Best Summer Memory of My Childhood

When I was 11 years old, I attended a Unitarian church camp for a summer vacation with my family. It was a pleasant area, with the Puget Sound not far away, grass fields, many old-style wooden buildings, an expansive forest, and an elongated pond between the road and the camp. Deer and other wildlife regularly visited the grounds. It was an ideal place to forget your worries and the routine of common life. As an 11-year-old boy, it was a place for me to meet my friends, and maybe fall in love with a girl. However, this summer camp was more spiritual than others—not because of a religious message, but because I had an awakening at the camp that year. I had been going to this summer retreat almost every year since I was very young. But somehow, this year was different. It seemed my mind and soul was ripe for a transformation. I recorded my first poem in my 11th year, and I seemed more introspective than usual. I was less interested in playing and joking around with my friends. I was searching for answers to deep questions about life and God. While walking down a path next to a grass field leading to the camp’s cafeteria, suddenly my vision changed. The grass was shining, the texture of the bark of trees was lucid, and each detail around me seemed like it was the first time I was seeing. In a sense, it was a feeling of rebirth. In church, there is talk of baptism, which is more of a ritual than anything else, in my opinion. The real baptism is an inner transformation. But back to the experience, this natural baptism came spontaneously. No effort was put into it. It was like a light was switched on in my consciousness, and I saw everything as new again. This sight was accompanied by a fresh sense of peace—a mental silence that I had not experienced before. Also, joy was coursing through my being at the exhilaration of such a happening. From that moment, the world around me and within me was never the same. The only problem was that I was too young to fully grasp what had happened. In fact, I thought I was some sort of prophet. Seeing a tarot card reader only made the issue worse. Through the reading, I thought I was â€Å"the victory of the people,† and someone no one else was like. However, there were many other people who had the same experience—I just did not know this at that tender age. Later in life, I learned there are many people just like me, and that I was not all that special. What I learned from this experience is that baptism, or spiritual rebirth, is a spontaneous happening, and not done only from the hand of a priest. Also, I learned about getting a spiritual ego, where you think you are important based on spiritual experiences. My natural baptism and my knowledge of spiritual ego has allowed me to gain much in life: more creativity, inner peace, and how to be humble in the face of achievements.

Drug Courts Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Drug Courts - Research Paper Example Conversely, when those forces are unequal, some economics focus on the 'supply side' of the equation, while others view the 'demand' side as that which needs to be focused on. The history of economics is one that shifts in emphasis from supply to demand and back again. It will be argued in the following that the use of 'diversion' in the courts represents a good step toward tackling the 'demand' side of the drug equation. And, what is important beyond the success or failure, is that it is an attempt to deal with demand rather than continuing the war on drugs that aims mostly at supply. This said, while it is a step in the right direction, there are some important limitations. Community based drug rehabs have had a largely positive outcome. One of the tertiary side effects of wide scale drug use, is the increase in crime as a consequence. While it is the case that drug use itself is largely illegal, that is not the sole crime committed by drug users. There is a large incarceration rat e of individuals who did crimes to support their drug habits [Stone and Stone 95]. This can mean something as simple as a house-robbery, to the large scale distribution of narcotics, to neglecting the welfare of one's children because of the time constraints and debilitating effects of addiction. These three examples stand to show how diverse the consequences of drug addiction is. Policing and thus, the criminal justice system are pretty burdened by drug abuse both in its primary sense, but also in the secondary or tertiary consequences of addicted behaviors. The cost of this involvement is formidable. For instance, where a community based drug rehab was in place in Washington State, the cost to the community for every dollar spent varied from over $ 18 benefit from investing in a community program, just over $ 5. dollars for investing in criminal prosecution and just $ 2.08 for diversion courts [Velazquez 14]. The dollar investment in community based programs is economically much m ore successful than other approaches, and yet, it is estimated that among the population in the US, nine percent of Americans are addicted to some type of narcotic on the one hand, and on the other hand, less than a quarter of those receive substance abuse treatment, and finally, among that quarter, about 37 % of those treated were mandated to do so [Velasquez 14]. Before looking at how and where the drug court system presents itself as limited, as compared, for example, with the optimal course of treatment which is community based, some remarks on the success of drug courts will be presented. Likewise, the rationale behind the very practice will get outlined. The very purpose of drug courts, is to avoid the costly endeavor of criminal incarceration. There is a cost built into housing an individual in jail, but also a larger cost than that when one considers what a criminal record is going to cost that individual [Nolan 129]. For instance, one could describe a 'vicious circle' of cr iminality associated with drug behavior. When a convicted individual returns to the regular world, so to speak, they will find themselves with a very diminished capacity as far as basic opportunities go. A criminal record means that many opportunities that might have once been open to them, are no longer available because of the conviction and incarceration. For instance, when we look at the recidivism rate among individuals who have been convicted, the rate is much higher for people who have a prior criminal conviction [Wolfe,

Analyze inputs of UPS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analyze inputs of UPS - Essay Example category known as: (1) environment; (2) resources; (3) organizational history; and (4) strategy will be provided followed by discussing the reasons why these inputs are considered the most critical. Eventually, the impact of the identified inputs towards the organization including the any forms of potential problems that are significantly associated with insuring the availability of the identified inputs will be tackled. Prior to conclusion, several ways in which the identified inputs interact with each other will be explained in details. Given that UPS serves the world market, the most critical environmental input is the customers. Given that UPS is offer its services around the world, the company needs to have a large-based of regular customers to enable the company to compensate with its daily operational expenses associated with the need to establish several offices around the world, investments on its official website and other mode of global communication including the employment of approximately 240,000 full- and part-time employees around the world (UPS b) among others. Back in 1990s, UPS was able to gather as much as 1 million regular customers (UPS c). Under the category of resources, the most critical input in the case of UPS is the investment on information and communication technology (ICT). With the use of ICT which includes UPS official website and the use of handheld Delivery Information Acquisition Devices (DIAD) (UPS c), it is easier to manage, operate, and keep track of its daily business transactions such as the shipment and delivery schedules around the world on a real-time basis. The company will also have a way to maintain the company’s relationship with its existing customers. Basically, the use of efficient ICT enables the company to deliver competitive services to each of its customers. In the absence of having reliable ICT, UPS will have trouble managing and keeping track of all business transactions. The company may also end up

Detroit and municipal bankruptcy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Detroit and municipal bankruptcy - Research Paper Example This essay seeks to elaborate on why Detroit should pursue bankruptcy. Detroit filling of bankruptcy can follow the city’s current existing population record. According to the census record taken in 2012, Detroit hosts a population of around 700,000 residents. This number stipulates that the city stand among the highest populated cities in the state of Michigan (Rattner 15). The high population implies that the city requires relatively higher resources compared to other cities to sustain the residents within the area. Filling for bankruptcy suffices as a good course because it enables the city to maximize on the available resources from tax exemption policies within the enacted act’s provision. The unemployment rate in Detroit has elevated to significantly alarming records. Since the year 2000, the unemployment rates have changed tremendously. The high unemployment rate is evident around the metropolitan areas where it has risen by over 10% of the national average. Unemployment rate factor is directly inversed to other factors like the homicide rates within the city considering that Detroit has the highest homicide rate and is among the most dangerous cities in the United States of America. The judicial state within the city raises the significance of filing for bankruptcy. In the year 2014, only 8.5% of cases commenced were solved. This number compared to the 30.5% of the cases solved nationwide indicating that the judicial system requires redress. The security system in Detroit also begs for the filling of bankruptcy. In Detroit city, the response to the police calls averages 56 minutes compared to the 11 minutes nationwide. The faulty security and policing system in Detroit are attributive to the lack of resources. The fire trucks and police trucks conditions neglect is evident in that they are old and cannot work efficiently. Nevertheless, just like other

Compensation Strategy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Compensation Strategy - Research Paper Example The second part of a total compensation package is fringe benefits. Some of the fringe benefits that a company can offer its employees as part of a total compensation package are vacation and sick days, medical plan, dental plan, profit sharing, stock option plans, maternity and paternity leave, performance bonuses, wellness program, flexible time, and telecommuting. A profit sharing plan divides a percentage of the net income of the company into a pool that is shared equally among the workers, while a stock option plan allows the employees the chance to purchase stocks of their employer at a discounted price (Dol). These two fringe benefits provide incentive to the employees to produce more because the employees will benefit if the company achieves greater profitability. Flexible time gives the employees a chance to set their work hours during a week. The use of a total compensation package helps a company accomplish its goals by providing the employees with greater

If I Were to Pose for an Oil Portrait in the Style of The Ambassadors Essay

If I Were to Pose for an Oil Portrait in the Style of The Ambassadors - Essay Example We have mapped the world, but I now live in a scientific age capable of mapping the very scientific architecture of life itself.   Ironically, what is large or significant is, in reality, so very small.   Knowledge is in the details, and this projected image of the human genome will emphasize attention to detail.   This background will further serve as the governing theme, that of scientific achievement, for the remainder of the objects in the portrait. The bottom shelf will represent the past. The shelf, though brown, is of a duller shade than the upper shelf. It is worn and splintered. Though old, the shelf is sturdy. It represents the foundation upon which the future shall forever rely. The bottom shelf contains, from left to right, a leather-bound volume describing the Phoenician Alphabet, an abacus standing upright, an oversized computer mouse, and old rabbit-eared antennae. The alphabet represents our ability to memorialize and to classify information; the abacus represents the evolution of our ability to calculate using technological innovation; the oversized computer mouse represents our ability to transfer remote persons into vast seas of information; and, the rabbit-eared antennae represents the ability to coordinate disparate scientific technologies for unified objectives-- it symbolizes reception or past successes. The top shelf will represent the future. It is wooden, too, but in the middle, it is nearly transparent. T he edges are varnished and a bright shade of brown. The transparency symbolizes looking into the future. This shelf will have a sculptured facial bust of an unknown person, a golden pillar with a clear glass of water on top, and a computer with legs. The objects on the upper shelf are intentionally vague. This vagueness is deliberate; indeed, it is suggesting that science can be unpredictable and surprising. The bust of the unknown person represents one person and everyone; the golden pillar and the clear glass of water represent the reality that fundamentals are too often forgotten.  

The novel Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

The novel Great Expectations Essay Great Expectations was written by Charles Dickens in the 19th century (1860-1861). It is said to be one of the classics of the English literary heritage and several film adaptations have been made of it. It first appeared in a weekly magazine called All the year round. Great Expectations is a book in which Dickens returned to the theme of a youths discovery of the realities of life. An unknown person provides the young hero, Pip, with money so that Pip can live as a gentleman. Pips pride is shattered when he learns there source of his Great Expectations. Only by revising his values does Pip restore his life on a foundation of empathy rather than on social position. In this coursework I shall be comparing two film versions: David Leans 1944 black and white version starring John Nutts and the 1997 colour version directed by Alfonso Cuaron which features, Ethan Hawke; Gwyneth Paltrow; Anne Bankcroft and Robert Deniro. I intend to compare the opening chapters in the two film versions, in which the young Pip/Finn encounters a scary convict who later becomes a momentous figure in Pips life.  Both films start with the adult voice of Pip/Finn reflecting on his childhood. The David Lean (1944) version closely follows the actual text whereas Alfonso Cuarons Version follows a sequential order but digresses greatly from the text. As the credits began rolling there are a variety of styles of music. The first style that we hear is a full orchestra and it then harrows down to only one flute which plays a childish style of music which is obviously representing the young PIP. Afterwards it goes into a romantic mood and after that a sad mood. It finally becomes a symphony of emotion to signify the films happy ever after ending. In the opening scene we start with a long shot of Pip and the tracking of pip across the field. At the camera is tracking Pip we see many images of death, for example as Pip is running the audience see a number of Jibbets. As Pip is running the audience is able to see how closely David Lean has followed the text. The marshes are seen to be just a long black horizontal line and the river a long horizontal line but not much thicker. The sky is also just a row of angry red lines and dense black ones. The camera again zooms in on Pips face to show us his apprehension as he climbs over the wall. The audience is able to see many gravestones are crooked and a lot of plants and weeds are overgrown. This suggests that this churchyard is uncared for. This adds tension to the opening scene because we wonder why this young child is there. All throughout the opening scene there is wind sound affects. The wind is an eerie sound which also adds to the tension of the scene. When I was watching Pip I felt a lot of sympathy because I had seen from the gravestone that both of his parents had died and learned that his only relative was his sister who he lived with and she wasnt exactly a ray of sunshine. Alfonso Cuarons version also starts with the credits first which is unusual for a modern day film. As the credits begin there is soft music with very exotic instruments such as a rainpie. The letters of peoples names appears in a fluid pattern, which gives us a watery feeling. This s a good technique as it sets the audience up for the opening scene where things are not necessarily as they seem. The first thing the audience sees is the character of Finn Pip) looking at the fish and then climbing into the boat. Finn takes out a notebook and begins to draw. At this point there is virtually no tension as there is an ordinary boy who is playing in the sunshine and frankly looks quite happy. There is none of the heart tugging emotion that is apparent in Leans black and white version. Finn then climbs out of his boat and carries on looking for more fish to draw. All of a sudden there is a big cloud of red forming underneath the water then a hand comes out of the water and grabs Finn and we realise that this is the convict. This method is more effective than Leans version because it is so unexpected; there is virtually no tension at all up to this point. Whereas Leans version builds the tension up so high that we actually expect something to happen to PIP. I assume that David Lean directed his film as he did in order to retain the essential authenticity of the book. This was important for Lean to do because the book has a way of taking you out of your own reality and this was what the people of 1944 needed to get away from the Second World War. Whilst the 1997 version is not trying to reproduce a historical piece- it is a modern version of the plot transposed to America. I believe that Cuaron did this in order to make the film more realistic, so that the audience could feel that this can happen to anybody. In doing this Cuaron lost the essence of the plot, with its fairytale ending. The similarity that I have seen in the two films is the contrast of Pip/Finn compared to the convict. The directors are both trying to balance Pip/Finns innocence compared to the convicts corruption. Lean does this by keeping Pip polite and sincere all the time while the convict is strangling and pushing him etc. Cuaron does this by making the convict swear to scare Finn; I feel that Cuaron does this because he thinks he needs to do more to shock the modern day. The main differences between the two versions are the location, setting and background. For example Cuarons version had an American actor doing Finns voiceover, it took away some of the reality of the film because I feel that Great Expectations is so typically English. I can agree to some extent that both films had a strong opening which is essential in a film. The reason for this is because if there is a weak opening t the film you will not want to watch the rest of it; the same when reading a book if the first few chapters are not engaging you will not want to finish the book. Generally I preferred David Leans version because it kept to the book. Maybe I might have differently if I hadnt read the book first, but the 1997 version deviated from the book so much that I was confused which character was meant to be which. Lea I felt was also much more effective in setting up the story. Although both films id follow a chronological order, David Leans 1944 version kept very closely to the text where as the coloured version altered the location and dialogue of the novel.  David Lean built up the tension first using sound effects I.e. wind and bustling trees, the dreariness of the marshes and using the numerous visions of death I.e. the jibbet and the crooked gravestones.