Buildings that suffered in World War 2

 

It takes years to rebuild what war can destroy in seconds. On the other hand, some ruins remain, to serve as a reminder on what we stand to lose if another major conflict will not be averted. In today’s blog are a few historic buildings which suffered greatly in the Second World War, and what they used to be, had war did not happen. John Eilermann

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PAST Building in Warsaw, Poland

PAST stands for Polska Akcyjna Spółka Telefoniczna (Polish Telephone Joint-stock Company), a telephone operator in Poland, operating between the First World War up to the Second World War. During the German occupation, it became the General Government’s regional telephone center, but was soon captured by Polish resistance fighters during the so-called Warsaw Uprising, where it sustained heavy damages. It was recreated after the war, but in a much simpler form. It is the tallest and first skyscraper within the Russian empire of that era. John Eilermann

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The Reichstag in Berlin, Germany

This historic landmark were built for the German Empire’s Imperial Diet, which utilized the building from 1894 to 1933. In the years preceding the Second World War, a fire gutted the Reichstag on February 27, 1933, which many believed was the handiwork of Adolf Hitler. It sustained further damages during the Second World War, and had to wait for decades until the reunification of East and West Germany, in order to be restored. John Eilermann

Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan

Before that fateful day of August 6, 1945, this historic site used to be an arts and education display hall. It was originally named as Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition, and was renamed twice to Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall (1921), and to Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (1933). When the allies dropped the atomic bomb, the building found itself in the middle of the explosion. Not all of it was destroyed, however, but remained as it was among the ruins in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. John Eilermann

Is comparative literature the course for you?

 

In today’s world, with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping people at home, we have oodles of time. And it’s incredibly fortunate that so many have taken advantage of all this time to further their studies.

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For those who are still trying to make up their mind, this blog may be of help. John Eilermann St. Louis.

A lot of people may say comparative literature is not an ideal course, but there are plenty of reasons to pursue a degree in it. People just need to ask themselves if it’s for them.

Studying comparative literature in college opens up a door for one to explore a broad range of texts. Comparing one manuscript to another isn’t the sole aspect of comparative literature. It is about looking closely into different nations, cultures, and periods. John Eilermann St. Louis.

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Having a degree in comparative literature also offers a person the chance to work in another language. Those whose mother tongue isn’t English can study and write texts in different languages. It’s almost like taking a tour around the world.

Another advantage in studying comparative literature is that it challenges perspective. More than analyzing literature, comparative literature dares to ask the how’s and why’s of every written piece. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Comparative literature also provides a cross-discipline approach, allowing a person to dissect history, politics, philosophy, and culture. It also encourages an extensive and up-to-the-minute understanding of cultural differences in opinions and diversity. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Evolution of warfare From WW2 to NAM

 

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Ten years after World War 2, the Vietnam War happened. While this doesn’t seem like that long a time, a lot of things changed. With countless vehicles, weapons, and other war-time tools that were used during World War 2 making their way into the Vietnam War, Americans found ways to improve on these technologies, making the military more efficient. John Eilermann.

Let’s take a look at some of these breakthroughs. John Eilermann.

Air warfare

After World War 2, aerospace titan Boeing manufactured B-52 bombers, which were used extensively in Vietnam. The Vietnam War also saw the emergence of jet fighters, the famous of which was the F-4 Phantom. This jet allowed America to control the air.

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But of all the American aircraft to participate in the Vietnam War, it was the Huey or the Bell UH-1 chopper that remains the most popular. The Huey was a vessel that could fly and land at exact locations, something they never had in World War 2. John Eilermann.

Firearms and explosives

In World War 2, automatic rifles for infantrymen were limited. But at the start of the Vietnam War, America developed a gun that soldiers could easily carry and could fire off consecutive shots. At the height of the war, the M-16s that were developed were resistant to water, mud, and the occasional jam.

For explosives, Americans greatly improved the destructive power of napalm that used in World War 2. During the Vietnam War, napalm was far more powerful and destructive. John Eilermann.

Carving a path as a literary critic

 

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Literary critics don’t have it easy. The world of book reviews and criticism can be viewed as a mean and heartless one even when it isn’t. Intentional reading, careful crafting of analysis, and deliberate discussions among peers are necessary for success in the job. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Consuming books like a real enthusiast is a basic requirement for individuals desiring to become literary critics. Having an understanding of the genre of the book in need of a review would allow one for some healthy comparison with others in the same playing field. With a wide frame of reference and a strong background on book genres, book critics can be sure that their work is not based on their personal preference. John Eilermann St. Louis.

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There is no other way to get started in the playing field but by reviewing books for free. While more avenues and platforms for one to review books for profit are available, a humble start is still a favorable start. Reviewing books for free can help one become more confident in their skills and can widen their network. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Follow guidelines and standards in book reviewing in order to save on rewrites and rejections. A review that necessitates deep editing will never be a joy for an editing staff. As much as possible, avoid giving flaming bad reviews even when a book deserves it. Consider focusing on the reader instead of punishing an author for their unfavorable work. Find bits and pieces that can make the book worthwhile for the readers. John Eilermann St. Louis.

A brief guide to choosing the right baseball bat

In any battle, one must bring their best weapon to have a proper fight. Baseball is a sport that people pick up from their childhood until they are well into adulthood. Swinging the right bat matters in keeping proper form and staying out of injuries. John F. Eilermann Jr..

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A baseball bat has five parts: the knob, grip, taper, barrel, and end. The knob ensures a player's grip does not escape the bat. The barrel is the ball's contact point, while the end enhances the control of the bat as it limits the additional weight. Reading up on the league rules gives one a good understanding of the rules and standards of common baseball governing bodies for bats which are USABat, Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution or BBCOR, and United States Specialty Sports Association or USSSA. John F. Eilermann Jr..

Governing bodies mentioned above agree that players age 4 to 6 may use tee ball bats; players between the ages of 7 through 13 must use USA or USSSA bats, and players age 14 to 18 use the BBCOR bats. Before purchasing a bat, it's best to ask the coach's advice or go by the standard logos stamped on bats that note the governing bodies that produce bats. John F. Eilermann Jr.

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To check if a bat is the right size, place its bottom in the center of the chest while keeping it parallel to the stretched arm. The bat is the correct size if one's fingertips can reach the top of the bat. When holding out the bat in front of the chest and one's hand can grab the barrel, the bat size is correct. John F. Eilermann Jr..

Physical therapy for baseball players

 

John Eilermann St. Louis. Professional athletes and even those who play sports regularly for fun must maintain their physical condition. The years of playing, repetitive motion, overexertion, and aging can affect a player's physique. To stay in peak condition, here are some physical therapy techniques that can help baseball players.

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Foam roller exercises

The repetitive motion from baseball can cause pain in the upper body. Doing foam roller exercises can help an athlete recover, especially after a stressful game. This activity prevents muscle tightness, improves flexibility, and encourages better circulation. Using foam rollers on the lats, back, spine, and core can also prevent injuries in the overworked upper body muscles. John Eilermann St. Louis.

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Arm care stretches

Those who have played baseball for a long time might reduce their range of motion, especially during the season. The most affected areas are the elbow and shoulder muscles. Without proper therapy or recovery techniques, overusing these muscles can lead to injury. Cross-body, sleeper, and spine stretches are some of the common routines that baseball players can try to ensure that their elbow and shoulders are in good shape. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Hindu push-ups

John Eilermann St. Louis. Start this activity by doing a downward dog. Afterward, bend the elbows and lower the chest. Then, straighten the arms to an upward dog before returning to a downward dog position. Aside from strengthening the core and the upper body, practice breathing when doing this kind of exercise. Monitoring breathing and taking some time to stretch the most overused parts of the body will help a person cool down even after an intense game.

What were some of the best items that were invented during World War II?

 

John Eilermann. For millions, sports are an important part of life. Whether they enjoy watching or playing, it can't be denied that it brings joy to people. During World War II, one of the things that kept everyone entertained was sports. In the US, even as many athletes were called to serve the country, the public found a way to gather to watch games.

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One of the interesting changes that happened was establishing the American Girls' Professional Baseball League that had 15 teams from the Midwest. The absence of men on the field encouraged these athletic and youthful ladies to pursue a sports career. However, despite gaining fans from all over the country, the league ended in 1954.

John Eilermann. Another popular sport in the US that was affected by the war was football. Universities suspended their football and other sports programs as many of their athletes were serving the country. Despite the postponement of games, the National Football League continued their 1943 season but with many changes. Instead of being played in Pasadena, California, the 1942 Rose Bowl was moved to Durham, North Carolina, as many people feared that a similar attack might happen.

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Another sport that became popular during wartime was basketball. During the early '40s, the National Basketball League also started to allow racial integration for the teams Toledo Jim White Chevrolets and the Chicago Studebakers. But just like other sports, many of the league's athletes had to serve the country. John Eilermann.

Other sports such as boxing, soccer, and ice hockey became popular in other countries. Despite the terror brought by the war, people flocked to stadiums to watch games. Though not many people came to watch, these events continued to uplift the spirits of those who were forced to wait for the war to end. Sports comforted people who were in the forefront and at home. John Eilermann.

A beginner’s guide to C.S. Lewis

 Reading the works of mid-20th century writers can be daunting to those who are yet to discover them fully. One of these writers is C.S. Lewis whose oeuvre of more than 30 books covers fiction, non-fiction, and sometimes poetry. But, apart from his literature, C.S. Lewis in his capacity as a lay theologian is also known for his Christian writings. This article hopes to serve as a guide to readers who are beginning to take interest in the works of this influential British author. John Eilerman St. Louis

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Personal life

Born in Belfast, Ireland on 29 November 1898, Clive Staples Lewis was the son of Albert James Lewis and Florence Augusta Lewis. As a boy, he was influenced by reading the stories of Beatrix Potter. He was baptized in the Church of Ireland but fell away from the Church at the age of 15. He returned to Anglicanism at the age of 32, upon the influence of his friends which included J.R.R. Tolkien. He married Joy Davidman, an American writer, in 1956. He died on 22 November 1963. John Eilerman St. Louis

Fiction

As a writer, C.S. Lewis is best known for his fiction which includes The Space Trilogy, a series of science fiction novels, The Screwtape Letters, and The Great Divorce. His most recognizable work was The Chronicles of Narnia - a series of seven fantasy novels of children’s literature. It was adapted into a film trilogy which were released beginning in 2005. John Eilerman St. Louis

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Non-fiction

More than the body of work that C.S. Lewis wrote for fiction, it was his non-fiction writings that has become a massive influence to his readers. Foremost among these is Mere Christianity, which is an insightful work on the Christian belief. Other famous non-fiction works include An Experiment in Criticism, and A Grief Observed. John Eilerman St. Louis

Superpowers that tipped the scales of the Second World War

 

It’s not a mystery that the Second World War showed us military prowess never seen before in previous wars. From the Axis Powers to the Alliance, some alliances even had super countries which could single-handedly end the war by themselves. Here are 3 of these countries that held more power than most of the countries combined, John F Eilermann shares.

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United Kingdom

Although not a single country, the United Kingdom consisted of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These 4 countries gathered forces and technology that protected them from Germany’s invasion for so long. Being involved from the very beginning of the war, the United Kingdom participated in stopping Hitler’s advances by being in major battles such as the Battle of France, Operation: Overlord, and, most notably, the Battle of the Bulge. All these battles were won with help from another superpower, with tech and air support coming in to help, John F Eilermann notes. Overall, the United Kingdom held enough power to stop the Axis’ advance through Europe.

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Germany

It’s no mystery that Germany held so much power during the Second World War during Hitler’s reign. Almost like a hive mindset, they followed the orders of their Führer up to the very end. From technology like U-boats to torturous prison camps, their brutish and mercilessness in the battlefield grants them a seat on this list. Even without advanced technology like the US or tons of infantry like the UK, Germany managed, with strategy, to take over half of Europe, even before the Axis Powers were formed. With all these achievements and more, Germany deserves to be called a superpower, John F Eilermann notes.

United States of America

Ever since the US bared their fangs during the Second World War, everyone feared their military prowess. With the help of tech more advanced than anything the battlefield had seen, the USA proved to be the largest superpower of WWII. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the USA had more of an active role in the war rather than just providing support by equipment. They strategized and not long after, through the use of atomic bombing, reduced the Axis Powers military strength by more than half. John F Eilermann shares that this makes the USA a military to be feared and respected.

Basic figures of speech every aspiring writer should know

 

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Any veteran writer knows the importance of having a firm grasp on the basic figures of speech. Even when writing academic papers, the use of creativity in writing is very much welcome, and it adds a dimension that cuts through the monotonous structure of formal writing. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

On that note, here are some examples of figures of speech for aspiring writers to help get them started on their writing journey. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

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Simile

As one of the most basic yet most creative forms of figures of speech, a simile is often described as comparing one subject to another. Examples range from as bright as the sun, as dark as night, as cold as ice, and more. Veteran writers make things more creative by changing it up a bit. Instead of saying as dark as night, they say as dark as the infinite abyss. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Metaphor

Metaphors are a basic figure of speech that uses an object or a description to depict a different object but not literally. A heart of gold, the strength of a bear, the kiss of death, and more are examples of metaphors. However, using metaphors needs to be practiced to be delivered effectively and clearly. John Eilermann St. Louis.