Why can't I set a variable equal to an XMLHttpRequest's responseText value?

You're assigning the return of the ajax function to the title. The ajax function itself doesn't return anything.

The result of the onreadystatechange function is not the same your "ajax" funcion... You could make your post sync, and make the ajax function return the same, but it will end up delaying the user response in the browser if the response takes too long.

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.