tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63742934825071448592024-03-08T13:15:44.451-08:00The Unfolding JourneyRobert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-25260108091667198782014-02-05T12:50:00.001-08:002014-02-05T12:50:15.549-08:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">LE RAYON
VERT<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtuz3LNC88jtBCfYGJiFLtuLIsLomtej0Yi4sK7Jp69pj3iAkhE6EKJXOSRAcqFnT9f3FcrUqQms_mlF7xj4yPdJhIrqt45OHbt3Fn1niWb2YKxAwgQ0OblYA2xG7SDOFkmldeNMdqdHW/s1600/ray6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtuz3LNC88jtBCfYGJiFLtuLIsLomtej0Yi4sK7Jp69pj3iAkhE6EKJXOSRAcqFnT9f3FcrUqQms_mlF7xj4yPdJhIrqt45OHbt3Fn1niWb2YKxAwgQ0OblYA2xG7SDOFkmldeNMdqdHW/s1600/ray6.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Le Rayon Vert” is French
for the Green Ray, although most people call it the Green Flash. It is a real
optical phenomenon that can be seen at either sunset or sunrise. It takes the
form of a sudden burst of green light shooting upward from the horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So seldom were people able
to catch a glimpse of the “Green Flash” that it was thought to be something
mystical until the mid-nineteenth century. Writer <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jules Verne</b> knew about the flash and used it as a theme in his
novel <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Le Rayon Vert”</b> in 1882. His
characters included a pair of lovers who were attempting to view the green
flash while in Scotland. They were continuously frustrated by conditions.
Finally, the flash was clearly visible one evening but, because the two were so
in love, they only looked into each</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e0QoFja9ONI4f8PtzjWMMxh6hh6YDVpzDMNv4MFD6in0rcbhv8UfdABKIxojf8Izd6GJHoZh97DHza7WMxZxdNa_LxfjEa4xzGbv0ZwWZ1TZgQzC_KsXU1hRlvMi-iqo3NcFTmeDCa8x/s1600/ray4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e0QoFja9ONI4f8PtzjWMMxh6hh6YDVpzDMNv4MFD6in0rcbhv8UfdABKIxojf8Izd6GJHoZh97DHza7WMxZxdNa_LxfjEa4xzGbv0ZwWZ1TZgQzC_KsXU1hRlvMi-iqo3NcFTmeDCa8x/s1600/ray4.jpg" height="157" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> other’s eyes; and they missed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Verne described the flash
as “a green which no artist could ever obtain on his palette, a green of which
neither the varied tints of vegetation nor the shades of the most limpid sea
could ever produce the like! If there is a green in Paradise, it cannot be but
of this shade, which most surely is the true green of Hope.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is also an old
Scottish legend about the green flash. It says that “someone who has seen the
flash is incapable of being deceived. They are enabled to see closely into
their own heart and to read the thoughts of others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslewFWNdQUgXWFH4_bavxHflHTEtRm5Yzsqhge6MbtCK81FiEeVXiY0tXh5L5K2g7EtEfz0ePBnvTj_6fQccpmiqa-iqyNKw0mNvLjsUMNXoQGI9FHGsws_4SS0rTL9iQMcm4_XgD4zl3/s1600/ray2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslewFWNdQUgXWFH4_bavxHflHTEtRm5Yzsqhge6MbtCK81FiEeVXiY0tXh5L5K2g7EtEfz0ePBnvTj_6fQccpmiqa-iqyNKw0mNvLjsUMNXoQGI9FHGsws_4SS0rTL9iQMcm4_XgD4zl3/s1600/ray2.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But
what causes it? If you look at a bright star through a telescope, instead of a
pinpoint of white light it will appear as a spectrum with bands of color
ranging from blue to green to yellow to red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A similar effect occurs with our Sun as it sets (and rises). At sunset
the red of the Sun disappears first as its light is bent the least. The yellow
and orange bands are absorbed by ozone. The blue, indigo, and violet bands are
almost never seen because they are scattered by our atmosphere. The last color
band that can be seen is green. When the Sun rises, the bands are displayed in
the same way although in reverse order - the green band is the first to be
seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM1NGx7TsWy4etjdiT5_JYEEOVQ3Pl4lXAQEtCHbq5468uQ1t_zaxA06yLS-nhGBIkK09Qjq0q4qL-FfNCeOilRe9id8tmmT184cHmdYbe1H2HgOYmWpBzQWK4jZc7CuAenIqkPBTouFr/s1600/ray10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM1NGx7TsWy4etjdiT5_JYEEOVQ3Pl4lXAQEtCHbq5468uQ1t_zaxA06yLS-nhGBIkK09Qjq0q4qL-FfNCeOilRe9id8tmmT184cHmdYbe1H2HgOYmWpBzQWK4jZc7CuAenIqkPBTouFr/s1600/ray10.jpg" height="152" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The green flash phenomenon
can appear either as flattened oval shape that is pinched off or, more
impressively, a burst of green light shooting upward. I have spent many sunsets
standing on the shore line to see the green flash but as yet I’ve been
unsuccessful. There are many things that can happen to hide the flash - clouds,
haze, passing ships. And if the conditions are right, the green flash will only
last about 1.4 seconds on average. If you get distracted, which I always do,
you could miss it altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are some tips for
seeing the green flash. Your best hope for seeing the flash is to look for it
on a clear night (or morning) just as the sun is at the horizon. Clouds can
scatter the light and ruin the effect. In addition to the sea shore, being on a
tall building, a mountain, or in an airplane is also good. The green can be
seen only after the red image is gone (if in the evening). A good alternative
is to view the planets of Venus and Jupiter with a telescope as they pass below
the horizon. The Moon also exhibits a slight green flash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is an associated
phenomenon called a “green rim” where the outer edges of a bright object will
turn different colors as the object sets or rises in the sky. The lower rim is
always red because our atmosphere is denser closer to the horizon; the upper
rim is likely to be green or blue because of the decrease of particulates in
the atmosphere. The longest recorded duration of a green rim occurred in 1935
in Antarctica when members of the Byrd Expedition experienced it for 35
minutes. A green rim can sometimes transform into a green flash as the object
sets below the horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Try
your luck at seeing the elusive green flash but don’t get frustrated if it
takes a few attempts. I have been trying my entire life. Well, there will
always be another sunset tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-48461238501905198702013-12-13T12:13:00.001-08:002013-12-13T12:13:48.436-08:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: blue;">“THE SEA WILL RIDE OVER HER, <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: blue;">AND SHE SHALL LIVE IN IT LIKE A DUCK” <o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: blue;">(John Ericsson)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXzwoJMrL5yryPHS76BCaHQCzF94ABaxwKqNLselwrB7KjfKmUk9iEo2AqYBUafm0o24m07JY0wpK65_cO1zC_LAFkMoHHZdgMo1AjqOP-fy9qwlEun4XHgVAuaN6iXmeDxiT3bQTXXmS/s1600/ship6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXzwoJMrL5yryPHS76BCaHQCzF94ABaxwKqNLselwrB7KjfKmUk9iEo2AqYBUafm0o24m07JY0wpK65_cO1zC_LAFkMoHHZdgMo1AjqOP-fy9qwlEun4XHgVAuaN6iXmeDxiT3bQTXXmS/s1600/ship6.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1862, the technology of
naval warfare was about to take a giant leap forward. At the outbreak of the
Civil War just a year earlier, the Confederate States found themselves without
a Navy. The Union Navy had already blockaded all ports, which prohibited
southern merchant ships from delivering cotton and other products to customers
in Europe. The funds from those exports, desperately needed to support the war,
were unavailable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Confederate Secretary
of the Navy, Stephen Mallory, knew that he could never match the U.S. Navy in
ships or officers, so he developed an alternative strategy. He would build a
small fleet of “ironclad vessels” that would sink the enemy’s wooden ships and
break the blockade. He planned for them to be invincible as shells would simply
bounce off their sides. Mallory’s first such ship would be the Merrimac which
was a wooden ship abandoned by the Union Army when they evacuated Norfolk at the
start of the war. Workers began bolting heavy metal plates on the sides of the
Merrimac’s hull.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At the same time, fears
grew in Washington. Intelligence knew of Mallory’s plan and envisioned his iron
monster destroying ship after ship. The Assistant Secretary of the Union Navy
said, “Who is to prevent the Merrimac from dropping anchor in the Potomac and
throwing her hundred pound shells into the city or battering down the walls of
the Capital itself.” Of even more concern was that the blockade of southern ports,
a major part of the strategy to win the war, might be broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE81w3DymBSdGZMYwHRbKAPgZ69NvVrk-yinUUw3KCWPCWrvOB5Czu0cE0dlox8078NV1yN_C_3dmHEznR1LcjEKSoT8GLTEvmEVJnsp6ILW0CYvDw4jpu-NsYjWvAA5GWrKEf45YU2-PZ/s1600/ship7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE81w3DymBSdGZMYwHRbKAPgZ69NvVrk-yinUUw3KCWPCWrvOB5Czu0cE0dlox8078NV1yN_C_3dmHEznR1LcjEKSoT8GLTEvmEVJnsp6ILW0CYvDw4jpu-NsYjWvAA5GWrKEf45YU2-PZ/s1600/ship7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Only one man came to mind
that could design a ship to combat the Merrimac. He was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">John Ericsson</span></b> - an eccentric, arrogant, vain, but brilliant
engineer. The Navy hated Ericsson; and he hated the Navy. In 1845, one of
Ericsson’s experimental weapons exploded during a demonstration and killed the
U.S. Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Navy. Nevertheless, Ericsson
billed the Navy for the weapon. They refused to pay him. The feud continued for
the next sixteen years. Ericsson rejected the Navy’s new pleas for help . . .
unless President Lincoln personally assured him that he would be paid. Lincoln
agreed and Ericsson went to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymoh9K91-am7aoxWjayctiV8hFjaWoixebsKrgN1rxgpPUHzC6CdPeh2uGlI_hhXLfkM6b9T6ZhdREUqpPLYg141vqjU8Bdcqv6dvKfIzwYRYv929vbjLCNrBi7MJgyq_-QqIc-BU2PjZ/s1600/ship4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymoh9K91-am7aoxWjayctiV8hFjaWoixebsKrgN1rxgpPUHzC6CdPeh2uGlI_hhXLfkM6b9T6ZhdREUqpPLYg141vqjU8Bdcqv6dvKfIzwYRYv929vbjLCNrBi7MJgyq_-QqIc-BU2PjZ/s1600/ship4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ericsson’s ship would not
be iron platted - it would be made entirely made of metal! The Navy thought he
was mad, and that it would sink as soon as it was launched. Ericsson wrote to
Lincoln saying, “The sea will ride over her, and she shall live in it like a
duck.” His vessel was constructed on a ramp in New York City’s East River. John
Ericsson supervised every detail. He had 47 newly patented inventions on board.
He named his new ship the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: #999999; color: blue;">Monitor</span></b>,
and it was built in just 101 days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On the day of the launch,
the Monitor entered the water but did not sink. Her debut was not without
problems though. The crew found her to be difficult to navigate; they had
trouble just getting the ship out of the harbor and down the river. The Monitor
was terribly slow and water leaked through at several places; and ventilators worked
poorly permitting fumes to sicken the crew. Still, the Monitor trudged
southward toward her meeting with the Confederate ironclad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-Oa3yMtP8vMVwoVbxPEMAVc1gqzsBdJjQFuw7oIDQfkoIYPbf5nem7AVPLgpOpVj89-SpRBsVqZXVutrobDO9UWOrlvibNDdkthN5y9PHckIhdOnibUEJQYRBFAxuQk8iSZ9lZ_oq5kG/s1600/ship2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-Oa3yMtP8vMVwoVbxPEMAVc1gqzsBdJjQFuw7oIDQfkoIYPbf5nem7AVPLgpOpVj89-SpRBsVqZXVutrobDO9UWOrlvibNDdkthN5y9PHckIhdOnibUEJQYRBFAxuQk8iSZ9lZ_oq5kG/s1600/ship2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On March 8<sup>th</sup>,
the just completed Merrimac, which was renamed the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Virginia</span>,</b> and came out to attack the Union blockade fleet. It
headed for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">U.S.S. Cumberland</span></b>
(the most powerful ship in the fleet). The Cumberland returned fire but its
cannon balls bounced off the Virginia. The Confederate ironclad rammed her and
sank the Union ship. The Virginia then turned on the U.S.S. Congress and set it
on fire. The U.S.S. Minnesota tried to escape but ran aground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvog_I2zJE9FuUoXtyecx82t0Go8zAiJXm2GJCAY7x555cpjK58ha2Z-Xb9dYZMzlYZe9um7SN_qReagVdeLh7l0mbjcFGXU6Li9pIKB1dBzlUrtai_U1gGp2zpyP5BXeg3VEW4x4IvR1F/s1600/ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvog_I2zJE9FuUoXtyecx82t0Go8zAiJXm2GJCAY7x555cpjK58ha2Z-Xb9dYZMzlYZe9um7SN_qReagVdeLh7l0mbjcFGXU6Li9pIKB1dBzlUrtai_U1gGp2zpyP5BXeg3VEW4x4IvR1F/s1600/ship.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Into the battle a strange
ship appeared. It was hard to see exactly what it was. There was one very large
gun turret sticking up out of the water but little else that could determined.
The Virginia at long last had encountered the Monitor. The two ships fired at
each other with little consequence. After a short time, the Monitor pulled away
to resupply its ammunition. The Confederates thought that they had won the
battle. The captain of the Virginia, Catesby Jones, withdrew intending to
return the next morning to finish off the immobilized Minnesota.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry93i8hIpiMKLfJ-BJpr-yglaOajXgKA4Uquqp8kqxS8hzNlA8pz9iUqElcay-Jl-Fd7ZJCkLuPZm7zR6-A2_lz9HH-rn7kCkYKt2P68L4-X_gC1lVscBJTQ0k9aiIbh4yZjFTOumParb/s1600/ship3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry93i8hIpiMKLfJ-BJpr-yglaOajXgKA4Uquqp8kqxS8hzNlA8pz9iUqElcay-Jl-Fd7ZJCkLuPZm7zR6-A2_lz9HH-rn7kCkYKt2P68L4-X_gC1lVscBJTQ0k9aiIbh4yZjFTOumParb/s1600/ship3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That night the Monitor
returned and anchored right next to the Minnesota, preparing to defend the
grounded ship. After sunrise, the Virginia returned. Its crew was surprised to
see the Monitor still on the scene. The two ironclads resumed their battle.
They fired at each other for four and a half hours hull to hull; continuously
colliding together. Finally, the Virginia withdrew and returned to Norfolk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXDpQBcurraFElskKRX6NiQmncxXZa_vqZYzCdNWVU9lIwppLhXXsOmdryv4Xh3l399IeSttWJz12LipDB3w9QvV2U4rFQVGVnnzRvEjI13VVtX2WkiD7gCvvblWC-HUBoGCvERVN9dqo/s1600/ship10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXDpQBcurraFElskKRX6NiQmncxXZa_vqZYzCdNWVU9lIwppLhXXsOmdryv4Xh3l399IeSttWJz12LipDB3w9QvV2U4rFQVGVnnzRvEjI13VVtX2WkiD7gCvvblWC-HUBoGCvERVN9dqo/s1600/ship10.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These two famous ships
would never meet again. In May, Union troops approached Norfolk and the
Confederates blew up the Virginia rather than having it fall into enemy hands.
Ten months later, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Monitor was lost
in a storm off Cape Hatteras</span>,</b> North Carolina. The episode was over but the
story continued on. The North busily built a fleet of ironclads, still under
the watchful eye of John Ericsson. The South was unable to keep pace, lacking
materials and funds. The Union blockade held for two more years until the end
of the war. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The story of the great battle of iron ships spread.
Government leaders around the world knew that their once mighty fleets were now
useless. Naval warfare had moved into a new age and there was no going back to
wood and sails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-89489304256814268252013-12-08T13:39:00.000-08:002013-12-08T13:39:30.821-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">PARADISE
LOST</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwvuiltNDp0eVboWuzAkc2yK8sJuC8bx62mDdC_qQ92QNdf5C2wr2SRzy76YEc42Sdxp2kactLlF1FBE4BbZvOdzv7TEJ9niSS5cO2AYUbaJ3A7ShiwDGiPRWI0mRWbjlfIlv9Yb-N1zD/s1600/poly11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwvuiltNDp0eVboWuzAkc2yK8sJuC8bx62mDdC_qQ92QNdf5C2wr2SRzy76YEc42Sdxp2kactLlF1FBE4BbZvOdzv7TEJ9niSS5cO2AYUbaJ3A7ShiwDGiPRWI0mRWbjlfIlv9Yb-N1zD/s1600/poly11.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Polynesian
colonization of the Pacific was one of the most significant achievements in
human history. The homogeneous Polynesian people originated in Taiwan over
6,000 years ago. By 1500 B.C.E., they had migrated to Indonesia then eastward
to New Zealand, Tonga, Tahiti, Hawaii, and finally to Easter Island, the
eastern most outpost of the culture. By the time European explorers entered the
Pacific in the 16<sup>th</sup> Century, almost all of the inhabitable islands
had been settled for hundreds of years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Dshe1NyVT_-79acwBoQPX4FYL6je0EgNyZR94kGMMaF4pwCkR65trr0aZ4YD36FpGyXIpWwusGv_NL8jqHnyVYXwMQOMreLjA_hj5jOyqxlMYG-BcDUBajIlMaNkh2YU3nXi96CATzn6/s1600/poly12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Dshe1NyVT_-79acwBoQPX4FYL6je0EgNyZR94kGMMaF4pwCkR65trr0aZ4YD36FpGyXIpWwusGv_NL8jqHnyVYXwMQOMreLjA_hj5jOyqxlMYG-BcDUBajIlMaNkh2YU3nXi96CATzn6/s1600/poly12.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Until the last 20 years,
most scientists believed that the Pacific island people had only a small
environmental effect on the natural habitats; and that drastic changes were due
to the more recent actions of European colonizers. This turns out to be
inaccurate. More recent research is showing that the Polynesians had been
altering their environments in major ways well before the arrival of the
Europeans. Deforestation and forced animal extinction were much more common
than originally thought. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With migration, Polynesian
cultures became more specialized which extended to their relationship with the
natural environment. This diversification is seen as related to the extreme
distances between islands and the different types of island geologic formation
(which allowed different types of vegetation to exist). Each island developed
its unique culture in response to the different environments and the resources
available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02x5YJRJ1e2V7N0ayyuqjZyIceZ-BqPza4aokl6L3-umxRHb5Of1hawYl-Z534UfUh8P_m5lVjK7vRqHsjwlVCvyWk8mABguJeEMOa3pxEsoUzqc-DqLGrnslD-f7NQ8KYrj3yH-ibjfn/s1600/poly6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02x5YJRJ1e2V7N0ayyuqjZyIceZ-BqPza4aokl6L3-umxRHb5Of1hawYl-Z534UfUh8P_m5lVjK7vRqHsjwlVCvyWk8mABguJeEMOa3pxEsoUzqc-DqLGrnslD-f7NQ8KYrj3yH-ibjfn/s1600/poly6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the most studied
Pacific cultures was on Easter Island. The island, also referred to as Rapa
Nui, lies 2,000 miles west of Chile and is 1,300 miles from the nearest other
Polynesian island. It is best known for the huge stone statues that were carved
in a volcanic quarry, dragged about 12 miles to the coast, and then raised vertically
onto platforms. Some weigh as much as 80 tons. The Islanders had no machines,
pulleys, or draught animals to assist them. Why the statues were built is still
largely unknown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK95d1GmHZyzGube6Ob9j8hJ1TnrqDsCwWEOzv4oHVKTaNpZ9FxZNvlU1Q-aUZCP3IeobU6w2qpXl2lEvQE7K98zpvixKEXlR0AkEMUNtw1Z4pqvwdakVHcSRgpeUS7PS8MFCRygQAUOg/s1600/poly9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK95d1GmHZyzGube6Ob9j8hJ1TnrqDsCwWEOzv4oHVKTaNpZ9FxZNvlU1Q-aUZCP3IeobU6w2qpXl2lEvQE7K98zpvixKEXlR0AkEMUNtw1Z4pqvwdakVHcSRgpeUS7PS8MFCRygQAUOg/s1600/poly9.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today, Easter Island is a
barren place. Once a tropical forest, there are no native trees remaining. At
the time of the Polynesian settlement about 800 C.E., there were at least 43
species of land and sea birds; the largest number known on any Pacific island.
The population reached as high as 15,000 people but had declined to 2,000 by
the arrival of Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday in 1722. He
witnessed the islanders toppling over some of their revered statues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Easter Island
civilization collapsed 300 years ago due to human environmental damage. There
was no other Pacific culture located close enough to interact with the Easter
Islanders so their rise and fall was theirs alone. So what caused this
ecological and sociological disaster?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1UglIZ2h53XEAUj2jUMUsuA1TkgKid52UB4VtkyuM7FvOqz7CpC1inSyHaLhVBelz8rQFgNMe6bEpLfcg8DlC-T89irhPtLNn_pBntegH2vPp2RVQzOBgNpRQTwcGYnmSOpqxchal4QB/s1600/poly10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1UglIZ2h53XEAUj2jUMUsuA1TkgKid52UB4VtkyuM7FvOqz7CpC1inSyHaLhVBelz8rQFgNMe6bEpLfcg8DlC-T89irhPtLNn_pBntegH2vPp2RVQzOBgNpRQTwcGYnmSOpqxchal4QB/s1600/poly10.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When the Polynesian
settlers first arrived there, they began to clear the forest for their gardens,
canoes, and firewood. They also used tree trunks as rollers to move the giant
statues from the quarry to the coast. Agriculture was limited, so they fed on
the available birds and on the porpoise and tuna in surrounding waters. Over
the generations, the deforestation and reduction of animal stocks had
consequences for the people. Without trees they could not transport their
statues, so they stopped carving them. They had little firewood for warmth and
cooking. With the trees removed, they had no way to stop soil erosion. The
absence of wood also meant that they couldn’t build adequate canoes to venture
out into the ocean to catch fish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3DAfuFBnxHgeI7W-jD8VGBocOudKvQ4qg6juDnc7Pc5jBh__AT1HfY10bCtirnk8NXBF5Pr6aB1eUbFwWxPxELw0_fKWMTpUJ-66ME1hzZSo5Dh_XhvVSVN2i3U65uXRWNrtSBtvBa-_/s1600/poly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3DAfuFBnxHgeI7W-jD8VGBocOudKvQ4qg6juDnc7Pc5jBh__AT1HfY10bCtirnk8NXBF5Pr6aB1eUbFwWxPxELw0_fKWMTpUJ-66ME1hzZSo5Dh_XhvVSVN2i3U65uXRWNrtSBtvBa-_/s1600/poly4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ultimately, they turned to
the largest animal left to eat on the island - other humans. Cannibalism reached
epidemic proportions. The societal structure collapsed. Small groups warred
against each other. People moved into caves for protection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The collapse of the Easter
Island civilization was due to both environmental and human factors. The island
did have less rainfall than others, cooler temperatures (due to its latitude),
and almost no water runoff from higher elevations. But the key factor in
initiating the sequence of events that brought down the society was the human
action that removed the trees. Once gone they could not be regenerated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFrCMyZ2IpI-rOK15f-VTWcK7sre62QUEQsXyPazplSQIdL-qGwBfNIRw0sS5qP8LNrvBEslSQIXyeH2bPvpbyfornEcUPudSKzq1rd0KtCXrOP8hJA-MzqsA0jOpRgg2jUaGd8JqidhA/s1600/poly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFrCMyZ2IpI-rOK15f-VTWcK7sre62QUEQsXyPazplSQIdL-qGwBfNIRw0sS5qP8LNrvBEslSQIXyeH2bPvpbyfornEcUPudSKzq1rd0KtCXrOP8hJA-MzqsA0jOpRgg2jUaGd8JqidhA/s1600/poly2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Polynesian groups on other
islands did persevere without interruption for 3,600 years without any sign of
decline. Many of those were isolated as well (although none as completely as
Easter Island). Some avoided deforestation by abandoning the slash and burn
method of land clearance. Others focused on cultivating garden plots and relied
less on animal consumption, or learned to irrigate their fields. Still others
attempted to limit their population growth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The people on Easter
Island, once events spiraled out of control, had no means of leaving the island
to escape their fate. They had no way of saving their island paradise. When
their society collapsed, no one else in the world took notice and no one else
was affected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-74682175865407745272013-11-30T08:41:00.000-08:002013-11-30T08:41:36.011-08:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">ANNE
HUTCHINSON: </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">THE MOST IMPORTANT ENGLISH WOMAN IN COLONIAL AMERICA <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anne
Hutchinson’s legacy has changed over the last 300 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKR4GhZHvJQttt2dRa7rxFRw1gfT0FC6X_6cgjYaHExg2IppUwiarJlCxILUs_vHtIGfnL13hYBE6bByIGv-9k8vK9RuRLaDNVk7WYQz5zCAn_gtYS87idEJLIbnWpIyx4nMr9C5cw1CrI/s1600/anne17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKR4GhZHvJQttt2dRa7rxFRw1gfT0FC6X_6cgjYaHExg2IppUwiarJlCxILUs_vHtIGfnL13hYBE6bByIGv-9k8vK9RuRLaDNVk7WYQz5zCAn_gtYS87idEJLIbnWpIyx4nMr9C5cw1CrI/s1600/anne17.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Puritan
orthodoxy</span></b> of the 16<sup>th</sup> Century, she was an “agent of
destructive anarchy.” To the 19<sup>th</sup> Century, Anne was a crusader for
religious liberty. In our time, she is the symbol of a feminist leader;
assertive and highly visible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGWNMkddj9H-TgmGTVRE2ZfvfkrV7rCuEtkboqFTYtrjrvkER2u572reyCyU7BdgXALC0RQY_rFzrujdJGGel8w4HLp6yX39RZjhjA6DdZAtYeruV9y6yr0fULcSQKkIVCw3sNz4Pq8NR/s1600/anne16cotton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGWNMkddj9H-TgmGTVRE2ZfvfkrV7rCuEtkboqFTYtrjrvkER2u572reyCyU7BdgXALC0RQY_rFzrujdJGGel8w4HLp6yX39RZjhjA6DdZAtYeruV9y6yr0fULcSQKkIVCw3sNz4Pq8NR/s200/anne16cotton.jpg" width="147" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anne Marbury was born in
Lincolnshire, England, in 1591. She was the daughter of an Anglican minister
with Puritan inclinations; so much so that he was censured and imprisoned. At
21, Anne married a merchant working in London named William Hutchinson. Shortly
afterward, the couple moved to the small town of Alford to start a family. They
had heard of a young, charismatic Puritan minister named <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Rev.</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John Cotton</b></span> who was preaching
in a nearby town and decided to attend his service. Although Cotton was only
27, he was gaining a reputation for giving spiritual messages that were unlike
any others. He minimized an individual’s behavior as a requirement to gain
salvation while emphasizing one’s spiritual conversion. Anne was greatly drawn
to this message, and she attended his church often. Cotton’s philosophy was
called the “COVENANT OF GRACE” and differed from mainstream Puritan teachings,
the “COVENANT OF WORKS.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
“Covenant of Works” vs. the “Covenant of Grace”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB7U23dq7OLg0nP9a_EC-TO0pZ6CSq4jbJS-uqcy8vBwzulVuRv_lcpTORr5RTIZeATHL-ho4Z9MB0gYNYSi0KpV5l0gVY2vaqM1rdnXN75IbtC3g9nrCfqqZxUtCG-aXsGnSwWCLAzwC/s1600/anne12works.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB7U23dq7OLg0nP9a_EC-TO0pZ6CSq4jbJS-uqcy8vBwzulVuRv_lcpTORr5RTIZeATHL-ho4Z9MB0gYNYSi0KpV5l0gVY2vaqM1rdnXN75IbtC3g9nrCfqqZxUtCG-aXsGnSwWCLAzwC/s200/anne12works.jpg" width="175" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A theological “covenant”
is a divinely offered agreement or promise from God that frames His
relationship with humanity. At the time, two different theological covenants
vied for acceptance. The first, supported by the more orthodox Puritan sects,
was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">“Covenant
of Works,”</span></b> sometimes called the old covenant, which is a major theme
of the Old Testament. It supports the belief that salvation is achieved by
following the laws set down by God. It promises eternal life for obedience and
death for disobedience. Signs of the Covenant of Works include the knowledge of
good and evil and the observance of the Sabbath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFARpzhNcR7v5nXzJxbbPMbgK84MQ-9t0yutLpaI2A4O5sZ_TC4yIguNy5O1qlWL6Ni7DNcmdvlzJV2_nWzIl39CC3PgzCk35UXjHBosccO2ACWVgxQ5RS_aik1BUwLR1LuZJfekAEp4Ij/s1600/anne13grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFARpzhNcR7v5nXzJxbbPMbgK84MQ-9t0yutLpaI2A4O5sZ_TC4yIguNy5O1qlWL6Ni7DNcmdvlzJV2_nWzIl39CC3PgzCk35UXjHBosccO2ACWVgxQ5RS_aik1BUwLR1LuZJfekAEp4Ij/s1600/anne13grace.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The second is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">“Covenant of
Grace,”</span></b> sometimes called the new covenant. It is the primary message
of the New Testament. It supports the belief that salvation is achieved through
the crucifixion of Christ which atones for the sins of all who put their faith
in him; Christ being the representative for all mankind. Signs of the Covenant
of Grace include Baptism and Communion. Some people believe it replaces the
Covenant of Works, but most see it as existing alongside it. Other theological
covenants, not related to salvation, also exist such as belief in a “promised
land.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(We are not theologians,
and admit that the understanding of covenants is much deeper than this brief
description. But we are looking at the historical and sociological consequences
of the conflict between these two viewpoints in early America.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anne saw herself as a
participant in the power of God and His grace gave her a status that would have
traditionally been determined by that of her husband or father. This social
empowerment was irresistible to her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZhajWn9AUx1J6uP6WUOlvASvMXDQYvMHTaX3OBq25Q09FHN7oxrqCmoa3ioFRp_ZfpNmeon1PZ0dC3tgw0H-gMzF-9W73J7BL4P2ykAbilN4RCsGc1Xq0W3YaHl8HCdlBPDNPj4jWqFF/s1600/anne14antinomian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZhajWn9AUx1J6uP6WUOlvASvMXDQYvMHTaX3OBq25Q09FHN7oxrqCmoa3ioFRp_ZfpNmeon1PZ0dC3tgw0H-gMzF-9W73J7BL4P2ykAbilN4RCsGc1Xq0W3YaHl8HCdlBPDNPj4jWqFF/s320/anne14antinomian.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Anglican Church in
England was driven to suppress any preaching or practices that did not conform
to their ideology. The Puritans had already been pressured to relocate to the
new colonies in America starting about 1620. In 1633, John Cotton was removed
from his ministry, threatened with imprisonment, and went into hiding. Soon
after, he departed for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Massachusetts Bay Colony</span></b>. Anne and William
Hutchinson believed that the Spirit directed them to follow Cotton to the New
World. They had already sent their oldest son along with Cotton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Anne
Arrives in America<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Hutchinson’s arrived
in Massachusetts with ample assets. They built a house in Boston and bought
farmland outside the town where the city of Quincy is located today. Anne
adjusted easily to her new home. She was a midwife and while attending to the
needs of women in childbirth, she offered them spiritual advice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A friend of the
Hutchinson’s, John Cotton was now acting as the temporary minister in a church
in Boston. It grew 50% in membership during his first four months, becoming the
leading Puritan church in the city. In her home Anne held gatherings for people
“who had found grace” where she spoke about the teachings of John Cotton. She
also offered her own views and beliefs. Over time her theological
interpretations, closely allied with John Cotton, began to distance her from
the more traditional views of orthodox Puritan ministers in the colony. She
attracted many new followers to the Covenant of Grace including people who
believed that outward behavior was not necessarily tied to one’s soul. Among
the latest visitors to her home was the respected Henry Vane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But there was religious
tension building between the traditional and new belief systems. The next year,
1634, John Wilson, the permanent and senior pastor of the Puritan church, returned
from England. Anne and other new church members were exposed to his teaching
for the first time. She saw immediately that there was an enormous difference
between her own belief system and his, and it was disagreeable. All the
ministers in the colony, other than John Cotton, believed as Wilson did.
Hutchinson and her co-believers began disrupting Wilson’s sermons or rose and
left the church when he got up to preach. Local ministers began writing to
Cotton communicating their concern over his preaching and about the unorthodox
opinions of his parishioners, especially Anne Hutchinson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-sOgiq7mGcLka58uahIFZ1mNE_fiCu5NgSp6QLdZnS-g0Sz5N_4jcN5sKEQYyqti10Ry6ZVlLfT6EEDh_g88MEQYaMh3q3w60djydAOgrdIuROk14MmdEFqlthsAG-hlmlVqFnxA-3cR/s1600/anne11wheelwright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-sOgiq7mGcLka58uahIFZ1mNE_fiCu5NgSp6QLdZnS-g0Sz5N_4jcN5sKEQYyqti10Ry6ZVlLfT6EEDh_g88MEQYaMh3q3w60djydAOgrdIuROk14MmdEFqlthsAG-hlmlVqFnxA-3cR/s200/anne11wheelwright.jpg" width="163" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1636, new influential
supporters of the Covenant of Grace appeared. The eminent <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Rev. John Wheelwright</span></b> arrived
from England and allied himself with Cotton and Hutchinson. He was also Anne’s
brother-in-law. In addition, their supporter Henry Vane had just been elected
Governor. Things were looking up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But during the summer,
continued disrespect for John Wilson and growing aggression from the Covenant
of Works group caused an eruption between the two factions. In the rear view
mirror of history, we see the Puritans as a single unified sect but nothing
like that existed in 1636 Massachusetts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Accusations
of Heresy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw3WEdHxqqIS_iFZLGbd0e7qCsMJy0PdQmirRsEE-KizRgZKrUKxVpQDGJYdV_YF_g55SXZBVHG-qTci3x9-9bUoHf1HyUX8pv281NjbVF2sPHhKc6u1DRMkrK4zlZGf3oDXozH1v0vMR/s1600/anne7winthrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw3WEdHxqqIS_iFZLGbd0e7qCsMJy0PdQmirRsEE-KizRgZKrUKxVpQDGJYdV_YF_g55SXZBVHG-qTci3x9-9bUoHf1HyUX8pv281NjbVF2sPHhKc6u1DRMkrK4zlZGf3oDXozH1v0vMR/s200/anne7winthrop.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A Boston magistrate, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">John Winthrop</span></b>,
took notice of the turmoil and warned of future actions. Instead of pronouncing
blame on one of the ministers like Cotton or Wheelwright, Winthrop wrote, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">One Mrs. Hutchinson, a member of the church
at Boston, a woman of ready wit and a bold spirit, brought over two dangerous
errors: (1) That the person of the Holy Ghost dwells in a justified person; (2)
That no sanctification can help to evidence to us our justification;”</i> in
others words she did not follow the doctrine of the orthodox Puritan church.
Another accusation of her was that she had charged some of the ministers of
preaching a covenant of works; and therefore, they were not proper ministers of
the New Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By late 1636, the schism
had deepened and was called “The Antinomian Controversy.” Hutchinson and her
supporters were accused of two heresies: antinomianism (meaning against or
opposed to the law) and of being familists, the belief that all things are
ruled by nature and not directly by God. Hutchinson, Cotton, Wheelwright, and
Vane were all considered outside the boundaries of the true Puritan church.
Clearly it went beyond a theological debate at this point, and encompassed
gender and political issues as well. The bold behavior of Anne Hutchinson and
her followers had begun to threaten the “Puritan Holy Experiment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After
six months of standoffs, things began to change between the Puritan Church and
the followers of the Covenant of Grace. The tide was turning in favor of the
church’s traditional teachings. At this time, there was a very close parallel
between the doctrines of the church and the political actions of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony government; made even closer by the defeat of the
Covenant of Grace supporter, Governor Henry Vane, in the election of May 1637.
He was replaced by John Winthrop, the magistrate who so bitterly condemned Anne
Hutchinson the previous summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Anne Hutchinson on Trial<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX1BhvKiU7SeVVOAMWL0mLle2PeknG-eDp7lIsZC-l_ViK9AeHvx1j6XspLTufNxCX2t6hmmazHZr35gqZCh57yobmtearQZDpsWuNG0fLMK2fQVXvPkv8jzoucWsG_B_IXomtfuRwoi6/s1600/anne3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX1BhvKiU7SeVVOAMWL0mLle2PeknG-eDp7lIsZC-l_ViK9AeHvx1j6XspLTufNxCX2t6hmmazHZr35gqZCh57yobmtearQZDpsWuNG0fLMK2fQVXvPkv8jzoucWsG_B_IXomtfuRwoi6/s200/anne3.jpg" width="151" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rev. Wheelwright, Anne’s
brother-in-law, was tried in public court and convicted of provoking a
rebellion against the colony government. He was sentenced to banishment. Other
supporters of Anne were tried and also given similar sentences. But all of this
was just a preface to the main event. In November, Anne Hutchison was brought
to trial on the primary charge of slandering the ministers of the church.
Remember, she had said that they were unfit to teach the New Testament. She was
also charged with “troubling the peace of the commonwealth and churches”
because she promoted opinions that caused distress among the people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anne may have been
persecuted to a greater extent because she stepped beyond the gender role that
was considered appropriate for a woman, especially a Puritan woman. The local
ministers were not accustomed to outspoken women, and they saw Anne as a threat
to their position. As she gained more followers, the treat became too much to
tolerate. Her true crime may have been the violation of her role in Puritan
society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Presiding over her trial
was her nemesis the new Governor, John Winthrop. The goal of the prosecution
was to demonstrate that Anne made denigrating remarks about the ministers. At
first they tried to prove that she had been a co-conspirator of the others
already found guilty. But the court was not able to make that accusation stick.
Her defense was that she had only spoken reluctantly and in private; which was
not completely the case. As the day wore on, Anne was successful at out
maneuvering the arguments of the prosecutors. She possessed boundless self
confidence and was well educated, largely because of her father. At the end of
the first trial day Winthrop said, possibly to atone for his aggressive
questioning, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Mrs. Hutchinson, the court
has labored to bring you to acknowledge the error of your ways.” </i>She
didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvorZb4623oAChmphddN8f51DWihUn8lJm_cHqbalaCjk11ldspHI73yeP4AoY2iRkZ5rdRVep9qBpSvEbX-Pgn1DlYH8m_9X7hgiIQocWNoujZVfuVFTNysQ4JxgynWzON_A9wegQw1PM/s1600/anne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvorZb4623oAChmphddN8f51DWihUn8lJm_cHqbalaCjk11ldspHI73yeP4AoY2iRkZ5rdRVep9qBpSvEbX-Pgn1DlYH8m_9X7hgiIQocWNoujZVfuVFTNysQ4JxgynWzON_A9wegQw1PM/s200/anne.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On the trial’s second day,
Anne Hutchinson, buoyed by her triumphs the day before, went on the offensive.
She accused the magistrates and the ministers of violating their own oath of
confidentiality and of deceiving the court about her activities. She also
demanded that the ministerial witnesses testify under oath. Then the court
called John Cotton to the stand. He claimed to remember little of what Anne had
said and done, and tried to portray her in a softer light. But overall his
testimony was less than supportive of this lady who had admired him so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then the most dramatic event
of the trial occurred when Anne addressed the court. Anne’s remarks were
recorded in the transcript as, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You have
no power over my body, neither can you do me any harm - for I am in the hands
of the eternal Jehovah, my Savior. I fear none but the great Jehovah, who has
foretold me of these things, and I do verily believe that he will deliver me
out of your hands. Therefore take heed how you proceed against me - for I know
that, for this you are about to do to me, God will ruin you and your posterity
and this whole state.”</i> It was her chance to teach the court a thing or two,
but ultimately it was her undoing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Believing Anne to be
possessed by an unholy spirit, the court’s task was now made clearer. Her
outburst was both rebellious and a contempt of court. Winthrop was not going to
allow the assertions of his destructive figure to rewrite the history of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. John Winthrop moved to have Anne Hutchinson banished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-bIInIwLhnuI8IBSI3oQ0XQpQYAEer-TuZFq08Kyw0I28Ir5acHmVt_rTqDPl_hxUGyrzNBz759tgBAxoBdnW1i7CIlFcH9epYCsshByVAcR3ZFUaXy7DWt46sf8gbRDts7s4zhhTFk3/s1600/anne5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-bIInIwLhnuI8IBSI3oQ0XQpQYAEer-TuZFq08Kyw0I28Ir5acHmVt_rTqDPl_hxUGyrzNBz759tgBAxoBdnW1i7CIlFcH9epYCsshByVAcR3ZFUaXy7DWt46sf8gbRDts7s4zhhTFk3/s200/anne5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She was condemned to
banishment <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“as being a woman not fit for
our society.”</i> Winthrop announced the verdict saying, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It is the Lord’s work, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”</i> Anne was
put under house arrest and not allowed to see her children. She had been
isolated so that others would not be inspired by her words. After four months
of detention, she was put on trial again, this time by the church itself. The
ministers were trying to protect the orthodox doctrine of the Puritan church,
and called Anne forward and read all of the many errors in her interpretation
of the scriptures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In a heartbreaking turn of
events, John Cotton himself was called upon to deliver the church’s reprimand
of Anne. He said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It is the overwhelming
conclusion of the ministers that Hutchinson’s unsound beliefs outweighed any
good she has done, and that she endangered the spiritual welfare of the
community . . . Therefore, I do admonish you, and also charge you in the name
of Christ Jesus that you sadly consider the just hand of God against you, the
great hurt you have done to the Churches, the great Dishonor you have brought
to Jesus Christ, and the Evil that you have done to many a poor soul.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A week later, Anne
Hutchinson was forced to write a formal recantation of her unsound opinions.
She stood in the church that she had attended and, in a subdued voice, read the
denial of her previous beliefs. She admitted that she was wrong about the soul
and the spirit, the resurrection of the body, and in predicting the destruction
of the colony. Most shockingly she agreed that only the Covenant of Works was
the true path to salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Banishment
from Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lOcOixsvoTJlf9b8zg3KYz9owexRN-jz8oEPDvKJJBWLxHkWbgf8XkzsXbtqrd0iV4mDTxQ8Vz1B1NOefKyE_oMuIeezC6Uah7gNRVSO5qdUeoKD0ELSsFGp_COK9gGPgSxIEhwMXcWi/s1600/anne8williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lOcOixsvoTJlf9b8zg3KYz9owexRN-jz8oEPDvKJJBWLxHkWbgf8XkzsXbtqrd0iV4mDTxQ8Vz1B1NOefKyE_oMuIeezC6Uah7gNRVSO5qdUeoKD0ELSsFGp_COK9gGPgSxIEhwMXcWi/s200/anne8williams.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anne was excommunicated
from the church and given three months to leave the colony. She and her
children travelled to Providence, Rhode Island, at the invitation of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Roger Williams</span></b>,
the founder of that colony. Not long after her family settled there,
Massachusetts made some threats to annex a large portion of Rhode Island which
compelled Anne to move once again, out of the reach of the magistrates and
ministers of the Puritan church. She relocated to New Netherland, now New York
City, after her husband died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpLwNmsZrJJKXianbIaA2onEowkA905FOxALY-mS63bRiWBEOWJXmHDJW1__RlPZyOG6pTsCpOhrzAKEW4GD3iUlfZQPSntMexdgr9a-xbDUgk_u0ixTeDTtDW86STqCfca28L1dLiNd4/s1600/anne10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpLwNmsZrJJKXianbIaA2onEowkA905FOxALY-mS63bRiWBEOWJXmHDJW1__RlPZyOG6pTsCpOhrzAKEW4GD3iUlfZQPSntMexdgr9a-xbDUgk_u0ixTeDTtDW86STqCfca28L1dLiNd4/s200/anne10.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Hutchinson family’s
timing for their move was regrettable however. In 1643, a band of hostile
Siwanoy warriors attacked the compound where the family lived. They killed all
but one member of the family, cutting off the heads of several then burning the
bodies. One nine-year-old daughter named Susanna was captured and taken to live
with the tribe. Several years later, Susanna was ransomed and returned to other
relatives. It has become known as the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">Hutchinson Massacre</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After Anne’s death, John
Winthrop wrote, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Thus it had pleased the
Lord to have compassion for his poor churches here, and to discover this great
imposter, an instrument of Satan so fitted and trained to his service of
interrupting the passage of his kingdom in this part of the world, and
poisoning the churches here.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While her interpretations
of the scriptures were not all that different from mainstream Puritan beliefs,
her criticisms of the prevailing power structure in Massachusetts ultimately
brought her down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHa0l-dmlpdfFf8Ouv_W0tN2NA4_Oe4QeGHd195W32i228aOj77WPCGabQIsqwkDNkjaDXIZJ2J4ilZTunQP_ZUg5KQE73UjQPvKe4Y2mXyNI6T6LErlLSmyh-uAGA7SA9uLfnrH6xnLJ/s1600/anne15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHa0l-dmlpdfFf8Ouv_W0tN2NA4_Oe4QeGHd195W32i228aOj77WPCGabQIsqwkDNkjaDXIZJ2J4ilZTunQP_ZUg5KQE73UjQPvKe4Y2mXyNI6T6LErlLSmyh-uAGA7SA9uLfnrH6xnLJ/s200/anne15.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Note
1:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Many literary critics believe that the character of Hester Prynne in
Hawthorne’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">“The
Scarlet Letter”</span> </b>was based on Anne Hutchinson’s persecution in
Massachusetts. While Hester Prynne seduced the minister of her community; Anne
Hutchinson was the alleged heretic who seduced the Puritan community. If there
is any real connection between the two, it is more likely that the
fictionalization of Anne Hutchinson was used as the inspiration for the
literary character of Hester.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Note
2:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Anne Hutchinson is also a point of connection between notable people from the
past and notable modern Americans. Her ancestors included Charlemagne, Alfred
the Great, Edward I and Henry II of England, and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her
descendants include Stephan A. Douglas, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Franklin D.
Roosevelt, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, and George Romney and Mitt
Romney.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-27860178358645899482013-11-26T16:15:00.000-08:002013-11-26T16:15:36.053-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Civil
War History of the 57<sup>th</sup> Indiana (#25)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Taking Atlanta<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZLD6RNT9Fhp5_VJUk2EbNABsp5KFQTHIUdWnSFK6QngAxL254cC2Z6P25-NalzmMFr2KEaTccLPujA83ypw_-lsi_5SqmWD53xJxgsIGbQggQZFHTAS_sdAAuXOEbk3d5MsLOgmiuGCf/s1600/atl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZLD6RNT9Fhp5_VJUk2EbNABsp5KFQTHIUdWnSFK6QngAxL254cC2Z6P25-NalzmMFr2KEaTccLPujA83ypw_-lsi_5SqmWD53xJxgsIGbQggQZFHTAS_sdAAuXOEbk3d5MsLOgmiuGCf/s200/atl.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The weather was intensely hot, and
after our works were completed and timber chopped down, we were exposed to the
scorching rays of the sun. Much of the time during the day we were obliged to
be in the trenches; and it was necessary to have our means of protection from
the sun as well as the enemy. Each company forthwith commenced building an <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">arbor of brush</span></b>,
which was placed on forks several feet above the works.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavCMmvjf_oJog02_CLlcOGWC5Fzihz0b22vKrjIGHg4QlxDJWkcFvxM2vTbYB2CNJDZTEa3vhRFSQPZlg5XsQia7bSyPGB-dAaAcofvh8ZR2Us3IvOWCapbLKVWeFm68XgPGHwU5lh-zV/s1600/atl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavCMmvjf_oJog02_CLlcOGWC5Fzihz0b22vKrjIGHg4QlxDJWkcFvxM2vTbYB2CNJDZTEa3vhRFSQPZlg5XsQia7bSyPGB-dAaAcofvh8ZR2Us3IvOWCapbLKVWeFm68XgPGHwU5lh-zV/s200/atl3.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“At night, one third of the men were
to be awake and on duty; and all were ordered to have their accoutrements on. A
regiment was sent each day to the skirmish line where it would remain for
twenty-four hours. Then it was relieved in a regular rotation. Although there
was a great deal of firing done by the enemy’s artillery, and some of them <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">sixty-four
pounders</span></b>, there was rarely anyone hurt behind our main line of
works. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Our lines were all the time being
extended on the right. The work of extending and strengthening our lines
continued until near twenty miles long, and still the enemy presented a force
in front of our right wing. Any attempt on our part to assault the impregnable
line of forts and entrenchments which surrounded Atlanta would have resulted in
a useless sacrifice of human life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQerxMNNTYgM3o63ELX37lTx5JtQSS36Smiml9hak-P6q6jzMtZFlyqJsayMVun0v-Obgesxo6isW6F9yoY33hQkEbodErJwFHI-0oGc7KFZ0ECXAboGh8EZ-R-818TCWD6mKOG5rzoNR/s1600/atl11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQerxMNNTYgM3o63ELX37lTx5JtQSS36Smiml9hak-P6q6jzMtZFlyqJsayMVun0v-Obgesxo6isW6F9yoY33hQkEbodErJwFHI-0oGc7KFZ0ECXAboGh8EZ-R-818TCWD6mKOG5rzoNR/s200/atl11.jpg" width="160" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Gen. Sherman</span></b> now devised a bold and important
movement which would give us the substantial fruits of a victory. We challenge
the annals of history for an example superior to the one displayed by him in so
completely deceiving the enemy and keeping them in total ignorance of his plan
until it was nearly consummated. The 20<sup>th</sup> Corps were ordered to take
the position on the Chattahoocie River near Vining’s Station to prevent the
enemy from making movement toward Marietta, while all the other forces of the
vast army were to join in the contemplated expedition to the rear of Atlanta.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“At precisely 11 o’clock P.M., August
25<sup>th</sup>, the left of Sherman’s army evacuated the line of works, cut
loose from its base, and took up the line of march to the right and rear of
Atlanta. Falling back by way of Peachtree Creek battle ground, we continued our
movement until we could see the morning star, when we halted for a short nap.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“After breakfast, we moved on, and it
will long be remembered by those who engaged in it as one of the most trying
scenes connected with our marching experience. The heat was almost suffocating
and water very scarce. At 1 o’clock a halt was called. There were not more than
twenty or thirty men of each regiment present with their colors. On September
27<sup>th</sup> the 4<sup>th</sup> Corps marched five miles, again taking
position on the extreme right. Whenever a position was taken for the night, or
even a few hours, our lines were formed fronting toward Atlanta, and a line of
works thrown up.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn_KXEnRPI-1NZhVuEW0nqjQdciqEKPHJIZ84Ir-2ZezCJw00MzyUGWbMvgGqN23dz6NAg_4KzIREYZEmgXiu7By4TUlPHTwgHQI402KnE9nbJHbZ4dbsGv425WhPN4By4A6QACSQaqfP/s1600/atl6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn_KXEnRPI-1NZhVuEW0nqjQdciqEKPHJIZ84Ir-2ZezCJw00MzyUGWbMvgGqN23dz6NAg_4KzIREYZEmgXiu7By4TUlPHTwgHQI402KnE9nbJHbZ4dbsGv425WhPN4By4A6QACSQaqfP/s1600/atl6.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hood, now fully awake to the
importance of decided action, moved two Corps of the rebel army - Hardee’s and
Loring’s - down the Macon Road to Rough and Ready, Ga., where they established
a line covering the railroad, and fortifies it. Our advance was gradually
continued toward Rough and Ready, while <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Gen. Howard</span></b> with the Army of the Tennessee was
sent on to Jonesboro, Ga. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQkiDxBWwMmt_jrbCIbF3XA0SBlQcCaPlXkpXv9quuH8G6cmxHgrK0Erg_B6jx25L_Y82bry-oifFKR0h3kVSiJez4xxZqQKk78DMFTm19-dR6LEtuUTT3rMOfqJD_pn4Lg3pZ-vYOXIu/s1600/atl5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQkiDxBWwMmt_jrbCIbF3XA0SBlQcCaPlXkpXv9quuH8G6cmxHgrK0Erg_B6jx25L_Y82bry-oifFKR0h3kVSiJez4xxZqQKk78DMFTm19-dR6LEtuUTT3rMOfqJD_pn4Lg3pZ-vYOXIu/s200/atl5.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“On the morning of September 1<sup>st</sup>
the position of the different armies was as follows: Howard confronted Hardee
at Jonesboro, who was in a strong line of works with his right resting on the
railroad line, one mile north of town. The 4<sup>th</sup>, 14<sup>th</sup>, and
23<sup>rd</sup> Corps were on the road toward Atlanta. Hood, with a fragment of
his army, was still persisting in his fanatical purpose of “holding Atlanta.”
But it required one more day’s operations on the part of Gen. Sherman to
convince him that Atlanta would soon be untenable. The thrilling and important
events of that day were to bring to a successful and glorious termination to or
long and arduous campaign. The army was confident in the ability of its great
commander to lead them to a complete victory.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1TWHlT0ChZRBij6L3b87SZnZ43FLDDECyS3sl23HtthBwMfJWfk9BrDz1IGkg52_bgmq5d3IJP28xpc0buCOWUjwcdu35GA_svJl0Od39kyz1wYIubYrgpDyMVMACqIRcL-TVx-Ug-Eq/s1600/atl7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1TWHlT0ChZRBij6L3b87SZnZ43FLDDECyS3sl23HtthBwMfJWfk9BrDz1IGkg52_bgmq5d3IJP28xpc0buCOWUjwcdu35GA_svJl0Od39kyz1wYIubYrgpDyMVMACqIRcL-TVx-Ug-Eq/s1600/atl7.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Our 4<sup>th</sup> Corps was ordered
to destroy the railroad in its advance south. We commenced at once upon the
task to which we were assigned, and by 4 o’clock P.M. we had torn up the track,
burned the ties, and heated and bent the rails, so that they were unfit for
use, to within two miles of Jonesboro. Orders were now received to move forward
and form our lines. While the troops were forming, Gen. Newton (Division Commander)
rode up to Gen. Wagner (Brigade Commander) and told him to send out the best
regiment as skirmishers. ‘I’ll give you the 57<sup>th</sup>, and that’s as good
as I’ve got,’ said Wagner, as he gave orders for the 57<sup>th</sup> to advance
to the front.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75aLc7B2-7gCJEwxfp9xSEabvwasU_qgLHYp_VYAIIwpqwzXNi0_PrMH0iXiF0vs2c1n78W7RF2wOvksZ1aordkgtMlrzyPc56YdCqIxWj6Vd8824HCIhHmHH4kfGtVKCDH0YaMtyXRJi/s1600/atl9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75aLc7B2-7gCJEwxfp9xSEabvwasU_qgLHYp_VYAIIwpqwzXNi0_PrMH0iXiF0vs2c1n78W7RF2wOvksZ1aordkgtMlrzyPc56YdCqIxWj6Vd8824HCIhHmHH4kfGtVKCDH0YaMtyXRJi/s1600/atl9.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The regiment deployed at intervals of
five paces, and at the sound of the bugle moved forward. We soon found the
enemy and fighting commenced. With slight loss we drove back the outposts of
the enemy, and took possession of a skirt of timber within three hundred yards
of the rebel line. Between us laid an open meadow and beyond was another piece
of timber in which the enemy was posted. Darkness was about to close the scene
when a charge was ordered. In the dark and confusion the other regiments of our
brigade were moved to the right of our position. When the line of battle moved
forward on the charge, Col. Opdyke, then commanding the 3<sup>rd</sup> Brigade,
with the 15<sup>th</sup> Missouri and the 12<sup>th</sup> Ohio, advanced in the
rear of the 57<sup>th</sup>. This mistake caused but a momentary pause, and
when the line dashed forward across the open field, driving the enemy from
their rifle pits, and capturing few prisoners, who remained. The timber in our
front was so thick, and the night so dark, that no further movement was
attempted; but the 57<sup>th</sup> remained on duty, and stood up in line all
night, ready for any desperate move the enemy might make.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“At 2 o’clock A.M., we could plainly
hear the sound of the explosion at Atlanta, where the enemy was blowing up
their arsenals, machine shops, and magazines. When day dawned the enemy were
gone, and our forces quietly took possession of the town of Jonesboro. After
waiting two hours to draw rations and bury our dead, we marched in pursuit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Six miles south of Jonesboro, at
Lovejoy’s Station, the enemy took a strong position, and waited our approach.
As we neared the rebel lines, the 4<sup>th</sup> and 15<sup>th</sup> Corps were
massed for a charge; but none was made. Once more our lines were established
and earth works thrown up.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“On Saturday, September 3<sup>rd</sup>,
Gen. Sherman issued to his victorious army a congratulatory order containing
the welcome tidings that Atlanta was ours, and “fairly won.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHil4SgfP3JbJcTdySTLPreZsZbOWwGJDqA4hysmu-xt1Uu1J7Yud352svJhlm53cno2_EKkd3bCOK7y4-CaxMmGSnj3sBMx5Pqp4fd_g-u5-YD664_UTnTPqViN1rXInDknIbK4u06C6/s1600/atl10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHil4SgfP3JbJcTdySTLPreZsZbOWwGJDqA4hysmu-xt1Uu1J7Yud352svJhlm53cno2_EKkd3bCOK7y4-CaxMmGSnj3sBMx5Pqp4fd_g-u5-YD664_UTnTPqViN1rXInDknIbK4u06C6/s200/atl10.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“A detachment of cavalry, sent by Gen.
Sherman to ascertain the cause of the heavy explosions on the night of the 1<sup>st</sup>,
returned with intelligence that the enemy evacuated in great disorder the same
night, and that our forces on the north, under Gen. Slocum, had taken
possession of the city, which was formally surrendered by the mayor and a
deputation of citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3sWI3QRVk0XA5sWzM6XVoM4GG0319yzuOiRE3xdIYihkFGBZ4gBZz2HOHHlAzVMa5qkeaf_oR_HBeNcABpkCiALYV64iH7dY1K0Xv2kEnLBIRRNbLD-SfN9RjkUbbQxaMSU4BBxSIfGH/s1600/atl13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3sWI3QRVk0XA5sWzM6XVoM4GG0319yzuOiRE3xdIYihkFGBZ4gBZz2HOHHlAzVMa5qkeaf_oR_HBeNcABpkCiALYV64iH7dY1K0Xv2kEnLBIRRNbLD-SfN9RjkUbbQxaMSU4BBxSIfGH/s1600/atl13.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“As announced in the order from Gen.
Sherman, the objective point of our campaign was gained, and we were now to
have a season of rest. We remained in the line of works before Lovejoy Station
until midnight of the 5<sup>th</sup>. We then withdrew to Jonesboro, and
remained until the morning of the 7<sup>th</sup>, when we commenced the march
to Atlanta. At night we camped seven miles south; and on the morning of the 8<sup>th</sup>
of September, with colors floating and bands playing, the 4<sup>th</sup> Army
Corps marched triumphantly through the streets of the conquered city.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Atlanta Campaign,
northern Georgia, August-September, 1864)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpts taken from <i>“Annals of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Infantry: Marches, Battles, and Incidents of Army Life”</i>
written by Asbury L. Kerwood immediately after the war.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-13165720631393128222013-11-20T11:07:00.001-08:002013-11-20T11:07:47.691-08:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">SEEING STARS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE_Zgu7UDSW07plSyu3ibHX9MkcTxONMjjd77SyldAD7oxOxOV62YaCf2_5GW_OHVewQPp6aVLWsvpd4xZROvE0d9vvTj1LwHpQsUv2OO9bkQHMqD7ag9A-lQuKqTTbUmtnl4T15yJwyj/s1600/star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE_Zgu7UDSW07plSyu3ibHX9MkcTxONMjjd77SyldAD7oxOxOV62YaCf2_5GW_OHVewQPp6aVLWsvpd4xZROvE0d9vvTj1LwHpQsUv2OO9bkQHMqD7ag9A-lQuKqTTbUmtnl4T15yJwyj/s1600/star.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Along the Niger River in
the country of Mali, in West Africa, live a people known as the Dogon. They
trace their lineage in part to ancient Egypt. For the first one thousand years
of our common era (C.E.), the Dogon were part of the great sub-Saharan African
empire that was centered in the city of Timbuktu, which is on the northeast
edge of Dogon lands. Timbuktu was a center of learning and its libraries hold
over 700,000 manuscripts to this day. The Dogon are star watchers, and have an
astronomical tradition that extends back 5,000 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The star Sirius is the
brightest star in the winter Northern Hemisphere sky. It has been seen by
humans for many centuries. Sirius is only 8.6 light years away (almost in our
neighborhood). You can easily find Sirius by locating the belt of Orion
(appearing as a straight line of three stars) and extending that line with your
eyes down toward the horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCBZ39obSc4d2GhQ_iPNs5ItVKWMwdnF6z_4ppaTFUbsr5uk7uo9nOuNiEd5Nq9zXMgzP_3ue0gw5iTiP7FkkbBU7Ah9pFqJnXL_zjX8qsCYnl_54Va6Mm6zvPjYLhk2wdLlJWaJCV5HB/s1600/star1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCBZ39obSc4d2GhQ_iPNs5ItVKWMwdnF6z_4ppaTFUbsr5uk7uo9nOuNiEd5Nq9zXMgzP_3ue0gw5iTiP7FkkbBU7Ah9pFqJnXL_zjX8qsCYnl_54Va6Mm6zvPjYLhk2wdLlJWaJCV5HB/s1600/star1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">According to Dogon
traditions, Sirius also has a companion star that orbits around it every 50
years, and it is extremely dense. This ancient legend was told to two French
anthropologists, Marcel Griaule and Germain Dieterlen, by Dogon holy men in
1931 during the scientist’s field research in Mali. One Dogon religious sect
has been conducting a celebration of the two Sirius stars since the 13<sup>th</sup>
Century, and have four hundred year-old artifacts representing the position of
these stars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmieq5h9U7wyx9ZXfBYLlUZ9-WfGfk0-SSlY_Xf1LIb2Oz1aeVYRzhCS4vGvqLzkQccPxeSREw0RPCBH-qB6Ibaxy89XaNPoG5saK8pIneje-lXngyH_S3rfH58c5rTCIDwzIg2MuSeLFR/s1600/star4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmieq5h9U7wyx9ZXfBYLlUZ9-WfGfk0-SSlY_Xf1LIb2Oz1aeVYRzhCS4vGvqLzkQccPxeSREw0RPCBH-qB6Ibaxy89XaNPoG5saK8pIneje-lXngyH_S3rfH58c5rTCIDwzIg2MuSeLFR/s1600/star4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What makes this story
remarkable is that the second Sirius star is invisible to the naked eye and wasn’t
seen by telescope until 1865. How could the Dogon people, who lacked any kind
of astronomical equipment, know so much about an invisible star? Western
astronomers named the first bright star “Sirius A” and the small white dwarf
companion star “Sirius B.” Sirius B was first photographed in 1970, and by the
way, it orbits around Sirius A every 50 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROGpXSBbFYg9LJuIv5r9xRCl7W5UfkyB1IwyxmBwa9VK_w6POMygID1ZT6q7EzwHpaLQhrs5NTcAIkwd4BUGmBKnnWlYhXQQYV1Aezk0qK5TVCPP5NjZgiBLe9SYyUBY3CyTZzlMMixw4/s1600/star6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROGpXSBbFYg9LJuIv5r9xRCl7W5UfkyB1IwyxmBwa9VK_w6POMygID1ZT6q7EzwHpaLQhrs5NTcAIkwd4BUGmBKnnWlYhXQQYV1Aezk0qK5TVCPP5NjZgiBLe9SYyUBY3CyTZzlMMixw4/s1600/star6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The oral traditions of the
Dogon tell the story of a race of beings from the Sirius star system who
visited Earth thousands of years ago. They were called the Nommos, and were
amphibious beings (resembling mermaids). They were drawn here by the abundance
of water. Creatures similar to this also exist in Babylonian and Sumerian
myths. As mentioned earlier, the Dogon had ties with ancient Egypt where The
Goddess Isis is closely linked to the star Sirius. The Nommos gave knowledge
about the Sirius system to the Dogon as well as other information about our
solar system which wasn’t learned scientifically until thousands of years
later. This included the facts that Jupiter had four major moons and Saturn had
rings (not learned until 1610 by Galileo). More importantly, they learned that
our system’s planets orbit the sun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The stories told by the
Dogon did not go unchallenged. Some anthropologists believed that information
was inadvertently passed on to the Dogon just prior to the many French research
expeditions and was simply incorporated into their older traditions. Other
Dogon beliefs have been proven wrong. Their tradition says that Sirius B (that
they call Digitaria) was once located where our sun is now, which is not
possible. Other critics say that the Dogon celebrations that observe the orbit
of one Sirius star around the other are 60 years apart, not 50 (the actual time
required). But their criticism is not factual as the celebrations themselves
last for several years. There are actually 50 years between the end of one and
the beginning of the next. Their next celebration begins in 2027.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12MWi9-_jOcwUSoEkbmxYojtEKftg_Mxo-A1n10v91UZSSnrj7iOC4DPUmhHRjqrLWouPdUn2c2DZPH2vKbRrzQHOF8x2C4cWcYPKToGdiYth-S8QrBu6TYk_g6Wyh2bi2HzuGZIryrTD/s1600/star7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12MWi9-_jOcwUSoEkbmxYojtEKftg_Mxo-A1n10v91UZSSnrj7iOC4DPUmhHRjqrLWouPdUn2c2DZPH2vKbRrzQHOF8x2C4cWcYPKToGdiYth-S8QrBu6TYk_g6Wyh2bi2HzuGZIryrTD/s1600/star7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are four basic
explanations for the Dogon revelations. First, ancient extraterrestrials did
visit Earth and give them the knowledge. Second, Dogon culture was
cross-contaminated by western science. Third, the Dogon had ancient human-based
technical knowledge to discover the Sirius system configuration, but that it has
been lost over time. And last, it’s all just a big coincidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But that may not be the
end of the story. Dogon legend says that there is a third star in the Sirius
system (a “Sirius C”?). There was no proof at the time the Dogon controversy
first became public, but in 1995 an academic paper was published by two French
researchers, Benest and Duvent, that suggests that, based on observations of
the movements in the Sirius system, there may be a third star. It could be a
“red dwarf” star of very small size. The Dogon believe the home planet of the
Nommos orbits around this star.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Could this be just another
coincidence, or will the story continue on?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-5323044574755662232013-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:002013-11-14T13:47:32.043-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“THEY ALSO
SERVE, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WHO ONLY
STAND AND WAIT” </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(John Milton)<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On Veteran’s Day earlier
this week, we published a short article that took a look at the many
entertainment celebrities that served in the U.S. military during times of war.
Most were active during World War II. About half served through enlistment, and
half because of the draft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One person we know
commented, “You won’t see any of today’s actors serving our country.” That got
us thinking. Our first reaction was that it was probably true. We couldn’t
think of anyone popular in films now that is also known for defending the
country. But was it a true? And was it fair? Well, we decided to revisit the
issue and take a look at some now-famous contemporary actors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We chose to look at
notable actors that are American citizens, are alive today, and were living
while the most recent U.S. military draft was in force between 1948 and 1973.
After 1973, we have had an all-volunteer military. Registration with Selective
Service is still required but there is no actual draft any longer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We selected 31 actors -
none of which were old enough to serve in WWII or Korea. Some were of draft age
during the Vietnam War. All were technically of age during the Gulf War and the
Iraq/Afghanistan War, although most were well past service age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We need to say that we
have no information about their draft status or their eligibility for
deferment. So there may be very legitimate reasons they were exempted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What we found was that it
may be unfair to criticize them. Truth and fairness are frequently different.
Thirteen percent served in the military (or alternate service), 32% were
eligible for the draft (but were well down the age priority list), 23% were
eligible and prime candidates (based on age alone), and 32% were too young (they
had not reached the age of 18 prior to the draft being abolished).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOK8WtvtSPrnRcGczReba7qDXdQz3OMUD1XTfLi7cVGFnZ8l9UO9XwcXfLKILtG4uuI6On56SEbZujXr5CI_7bp7f1KRMM7ayqXvERxZITfpBB3PZigujNdHs9w4LKBv_HmG6VzW0Sj2Y/s1600/also.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOK8WtvtSPrnRcGczReba7qDXdQz3OMUD1XTfLi7cVGFnZ8l9UO9XwcXfLKILtG4uuI6On56SEbZujXr5CI_7bp7f1KRMM7ayqXvERxZITfpBB3PZigujNdHs9w4LKBv_HmG6VzW0Sj2Y/s200/also.jpg" width="191" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These actors SERVED in the
military or alternate service:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Clint Eastwood</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(b. 1930, age 83) - enlisted in the U.S. Army.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Robert
Duval (b. 1931, age 82) - enlisted in the U.S. Army.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Morgan
Freeman (b. 1937, age 76) - enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Richard Dreyfuss (b. 1947,
age 65) - a conscientious objector, he performed alternate service in a
hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A.
<b>This group was 27 or older prior to the
end of the draft; and while technically eligible</b>, they were well down the
priority list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjbt0R64W0jO1ytoK5PC394awSHsONJBaqOLhKK1Miibm1e8E5scmu6X3xq2LCbQvxJWriTuLimvRnZLWcjH3OxPejvpEaFF_p7Rk6-mkuZZo1pTVGwL1z0ZhkvelYK1llsGxK5q48xfk/s1600/also1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjbt0R64W0jO1ytoK5PC394awSHsONJBaqOLhKK1Miibm1e8E5scmu6X3xq2LCbQvxJWriTuLimvRnZLWcjH3OxPejvpEaFF_p7Rk6-mkuZZo1pTVGwL1z0ZhkvelYK1llsGxK5q48xfk/s1600/also1.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Nicholson</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(b. 1937, age 74) - eligible for the draft for 18 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dustin
Hoffman (b. 1937, age 75) - eligible for the draft for 18 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Al
Pacino (b. 1940, age 73) - eligible for the draft for 15 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Martin Sheen</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(b. 1940, age 72) - eligible for the draft for 15 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Harrison
Ford (b. 1942, age 71) - eligible for the draft for 13 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christopher
Walken (b. 1943, age 70) - eligible for the draft for 12 years <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Robert
DeNiro (b. 1943, age 69) - eligible for the draft for 12 years <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPJfUpePrdj5CA0AqjShKPrK-vttLKsDpw_CFrYou6rM2FHpLE_1otnfTR86-HUL9ZJuuYdDrNEV85ouvccWaNVql4C7qt4WKoe4phyphenhyphenfnT3pmdYr9L0CoSGxAl16iQF5o4TMiEjbiDXOc/s1600/also2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPJfUpePrdj5CA0AqjShKPrK-vttLKsDpw_CFrYou6rM2FHpLE_1otnfTR86-HUL9ZJuuYdDrNEV85ouvccWaNVql4C7qt4WKoe4phyphenhyphenfnT3pmdYr9L0CoSGxAl16iQF5o4TMiEjbiDXOc/s1600/also2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Michael
Douglas (b. 1944, age 68) - eligible for the draft for 11 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sylvester
Stallone (b. 1946, age 67) - eligible for the draft for 9 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tommy Lee Jones (b. 1946,
age 66) - eligible for the draft for 9 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">B.
<b>This group was under 25 years old prior
to the end of the draft</b>, and would have been prime candidates:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w2uTFmRBUAmV2a6P6I1gC9qJ3NwJVn9HugCaFPqW4NRBUU9p2sRX457Dg8rdlozoKjAwR444sg3WzEIkYy8ogCJRqjL7XHR7cJXFzOwnLk2tubfirTKxcpcaRGI84Wx0NMLQ9agk5JQ_/s1600/also3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w2uTFmRBUAmV2a6P6I1gC9qJ3NwJVn9HugCaFPqW4NRBUU9p2sRX457Dg8rdlozoKjAwR444sg3WzEIkYy8ogCJRqjL7XHR7cJXFzOwnLk2tubfirTKxcpcaRGI84Wx0NMLQ9agk5JQ_/s1600/also3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Samuel
L. Jackson (b. 1948, age 64) - eligible for the draft for 7 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Richard
Gere (b. 1949, age 63) - eligible for the draft for 6 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bill Murray</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(b. 1950, age 62) - eligible for the draft for 5 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Robin
Williams (b. 1951, age 62) - eligible for the draft for 4 years <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kurt
Russell (b. 1951, age 62) - eligible for the draft for 4 years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">John
Travolta (b. 1954, age 59) - eligible for the draft for 1 year <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Denzel Washington (b.
1954, age 58) - eligible for the draft for 1 year<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">C.
<b>This group gets kind of a free pass.</b>
Each of them was NOT YET OF DRAFT AGE (18) when the draft was discontinued in
1973:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1juAurv-Gwxd0_szLqxbuVsO2DbgOoEsVEeh043j-EDflh-F54pZ-TSqm_eG7OMjBva-Akk14VTFnOAQpQwqmQKEVRQAF08HWllX5MOmwz0lqMdXqmyl1AOVkPNgiZuFuXOLGxwcakyN/s1600/also4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1juAurv-Gwxd0_szLqxbuVsO2DbgOoEsVEeh043j-EDflh-F54pZ-TSqm_eG7OMjBva-Akk14VTFnOAQpQwqmQKEVRQAF08HWllX5MOmwz0lqMdXqmyl1AOVkPNgiZuFuXOLGxwcakyN/s1600/also4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kevin
Costner (b. 1955, age 58)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bruce
Willis (b. 1955, age 58)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Hanks</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(b. 1956, age 57)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alec
Baldwin (b. 1958, age 55)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">George
Clooney (b. 1961, age 52)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Laurence
Fishburne (b. 1961, age 51)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tom
Cruise (b. 1962, age 51)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Johnny
Depp (b.1963, age 50)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brad
Pitt (b. 1963, age 49)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Robert Downey Jr. (b.
1965, age 48)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So what’s the point? Is it
unfair to judge this generation of actors as being unpatriotic? While it’s true
that they could have volunteered in their younger days (aside from physical
problems), most were either too old to be acceptable to the military, had valid
deferments, had a low draft priority number, or were simply under age when the
draft was abolished; and since there was no war seriously threatening America,
who can blame them for getting on with their careers?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">NOTE:
Here may be the most interesting fact of all. EVERY ONE of these 31 actors has
portrayed a U.S. soldier in a film. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-64925867279041692402013-11-11T09:16:00.000-08:002013-11-11T09:16:43.442-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SERVING THEIR
COUNTRY, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEFORE
THEMSELVES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In times of national
crisis, most Americans volunteer themselves in defense of their country. While
all citizens across economic and social levels do their part, the perception is
that those of privilege rarely put their lives on the line. This is an
accusation that is often directed toward people in the entertainment field -
and especially in Hollywood. We thought we would look into this to find
examples of these people who risked their lives for the nation. Of course, some
of them did their service before becoming famous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4TINOLXglNWG5im8NeOp7csNZi-ZlbCuHKLl48RvwFAAHofqHfQ7W4etZ-FrN6p7onsiIXqJxTu_dMCz66IU7rlYpMrFRPlSVRFFkWHL7mydSNlcHxlcVRHcz3mHO6cli5lxB_j4RhNJ/s1600/serve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4TINOLXglNWG5im8NeOp7csNZi-ZlbCuHKLl48RvwFAAHofqHfQ7W4etZ-FrN6p7onsiIXqJxTu_dMCz66IU7rlYpMrFRPlSVRFFkWHL7mydSNlcHxlcVRHcz3mHO6cli5lxB_j4RhNJ/s200/serve.jpg" width="137" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Paul Newman</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Navy) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During WWII, Newman wasn’t
accepted for Navy pilot training because he was color-blind, so he trained as
an enlisted radioman/gunner for torpedobombers. As a rear-seat gunner assigned
to the Pacific Fleet’s USS Bunker Hill; he flew off of that carrier during the
Battle of Okinawa. All of the other gunners in his detail were killed in
action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Eddie Albert</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Navy) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prior to WWII, Albert
worked for Army Intelligence photographing German U-boats in Mexican ports. He
was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during the invasion of Tarawa
(11/42) when, as a pilot of a landing craft, he rescued 47 Marines who were
stranded in the water under heavy enemy machine gun fire; he also supervised
the rescue of 30 others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Clark Cable</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army Air Corps) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ql-SbInHGCUFBXT5ADRBppxtyaQHT6KPbR7kEwMzMBSvHEsqhPTh9p8lA7xYUuHAb4WrLHN8w6kIJQbRq_8XFZfxHBsk2JyRxqcFHNMHblA4uwbbR-x3IAB3w_ROAELS2XlwqDABn104/s1600/serve2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ql-SbInHGCUFBXT5ADRBppxtyaQHT6KPbR7kEwMzMBSvHEsqhPTh9p8lA7xYUuHAb4WrLHN8w6kIJQbRq_8XFZfxHBsk2JyRxqcFHNMHblA4uwbbR-x3IAB3w_ROAELS2XlwqDABn104/s200/serve2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He joined the Army Air
Corps in 1942 to be an enlisted gunner on an air crew. Later, he was assigned
to Officer’s Candidate School and commissioned as a Lieutenant. He spent most
of the war in the UK, and flew combat missions over Germany in a B-17 earning
the Distinguished Flying Cross. On one raid, a piece of flak went through his
boot and another barely missed his head. He eventually became a major.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Robert Altman</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army Air Corps) - director<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1943, Robert Altman
joined the Army Air Force at age 18. He flew over 50 bombing missions in a B-24
Liberator over Borneo and the Dutch East Indies with the 307<sup>th</sup> Bomb
Group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">James Arness</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcIGTwy7a3WNUaCPJQVQzuiKbc_m2L6MVoah91xxvzsgRNnLwGEv9VLoYLa4zdo_ocN0-eZDHmJyg-S4MzwqcIF0RJwCUEDfFOgvHWE9LqTSSdotcRMXlLjuIgRtEnvz8Aenvd_jakQlj/s1600/serve3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcIGTwy7a3WNUaCPJQVQzuiKbc_m2L6MVoah91xxvzsgRNnLwGEv9VLoYLa4zdo_ocN0-eZDHmJyg-S4MzwqcIF0RJwCUEDfFOgvHWE9LqTSSdotcRMXlLjuIgRtEnvz8Aenvd_jakQlj/s200/serve3.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Arness wanted to be a
fighter pilot but was too tall (6’ 7”); he served in the 3<sup>rd</sup>
Infantry Division instead. During the invasion of Italy, because of his height,
he was the first man ordered off his landing craft to determine the depth of
the water. He was severely wounded in the leg in combat near Anzio, Italy. His
division fought in Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. Arness was awarded
several medals including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Tony Bennett</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army) - singer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bennett was an infantryman
in the 63<sup>rd</sup> Division in France. His unit suffered heavy losses
during the Battle of the Bulge (12/44). He also fought in combat in Germany
narrowly escaping death. As his division crossed the Rhine, it fought the enemy
house-to-house eventually reaching the city of Landsberg where they
participated in liberating a Nazi concentration camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Henry Fonda</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Navy) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5m4HdQKkV3zN49GjxoT5h-JK9bnHWMqTAcEXyupzfB0f-VUzcVtsyK8ECACOLgBuU2gxESPxBRqGBGj0q70hAUpReAtGnRZ9Lnxq-70_-PalsT3TWXw-d6zs6Ldzb8hT0Tu3Jn4h3xrC/s1600/serve5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5m4HdQKkV3zN49GjxoT5h-JK9bnHWMqTAcEXyupzfB0f-VUzcVtsyK8ECACOLgBuU2gxESPxBRqGBGj0q70hAUpReAtGnRZ9Lnxq-70_-PalsT3TWXw-d6zs6Ldzb8hT0Tu3Jn4h3xrC/s200/serve5.jpg" width="153" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Frustrated with only
appearing in war films, Fonda enlisted in the navy in 1942, serving three
years. Initially a quartermaster on a destroyer, he was promoted to Lieutenant
JG and served in Air Combat Intelligence in the Central Pacific, receiving a
Presidential Unit Citation and a Bronze Star.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">John Ford</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Navy) - director<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ford was a commander in
the Navy and led the photographic wing of the OSS. While that may seem like a
behind-the-scenes assignment, it wasn’t. He was cited by his superiors for
bravery on several occasions. Ford was a veteran of the Battle of Midway, where
he was wounded by shrapnel, and was present on Omaha Beach on D-Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Lee Marvin</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Marine Corps) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsyCSXEnf7U8JxlHjRLjF8KSOC9jpjpifMztHS6W0SF04aheFDgC36oOvbBMA-vRxmC4iDLpDkJXnUB6Ky7-pA9TZvzHZlPVWQ4YFz5rJFQr4z3ri4w7IuhDcvwNyc-Vv-vyjEbXxjV8a/s1600/serve10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsyCSXEnf7U8JxlHjRLjF8KSOC9jpjpifMztHS6W0SF04aheFDgC36oOvbBMA-vRxmC4iDLpDkJXnUB6Ky7-pA9TZvzHZlPVWQ4YFz5rJFQr4z3ri4w7IuhDcvwNyc-Vv-vyjEbXxjV8a/s200/serve10.jpg" width="165" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He left school to join the
Marines and served with the 4<sup>th</sup> Marine Division in the Pacific. In
an assault on Mount Tapochau, during the Battle of Saipan, Marvin was wounded
by machine gun fire; most of his company was killed. The bullets severed his
sciatic nerve which affected him the rest of his life. He received the Purple
Heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Ed McMahon</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Marine Corps) - entertainer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4sfl6VZ7wNycMglxLAAyHz3Ej1uFi-CroX7_csZPG2OMqHJBARw8GttSCZPRhyXdAKmC0i6f_KVci7fKy7AwhkOezgfA3m_plsE36ZlBG2VTHe6yKDY2VggttQLfJWeCXWWlur70liAs/s1600/serve6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4sfl6VZ7wNycMglxLAAyHz3Ej1uFi-CroX7_csZPG2OMqHJBARw8GttSCZPRhyXdAKmC0i6f_KVci7fKy7AwhkOezgfA3m_plsE36ZlBG2VTHe6yKDY2VggttQLfJWeCXWWlur70liAs/s200/serve6.jpg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After Pearl Harbor was
attacked, he applied for Marine flight training. McMahon earned his
qualification as a carrier landing pilot and was assigned to the Pacific Fleet
in 1945. During the Korean War, he was recalled to duty and flew as an
artillery spotter for Marine ground batteries. He flew 85 combat missions and
earned six Air Medals. McMahon retired as a colonel (later being promoted to
Brigadier General in the National Guard).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Audie Murphy</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An infantryman with the 3<sup>rd</sup>
Division in WWII, the 5’ 5”, 110 lbs. Murphy fought in Italy, France, Germany,
and Austria. He was wounded three times and killed an estimated 240 enemy
soldiers. He became the most decorated soldier in the history of the U.S. Army,
and was given the Congressional Medal of Honor - all before turning 20 years
old. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Gene Roddenberry</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army Air Corps) - writer, producer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1941, he joined the
Army Air Corps. He flew combat missions as a pilot in the Pacific for the 394<sup>th</sup>
Bomb Squadron. In 1943, he was piloting a B-17 which crashed; Roddenberry
survived. In total, he flew 89 missions for which he was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvN7JHWORWB_H-6k11Y6Z_oXIM7eRb9WrD0bnBOai85XNI0AketxES0a1tT1AE5XZbdukaFEmKjtPqHZw7uki3vKBUA2ok1Mek66vnGCob5o-hBLvYNRwYI_YHoN6-FuVi5ZL9ANRjzupK/s1600/serve9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvN7JHWORWB_H-6k11Y6Z_oXIM7eRb9WrD0bnBOai85XNI0AketxES0a1tT1AE5XZbdukaFEmKjtPqHZw7uki3vKBUA2ok1Mek66vnGCob5o-hBLvYNRwYI_YHoN6-FuVi5ZL9ANRjzupK/s200/serve9.jpg" width="179" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Rod Serling</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army) - writer, producer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He enlisted in the army
the day after high school graduation in 1943. Trained as a paratrooper and sent
to the Pacific Theatre, he was reassigned to a demolition unit or “death squad”
(due to its high fatality rate). Serling was wounded twice in combat in the
Philippines, and earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Jimmy Stewart</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army Air Corps) - actor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikepzxYdNduKL1T3S1lMtFC-USpRrjlJvJKkqQOXxe7OPqQwV_wC2ZF3lET-3toeTzrfFItFOGrxWJ1OBF2PLs0gZazoFKD0We27Q04jWdzvo_IqEE08AJfRQbvakE9Tfn98V7XlC0jazm/s1600/serve8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikepzxYdNduKL1T3S1lMtFC-USpRrjlJvJKkqQOXxe7OPqQwV_wC2ZF3lET-3toeTzrfFItFOGrxWJ1OBF2PLs0gZazoFKD0We27Q04jWdzvo_IqEE08AJfRQbvakE9Tfn98V7XlC0jazm/s200/serve8.jpg" width="153" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stewart was a highly
experienced pilot prior to WWII. He was drafted in 1940 but was initially
rejected as a pilot, failing to meet minimum height and weight requirements and
for being too old. Later, he was accepted. In 1943, he was assigned as the
commander of the 445<sup>th</sup> Bombardment Group, and led numerous bombing
missions over Germany including Berlin. He received two Distinguished Flying
Crosses and the Croix de Guerre in 1944. He reached the rank of Major General
in the U.S. Air Force Reserve after the war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Oliver Stone</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(U.S. Army) - writer, director<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoKso3g1ZDvE3RbaZd2L3zvmeM8X0X_eL38hV92W3-HCvsJ6xjObt7lSxOrq9lgSkcRNUsgHyRjvighhAScoy8bhiytq8vT4TGiOLMjRv6sENZfwsHnMHbuNJAx1hNJWBKUuaZ6Rsg1iM/s1600/serve11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoKso3g1ZDvE3RbaZd2L3zvmeM8X0X_eL38hV92W3-HCvsJ6xjObt7lSxOrq9lgSkcRNUsgHyRjvighhAScoy8bhiytq8vT4TGiOLMjRv6sENZfwsHnMHbuNJAx1hNJWBKUuaZ6Rsg1iM/s200/serve11.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1967, Stone enlisted in
the U.S. Army and requested combat duty in Vietnam. He fought with the 25<sup>th</sup>
Infantry Division, then with the First Air Cavalry Division. He earned a Bronze
Star, an Army Commendation Medal for heroism, and a Purple Heart for his
wounds, all in the space of 15 months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are some others in
the entertainment field that offered honorable service:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>U.S.
Army:</b></span> Alan Alda, Mel Brooks, Art Carney (wounded at Normandy), Tim Conway,
Robert Duvall, Dennis Franz (82<sup>nd</sup> Airborne in Vietnam), Buddy
Hackett, James Earl Jones (Army Ranger), Sidney Poitier, Tony Randall, Mickey
Rooney, Telly Savalas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: blue;">U.S.
Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force:</span></b> Charles Bronson (B-29 gunner), Red Buttons,
Peter Graves, Walter Matthau (B-24 gunner), Jack Palance (bailed out of a
B-24), Chuck Norris, Ronald Reagan, Dick Van Dyke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: blue;">U.S.
Marine Corps:</span></b> Steve McQueen (guarded President Truman’s yacht)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: blue;">U.S.
Navy:</span></b> Harry Belafonte, Humphrey Bogart, Ernest Borgnine, Johnny Carson, Jackie
Cooper (Navy Captain), Roger Corman, Bill Cosby, Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson, Jack
Lemmon, Robert Stack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-9251059867858105402013-11-05T08:34:00.000-08:002013-11-05T08:34:28.404-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #984806; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;">DÉJÀ VU: </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #984806; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;">FAMILIARITY WITHOUT AWARENESS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have all had some
feeling of déjà vu. The experience of being someplace or doing something that
we had done before, but can’t remember exactly where or when. The feeling is
strong and strange but the effects are brief. Researchers have struggled to
explain, with little success, why we have these complex sensations. There are
many theories about the causes of déjà vu, and none of them are mutually
exclusive. Déjà vu might be generated by multiple factors.<span style="color: #66ff33;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here for your
consideration are the eight most common theories why déjà vu occurs, in the
order of their historical recognition:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XSvX3_O0aYsWU1_Gv3jOTCv2H9ZPppDh_AiXVtq5QdmRQOUfDbWwvR5jwl0HEALA9I7YC624xMsCZViOeCZ79oIAtL7H69kYt-dN5btAzO5Nhz0dBT41idrmJzvoqCY_FVw1yy-QABsL/s1600/vu4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XSvX3_O0aYsWU1_Gv3jOTCv2H9ZPppDh_AiXVtq5QdmRQOUfDbWwvR5jwl0HEALA9I7YC624xMsCZViOeCZ79oIAtL7H69kYt-dN5btAzO5Nhz0dBT41idrmJzvoqCY_FVw1yy-QABsL/s1600/vu4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. The déjà vu experience
is a manifestation of a wish fulfillment, or <span style="color: #783f04;"><b>a subconscious repetition of a past experience</b> (late 19<sup>th</sup> Century psychology). </span>This is an early
Freudian-like theory about the experience; but it implies a conscious effort on
the part of the individual. Déjà vu experiences are not believed to be under
the control of the individual. They are experiences that a person is not able
to either create or ignore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Déjà vu is<b> <span style="color: #783f04;">a symptom of reincarnation</span></b><span style="color: #783f04;">;</span> a person
living their lives for a second time (late
19<sup>th</sup> Century parapsychology). This is an unorthodox theory, of
course, but has been given new attention. Embrace this theory at your own risk.
Recent research in physics has found that particles (tachyons) possibly travel
backwards in time and that photons can exist in two places at once.
Neurological time travel can no longer be dismissed automatically. There is
also a growing belief in “genetic memory” (memories encoded in one’s genes and
passed on to new generations). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3. It is caused when a
person gets a glimpse of a place or situation and <b style="color: #783f04;">a memory is created before a fully conscious perception is made </b>(1928)<b style="color: #783f04;">.</b>
The result is a false sense of familiarity. While this theory might account for
the feeling that an experience is being “recalled,” most researchers agree that
a conscious perception needs to occur before, and not after, a memory is
generated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy34Gg5TwJK8oKy_DTIZtYNTROMLE9n8ziXTdDG16nM1opk8IqWCnxMAvQTwVqrz0hqrWLiQ2Pj6rMf05X1poVbQOTRum478JobmYw6Ns7RDCzpZJ1r5dgi6WLxsMCKNRgQV6ROfvcOvY/s1600/vu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy34Gg5TwJK8oKy_DTIZtYNTROMLE9n8ziXTdDG16nM1opk8IqWCnxMAvQTwVqrz0hqrWLiQ2Pj6rMf05X1poVbQOTRum478JobmYw6Ns7RDCzpZJ1r5dgi6WLxsMCKNRgQV6ROfvcOvY/s1600/vu2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4. Déjà vu is trigged by the
presence of <b><span style="color: #783f04;">a serious psychological
disorder</span></b>, like schizophrenia or extreme anxiety (1930-1940). This was researched extensively in the Thirties, but a
link between déjà vu and psychological disorders was generally not found. The
vast number of people reporting déjà vu experiences did not have known
disorders. There is, however, an association between the experience and
temporal-lobe epilepsy. Most people have had very mild but sudden epilepsy-like
electrical discharges in the brain; like the jolt you may feel just before
falling asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlntvAorctaZaZ2yjYtq3A3VqSdXZKIAxEklRVE8VfIW8HO9Bqsly0Nj8qsBbQJ0Q6wlDZWq9YQi8Pjkfzuly1WSBzHGMYgf9KSVgwXSnXvItYGWaOJKzJeDm-5bvYAn8JoI-4YcfzoAb/s1600/vu8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlntvAorctaZaZ2yjYtq3A3VqSdXZKIAxEklRVE8VfIW8HO9Bqsly0Nj8qsBbQJ0Q6wlDZWq9YQi8Pjkfzuly1WSBzHGMYgf9KSVgwXSnXvItYGWaOJKzJeDm-5bvYAn8JoI-4YcfzoAb/s200/vu8.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5. Déjà vu episodes are a
result of <b><span style="color: #783f04;">an interaction of multiple
drugs</span></b>; creating a surrealistic or hallucinogenic experience (1970’s). Numerous cases have been
reported where drug interactions and déjà vu coincide and many researchers
believe there is a cause and effect relationship present. But since most people
who experience déjà vu are not taking multiple pharmaceutical drugs at the same
time, this explanation is not viewed as widely applicable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6. There is a slight </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #783f04;">malfunctioning between the long-term and short-term memory</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> circuits of the brain </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">(1980's - 19</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">90’s).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> An overlap of neurological system processes
causes a memory to be created before the conscious part of the brain recognizes
the experience. This is a variation of theory #3 (above) from the 1920’s, BUT
the body’s electrical system does do something similar in reacting to stimulus.
You probably remember from school learning about the “reflex arc” where your
hand, if placed on a hot stove, will pull away from the stove even before you
are aware of the heat. Maybe short term memory works like this also.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2LafcjpYtHo6P5kLxAAm_n-J4TxGb96t_lvRDDXmC0vJQpTeAFAw3l4ZwiQ2y6cHMDs2_BgOc1zKDiuZeQ4CGadzfDCE9wOLPIat01A8QG_yf5go-JQxt9EqPfyovDarvJOf-sW36vSo/s1600/vu3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2LafcjpYtHo6P5kLxAAm_n-J4TxGb96t_lvRDDXmC0vJQpTeAFAw3l4ZwiQ2y6cHMDs2_BgOc1zKDiuZeQ4CGadzfDCE9wOLPIat01A8QG_yf5go-JQxt9EqPfyovDarvJOf-sW36vSo/s200/vu3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7. Déjà vu results from
the <b><span style="color: #783f04;">occasional mismatches made by the
brain</span></b> in its continuous attempt to create a whole picture out of very small
pieces of information (2005). Only
bits of sensory information are needed for the brain to reconstruct entire,
three-dimensional images. When the brain receives these bits of input that are
very similar to an experience from the past, an entire memory is brought
forward. The brain has mistaken the past to be present - a mismatching of past
and present sensory information. To the person having déjà vu, this explanation
may be very unsatisfactory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMcZ4uh_M5Y4GesUen8FUIRK4aJZKFX-JvAi6JcOKE25m2siQzaaLnMLJ8ClEYez5zl7_vIx-LvWZEArTvNJvvP7cEGtkM8k6Yxyllt2BCxQ9QGNT4e1ZBb8rJ0FVexVDItZ5L91ETnd4/s1600/vu7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMcZ4uh_M5Y4GesUen8FUIRK4aJZKFX-JvAi6JcOKE25m2siQzaaLnMLJ8ClEYez5zl7_vIx-LvWZEArTvNJvvP7cEGtkM8k6Yxyllt2BCxQ9QGNT4e1ZBb8rJ0FVexVDItZ5L91ETnd4/s200/vu7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8. It is caused by
problems of episodic memory resulting from <b><span style="color: #783f04;">similarities
between new and old experiences</span></b> (2012).
Some researchers theorize that the hippocampus (a neuron cluster in the
mid-brain) can become confused by new verses old, but familiar, experiences - a
“confusion of episodes.” A person’s ability to distinguish between slightly
different places and experiences can fade with time, and age. Older individuals
still form memories but struggle between similar, but distinct, events. Yet the
highest incidence of déjà vu is among people 15 to 25 years old. So something
else must also be going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems that no single
theory about déjà vu can be applied to all cases, and that various causes may
indeed contribute to our experiences. Is it worth our time to research déjà vu
occurrences? It may only be a quirky brain trick that most of us expect from
time to time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-90951186482286729682013-10-24T11:04:00.000-07:002013-10-24T11:04:07.362-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE SAFEST WAY TO
TRAVEL?</span></b><b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo5VIKG2HJUt34sox7Wdt5MPyiVg4_kvGCM5xOEHa7O1jl0Db9BuGDi3S1VB3kkCU-0njPc6rWaV95fF5xtAg8bApte1ymBSJUSMqVncrB8cBwaMnmRURDJAZTM9ZwF1kq8KZy1DTFoMb/s1600/air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo5VIKG2HJUt34sox7Wdt5MPyiVg4_kvGCM5xOEHa7O1jl0Db9BuGDi3S1VB3kkCU-0njPc6rWaV95fF5xtAg8bApte1ymBSJUSMqVncrB8cBwaMnmRURDJAZTM9ZwF1kq8KZy1DTFoMb/s1600/air.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Air
travel has always been touted as the safest way to travel, and it’s true. Every
other method of transportation is far more dangerous. But that doesn’t mean
that air travel is danger free. The odds of being killed in a single “commercial
airline” flight are 1 in 29.4 million. But, if you ARE involved in a fatal
crash, your odds of dying are 67%.</span><b><span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Incidentally, according to
planecrashinfo.com, these major air carriers have never had a fatality:
Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Jet Blue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and
Virgin Atlantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkpAeTFfNjNYae-SnXdElhNe9HmuE448fCqfbUfjpvSiA7-rIHG_gUpUxcPd8DXAoYgoOUwHJrexAkdCcR7y9bYLhQoTnw2uGn4BXVlMFpI2EMC82s5o6jKKIeq5ngrUn1ko_jd1NvtXW/s1600/air2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkpAeTFfNjNYae-SnXdElhNe9HmuE448fCqfbUfjpvSiA7-rIHG_gUpUxcPd8DXAoYgoOUwHJrexAkdCcR7y9bYLhQoTnw2uGn4BXVlMFpI2EMC82s5o6jKKIeq5ngrUn1ko_jd1NvtXW/s200/air2.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first recorded
airplane fatality occurred on September 17, 1908, in Ft. Myer, Virginia. A
plane was on a demonstration flight and piloted by Orville Wright. The
propeller broke off and it fell from a height of 75 feet, and crashed to the
ground. The only passenger, Lt. Thomas Selfridge, died in the crash. Orville
Wright survived but suffered broken ribs, pelvis, and a leg. Listed below is a
very partial list of notable people who did not survive the crash of an
aircraft in which they were travelling (listed in date order).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7-1-1912:
<b>HARRIET QUIMBY</b> (37), pioneer female
pilot, the first “Lady of the Air,” died in Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4-21-1918:
Manfred von Richtofen, the <b>“RED BARON”</b>
(25), died in France; he may have been shot down by ground fire (and not by
another airplane).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hcp77bb67lVxIK-jjkXx_y2HVWNdYDs6xYIbx16gATOrA0UZ6HAQ43YKRkhwRxtLu6s8BM0O0l64ypPL0wHBJuGwFksBG_DaMpvZUM2MRZvFv3OqQqPVYWgN-e6t7iZYIzXW3if52jZp/s1600/air3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hcp77bb67lVxIK-jjkXx_y2HVWNdYDs6xYIbx16gATOrA0UZ6HAQ43YKRkhwRxtLu6s8BM0O0l64ypPL0wHBJuGwFksBG_DaMpvZUM2MRZvFv3OqQqPVYWgN-e6t7iZYIzXW3if52jZp/s1600/air3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3-31-1931: <b>KNUTE ROCKNE</b> (43), Notre Dame Football
coach, died in Kansas; a structural design flaw caused a wing to break off in
flight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8-15-1935: <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">WILL ROGERS</span></b>
(56), humorist; and WILEY POST (37), adventurer, both died in Alaska; crashed
into the water in fog.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7-2-1937: <b>AMELIA EARHART</b> (40), adventurer, died
near New Guinea; probably ditched in the ocean (still not known for sure).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzywET60ZP-gPGWbSBec5ZPrtQGPU_6MLIjdhFQ0RNSGTG8arhtvhwYgjQjo2yzd_XysJce6Pqd2eqvNWVO-CHNpWohXANogSK8mXmy6aOezjSMTpO6SDfSbb4s9ey3usQ0C8rSEXXtMbn/s1600/air12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzywET60ZP-gPGWbSBec5ZPrtQGPU_6MLIjdhFQ0RNSGTG8arhtvhwYgjQjo2yzd_XysJce6Pqd2eqvNWVO-CHNpWohXANogSK8mXmy6aOezjSMTpO6SDfSbb4s9ey3usQ0C8rSEXXtMbn/s200/air12.jpg" width="157" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-16-1942: <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">CAROLE LOMBARD</span></b>
(33), actress, died in Nevada; crashed into a mountain - all 22 aboard were
killed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-1-1943: <b>LESLIE HOWARD</b> (42), actor, died in
France; the true reason is still unknown but some say his plane was shot down
by German aircraft (rumor says the Germans thought Winston Churchill was aboard).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12-15-1944: <b>GLENN MILLER</b>
(40), musician, died over the English Channel; actual reason is not known for
sure; but his plane may have been hit by RAF bombs dropped from a higher
altitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3-22-1958: <b>MIKE TODD</b> (49), film producer, died in
New Mexico; crashed in a storm (his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, was to be aboard
but stayed home with a cold).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuXnnEj5mG3Rha5aEhIRj4RR-4p60AVPSa8bsqwEjj96dVRBEYilmF2V5d6v0T_WuUUF0nAve_nPGp9Vc44447ihfmCNnO5UbjDQJkhBWSiUA9pzdjr8-KLnYjucOM0_vHW8xodcyuecW/s1600/air5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuXnnEj5mG3Rha5aEhIRj4RR-4p60AVPSa8bsqwEjj96dVRBEYilmF2V5d6v0T_WuUUF0nAve_nPGp9Vc44447ihfmCNnO5UbjDQJkhBWSiUA9pzdjr8-KLnYjucOM0_vHW8xodcyuecW/s200/air5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2-3-1959: <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">BUDDY HOLLY</span></b>
(22), RITCHIE VALENS (17), THE BIG BOPPER (28), all musicians, died in Iowa;
crashed in bad weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2-25-1960: <b>U.S. NAVY BAND</b>, died in Brazil; mid-air
collision - all 61 died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9-17-1961: <b>DAG HAMMARSKJOD</b> (56), U.N. Secretary
General, died in Zambia; crashed in the jungle (rumor says that a bomb had been
detonated on board).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3-5-1963: <b>PATSY CLINE</b> (30), singer, died in
Tennessee; crashed in a storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12-10-1967: <b>OTIS REDDING</b> (26), singer, died in
Wisconsin; undetermined cause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3-27-1968: <b>YURI GARGARIN</b> (34), 1<sup>st</sup> man
in space, died in Russia; the crash cause was never made public. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4-14-1970: <b>MARSHALL UNIV. FOOTBALL TEAM</b>, died in
West Virginia; crashed short of the runway in a storm - all 75 aboard killed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAu4DM_DafrhSf9hrrz_Le9PGUa52OL2D2aFyO8SsLHbBSnEvR-OUyMq3M3E9k82FjtepkQLPnib95HOL32eYUz_rbV8G6-H7kc_Nd12J82S5XHt5fTEYmbGwIoumjhp3LBfGRtE2kpvY/s1600/air7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAu4DM_DafrhSf9hrrz_Le9PGUa52OL2D2aFyO8SsLHbBSnEvR-OUyMq3M3E9k82FjtepkQLPnib95HOL32eYUz_rbV8G6-H7kc_Nd12J82S5XHt5fTEYmbGwIoumjhp3LBfGRtE2kpvY/s200/air7.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5-28-1971: <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">AUDIE MURPHY</span></b>
(45), WWII hero and actor, died in Virginia; crashed into mountain in a
thunderstorm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12-31-1972: <b>ROBERTO CLEMENTE</b> (38), baseball player,
died in Puerto Rico; crashed on takeoff as engines lost all power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9-20-1973: <b>JIM CROCE</b> (30), singer, died in
Louisiana; crashed on takeoff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8-1-1977: <b>FRANCIS GARY POWERS</b> (47), pilot, died
in California; having survived being shot down by the Soviets, he crashed in a
helicopter covering a fire for a local TV station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lV2RPbwv9JzFPSJb-8UU_E0vukVko7pDwI4ATIhG6uUb04p9010R3R1Q7_pfTxJxisGEYGyI3IvgtISX2NrqLIuucXQzSyW-Q8fGYSUgX-1bAVuDBseMTwupjClosABOo6fOinjrtwR5/s1600/air9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lV2RPbwv9JzFPSJb-8UU_E0vukVko7pDwI4ATIhG6uUb04p9010R3R1Q7_pfTxJxisGEYGyI3IvgtISX2NrqLIuucXQzSyW-Q8fGYSUgX-1bAVuDBseMTwupjClosABOo6fOinjrtwR5/s200/air9.jpg" width="164" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12-31-1985: <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">RICKY NELSON</span></b>
(45), singer, died in Texas; fire on board, crashed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-28-1986: <b>CREW OF SPACE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER</b>, in
Florida; crashed during takeoff - all 7 of the crew died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8-27-1990: <b>STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN</b> (35), musician, died
in Wisconsin; crashed on take- off in the fog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10-25-1991: <b>BILL GRAHAM</b> (60), rock promoter, died
in California; his helicopter crashed after hitting a transmission tower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu6-9fjjjvI44kbWMNbw5pSXCTNGWwj0KD10fioocq2p-aIJWYqY-q1-gGYfgn5017tBL7s2bTxjaeXnYPuyxygmd_kPfNtLFEKr4z3Il5g_KMqMxS78RI-pCy0AO7z4kE41wM4axIvG6/s1600/air10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu6-9fjjjvI44kbWMNbw5pSXCTNGWwj0KD10fioocq2p-aIJWYqY-q1-gGYfgn5017tBL7s2bTxjaeXnYPuyxygmd_kPfNtLFEKr4z3Il5g_KMqMxS78RI-pCy0AO7z4kE41wM4axIvG6/s200/air10.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10-12-1997: <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">JOHN DENVER</span></b>
(53), singer, died in California; John lost control, dived, and crashed into
Monterey Bay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7-16-1999: <b>JOHN F. KENNEDY JR</b>. (38) died in
Massachusetts; lost control and crashed in the ocean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2-1-2003: <b>CREW OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA</b>,
over Texas; craft broke up on re-entry - all 7 of the crew died. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We credit this information
to the website “Plane Crash Info.” It is a very extensive site and can be
linked to at </span><a href="http://planecrashinfo.com/indexold.html"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://planecrashinfo.com/indexold.html</span></a></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-41927500472253532512013-10-20T14:28:00.001-07:002013-10-20T14:28:58.015-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #984806; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;">GIVE US A SIGN!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJM2GQVtMyUk5DXgP6EPN4A_KnK3ZSbRcFBRQWQEpl5V4g3eF4NM7b1iKmXuxOpPclOGeX7n4PFR0zhDTV8lw71XJ-KUsw968PJarSjGbcV8FB96xY1oLbA7YDdP7TwNG1VqWbBYAz47F/s1600/v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJM2GQVtMyUk5DXgP6EPN4A_KnK3ZSbRcFBRQWQEpl5V4g3eF4NM7b1iKmXuxOpPclOGeX7n4PFR0zhDTV8lw71XJ-KUsw968PJarSjGbcV8FB96xY1oLbA7YDdP7TwNG1VqWbBYAz47F/s1600/v3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the most ubiquitous
hand gestures in the world is the “V-Sign.” It is made by straightening the
index and middle finger of the hand so that they stick up in a V-shape while
the other fingers and thumb are curled against the palm. The gesture has lots
of meanings depending on the cultural context in which it is used. It can
represent victory or success, or it indicated a wish for peace. It can
represent the number two (if you are ordering two drinks at a bar); or it can
be “rabbit ears” held behind someone’s head just before the picture is snapped.
It can also be an insult, especially if the two upright fingers are flicked in
the direction of another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNv44yrS8E2wALcHVHi_o_8eQZEU3ek_L1ubzkIBJ1BJRtEUa1uwRwoh8pDWau_eSe7E3OWn5aqduGsz7Im-xo3CNAcXcBHnQISASy5hbKBEizfFBHY6NA4K8pTGuxsU0fvzQcRvMRbTd3/s1600/v4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNv44yrS8E2wALcHVHi_o_8eQZEU3ek_L1ubzkIBJ1BJRtEUa1uwRwoh8pDWau_eSe7E3OWn5aqduGsz7Im-xo3CNAcXcBHnQISASy5hbKBEizfFBHY6NA4K8pTGuxsU0fvzQcRvMRbTd3/s1600/v4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No one is completely sure
where the V-Sign originated. The most popular theory is that it began about 600
years ago during the Hundred Years War between England and France. At the
Battle of Agincourt, Longbow archers were England’s greatest weapon. They could
launch their arrows at the French from a distance where they could not be
attacked themselves. The French King allegedly ordered that any Longbow man
captured was to have his index and middle finger cut off prohibiting him from
ever firing his arrows again. In defiance, the English archers would shake
these two fingers at the French to show them that they could still deliver
their arrows. It was a “take that” kind of gesture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As romantic as this story
is, it’s improbable. English bowmen were so far back behind the lines that it’s
doubtful the enemy could even see their fingers. Also, armies at that time
generally did not take and hold prisoners, they executed them. Cutting off two
fingers is a little pointless if the prisoner was about to be killed anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVCWw4Vt0Fhd2FtEeXxSbHo9YcgdLKG-bQsPofX3xCj67zSO_lq47pQ6tm72JcxmXSuXbj8bPDrPsSZFoos0W_PkTmO1HLBwejGebpjP6hlm51e9VyzcEzPPM_FaVcpiJmmk79E9kVpUZ/s1600/v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVCWw4Vt0Fhd2FtEeXxSbHo9YcgdLKG-bQsPofX3xCj67zSO_lq47pQ6tm72JcxmXSuXbj8bPDrPsSZFoos0W_PkTmO1HLBwejGebpjP6hlm51e9VyzcEzPPM_FaVcpiJmmk79E9kVpUZ/s1600/v.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This brings us to the two
basic types of V-Signs in use today. They differ by the direction that the
user’s palm faces. With the palm facing backward toward the user himself, it is
considered an insult; with the palm facing forward toward another, it is likely
to be seen as a victory sign or peace sign.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is generally believed
that the V-Sign was first used as an insult. In the British Commonwealth
countries today, a V-Sign with the palm facing inward, and knuckles outward, is
still considered an insult. If it is accompanied by an up and down motion, it
is thought to be highly profane; but is still perceived as being less
aggressive than the middle finger only gesture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tEDZoMWpxwzkmbPxRFkV5rNhEuF6vCNl-Tm1NpRrESr4x1Xhn60xCgcL4MT7dR0TXXlGNhd89351kNe27lzqO_d5NbppeHos6DXHBFo4zuJSQfVmmJUudNjZDog5Yddv-nUgOOGii0lR/s1600/v9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tEDZoMWpxwzkmbPxRFkV5rNhEuF6vCNl-Tm1NpRrESr4x1Xhn60xCgcL4MT7dR0TXXlGNhd89351kNe27lzqO_d5NbppeHos6DXHBFo4zuJSQfVmmJUudNjZDog5Yddv-nUgOOGii0lR/s1600/v9.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When the palm is facing
outward toward others, the V-Sign is suggests victory. Beginning during World
War II, it has been closely associated with British Prime Minister Winston
Churchill. It actually began with a Belgian resistance leader, Victor de
Laveleye, who clearly used it meaning victory (or freedom in Flemish). British
media encouraged its adoption and Churchill was frequently seen in photographs
making the sign. At first he used it with the palm facing inward (the insult)
possibly not knowing what that meant; but some thought that he knew exactly
what it stood for and was sending a message to the Nazis. By the end of the
war, the V-Sign was embraced by all Allied personnel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvtIH7Byq-k7tH20tbg_4TRqVStlYSWQAzbOxTsW7JuOnMLiAhSmLmSJSzwg8-XP8DXDtgPhOHoKwo0yGoLlaYio-MyqxcXbe8kZ_L3g-Nd59Pn2PXPfUYfziuDmSbsQjLjJ2R56pro72/s1600/v5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvtIH7Byq-k7tH20tbg_4TRqVStlYSWQAzbOxTsW7JuOnMLiAhSmLmSJSzwg8-XP8DXDtgPhOHoKwo0yGoLlaYio-MyqxcXbe8kZ_L3g-Nd59Pn2PXPfUYfziuDmSbsQjLjJ2R56pro72/s1600/v5.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By the early 1960’s in the
United States, the V-Sign took on new meanings. While it still stood for
victory for one’s causes, it also came to be a symbol of the peace and anti-war
movements. It was used as an anti-nuclear gesture as well. Many politicians attempted
to endear themselves to the public by using the sign. Most of them over-used
it, like Richard Nixon’s two-handed V-Signs. The V-Sign has become a very
popular practice in Japan and South Korea during the last 35 years. It
represents happiness to the younger generations, somewhat like a “thumbs up”
sign in the west. Today, the sign is used worldwide by political movements,
sports teams, and schools.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvxLrysGYLCk08oNl5BV4mRuuTW8vkM3Rm3DlpZmotws7BCrP2YIbottbQ0BSB_3yP2tZTRJ4idAQTSVXasGaaK344KkI4dmptJE0ZDVu8pflbuvyQHUG3wXg00_cCKRDeS5kCQzXIFlG/s1600/v7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvxLrysGYLCk08oNl5BV4mRuuTW8vkM3Rm3DlpZmotws7BCrP2YIbottbQ0BSB_3yP2tZTRJ4idAQTSVXasGaaK344KkI4dmptJE0ZDVu8pflbuvyQHUG3wXg00_cCKRDeS5kCQzXIFlG/s1600/v7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another more recent use of
the V-Sign occurs when the hand is held horizontal, palm down, and the two straightened
fingers are moved from the eyes of the signer toward another as in “I am
watching you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However the sign is used
or interpreted today, it’s likely to be around for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-73573679542391544872013-10-14T16:44:00.000-07:002013-10-14T16:44:00.630-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WHAT MADE
THE AMERICAN WAR <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FOR
INDEPENDENCE SUCCESSFUL?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8zgIQoPZVYvP3dFewAcXGFZSTyyBv5Cz8ubISLAGfahlyxK-CnvWvt0HbpxKl56znBMy9sk4Ev4bAJGt-DNtkw0A2yfkttwm4WFqTO96MO-eGPtfAz8Hnvr0qpyBMT1VQM4oPn07EWoP/s1600/war3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8zgIQoPZVYvP3dFewAcXGFZSTyyBv5Cz8ubISLAGfahlyxK-CnvWvt0HbpxKl56znBMy9sk4Ev4bAJGt-DNtkw0A2yfkttwm4WFqTO96MO-eGPtfAz8Hnvr0qpyBMT1VQM4oPn07EWoP/s1600/war3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Great
Britain was the most powerful nation on earth in 1776. Much of the world was
part of the British Empire. Its navies ruled the sea, and its armies were
unequalled on the field of battle. The regular British Army in North America
plus its German mercenaries numbered about 80,000 troops. The Continental Army
rarely had more than 20,000 men at any one time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
237 years, we take another look at what made the American victory possible? The
reasons are not in the numbers. They are not centered on any individual person,
although the influence and contributions of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin,
Adams, and others was significant. There was no single campaign or battle that
was overwhelmingly won by the patriots. So how did we achieve our independence?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
are nine generally recognized reasons. Four are “primary reasons” (1-4 below);
and five are important supporting reasons (5-9 below). <b>Here are the four “primary reasons” how victory was achieved.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKz0FFg3WdVFETGqL4Ydo3KyRnsti2s4HMcuT5gU1nJsPa9IC7h_tcDRxyVTbiaHSQMRRm_NwVNuTj0Um2yHCF_OPQZa8rEwgPsPQY-oUyYiQR2u2rCISPGS0obaeUv3b6RkpVevrN41X/s1600/war8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKz0FFg3WdVFETGqL4Ydo3KyRnsti2s4HMcuT5gU1nJsPa9IC7h_tcDRxyVTbiaHSQMRRm_NwVNuTj0Um2yHCF_OPQZa8rEwgPsPQY-oUyYiQR2u2rCISPGS0obaeUv3b6RkpVevrN41X/s1600/war8.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>1.</b></span>
Of all the many reasons that victory was attained, the most important was the <b><span style="color: #c00000;">popular support
given by the common person</span></b>. The average American colonial had been
participating in politics since well before the war. There was support for the
war among farmers, shopkeepers, laborers, immigrants, and even slaves; and it
included people from diverse regions, religions, and social positions. The
emerging resistance to Britain was seen in boycotts, petitions, grievances, and
secret meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzpmS9fb_NR4276NLtoZXAMn-6_BioC8kqyUvll31avZWmhz4-gK6aeP8Xqfhabx-6QHbeQ7q_UQy4zLOnyZFF1QwbqR9C0DCbiRrdvN8CkWSVbGWIO4iWhCHxUEw1L6yy7O8rnU9lHv-/s1600/war4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzpmS9fb_NR4276NLtoZXAMn-6_BioC8kqyUvll31avZWmhz4-gK6aeP8Xqfhabx-6QHbeQ7q_UQy4zLOnyZFF1QwbqR9C0DCbiRrdvN8CkWSVbGWIO4iWhCHxUEw1L6yy7O8rnU9lHv-/s1600/war4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>2.</b></span>
<b><span style="color: #c00000;">The
intervention of France, Spain, the Netherlands</span></b>, and other European
countries opposed to the English was critical to American independence. At the
close of the French and Indian War in 1763, Britain had conquered vast tracts
of land previously held by other European nations. Patriot spokesmen were sent
to Europe to offer the return of lost French and Spanish lands if those
European governments would support their efforts for independence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The offers were taken
seriously and key European governments agreed, but the French and Spanish were
not in a military position themselves to become directly involved in the war
for independence. Prior to any formal involvement, the French and Spanish
governments secretly supplied American rebels with funds and critically needed
war materials worth many millions of dollars. By 1778, the French politically
recognized their rebel allies. The Spanish were instrumental in keeping the
British warships in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico and away from reinforcing
British troops in the colonies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2QLQL3J_SFopesd-W9pLwJya1G09lsQPXbtqn8aB0VItKDbJL4dptttSdMiTvegVcnHdxIPHzU7vM_cA-E6keUPcQ_kt8EPxYJxiqzb8k73H1131Z0bmJajOpZKnfvhL9tmJkEVHuZxT/s1600/war2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2QLQL3J_SFopesd-W9pLwJya1G09lsQPXbtqn8aB0VItKDbJL4dptttSdMiTvegVcnHdxIPHzU7vM_cA-E6keUPcQ_kt8EPxYJxiqzb8k73H1131Z0bmJajOpZKnfvhL9tmJkEVHuZxT/s1600/war2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>3.</b></span>
<b><span style="color: #c00000;">Americans
used an “asymmetrical” military strategy</span></b>. This is a term frequently
used in the twentieth century to describe warfare between mismatched opponents,
although it has been employed throughout history from ancient Greece to Viet
Nam. Instead of meeting the British force on force (and certainly be defeated
by this trained and disciplined enemy), they used guerilla tactics learned from
fighting the Indians on the frontier. The colonists would strike quickly then
disappear. Large scale battles were always avoided by the colonials, unless
they were trapped. The British were never able to deliver a final blow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>4.</b></span>
<b><span style="color: #c00000;">England
would not utilize American loyalist supporters</span></b>. The British did not
trust or respect the loyalists who numbered in the tens of thousands. The
loyalists had organized themselves into 70 regiments of infantry, but English
officers refused to use them in battle or on guard duty. Patriot soldiers
frequently wore ordinary clothing, and the English had difficulty telling the
loyalists and patriots apart. The English were also largely unable to protect
the loyalists from reprisals upon them by patriots. This alienated many
potential supporters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These are the five
“supporting reasons” contributing to victory.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>5.</b></span>
<b><span style="color: #c00000;">Conquering
the vast colonial geography was problematic</span></b>. The British found it
impossible to occupy the countryside except for short periods; there simply
weren’t enough troops. They usually resided in the cities and only ventured out
when there was a sufficient force. Long supply lines in hostile and unfamiliar
territory were too risky otherwise. Consequently the colonists were freer to
move about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>6.</b></span>
<b><span style="color: #c00000;">The crown
lacked money to finance a long, protracted war</span></b> far from its shores.
Having just completed a war with France and its Indian allies (costing 70
million pounds in mid-1760’s money), the British national debt had doubled. The
funds to operate the empire would have to be raised through taxes on the
English population. The American colonists, in spite of their loud objections
to taxes, only paid about 5% of the taxes paid by British citizens. Many in
England felt that the new higher taxes being imposed on them were due to the
war in America and they strongly insisted that the war be quickly concluded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttyZP5Rc9Z4rYMo4FyVGtC507Edijeh06FVDl6duMCRoYOK7KiY7l3fW0Rde5p8tsUELPvdF_L-af9fvfbFspRVIggmE9SNJkxl133AVDib_6KNyEq9gU8U3kl-zFG6f2W99Q0SiZn8to/s1600/war7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttyZP5Rc9Z4rYMo4FyVGtC507Edijeh06FVDl6duMCRoYOK7KiY7l3fW0Rde5p8tsUELPvdF_L-af9fvfbFspRVIggmE9SNJkxl133AVDib_6KNyEq9gU8U3kl-zFG6f2W99Q0SiZn8to/s1600/war7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>7.</b></span>
<b><span style="color: #c00000;">The British
emancipated all slaves and indentured servants</span></b> willing to serve in
the English Army. By doing this, they caused the southern slave colonies to
more closely align with the northern patriots. Slaves serving in British black
regiments did not lead to their ultimate freedom however.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>8.</b></span> <b><span style="color: #c00000;">American
leaders (and government) were mobile</span></b>. There was no established
national colonial capital that the British could capture to end the war.
Instead the Continental Congress moved from one place to another to evade them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JM7VRa_ds0L4XAsv_sFG004rANc2r3M2Tiic4tANkfHzrootXGpijO83Z8DK8hmupoj8RPTwh8LLJ-a0RwhXhn6FAwEgqSSBycdK4sJkNxlod7ndS2Rq_OmQ8DX8s-Lu63LzEEdD8HeU/s1600/war6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JM7VRa_ds0L4XAsv_sFG004rANc2r3M2Tiic4tANkfHzrootXGpijO83Z8DK8hmupoj8RPTwh8LLJ-a0RwhXhn6FAwEgqSSBycdK4sJkNxlod7ndS2Rq_OmQ8DX8s-Lu63LzEEdD8HeU/s1600/war6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>9.</b></span>
<b><span style="color: #c00000;">The
involvement of American women in the cause was significant</span></b>. Women
supported the pursuit of independence in ways unknown in America before the
war. Many were familiar with the self-reliant lifestyle of the frontier. They
produced clothing for the soldiers, boycotted English products, made musket
balls, travelled as aides with the troops, and spied on the British.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
of these reasons combined to make the War for Independence a reality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-83035013466555096702013-10-07T12:16:00.000-07:002013-10-07T12:16:23.780-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DEFENDING
CAPTAIN BLIGH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9l9EhFH8bKO4pEJZmPbroF2VASZPNjlTBsdAPV66dWFI_FSw4EHcoLe_dpzWRne2Llb0sSypPBrzts1Tvho6aqdgncd3mKOJ6H6XmFTkXLOKImY-cQ67quKneVTfyBFn05iY9LAL2ciz/s1600/bligh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9l9EhFH8bKO4pEJZmPbroF2VASZPNjlTBsdAPV66dWFI_FSw4EHcoLe_dpzWRne2Llb0sSypPBrzts1Tvho6aqdgncd3mKOJ6H6XmFTkXLOKImY-cQ67quKneVTfyBFn05iY9LAL2ciz/s200/bligh3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe we are just being
“Devils’ Advocates” here but we feel that a 200-year old injustice has been
done to William Bligh. He is, of course, the villain in the story of the Mutiny
on the Bounty. He was the evil captain of the HMS Bounty who made Fletcher Christian
declare, “I am in Hell, I am in Hell!” Captain Bligh has a reputation for
brutalizing his crews on their long voyages; but did he? Or was he just a <b>convenient</b> <b>villain</b> for literature and Hollywood? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJJHL0wBhleUhloa-4pIfdL0l4LTmuegSEyEl9Cm4YZPZcs7umPDxx4Vwm_H9Njfh7F81MedcMKHvHWFO5S43_4micz69QsTTSrpkOZEbhUfxM5Qe79iwr9sN6sMyJ6pqOnN3dg5A-ggq/s1600/bligh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJJHL0wBhleUhloa-4pIfdL0l4LTmuegSEyEl9Cm4YZPZcs7umPDxx4Vwm_H9Njfh7F81MedcMKHvHWFO5S43_4micz69QsTTSrpkOZEbhUfxM5Qe79iwr9sN6sMyJ6pqOnN3dg5A-ggq/s200/bligh2.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">William
Bligh</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> was born in the Cornwall district of England in 1754.
He was the son of Francis and Jane Bligh. A smart and serious lad, William was
signed up for the Royal Navy at seven years old. It was customary at the time
for young gentlemen to be initiated into the sea faring life at an early age. By
the time he was 16, he was an “able seaman,” a rank that many sailors achieved
only after a career at sea. One year later William had become a midshipman, or
junior officer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMt2PN9Z4WTexk4rTFuKO6OyUwxOX9tszAebZsPE4oewh5vr0DrfYpz4h8-5Gls-2tDsqT5WfmjfiDb8feLS15GUjCSLna_qZweCBLNZ9PQDhmcLd7yNsiFD_eVmJ0_VJOX4zFUtutY9W/s1600/bligh9cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMt2PN9Z4WTexk4rTFuKO6OyUwxOX9tszAebZsPE4oewh5vr0DrfYpz4h8-5Gls-2tDsqT5WfmjfiDb8feLS15GUjCSLna_qZweCBLNZ9PQDhmcLd7yNsiFD_eVmJ0_VJOX4zFUtutY9W/s200/bligh9cook.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At age 22, he was given
the remarkable honor of being chosen by <b>Captain
James Cook</b> to be his “sailing master,” the person in charge of navigation,
on Cook’s third voyage of exploration to the Pacific. Five years later he
fought under Lord Howe at Gibraltar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1787, this well
respected young officer was recommended for an assignment to lead an
“experiment” for the King. He was just 32 but had already spent almost 25 years
at sea. At that time the British government had control of the island of
Jamaica. It was proving difficult to keep all the slaves, working the
plantations, fed adequately so a plan was conceived to determine if Breadfruit
plants could be used as an inexpensive food source. Bligh was given command of
a converted merchant ship, renamed HMS Bounty, which he was to sail to Tahiti
to acquire the Breadfruit; then bring the cargo back to Jamaica for planting</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Large sections of the
Bounty were converted to accommodate the Breadfruit, including the Captain’s
quarters. Bligh was confined to a cramped cabin adjacent to the crew quarters.
William was officially the only officer on board. Others, including Fletcher
Christian, only acted as officers, without appointment. The crew recruited for
the voyage was largely made up of recently released prisoners and town
drunkards with very little discipline or respect for authority. Additionally, a
Navy ship usually carried a detachment of Royal Marines aboard to fend off
hostiles and keep peace on the vessel. None were provided for this mission.
This combination of a long voyage, cramped quarters, untrained “officers,” an
unruly crew, and no guards offered a potential for disaster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK8YFNPSuXJCYaIAwt1U6Z_WqDZOZEbQCnOjyV1A-Twrrjpj4CeY14NPufpcdvXIxXr_pRNC3yJ1Ydv8p4T1oPr_jR6oJ38n2J-58oANwfKWqP6ZyG-nwgV2xDxJrUEybkNBLaPGw3Da6/s1600/bligh4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK8YFNPSuXJCYaIAwt1U6Z_WqDZOZEbQCnOjyV1A-Twrrjpj4CeY14NPufpcdvXIxXr_pRNC3yJ1Ydv8p4T1oPr_jR6oJ38n2J-58oANwfKWqP6ZyG-nwgV2xDxJrUEybkNBLaPGw3Da6/s1600/bligh4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <b>voyage to Tahiti</b> was enormously difficult. For a month, Heavy seas
blocked the passage around the tip of South America. Captain Bligh was forced
to reverse direction and sail around the tip of Africa instead. It took ten
months for the Bounty to reach Tahiti. Hollywood has given us the image of
Captain Bligh dispensing harsh punishments to the crew on a whim. But this has
never been substantiated. The ship’s log indicated that corporal punishments
were few. Most times he resorted to verbal reprimands instead of flogging, and
no one was hanged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">William Bligh was an
educated man who recognized that good diet and sanitation improved the welfare
of his crew. He was careful about the quality of the crew’s food, and ordered
his men to keep the ship clean. He rearranged the crew’s work schedule creating
three shifts instead of two which allowed the men to get a longer uninterrupted
period of sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj5N7Rrntg88OlmI42ST-TPIawgtjeTDmmpya4SM2UxiHLU1tG8mfUd3mK6uEO4rUmnrw9YWRdE3Z7_Hi7Xgt95QDcqzzHFKQpHXVAEGirq2Ltuygjk5VPwkTGPOGiGEFHBCxuXG9nBIz/s1600/bligh10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj5N7Rrntg88OlmI42ST-TPIawgtjeTDmmpya4SM2UxiHLU1tG8mfUd3mK6uEO4rUmnrw9YWRdE3Z7_Hi7Xgt95QDcqzzHFKQpHXVAEGirq2Ltuygjk5VPwkTGPOGiGEFHBCxuXG9nBIz/s1600/bligh10.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In October of 1788, the
Bounty arrived in Tahiti. They stayed there five months to allow the young <b>Breadfruit plants</b> to mature to a point
where they could be safely transported. William Bligh permitted his men to live
on the island instead of on the ship; which may have proven to be his fatal
mistake. Many men got tattoos and a significant number formed relationships
with the women there. Fletcher Christian married. The crew became socialized to
the culture of the Tahitians and the pleasant atmosphere of the island. While
in Tahiti, Bligh tried to keep the spread of venereal disease under control,
although unsuccessful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the time for departure
came closer, tensions between Bligh and his officers became stressed. The
Captain did have the trait of excess vanity and entitlement but not to the
extent depicted in fiction. The crew, unaccustomed to the rough sea life, was
reluctant to leave their new found paradise. They had been given unusual
freedom by their captain while on the island and they did not want it
withdrawn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twenty three days after
leaving Tahiti, <b>Fletcher</b> <b>Christian</b> and some of his followers
broke into Bligh’s cabin, tied him up, and brought him on deck. The Bounty had
been taken over without a fight by less than half the crew. Of the seven
“officers,” six remained loyal to Bligh; only Christian mutinied. Of the crew,
19 of the 35 mutinied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMZHr4K_qTZrUaeVJqiUOaihP9PXLpJ6qXAY0Tdf-pyAOchK3-N3Q8r3PJyy075TjwEp-zbivHoKKHdSPzE3Mc1W61MGuXJqfP6_kzdQEeQGhRSmRlNOafIteTQ7ONCMwVCufHky2bGxG/s1600/bligh13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMZHr4K_qTZrUaeVJqiUOaihP9PXLpJ6qXAY0Tdf-pyAOchK3-N3Q8r3PJyy075TjwEp-zbivHoKKHdSPzE3Mc1W61MGuXJqfP6_kzdQEeQGhRSmRlNOafIteTQ7ONCMwVCufHky2bGxG/s1600/bligh13.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The mutineers ordered that
Bligh, the ship’s master, two midshipmen and several more loyal crew members
into the <b>ship’s launch</b>. They were
given four cutlasses, a compass, and enough food and water to reach the nearest
port. They were not given any charts or a sextant to give them a location. The
Bounty sailed off back to Tahiti. William Bligh was an exceptional navigator
however and took the small band on a 3,618 nautical mile voyage to Timor
(Indonesia) in 47 days. It stands today as a near impossible achievement. Only
one man was lost, killed by natives on the island of Tofua.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUz1pwDWgdNDE7AsKBqfrKRmCVptcC7KL-xNP9Y4g7UYLrO4SdMsFyo79iDs8sQldDDR3pSaCJ3DGTuyEAHV7Q3DfwhYSb9tuGNgFRoGoh99v7O4gZMz9J6a6Rjrqia3O4XSZDlNgDGsT/s1600/bligh12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUz1pwDWgdNDE7AsKBqfrKRmCVptcC7KL-xNP9Y4g7UYLrO4SdMsFyo79iDs8sQldDDR3pSaCJ3DGTuyEAHV7Q3DfwhYSb9tuGNgFRoGoh99v7O4gZMz9J6a6Rjrqia3O4XSZDlNgDGsT/s1600/bligh12.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fletcher Christian and his
men moved from island to island for some time trying to avoid the Royal Navy
which had sent ships out to capture them. Several remained in Tahiti and others
settled on Pitcairn Island. They sunk to Bounty to avoid detection. When the
Navy arrived at Tahiti they rounded up 14 mutineers and returned them to
England. Four died in route but 10 arrived ready for trial. Only three were
hanged. The others were acquitted or pardoned largely due to the forgiving
testimony of Bligh himself. William Bligh was honorably acquitted for the loss
of the Bounty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Captain Bligh resumed his
naval career; commanding large multi-cannoned “ships of the line.” He proved
himself a very loyal, able, and heroic servant of the Crown. In 1805, he became
the Governor of New South Wales in the Australian Territory. Prior to his death
in 1817, William Bligh was promoted to Vice Admiral of the Royal Navy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Was he a stern disciplinarian
who demanded loyalty? Yes. Was he an intolerant tyrant who abused his crew
sadistically? Certainly not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-11884367552823957892013-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:002013-10-02T12:44:29.800-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">IT’S A
SMALL, SMALL WORLD: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GOOD GERMS AND BAD GERMS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCUwQKuqoS3f-vtCrIAZQI3Kb4WVY_yKnwCYR4hXtEv_VQPsG_F0Es1HlHixHWlrIuuon4XGmrjBAWRghI1thfBKl9CycKg8D4ZL6umVkxL4zyflQ72X6eCGITt4ab5CGLKhBOj4sTj10/s1600/bact4+acidophilus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCUwQKuqoS3f-vtCrIAZQI3Kb4WVY_yKnwCYR4hXtEv_VQPsG_F0Es1HlHixHWlrIuuon4XGmrjBAWRghI1thfBKl9CycKg8D4ZL6umVkxL4zyflQ72X6eCGITt4ab5CGLKhBOj4sTj10/s1600/bact4+acidophilus.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You might remember a news story about a young lady in Georgia who was suffering through an attack by
a “flesh-eating” microbe. NBC called it a flesh-eating virus. CNN covered the
same story but called it a flesh-eating bacteria. I couldn’t remember exactly
what the difference was between a virus and a bacteria, but I knew it was
something. A friend said, “Oh no, the two are the same. When people get sick
they take antibiotics, that’s all.” Not satisfied, I did some research (by the
way, CNN was right, it was a bacterial infection).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A virus and a bacterium
are two very different things. It’s true that both are microscopic, can infect
a body, and can cause disease; and infections from both can have similar
symptoms. But otherwise they are completely unlike each other</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BACTERIA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bacteria are fairly
complex one-celled living organisms that exist almost everywhere in the world,
from the polar ice caps to the deepest oceans. Fossil records have confirmed
that bacteria were present on the Earth 3.5 billion years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoBd2Tm5E_f6-hqaUCdGVyosizMhHLeKiDn6NhnoAbPkm9HWM80gbPvS6KanrCG2YEOe6fRj4DVFZ_En-6aR1E4v-4KA1rDwlbubEmwOzkoxzdOPXBNPI1tW8DwZwnezFO49aBcGiZdEz/s1600/bact2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoBd2Tm5E_f6-hqaUCdGVyosizMhHLeKiDn6NhnoAbPkm9HWM80gbPvS6KanrCG2YEOe6fRj4DVFZ_En-6aR1E4v-4KA1rDwlbubEmwOzkoxzdOPXBNPI1tW8DwZwnezFO49aBcGiZdEz/s1600/bact2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They are small, but giant
compared to a virus. If you were a virus and you stood next to a single
bacterium cell, it would be larger than a largest dinosaur. All bacteria have a
cell wall, a nucleus, cytoplasm, all the genetic information necessary to
reproduce, as well as hundreds of inherited traits. All of these things we have
in common with bacteria. They exist inside us, on us, and around us. Each human
has ten times more bacteria cells within their bodies than their own human
cells. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More
than 99% of all bacteria are harmless.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Many are hugely
beneficial such as probiotics. Bacteria in humans can prevent infections and
produce compounds that our bodies need, like vitamin K. The Lactobacilli
acidophilus bacteria in our intestines help us digest food. Other bacterial
species fight off disease-carrying microbes and cancer cells. And of course
bacteria assist in the production of cheese, yogurt, pickles, sour cream,
bread, sauerkraut, wine, beer, and even chocolate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
less than 1% that are virulent can be deadly however</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
Bacteria can cause diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, tuberculosis,
botulism, gonorrhea, leprosy, E. coli infection, tetanus, Bubonic Plague,
whooping cough, anthrax, salmonella, and Aeromonas hydrophila (that’s the
flesh-eating bacteria). But on the whole, they do more good than bad. Really.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have followed the
“Ted Talks” series on the Science Channel, you might be aware that new research
indicates that bacteria actually communicate with each other, have a surprising
level of social organization, and work as a group. They can even organize
themselves to launch an attack on higher life forms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">VIRUSES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDjoQYGbIW6gh2SyfYAbWogY32-uFHU8jIaZhr1jru_w9FxiA9y-TECOgRE39KH0lKIZFrpwO1Bgmu8ptXA-GeC_ujDq3rFCtpl05Vjh9FthyphenhyphenkF5P4CejBr3MKko3ouvYUbLccnwfICHH/s1600/bact6virus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDjoQYGbIW6gh2SyfYAbWogY32-uFHU8jIaZhr1jru_w9FxiA9y-TECOgRE39KH0lKIZFrpwO1Bgmu8ptXA-GeC_ujDq3rFCtpl05Vjh9FthyphenhyphenkF5P4CejBr3MKko3ouvYUbLccnwfICHH/s1600/bact6virus2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Viruses on the other hand
are from the dark, dark place. They are not considered to be LIVING organisms
but tiny structures with limited genetic material wrapped in a protein shell.
They have no internal metabolism, meaning they cannot collect or use energy;
and they have no ability to keep conditions inside their shells stable (called
homeostasis) as living organisms can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A virus cannot reproduce
on its own. It must exist inside a living host in order to replicate. It
attaches itself to a cell and takes over the host’s cellular machinery. Viruses
reprogram the cell to make new viruses, or turn normal cells into malignant,
cancerous cells. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PN4OSy5_R9Wf-YwEN8exE6rFEqv845Wnes5KEzmmoq2s4Bg3ijsgDxr5FLareVqC36yLWyIkpKHt9xUjHP-Q2fhFAJXV1ZDeZu8jCqq4uBW6J6146hjSIEoMdLiSmAFkxaaxn62b_opP/s1600/bact7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PN4OSy5_R9Wf-YwEN8exE6rFEqv845Wnes5KEzmmoq2s4Bg3ijsgDxr5FLareVqC36yLWyIkpKHt9xUjHP-Q2fhFAJXV1ZDeZu8jCqq4uBW6J6146hjSIEoMdLiSmAFkxaaxn62b_opP/s1600/bact7.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Virtually
all viruses cause disease.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Certain viruses attack cells in
specific human structures like the blood, liver, or the respiratory system.
Viruses cause such common diseases as smallpox, flu, HIV and AIDS, polio,
measles, hepatitis, mumps, rabies, chickenpox, Ebola virus, Yellow Fever,
herpes . . . and the common cold. The
only possible benefit that viruses could have is that some of them target
bacteria. If they could be programmed to attack the dangerous bacteria strains,
we may have a new weapon, but that’s not possible at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSATxLo00fqG23yM_5DWBZIUczEKfvvx7Ck9JcsgQVKbq8YBc__iTBzwbIt7QFdu7_YKQpizybtpxtUdSTdjMQxAL5qjg6aOJPglCQc5FnNX5inFbF2y7N4guSjplPjdy__APsM9zUe_iC/s1600/bact10vaccines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSATxLo00fqG23yM_5DWBZIUczEKfvvx7Ck9JcsgQVKbq8YBc__iTBzwbIt7QFdu7_YKQpizybtpxtUdSTdjMQxAL5qjg6aOJPglCQc5FnNX5inFbF2y7N4guSjplPjdy__APsM9zUe_iC/s1600/bact10vaccines.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the past century,
some progress has been made to reduce the damage that bacteria and viruses
cause. <b>Antibiotics for bacterial
infections</b> and <b>vaccines for viral
infections</b> have been produced. Polio, measles, and some flu strains have
been largely contained. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where over-used
antibiotics combined with bacteria’s genetic adaptability, have made the drugs
unreliable. Vaccines as well are becoming less effective in treating viruses
due to drug-resistance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next time you have a
wine and cheese party, give thanks to bacteria; but the next time you get the
flu, remember - you could have gotten that flu shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-1265716257311923102013-09-29T14:07:00.000-07:002013-09-29T14:07:06.555-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Civil War History of
the 57<sup>th</sup> Indiana (#24)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Peachtree Creek - Outside Atlanta<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVjQuTls4w-x4VcZb6L5S7MY8gwKUVr-Ko8UeNWoL01FfHunWBS2xBzrRjWxNO6YOJ1OrQI22UUsQb8mTHubMPag0WHvQVm7KHE1PNO2-dufWmLNri7xlSlzPWKButmW2bk6GeFDVRwUQ/s1600/peach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVjQuTls4w-x4VcZb6L5S7MY8gwKUVr-Ko8UeNWoL01FfHunWBS2xBzrRjWxNO6YOJ1OrQI22UUsQb8mTHubMPag0WHvQVm7KHE1PNO2-dufWmLNri7xlSlzPWKButmW2bk6GeFDVRwUQ/s200/peach.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The surface of the country where our
army was now operating was broken and somewhat hilly. The sluggish waters of a
narrow creek, enclosed in a deep channel, wound its way across the field in an
irregular, zigzag course. A short distance south of where the road running from
Buckhead to Atlanta crosses the stream it enters a dense forest and leads
almost due south to the city. On the afternoon of July 20<sup>th</sup>, when
the enemy had disappeared into the woods, our division moved up and formed a
line of battle at the north side of the creek, with the line of Wagner’s
brigade extending into the timber.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRECXH65-KhM1HiiH-Gs57pl8slOFuB1c86O2qQ01S1JDQPEaLiIQzqAe8MEe8tRXMK_hI6zCQFhK7QKbfvPmDZUZBkoStSeFfCEYrfyVudLOvdTciUevJg7JqXa-9jtHXyY1r0IDLbOfW/s1600/peach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRECXH65-KhM1HiiH-Gs57pl8slOFuB1c86O2qQ01S1JDQPEaLiIQzqAe8MEe8tRXMK_hI6zCQFhK7QKbfvPmDZUZBkoStSeFfCEYrfyVudLOvdTciUevJg7JqXa-9jtHXyY1r0IDLbOfW/s200/peach2.jpg" width="156" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<b>General
Thomas</b> directed General Newton to send forward one regiment, have them
advance nearly half a mile on the Atlanta road, then deploy, face to the
south-east, and move forward to the creek to ascertain whether the enemy had
any force in the vicinity. General Newton designated the 57<sup>th</sup> and
Col. Blanch to immediately proceed to carry out his instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The regiment advanced cautiously to
the position indicated, but found no sign of an enemy, and the command halted.
We were now nearly one mile from our lines, in the midst of a dense forest,
alone and unsupported. Col. Blanch desired to become more fully acquainted with
the appearance of things in front; and deeming it imprudent to advance the
whole regiment farther, he called for one man from each company to go forward
with him and reconnoiter.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kElUS31kD-3GX7pOZ1AqdPkiYyLmm1QAqTRs03iiQZLM-jvCVGpJPmqbIX7uBToWbAIx_xNblVTZWi1ipeuj-vPfccnCMTXMmQLn7pYks_UuwN9AGKsRIxHDgExqF7Igz874Ra6axFwU/s1600/peach4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kElUS31kD-3GX7pOZ1AqdPkiYyLmm1QAqTRs03iiQZLM-jvCVGpJPmqbIX7uBToWbAIx_xNblVTZWi1ipeuj-vPfccnCMTXMmQLn7pYks_UuwN9AGKsRIxHDgExqF7Igz874Ra6axFwU/s200/peach4.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“They moved out several hundred yards
beyond the regiment before they discovered any of the enemy. A single rebel
soldier, who had been sent out to watch for the approach of our pickets, caught
sight of Sergeant Vert of Company “F,” and was just in the act of firing on
him, when he was hailed by a member of Company “C,” who had already discovered
him and had drawn a bead at the head of the “Johnny.” They demanded him to
surrender, and while one held his gun ready to fire, the other advanced and
took charge of is rifle, which was delivered without further ceremony. He was
asked how far it was to their lines and whether they were in force. But he
declined to give any other answer than that there were enough there for us, and
if we wanted to know any more we could go and see. The captured rebel was then
started for the rear, under guard.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“In only a few moments, the forces of
the enemy in our front raised a yell, which was taken up and repeated along
their lines for fully half a mile, and revealed the fact that they were
advancing in heavy force. In a few moments they came in sight of our
reconnoitering party, who fired on them and fell back to the regiment, which
now beat a hasty retreat; occasionally halting long enough to be certain that
the enemy were in pursuit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“When the noise of the coming attack
could no longer be misunderstood, General Thomas made every possible
preparation to give them a warm reception. Artillery was promptly placed in
position, and the main body of troops was ordered to hold their position. ‘What
has become of the regiment you sent out?’ inquired Gen. Thomas of Gen. Newton.
‘They’re out there yet sir,’ he replied. ‘Well, they will all be captured,’
returned Thomas, who was not aware of the activity which the 57<sup>th</sup>
was just about to show.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVnG3zpkMCHRaFP0ExEQvwQ5HU2zvcsIvgdL7dA9TEHe6eZ2Ja_L86mWoxTRJDMzxYKO6Hojqx5Q8xtXkTqNCSeLMx-cdX-prUY3Z0tkWuxrNNvtTqV4_FOP2TmGyqr5NpDTktGur864J/s1600/peach6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVnG3zpkMCHRaFP0ExEQvwQ5HU2zvcsIvgdL7dA9TEHe6eZ2Ja_L86mWoxTRJDMzxYKO6Hojqx5Q8xtXkTqNCSeLMx-cdX-prUY3Z0tkWuxrNNvtTqV4_FOP2TmGyqr5NpDTktGur864J/s1600/peach6.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“When the regiment had fallen back to
the abandoned rifle pits from which the enemy had been driven earlier, the
order was given to rally and hold. But it was soon discovered that we would be
exposed to the fire of our own artillery, and again the order was given to
retreat beyond the creek. A few, failing to hear the order, remained and were
taken prisoner. Even in the creek, Maj. McGraw insisted that it was ‘a good
place to make a stand;’ but the majority concluded it was rather a watery
position, and so passed over to the north bank. As we passed up the ravine
among the willows, we saw a column waving a dirty rebel flag over the pits we
had just left.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“ ‘Here come the wet dogs,’ said
General Thomas, as we came up dripping with water after wading the stream waist
deep, and some even swimming in the deepest places. We passed to the left of
our brigade, in falling back; and before we were all across the creek, the
front lines were hotly engaged with the enemy. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The battle raged with awful fury. The
20<sup>th</sup> Corps, which joined us on the right, met them on open ground
with a bayonet charge, held the ground, and drove them back. The enemy
attempted to cross the creek in our front but; with the help of the artillery,
we succeeded on keeping them back. At dark the battle ceased, and the rebels
withdrew from the field. The 57<sup>th</sup> retained its position on the
creek, and during the night constructed a line of works. The work of death was
terrible at the rebel front, where the dead of the enemy lay in heaps. The
rebel General Stevens was killed in front of the 40<sup>th</sup> Indiana, and
his saddle and holsters were taken by one of that regiment.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“During the next day we threw up
strong works. In the afternoon a small force was sent forward to reconnoiter,
and found the enemy entrenched half a mile off. On the 22<sup>nd</sup> (July)
we moved forward and discovered that they had now fallen back behind the main
line of defenses, two miles from the city. At 3 o’clock the rebel batteries
opened on us and gave us a severe shelling until night. How anxious we were
until we learned that our forces succeeded in repelling the second onset of
John Bell Hood’s army.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z7Qgt55f2OpAaJIjtWQEy9MsAxkpB2f7kB3Y2j4ADXvO-dM-EKKPdRnMcKJlhZFR2NN6S7-gyyWvZpEUpYIKcmRYPNx03tfqinJDSmY0-cdrV4p8QmWxO-pvDce7SUPWd46lxlo-84yH/s1600/peach9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z7Qgt55f2OpAaJIjtWQEy9MsAxkpB2f7kB3Y2j4ADXvO-dM-EKKPdRnMcKJlhZFR2NN6S7-gyyWvZpEUpYIKcmRYPNx03tfqinJDSmY0-cdrV4p8QmWxO-pvDce7SUPWd46lxlo-84yH/s200/peach9.jpg" width="160" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“By the death of General McPherson,
the Army of the Tennessee lost their commander; and our General Howard was
selected by General Sherman to succeed him. <b>General David Stanley</b>, commanding the 1<sup>st</sup> Division,
succeeded General Howard in the command of our 4<sup>th</sup> Corps.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Cavalry expeditions were sent out to
destroy the road and public buildings; in which they were successful in every
respect. Having destroyed the rebel communications with Augusta, General
Sherman next decided to withdraw the Army of the Tennessee and transfer it to
the extreme right of his position. Soon after the troops had taken position on
the right, the enemy made another desperate attempt to break their lines; but
the attack was repulsed with smaller loss on our part than on the 22<sup>nd</sup>.
In his official report, General Howard estimated the loss of the enemy in this
engagement at 6,000 and our own loss at 600, all told.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbQSLJ1BR_G1ocO0fX5iIfSWYM3fj6hU5JgbUiXWFkWzkR9AvFq5K7scefjWTkd1IimW23LVS5Xg-_P3_8mfQSgRyiZOlRd2B6PUj-aDxAMNXccxiX7HU2cnqgYYRwlhboy80EpcL78F9/s1600/peach8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbQSLJ1BR_G1ocO0fX5iIfSWYM3fj6hU5JgbUiXWFkWzkR9AvFq5K7scefjWTkd1IimW23LVS5Xg-_P3_8mfQSgRyiZOlRd2B6PUj-aDxAMNXccxiX7HU2cnqgYYRwlhboy80EpcL78F9/s200/peach8.jpg" width="152" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thus it was that, by a series of
unsuccessful and fool-hardy assaults against our lines, <b>Hood</b> lost in three days not less than 15,000 of his best men, and
when his last gun was fired we were virtually stronger than when he dealt the
first blows. General Sherman gave orders to ‘make the works impregnable.’ <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now commenced in earnest the siege of
Atlanta.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Atlanta Campaign,
northern Georgia, late July, 1864)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpts taken from <i>“Annals of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Infantry: Marches, Battles, and Incidents of Army Life”</i>
written by Asbury L. Kerwood immediately after the war.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-71438083185420443292013-09-25T14:17:00.001-07:002013-09-25T14:17:53.157-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">THE LINGERING EFFECTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDsLKoqH_Z18Zq-e6f1zV6xHe8u1bJFgyWsE09ZxEOLWw_9IJsG1coIlXS-G81Yl6bvWtt_4DAK7TkJ99WtCiGBgmv2Tjdr0HERzTbjtdQQ223fJuDERoSK0fHRLIyWxr2QU9QcQ_liA/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDsLKoqH_Z18Zq-e6f1zV6xHe8u1bJFgyWsE09ZxEOLWw_9IJsG1coIlXS-G81Yl6bvWtt_4DAK7TkJ99WtCiGBgmv2Tjdr0HERzTbjtdQQ223fJuDERoSK0fHRLIyWxr2QU9QcQ_liA/s1600/three.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At 4:00 a.m. on March 28,
1979, workers at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Facility were clearing a
blockage in a cleaning filter when the pumps being used stopped dead. A valve
was stuck and would not open. Water supplying the steam generators ceased flowing.
At this point things were still under control, but procedures dictated that an
emergency shutdown routine was to be initiated. Control rods were inserted into
the core to halt the nuclear chain reaction, but the reactor continued to
produce heat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN5lM5SVqMbJkR7s2ST93id3U9_pm-SLAbGwcIgVEw6DcNajP9e7T9eLoDGdqKoufpbd3XOi7MyiVuBfp6WzuxCL1HX6bEvVG0-Jd4gAiMtdwY_bcWrJvRTwAa-NRKen_MVjoF_Q84IFf/s1600/three2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN5lM5SVqMbJkR7s2ST93id3U9_pm-SLAbGwcIgVEw6DcNajP9e7T9eLoDGdqKoufpbd3XOi7MyiVuBfp6WzuxCL1HX6bEvVG0-Jd4gAiMtdwY_bcWrJvRTwAa-NRKen_MVjoF_Q84IFf/s1600/three2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later it was discovered
that the emergency auxiliary pumps had been closed for maintenance in violation
of the standard NRC procedure which says that a reactor cannot be operated when
the emergency pumps are shut off for maintenance. Additionally, control panel
lights did not indicate the true position of the valves so operators were not
able to determine the problem or take appropriate action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By 7:30 a.m., a general
emergency was announced to the public. People were told that a “small release
of radiation” had occurred but that there was no increase from normal levels.
In reality, the reactor temperatures were near the melting point and half of
the uranium fuel had already melted by 8:00 a.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OctRhrjwfFlQizJ8cHUbDOiKf2WcEWG96GJUpQEGRWIL-v_PU4PGIb_5-q_wCt1SPM87n8R5JkM9zje_FdOWPL2mbx7xMp4ZAyJU2r_RZDAX-a7m-RaP-TPI8wtRrBzrBC3SJtOBW7IL/s1600/three6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OctRhrjwfFlQizJ8cHUbDOiKf2WcEWG96GJUpQEGRWIL-v_PU4PGIb_5-q_wCt1SPM87n8R5JkM9zje_FdOWPL2mbx7xMp4ZAyJU2r_RZDAX-a7m-RaP-TPI8wtRrBzrBC3SJtOBW7IL/s1600/three6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Schools were closed and
people were advised to stay inside their homes. The next day an evacuation zone
was established at 20 miles. Pregnant women and young children were the first
to be evacuated. Most people didn’t return to their homes for about three
weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nuclear mishaps are
grouped into two broad categories: incidents and accidents. An<b> “incident,”</b>
which has 3 levels (1 to 3), involves radiation release above 10 times the
annual safe exposure, and has a lower probability of significant public
exposure. San Onofre Reactor (San Diego) had a level 3 incident in 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OdPLrjDIjPYSEGWx_A0rOE4YTeLIjuFNkEXiic9XvRAy1QcOy8qAyJ1de9wRSaTQjv8N2sdCjnTqQ-7QUeDq-PT9BVjH8MiVqX7sohb7ZR97rC96b5n8is2CLNkGNIjf0Q8Pj46Tt5gD/s1600/three7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OdPLrjDIjPYSEGWx_A0rOE4YTeLIjuFNkEXiic9XvRAy1QcOy8qAyJ1de9wRSaTQjv8N2sdCjnTqQ-7QUeDq-PT9BVjH8MiVqX7sohb7ZR97rC96b5n8is2CLNkGNIjf0Q8Pj46Tt5gD/s1600/three7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> An <b>“accident,”</b> which has 4 levels (4 to 7), is
a major release of radioactive material with widespread health and
environmental effects. The possibility of loss of life and property damage is
high. Chernobyl (1986, level 7), Fukushima
(2011, level 7), and Three Mile Island (1979, level 5) are examples of an
accident. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnfottwAEZAyruZTSq613GNorgFY-VX7Xw6Mt1-dKOH5aAP4V8EqXzsN3jEYSh0vxdo_1UdOLv4KHv2cKLVgeeSAbkQQBbShIf4pJWOCDpMPbb6Oz8CAvbjoCtSauP0Af218W8OaasiL7/s1600/three5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnfottwAEZAyruZTSq613GNorgFY-VX7Xw6Mt1-dKOH5aAP4V8EqXzsN3jEYSh0vxdo_1UdOLv4KHv2cKLVgeeSAbkQQBbShIf4pJWOCDpMPbb6Oz8CAvbjoCtSauP0Af218W8OaasiL7/s1600/three5.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Three Mile Island (an "accident") was a near miss; but a partial meltdown none the
less. People in the surrounding communities had been frightened and confused by
the contradictory information being disseminated, and to what extent their
health was jeopardized. There were few physical injuries, but mental health is
as important as physical health. Poor mental health will, over time, lead to
physical problems and social and family dysfunction. A Presidential Commission
later found that high levels of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms like
headaches were experienced across the population (of nearly 660,000).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr. Evelyn Bromet is
recognized as a “Distinguished Professor” in her position with the State University
of New York. She is an expert on the psychiatric effects of disasters and has
researched the Three Mile Island event in detail over the years. Dr. Bromet
identified and interviewed the high risk group of mothers of young children
living near the nuclear plant. She found that they had rates of depression and
anxiety that were twice as high as control group living farther away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUObk_scNnRu5FfaZfVJgAm2XRD0trdL_VxG6xXCHFQEwpR2OgiosnBjt2Kul-An6xmnlb_ErA2s1aCw0UocqawmcKnCinBhtB3Iw1c6BSEDqHBksDvjE68kU9pc3Y1I5EhFywo5w6fvk/s1600/three9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUObk_scNnRu5FfaZfVJgAm2XRD0trdL_VxG6xXCHFQEwpR2OgiosnBjt2Kul-An6xmnlb_ErA2s1aCw0UocqawmcKnCinBhtB3Iw1c6BSEDqHBksDvjE68kU9pc3Y1I5EhFywo5w6fvk/s1600/three9.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ten years later, her study
was repeated and found that their level of depression and anxiety was as high
as they had been just after the accident. 75% said that they were worried about
the effects of the accident on their long term health and the health of their
children. Clearly the psychological effects of a radiation leak will be both
wide spread and long lasting. Government health officials and physicians should
be open with people about their exposure and their fears. They should treat
mental as well as physical symptoms with equal vigor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
what have we learned? What does this mean for the future?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nuclear energy is a
potential replacement source for fossil fuel. We recognize that we desperately
need replacements. But are safeguards adequate? There have been nuclear
accidents before Three Mile Island and others after it. Each time we learn
something new. The question is - have we learned enough to safely control its
production? None of us here on the ground can answer this question. We must
rely on experts to reassure us. Not politicians or industry lobbyists, but
experts; nuclear scientists and engineers without something to gain for
themselves. Who do you feel you can trust?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy0VneP1viHeMyQ_HSLTXs3707R-mY6KscSffQk7LR-jsAVP0Y-5YmuMBvqw6kVQd24zlUkcOxqDW64MzQPlQByBvY5PKRRuqIzLpp99R2Aqdhj1URAltueUgoqflK7hN6SmYKlrvW72l/s1600/three11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy0VneP1viHeMyQ_HSLTXs3707R-mY6KscSffQk7LR-jsAVP0Y-5YmuMBvqw6kVQd24zlUkcOxqDW64MzQPlQByBvY5PKRRuqIzLpp99R2Aqdhj1URAltueUgoqflK7hN6SmYKlrvW72l/s1600/three11.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a post script, the film<b> “The China Syndrome”</b> opened across the
country twelve days after Three Mile Island. It portrayed a nuclear accident at
a California reactor where a meltdown was narrowly avoided. Where ever you
lived, Three Mile Island was on your mind. The film’s box office receipts were
bolstered by this real-life emergency in Pennsylvania.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“All
along . . . there were incidents and
accidents . . . there were hints and allegations.” </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(from “You Can Call Me Al”
by Paul Simon, 1986)</span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-25589588124898211212013-09-20T15:34:00.000-07:002013-09-20T15:34:48.867-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE
MYSTERIOUS “X”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The 24<sup>th</sup> letter
of our alphabet, “X,” can be mysterious or even forbidden; but it is seriously
undervalued among all the other letters (except in Scrabble). It’s not like the
boring “B” or overused like the “E.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN7rRyhvS5rUzJmU1EMnMp1XX0TycF1KEdUtAmPnRjgfrhfcYIO-vo1Yy-hqnt_cYEpOMAminNHr0J4zm7WNMJ4NBN5-JjC5vosVXyGesDPnCBSPkR_bH40Gz5fD0QldFsKJ1pTbjf2A8/s1600/x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN7rRyhvS5rUzJmU1EMnMp1XX0TycF1KEdUtAmPnRjgfrhfcYIO-vo1Yy-hqnt_cYEpOMAminNHr0J4zm7WNMJ4NBN5-JjC5vosVXyGesDPnCBSPkR_bH40Gz5fD0QldFsKJ1pTbjf2A8/s1600/x.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In western civilization,
we owe the “X” to the Greeks. They even had some words beginning with “X.” The
Greeks in turn sent it off to Rome. The Romans thought it unworthy of being
able to stand alone and felt the need to add a vowel before it, as in “ex.”
Today, the “X” is very rare in any common words, other than those with the “ex”
prefix. “X” words tend to be hard to pronounce, tongue-twisting, an easily
avoided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJIGnof8nZf3vfyXKbgGo7lwnVmvZklUq5newRYUZFnJBIn2iLe_6saqUPNNhJ1qVuF3s4eRW9HJSTaszjihvHiQQEgbWR7RVI46DKaXVfPIDmsCaoYGR4gl8zQ2q6FoOE1tb5L7saPLa/s1600/x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJIGnof8nZf3vfyXKbgGo7lwnVmvZklUq5newRYUZFnJBIn2iLe_6saqUPNNhJ1qVuF3s4eRW9HJSTaszjihvHiQQEgbWR7RVI46DKaXVfPIDmsCaoYGR4gl8zQ2q6FoOE1tb5L7saPLa/s1600/x2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But the “X” is
experiencing a rebirth of sorts. Modern culture and technology wouldn’t be the
same without the “X.” The “X” can mean greater or extra: X-Games, X-treme,
X-Men, X-Rated, and XS/XL/XXL (clothing sizes). It can also mean unknown or
unspecified: X-Factor, X-Ray (originally meant unknown ray), X-Files, Planet X
(assumed to be just beyond Pluto), Project X, Brand X, X-axis, and the unknown,
or “X,” in algebraic equations. Used less often, it can mean experimental: X1
and X15 (aircraft) and the “X” prefixes assigned to stealth bombers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla6TubwztCzJKTAAO9dHXoK5wTmMDkgJ_PXXBc_FKtTUEYLBmML1xJE1zsydKdvZ26dvBnAyAkvruRFK-IgMi12wCzqrcYNiuY2uusvix_20TJyNnKEbn88GqbjdvheyLLftQ-y-9gme_/s1600/x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla6TubwztCzJKTAAO9dHXoK5wTmMDkgJ_PXXBc_FKtTUEYLBmML1xJE1zsydKdvZ26dvBnAyAkvruRFK-IgMi12wCzqrcYNiuY2uusvix_20TJyNnKEbn88GqbjdvheyLLftQ-y-9gme_/s1600/x6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“X” is more widely used as
a cultural term: Xbox, X-Wing Fighter (Star Wars), Malcolm X, Generation X,
Xmas (the “mas” is Anglo-Saxon for festival), the XXX Olympiad (2012 London
Olympic Games), X-chromosome (female), “xxx” meaning kisses, X marks the spot
(for pirate maps and ballots), X as a signature of an illiterate person, Ped
Xing (a pedestrian crossing), Microsoft’s XP system, and xenophobia. Although
not a modern invention, the use of “X” to mean Christ or Christianity is used
worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lIuOv1WO7zkz4K3hDcASXH9GDlEWosRDV3uiBsHoA2cpGd8DQkifVxKKRyCF55c20xKhexncjzLYsm1G8rvM4puAyR4-t4U_8eqbPCcmmcPB-9YxUUqk2hZGzwut_SBYArQMevDNR9U4/s1600/x5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lIuOv1WO7zkz4K3hDcASXH9GDlEWosRDV3uiBsHoA2cpGd8DQkifVxKKRyCF55c20xKhexncjzLYsm1G8rvM4puAyR4-t4U_8eqbPCcmmcPB-9YxUUqk2hZGzwut_SBYArQMevDNR9U4/s1600/x5.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are 218 companies in
the world whose name begins with “X.” Some are well known like Xerox
(electronics) and Xcel (clothing), most are not. An “X” in your company name is
often associated with high technology and innovation, and it also has a strong
impact in print advertising. Chinese businesses lead the world in company names
beginning with an “X” with 132 (52% of the total); their “X” actually has a
“sh” sound. The U.S. is second with 41 (19%). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a staggering 508
pharmaceutical drug product names starting with “X.” Branding specialists
believe that these names are perceived as making products stand out in a crowd,
and words using “X” are gender neutral. Some common pharmaceuticals are Xanax,
Xantium, Xenon, Xylestesin, and Xylocain. While not starting with the letter,
Vitamin X (MDMA) is also known as Ecstasy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2FoVC1eS8bya-4E_rbiMDxq5wFsYbYnxHIKl0dU5b2v32K8CnuCUa6h-Keoj_bym4z8p39ur4mhZkNBg96ipFo8cmzi1s1xOxZV9IaHdMDfhSqTac2MPu1gxXLt41qCfEe9YqKB-z5q2/s1600/x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2FoVC1eS8bya-4E_rbiMDxq5wFsYbYnxHIKl0dU5b2v32K8CnuCUa6h-Keoj_bym4z8p39ur4mhZkNBg96ipFo8cmzi1s1xOxZV9IaHdMDfhSqTac2MPu1gxXLt41qCfEe9YqKB-z5q2/s1600/x8.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Foods names beginning with
“X” are a little harder to find: Xiao long bao (Chinese dumplings), Xiao hong
dou (a small, sweet red bean), Xeres (sherry wine), xocolate (the Catalan
Spanish for chocolate), Xcatic chiles, and Xylopia (a tree in the apple
family). If you don’t care where the “X” is in the name of the food, try these:
wax beans, pretzel stix, Pixy Stix, Crispix and Trix cereals, and Chex Party
Mix. It’s not fair to count Xmas cookies. Animal names beginning with “X” are
even harder to find: Xenops (a rain forest bird in South America), Xantus (a
yak), Xerus (a ground squirrel in Africa), and Xenpus (a frog in Africa).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ083cjyV0tX7RF98iSNA8pJF582arY-mU-LwefOuafIM3IiCLO2_7HgLLsnGLRsNZCHVOaY22bX_kWruBUL4JudD-qE7piLBzIjCmBoyUCMDXiKP84oYoAlCHOZqInCCrBukaChzEEuX/s1600/x9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ083cjyV0tX7RF98iSNA8pJF582arY-mU-LwefOuafIM3IiCLO2_7HgLLsnGLRsNZCHVOaY22bX_kWruBUL4JudD-qE7piLBzIjCmBoyUCMDXiKP84oYoAlCHOZqInCCrBukaChzEEuX/s1600/x9.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is even “The X Song”
used to teach children how to pronounce “X” in words: “There was a fox who got
a box from an ox, it was a tux. The Tyrannosaurus Rex is extinct; I saw its
X-ray - it was exciting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One more; how many
countries have an “X” in their names? Answer: none (we tried).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enough, enough!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrtt3-1eq6yop2XhfXwCjzekXQL5q2r5oq_wBeMzJoMveTtM5UxNaIDLY3ch4TBdqNgc8VEsndLrvMzfJv-A_oq7ZwW06HJZN7XdUcZChi_kQIsWJlneTkWDrRH1tI696vq24rlt5rIUp/s1600/x022.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrtt3-1eq6yop2XhfXwCjzekXQL5q2r5oq_wBeMzJoMveTtM5UxNaIDLY3ch4TBdqNgc8VEsndLrvMzfJv-A_oq7ZwW06HJZN7XdUcZChi_kQIsWJlneTkWDrRH1tI696vq24rlt5rIUp/s200/x022.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a little bonus today,
here are some legitimate 8-letter words starting with “X” that you can use in
Scrabble: xerosere, xylidins, xiphoids, xenogamy, and xylitols. Of course you
can also use the old reliable “ox.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-50450969446991082792013-09-15T07:46:00.000-07:002013-09-15T07:46:14.928-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE A
TIME MACHINE? . . . WELL, YOU DO!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can see your time
machine at work every night just by looking upwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Light is considered the
fastest thing in the universe (although recently doubt has risen about this).
It travels at 186,000 miles per second. Even at that speed, the distances
between stars and galaxies is so great, that it still takes light a long time
to make the journey to us. A “light year” is the distance that light will
travel in one Earth year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The twinkling of the stars
we see at night has taken years, and sometimes many years, to reach us. The
light left its star so long before WE see it, that we are witnessing an event
that occurred in the past from where the light originated. We are watching
history via an “astral time machine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To get a sense of the age
of the light we are seeing today, we can correlate what was occurring on the
Earth when this light first left its star. Below is a list of prominent stars
in our night sky. We have included the number of “light years” (LY) the star is
away from us, when the light we are seeing right now left that star, and what
was happening on Earth at the time the light STARTED on its journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ALPHA CENTAURI</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (a triple star, 4.4 LY
away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today
we see the light that left Alpha Centauri in August, 2008. What was happening
on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh-ElFTgYS_Qhu4APceHZPlGC7u3UCu6u20mlsOW0yIcItl_-7E84ICZqTQ8F4Bnn_brlk30iw5oYCN9UMY4ctU3zAIkkhsKiwcM8FRJrNmAA5snEeS896VDHhQSmzmBfUVuoniWBaXOs/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh-ElFTgYS_Qhu4APceHZPlGC7u3UCu6u20mlsOW0yIcItl_-7E84ICZqTQ8F4Bnn_brlk30iw5oYCN9UMY4ctU3zAIkkhsKiwcM8FRJrNmAA5snEeS896VDHhQSmzmBfUVuoniWBaXOs/s200/time.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Summer <b>Olympics in Beijing</b> are in
full stride as Usain Bolt sets a new 100 meter dash world record of 9.69
seconds. The Republic of Georgia launches a military offensive against the
Russian incursion. The “5 Day War” ends shortly after when Russia recognizes
their independence. Barrack Obama becomes the first African American to be
nominated for President of the U.S. by a major political party. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SIRIUS</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (8.6 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today
we see the light that left Sirius in April, 2004. What was happening on Earth
then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTl36KgQewXMLt0ZeO4UvRByooV4tYJZU1RSdGH2tkurr-YTIwISvj0LFLNzoNaUS0iqFYjua3518GMII38o8p1VY65avclbZR7oPrWwwkSne3fcS06bIQ7BB00nKTvdUnAFJPdpBYaot/s1600/time3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTl36KgQewXMLt0ZeO4UvRByooV4tYJZU1RSdGH2tkurr-YTIwISvj0LFLNzoNaUS0iqFYjua3518GMII38o8p1VY65avclbZR7oPrWwwkSne3fcS06bIQ7BB00nKTvdUnAFJPdpBYaot/s200/time3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oldsmobile
builds its final car after 107 years. The media releases graphic photos of
Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib Prison. <b>Google
introduces G-mail</b>. The Queen Elizabeth II embarks on its first
trans-Atlantic voyage. A ceasefire agreement is signed by the Sudanese
government and two rebel groups in Darfur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ALTAIR</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (16.7 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Altair in June, 1997. What was happening on Earth then?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsG5K8HgYJMkjR3gyeBuEmTyI4eTx5ka1pNNAR-F4U2UdtWaMmksyltLFqlj2GKaE4xsWP-BU9vtH5aHk0FF_AXZhHoq1gxFnQflrVRz25Y0dmcl7EbY3eJIwEKot5GzfflY6w5qY0Y3O/s1600/time4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsG5K8HgYJMkjR3gyeBuEmTyI4eTx5ka1pNNAR-F4U2UdtWaMmksyltLFqlj2GKaE4xsWP-BU9vtH5aHk0FF_AXZhHoq1gxFnQflrVRz25Y0dmcl7EbY3eJIwEKot5GzfflY6w5qY0Y3O/s200/time4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Timothy McVeigh found guilty
of 1995 Oklahoma City bombings. The U.S. Air Force reports that the <b>Roswell “space aliens” were dummies</b>.
The Supreme Court upholds the ban on doctor-assisted suicides. Christie’s
auctions off Princess Di’s clothing for $5.5 million. The first MLB inter-league
baseball game is player (Giants 4, Rangers 3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">VEGA</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (25.0 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Vega in September, 1988. What was happening on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw38mV38dZNo3TZtMsOV2C67V6pP1wwZ2G_5IilVjj9qUh3u7tfEMF8vUgCbV25gcWuanJ4mr6_k-qWaxLHRIwgVsqZ_M3Yi7RqZIuv2ehEGubFFHDvmh1kv9PDiwTUPo4Bb0ii2GiTV3/s1600/time5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw38mV38dZNo3TZtMsOV2C67V6pP1wwZ2G_5IilVjj9qUh3u7tfEMF8vUgCbV25gcWuanJ4mr6_k-qWaxLHRIwgVsqZ_M3Yi7RqZIuv2ehEGubFFHDvmh1kv9PDiwTUPo4Bb0ii2GiTV3/s1600/time5.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
24<sup>th</sup> Summer Olympics open in Seoul, S. Korea.; two days later
American diver <b>Greg Louganis</b> hits
his head on a diving board but the following day he wins a gold medal.
Hurricane Gilbert (160 + mph) kills 300 in Jamaica, Texas, and Mexico. Orel
Hershiser sets a record for pitching 59 consecutive scoreless innings in
baseball. Military coup in Haiti. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ARCTURUS</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (36.7 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FdfMYAwcSjSS74nEQMv1WkUW9lP0YRQtxrrugYwg9UkHXzXSXqsL10cp3JfPhNdTF74QriY7yUyJrixaxo7Ekaf9NE17yiivs5394_lvp0HSufWnUoce8jpNthYY3F9Qo0vEQTDuTm8p/s1600/time6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FdfMYAwcSjSS74nEQMv1WkUW9lP0YRQtxrrugYwg9UkHXzXSXqsL10cp3JfPhNdTF74QriY7yUyJrixaxo7Ekaf9NE17yiivs5394_lvp0HSufWnUoce8jpNthYY3F9Qo0vEQTDuTm8p/s200/time6.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Arcturus in March, 1976. What was happening on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
first female cadets are accepted to West Point. Queen Elizabeth II sends out
the very first Royal e-mail. <b>Patty
Hearst</b> is convicted of armed robberEight Ohio National Guardsmen are
indicted for shooting four Kent State students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ALDEBARAN</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (65.0 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Aldebaran in September, 1948. What was happening on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AiqVsnJVg0gGDrljR9aRPIZfzh6esLbxcruHOc5iqbdFAuFlvHslXliZoluZ-hwbmdG3_JmUxBbdlZsc6B4ay-y9EJfyiPI9ZdWj6_4n3x6OcB0MM_xfHz_5kPGFCBV1yTbsqxbYHDLn/s1600/time7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AiqVsnJVg0gGDrljR9aRPIZfzh6esLbxcruHOc5iqbdFAuFlvHslXliZoluZ-hwbmdG3_JmUxBbdlZsc6B4ay-y9EJfyiPI9ZdWj6_4n3x6OcB0MM_xfHz_5kPGFCBV1yTbsqxbYHDLn/s200/time7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Groundbreaking
commences for the <b>UN Headquarters</b> in
New York City (also the UN’s World Health Organization - WHO - is organized. Honda
Motor Company is formed. Milton Berle’s “Texaco Star Theatre” premiers on TV.
Ralph Bunche is named the UN negotiator in Palestine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">REGULUS</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (77.5 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrqt9TRO8xzk1V7TNbSOinohwiVTa0qy7lDhev9BuiwaRWhOkB6G2VRqz0mMLAEVilPTNU6iPUNnI2UxlQScJhcx9fO5Zns6MXkP_Hh9wlO24DwaF0wVdb2x3kuCbIuJre9so374v2pqY/s1600/time8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrqt9TRO8xzk1V7TNbSOinohwiVTa0qy7lDhev9BuiwaRWhOkB6G2VRqz0mMLAEVilPTNU6iPUNnI2UxlQScJhcx9fO5Zns6MXkP_Hh9wlO24DwaF0wVdb2x3kuCbIuJre9so374v2pqY/s200/time8.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Regulus in June, 1935. What was happening on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Babe
Ruth</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
announces his retirement from baseball as a player. U.S. Congress accepts FDR’s
“New Deal.” Alcoholics Anonymous is organized. First driving tests and license
plates introduced in England. Joe Louis defeats Primo Carnera at Yankee
Stadium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BETELGEUX</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (527.0 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-qBTw9gPGx9nQOoypPG1LxFsgshehQxNSSSpmDEtDp2NOvmGPJJk1U7bQ5pOFUI-lPGdBL9SfxVzIrAb96g0sOuXTP2OR6avLyy82rFo76RbLl-ivKLD7PFO3C5ehGPPjmipQgYMWVGR/s1600/time9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-qBTw9gPGx9nQOoypPG1LxFsgshehQxNSSSpmDEtDp2NOvmGPJJk1U7bQ5pOFUI-lPGdBL9SfxVzIrAb96g0sOuXTP2OR6avLyy82rFo76RbLl-ivKLD7PFO3C5ehGPPjmipQgYMWVGR/s200/time9.jpg" width="198" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Betelgeux in September, 1486. What was happening on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tizoc, the Aztec ruler, is
poisoned and succeeded by his brother. Utrecht surrenders to the Habsburg Army.
<b>King Henry VII</b> (House of Lancaster)
marries Elizabeth of York (House of York) at the conclusion of the War of the
Roses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-teo7D7Hjz6PvDFbF3EEB2FcMPCnub33kLtS2cyqJahFhrrUgO9tWy7MQc8yaaP03DCi8FefkewsSi8YOfSDNZbCHx3CurdxAE0rB7ibU9QylwhrsKO3DhsvXqZGhvl9_czFdDGXYBzam/s1600/time10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-teo7D7Hjz6PvDFbF3EEB2FcMPCnub33kLtS2cyqJahFhrrUgO9tWy7MQc8yaaP03DCi8FefkewsSi8YOfSDNZbCHx3CurdxAE0rB7ibU9QylwhrsKO3DhsvXqZGhvl9_czFdDGXYBzam/s200/time10.jpg" width="187" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ANTARES</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (600.0 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Antares in September, 1413. What was happening on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Donatello</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
creates religious sculptures in Florence. The Joseon Dynasty begins in Korea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">RIGEL</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (772.5 LY away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33SwX6LKPpsLhHK9iLJguM_ckkOGRhti5JbXRrxHp1JPg_PycbkZJ6DLUx025Fbi6Oo8O9WlzFnAPEljPZhwnXN2MTk1iyVdftbgDPhCi35E1FqH_nXi28ihKLc_6VY_txu71fm2XZmbH/s1600/time11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33SwX6LKPpsLhHK9iLJguM_ckkOGRhti5JbXRrxHp1JPg_PycbkZJ6DLUx025Fbi6Oo8O9WlzFnAPEljPZhwnXN2MTk1iyVdftbgDPhCi35E1FqH_nXi28ihKLc_6VY_txu71fm2XZmbH/s200/time11.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today we see the light
that left Rigel in June, 1240. What was happening on Earth then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Innocentus is elected Pope in Rome. The <b>Parliament of Ireland</b> meets for the
first time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-90485090537678979392013-09-08T18:13:00.000-07:002013-09-08T18:13:22.329-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE ART OF
THE DEAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF51ULT6Go48lTEE6nxUyxmJum_ul8d2RbXpJRhLKsDtY2v7NiRvR2siD358yqFzUgbopXrxa7e7lyW53Uj-3Jssd_SICwpc0FYeFgaEGPSW9OJI5RyLo9sVmppF4pMY23bibOL92ipML/s1600/man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF51ULT6Go48lTEE6nxUyxmJum_ul8d2RbXpJRhLKsDtY2v7NiRvR2siD358yqFzUgbopXrxa7e7lyW53Uj-3Jssd_SICwpc0FYeFgaEGPSW9OJI5RyLo9sVmppF4pMY23bibOL92ipML/s200/man.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On May 24, 1626, 387 years
ago, the newly arrived leader of the Dutch colony of New Netherland, <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">Peter Minuit</span></b>,
arranged to trade goods valued at 60 guilders to the Lenape Indians for the
acquisition of the island of Manhattan (in present day New York). This act has
been heralded down through history as a prime example of how Europeans took
advantage of Native Americans, but was it really?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
exchange was first acknowledged six months later in a letter written by Peter
Schaghen, a member of the board of the Dutch West India Company, the
organization that employed Minuit and funded the Dutch colony. He reported that
a deal was made with the local Indians to purchase 11,000 morgens (about 22,000
acres) of land on the island of “manhattes” for a value of sixty guilders. He
did not specify if it was in coin or bartered goods. His report of the
acquisition was only two sentences in length. Most of his letter was a list of
furs and grains that were brought back from New Netherland. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY-mNmwIxRFqTK4h1i0Z_R_JpFpK1Gm0JvCI3f4lw9lT6is9-oij65zOdiPCuaxuwSOdxiO8f3FQh4s5z5JFE7msHsXvRimUQtx7RBVUTkzh560nuueBZl09scy0HUKCpP3o3N2YQzwYh/s1600/man8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY-mNmwIxRFqTK4h1i0Z_R_JpFpK1Gm0JvCI3f4lw9lT6is9-oij65zOdiPCuaxuwSOdxiO8f3FQh4s5z5JFE7msHsXvRimUQtx7RBVUTkzh560nuueBZl09scy0HUKCpP3o3N2YQzwYh/s200/man8.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Two hundred years later,
the value of 60 guilders, in 1626, was determined to be about $24 in U.S.
money. That number has stuck ever since in story and song. Today, those 60
guilders is estimated at $1,000 U.S. The myth of the trade was enhanced in the
late 19<sup>th</sup> century to be a payment in bead, trinkets, and buttons. It
is really quite irrelevant since the value of Manhattan is many times either
amount; and the value paid to the Lenape people was not considered by either
side as the primary purpose of the transaction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95BAkXG4I_JsVxVQ0ZRFqXLcqBDivHxH4oMIbWjDfmVGhPYrfnSc7f4U9YML13THYhW3qzhT5ADnfVUvWVS7P1wEkODX27ds-XS_WuxrQc7D8HbuPFMOcqCHNXJWfEAyoLzzL3Kz8V6bm/s1600/man4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95BAkXG4I_JsVxVQ0ZRFqXLcqBDivHxH4oMIbWjDfmVGhPYrfnSc7f4U9YML13THYhW3qzhT5ADnfVUvWVS7P1wEkODX27ds-XS_WuxrQc7D8HbuPFMOcqCHNXJWfEAyoLzzL3Kz8V6bm/s1600/man4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many historians believe
that the Lenape lived on <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">Long Island</span></b> (actually today’s Brooklyn) and
not Manhattan at all. Manhattan Island at the time was an unsettled hunting
ground that was used by several tribes, and was simply a route used to move
from the mainland to Long Island. Like most Native American tribes, the idea of
“owning” any natural environment was ridiculous. The land, the trees, and the
water were given to them by the spirits to support life; it could not be the
property of any man or tribe. The right to use these things belonged to all.
The European concept of ownership was quite different. Yet neither party
returned home feeling that they had been deceived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN67A3DSfc-Dh9YzYOa_SET0XtF2QPF_NPVBrq7Ny_MudA_rK-KBfF2WZPFDnRhpn04d9L7h21keDU7YPyRMYnUZxVSJ2gnKxD0bHrPLYcOFYFXnTCvwfbFw01QiI_wRrK4yH0lMCBzfY7/s1600/man3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN67A3DSfc-Dh9YzYOa_SET0XtF2QPF_NPVBrq7Ny_MudA_rK-KBfF2WZPFDnRhpn04d9L7h21keDU7YPyRMYnUZxVSJ2gnKxD0bHrPLYcOFYFXnTCvwfbFw01QiI_wRrK4yH0lMCBzfY7/s200/man3.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why then, was the apparent
barter of artifacts for land consummated? The basic theory is that both sides
received far more than what was reported in Peter Schaghen’s letter. <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">The Lenape</span></b>
received two intangible advantages. First, they received from the Dutch
technology which was more advanced than what they had. This probably took the
form of metal axes, hoes, shovels, and iron cooking ware that made their lives
easier and more productive. Second, they formed a military alliance with the
Europeans that strengthened their defensive position with competing tribes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-NWbQYN2LBwXZ-YhXGWLgwgJSsRjxYcMd7UlOB9SEcDx3suYiCXIAXeOc2lWYUHTxhV6BnjD29xQP_lNGNWS9q3g4hnWm0rvl_3FDqoom7fkfQhOZKdW2NNydvrD2F8Yd2THegIx0MqK/s1600/man6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-NWbQYN2LBwXZ-YhXGWLgwgJSsRjxYcMd7UlOB9SEcDx3suYiCXIAXeOc2lWYUHTxhV6BnjD29xQP_lNGNWS9q3g4hnWm0rvl_3FDqoom7fkfQhOZKdW2NNydvrD2F8Yd2THegIx0MqK/s200/man6.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Dutch received the
assurance of expanded trade with the native peoples, which was the purpose of
their future little settlement of New Amsterdam at the tip of Manhattan anyway.
They were <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">fur
traders</span></b> and access to hunting and trapping grounds, not to mention
barter with the Indians for furs, was the primary reason the Dutch West India
Company was even there. It was a win-win proposition for both parties - “the
art of the deal.” The $24 in trinkets and beads could be considered just a
finder’s fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15cIh8d8NrNs-mZvavsOg3CzA2cqKADNGf18FjeD5HErWZdxRbjTiXKXj39HyfVDQSRt2xx6bJGrn1lY8DWZBRsADL5bR9uEU1tYTFj5Cmg8srTJoznpgdEpOs-2cLFq_purGqztod5MA/s1600/man7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15cIh8d8NrNs-mZvavsOg3CzA2cqKADNGf18FjeD5HErWZdxRbjTiXKXj39HyfVDQSRt2xx6bJGrn1lY8DWZBRsADL5bR9uEU1tYTFj5Cmg8srTJoznpgdEpOs-2cLFq_purGqztod5MA/s200/man7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, how did this deal work
out in the long run? The Lenape are gone. The Dutch are gone. Manhattan is part
of the United States. In 2006, the estimated value of property on <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">Manhattan
Island</span></b> was $802.4 billion. That equates to $2.08 billion for every
year since 1626; $56.9 million for every day or $2.37 million every hour (for
all 3,381,360 hours since Peter Minuit made the trade). Donald Trump would be
envious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-63410252976805999422013-09-03T11:08:00.002-07:002013-09-03T11:08:57.010-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OPPORTUNITY ONLY DANCES
WITH THOSE WHO ACTUALLY TAKE TO THE DANCE FLOOR<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dance is art; dance is
culture. American dance styles of the late 20<sup>th</sup> Century reflected
the times in which we were living. There was a mixing of cultures on the dance
floor, in the clubs, and even in the aisles of movie theaters. Today, we are
taking a look at just a few of the dances that most of us at least attempted to
perform . . . once upon a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SOLO DANCES</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Partners are optional; showmanship
is rewarded)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nKWBvcNHPKHqYa030nAfkLu_NsuohytLun59SETAlzbzW8O7IsDcR1c5UeQxC67E3YDa15q5rSJlzOJcfoPHGBM2-TrhFWZ8jpXlP-DxzDdnpO6vN8x-SGXKGrQx2S0HXzzL1UOrlzjZ/s1600/dance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nKWBvcNHPKHqYa030nAfkLu_NsuohytLun59SETAlzbzW8O7IsDcR1c5UeQxC67E3YDa15q5rSJlzOJcfoPHGBM2-TrhFWZ8jpXlP-DxzDdnpO6vN8x-SGXKGrQx2S0HXzzL1UOrlzjZ/s1600/dance2.jpg" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE LIMBO</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1956) - From Trinidad; you bend backwards and walk underneath a bar without
touching it. Yes, it is considered a dance. (Inspiration: The film “Where the
Boys Are.”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BREAK DANCING</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1980) - Created in NYC, break dancing is a collection of rhythmic moves that
are largely improvisational. It was in response to early rap music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE RUNNING MAN</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1982) - Basically running in place. The dancer slide steps with the feet
rapidly moving back and forth while swinging the arms. (Inspiration: M C
Hammer)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE ROBOT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1983) - A dance that imitates the movement of a robot; it isolates different
parts of the body that freeze or lock, then reactivate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">PARTNER DANCES</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (The customary dances;
but some may take courage)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE MASHED POTATO</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1962) - Similar to the Twist; dancers move their feet in and out, and back and
forth. (Inspiration: Dee Dee Sharpe’s “Mashed Potato Time” and James Brown’s
“Do the Mashed Potato”).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE FRUG,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
pronounced “Froog” (1964) - Dancers make lateral movements rather than moving
their hips. Basically the Twist with more arm movement, and while standing
still. This style was a precursor to the Monkey and the Swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgch1uiNxLCR_gCYO0rkXwGx0lpupqEet40g8GqgKybZgY8LZr6Cd9RDmFIyEwb9pg2tAoacKp7kf02r7qeW7xn1KRJs6bmOYTJY9pHVg9iiubDCGDvaI6W5FX9F2KAMbG8shZ49TyISRjP/s1600/dance4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgch1uiNxLCR_gCYO0rkXwGx0lpupqEet40g8GqgKybZgY8LZr6Cd9RDmFIyEwb9pg2tAoacKp7kf02r7qeW7xn1KRJs6bmOYTJY9pHVg9iiubDCGDvaI6W5FX9F2KAMbG8shZ49TyISRjP/s1600/dance4.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE JERK</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1966) - It was similar to the Monkey, but with finger snapping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE BUMP</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1972) - Just what it sounds like; bumping hips to the beat of the music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE LAMBADA</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1989) - a.k.a. The Forbidden Dance, it’s a fast and sensual Brazilian dance.
(Inspiration: the film “The Lambada”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GROUP DANCES AND LINE DANCES</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Great after a few
drinks)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BUNNY HOP</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1952) - Created in San Francisco; you stand in a line holding the hips of the
person in front of you and hop forward and backward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE HULLY GULLY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1964) - A line dance where an MC calls out various dance moves while the music
speeds up. (Inspiration: The Groups the Olympics and The Marathons)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE HUSTLE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1971) - Either a line dance or a partner dance; it’s based on the mambo and
originated in the Hispanic NYC. It involves walking side to side
and back and forth (mass exposure through the film “Saturday
Night Fever”)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9vTKHpYvjyyO4t0skPww_UzmjC6HbwTYORSiBsVR8yZzlmu9DD5lYTiL2p1Te_pOnzpl2rDq8kQ_o2vCsXplzF7si2LaXYSoUvAVBqTy7dYWtBye-COWo8ZP4rDa14aMwNUt-Wo_hXft/s1600/dance5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9vTKHpYvjyyO4t0skPww_UzmjC6HbwTYORSiBsVR8yZzlmu9DD5lYTiL2p1Te_pOnzpl2rDq8kQ_o2vCsXplzF7si2LaXYSoUvAVBqTy7dYWtBye-COWo8ZP4rDa14aMwNUt-Wo_hXft/s200/dance5.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THRILLER
DANCE</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (1984) - Pop culture’s biggest group dance number
still being performed today. It was also one of the first grand music videos.
(Inspiration: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ANIMAL DANCES</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Duplicating animal
motions; named appropriately)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE PONY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1961) - Dancers hop from side to side in a galloping motion. (Inspiration:
Chubby Checkers’ “Pony Time”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1Ymp2_nXMnAdZ7xYx7-Y4AGEQKWf_cC83KRLWiHaDShX_b3pJBN-gCWvarWQWpyfYKLT4uCq6WL3oUnRW0I_asjY6jy_j7zCP4qT8lVJJse5gN-_zEXL46v0IC9qU-_lH8gUu6cOabIM/s1600/dance9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1Ymp2_nXMnAdZ7xYx7-Y4AGEQKWf_cC83KRLWiHaDShX_b3pJBN-gCWvarWQWpyfYKLT4uCq6WL3oUnRW0I_asjY6jy_j7zCP4qT8lVJJse5gN-_zEXL46v0IC9qU-_lH8gUu6cOabIM/s200/dance9.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE CHICKEN</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> /
<b>THE</b> <b>FUNKY CHICKEN </b>(about 1960) - A variation of the Twist; dancers put
their hands on their hips and swing their arms back and forth like, well,
chickens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE MONKEY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1963) - Dancers move their arms up and down in front of their bodies rapidly
while twisting their hips. (Inspiration: Major Lance’s “Monkey Time” and the
Miracles’ “Mickey’s Monkey”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FREE-FORM DANCES</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Dances with few steps;
they allow a lot of creativity)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31uI-eT5pf5-VNPfSYHDxmKaIhtl3W78PG587PycscbfFODBrk7IhRku0CQ-86vUpvyv1jC0un-gDqDOqJCsBqtsVIKj7xF1TfSwVVEZEry8DCVI5thFcJxXDmS_VZjxvxx7T1iDFMkOd/s1600/dance6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31uI-eT5pf5-VNPfSYHDxmKaIhtl3W78PG587PycscbfFODBrk7IhRku0CQ-86vUpvyv1jC0un-gDqDOqJCsBqtsVIKj7xF1TfSwVVEZEry8DCVI5thFcJxXDmS_VZjxvxx7T1iDFMkOd/s200/dance6.jpg" width="133" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE TWIST</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1960) - Within a year of the song’s recording, all generations were doing it.
Dancers twist from side to side; feet may or may not move their feet.
(Inspiration: Chubby Checkers, who got his name from Dick Clark).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE SWIM</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1961) - With limited movement of the legs, dancers’ arms imitate swimming
strokes. (Inspiration: Bobby Freeman’s “C’mon and Swim”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE WATUSI</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1967) - Ultimately you can do whatever twisting and turning you want to do.
(Inspiration: The Orlons’ “The Wah-Watusi”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DISCO</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1970’s) - Disco includes both music and dance. Dancers move to a thumping beat
and dance closer to each other than styles of the 1960’s. Synthesized music is
common. The “hustle” and “bump” are off shoots of disco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">VOGUE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1993) - This is a throwback to the 1930’s. “Voguing” is a dance style
incorporating model-like poses and using rigid body movements. (Inspiration:
Madonna’s “Vogue” video)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FAD DANCES</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (numerous, short-lived, but ever
present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE FREDDIE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1964) - Standing in place, lift your left leg and left arm together, then
alternate to the right side. (Inspiration: Freddie and the Dreamers’ “I’m
Telling You Now”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL001XMdtDIWcR2g-cIawXxNnQ9zxwg57Jfeisk4O-MlIwPy7qpV-v33QB8J5XO8bY5ly2bdHEuVVQkC_FUZogHR-bX8ibMoeOYSvh3V_y4bhUzCvsgrJ_b28Fjnb4Ti4ocdDaEppJxHE/s1600/dance7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL001XMdtDIWcR2g-cIawXxNnQ9zxwg57Jfeisk4O-MlIwPy7qpV-v33QB8J5XO8bY5ly2bdHEuVVQkC_FUZogHR-bX8ibMoeOYSvh3V_y4bhUzCvsgrJ_b28Fjnb4Ti4ocdDaEppJxHE/s1600/dance7.jpg" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE TIME WARP</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1975) - A parody of earlier styles, it became an accepted dance on its own.
Frequent audience participation. (Inspiration: the film “Rocky Horror Picture
Show”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1986) - A fad dance where dancers pose similar to the poses on ancient
Egyptian reliefs. (Inspiration: The song by the Bangles and Steve Martin comedy
routines)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DANCES FOR
PEOPLE WHO CAN’T DANCE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Dances for the rest of
us) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw9IFmzi8otGjx5nNABV-9WT4YCrgKnA8HWCs1lXEmbdEnJouHFTGv28lVbrxBV65efE85rvC7RuMdBZyU3hdh6cS_c5Zfeitam4vvuQ3OogTBEdFzSfB8T6FvYBz7N3ssoyMyQYfGp2P/s1600/dance8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw9IFmzi8otGjx5nNABV-9WT4YCrgKnA8HWCs1lXEmbdEnJouHFTGv28lVbrxBV65efE85rvC7RuMdBZyU3hdh6cS_c5Zfeitam4vvuQ3OogTBEdFzSfB8T6FvYBz7N3ssoyMyQYfGp2P/s200/dance8.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Y.M.C.A.</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1979) - It’s a dance where you put your hands in the air and form the letters
y, m, c, and a along with the chorus of the song “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village
People. No need to use your feet. Strong on audience participation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE MACARENA</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
(1996) - This is a “dance” where all the action is done with the arms. An old
flamenco melody. (Inspiration: the 1995 Bayside Boys’ song “Macarena”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How many of these dances
do you remember? Can you tell us about some others? How many did you do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-16036099341287389662013-08-30T10:20:00.000-07:002013-08-30T10:20:13.079-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Civil War History of
the 57<sup>th</sup> Indiana (#23)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">June 27, 1864. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sherman’s Army stands facing Kennesaw
Mountain, northwest of the City of Atlanta . . . <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h4uZRzAz93hgfsEaJcPDiktY1jRRD1YwA8g8wTT9oK_9m_iSvde2KjlZTQ9YYe0b1Yz1WT8zKIBt-XVjFZJudTzfPX9B0JVpI_ML3iTsLMWq7B7wwNunYrReFJdzZ4IhNLJTzl5ysXna/s1600/ken7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h4uZRzAz93hgfsEaJcPDiktY1jRRD1YwA8g8wTT9oK_9m_iSvde2KjlZTQ9YYe0b1Yz1WT8zKIBt-XVjFZJudTzfPX9B0JVpI_ML3iTsLMWq7B7wwNunYrReFJdzZ4IhNLJTzl5ysXna/s200/ken7.png" width="173" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Newton’s division was the one
assigned by Gen. Howard </span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Corps Commander)<i> to make the assault in front of the 4<sup>th</sup> Corps, and at the
point designated was in front of Stanley’s division. At 7 o’clock A.M. our
brigade formed and marched over to the rear of the line where the attack was to
be made. Gen. Wagner </i>(Brigade Commander)<i>
gave <b>Col. Blanch</b> </i>(Regiment Commander)<i>
his choice of position; either to join in the column or deploy his regiment as
skirmishers and move up in front of the column. Col. Blanch chose the latter,
and at once deployed the regiment five paces apart, preparatory to an advance.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The 40<sup>th</sup> Indiana occupied
the front of the assaulting column. At 8 o’clock A.M. the signal was given to
advance. Our regiment crossed the works, and drove the rebel skirmishers into
their fortifications. The enemy reserved their artillery fire till the 40<sup>th</sup>
advanced to within a short distance of their works, had raised the yell, and
were moving forward on the double-quick, when they opened a withering fire of
grape and canister, which carried death and destruction in its pathway. The
assaulting party was checked and the men laid down.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9unHIddaYAwYXlKJj22OO6Na2MRSpWKKs6tEXEy-FFIwi62_t7uExlZ2MTyAf5etvcHUP3i17KHG6OmZY7QvTZf5vT_Ydoz2fvUzOF6PaaockfVNRJt0ay__4EZu6Cl27Qv8Wekv5jaT/s1600/ken17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9unHIddaYAwYXlKJj22OO6Na2MRSpWKKs6tEXEy-FFIwi62_t7uExlZ2MTyAf5etvcHUP3i17KHG6OmZY7QvTZf5vT_Ydoz2fvUzOF6PaaockfVNRJt0ay__4EZu6Cl27Qv8Wekv5jaT/s1600/ken17.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Other regiments were now thrown
forward, and the assault was several times renewed, but all in vain. The order
was given to fall back by companies from the rear, but in the confusion and
excitement it was misunderstood, and a general retreat commenced. The slaughter
among our troops at this moment was even greater than when they advanced, for
the enemy now rose from behind their works, fearless of danger from the
retreating force, and fired with greater precision than when the column
advanced.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagSkExcoE_rSKFFJqFs7_nIalLUclEjfy4pJG2jB8WdCHNvtBclv_cUJx2dLcp8s73RaytguqYl2GQGAM9PZcr2jBXjIFz50-6ajQi2VSDkSFMqIyRCBMavENpiXDR76mvtB9phkc6oza/s1600/ken2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagSkExcoE_rSKFFJqFs7_nIalLUclEjfy4pJG2jB8WdCHNvtBclv_cUJx2dLcp8s73RaytguqYl2GQGAM9PZcr2jBXjIFz50-6ajQi2VSDkSFMqIyRCBMavENpiXDR76mvtB9phkc6oza/s1600/ken2.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> In one hour the engagement was over, and our brigade again returned
to their former position, behind the line of works. The 57<sup>th</sup> lost
twenty-two in this bloody and almost fruitless engagement. The assault, though
it secured no immediate victory, was evidence to the enemy that we could
assault as well as flank, and thus prevent them from weakening their lines to
extend their flanks.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uLxmgIy1T1yuQP39kvlmV4aqrafrNnABGKC6wW9lYkWu_0NcxgwnRCC1sbkub-sJZoEzwondDtZYI2MjZn2QoeJZ5I-rwb5aTRN2-08CrfkhevFYnLgPmLL-gcAFUMovEGhT3IfOeWSG/s1600/ken11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uLxmgIy1T1yuQP39kvlmV4aqrafrNnABGKC6wW9lYkWu_0NcxgwnRCC1sbkub-sJZoEzwondDtZYI2MjZn2QoeJZ5I-rwb5aTRN2-08CrfkhevFYnLgPmLL-gcAFUMovEGhT3IfOeWSG/s1600/ken11.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“On the 28<sup>th</sup>, the regiment
was again on the skirmish line In many places, when there was quiet along the
lines, the men on each side would expose themselves to view, and even exchanged
papers, traded coffee for tobacco, and bartered in various ways. This, however,
was soon brought to a close by an order from Gen. Sherman; prohibiting all communication
with the enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“On the night of the 28<sup>th</sup>,
Col. Blanch, by request, held a consultation between the lines with the colonel
of the 5<sup>th</sup> Arkansas, rebel regiment, who offered to let us remove
the dead of our regiment still remaining on neutral ground. But Gen. Howard
believed it was only done to throw us off our guard, in order that they could
make a night attack, and nothing was done.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Ivya2VKfwxzWeRrXk4jeaUkMzNp5f9XIyu8SqZpK_zHLqSWpKbSVobV4AzGIetdwf1K04FApHd1fA1pWrsiOQcjvU6TNM5oqRPsfzJTS2pICVHnNqLFCeAuSOOO5ifVktctD9Ql9VGY/s1600/ken6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Ivya2VKfwxzWeRrXk4jeaUkMzNp5f9XIyu8SqZpK_zHLqSWpKbSVobV4AzGIetdwf1K04FApHd1fA1pWrsiOQcjvU6TNM5oqRPsfzJTS2pICVHnNqLFCeAuSOOO5ifVktctD9Ql9VGY/s1600/ken6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The resolution which Gen. Sherman had
formed, of driving the enemy across the Chattahoochie River, was not changed by
the failure of this assault; and on the night of July 2<sup>nd</sup> he
commenced to lengthen his lines. When the day dawned, no rebel flag floated
from the crest of Kennesaw, for Johnston, preferring to expose the front rather
than leave his rear unprotected, had abandoned his position and moved toward
the river. Pursuit was commenced immediately. The 4<sup>th</sup> Corps,
marching to Marietta, moved from there down the railroad. The enemy made a
temporary halt behind a line of works near the Smyrna campground, about five
miles south of Marietta. Our line of battle was formed, and we remained in
position all day during the 4<sup>th</sup>. An occasional artillery duel or
sharp picket firing was all that transpired on the lines, and at night the
enemy withdrew.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“We reached Vining’s Station, at the
crossing of the Chattahoochie, a little past noon, and went into camp east of
the railroad. From a hill near camp we could plainly see the steeples of
Atlanta, twelve miles distant. Between us and the city was the smoke of rebel
camps and heavy clouds of dirt disclosed the position of troops in motion along
the road.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-8wZN7t-oiA4MYXfY0fZz2vlm5tJ62pjsbSoyt8Q34PT-EbAIERTE3hNBnppClcUMBrFJRYycm04dfkcAY734gPIRTjhEJKy8-yDB76og_m9nVBp1wWR9271OEYMd-VwXAg33JNQXFnN/s1600/ken8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-8wZN7t-oiA4MYXfY0fZz2vlm5tJ62pjsbSoyt8Q34PT-EbAIERTE3hNBnppClcUMBrFJRYycm04dfkcAY734gPIRTjhEJKy8-yDB76og_m9nVBp1wWR9271OEYMd-VwXAg33JNQXFnN/s200/ken8.jpg" width="163" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“On the 9<sup>th</sup> of July, <b>Gen.
Sherman</b> commenced moving his army across the river. At daylight a force of
cavalry crossed at Roswell, a small town sixteen miles east of Vining’s
Station, and held a position south of the river, until the arrival of our
division which marched up from camp and forded just after dark. We threw up
entrenchments, and remained in position until the 11<sup>th</sup>, when we were
relieved by the 16<sup>th</sup> Corps. On the 13<sup>th</sup> the division
crossed on a bridge of canvas pontoons, and joined the corps, which was then in
line on a commanding ridge, three miles from the river. On the 18<sup>th</sup>,
at 5 o’clock A.M., we moved from our fortified camp and took the road leading
to Atlanta.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TLsPAKeM9wEbvv5OysWRLfhozoF5FgyI6nJYsMezbrhk35B3bkNFQXpfwA7460im5SIQit8X6wmRh2HUjp2_Sl5qzWaQeL5DOV4pr6R5ylHixnaYIvzyADI8bT0AcNoURCk8KyGIg_4P/s1600/ken18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TLsPAKeM9wEbvv5OysWRLfhozoF5FgyI6nJYsMezbrhk35B3bkNFQXpfwA7460im5SIQit8X6wmRh2HUjp2_Sl5qzWaQeL5DOV4pr6R5ylHixnaYIvzyADI8bT0AcNoURCk8KyGIg_4P/s1600/ken18.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“On the next day the enemy was driven
across Peachtree Creek by Wood’s division, which crossed at night and threw up
a line of works on the south bank of the stream. In the morning they were
relieved by our division. Skirmishing was constantly going on between our front
line and the enemy, who were posted behind a strong line of rifle pits, on
higher ground at the edge of the timber. Artillery was brought forward and
commenced shelling them. Their position soon became unpleasant from the fire of
our guns, and at 2 o’clock they fell back toward Atlanta.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Notwithstanding the masterly skill
displayed by confederate Gen. Johnston during the eventful campaign which
followed the movement of our army from Chattanooga, the rebel authorities at
Richmond were not satisfied with his declaration that he could not hold Atlanta
with the army under his command; and they at once appointed <b>Gen. John Bell Hood</b>
to succeed him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYXFLq7x98v92l_jq2Wm6Mf-C9-027vQ1nSJfYpoBzGDQQFQL1k040yPdpw5QheUSDLCEG_Y3Z8kfJ4G2dyqDtFWEjncgBo07M3owbK1fGgKt_kaaPP31e7XnIkdr5pd1I7BCKxHHcXWV/s1600/ken19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYXFLq7x98v92l_jq2Wm6Mf-C9-027vQ1nSJfYpoBzGDQQFQL1k040yPdpw5QheUSDLCEG_Y3Z8kfJ4G2dyqDtFWEjncgBo07M3owbK1fGgKt_kaaPP31e7XnIkdr5pd1I7BCKxHHcXWV/s200/ken19.jpg" width="171" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“We are now about to record the
commencement of a series of daring and reckless attempts, made by a true
representative of hot-blooded “southern chivalry,” to stay the irresistible
progress of a large and victorious army. The engagement at Peach Tree Creek
would be the turning point for the overthrow and destruction of the rebel army
in Georgia. By his wild infatuation, amounting to madness, southern blood would
flow like water, and the sacrifice of human lives was a consideration far
beneath Hood. The disastrous results of his unmitigated cruelty will stand out
in bold relief among the prominent events of our late war, as proof of what a
‘piece of work’ of a man could do.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Atlanta Campaign,
northern Georgia, June -July, 1864)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpts taken from <i>“Annals of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Infantry: Marches, Battles, and Incidents of Army Life”</i>
written by Asbury L. Kerwood immediately after the war.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-34991696779096708352013-08-26T12:43:00.003-07:002013-08-27T10:22:17.359-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE LAST 24
HOURS OF THE ALAMO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Battle of the Alamo
ended on March 6, 1836. It has become a legendary event in the history of
Texas, and all of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7tQKGf25zbn9cgYN_UHq2KCWa2ASfS7BLSPo1bEwaXRh4Akz_pwmsND8_wQZp8eC3L6fm1GNYNu5sr1cJk4Kq4sgmG8nVWZeLhz6XwjJe4b65KAONu4SfwqJ9hgI5-ZksvAIUgS9iwp2/s1600/tex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7tQKGf25zbn9cgYN_UHq2KCWa2ASfS7BLSPo1bEwaXRh4Akz_pwmsND8_wQZp8eC3L6fm1GNYNu5sr1cJk4Kq4sgmG8nVWZeLhz6XwjJe4b65KAONu4SfwqJ9hgI5-ZksvAIUgS9iwp2/s1600/tex.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the early 1830’s,
many immigrants from the U.S. had settled along the Mexican border in an area
known as Texas. They made few attempts to adopt the Mexican culture. But what
they did do was to inspire the native locals, called Texicans, to oppose the
iron-handed rule of <b><span style="color: #c00000;">President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna</span></b>. He, in
turn, blamed the unrest on the unwanted American immigrants (which it was). The
upsurge in opposition to the government reached a climax in October 1835 when
groups of Texicans drove the last Mexican soldiers out of the region. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The angered Santa Anna
perceived the Americans to be the source of the problem, and began to prepare
an army to deal with them. He announced that, if caught, all foreigners
fighting in Texas were not to be taken as prisoners but were to be executed
immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPIJsukGRKf1B1GP-koJRJEE6ncgptzUk4mhXNTDZ8lGNatmFwqd1gOqnLWwsozG1JvpAyX_FYcX1nRB99aR2vQiWwNX4UrT9DwZ-5L0mpicF_Af3SnxEhrXELSW08GGUVIImJc_IpqNN/s1600/tex4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPIJsukGRKf1B1GP-koJRJEE6ncgptzUk4mhXNTDZ8lGNatmFwqd1gOqnLWwsozG1JvpAyX_FYcX1nRB99aR2vQiWwNX4UrT9DwZ-5L0mpicF_Af3SnxEhrXELSW08GGUVIImJc_IpqNN/s1600/tex4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One large group of
Texicans and their American allies converged on the village of San Antonio de
Bexar just before the end of the year. They converted the small three-acre
Alamo Mission into an improvised fort. Its walls, where walls existed at all,
were 9’ to 12’ high but the perimeter of the fort was 1,320’ around the
outside; a distance that the 100 volunteers inside would not be able to defend.
The defenders had 19 cannons that were left behind when government troops
evacuated the area. Repeated requests were made to the rebel Texican government
for more men, ammunition, and other supplies; but none were available. Other
small groups of volunteers did arrive during late December; most notably <b><span style="color: #c00000;">Col. James Bowie</span></b>
with 30 men, <b><span style="color: #c00000;">Col.
William Travis</span></b> with 30 more, and <b><span style="color: #c00000;">Davy Crockett</span></b> with a band of
Tennessee sharpshooters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By late December, Santa
Anna would wait no longer and led his army of over 6,000 soldiers northward
toward San Antonio de Bexar (modern San Antonio). He was not without problems
of his own. When pay was delayed for the civilian teamsters, they quit. Supply
shortages were made worse by the need to feed the many women and children who
followed the army. The biggest problem, however, was that most of his soldiers
were untrained. They had to be taught how to march in formation, as well as aim
and shoot their weapons</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By February 21,<sup> </sup>1836,
the Mexican Army was within 25 miles of the Alamo. Two days later, it had
reached and surrounded the mission, staying at a distance of about 300 yards.
The Texicans inside asked Santa Anna for an honorable surrender, but he refused
and repeated that all foreigners would be instantly executed. He believed that
there was no glory in a bloodless victory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the next twelve days,
the Mexican Army waited in siege outside the Alamo. There were several small
skirmishes but the casualties on both sides were slight (9 Mexicans, 1
Texican). The Alamo defenders sent scouts out to search for the rescue parties
that they were promised were coming. But there was no rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE
LAST DAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCByoX8e3yD0e5keZ8jRUIFBbKoBmwLNcsRtxBBjSliExiPja0gTN5OxU-HqG7o4V4Bpcfvg4XX1HFqBhag3HlFJC42ujA7l9XtUioN0CL5MEL4T5jMVsu3Lj-Ymyk1RPjQuuQy802C5_t/s1600/tex7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCByoX8e3yD0e5keZ8jRUIFBbKoBmwLNcsRtxBBjSliExiPja0gTN5OxU-HqG7o4V4Bpcfvg4XX1HFqBhag3HlFJC42ujA7l9XtUioN0CL5MEL4T5jMVsu3Lj-Ymyk1RPjQuuQy802C5_t/s1600/tex7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On March 5<sup>th</sup>,
General Santa Anna told his officers that the assault would commence the next
morning. At 10:00 p.m., the Mexican artillery ceased firing, and 2,000 troops
prepared to move on the Alamo in the first assault. Another five hundred
cavalry encircled the fort to pick off any defenders who would try to escape
the slaughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At 5:30 am, with heavy
clouds blocking the sunrise, and the Texican pickets located outside the walls
killed, four columns of infantry approached within range of the Alamo. Most of
the defenders were still sleeping when the first volleys came in. The Mexican
buglers sounded the charge. The Texicans and the Americans ran to their posts.
Having little ammunition for their cannons, the men loaded the barrels with
metal scraps, nails, and horseshoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnf5fL8WmgmPY5gbcOnlNHX6wpD4WAbplKg-76HhXiw7cj_jROI49pvXkc4K6fz6-IAqcNXskHgfxAszsRRJz2Eznj7vYknb2ZlfwX73jNkC3mB-QR_wkHFEVdqqf-_vcLGHHZvD5buUNH/s1600/tex9travis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnf5fL8WmgmPY5gbcOnlNHX6wpD4WAbplKg-76HhXiw7cj_jROI49pvXkc4K6fz6-IAqcNXskHgfxAszsRRJz2Eznj7vYknb2ZlfwX73jNkC3mB-QR_wkHFEVdqqf-_vcLGHHZvD5buUNH/s200/tex9travis.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Mexican infantry
columns were now pressed tightly up against the walls of the fort. The Texicans
who leaned over the edge to fire down on the enemy left themselves exposed to
musket fire from soldiers farther out. The American Commander, <b><span style="color: #c00000;">William Travis</span></b>,
was one of the first to die. Few of the dozens of ladders carried by the
Mexicans reached the walls of the Alamo, and soldiers that were able to raise
and climb them were quickly killed. The defenders almost immediately ran out of
the muskets that had been loaded in advance, and they struggled to reload.
After a brief time, the first wave of Santa Anna’s troops fell back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPSqGQQDysPVtthXZHJ-71qhkdZlzZVmq_Fsyu9qsrMPFIzizn-kXDGzRjQsr_8k6VuA9zYDceT3PX7y5Ue0Rd7uxk6qirA6IClbnpWFOJSZAWUGDljBz_y8Wyy_uCDC8aVMWNyD6EEQn/s1600/tex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPSqGQQDysPVtthXZHJ-71qhkdZlzZVmq_Fsyu9qsrMPFIzizn-kXDGzRjQsr_8k6VuA9zYDceT3PX7y5Ue0Rd7uxk6qirA6IClbnpWFOJSZAWUGDljBz_y8Wyy_uCDC8aVMWNyD6EEQn/s1600/tex2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In their next assault,
Mexican infantry under Gen. Amador found a small gate in the north wall that
was open and poured into the Alamo plaza. The defenders’ artillery turned
around from their position on the south wall and fired on the enemy streaming
in. Within a few minutes, however, other Mexican soldiers reached the top of
the wall where the artillery was now facing away from them and killed all the
Texican gunners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the battle raged, most
of the defenders fell back to the mission’s buildings, abandoning the walls. A
few dozen men on the west wall were cut off from the main body and headed out
of the Alamo toward the river to escape. They were spotted by the Mexican
cavalry who charged and killed all of them. A similar event took place on the
opposite side of the Alamo when a small group tried to escape only to be
massacred by cavalry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjargFOtybslk8eB_beqcIh_7wDG-UlCwm6-7VW6NyDFFMCkvOLzLRlit3DjDckN95Q2EI13ZpYU7vwckO6HjVCuyiK_PeilK3etrfdHQDgYVTi2zhcExxMRBLjGUXP0kRsHcu_YlfXEbtk/s1600/tex10crockett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjargFOtybslk8eB_beqcIh_7wDG-UlCwm6-7VW6NyDFFMCkvOLzLRlit3DjDckN95Q2EI13ZpYU7vwckO6HjVCuyiK_PeilK3etrfdHQDgYVTi2zhcExxMRBLjGUXP0kRsHcu_YlfXEbtk/s1600/tex10crockett.jpg" /></a><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Davy Crockett</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and his men were the last
defender’s still remaining without cover from enemy volleys. They used their
muskets as clubs because they couldn’t reload them. But they were no match for
the Mexican infantry’s bayonets. In spite of rumors that Crockett was captured,
a Mexican eyewitness confirmed that he had been killed and was surrounded by
sixteen Mexican corpses. With the remaining defenders now hold up in the church
and the barrack building, the Mexican artillery turned their guns on the doors
and fired. This was followed by a musket volley and a bayonet charge into the
buildings. <b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #c00000;">Jim
Bowie</span></b><b>, </b>who was sick in one of the rooms, tried to fight from his bed
but was stabbed to death. As the fury of combat subsided, Mexican soldiers
examined each body, bayoneting anyone that moved. By 6:30 am, the battle was
over. None of the Texican fighters survived. A few historians claim that a
Henry Warnell escaped the battle but there is no conclusive proof.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWR2i6O7azYpZyfgVqv5JLNOjlJYUOjnwPrNev7E7PZfUCkwmhOfVv8NeEhQj4ATTvJdIxVE6daiMOvmARazaGZ9N3GKmOcTKZUF3dwCUuQizCYvpBC0_OyhfDM9sBUpxbKE3RNgKJZaz/s1600/tex11dickinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWR2i6O7azYpZyfgVqv5JLNOjlJYUOjnwPrNev7E7PZfUCkwmhOfVv8NeEhQj4ATTvJdIxVE6daiMOvmARazaGZ9N3GKmOcTKZUF3dwCUuQizCYvpBC0_OyhfDM9sBUpxbKE3RNgKJZaz/s200/tex11dickinson.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In all, between 182 and
240 Texicans died. Their bodies were stacked and burned. The ashes were left
undisturbed for almost a year afterward. Only a few women and children were
left alive. They were given blankets and a few pesos and returned to their
homes in Bexar. One woman, <b><span style="color: #c00000;">Susanna Dickinson</span></b>, and her two children were
spared so that they could tell the story of Santa Anna’s vengeance to other
American intruders. General Santa Anna believed that the story would convince
the Americans to leave Texas, but it prompted the opposite result.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One month later, the
Texican Army under Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto
in less than 18 minutes, spurred on by the cry “Remember the Alamo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-51233765063152406672013-08-21T10:36:00.000-07:002013-08-21T10:36:10.931-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I LOVE THE
NAME OF HONOR, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">MORE THAN I FEAR DEATH” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Julius
Caesar)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aCMr4RxkjSC5EXFQ_HEOUDk5giCzDHKRHEDomp1whiZW9Lf-23WxT-qwR9YoHdwjTpmaWXBGUv0TqXJgIIjQXnNU2TFIelcJemCiVvyCJuAeYTzkX3kjdsySC074wpaGRDGiCtXVL_Lf/s1600/jul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aCMr4RxkjSC5EXFQ_HEOUDk5giCzDHKRHEDomp1whiZW9Lf-23WxT-qwR9YoHdwjTpmaWXBGUv0TqXJgIIjQXnNU2TFIelcJemCiVvyCJuAeYTzkX3kjdsySC074wpaGRDGiCtXVL_Lf/s1600/jul.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was a boy studying
Latin, I read Caesar’s “Commentaries on the Gallic War,” which was
traditionally assigned to students as their first authentically written text.
We all struggled through the first book (there were eight) as we were just
fledglings trying to translate the words of the great Julius Caesar. But as we
became more proficient, his simple yet elegant words took all of us back in
time 2,000 years. During his campaigns in Gaul, Caesar would sit in his tent at
night writing about the amazing things he had seen and done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7ns_2H4NFl4WsZq4eOvnk-SDICtQAV0uvg-cI7V1W9TgE9H2YXPqU-K7xE-c88oNT-HW3aiq5kubO80vTNxibn2qYOb-18gutxLbnA9w4tUCd4oYiwPUsZG4QDJpw4YaEqRWilWcNyMo/s1600/jul17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7ns_2H4NFl4WsZq4eOvnk-SDICtQAV0uvg-cI7V1W9TgE9H2YXPqU-K7xE-c88oNT-HW3aiq5kubO80vTNxibn2qYOb-18gutxLbnA9w4tUCd4oYiwPUsZG4QDJpw4YaEqRWilWcNyMo/s1600/jul17.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone familiar with
western civilization has some point of reference for Julius Caesar. Yet few of
us really know him as a man. He was a scholar, priest, lawyer, general, and
leader - but he was also a son, husband, and father. Here is a side of him that
you may not know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs4T1aQxJg37WifbbBhWg9C8zJ4foPJAmV3jLAZyMTr1BVtqKEw7pdA14OPXBr0qw4fsxRugC-75MaM9cFAoITA9c2BUoEx-XTeDhkNx-PhNnfJcJ8uCX0NbLty2GQ0qjUeGk9A-LOV1b/s1600/jul5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs4T1aQxJg37WifbbBhWg9C8zJ4foPJAmV3jLAZyMTr1BVtqKEw7pdA14OPXBr0qw4fsxRugC-75MaM9cFAoITA9c2BUoEx-XTeDhkNx-PhNnfJcJ8uCX0NbLty2GQ0qjUeGk9A-LOV1b/s1600/jul5.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was born <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gaius Julius
Caesar</span></b> in 100 BCE. His father and grandfather had the same name but were
referred to as “the elder” and “the younger.” The family claimed that they were
descendants of a legendary Trojan prince who was the son of the goddess Venus.
Legend says that they adopted name “Caesar” because a distant ancestor was born
by caesarean section, but this is an unlikely assumption. The explanation that
is most plausible is that the word “caesai” is the source. It means “one who
has killed an elephant.” Young Julius liked this and when he came to power
years later, he had coins issued featuring elephants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Caesar family was a
member of the Roman privileged class but they were not outstanding in either
wealth or power, and lived modestly. In 85 BCE, Caesar’s father died
unexpectedly leaving the 16 year old Julius as the head of the family. At 17 he
was selected to become a high priest of Jupiter, which seemed to point the way
to his future career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PgeecDpNrNdRUPobV19-Uv2_zKrffXonzftmg5tRuZoHMmzg8n6-Nu0eyYymCJTFvjgvpIOuzKPXAYXhyphenhyphenDUKkUJy1ecuh9k9FNdOGFF2hBMrX7LsNatCsuWhAQrkx2qHnd6c-KQ-3KHV/s1600/jul8octavius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PgeecDpNrNdRUPobV19-Uv2_zKrffXonzftmg5tRuZoHMmzg8n6-Nu0eyYymCJTFvjgvpIOuzKPXAYXhyphenhyphenDUKkUJy1ecuh9k9FNdOGFF2hBMrX7LsNatCsuWhAQrkx2qHnd6c-KQ-3KHV/s1600/jul8octavius.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Julius was married three
times. His first wife, Cornelia, died giving birth to their daughter Julia, his
only legitimate child. He was married to Pompeia for only six years when it
ended in divorce with no children. His third wife, Calpunia Pisonis, was with
him until his death, again without children. Caesar also had two illegitimate
children. Cleopatra gave him a son called Caesarion who was named Pharaoh of
Egypt but died before adulthood. Another son was born as result of a youthful
affair with Servilla Caepionis. That boy was named Marcus Brutus, more about
him later. His favorite, however, was the boy he adopted. His name was
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Octavianus</span></b> and he was actually Caesar’s great nephew by blood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6LXNyVTg4tEzBNkCp3hO-tPur8ruJ_Wwbe6y5pCIud2MUUYsJqFr8BpHSvbd8VTiSSJn51XyCFUvHzQWb8CuxgsOo7vvgdREida-C-CT4-C3sViedJ5fjgfXe1D8E28shIYiEfXrr3hC/s1600/jul9sulla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6LXNyVTg4tEzBNkCp3hO-tPur8ruJ_Wwbe6y5pCIud2MUUYsJqFr8BpHSvbd8VTiSSJn51XyCFUvHzQWb8CuxgsOo7vvgdREida-C-CT4-C3sViedJ5fjgfXe1D8E28shIYiEfXrr3hC/s200/jul9sulla.jpg" width="152" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When Julius was about
twenty, the dictator <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lucius Sulla</span></b> began purging Rome of all his political
enemies which included the Caesar family. The young man was stripped of his
inheritance and his priesthood, and was forced into hiding. He left Rome and joined
the army. The loss of his priesthood permitted him to follow a military career
for which he was well suited. He was tall for the times, with a fair
complexion. He was strong and an excellent horseman. Julius was found to be a
brave soldier, and received several medals for his conduct. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOmbOYZPDlOmmY7OYkATLG_yTb_p-_ML05wwFQ8bnpdh8tURVZUIxecNCfNd8-BbuvnUQE9eeyIlduIW1nvGQTFXNQfAfaI-QDwuStuKAWMDwxSjlflff00Lm3VUpi7MUhyphenhyphenrEbSQJGCAP/s1600/jul10cornelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOmbOYZPDlOmmY7OYkATLG_yTb_p-_ML05wwFQ8bnpdh8tURVZUIxecNCfNd8-BbuvnUQE9eeyIlduIW1nvGQTFXNQfAfaI-QDwuStuKAWMDwxSjlflff00Lm3VUpi7MUhyphenhyphenrEbSQJGCAP/s200/jul10cornelia.jpg" width="168" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After hearing that Sulla
was now dead, Julius returned to Rome. Because his inheritance had been seized,
he was forced to live in a lower-class neighborhood. Then a new career
beckoned. He turned to law. He gained recognition as an exceptional lawyer. His
brilliant oratory style and dramatic gesturing was made even more striking by
his deep set, piercing black eyes and patrician features. He was elected as a
tribune. His wife of 14 years, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cornelia Cinnilla</span></b>, who he married when he was
just seventeen, died in 69 BCE. After her funeral, Julius Caesar, now 31,
returned to the military life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G5ygjqOTBQT9c8-iyeUUYgdq20NCLHwmHHjfM8-CcpFC_a9ZiOBK3IdZo-FN2v8jK2fD5Mego_HBs8d3fuDqjZylOfTuWHa9rjX_1o18FrqHgL0YnunQqvrkBIk3KTmlMau_iBmUE8am/s1600/jul11alexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G5ygjqOTBQT9c8-iyeUUYgdq20NCLHwmHHjfM8-CcpFC_a9ZiOBK3IdZo-FN2v8jK2fD5Mego_HBs8d3fuDqjZylOfTuWHa9rjX_1o18FrqHgL0YnunQqvrkBIk3KTmlMau_iBmUE8am/s200/jul11alexander.jpg" width="169" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A crossroads in his life
was reached while serving in Spain. He visited a statue of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alexander the Great</span></b>.
Caesar realized to his dismay that Alexander had conquered most of the known
world by the same age that he was then. He recognized that he had achieved so
little in his life to that point, and dedicated himself to being the great man
that he would eventually become. Through talent and ambition, Julius Caesar
subdued the Spanish tribes and was appointed the Governor of Spain. He was a
tireless commander in the field, often walking at the head of his troops
instead of riding near the rear. If they were stopped by swollen rivers, Caesar
himself would be the first to enter the water and swim across. With the
complete loyalty of his legions and the wealth of Spain on his side, he decided
to reach for control of Rome itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Zc36ceNHy8n250O8zrceJYkfcEmG5I9yq2zNgELkAp1ZZ_Pr2oF3A3cJfuDyS-xdIeelDnL8n3XMO51zGmcbOmATr6FeWSCwhIgzOMZwvKTvpspfW7hqd3yWPSM5tTpNoxvQHb_lEoy/s1600/jul13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Zc36ceNHy8n250O8zrceJYkfcEmG5I9yq2zNgELkAp1ZZ_Pr2oF3A3cJfuDyS-xdIeelDnL8n3XMO51zGmcbOmATr6FeWSCwhIgzOMZwvKTvpspfW7hqd3yWPSM5tTpNoxvQHb_lEoy/s1600/jul13.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rest of the story, as
they say, is well known. He led his army through Gaul, Belgae, and Britain, and
fought a series of civil wars. In 50 BCE, Julius Caesar, now 50 years old, was
ordered by the Senate to disband his army and return to Rome to be tried for
insubordination. He returned alright, but with his army. His enemies fled but
he pardoned almost all of them. Julius Caesar was appointed dictator of Rome.
For the next few years he reigned without opposition. He established a new
constitution and brought order back to the empire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufVnv934k-WJ3f06cSqIJtG-ifx_uROQ7wWXv0WqOO7MJe_dBgXHa_jHtHlEr8ZzuSrC_RJ7O0vJhWhJ3b6HEgCW9XnuTfEpqGz2CqNQqaDXPquqChLgmw_qpTlCQ7_PP1lvj1fsSrEl7/s1600/jul3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufVnv934k-WJ3f06cSqIJtG-ifx_uROQ7wWXv0WqOO7MJe_dBgXHa_jHtHlEr8ZzuSrC_RJ7O0vJhWhJ3b6HEgCW9XnuTfEpqGz2CqNQqaDXPquqChLgmw_qpTlCQ7_PP1lvj1fsSrEl7/s1600/jul3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though he was now an
old man, considering the human life span at the time, he remained in good
health except for bouts of fainting. Today, historians and physicians have
attempted to diagnose what Caesar suffered from. Many believe it was epilepsy
but others think it was malaria, hypoglycemia, or severe migraine headaches.
Whatever it was, it plagued him during his later years. He kept good care of
his appearance. His broad face was always clean shaven and his hair trimmed.
Caesar wore a laurel wreath crown almost every day, as he is often depicted in
illustrations. It wasn’t because he was being superior, but because he was
mostly bald and extremely self conscious about it. The wreath hid his receding
hair line. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuQ_d2nab7zNC6QxSgK7hFnp6nxrSPqFanx5LID8pi2IzKewEeh2p2f4us6J3hLgQPcyu_shCJUyeTtDI9x4Es43XcIL8ZU58SBOFsf0Klc_0Ju-K48M77LUh5EkUfLDUOKWMq73mOEOV/s1600/jul14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuQ_d2nab7zNC6QxSgK7hFnp6nxrSPqFanx5LID8pi2IzKewEeh2p2f4us6J3hLgQPcyu_shCJUyeTtDI9x4Es43XcIL8ZU58SBOFsf0Klc_0Ju-K48M77LUh5EkUfLDUOKWMq73mOEOV/s1600/jul14.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the Ides of March in 44
BCE, an opposing political faction assassinated Julius Caesar on the steps of
the Senate. He was stabbed 23 times. He attempted to get away but he was
blinded by blood, tripped, and fell. His body laid on the steps for three
hours. His last words are remembered as “Et tu, Brute?” (You too Brutus?), but
those are Shakespeare’s words. His actual words were “You too, child?” which is
more prophetic as the final blow came from <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Marcus Brutus</span></b>, who Caesar, and many
historians, believed was his own illegitimate son. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After Caesar’s death,
power flowed to his adopted son, Octavianus, who later took the name Caesar
Augustus. Augustus became the first Emperor of Rome after defeating Mark Antony
in a bloody civil war. It is appropriate that our months of July (named for
Julius Caesar) and August (named form Caesar Augustus) lie next to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-73526191987399140532013-08-16T14:35:00.000-07:002013-08-16T14:35:07.285-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">STOP BY THE
WHITE HOUSE </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">FOR A PIECE
OF CHEESE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Presidential Inaugurations
are a very big deal. The larger audiences seem to accompany Democrats, Bill
Clinton’s attracted 800,000 (1993). Until 2009 the largest crowd to witness an
inauguration was for Lyndon Johnson at 1.2 million. That record was broken by
Barack Obama’s ceremony that drew 1.8 million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>George Bush’s ceremony (2005) drew a paltry 400,000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49cjvwYQtAwxKsxcFyOtxDq5HSeRgdB2TdFo6OGjjw5PtrC42wykDvwm6u9Nz2aj0W0rPdDWeflgje4XXDX8cVaq4egsu0IqCnj8fY_oSt9U7kYSK-MMdrfEy3onRj-8OKb0DSy8a0oM4/s1600/jack6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49cjvwYQtAwxKsxcFyOtxDq5HSeRgdB2TdFo6OGjjw5PtrC42wykDvwm6u9Nz2aj0W0rPdDWeflgje4XXDX8cVaq4egsu0IqCnj8fY_oSt9U7kYSK-MMdrfEy3onRj-8OKb0DSy8a0oM4/s200/jack6.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1829, our seventh and
newest president, Andrew Jackson, left Nashville, Tennessee, for the three week
trip to Washington and his inauguration. Large crowds greeted him at every
stop. He was the first “frontier” president and a favorite among the common
citizen. On March 4th, a crowd of 20,000 assembled outside the East Portico of
the Capitol to view Andrew Jackson taking the oath of office for his first
term. This was a very large crowd for the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6zwYiTMlJJ3ca8blaIPjcBP4Q2XqY_Top3aPvFCIKIJ71JhLk48Pk9VRWyyo9OhorIhJRvSVvuQuV0TUjkC5sMHhrr2gRDlDpZdSz1ZTRVg-RyCc1R3pZAz01dkTgjqIb9pkIZF8FGdv/s1600/jack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6zwYiTMlJJ3ca8blaIPjcBP4Q2XqY_Top3aPvFCIKIJ71JhLk48Pk9VRWyyo9OhorIhJRvSVvuQuV0TUjkC5sMHhrr2gRDlDpZdSz1ZTRVg-RyCc1R3pZAz01dkTgjqIb9pkIZF8FGdv/s1600/jack2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They were excited but
remained well behaved for the most part. The ceremony began about 10:00 am.
Jackson bowed to the crowd to thunderous cheering then began reading his
address. The crowd remained silent so as to hear him. At the conclusion of the
speech, the Chief Justice administered the oath (this order is reversed today).
The people pushed forward over the barriers to get a closer look. The new
President had planned to exit from the opposite side of the building but he had
one more thing to say to the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmPknsCNja5FV7r2jZdYG8sVSBdEChVPHjyTX4glpjy9o3IpCWkKjXFUfGtFDCasrmGIA64eTs7NS3RwacWig0OikajZd7IqxCuTaI2vfUWnztx8MvF4R9ChIZkDF-cqNsQ3hs3D5ArCp/s1600/jack7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmPknsCNja5FV7r2jZdYG8sVSBdEChVPHjyTX4glpjy9o3IpCWkKjXFUfGtFDCasrmGIA64eTs7NS3RwacWig0OikajZd7IqxCuTaI2vfUWnztx8MvF4R9ChIZkDF-cqNsQ3hs3D5ArCp/s200/jack7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now today after an
inauguration ceremony finishes, most people just go on home and the cleanup
crews begin their work. Only a select few are invited to attend the reception.
But President Andrew Jackson had received a large 1,400 lb cheese from an
admirer in New York and he, being a man of the people, invited all 20,000
ceremony attendees over to the White House for a meet and greet, and to have a
bite of the cheese. . . and they all came.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsR7NdyL7_xMuDb5mP67BP3JltOVkxuwtG8UimODxpyImxmAcnzkr4weNbt_2tBhmYJOct6OzvxPATuMQICvc4EiJe7wnb5uCkEi-mKqlQdpwYWLsFL-HiGLDZh0ZPppivKL081rjGLQN/s1600/jack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsR7NdyL7_xMuDb5mP67BP3JltOVkxuwtG8UimODxpyImxmAcnzkr4weNbt_2tBhmYJOct6OzvxPATuMQICvc4EiJe7wnb5uCkEi-mKqlQdpwYWLsFL-HiGLDZh0ZPppivKL081rjGLQN/s1600/jack3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jackson rode a white horse
from the Capitol to the White House followed by most of the 20,000 on foot or
in wagons. Many were poor, wearing homemadeclothes and shoddy shoes. The crowd
included men, women, and children; white and black; farmers and merchants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The crowd was so large
that the President’s guards could not keep it out of the White House proper.
People forced their way into the building in search of food and drink, and to
shake Old Hickory’s hand. The crowd pushed themselves through all the rooms.
Many who got in could not now get out and were followed by still others looking
for the President to congratulate him. When they found him, Jackson was pushed
up and pinned against the wall by well-wishers. Those in the back stood on the
furniture in muddy shoes to get a look at him. Thousands of dollars in glasses
and china were broken by the crush of the crowd. The cheese lasted only for a
few hours with many bits of it ground into the carpet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTDLtsk1Vo0bUN_OPoudQbaZbpyzNnVgMNe2s1rvUWmtsnqt7C5He6h1HxPaJZ9cyWO_w8KTR003aSvVBiNW3GICbrs8GGbmF6rmKl_uBqrVA7ztU6jZTcPMGcxWD52eMqxv3qicI__1G/s1600/jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTDLtsk1Vo0bUN_OPoudQbaZbpyzNnVgMNe2s1rvUWmtsnqt7C5He6h1HxPaJZ9cyWO_w8KTR003aSvVBiNW3GICbrs8GGbmF6rmKl_uBqrVA7ztU6jZTcPMGcxWD52eMqxv3qicI__1G/s1600/jack.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The mass of people
descended into a largely drunken mob; fighting broke out. Ladies fainted. The
White House staff carried buckets of punch and whiskey out onto the front lawn
in an effort to lure the visitors out. Jackson himself had to flee the
situation through a side door and spent the night at a nearby hotel. After some
period of time, things began to settle down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Andrew Jackson, the
“People’s President,” thinking that he had made a simple kind gesture to the
assembled citizens, unintentionally brought on a riot. No good deed goes
unpunished, however, and Jackson received a new nickname - “King Mob.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374293482507144859.post-17137747796348394022013-08-11T14:23:00.000-07:002013-08-11T14:23:00.182-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“COME DOWN FROM THE
MOUNTAINS”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zcQqpq4dWx_fFek6ieggmGwnkpRAsdYQuvwtNYt1tJ0aQsOLacBFHigojsStPZMkPXJoZur_SYZ8vvAOZwIpvdEOzBQsYj8iWt8Y210SA-aoAxQXKvbQ7T1ZmfUoOzlzI7PEWuYnT38z/s1600/jap4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zcQqpq4dWx_fFek6ieggmGwnkpRAsdYQuvwtNYt1tJ0aQsOLacBFHigojsStPZMkPXJoZur_SYZ8vvAOZwIpvdEOzBQsYj8iWt8Y210SA-aoAxQXKvbQ7T1ZmfUoOzlzI7PEWuYnT38z/s200/jap4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When World War II
commenced in the Pacific between the Japanese and the British and Americans,
the Imperial Japanese Army was held in great contempt. Their army had been
struggling for ten years to conquer the Chinese, and victory there was still a
long way off. Since they had experienced so much trouble with the Chinese, they
would be no match for the Allies. One British general remarked, “Don’t you
think our men are worthy of some better enemy that the Japanese?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNmBDcG4M1a-MAHXh83FUzXMaJBFl1mgWBCATo9rtnwfVxtNyAG9FEz1OqDcywuzahSEJByz6q3jnQPJB67n_2rfQM7raXwKuBKL6hJbvYGU0tRfzTUoEMgcFTivKzWEwhsTAZov1oddc/s1600/jap3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNmBDcG4M1a-MAHXh83FUzXMaJBFl1mgWBCATo9rtnwfVxtNyAG9FEz1OqDcywuzahSEJByz6q3jnQPJB67n_2rfQM7raXwKuBKL6hJbvYGU0tRfzTUoEMgcFTivKzWEwhsTAZov1oddc/s1600/jap3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But as actual combat
began, the Japanese proved more than capable. They quickly took possession of
Singapore and Hong Kong. They were brave and tenacious. Their image among the
Allies changed from one of disdain to one of respect as the intensity
increased. The American strategy of island hopping was met at every turn by
Japanese troops who would not give up regardless of the odds. Many Japanese
defenders fought to the very last man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU2GuKUPmm-3n7fNW8_EXBaGCd9T2bBE0C70AeJnvyl4-thjoaWBuNGuXnp8daeUJkJD0jFw8EUQVGgUTSZpi-HkVDkWw9mjjmsAiBEeYYjM48Uh19hvbdPf_dDxXoDz6DYY5iCmLZ1x2/s1600/jap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKU2GuKUPmm-3n7fNW8_EXBaGCd9T2bBE0C70AeJnvyl4-thjoaWBuNGuXnp8daeUJkJD0jFw8EUQVGgUTSZpi-HkVDkWw9mjjmsAiBEeYYjM48Uh19hvbdPf_dDxXoDz6DYY5iCmLZ1x2/s1600/jap.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, in August of
1945, the war ended. It was a blessed relief for all sides. Emperor Hirohito
urged his countrymen “to endure the unendurable and bear the unbearable.” He
never explicitly used the terms “surrender” or “defeat” but simply said that
the “war did not turn in Japan’s favor.” But not all Japanese soldiers laid
down their arms. Tens of thousands remained in China; some fighting for the
Communists and some for the Nationalists. Other smaller groups continued
fighting on Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and in the Philippines through 1948.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are the stories of
the last three Japanese soldiers to be found after World War II ended. All were
holdouts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqtJ267bIyhAcuhgXPyIvJniD-F9Qda4ajXOKBlygSleLGSu1v2eiOoqlJRQ1UzdgPqvCKtACvu2xyhmOFGBafvdBOS3To1EZhkVnHQitBC_TtiFSTzIW0y1sxuWGlHGM9ZGA_m4Fqf2W/s1600/jap9yokai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqtJ267bIyhAcuhgXPyIvJniD-F9Qda4ajXOKBlygSleLGSu1v2eiOoqlJRQ1UzdgPqvCKtACvu2xyhmOFGBafvdBOS3To1EZhkVnHQitBC_TtiFSTzIW0y1sxuWGlHGM9ZGA_m4Fqf2W/s1600/jap9yokai.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;">SHOICHI
YOKAI</span> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">was an apprentice tailor when he was drafted into the
army in 1941. After several assignments, he arrived on Guam in 1943. The
following year, the island was captured by the Americans. Corporal Yokai and
ten other soldiers went into hiding to avoid imprisonment. Eventually the group
broke up and seven of the men moved away. The remaining three decided to
separate also but to stay in the same general locality. They visited each other
up until 1964 when two died during a flood. Shoichi Yokai was left to fend for
himself. For the next eight years he lived alone in a cave. Occasionally Yokai
found Allied leaflets announcing that the war was over, but he refused to
believe them and considered it propaganda. He hunted at night for food and
during daylight he made clothes out of native plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeixCUIBnFsQAiu8Dp9eHC9Ns6zo3mp01GdPHClHHvtXcdUlogYRTgHedDX5r-7FkwOQ4cO0YAXw3ZLMVdwo7xDLLEbVO7bD7F-RuxRrI-zdvSZczV8pwf_n_0OywXG9WowBRv0Cb8hHZk/s1600/jap7yokai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeixCUIBnFsQAiu8Dp9eHC9Ns6zo3mp01GdPHClHHvtXcdUlogYRTgHedDX5r-7FkwOQ4cO0YAXw3ZLMVdwo7xDLLEbVO7bD7F-RuxRrI-zdvSZczV8pwf_n_0OywXG9WowBRv0Cb8hHZk/s1600/jap7yokai.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On January 24, 1972, two
local Guamanian men found Yokai fishing along the banks of the Talofofo River.
He still had his government issued Imperial Army rifle, but he had stopped
fighting years earlier. Believing his life to be in danger, he attacked the two
men. They subdued him and took him to the authorities. When questioned by the
local police, Yokai admitted knowing that the war probably over at least twenty
years earlier but he was too frightened to give himself up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He was repatriated to
Japan and upon arriving said, “It is with much embarrassment, but I have
returned.” He received his back pay totaling $300 and a small pension. Shoichi
Yokai died in 1997. He was buried under a cemetery headstone that his mother
purchased in 1955 - the year that he was originally declared dead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;">TERUO
NAKAMURA</span> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">was born in the Japanese colony of Taiwan. He was
drafted into the Imperial Army in November of 1943 and was stationed on the Indonesian
island of Morotai. When the Allies liberated Morotai in September 1944, Teruo
was listed as missing (which he was) and then declared dead in 1945 (which he
wasn’t). He lived with a group of other Japanese holdouts until the 1950’s. In
1956 he broke away from the group to live on his own. He constructed a small
hut and cultivated a plot of land large enough to feed himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_USjQeemSO7_l-58rQytZ09bzzO3DRLILA72nUxgaaxRWr_9K6l6nSzVKeTvE8Ubo-Sld0bX2NjZPdkG2_HhKE1AL68h_FYcPfaJoNaMs_PwpZMTkFp4TW_MjuM5dqAbnrH5XzmpyNhxr/s1600/jap11nakamura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_USjQeemSO7_l-58rQytZ09bzzO3DRLILA72nUxgaaxRWr_9K6l6nSzVKeTvE8Ubo-Sld0bX2NjZPdkG2_HhKE1AL68h_FYcPfaJoNaMs_PwpZMTkFp4TW_MjuM5dqAbnrH5XzmpyNhxr/s1600/jap11nakamura.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His hut was discovered by
accident by a pilot flying overhead in 1974. The Japanese government requested
help from Indonesia in searching for Nakamura. Spotted again from the air,
local soldiers apprehended him on December 18<sup>th</sup>. At the time of his
capture, he spoke no Japanese or Chinese. He did not want to be taken back to
Japan but instead asked to be returned to Taiwan, the place of his birth.
Concerned over questions about the colonial control over Taiwan years earlier,
the Japanese government agreed to allow him to be repatriated in Taiwan. He
received a sum of $227.59 for his military service of 31 years. Teruo Nakamura
died two years later. He was the last known WWII Japanese holdout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;">HIROO
ONODA</span> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">enlisted in the Imperial Japanese Army in 1942 and was
trained as an intelligence officer and commando. In late 1944, he was assigned
to Lubang Island in the Philippines. His orders were to hamper the enemy
attacks on the island by destroying airstrips and harbor piers. Onoda’s orders
also read that he was, under no circumstances, allowed to surrender or take his
own life. Onoda is pictured below as a young intelligence officer (left) and
after he surrendered decades later (right).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Allied forces landed on
Lubang Island in February 1945 and quickly overpowered the Japanese defenders.
Only Onoda and three others remained alive. He refused to lay down his arms. As
a soldier, he knew it was his duty to obey orders but without any orders to the
contrary, he was to keep on fighting. What singled Onoda out was that he
actually did continue the fight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The four men took to the
island’s hills. To survive in the jungle, Onoda and his men had to be
constantly on the move. They lived off the land and occasionally shot a local
farmer’s cow for meat. Under Onoda’s command, the little team carried out
guerrilla warfare. They engaged in the destruction of supplies, had several
shootouts with the police, and killed about 30 Filipinos in the process. They
saw the leaflets dropped proclaiming that the war was over which read, “The war
ended on August 15. Come down from the mountains.” He concluded that these were
just Allied propaganda. Later some leaflets were actually printed with
surrender orders from the Japanese high command. Onoda decided that they were
not genuine. Attempts to flush them out failed. Humanitarian missions were sent
to Lubang to convince them that the war was in fact over and to appeal to them
to surrender. Even today Onoda insists that they believed the missions were
enemy tricks designed to lower their guard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1950, one of his men,
Private Yuichi Akatsu, surrendered to Philippine authorities. Two years later,
letters and family pictures were dropped from aircraft urging the remaining
three men to surrender. Again they thought it was a trick. In 1954, Corporal
Shoichi Shimada was killed by gunfire by a search party looking for the
guerrilla team. Eighteen years later in 1972, Private Kinshichi Kozuka was
killed by shots fired by local police. Now Onoda was alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XatD3GA5BwaWckvPgnfNLTRSJQyoB0ggjlMG5bPU5duaZh-Fvuoo1Xc6UaFVS8CWk3ijTpYWmdUh13Wtym_YlGoR6Sm5SBQzyn2Che-AqxsMDjEeYoxPKNxlPOBdVeWOFF8Uh5JixkYj/s1600/jap10onoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XatD3GA5BwaWckvPgnfNLTRSJQyoB0ggjlMG5bPU5duaZh-Fvuoo1Xc6UaFVS8CWk3ijTpYWmdUh13Wtym_YlGoR6Sm5SBQzyn2Che-AqxsMDjEeYoxPKNxlPOBdVeWOFF8Uh5JixkYj/s1600/jap10onoda.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On February 20, 1974, a
travelling Japanese college student, Norio Suzuki, found Onoda by accident.
Suzuki asked if the officer would accompany him back to the authorities. He
still refused to surrender and said that he was waiting for orders from a
superior officer. Suzuki returned to Japan with proof of his meeting with
Onoda. Amazingly, the government located Onoda’s WWII commanding officer, Major
Yoshimi Taniguchi, and flew him to Lubang Island. On March 9, 1974, the Major
personally gave the Lieutenant the order that he was relieved of his duty.
Hiroo Onoda had never surrendered. He turned over his sword, his rifle (still
in working order), 500 rounds of ammunition, and several hand grenades; and he
went home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Onoda became an author. He
also opened an educational camp for young people teaching traditional Japanese
values. He even found time to raise cattle in Brazil several months each year.
Onoda also donated money to build a school on Lubang Island. He got married in
1976, and is doing just fine at age 90.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Robert Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11019352115241995311noreply@blogger.com0