The variable alertMe is autoreleased and therefore you can't just send a release message to it. Remove the line alertMe release and it will run perfectly.
You are probably accessing a released object. To see which one it is, set NSZombiesEnabled - this will show you which already released object you try to access, and you should be able to identify your problem.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.