Ever wonder what my favorite coil is? Or the go to coil for some of the most popular machines? Well this article answers that question! I was happy to provide some insight regarding the Garrett AT Pro. check it out my article here: UltimateMetalDetectors.com
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
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Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
Anatomy of a Social Media Argument
How to Avoid Looking Silly
Joe was scrolling through Facebook one day when he came across a post on Carl's timeline expressing a dislike for the color pink. Joe, who absolutely LOVES pink, felt compelled to comment.
THE ISSUES:
Is Carl wrong? Since they are both stating an opinion, their feelings and preferences cannot be wrong. No matter how much Joe demands that Carl should like the color pink, he isn't likely going to change Carl's mind unless he is able to change how Carl feels. Both parties should learn to respect that others have opinions which differ from their own and let it go. Instead they choose to have an intelligent debate. However, as is so often the case online, the conversation takes an ugly turn as Joe attempts to grasp the origin of Carl's vehement dislike for the color pink.
"What is it about pink that you hate so much," Joe asks.
Joe was scrolling through Facebook one day when he came across a post on Carl's timeline expressing a dislike for the color pink. Joe, who absolutely LOVES pink, felt compelled to comment.
THE ISSUES:
Is Carl wrong? Since they are both stating an opinion, their feelings and preferences cannot be wrong. No matter how much Joe demands that Carl should like the color pink, he isn't likely going to change Carl's mind unless he is able to change how Carl feels. Both parties should learn to respect that others have opinions which differ from their own and let it go. Instead they choose to have an intelligent debate. However, as is so often the case online, the conversation takes an ugly turn as Joe attempts to grasp the origin of Carl's vehement dislike for the color pink.
"What is it about pink that you hate so much," Joe asks.
"Pink is a secondary
color and I do not like secondary colors," Carl replies.
"Wait… Pink isn't a
secondary color!" Joe demands, "It's a tint you idiot!"
PRESENTATION OF
EVIDENCE:
Since pink is actually derived
by mixing red and white, Joe insists that Carl is
basing his opinion on incorrect facts and is therefore wrong (and apparently stupid). However, this newly
gained information does not change Carl's opinion about the color. The two men continue to debate the issue with
Joe demonstrating the process of creating a "tint" and Carl providing examples
of the secondary colors of light, mixing red and blue.
The two being to argue whether magenta is a shade of pink. Data is presented peppered with inflammatory memes, biased viral videos, and bogus news sources.
Neither is willing to budge.
"I don't care, I just don't like the color pink. It's too flowery for me." Says Carl, "And I think you are dumb for liking it!"
"Flowery or not, it's still a cool color!" insists Joe, "So get bent!"
With deliberations coming straight back to opinions and feelings, two grown adults have been reduced to name calling and slinging obscenities (which makes them look completely foolish). They begin arguing over the merits of being "flowery" as others join in, taking sides and presenting their own opinions and arguments.
OUTCOME:
The two men are no longer friends.
Their friends are no longer friends.
Incorrect information is shared, further dumbing down the interwebs.
Carl still hates pink.
Joe still loves pink.
WHAT WE'VE LEARNED:
Social media is the number one perpetrator of false information.
One should always verify facts before sharing them.
Arguing on social media is an utter waste of time and makes you look silly.
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeRockMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
The two being to argue whether magenta is a shade of pink. Data is presented peppered with inflammatory memes, biased viral videos, and bogus news sources.
Neither is willing to budge.
"I don't care, I just don't like the color pink. It's too flowery for me." Says Carl, "And I think you are dumb for liking it!"
"Flowery or not, it's still a cool color!" insists Joe, "So get bent!"
With deliberations coming straight back to opinions and feelings, two grown adults have been reduced to name calling and slinging obscenities (which makes them look completely foolish). They begin arguing over the merits of being "flowery" as others join in, taking sides and presenting their own opinions and arguments.
OUTCOME:
The two men are no longer friends.
Their friends are no longer friends.
Incorrect information is shared, further dumbing down the interwebs.
Carl still hates pink.
Joe still loves pink.
WHAT WE'VE LEARNED:
Social media is the number one perpetrator of false information.
One should always verify facts before sharing them.
Arguing on social media is an utter waste of time and makes you look silly.
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeRockMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Cleveland's Dogs and Why it is The Home of Rock and Roll
If you ever wondered why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame resides in Cleveland and when the first "Dawgs" growled, here is a bit of history:
On this day in 1952 local radio disc jockey Alan Freed, who coined the phrase "Rock and Roll" to describe the kind of music he had been spinning on his radio show on WJW did something that had never been done before. He, along with Cleveland record-store owner Leo Mintz, who had great interest in appealing to young customers of all races, began sponsoring a three hour rhythm and blues radio program. The "Moondog" himself, Alan Freed, appealed greatly to the younger generation with his his hip new personality and cool vocabulary. The late night radio show, known as "The Moon Dog House" became increasingly popular, spurning Mintz and Freed to expand on this popularity by holding a live dance featuring artists from the show. Dubbed as "The Moondog Coronation Ball," hosted by the Alan Freed, the "father of rock and roll" himself, featured headliners Paul Williams and his Hucklebuckers and Tiny Grimes and the Rocking Highlanders.
Tickets sold out in a single day and thousands of teenagers lined up early at the Cleveland Arena hours before the show that cold Friday afternoon. The Moondog Coronation Ball held on March 21, 1952 became recognized in history as the very first major rock and roll concert.
Unfortunately, the show was shut down by police in less than an hour due to near-riot conditions as approximately 25,000 fans swarmed the 10,000 capacity arena. Citing issues from massive counterfeiting and possibly over booking, the tremendous overflow crowd broke through the gates to gain entry into the concert. That evening Alan Freed took the the airwaves offering an apology to listeners who attempted to attend the event. He said, "If anyone had told us that some 20 or 25,000 people would try to get into a dance; I suppose you would have been just like me... You would have laughed and said they were crazy!"
As for the "Dawgs" of Cleveland - Alan Freed, the "Moondog" himself, and his successful radio show entitled "The Moon Dog House" paved the way for the likes of Geauga Dog, the mascot for Geauga Lake Amusement Park which was in existence from 1889 to 1999; Kobby the purebred boxer who was the mascot for Cleveland Fire Department's Engine Co. 24 in 1966; the Cleveland Cavilers' mascot "Moondog"; and of course, the Cleveland Browns mascots "Comps" and "Swagger" not to mention the infamous Dawg Pound... Coincidence, subliminal or just natural progression, either way The Cleveland Dog is firmly ensconced in the city's history and there is no doubt as to where Rock and Roll was born.
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeRockMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
On this day in 1952 local radio disc jockey Alan Freed, who coined the phrase "Rock and Roll" to describe the kind of music he had been spinning on his radio show on WJW did something that had never been done before. He, along with Cleveland record-store owner Leo Mintz, who had great interest in appealing to young customers of all races, began sponsoring a three hour rhythm and blues radio program. The "Moondog" himself, Alan Freed, appealed greatly to the younger generation with his his hip new personality and cool vocabulary. The late night radio show, known as "The Moon Dog House" became increasingly popular, spurning Mintz and Freed to expand on this popularity by holding a live dance featuring artists from the show. Dubbed as "The Moondog Coronation Ball," hosted by the Alan Freed, the "father of rock and roll" himself, featured headliners Paul Williams and his Hucklebuckers and Tiny Grimes and the Rocking Highlanders.
Tickets sold out in a single day and thousands of teenagers lined up early at the Cleveland Arena hours before the show that cold Friday afternoon. The Moondog Coronation Ball held on March 21, 1952 became recognized in history as the very first major rock and roll concert.
Unfortunately, the show was shut down by police in less than an hour due to near-riot conditions as approximately 25,000 fans swarmed the 10,000 capacity arena. Citing issues from massive counterfeiting and possibly over booking, the tremendous overflow crowd broke through the gates to gain entry into the concert. That evening Alan Freed took the the airwaves offering an apology to listeners who attempted to attend the event. He said, "If anyone had told us that some 20 or 25,000 people would try to get into a dance; I suppose you would have been just like me... You would have laughed and said they were crazy!"
![]() |
| The Cleveland Arena |
As for the "Dawgs" of Cleveland - Alan Freed, the "Moondog" himself, and his successful radio show entitled "The Moon Dog House" paved the way for the likes of Geauga Dog, the mascot for Geauga Lake Amusement Park which was in existence from 1889 to 1999; Kobby the purebred boxer who was the mascot for Cleveland Fire Department's Engine Co. 24 in 1966; the Cleveland Cavilers' mascot "Moondog"; and of course, the Cleveland Browns mascots "Comps" and "Swagger" not to mention the infamous Dawg Pound... Coincidence, subliminal or just natural progression, either way The Cleveland Dog is firmly ensconced in the city's history and there is no doubt as to where Rock and Roll was born.
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeRockMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
Friday, January 19, 2018
Don't Let "The Sun" Go Down On Me
Here in the States we have a magazine known as The National Enquirer. It's the type of publication you'd reach for if you were interested in articles about "bat boy", Elvis sightings, or the latest celebrity gossip--certainly not a Pulitzer prize-caliber publication. The Sun is the UK's equivalent, featuring similarly sensationalized articles, having become infamous for their "page 3" spank bank images of bare-breasted women. Not surprisingly, the thirty-year running spread was axed due to outcries of misogyny, objectification, and a general consensus that the nudity was maybe a bit over-the-top for a daily reader. Yet The Sun's reputation as a tabloid with over-sexualized and dramatized stories remains firmly intact.When I came across The Sun's article "GIRLS ROCK "; (in all caps) subtitled "Meet the treasure hunters making metal detecting cool…" my tummy did a flip-flop. I was perplexed over the use of my "name" and its prominent placement in the title. While it is true, I do not own the words "girls rock," they have become inextricably entwined with my identity. As proof to the confusion, messages began trickling in regarding my involvement in the article. Please make no mistake, I had no part in this collaboration and the use of "Girls Rock" is purely coincidental… I think.
The truth is, The Sun's article embodies the complete antithesis of what Girls Rock Metal Detecting represents. It is a condescending, embarrassing, and insulting piece of "journalism" attempting to portray what it is to be a female detectorist. My reaction, which is not some feminist rant (which it fully deserves); rather a feeling of disappointment. No offense to the women interviewed, nor do I cast any aspersions upon detectorist's whose motivations are different from my own. But the underling suggestion that all lady diggers are fame seeking opportunists using tits for hits is certainly not a true microcosm of the female detectorist!
The writer completely missed out on the opportunity to showcase at least a dozen women I can think of off the top of my head; each deserving of recognition for their accomplishments in metal detecting. However the only mention of "achievements" was afforded to male detectorists. Instead The Sun insinuates that most lady detectorists are driven by popularity and an income. The article offered cleavage and cutsie instead of content, while patronizing the very subjects it claimed to be representing! Further exacerbating the issue were reader comments discussing who has the "nicest teeth", or arguing over which detectorist is "the hottest", which only punctuates the point.
Meanwhile the suggestion of a "tight-knit" group of women in the Facebook detecting community made me choke on my over-priced Starbucks. Some of the worst damage being done to the image of the female detectorist is being carried out against one another. Riddled with the cliquey-est behavior just north of the high school cafeteria; it is difficult to find groups devoid of bullies, drama queens, and meanies. Scrolling through any number of groups will quickly unearth examples of in-fighting and sheer ugliness. It's something I've continued to recuse myself from only to be ostracized for my lack of participation (much to my delight).
The Sun was given the perfect opportunity to provide an honest portrayal of female detectorists but squandered it for views. They are a shining example as to why I began Girls Rock Metal Detecting in the first place. Through my endeavors I have attempted to display the true spirit of the female detectorists. And the simple truth is, we are not as enigmatic as one would think.
If you really want a true glimpse at our inner workings and what drive us in this hobby I will let you in on a little secret: Just picture a male detectorist. That's it. Beyond complicated issues like, where we take a wee while out in the field, trying to find detecting gear not slathered in pink camo, or dealing with proper undergarment choices—we are essentially the same. At the heart of it, detectorist are detectorists. Unfortunately that angle doesn't sell magazines.
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeRockMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Don't be Fooled! Metal Detecting is HARD!
I recently received the following instant message:
"...you find so many great things, I wish I were as l lucky as you."
I paused for a long moment.
Often times I sit in amazement over the gobs and gobs of great things I see displayed on Facebook and YouTube every day. I sigh and gaze dreamily at belt buckles, box plates, and gold coins. So the idea that someone perceives me?... As lucky?... In metal detecting?... That took me by surprise.
"I work very hard for all of my finds, they do not come easy." I replied.
It suddenly occurred to me; if you've never metal detected before, and the only thing you know of the hobby is what you see on YouTube and Facebook, you are being deceived!
The deception is not purposeful or malicious... I myself am guilty with my own videos by not showing all the trash I dig. I mean, who wants to watch 15 to 20 minutes of me digging canslaw.
It's boring!
Certainly I focus on the best finds. This is true of most YouTubers and Facebookers. It isn't meant to be misleading, but in many ways it is. So please allow me set the record straight. Metal detecting, at least in my neck of the woods, is HARD WORK
Anyone brave enough to dig with me is guaranteed to spend hours, even
days at a time, with sometimes little to show for it. You will suffer near heat exhaustion in dry sandy fields in the beating sun with 100 degree heat indexes. The air will be so heavy you can barely breathe and you will sweat just standing still. Mosquitoes, flies, and gnats will drive you to the brink of madness (and we're not even going to discuss the ticks and chiggers, or the completely over-grown woods with the meanest velcro-like thorns you have ever encountered). You will dig hole, after hole, after hole of aluminum and pull rings--or worse, wander back and forth on a massive field with nary a signal
Metal detecting is not always one fabulous relic or coin after another. In fact, that type of digging is very RARE where I live. The potential is certainly there for pockets of goodies, but most of my finds were produced after a valiantly fought battle in some of the most difficult conditions. And they're certainly not right next door. My best locations include up to a two-hour commute (one way) and have no guarantee of producing. It's all part of the detecting adventure.
So tease me if you must when I loose my mind over that general service button or I become ecstatic when I find a mercury dime or a civil war bullet. You see, these things are tough to come by around these parts, and I cherish each find as if I've just dug a million dollars--Because to me, especially the historical artifacts, they are treasures. I would love to live in an area where I can walk out the front door and dig 1800's coins and Civil War or Colonial relics--But that is simply not a reality for many of us.
But you know, the way I look at it, as hard as I have worked to recover each of my finds...I think maybe, just maybe, I appreciate them a little bit more.
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
"...you find so many great things, I wish I were as l lucky as you."
I paused for a long moment.
Often times I sit in amazement over the gobs and gobs of great things I see displayed on Facebook and YouTube every day. I sigh and gaze dreamily at belt buckles, box plates, and gold coins. So the idea that someone perceives me?... As lucky?... In metal detecting?... That took me by surprise.
"I work very hard for all of my finds, they do not come easy." I replied.
It suddenly occurred to me; if you've never metal detected before, and the only thing you know of the hobby is what you see on YouTube and Facebook, you are being deceived!
The deception is not purposeful or malicious... I myself am guilty with my own videos by not showing all the trash I dig. I mean, who wants to watch 15 to 20 minutes of me digging canslaw.
It's boring!
Certainly I focus on the best finds. This is true of most YouTubers and Facebookers. It isn't meant to be misleading, but in many ways it is. So please allow me set the record straight. Metal detecting, at least in my neck of the woods, is HARD WORK
Anyone brave enough to dig with me is guaranteed to spend hours, even
days at a time, with sometimes little to show for it. You will suffer near heat exhaustion in dry sandy fields in the beating sun with 100 degree heat indexes. The air will be so heavy you can barely breathe and you will sweat just standing still. Mosquitoes, flies, and gnats will drive you to the brink of madness (and we're not even going to discuss the ticks and chiggers, or the completely over-grown woods with the meanest velcro-like thorns you have ever encountered). You will dig hole, after hole, after hole of aluminum and pull rings--or worse, wander back and forth on a massive field with nary a signalMetal detecting is not always one fabulous relic or coin after another. In fact, that type of digging is very RARE where I live. The potential is certainly there for pockets of goodies, but most of my finds were produced after a valiantly fought battle in some of the most difficult conditions. And they're certainly not right next door. My best locations include up to a two-hour commute (one way) and have no guarantee of producing. It's all part of the detecting adventure.
So tease me if you must when I loose my mind over that general service button or I become ecstatic when I find a mercury dime or a civil war bullet. You see, these things are tough to come by around these parts, and I cherish each find as if I've just dug a million dollars--Because to me, especially the historical artifacts, they are treasures. I would love to live in an area where I can walk out the front door and dig 1800's coins and Civil War or Colonial relics--But that is simply not a reality for many of us.But you know, the way I look at it, as hard as I have worked to recover each of my finds...I think maybe, just maybe, I appreciate them a little bit more.
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Sherman's March in March
![]() |
| General Sherman Marches through North Carolina (Credit: NCCivilWarCenter.Org) |
The Carolinas were introduced to General Sherman and his army in March 1865 as he continued his march through the South. It is no secret that he and his troops laid waste to a lot of towns. The strategy was to end the war quickly using "scorched earth tactics" to break the rebellion. Depleting supplies, destroying infrastructure, and undermining morale were key factors. Further, as a means of "traveling light," foraging along the way for supplies was a necessary practice--In other words, the army took whatever they needed from local land owners and businesses. According to General Order IV and V, "the army will forage liberally on the country during the march." Army corps commanders were "entrusted with the power to destroy mills, houses, cotton-gins" and other businesses and to "enforce a devastation more or less relentless" in accordance with any hostility or resistance they encountered. As such, Sherman's foragers, known as "bummers", making up roughly 10% of his army, sacked farms, homes, and stores, and stole from any civilians encountered along the way. Such was the case with James C. Bennett, a citizen who was relieved of his money, watch and other valuables by one group of bummers and then promptly shot by another group when they found he had nothing left to offer.1
Obviously, when word of the army's actions reached the people of North Carolina, they were prepared for the worst. Fayetteville's citizens were bracing themselves for Sherman's arrival with great fear in their hearts and they happily welcomed Confederate General Hardee and his troops with much fanfare on March 8, 1865. Children threw daffodils at their feet and the women in town prepared meals for their "hometown heroes" in grey.2
Meanwhile, Confederate General Johnston, feeling that a stand against the Union forces would not meet with success, took his troops across the Cape Fear River on March 9th and burned the Clarendon Bridge. This act essentially meant doom for the town of Fayetteville. Sherman had previously sent word, should the Confederates spare the bridge (a thoroughfare that was needed to expedite the Union movement) he would be lenient in his treatment of the town.
Preparing for the arrival of the Federals, Confederate General Hampton remained in Fayetteville to organized a "welcome party" to surprise Union Captain William Duncan and the seventy eight infantry soldiers who were sent into Fayetteville as scouts. Roughly 12 Federal soldiers and 6 Confederates were killed during this skirmish which took place through the main streets of town. It is told that fatally wounded horses were screaming in the streets as the dead and wounded soldiers were tended. The horses were left to rot where they died.1
One of the Yankee scouts entering town came upon an elderly man, unaware or maybe unimpressed as he held a pistol to the head of Rev. William Hooper whose grandfather had signed the Declaration of Independence. The captain demanded his valuables and called him a "damned rebel".1 His social standing would not have helped him regardless, as prominent citizens and the wealthy were treated with more aggression as it was felt they were more outspoken for the Southern cause.
By around noon on March 11th, Union troops had taken the Fayetteville Arsenal where General Sherman set up his temporary headquarters. The troops then moved down Haymont into the city center. Every house and yard was filled with bummers taking whatever they could get their hands on. By the early evening Mayor McLean surrendered the town and the 14th Corp took occupation of the city marching past the market house as the band played "Dixie," causing resident Josephine B. Worth and her brother to "burst into tears."2 The citizens of Fayetteville were also heart sick to see their beloved arsenal, which was the equivalent of their own Central Park, now in the hands of the Union Army.
If ever there was evidence of the Civil War pitting neighbors and friends against one another, there is no better example than on March 11th, when General Sherman was surveying Fayetteville and was approached by Edward Monagan, an employee of the Fayetteville Arsenal and local resident. Sherman's face displayed "a ray of pleasure" as he recognized his old friend from West Point, but that pleasure was immediately replaced with a cold glare. Sherman had just seen his scouts and horses lying dead on the ground from the skirmish earlier that day. "We were friends, weren't we?" he asked of Monagan. "Oh yes. You shared my friendship and my bread too, didn't you?" Monagan replied happily. "That I did." Sherman stated flatly. "You have betrayed it all. Betrayed me, betrayed the country that educated you for its defense. And here you are--a traitor--asking me to be your friend once more, to protect your property. To risk the lives of brave men who were fired on from houses here today. Turn your back on me forever I won't punish you, only go your way. There is room in this world even for traitors." It is said a great sadness overtook Sherman as his friend walked away. He kept his word and didn't destroy the home which still stands in Fayetteville today.1
Fayetteville and the town currently known as Hope Mills had several cotton and grist mills. The business owners were horrified to learn that they would be burnt and plead with Sherman to spare them. Sherman responded, "Gentlemen, (slaves) and cotton caused this war, and I wish them both in hell. On Wednesday, those mills will be blown up."
As promised, after taking Sunday off, Union forces tore down the Arsenal walls and burnt it. Explosions shook the city as fires were lit in ammunition bunkers. It was described by Anne Kyle, a Fayetteville resident, as follows: "I can compare this day to nothing but what I imagine Hades would be, were its awful doors thrown open."2
With the city taken and homes burnt the Union was now faced with approximately 25,000 refugees. Sherman could not abide the extra mouths to feed or the slowing of his troops, so he devised a way to send them down to Wilmington in wagons and boats or on foot for this 120 mile trek. One of the vessels sank and 400 individuals perished. The refugee's now dispatched, caused a new problem for the Union Army. They now had a large number of horses and mules they would no longer need. The solution? Add the able bodied animals to their cavalry and shoot the rest, leaving them to rot on the ground. This was a common practice of the Union, as Sherman did not wish to leave animals behind that could be used by the Confederate Army.
After many stressful days Sherman and his troops continued marching northward. One woman's account of those days gives a clear picture of what it was like for the citizens of Fayetteville during the war: "Sherman has gone and terrible has been the storm that has swept over us with his coming and going. They deliberately shot two of our citizens-murdered them in cold blood-one of them a Mr. Murphy, a wounded soldier, Confederate States army. They hung up three others and one lady, merely letting them down just in time to save life, in order to make them tell where their valuables were concealed; and they whipped-stripped and cowhided-several good and well known citizens for the same purpose. There was no place, no chamber, trunk, drawer, desk, garret, closet or cellar that was private to their unholy eyes. Their rude hands spared nothing but our lives, and those they would have taken but they knew that therein they would accomplish the death of a few helpless women and children-they would not in the least degree break or bend the spirit of our people. Squad after squad unceasingly came and went and tramped through the halls and rooms of our house day and night during the entire stay of the army. At our house they killed every chicken, goose, turkey, cow, calf and every living thing, even to our pet dog. They carried off our wagons, carriage and horses, and broke up our buggy, wheelbarrow, garden implements, axes, hatchets, hammers, saws etc., and burned the fences. Our smokehouse and pantry, that a few days ago were well stored with bacon, lard, flour, dried fruit, meal, pickles, preserves, etc., now contain nothing whatever except a few pounds of meal and flour and five pounds of bacon. They took from old men, women and children alike, every garment of wearing apparel save what we had on, not even sparing the napkins of infants! Blankets, sheets, quilts, etc., such as it not suit them to take away they tore to pieces before our eyes."3
1: 150 years ago, Sherman targeted 'offensively rebellious' Fayetteville, WRAL.com, March 8, 2015
2 Ten Days of Hell usgwarchives.net, http://www.usgarchives.net/nc/cumberland/military/shermn01.txt
3: War is Marching Our Way-Fayetteville Captured, The Fayetteville Observer, March 11, 2015
4: When Sherman Came: Southern Women and the "Great March," Kathrine Jones ed., (Indianapolis Indiana: Bobb-Merrill, Inc., 1964), 284-286
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2018 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
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Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
A Girl, A Metal Detector, And The Day She Found NOTHING!
I have a little story to tell. It involves a girl, a metal detector, and a
day where she found nothing.
Now this girl loves
detecting. Even if she doesn't find
anything but pull tabs and pop tops, while certainly frustrating, she still
enjoys being out in nature digging in the dirt...especially with friends.
One day this girl was out detecting and she didn't find anything of note. Her friends each dug up a few cool items and she began to get a little frustrated.
"Why haven't I found anything?" she questioned.
"Am I going too fast?"
"Maybe I'm ready for an upgrade to my machine."
These thoughts kept running through her mind as she became increasingly agitated over her failure to produce so much as a wheat penny. She completely dismissed the amazing bracelet she had dug just two days prior. Why she was questioning herself is anyone's guess! She has proven to be a capable detectorist. She knows her machine and has gone toe to toe with high-end detectors. In fact, until that day she had never so much as questioned the capabilities of her detector. It had never let her down. Generally any lack of results rested on the the scarcity of items to be found in the area. Yet here she was questioning herself and her machine.
While the girl was very happy her friends had found something, believing a day where anyone walks away with a decent find is a success. Heck, as far as she was concerned, even if nothing was found, as long as everyone had fun, it was a good dig! But she was still beating herself up.
That night she awoke at 2:00 AM and struggled to find sleep. She opened YouTube on her phone and was instantly intrigued by a video that claimed to know the "secret to metal detecting".
"What's the secret?" she wondered, "I need to know this secret!!!"
The video in question was focused on a simple premise: Confidence. Confidence not only in your machine, but in yourself! This resonated like a gong!
"I totally psyched myself out today!" she said out loud.
"I do have confidence!"
"I do have faith in my machine and my abilities."
"Why did I do that to myself?" she wondered.
OK, if you haven't already guessed, the girl in this story is me. I had an "off day" this past Saturday and utterly dismissed the amazing bracelet I had just dug Thursday afternoon. I was so focused on my next successful dig that I completely got in my own way. While I had a good time digging with my friends, as the day went on I couldn't help but feel like a failure for not having anything tangible to show for my efforts.--As if decent finds are the only gauge of my skills as a detectorist. With this kind of attitude it's no wonder I didn't find anything!
My detector is more than adequate and produces amazing finds. I know how to detect. I'm actually quite good at it. If the finds are there and I put my coil over it, I'm going to dig it!
With renewed confidence and a better attitude, I went back out on Sunday with my usual goal.--To simply go out, have fun, and see what comes out of the ground. No expectations. No demand on myself to dig something epic. Just have fun!
And that is precisely what I did. I even played a practical joke on my friends. I had an amazing time and as the day progressed, guess what...
I dug a confederate civil war bullet and a 1926 mercury dime!!!
Attitude is half the battle! Always remember, if your digging just to dig something epic, you're missing out on the best parts of the hobby! Go out there and have a good time, maybe rescue some relics along the way, but always... ROCK metal detecting!!!
P.S. If you want to watch that bracelet, bullet, and coin come out of the ground (along with other awesome relics) check out this video:Purr-fectly Balanced for Silver (and Civil War)
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2019 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeRockMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
One day this girl was out detecting and she didn't find anything of note. Her friends each dug up a few cool items and she began to get a little frustrated.
"Why haven't I found anything?" she questioned.
"Am I going too fast?"
"Maybe I'm ready for an upgrade to my machine."
These thoughts kept running through her mind as she became increasingly agitated over her failure to produce so much as a wheat penny. She completely dismissed the amazing bracelet she had dug just two days prior. Why she was questioning herself is anyone's guess! She has proven to be a capable detectorist. She knows her machine and has gone toe to toe with high-end detectors. In fact, until that day she had never so much as questioned the capabilities of her detector. It had never let her down. Generally any lack of results rested on the the scarcity of items to be found in the area. Yet here she was questioning herself and her machine.
While the girl was very happy her friends had found something, believing a day where anyone walks away with a decent find is a success. Heck, as far as she was concerned, even if nothing was found, as long as everyone had fun, it was a good dig! But she was still beating herself up.
That night she awoke at 2:00 AM and struggled to find sleep. She opened YouTube on her phone and was instantly intrigued by a video that claimed to know the "secret to metal detecting".
"What's the secret?" she wondered, "I need to know this secret!!!"
The video in question was focused on a simple premise: Confidence. Confidence not only in your machine, but in yourself! This resonated like a gong!
"I totally psyched myself out today!" she said out loud.
"I do have confidence!"
"I do have faith in my machine and my abilities."
"Why did I do that to myself?" she wondered.
OK, if you haven't already guessed, the girl in this story is me. I had an "off day" this past Saturday and utterly dismissed the amazing bracelet I had just dug Thursday afternoon. I was so focused on my next successful dig that I completely got in my own way. While I had a good time digging with my friends, as the day went on I couldn't help but feel like a failure for not having anything tangible to show for my efforts.--As if decent finds are the only gauge of my skills as a detectorist. With this kind of attitude it's no wonder I didn't find anything!
My detector is more than adequate and produces amazing finds. I know how to detect. I'm actually quite good at it. If the finds are there and I put my coil over it, I'm going to dig it!
With renewed confidence and a better attitude, I went back out on Sunday with my usual goal.--To simply go out, have fun, and see what comes out of the ground. No expectations. No demand on myself to dig something epic. Just have fun!
And that is precisely what I did. I even played a practical joke on my friends. I had an amazing time and as the day progressed, guess what...
I dug a confederate civil war bullet and a 1926 mercury dime!!!
Attitude is half the battle! Always remember, if your digging just to dig something epic, you're missing out on the best parts of the hobby! Go out there and have a good time, maybe rescue some relics along the way, but always... ROCK metal detecting!!!
P.S. If you want to watch that bracelet, bullet, and coin come out of the ground (along with other awesome relics) check out this video:Purr-fectly Balanced for Silver (and Civil War)
xoxo Siren Kimmie (HDIC Girls Rock Metal Detecting)
© 2019 Siren Kimmie/Girls Rock Metal Detecting. All Rights Reserved.
Check out Girls Rock Metal Detecting at all of these fine establishments:
Online: http://www.GirlsRockMetalDetecting.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GirlsRockMetalDetectingOfficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockMetalDetecting
Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeRockMetalDetecting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsrockmd/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GirlsRockMD
Ello: https://ello.co/sirenkimmie
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