Hello from the newbie

[irshgrl500]

(10-20-2013 09:01 AM)Angela Wrote:  I don’t know if it is customary to make an introduction post but since I didn’t want to hijack the thread about the Lincoln Papers, here, as answer to Eva’s questions and a hello from the newbie, a few things about me.

I am a newbie not only to this forum but Civil-War- and Lincoln-history as well. During a trip to Washington last year I learned that there is not that much to learn about George Washington (my original goal) but everybody I encountered directed me towards Lincoln. That’s how I became hooked.

Most fascinating thing? His common sense – the way this man was able to break down complicated political issues so that everybody (including me) could get a hold of his ideas is simply not from this world.

Eva mentioned that it is rather difficult for us in Germany to obtain good reading material and I would like to agree. As long as one hasn’t done intensive studying, there is no way for us to distinguish between good and bad. Doesn’t matter if one uses the German or the US amazon store.
The German store hardly has anything at all and the US store has SO much – it is quite difficult to make a smart selection. Especially since Lincoln still polarizes so much that even the reviews can be an easy trap and lead one into a wrong direction when searching for a good book.

This is why this forum - and Roger's website in general - is like a goldmine for people like me. Thanks for setting it up and also for allowing me to participate!

Hello Angela,
Welcome!
I too, became interested in Abraham Lincoln, after a short trip to Washington D.C. (visiting the country's capital, and seeing our history, up close, does something to you, doesn't it?) This trip was made about 10 years ago. I had already taken an interest in George Washington, and read some very good books about him. (Washington: The Indispensable Man - is a favorite of mine.)
Overall, I have been fascinated by the men (and hopefully, soon, women) that have held the position of President of the United States of America.
All the best, Angela, and enjoy the symposium and the wonderful, wealth of knowledge, which the many members possess.

Karin

[Angela]

Hi Karin, thank you so much for the warm welcome and the book recommendation! And yes, I could not agree more - Washington IS a beautiful city! I really think, I missed out on a lot in all the years I had not visited!

[brtmchl]

Angela, welcome to the group. As a freshman also, I would just like to tell you that this forum comprises of a very intelligent, sincere, and friendly cast. Roger has really put together a great site. From experts, historians, researchers, and novices. I must tell you when I first joined I was a little intimidated to write my first post. The fear was quickly washed away as I was welcomed and encouraged to continue posting. Since then I have enjoyed many threads ranging from small facts, trivia and of course the assassination. All the while, never getting bored or ever feeling that I have learned enough. I am proud to be a member and I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet such kind and sharing people.

Welcome

[Angela]

(10-22-2013 08:08 AM)brtmchl Wrote:  Angela, welcome to the group. As a freshman also, I would just like to tell you that this forum comprises of a very intelligent, sincere, and friendly cast. Roger has really put together a great site. From experts, historians, researchers, and novices. I must tell you when I first joined I was a little intimidated to write my first post. The fear was quickly washed away as I was welcomed and encouraged to continue posting. Since then I have enjoyed many threads ranging from small facts, trivia and of course the assassination. All the while, never getting bored or ever feeling that I have learned enough. I am proud to be a member and I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet such kind and sharing people.

Welcome

Thank you! And yes, you hit the nail on the head - it is VERY intimidating and every time I write something, I just hope not to hassle someone. I have a question burning under mail nails and just spend the last two hours counting words to REALLY be sure it is not a stupid question.
The people are all so incredibly nice and kind...and yet, one does not wish to keep the experts from doing their job because it is such a WONDERFUL job they do.
I could not agree more - there is no "learned enough"!

[My Name Is Kate]

This forum is as good a place as any, and better than most, to learn civility, respect, good manners, etc. I'm not saying anyone needs to learn that, but I've posted a bit on another forum that has nothing to do with history or Lincoln, and some of the people there can get downright nasty. It's all too tempting to respond in kind to them, but I don't want to be one of those people!

[L Verge]

Kate,

Several of us that joined this forum at the very first had similar experiences on other sites and were very worried about what the general public - especially young people -- might think about the nastiness and crudeness that they were seeing there. We had worked with Roger before, and he has been given the nickname of "The Politest Man on the Internet." We tease, we disagree on points, but nine times out of ten it is done in a respectful manner. It has been very refreshing for me to work with the fine people on this forum.

[brtmchl]

I have just noticed that my " newbie " or freshman status has now been upgraded. It seems Roger has promoted me to Senior Member. Thank you for your confidence . Sorry to leave you behind Angela, don't worry though this "salty" member will never forget his humble beginning.

Laurie your previous guess was correct. On this topic, I have just heard word that amidst this last Government shutdown the US Government ( who always complains, there is never enough money ) has decided that the " covers " ( hats ) that Marines wear are to masculine and there has been eight millions dollars spent on the design and development of new gender neutral "covers" for Marines to wear.

[RJNorton]

(10-24-2013 11:12 AM)brtmchl Wrote:  I have just noticed that my " newbie " or freshman status has now been upgraded. It seems Roger has promoted me to Senior Member.

Hi Mike. The forum software does that automatically. Here are the designated user titles/number of posts:

Newbie 0
Junior Member 1
Member 25
Senior Member 100
Forum Master 300
Legendary Member 1000
Hero Member 2500

This seems to work fine, but the program gets confused regarding the number of stars for the folks who have two accounts. A few people have home and work accounts, and that confuses the program regarding the number of stars by his/her user title.

[L Verge]

Mike - Watch out, sequins will soon replace insignia.

[Angela]

(10-24-2013 11:12 AM)brtmchl Wrote:  I have just noticed that my " newbie " or freshman status has now been upgraded. It seems Roger has promoted me to Senior Member. Thank you for your confidence . Sorry to leave you behind Angela, don't worry though this "salty" member will never forget his humble beginning.

Laurie your previous guess was correct. On this topic, I have just heard word that amidst this last Government shutdown the US Government ( who always complains, there is never enough money ) has decided that the " covers " ( hats ) that Marines wear are to masculin and there has been millions of dollars spent on the design and development of new gender neutral "covers" for Marines to wear.

Mike, you are too kind! I feel ok just being allowed to post here, though. I have so little to contribute...
Just yesterday, I was talking to Eva about this topic and the stuff I do. It is either not really anything new or I simply feel it is not really my place to publish it since it's been work I do for others who pointed me towards that topic.
She is quite certain I should...but are you people really interested in statues that the government of Austria lost track of?
Anyway, CONGRATS to the upgrade and no worries about leaving me behind - I am absolutely thrilled today because I just realized that I can now look at pictures which are posted here!!!! I will re-read many things now which I could not get into before!

[Eva Elisabeth]

Angela, I found the story of the Austrian Lincoln statue and the way you came across it and tracked it down absolutely fascinating!!! I've never before heard of this statue, and it's just cool that there's another "Lincoln sight" to see almost in vicinity (compared to the other ones).

[L Verge]

I would love to hear about the story of the missing Lincoln statue in Austria. BTW: I spent a summer in Europe many long years ago, and Austria was absolutely my favorite country out of the eleven that I visited. Beautiful country and wonderful people - even if they have a habit of losing statues...

[Jim Garrett]

Angela:

I hope you can take one more welcome. This site truly is a wonderful resource. Roger, Laurie, Betty, Gene, Joe and countless others are ladies and gentlemen of the old school. We greatly welcome all new members and hope you will enjoy participating. A;; questions are good questions and we respect all legitimate points of view.

Again welcome.

Jim

[RJNorton]

(10-20-2013 10:06 AM)Rob Wick Wrote:  Angela,
Also, forum member Mike Burkhimer has written The 100 Essential Lincoln Books, which provides a capsule of information on some of the best titles.

It looks like Amazon now has this on sale. It's a wonderful book!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1...YOVEV5BUER

[Eva Elisabeth]

I wish I could get one of the 0.01$ ones...