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The Dutch word for superstition is bijgeloof and, in a literal sense, translates into side belief or side religion. This sort of religion was the cause of the murder of Bridget Cleary on 15 March 1895. Bridget Cleary was an Irish woman who was murdered by her husband. She was either burned alive or immediately…
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I wish I kept that last Birthday card I wish I could undelete that last voicemail I wish I hadn’t thrown away that last Christmas card I wish I saved and hadn’t deleted that final WhatsApp message I wish I could tell you one more time how much you mean to me I wish to…
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The phrase Arbeit macht frei (German for “Work sets you free”) is one of the most infamous symbols of Nazi oppression. Displayed at the entrances of several concentration camps, including Auschwitz, this deceptive slogan falsely suggested that forced labor would lead to eventual freedom. However, one unique and subtle act of resistance can be found…
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I am not sure what to make about the photograph above. It is either extremely brave and heroic, or naive, perhaps even arrogant. The photo is of Pierre Coronel, operating a radio transmitter during World War II, while in hiding. It is one from a set of pictures. Listening to an illegal radio could result…
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February Fifteen, Valentine’s has come and gone. I wonder what have I done?No flowers were bought, no cards were sought. Not a single word written down. You must think me a clown.Roses may be red, and Violets may be blue, but I must look like a right Tulip to you.How difficult could it be? The…
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Karl Rauscher was part of the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe. Specifically from the so-called Werftabteilung; tasked with the repair and scrapping of downed aircraft. Before the war, he had been a professional photographer During the war years, he was stationed in a large number of European countries. He took nearly 1500 photographs in those…
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The saying goes, “Music can soothe the savage beast,” but what if it is the savage beast that is using the music as a cynical form of evil and torture? In July 1942, Hans Bonarewitz attempted to escape from the Mauthausen concentration camp by trying to hide himself inside a box and was captured on…
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One of the most despicable henchmen of he Nazi regime was Roland Freisler. The only redeeming factor he had was that he also tried high-ranking Nazis . You could be for 90% certain that if you would appear before his court you would be sentenced to death or to life imprisonment. On 20 August 1942,…
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The St. Valentine’s Day massacre—the most spectacular gangland slaying in mob history—was actually somewhat of a failure. Al Capone had arranged for Chicago mobster George “Bugs” Moran and most of his North Side Gang to be eliminated on February 14, 1929. The plan, probably devised by Capone’s henchman “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn, was simple and…
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History of Sorts 