Remembering Memorial Day (Guest Post)

Date: May 14, 2013 Author: James Fuller Comments: 4 Replies

Each Memorial Day thousands of Americans take time from their hectic schedules to have a cold one, grill on the barbeque, enjoy friends and family, and launch the beginning of summer. However, many people are not aware of just what Memorial Day is all about and what is behind this holiday.

A few years after the end of the Civil War, a group called the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) felt that there should be recognition to the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. The group created Decoration Day, where they would decorate the headstones of the fallen soldiers of the Civil War with flowers. It was not until after World War I that all veterans, those which had died in service to their country, were included in the Decoration Day ceremonies. Decoration Day continued as the name of this day of remembrance of those until sometime after World War II when it was renamed to Memorial Day as we know it. Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30th until 1968, when the government passed the Uniform Holiday Bill, which set the day of the holiday as the last Monday in the month of May.

For the last forty-five years, we have taken this day and remembered those that have fallen from the days of the Civil War, both World Wars, the conflicts in Asia, and the modern conflicts of today. However, sadly I feel we have forgotten the true meaning of this day. Even as a member of the military I think, sometimes, we are more concerned about our three-day weekend and often forget about those that have fallen. It is not about the time off, but a time to reflect on those that have gone before us.

One experience of mine that I believe puts Memorial Day truly into perspective was a visit to Normandy, France, with my family. I was given the name of the cemetery caretaker by a friend and was told to look him up when I arrived to the cemetery. Upon my arrival to the cemetery, I located the administration building and the man to whom I was told to meet and introduced myself. He seemed elated that I came by and you could tell by the enthusiasm in his voice and his body language that he enjoyed giving my family and me the history of the cemetery and the area around Normandy. After our conversation, he said he had a request of me and my family and asked if we would accompany him to the front of the cemetery as he played Taps over the loud speakers.

I was honored that he asked this of us. We followed him to the front of the cemetery, however, were not ready for the flood of emotion that was about to occur. We had never visited Normandy so this was the first time we had gazed upon the awe-inspiring site of those that had given the ultimate sacrifice. I have to say, in my career, this is the most surreal event I’ve experienced in my twenty-three years of service. The cold wind whipped at our faces from the English Channel, the notes of taps began to play, and my family and I observed the sea of marble crosses. My mind began to meditate on those that lay before me who had not returned home from the shores where I stood, at attention and saluting. As I looked at my family, I could see that my young son and daughter had placed their hand over their heart, since in their minds when dad saluted this was what they were supposed to do, and tears were running down my wife’s cheek. It was at this point in my life I finally understood the quote “All Gave Some, But Some Gave All”.

Normandy American Cemetery

The song ended and the caretaker asked me to hold on, he wanted to retrieve something for me. As he returned, he had in his hand, an American and French flag. He handed the flags to me and told me that they are normally reserved for distinguished visitors and family members of the fallen; however, he wanted me to have them to remember our trip to Normandy. We exchanged farewells and continued with our tour of the cemetery. I will never forget that day at Normandy. Today those flags continue to travel with my family and I from assignment to assignment in the Air Force. I will always have a deep respect for my brothers and sisters who have lost their lives for freedom when Memorial Day comes around.

Finally, As you go out and enjoy the festivities of this Memorial Day weekend, remember that it is more than just a summer day celebration, but a day to commemorate and remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice to this country that we call home. If you are interested in more history about Memorial Day, check out the links below!

United States Department of Veterans Affairs – Memorial Day History

TimeandDate.com – Memorial Day in United States

The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb: A Leader’s Triumph or Epic Failure (Guest Post)

Date: May 7, 2013 Author: James Fuller Comments: 8 Replies

Technology has allowed for the furtherance of warfare, from the invention of gunpowder to the splitting of the atom, these findings have propelled the leaps of numerous nations in their ability to wage war against each other. Of these discoveries, the splitting of the atom spawned an invention that hurled the world from conventional warfare into the nuclear age. These ideals were the brainstorming of some of the greatest minds in America and abroad. Scientists began to formulate the creation of the atomic bomb, a device that changed the world in ways never imagined before. The birth of the nuclear age gave opportunity to lead from the front in regards to a unique type of warfare. Whereas the number of soldiers on the battlefield often determined the victor, this new technology would render that factor useless. The United States had now taken this knowledge and produced the world’s first atomic bomb. President Harry S. Truman had taken over after the death of President Roosevelt–who was not privileged to the new power America had in her grasp–and how to use this technology in war was now his decision.

President Harry Truman

Notwithstanding, the world changed the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, evoking a cataclysmic spiral in the morals and methods of how warfare would be carried out. Those in powerful positions felt they were omnipotent like God; however, in reality, they were as small and insignificant as those they preyed upon. No one will ever be able to go back in time and undo what was done to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The option not to drop the bomb was made available to the leaders of America and her Allies. Nevertheless, history shows these options were either ignored or not given time to fully develop. This alone shows the citizens of the United States, and the world, what could have been formulated to save Japan from the nuclear horror unleashed that fateful day in 1945.

It has often been asked, “What was behind the dropping of the atomic bomb?” Was it greed with nations being captured, or bringing others under the regime of another? Alternatively, was it a precise move in which the execution was needed to highlight the country which possessed this power? It may never be known why President Truman gave the green light on a technology–one which he was well aware would cause death and devastation far beyond what the world had ever seen on the battlefield. It is well documented that President Truman did not act on a hunch or without advice from many within the both the American government and those who fully understood the capabilities of this weapon. Truman’s inner council was made up of high-level government officials including the Secretary of State, Secretary of War, Asst. Secretary of War, Secretary of the Navy, Admiral William D. Leahy, General George C. Marshall, and all the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With this conglomerate of mentors, Truman sought the truth as well as the consequences with the decision to press ahead with this operation.

In a memorandum to President Truman from Secretary of War Henry Stimson, in an eye-opening statement, said, “Within four months we shall in all probability have completed the most terrible weapon ever known in human history, one bomb which could destroy a whole city.” Did Truman not have a heart, knowing those who would be caught up in the collateral damage of war would be non-combatants? Is it adventitious to think Truman would have entertained other venues of peace with the delivery of such a statement? Not only did Secretary Stimson think the proposed dropping of the bomb was not within the moral arena of thought, others too voiced their opinions on the subject to the President. General Leslie Groves, Secretary of the Army, painted a bleak picture predicting a desolate civilization to Truman in a statement he made: “Atomic energy if controlled by the major peace-loving nations should ensure the peace of the world for decades to come. If misused it can lead our civilization to annihilation.” In Groves’ eyes this new technology, if put in the wrong hands, could spell disaster not only in America, but also in other peaceable countries around the world. (Groves was indeed a visionary of his time.) Even in today’s world, nuclear power has risen to such levels that the world is on constant alert for rogue nations attempting to start World War III, using these same nuclear ideals from the 1930s. Is it possible Truman completely ignored the advice of those men in pursuit of his own personal agenda, or was he formulating a plan that goes even deeper than has yet been brought to surface?

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb

In addition, advice given to Truman not only came from leadership within the American government, but from the scientific community which had an exhaustive understanding of not only the power of the atomic bomb but also what would put and indelible mark on Japan’s history. Arthur H. Compton, a well-known physicist, urged the Secretary of War against the use of the bomb. Compton wrote less than three months before “Little Boy” was dropped from the Enola Gay: “Nevertheless, the importance of the problem considered and the weight of the arguments presented for never permitting the bombs to be used in war, are such that I have considered it wise to bring the memorandum immediately to your attention.” Here again Truman is given the opportunity to reevaluate his decision to drop the bomb. The question now is: “What were his motives?” Truman was given numerous opportunities to look at other options, but it is clear to the world, he went forward with his decision and destroyed two cities within Japan’s borders.

From Isolation to Integration: A History of Mexico (Guest Post)

Date: May 4, 2013 Author: Guest Post Comments: Leave a reply

From Isolation to Integration: A History of Mexico

Until the Spanish invasion of 1519, the region that is now Mexico was largely isolated from much of the rest of the globe. The area was part of Mesoamerica, a geographic region populated by multiple indigenous peoples who shared similar cultural traits. Mesoamerica extended from Mexico down into Central America. Over the centuries, the land that became Mexico had been home to a variety of civilizations and cultures including the Maya, Olmec, Toltec, Aztec, Zapotec, and Mixtec. While this area had evolved without any influence from outside the Americas, much of the rest of the world had already become tightly connected by trade routes and colonization into a complex political and economic system.

Spanish Conquest

When Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes first stepped foot on the Yucatan Peninsula in 1519, it was the beginning of the end for the region’s existing way of life. The Spanish quickly recognized the economic value the area could bring, and began an effort to conquer and control an ever-expanding amount of North America and Central America. Within a few years they had conquered much of the Aztec Empire. They claimed the territory as part of New Spain.

Under Spanish rule, the resources and people of New Spain were used for the economic benefit of Spain. A class system developed, with the status, property, and wealth residing primarily with the Spanish and not the native peoples. Over time, two other groups developed: the Mestizos, those of mixed Spanish and indigenous descent, and the Creoles, those of Spanish descent born in New Spain.

Mexican Independence

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

Following in the footsteps of the French and American Revolutions of the late 18^th century, and fueled by the class structure inequities, the independence movement in Mexico gained momentum. In 1810 Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest, declared independence from the Spain and led an uprising. Though Hidalgo was killed less than a year later, the fight for independence continued.

Ironically, Mexico gained independence from Spain not just through a republican revolution but through political maneuvering by those who held power in New Spain and did not want to lose it. Fearing that some recent political changes in Spain would disrupt their way of life, some conservative factions joined forces with one of the leaders of the rebellion and agreed on a plan for Mexican independence. Spain agreed to the terms, and in 1821 Mexico gained its independence.

The years after Mexican independence were very chaotic. From 1821 to 1876, dozens of different governments and factions ruled Mexico. The country was ruled by a frequently changing mix of dictatorships, monarchies, and republics. Most of the governments supported the class system and helped ensure elite dominance over the lower classes and indigenous peoples.

Mexican-American War

While Mexico struggled to establish itself as an independent country, the growth of its neighbor to the north threatened its northern territory. In 1836, Texas successfully won independence from Mexico after defeating the army of Mexican general Santa Anna. Territorial tensions rose between Mexico and the United Stated, fueled by the 1845 annexation of Texas by the United States, the U.S.’s desire to acquire California and New Mexico, and military presence in disputed Mexico-Texas borderlands. This led to the Mexican-American War, which started in 1846 and ended in 1848.As a result of the war Mexico lost two-fifths of its territory to the United States, including large areas of the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Colorado.

Mexico Today

Today Mexico is a federal republic composed of 31 states and the Federal District. It is governed under a constitution first established in 1917, as part of the Mexican Revolution which occurred partly in response to continued class inequities. Far from its isolated past, Mexico is now inextricably tied into the global economy. It has a gross domestic product of (GDP) of over $1.7 trillion, giving it the 12^th largest GDP in the world. Major economic sectors include manufacturing, tourism, and petroleum. Mexico benefits from being a member of over 50 free trade agreements, which cover over 90% of its total trade.

Nancy Buchanan is the Head Librarian at Questia, where you can find additional resources on Mexican history.

Preserving Historic Signs – Why it Matters? (Guest Post)

Date: April 30, 2013 Author: Guest Post Comments: Leave a reply

Preserving Historic Signs – Why it Matters?

Iconic signs can become as valuable in terms of historic value as the buildings to which they are attached. Contributing to our knowledge and understanding of the past, they also add to the character of the buildings and the areas in which they are located. When you see a photo of an iconic sign you immediately understand what it represents. A good example of this is the famous London Underground sign or the Broadway sign in New York. Throughout history, many signs have been lost or damaged by weathering and ageing. Legislation in 1762 in London decreed that hanging signs were a safety hazard and the majority were removed. Apart from those that remained over public houses, this type of sign suddenly disappeared and few examples are left today.

Preservation

The preserving of historic signs and graphics has always presented many challenges. If the sign was painted on the wall of a building it would be at the mercy of the future of the building, whether it was going to be renovated or pulled down for example. The development of the area might lead to it being hidden or covered up. Then there are aesthetic challenges to the area in terms of planning and development of the district versus the preservation and conservation of the character of the town or city. Over the years an important record of trade and industry has disappeared and examples of ancient signs are only available in illustrations. Today, all over the world, the historic importance of iconic signs is understood and greater attention is paid to preserving them.

Signs that may be significant are those that reflect the history of the area in which they are located and those that indicate the history and function of a building’s former use. Signs and images that relate to events, places or famous figures with historic value would also need to be preserved. Not forgetting those signs that reflect a specific craft or technique related to a period in time when it was popular such as gold leafing or neon.

A Constant Eye

Historic signs need to be constantly watched and regular maintenance undertaken to aid their preservation. Regular inspections for signs of damage and deterioration are necessary as well as regular cleaning to prevent a build up of debris that will speed up the decay of the materials, lettering or images on the sign. For signs that require a particular craft, skill or knowledge to maintain them then expert craftsmen with skills such as gold leafing or enameling would have to be hired. If there is no preservation order on the building or sign and the new owners find they are not in the position to continue with the upkeep of the sign, it should be donated to a local museum in order to preserve its historic value for future generations.

Bio – Written by Karen James, prolific writer for business and marketing sectors including sign manufacturer Borney UK.

The History of Poker in Six Essential Moments (Guest Post)

Date: April 24, 2013 Author: Guest Post Comments: Leave a reply

The game of poker is one that’s ever evolving, and many players today only know the history of the game dating back about a decade or so. Poker is a much more storied game than just what you’ve seen on TV in the last few years, though, and today we boil that down to six key moments that help define poker’s history. The history of poker…no bluff.

Playing card from the Tang Dynasty

1) Playing Cards Invented in China

It’s believed that the Chinese first invented playing cards sometime during the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 AD to 907 AD. In 868 AD it was documented that the daughter of Emperor Yizong of Tang played a game known as a “leaf” game. Playing cards would start to spread throughout the world with cards entering Europe sometime in the 14th century and still continuing their spread across the world today.

2) Birth of Poker

There are differing views as to the origins of poker. Many think that the game originated in China during the Tang Dynasty as well and is a variant of “domino cards,” a game that was played with painted dominoes. Poker as it is commonly known, with a standard deck of playing cards, is believed to have originated in 15^th-century France from the game Poque, and soon spread across the ocean to Canada and then the United States. By the start of the 18th century, the game became wildly popular among French settlers in what would later become New Orleans.

3) Standard Rule Books for Card Games Emerge

In the early to mid 1700s, Edmond Hoyle began publishing a series of books on various card games. While he did not write a book on the game of poker he is the first to be classified as an expert on card games. He was also inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979 for his lifetime contribution to gaming. The Hoyle brand continues to this day and is still known as an authority in card gaming, including poker.

4) Birth of Texas Hold’em

While not the only form of poker played in the world, Texas Hold’em is easily the most popular form of the game. Not a lot is known about the early days of the game but the game is said to have started in Robstown, TX, in the early 1900s. Since the game involved more betting rounds, it allowed for more strategic play and the game took off in Texas. The game was introduced to Las Vegas, in 1967, by Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, and Crandell Addington.

Lester Ben “Benny” Binion (1969)

5) World Series of Poker Created

In 1969, Tom Moore of the Holiday Hotel and Casino in Reno, NV, held an invitational poker event known as the “Texas Gambling Reunion.” Benny Binion saw the event and devised a way to bring together the top players in the world and draw publicity for his casino. As such, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) was born.

The first WSOP was held in 1970 and Binion invited seven of the world’s best poker players to take part in a series of cash games. Those who played were Doyle Brunson, “Amarillo Slim” Preston, Johnny Moss, Puggy Pearson, Sailor Roberts, Carl Cannon and Crandell Addington.

At the end of the event players took a vote to determine the overall World Champion of Poker. Johnny Moss was eventually voted as the best player and was crowned the first World Champion of Poker.

Moss was given a silver cup for his title. The format was changed slightly in 1971 with freeze-out tournaments (last player with all the chips wins) introduced and a freeze-out tournament now known as the Main Event determined the World Champion.

Numerous changes have occurred to the WSOP since that time. In 1976, gold bracelets have been awarded to individual winners and the number of both events and participants has increased dramatically. The 2012 WSOP had 61 bracelet events and the Main Event drew 6,598 entrants.

The WSOP has also now expanded to host events in both France and Australia. A “minor-league” system has also been implemented known as the World Series of Poker Circuit with stops all around the United States as well as a stop in Africa. The WSOP is now the largest poker event in the world and the gold standard by which poker players are measured.

6) Tennessee Accountant Chris Moneymaker Wins 2003 WSOP Main Event

Unknown amateur player Chris Moneymaker won his way into the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event via a $39 satellite tournament on PokerStars.com.

Moneymaker was considered to be just another “dead money” player, like so many others who have won their seat into the Main Event in the past. In fact, the only reason he received any attention whatsoever early on in the event was due to his last name.

As the event continued, Moneymaker surprised everyone by making the final table, and continued his stellar play as he reached heads-up play with the very experienced Sammy Farha.

A well-executed bluff against Farha at a pivotal moment of heads-up play turned the momentum of the match into Moneymaker’s favor and eventually he would win the event when his 5d-4s out-flopped the Jh-10d of Farha.

Moneymaker’s $2.5 million win was not just an impressive feat for an amateur but it was also inspiration for amateur players around the world. Millions took to online poker as a way to improve their skills and the “Poker Boom” began.

Moneymaker’s win spawned thousands of new events and led to monumental growth at the WSOP and in poker in general. Many of the events played today as well as many of those working in the poker industry can thank Chris Moneymaker for bringing about the current era of the game.

To learn more about Poker visit Pokerlistings.

Chris Moneymaker making poker history!

Hankering for History

Hanker: (verb) To have a strong, often restless desire, in this case for–you guessed it–History!

Guest Post