportation at the train station and not walk onto the ferry. Our service ends at the station. Historically we have arrived in Seattle after 12 midnight on 3 occasions in the last 10 years and only missed ferry service once.

    Some common questions
    Why is the train stopped on the tracks or siding?
    Why is the train late?
    How long are we going to be stopped?
    Why can't you tell us what is going on?

    For these questions there are too many different answers to list. Some times we are not informed why we have been stopped as situations may change on the tracks. We are subject to Burlington Northern dispatch and they are trying to keep us on schedule. Each train car has a car attendant equipped with a radio. If you have a question please contact you car attendant and they can radio the conductor to find out if the answer if available.

    We have a high percentage of repeat Snow Train riders and some that discover that train travel in not for them. We hope you enjoy your Snow Train trip and will do everything we can to make your trip enjoyable.

    If you have any questions or comments please submit them here.

    I am ready to make my Snow Train reservation. By pushing the "Make My Snow Train Reservation" button below I acknowledge that I have read the information and understand the terms and conditions and will review the terms and conditions in the Alki Tours brochure.

    Home: www.alkitours.us

    Reserve here:


    Source;

    Alki Tours
    6417-A Fauntleroy Way SW
    Seattle, WA 98136
    Phone: 206-935-6848
    Toll Free: 1-800-895-ALKI
    http://www.alkitours.com/


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    Questions and comments about this posting can be addressed by calling 253.987.6261.


    Copyright © 2001-2011 Atkins & Assoc. All rights reserved.