Rachel

“Kitsch” is a German word born in the middle of the sentimental nineteenth century, and from German it entered all Western languages. Repeated use, however, has obliterated its original metaphysical meaning: kitsch is the absolute denial of shit, in both the literal and the figurative senses of the word; kitsch excludes everything from its purview which is essentially unacceptable in human existence.”
― Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being

“Salvage experience proved that a fair proportion of Japanese bombs and torpedoes failed to explode. This was especially true of the 800 kilogram bombs dropped from about 10,000 feet. These were made over from armor-piercing shells of 14 or 15-inch size, and were intended to pierce the armored decks of battleships, aircraft carriers, or cruisers. They had an explosive charge of about 430 pounds. On the other hand, the 250 kilogram bombs used by dive-bombers were very effective and were frequently mistaken for incendiary bombs by our forces. The explosive charge of these bombs was about 135 pounds.”
― Homer N. Wallin, Why, How, Fleet Salvage And Final Appraisal [Illustrated Edition]

“The brotherhood of man on earth will be possible only on a base of kitsch.”
― Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being

“Nevada won seven stars in World War II as follows: one star for Pearl Harbor-Midway, one star for the Aleutian operations, one for the Invasion of Normandy (including bombardment of Cherbourg), one star for the Invasion of Southern France, one star for the Iwo Jima Operation, one star for the Okinawa Gunto Operation, and one star for the Third Fleet Operations against Japan. She also received the Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia clasp). While Nevada was noted for the accuracy of her main battery of 14-inch guns. These were used in bombardment in France and in the island campaigns against Japan. 6.”
― Homer N. Wallin, Why, How, Fleet Salvage And Final Appraisal [Illustrated Edition]