One thing you could do is create a factory for the DatabaseManager and then just have all your other code call it from that factory. I'm very out of practice with VB syntax, but in C# it might look something like this.
I would encourage to use dependency injection if you want this.
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.