Joshua L. Chamberlain in the American Civil War

Joshua L. Chamberlain in the American Civil War Birth Early Life: Born in Brewer, ME on September 8, 1828, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was the son of Joshua Chamberlain and Sarah Dupee Brastow. The oldest of five children, his father desired that he pursue a career in the military while his mother encouraged him to become a preacher. A gifted student, he taught himself Greek and Latin in order to attend Bowdoin College in 1848. While at Bowdoin he met Harriet Beecher Stowe, the wife of Professor Calvin Ellis Stowe, and listened to readings of what would become Uncle Toms Cabin. After graduating in 1852, Chamberlain studied for three years at the Bangor Theological Seminary before returning to Bowdoin to teach. Serving as a professor of rhetoric, Chamberlain taught every subject with the exception of science and math. Personal Life: In 1855, Chamberlain married Frances (Fanny) Caroline Adams (1825-1905). The daughter of local clergyman, Fanny had five children with Chamberlain three of which died in infancy and two, Grace and Harold, which survived to adulthood. Following the end of the Civil War, the Chamberlains relationship became increasingly strained as Joshua had difficulty readjusting to civilian life. This was exacerbated by his election as Governor of Maine in 1866 which necessitated him being away from home for long periods.   Despite these problems, the two reconciled and remained together until her death in 1905. As Fanny aged, her sight deteriorated, leading Chamberlain to become a founding member of the Maine Institution of the Blind in 1905. Entering the Army: With the beginning of the Civil War, Chamberlain, whose forefathers had served in the American Revolution and War of 1812, sought to enlist. He was prevented from doing so by the administration at Bowdoin who stated he was too valuable to lose. In 1862, Chamberlain requested and was granted a leave of absence to study languages in Europe. Departing Bowdoin, he quickly volunteered his services to the governor of Maine, Israel Washburn, Jr. Offered command of the 20th Maine Infantry, Chamberlain declined stating he wished to learn the trade first and instead became the regiments lieutenant colonel on August 8, 1862. He was joined in the 20th Maine by his younger brother, Thomas D. Chamberlain. Serving under Colonel Adelbert Ames, Chamberlain and the 20th Maine mustered in on August 20, 1862. Assigned to the 1st Division (Major General George W. Morell), V Corps (Major General Fitz John Porter) of Major General George B. McClellans Army of the Potomac, the 20th Maine served at the Antietam, but was held in reserve and did not see action. Later that fall, the regiment was part of the attack on Maryes Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Though the regiment suffered relatively light casualties, Chamberlain was forced to spend the night on the cold battlefield using corpses for protection against Confederate fire. Escaping, the regiment missed the fight at Chancellorsville the following May due to a smallpox outbreak. As a result, they were posted to guard duty in the rear. Gettysburg: Shortly after Chancellorsville, Ames was promoted brigade command in Major General Oliver O. Howards XI Corps, and Chamberlain ascended to command of the 20th Maine. On July 2, 1863, the regiment entered action at Gettysburg. Assigned to hold Little Round Top on the extreme left of the Union line, the 20th Maine was tasked with ensuring the Army of the Potomacs position was not flanked. Late in the afternoon, Chamberlains men came under attack from Colonel William C. Oates 15th Alabama. Repelling multiple Confederate assaults, he continued to extend and refuse (bend back) his line to prevent the Alabamans from turning his flank.   With his line nearly bent back upon itself and his men running low on ammunition, Chamberlain boldly ordered a bayonet charge which routed and captured many of the Confederates. Chamberlains heroic defense of the hill earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor and the regiment everlasting fame. Overland Campaign Petersburg: Following Gettysburg, Chamberlain assumed command of the 20th Maines brigade and led this force during the Bristoe Campaign that fall.   Falling ill with malaria, he was suspended from duty in November and sent home to recover. Returning to the Army of the Potomac in April 1864, Chamberlain was promoted to back brigade command in June after the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, and Cold Harbor. On June 18, while leading his men during an attack on Petersburg, he was shot through the right hip and groin. Supporting himself on his sword, he encouraged his men on before collapsing. Believing the wound to be fatal, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant promoted Chamberlain to brigadier general as a final act. Over the following weeks, Chamberlain clung to life and managed to recover from his wounds after undergoing an operation by the 20th Maines surgeon, Dr. Abner Shaw, and Dr. Morris W. Townsend of the 44th New York. Returning to duty in November 1864, Chamberlain served for the remainder of the war. On March 29, 1865, his brigade led the Union attack at the Battle of Lewis Farm outside Petersburg. Wounded again, Chamberlain was brevetted to major general for his gallantry. On April 9, Chamberlain was alerted to the Confederates desire to surrender. The next day he was told by V Corps commander Major General Charles Griffin that of all the officers in the Union army, he had been selected to receive the Confederate surrender. On April 12, Chamberlain presided over the ceremony and ordered his men to attention and carry arms as a sign of respect for their vanquished foe. Postwar Career: Leaving the army, Chamberlain returned home to Maine and served as the states governor for four years. Stepping down in 1871, he was appointed to the presidency of Bowdoin. Over the next twelve years he revolutionized the schools curriculum and updated its facilities. Forced to retire in 1883, due to aggravation of his war wounds, Chamberlain remained active in public life, the Grand Army of the Republic, and in planning events for veterans. In 1898, he volunteered for service in the Spanish-American War and was bitterly disappointed when his request was turned down. On February 24, 1914, the Lion of Little Round Top died at the age of 85 in Portland, ME. His death was largely the result of complications of his wounds, making him the last Civil War veteran to die from wounds received in battle.

Tips on Identifying two common magnolias

Tips on Identifying two common magnolias The magnolia tree is a large genus of about 220 flowering plant species worldwide. Nine species are native to the United States and Canada and  the  tree commonly refers to trees of the genus Magnolia  that are a part of  the magnolia family  Magnoliaceae.  It is interesting to note that the tulip tree or yellow poplar is in the same family but in a  different genus called Liriodendron and I deal with it separately. ID Tips: The major identification markers of North American  magnolia during the spring/early summer growing season are big aromatic flowers with many parts including showy petals and sepals. Their leaves are alternate  in arrangement but can appear whorled at the branch tips. They tend to be large and often floppy with rolling to waving  edges The fruit of the magnolia is also a great way to identify the tree as it is relatively large and unique in shape.  Magnolias have large  seed pods that look like cones, which are unique when compared to most hardwood tree species. Depending on the species, the upright  cone will expand exposing  red berries which are a favorite food for wildlife.   Cucumber Tree Vs. Southern Magnolia The Southern magnolia is defined by its name - this magnolia lives in the deep part of the southeastern United States. Arthur Plotnik in his Urban Tree Book describes it as the anointed one and a pompous evergreen tree that perfumes the southern United States in early summer and planted in warm climates all over the world. It is the Louisiana state flower and Mississippis state tree. The cucumber tree and saucer magnolia are magnolias enjoyed by the northern states and Canada. The stately cucumber tree is the only magnolia that reaches Canada and is common in the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. Leaves: alternate, simple, persistent or deciduous, unlobedTwigs: aromatic,  bundle scars  conspicuous.Fruit: a conelike aggregate of seed.    The Common North American Magnolias Cucumber tree Southern magnolia    The Most Common North American Hardwood List ash  - Genus  Fraxinus  beech  - Genus  Fagus  basswood  - Genus Tilia  birch  - Genus  Betula  black cherry  Ã‚  - Genus  Prunus  black walnut/butternut  - Genus  Juglans  cottonwood  Ã‚  - Genus  Populus  elm  Ã‚  - Genus   Ulmus  hackberry  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Celtis  hickory  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Carya  holly  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  IIex  locust  - Genus  Robinia  and  Gleditsia  magnolia  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Magnolia  maple  - Genus  Acer  oak  - Genus  Quercus  poplar  Ã‚  - Genus  Populus  red alder  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Alnus  royal paulownia  Ã‚  - Genus  Paulownia  sassafras  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Sassafras  sweetgum  - Genus  Liquidambar  sycamore  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Platanus  tupelo  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Nyssa  willow  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Salix  yellow-poplar  - Genus  Liriodendron

Computer Software Taxation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Computer Software Taxation - Essay Example As a preliminary matter, it must be noted that attempts to tax computer software have long been particularly troublesome. How a taxing authority decides to classify sales transactions involving computer software determines whether it will be subjected to sales/use tax or treated as exempt. It is here that, in attempting to classify computer software, a number of state authorities and judicial bodies have struggled to forge a uniform approach. Uniformity and consistency, to be certain, have proven elusive ideals. This essay will examine the sales/use tax implications for transfers of computer software, particularly to the electronic delivery of computer software, in an effort to demonstrate how more consistency and uniformity might be brought to the issue. In order to understand how electronic delivery has become an interesting issue, however, it is first important to understand how and why the electronic delivery of computer software has become a viable option for avoiding the imposition of sales tax in some jurisdictions. States began to implement sales/use tax schemes beginning in the 1930s in an effort to raise revenues (Morse, 1997). These taxes were levied on retail sales made within the states, they developed into a primary source of revenue for the states, and the mobility of the internet and computer software has since then made many states quite eager to apply their sales taxes to this burgeoning area of commerce. A sales tax is designed to impose an excise tax for retail transactions within a state whereas the use tax is designed to impose an excise tax for goods purchased outside of a state but subsequently used or maintained within the state. The taxes in this way are complementary. That states became extraordinarily interested in imposing sales taxes on an emerging industry is hardly surprising. What is surprising, on the other hand, is the tremendous conflict generated by attempts to tax transactions involving computer software. Legislation and regulations were rushed through; frequent m odifications were required because the implications of certain policies, both legally and economically, were not well-considered in advance. In many respects, the relationship between sales taxes and sales of computer software has been messy at best, and nearly incomprehensible at times. In Ohio, a sales tax was enacted in 1934. As noted by a leading tax practitioner, When Ohio sales tax was first imposed, and for many years thereafter, the taxes applied to all sales of tangible personal property unless otherwise exempt. This prompted many disputes over the nature of the transaction: tangible personal property, real property or a service. The latter two were not listed as potentially taxable sales. Historically, the exclusion from personal, professional and insurance services has been provided in R.C. 5739.01(B) (last para.). Judicial tests developed to help taxpayers make meaningful distinctions among the various types of transactions (tangible personal property vs. real property vs. services) for sales tax purposes (Ehler, 2007: 1). Nearly every state,

Of all the data about global warming and climate change that you have Essay

Of all the data about global warming and climate change that you have encountered, what concerns you the most - Essay Example There is also the disappearance of coral reefs because of the increased temperatures and ocean acidification. Lastly, global warming cause migration and conflicts whereby people are displaced due to lack of water or severe flooding, later, this migration leads to conflicts and war over the scarce resources such as water. These effects of climate change and global warming worries I most since the planet will be in danger of natural disasters such as flooding, food shortages, coastal flooding storms and dry periods if global warming is not reduced. The other concern that I have concerning global warming and climate change is the various suggested ways that individuals and organizations can use to reduce global warming and climate change. These may include reducing carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal, oil, gasoline and other fossil fuels in power stations, people embracing reusable packages instead of disposable ones. Furthermore, individuals can embrace efficient use of energy by using methods such as defrosting fridges and freezers regularly. However, despite peoples’ knowledge of these and other means of reducing effects global warming and climate change, the phenomenon is worsening. In conclusion, am ever concerned as it appears as though global warming and climate change dilemma will only be tackled only after the world suffers its effect to a great

Artificial Intelligence: Where does it fit? Essay -- Technology Artifi

Artificial Intelligence: Where does it fit? Machines in the future will not be able to differentiate between man and machine, and neither will humans; except that machines will be active: working, learning, developing new technology. Humans on the other hand, have no choice but to watch from our glass boxes because machines have become so advanced and we would only interfere. Maybe the future won’t look exactly like that, but truthfully, computers will reach human intelligence someday. They have already surpassed our calculation abilities and our speed of processing information. But we can still hold on to our intelligence for now. Artificial intelligence, the science and engineering of making intelligent machines through intelligent programs, is not just about modeling human behavior. It’s more about making life easier and better by developing new tools with advanced capabilities. Artificial intelligence, like technology, advances rapidly as time moves on. It needs to be worked on before considered satisfactory, let alone perfect. Computers have many similarities to humans like neural impulses to digital technology or being programmed to function in a certain manner. A computer is given commands and specific outputs for corresponding commands. Humans are taught to act or not act in specific ways. We have automatic responses such as fear, hunger, and happiness. We’ve been programmed to react differently to various stimulants. Great progress has been made by developers of artificial intelligence, but there remain large gaps between humans and machines. Physically, humans have bodies with senses. Machines could have bodies— like robots—but they are still unable to sense the physical world and react to it. H... ... If computers overtake the workplace, professionals sacrifice their dignity: there will no longer be an emphasis on skill level because the computer makes the decisions. Mistakes would be inexcusable, although humans are not flawless. Humans would not be credited for achievements because computers will have done all the computation, planning and presentation. The value of a human life will decrease as the computer climbs the corporate ladder. If humans continue to do what we do best, look out for ourselves. We’ll realize that artificial intelligence should be made to supplement humans, not to replace them. We should not rely on computers as much as we rely on our instincts and judgments. If we allow machines without bodies and without minds to take over our world, what would our purpose be? Would we have existed just to bring artificial intelligence about?

“Monsters” by Anna Quindlen Essay

Summary: â€Å"Monsters† by Anna Quindlen conveys through the extended metaphor, the simplistic nature of life; beginning with the intricate imagination during childhood which transcends into an individual coming to terms with reality as adulthood is embarked upon. The short story exemplifies the innocence of children who comprise of obsolete and unripe knowledge, demanding answers from their parents to fill the gaps in their thoughts and outlook. However the author portrays the dramatic imagination of a child accentuating the naivety of young, a symbol of childhood, which is further developed on processes of self-realization. The author entails this ideology by illustrating to the audience how she denies the fact that there are no ‘monsters under her child’s bed’, and continues to explore through the text the different metaphorical representations of â€Å"monsters† in our lives, which vary from major aspects such as creditors chasing an individual for money, or even something as petty as the failure of teenage love. The over-arching notion is that some things need to be learnt on ones’ independence as the individual embarks on processes of self-realization, shaping their beliefs and attitudes. Writing Prompt: Write an essay of 500-700 words in which you describe something you had to learn on your own, because it couldn’t or shouldn’t have been taught to you by someone else. Explain why the situation had to occur that way and its significance in defining something about yourself. Though one can say that your personal and societal context can influence the person you become, there is always a phase in life, in which an individual embarks on processes of inner progression, enabling one to understand the true being they have become despite their surroundings. In this stance, religion in my personal context was a major component in life, as my parents had enforced it upon me at a young age, expecting me to adhere to the religion of their choice, Jainism. However, after my family had migrated from India to a foreign society, which comprised of beliefs that were predominantly embedded with Christian roots, there was complexities in the  ways I tried maneuvering my religious beliefs to suit those of the Christian society. At first, it was an act of assimilation as I was embarrassed of Jainism and wanted to be like every other child in school, further encouraging me to neglect those religious values imposed by my parents, as I adopted the ways of the new religion a t my interest. I did not want to be a Jain, but only a pure Christian. It was one night, which changed my life, and my outlook on religion. It was the time of â€Å"Diwali† a Jain festival, where all my family and friends had gathered to celebrate the auspicious event. However, I refused to join with my ignorant and disrespectful attitude due to my belief of being a Christian. The ongoing celebrations, the youthful atmosphere, the joyful laughter, the harmonious chanting and the colorful sights had enticed my attention towards the Jain proceedings. I began to wonder, am I obliged to Christianity or am I obliged to Jainism? That very same night after undertaking processes of critical thinking and self-realization, I realized I was never obliged to any religion, I am allowed to be a Jain and still enjoy Christian rituals, or I am allowed to be a Christian and enjoy Jain festivals. The very simplistic nature of religion is that, no one forces you to be part of a certain religion; you can follow what you like at any point of your life. This opened my eyes, as religion, which had been a major component of life, suddenly was replaced with the notion of spirituality, which enabled me to connect with beings with similar interests around the sphere, without the need of following a religion. Indeed religion can be something that influences you based on your surroundings, however spirituality is a feeling and connection you develop with an object or a person who you may believe to be superior and satisfies your spiritual needs. It is a connection, which cannot be taught or influenced by anyone, because it is the bond you create with the inner centre of your mind and soul. Moreover, spirituality is not necessarily an object, it cannot be seen or touched, it is felt and embraced upon, and cannot be taught as it varies from person to person. It is embedded within a process of self-development, and spirituality seen by one person, but may not be seen by another. The situation had to occur this way due to the need of embarking on inner journeys in which would shape my identity and enable me to understand who I really was. The false assumptions I had about religion were cleared through this act and it opened up new pathways for me to continue my exploration in findings different beliefs, morals and culture that interests me. In relation to this, I as a person have changed from this experience, as I value every religion, respect every belief and enjoy the richness offered through the diversity of cultures evident in our world. Today, I am neither a Christian nor a Jain, but someone who follows the spiritualistic art of meditation, as this art form enables me to connect with superior beings beyond earth and my control. This process of self-realization has changed me into a compassionate and culturally tolerant person.

Marilyn Monroe Sings Happy Birthday to JFK

On May 19, 1962, actress Marilyn Monroe sang â€Å"Happy Birthday† to U.S. President John F. Kennedy during an event celebrating JFK’s 45th birthday at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Monroe, wearing a skin-tight dress covered in rhinestones, sang the ordinary birthday song in such a sultry, provocative manner that it made headlines and became an iconic moment of the 20th century. Marilyn Monroe Is â€Å"Late† Marilyn Monroe had been working on the movie Something’s Got to Give in Hollywood when she took a plane to New York to participate in President John F. Kennedy’s birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Things had not been going well on the set, mostly because Monroe had been frequently absent. Despite her recent illnesses and trouble with alcohol, Monroe was determined to make a grand performance for JFK. The birthday event was a Democratic Party fundraiser and included many famous names of the time, including Ella Fitzgerald, Jack Benny, and Peggy Lee. Rat Pack member (and JFK’s brother in law) Peter Lawford was the master of ceremonies and he made Monroe’s famous lateness a running joke throughout the event. Several times, Lawford would introduce Monroe and the spotlight would search the back of the stage for her, but Monroe would not step out. This had been planned, for Monroe was to be the finale. Finally, the end of the show was near and still, Lawford was making jokes about Monroe not appearing on time. Lawford stated, â€Å"On the occasion of your birthday, the lovely lady who is not only pulchritudinous [breathtakingly beautiful] but punctual. Mr. President, Marilyn Monroe!† Still no Monroe. Lawford pretended to stall, continuing, â€Å"Ahem. A woman about whom, it truly may be said, she needs no introduction. Let me just say†¦here she is!† Again, no Monroe. This time, Lawford offered what seemed to be an impromptu introduction, â€Å"But I’ll give her an introduction anyway. Mr. President, because in the history of show business, perhaps there has been no one female who has meant so much, who has done more†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Mid-introduction, the spotlight had found Monroe at the back of the stage, walking up some steps. The audience cheered and Lawford turned around. In her skin-tight dress, it was hard for Monroe to walk, so she scampered across the stage on her tiptoes. When she reaches the podium, she rearranges her white mink jacket, pulling it close to her chest. Lawford put his arm around her and offered one last joke, â€Å"Mr. President, the late Marilyn Monroe.† Monroe Sings â€Å"Happy Birthday† Before exiting the stage, Lawford helped Monroe remove her jacket and the audience was given their first full glimpse of Monroe in her nude-colored, skin-tight, sparkly dress. The huge crowd, stunned but excited, cheered loudly. Monroe waited for the cheering to die down, then placed one hand on the microphone stand and started singing. Happy birthday to youHappy birthday to youHappy birthday, Mr. PresidentHappy birthday to you By all accounts, the usually somewhat boring â€Å"Happy Birthday† song had been sung in a very provocative way. The whole rendition seemed even more intimate because there had been rumors that Monroe and JFK had been having an affair. Plus the fact that Jackie Kennedy was not present at the event made the song seem even more suggestive. Then She Sang Another Song What many people don’t realize is that Monroe then continued with another song. She sang, Thanks, Mr. PresidentFor all the things you’ve done,The battles that you’ve wonThe way you deal with U.S. SteelAnd our problems by the tonWe thank you so much Then she threw her arms open and yelled, â€Å"Everybody! Happy birthday!† Monroe then jumped up and down, the orchestra began playing the â€Å"Happy Birthday† song, and a huge, lighted cake was brought out from the back, carried on poles by two men. President Kennedy then came up onto the stage and stood behind the podium. He waited for the massive cheering to die down and then began his remarks with, â€Å"I can now retire from politics after having had ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.† (Watch the full video on YouTube.) The whole event had been memorable and proved to be one of the last public appearances of Marilyn Monroe – she died of an apparent overdose less than three months later. The movie she had been working on would never be finished. JFK would be shot and killed 18 months later. The Dress Marilyn Monroe’s dress that night has become nearly as famous as her rendition of â€Å"Happy Birthday.† Monroe had wanted a very special dress for this occasion and so had asked one of the finest costume designers of Hollywood, Jean Louis, to make her a dress. Louis designed something so glamorous and so suggestive that people are still talking about it. Costing $12,000, the dress was made of a thin, flesh-colored souffle gauze and covered in 2,500 rhinestones. The dress was so tight that it had to be literally sewn onto Monroe’s naked body. In 1999, this iconic dress went up for auction and sold for a shocking $1.26 million. As of this writing (2015), it remains the most expensive piece of clothing ever sold at auction.