NSTimer, to retain or not to retain?

The rule is, don't release it if you didn't retain it. Here is a similar question which talks about that. So in your example code I would suggest not retaining it, and not releasing it.

Calling invalidate on a timer releases it so you don't need to have another release statement. See the docs here.

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.