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
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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
###
end
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
###
end
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
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
###
end
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
###
end
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
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
###
end
Philip Atkins
Tacoma, Washington
http://www.google.com/profiles/atkins.philip
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
###
end
Philip Atkins
Tacoma, Washington
http://www.google.com/profiles/atkins.philip
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