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World War II Exhibit Asks Visitors, 'What Would You Do?'06:45
Using touchscreens, visitors decide how they would make wartime choices. (Courtesy National WWII Museum)
For many, the stakes and the scale of World War II are hard to fathom. It was a war fought around the world, against powerful, determined regimes in Europe and the Pacific; some 65 million people died. And as the number of people who have actual memories of the war dwindle — as of next year, there will be fewer than 1 million living veterans — the mission of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans becomes all the more urgent.
This weekend, the museum is opening a new wing — part of a $325 million expansion — with new, interactive exhibits that it hopes will give visitors a better understanding of the ethical and emotional challenges people faced during the war.
On Oct. 25, 1944, the USS Tang fired a torpedo that malfunctioned and hit the submarine on its port side. An exhibit at the National WWII Museum recreates the vessel's final mission. (Courtesy The National WWII Museum)
"A lot of people take it for granted that we would've won," says Gordon Mueller, the museum's president and CEO, "but nobody was sure about that when the war started."
Mueller and his friend, the late historian Stephen Ambrose, founded the museum, which opened in 2000.
Construction workers and museum staff spent the past week adding the final touches to the new wing, also known as the U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. One of its objectives is to show America's industrial might during the war.
According to Mueller, Americans knew the threats of World War II were real, and civilians and corporations came together to help.
"Bill Knudsen from General Motors and Don Nelson from Sears and all these major companies helped FDR and the military understand what was needed to mass produce planes and tanks and jeeps on a scale never ever done before," Mueller says.
The museum's U.S. Freedom Pavilion, seen here as a digital model, opened to the public on Friday. (Courtesy The National WWII Museum)
But the museum also looks at how the war affected individuals.
The Young Japanese-American
The words "What Would You Do?" flash across huge screens where short films present different scenarios of the moral dilemmas people faced during World War II.
"It's now 1943 and you are a young Japanese-American," says a voice in one film. "You and your family and friends have been held in an internment camp for over a year."
"The United States interned thousands of Japanese-Americans," says historian and author Rick Atkinson, who serves as a consultant to the museum. "They were rounded up and put into camps. It was a disgraceful episode in our history."
A visitor learns about the USS Tang's doomed final mission at the museum. (Courtesy The National WWII Museum)
According to Atkinson, as the war effort's need for manpower intensified, a special Japanese-American unit was formed.
"If you were a young Japanese-American and your parents and your family had been rounded up and put in a camp in Idaho or California or someplace and the conditions were austere, and you were treated as an enemy alien," Atkinson says, "would you volunteer to serve your country by joining one of these units?"
Or, the film asks, "would you refuse to join the Army, aiding a government that has forfeited your trust?"
Museum visitors will have to decide. They cast their votes and later find out what really happened.
The Army Photographer
In another scenario, you are a U.S. Army photographer at the liberation of the concentration camp at Dachau.
"And when the camp was liberated in April 1945," Atkinson says, "of course it was a horrible place."
A short film sets the scene: "You spot 40 boxcars by the side of the road. You stop and climb to the top of the cars to take a look. The cars are packed with dead bodies: Jews murdered by the Nazis."
"The photographer was given the assignment to shoot the liberation, and what he photographed was murder," Atkinson says.
The film continues: "Incensed by these unspeakable atrocities, some of the liberating American soldiers take German SS guards, line them up against a coal yard wall and shoot them, killing 17 and wounding many others."
"If you are that photographer," Atkinson asks, "do you then turn in the film that you have shot, or do you, knowing that it will show American soldiers behaving badly, do you destroy the film?"
Atkinson says all of these scenarios are grounded in history.
"And, of course, a real moral dilemma," he adds. "There's never a right choice. It's never easy and that's the whole point."
The USS Tang
The museum also wants visitors to get a sense of the tension and fear that millions of American soldiers felt, including at the moment of an attack. They've created what Mueller calls a "multisensory simulation" experience of the sinking of the USS Tang.
In October 1944, during a battle with Japanese ships, the submarine surfaced and fired a torpedo. But that torpedo malfunctioned and the vessel sank after being hit by its own ammunition.
The museum has recreated that final mission — along with a slightly larger replica. Inside the submarine, groups of visitors will reenact the event. Each person will be given the name of an actual crew member from the USS Tang and assigned a battle station.
"When that torpedo swings around and hits," Mueller explains, "this whole thing is going to jolt and is going to start sinking and you're going to sense that water's coming in and you're going to feel that blow and that you're going down."
When it's over, visitors will learn what happened to each crew member.
According to Mueller, "[Lt. Cmdr. Richard] O'Kane and others — a few others — were thrown into the water on the surface and a number of others escaped from the bottom using their Momsen lungs from 180 feet. Some died in the ascent. Nine survived in total [and] were taken to Japanese prison camps and tortured for the next year or so."
A Vivid History
By playing the role of an actual crew member or by confronting the ethical issues that arose, Mueller and Atkinson hope World War II will become more palpable to visitors.
"For young people in particular," Atkinson says, "World War II is increasingly as remote as the Revolution or the Peloponnesian War and this gives them an opportunity to understand it. It's very interactive. It's very vivid. Sometimes it's very disturbing."
The National WWII Museum isn't done expanding — two more buildings are scheduled to open over the next few years. In one planned exhibit, visitors will be given a dog tag and follow the journey of an actual participant in the war. |
U.S. Mission to UN Hosts Reception for Diplomats That Backed U.S. on Jerusalem
United States ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, on Wednesday hosted 64 representatives of nations who abstained, voted ‘no’ or remained absent in a December UN General Assembly vote condemning President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The Jerusalem Postreported[1] that, under the title “A great evening of friends,” the U.S. mission to the UN in New York hosted a reception that included wine and live music, and was attended by Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N.
Guests also were greeted by President Trump, who pre-taped a video for the occasion. “I want to thank all the nations represented here tonight for standing with the United States during the recent United Nations General Assembly vote on the status of Jerusalem,” Trump said. “Rest assured that your actions on Thursday, December 21– will go down as a very important date– were noted and greatly appreciated.”
“The United States remains committed to achieving lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians – there’s no reason that peace should not be entered into,” Trump added. “We will continue to work with the partners like you to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region, for the people, and for the world,” the President concluded.
On December 21, 128 countries voted at the UN against the U.S.’s recent recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the decision to relocate its embassy to the city. The move drew harsh responses from the U.S. and Israel. Haley not only threatened to cut off aid to these countries, but also accused them of disrespecting the will of the American people.
Nine countries — the U.S., Israel, Togo, Micronesia, Guatemala, Nauru, Palau, Marshall Islands and Honduras — voted against it. There were 35 abstentions, including a number of countries that had been widely expected to support the move, such as Colombia, Mexico, Malawi and Rwanda. A further 21 countries did not vote at all.
“It’s easy for friends to be with you in the good times, but it’s the friends who are with you during the challenging times that will never be forgotten. Thank you to the 64,” Haley’s Twitter page said, sharing photos of the event.
After the reception, Danon told The Jerusalem Post that the U.S. decision has “unveiled the hypocrisy of the Palestinians, who speak of peace while doing all they can to avoid negotiations.”
Danon continued: “I was honored to take part in a reception hosted by Ambassador Nikki Haley for the countries that stood by the US during the UN vote on Jerusalem,” adding that “Israel has no better friend than the United States, and the US has no more steadfast ally than Israel. We thank Ambassador Haley and the American people for their strong stance on behalf of truth and historical justice.” |
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25 comments:
Oh wow! It's looking amazing. He's got to be tickled pink. ha! ha! Okay, just tickled. Seriously, I love the dark and moody vibe you're creating.
Looking good. I really like the paint colour. Nice legs, Mr Simple!
Love the fabrics. Looking wonderful.
I'm really looking forward to see what becomes of the ladder!
Yay! Looking good - and if Detail Boy does not approve the lamp then I'll take it. I need a lamp for my side of the bed. I love the wall color and the chair and the fabrics - it's awesome. I'm thinking the ladder is going to be turned into a few tack board type of things - where he can pin up stuff he likes. We've got so many old ladders in our garage - they were there when we moved in. They left everything in the garage - lucky us? This looks great though - can't wait to see more.
Loving it so far Pam! My poor son is almost 14 and his room still looks the same as when we moved into this house 7 years ago when he was 6!
You know how it goes... the shoemakers children have hole in their shoes:)
You certainly have inspired me to get going with it though, who knows maybe he'll get a big boy room after all, thanks to your post!
Love the paint color, so perfect! Can't wait to see what that ladder has in store;)
Can't wait to see how this turns out! Loving it already.
ooh i am loving that color!
Pam, It room is going to look great! We are starting a room makeover for our youngest now that he has a room to himself. I am trying to convince him to go with grey as his bedding has grey in it. Grey, black, cream with pops of orange/red in the accessories. He is giving it some serious consideration! :) Can't wait to see your completed room! Trust me we need all the inspiration we can get!!
Have a wonderful day!
Love it Pam! Can't wait to see what became of that ladder!
It's going to look great! Can't wait to see the finished look!
I love the paint, chair, and cool pillows and bedding! I can't wait to see it all.
I'm lovin' the paint, chair and rug and I'm dying to see what's happening with that ladder.
I love the wall paint, and can't wait to see all the elements together! You are the coolest mom EVER!!
Love that chair fabric and the of course all the GREY. Can't wait to see the room.
This room is going to look fabulous Pam!! LOVE your paint choice and love the new chair too!
Looking good! I can just picture it all finished! Can't wait to see what the ladder has become! I love old wood ladders!
This bedroom is going to be so handsome. I love the gray chair and rug, still in love with IKEA after al these years. It was a godsend in setting up our older kids apartments, one in NYC and one in Chicago. They ended up with very stylish places. By pairing IKEA with vintage and antique furniture, it created a really nice look.
Also the bedding looks great as well!
Love this color. Everything looks great.
I can't wait to see what you do with the ladder. I am trying to incorporate one into my boys room too!
I LOVE the wall color, Pam! I tried so hard to get my son to agree to gray walls in his room! Oh well...can't wait to see the full reveal!
-Shelley
I can't wait to see the full reveal!
What a great room! Loving the wall color! Can't wait to see the ladder mirror.
When you leave a comment whether simple or detailed, it brightens my day! |
package net.engio.mbassy.common;
import java.util.HashMap;
import java.util.Iterator;
/**
* This implementation uses strong references to the elements.
* <p/>
*
* @author bennidi
* Date: 2/12/12
*/
public class StrongConcurrentSet<T> extends AbstractConcurrentSet<T>{
public StrongConcurrentSet() {
super(new HashMap<T, ISetEntry<T>>());
}
public Iterator<T> iterator() {
return new Iterator<T>() {
private ISetEntry<T> current = head;
public boolean hasNext() {
return current != null;
}
public T next() {
if (current == null) {
return null;
}
else {
T value = current.getValue();
current = current.next();
return value;
}
}
public void remove() {
if (current == null) {
return;
}
ISetEntry<T> newCurrent = current.next();
StrongConcurrentSet.this.remove(current.getValue());
current = newCurrent;
}
};
}
@Override
protected Entry<T> createEntry(T value, Entry<T> next) {
return next != null ? new StrongEntry<T>(value, next) : new StrongEntry<T>(value);
}
public static class StrongEntry<T> extends Entry<T> {
private T value;
private StrongEntry(T value, Entry<T> next) {
super(next);
this.value = value;
}
private StrongEntry(T value) {
super();
this.value = value;
}
@Override
public T getValue() {
return value;
}
}
}
|
The Newark, N.J., schools could be the next in a string of city districts to revamp the admissions process to charters by allowing families to fill out a common application instead of navigating dozens of different applications and deadlines, reports the Newark Patch.
Newark Superintendent Cami Anderson announced the initiative, which is aimed at closing the rift between charter and regular public schools in the city, she said. The plan, called One Newark, would allow families to fill out one application to apply to their school of choice—charter or regular—listed in order of preference.
Similar efforts have been adopted in cities like the District of Columbia, which implemented the common application for the first time this year; Denver, which rolled out its SchoolChoice initiative standardizing school applications and deadlines at the end of 2011; and New Orleans, which debuted its OneApp initiative in February 2012.
Not all charters are happy with the change, and some of them have chosen not to participate in the common application, but for many families, having a standardized application and deadline has greatly improved the simplicity of registering their children for charters.
In Newark, Superintendent Anderson hopes to implement the new initiative and phase out lottery-based admissions to charters and help equalize the distribution of high- and low-achieving students, preventing them from being concentrated in any one school, she said in a speech on Thursday.
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Friday, June 12, 2015
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Monday, June 8, 2015
Steph-unny!!!
I met Stephanie a couple of years ago when we were based in Denver. We flew a trip to Aspen and we've been friends ever since. I recently had the opportunity to visit her in Arizona. While I was there I told her we would be doing a mini photoshoot. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. Not to mention she has a great personality which is why we get along well! Love you Steph-unny!
Ammon and Ellie Engagement Photos
Shelly and Cheryl Haws: Cancer Sucks
I'm so honored to be asked to take some photos of this beautiful couple. Cheryl saved my life in a way. I was drowning in the struggle we call life. She helped me find my way above the waves to breathe fresh air. She'll never know how much she means to me. And now I have had the opportunity to be apart of her struggle with cancer. To see her through my lens and capture a tiny bit of what she is going through. She's such a happy and beautiful person. I believe our struggles are what really make us shine! Thank you Cheryl and Shelley for being such amazing people. I'm truly touched by your rawness, your love, honesty, and spirit.
Saxton Family
This was such a great photoshoot! Met this cute family through Instagram. I got to help pick out their outfits, do hair, look at baby kittens in the barn, and make these cute girls smile! It's all about how you connect with your client. With kids it's important to add an aspect fun. Their father @just_somepilot said this to me,"btw, my girls are super shy and you were great, cracked their shell a bit and made them comfortable, thank you." You have to connect with your client for the best shot! I love my job! |
Three stages to Community Games success…
1. Research what your community wants
This should be the starting point for your Community Games as part of its success will depend on your ability to deliver what your community wants. The following questions are useful to consider:
Key questions
- What are your community’s interests? E.g. is there a local sports team that is supported passionately? If so, you could ask them to be involved on the day.
- What is the age and ethnic make-up of your community? This could influence what activities you include.
- Can you link your Community Games into another event? E.g. the opening of a new sports facility.
- How can you ensure that activities are staged for all ages and abilities – including those with disabilities?
2. Develop the ideas and programme that you will deliver
This stage should be used to help design the programme of sports and cultural activities for your Community Games. The event should provide an outlet for your community to pursue their interests, but importantly also give them new things to try and experience.
Documents that you can produce which may assist you at this stage include:
- Timeline document
- Event delivery plan
These documents are explained later in this toolkit.
3. Put the plan into action!
This is where you need to begin the actual organisation and implement the delivery of the Community Games.
Top tips:
Discuss these three stages in your group planning meetings. |