It might be because of a YAML parser error. I had a similar error which I fixed using the following code.
I had a similar problem using jruby 1.6.5, ruby 1.9 and rails 2.3.14 on windows.
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.