Forcefully display a empty layout and then fill it with data?

You can user AsyncTask for loading data. During which you will be able to show ProgressDialog as well.

Use AsynchronousTask Class and call loadDeals() from doInBackground Method. Just capture the data on that method. Then work your UI in postExecute method.It will solve 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.