Fear of the Water Essay -- Personal Narrative Writing

It was three weeks before my third birthday. The razor sharp air seemed to laugh at my winter coat, gloves, and hat. My Mother was pushing me along in a stroller at Carson Park. Walking briskly along the pond trail to keep warm, hiding that she did not want to be there. She knew that I loved to come look at the pond in the winter, and she braved the weather because of my birthday. I looked up with my curious eyes, trying to figure out why it was that the ducks left in the winter, why the water looked hard, and how people walked on the water like in the Bible. My Mother and I braved the weather for a whole day on the pond, and as the evening came, we decided to make our way home. She thought it would be nice if we took the long way out of the park and cross the bridge, and I couldn’t be more grateful, water mesmerized me. As we crossed the bridge, my world came to a halt. A group of crows feeding on a dead carcass scattered over my head. A man was standing on the oth er side of the bridge, with a shiny piece of metal in his hand. I didn’t understand, but my Mom knew that we were in danger, she knew what he held was a knife. â€Å"LubDUB.† My heart screamed out. I knew something was wrong now. The man yelled and screamed word that I had never heard. My Mother secured herself as a barrier between the man and me. His black eyes met my confused scared eyes. â€Å"Don’t hurt my mommy!† I screamed. There was no reaction, no movement. The only sound was the crows cawing below. Then the man said, â€Å"How would you like to take a swim,† in a quaint, barely audible voice. For a split second there was no movement, and then the man lunged at my Mother, and with the knife at her neck tipped me into the pond. I felt as if ... ...need air quite yet. There would be plenty of breathing after this Slam! My competitor and I seemed to slam our hands into the wall simultaneously. I didn’t know who won. I looked at the score board. Looked at the scoreboard and it read, â€Å"Lane:3 Swimmer:Meier,usa TIME:44.9 Place:1.† Victory. That was the first race of the rest of my life. In my junior year, my third year of high school, I was defeated by the member of the Greenwich Black Crows, but I still received third place in the state. Exactly three years after my second place performance earned me a spot on a collegiate swim team, it was me on the podium at trials. My victory wasn’t over my competitors, but the water, the water that beat me so many times before, it came down to a 43 second race in the Olympic trials and the three elements, one hydrogen, two oxygen, that I battled for so long.

Eating Disorders :: essays research papers

As field hockey began in late August I thought that she was a lot better, but, as time went on, I found out that she was not any better than when she left school last May. She was really getting worse. Living with someone that has an eating disorder is very hard. My college roommate, also my field hockey teammate suffers from an eating disorder called bulimia. She is now not playing field hockey because she is so bad that her heart can stop at any moment, and she could die. As an athlete there are many pressures to look and to be your best. Female athletes often try to lose weight to improve their game, to keep in shape or even just because of the pressures. Christy Henrich, a world-class gymnast, died in 1994 from anorexia. Her mother told Scott Reid (2005) of the Buffalo News was that, "the first thing [other athletes] told [Christy] was if there's something you want to eat, eat it and throw it up. That's the first thing you learn when you're on the U.S. national team." Pressures come from all over not just from your parents, coaches, teammates and fans. They can show up anywhere. There are many different kinds of eating disorders, from bulimia to anorexia to diet pill abuse to laxative abuse and many more (Otil,103). But the most common that we know of are bulimia and anorexia. Bulimia is a disease when a person eats a lot of food in a short amount of time (called bingeing) and then tries to prevent weight gain by purging. Anorexia is when you starve yourself in fear of gaining weight. As Richard Carey (1997) says in his article, an estimated in 1995 that 20% of college age women and 10% of adult women have suffered from eating disorders. An estimated 1,000,000 teenagers are affected by eating disorders. As many at 90% of all individuals with eating disorders are female this leaves only 10% of males. When it comes to losing weight there is a right way and a wrong way. For some of us we don’t know the right for the wrong. And that’s when an eating disorder steps in. Our body needs the chemical and neurological balance to be healthy. And when you resort in an unhealthy weight loss like not eating (anorexia) or bingeing and purging (bulimia) the chemical and neurological become unbalanced.

Philosophy assignment one Essay

Aristotle begins the study of politics with the household and its parts as the parts of the whole, the city, is composed. His discussion of the family gives three kinds of rule that is found in the household, master over slave, husband over wife and father over child. Aristotle provides an intellectual and rational means to the good life and the best society, or politics is autonomous and self-sufficient, that is, it is an activity independent of other spheres of human endeavor, and thus a sphere possessing knowledge and a technique independent of other forms of knowledge. To Aristotle community is based on reason. So, to Aristotle the polis and the logos are inextricably interwoven. The expansion or acquisition of property could be said to be internal dissension and internal strife, which deems salutary to the power and growth of Rome while laments the strife and factionalism that was a direct cause contributing to the fall of the republic. This stress on strife and conflict is significant in that is shows that the internal conflict over acquisition is transformed into an external conflict for acquisition. Aristotle’s view of society called the substantial form or the soul of the human body was conceived in such a way that the human being was seen to depend on the community for the satisfaction of its needs. Natural law forms the basis of all positive law, and whenever a positive legal stipulation contradicts this natural law, it loses its legal validity. It is possible to deduce objective natural law, valid for humanity as a whole, from teleological ethical basic principle. Aristotle defends politics by considering whether human beings are natural slaves and by repelling the economic view that all nature is the property of man. With property and money in Aristotle’s opinion, nature does require and permit property, but she does not require humans to acquire many possessions for the sake of their economic wellbeing. She may, however, require and permit the pursuit of another kind of wealth in virtually unlimited quantities. The tools, or wealth, that human beings use are secured by the art of moneymaking. But how human beings use wealth and therefore to some extent how much they use would seem to be determined by the household manager. So it is somewhat unclear whether moneymaking is properly the same as, a part of, or a subsidiary of household management. Both the household and the city are properly concerned with the perfect preservation of human beings and their rulers presumably acquire and use all things for that end. Nature has made all things for the use of human beings. We need as much of what moneymaking provides us as is necessary for life and for the good life secured in the household and the city. If the things that human beings can possess or use are of great variety, as indeed they seem to be and if it is the task of moneymaking to contemplate where useful things and property come from, then moneymaking must contemplate virtually all of visible nature and seek its cause or causes. However useful to economics and politics moneymaking may be, the study of nature or natural philosophy, to which moneymaking gives rise might return to its beginnings in economics. Human beings can use their skills to acquire nourishment and the store of things useful for life and the good life in various ways, nature seems to facilitate their consumption of her resources. Humans and other animals are said to be able to procure nourishment with ease and even according to their choice. Humans can combine various nourishments and the means of procuring them in order to live more pleasantly. Among the perfectly acceptable mans are robbery, the use of all inferior beings in nature, and even war against intransigent inferiors. These means are not contrary to nature and do not amount to expropriation from a hostile nature. Nature seems to sanction these means as necessary. When nature’s selfishness becomes all too apparent a second kind of acquisition comes into being. Nature’s failure to guarantee the self-sufficiency of each individual necessitates exchange. Although not by nature, exchange is according to nature, fir it serves her end of preservation. True moneymaking emerges reasonably from exchange or barter but becomes something different. Exchange, especially with foreigners is facilitated by the invention of money. Once its value has been agreed upon and signified by an impression on its face, money becomes the measure and standard for the value of the necessary things traded. Money and all other things come to be used to make more money and the generation of money from money, or interest, becomes comparable to natural genesis. Moneymaking and devotion to money, it appears, are as limitless as the natural human desires for life and pleasure. Money assumes central importance because it is thought to ensure satisfaction of the original desire for preservation carried to its logical conclusion, the desire for immortal happiness. Aristotle acknowledges that the culmination of moneymaking in usury is hated, but he himself does not condemn the unlimited form of moneymaking. He even teaches the art of trade, a form of moneymaking. He does, however, contend that it is an error to equate money with true wealth. Locke contends that there is a natural law derived from reason regulating the relations of individuals in the natural condition. The law of nature contains three distinct but interrelated commands. Locke claims that the power to execute the natural law is every mans, whereby each individual has the right to punish anyone who violates the natural law by threatening one’s self-preservation or harming another in their life, liberty or possessions. In regards to private property it involves both the explicit renunciation of property claims and implicit recognition of the equality of the private party to agreements. Locke may mean no more than that any explicit agreement with another regarding one matter includes implicit recognition of the property integrity of the various parties. Locke may intend a more expansive construction of the meaning of implicit recognition such that any explicit assertion of property integrity by one state produces an implicitly renunciation by that state of any property claim against any other. Locke assumes that every individual must have property of its own.

Absolutism Pros And Cons Essay

The history of Absolutism began during the seventeen century during the transition from Feudalism to Capitalism in England and was known as â€Å"The Divine Right of Kings† England was experiencing a complete overthrow of their monarchy and its replacement was first by a Republic and then by a new and weakened monarchy. For England, at the end of the seventeen century they would see the erosion of the monarch’s powers in the â€Å"Glorious Revolution†. Absolutism was a form of government where the ruling monarchs were responsible for God and sovereignty was embodied in the King only. Despite the attempts by the Kings in England their idea of Absolutism didn’t hit its full power like it did when King Louis XIV of France took the throne. I believe I share the same opinion of the majority of people throughout this country and even worldwide that there are more cons and weaknesses of Absolutism than there are pros and strengths. I will start out with the cons and weaknesses. In all reality the notion that one man, a single â€Å"leader† could have all this power invested into him with a single view on the entire country’s personal choices, religious beliefs, lifestyle choices, culture and moral values is beyond insane and a form of slavery if you ask me. His views are not shared with the entire country and for a single person to be in control of them all is disturbing beyond belief. These monarchs were recognized as France’s supreme legislators, executors, judicators and ruler of the entire country. In other words, the judge, lawyers and jury! I would say that is a major â€Å"con† right there! Absolutism doesn’t take into account and even refuted any historical developments during the scientific revolution during the Enlightenment era. It also debunks science theories, new ideas on creation, morals theories, personal family values, individual lifestyles and evolutionary na ture of humanity in general. It also lacks cultural differences and many of the monarchs seemed intolerant to any cultural diversity. Another weakness is that Absolutism basically ignores the circumstances in which ethical judgments are made and in today’s world in the 20th and 21st centuries those are the very freedoms and liberties we have as Americans. It’s a nightmare looking back in history and learning about these wealthy, selfish and greedy unruly men being the kings and rulers of an entire country. Really one â€Å"mind† and â€Å"theory† for all? Thank goodness for the Enlightenment era when the intelligent, educated and morally sound men rose to the occasion to change the world in which they lived in from the dark ages into the â€Å"light† known as the Enlightenment period! The last â€Å"con† of Absolutism that is probably the most dangerous to their society was the fact that there was no Democratic legitimacy because the leader was not elected by the people he inherited the position by either a family passing away or given to them by a retiring king. So any liability and accountability is lacking when it comes to a bad ruling by an inefficient tyrant of a ruler. Some examples include religion beliefs and castration to the non-believers and followers, a rush to judgment for a crime the accused might not have committed with their â€Å"eye for an eye† outlook of cruel punishments because remember there was no trials, jurors and their â€Å"government† lacked that liberty to defend yourself and speak your mind in that era. It was a great moment in history when Absolutism hit its shelf life with the age of the Enlightenment on the rise with a more modernized way of thinking. The pros and strengths were hard to gather but taking my biased hat off for a moment I can open my mind to other people’s opinions and different views on Absolutism†¦.I guess. Absolutism can provide a fixed ethical code which gives clear moral judgments in situations where there is a need for ethical guidance. Their ideas are that morality isn’t based on individual or group preferences but rather on absolute and universal values. Some people feel it’s better to follow then to lead and it allows different societies to share common values. It could bring stability and a more civil society when everyone follows the same ruler, whether they agree with it or not, the ruler sets clear and simple rules which would any avoid conflicts, disagreements and any personal biases because options and consequences are not taken into account. This would be somewhat beneficial when it comes to decisions on war because decisions are reached and implemented quickly, as there is a no debate and bureaucracy involved. There is a sense of equality within the government because the same rules apply to everyone in every situation. In conclusion, it is common sense that having an Absolute monarchy government over a Democracy is absolutely insane. We have come a long way from the dark ages into the era of the Enlightenment, the Scientific and American revolutions, along with the end result of a strong U.S. Constitution and Bills of Rights that is now the foundation to our country’s civil liberties and freedoms we pride ourselves on and are very thankful to have.

The Columbine Tragedy - 1110 Words

An outburst of school violence has taken over the nation throughout the past several years. Incidents of school violence have quickly intensified since the Columbine tragedy, thus prompting communities to take additional safety precautions with their youth education system. There are many inquiries on what type of violence is most common, often narrowing down on gender, ethnicity, and environment. Violence itself can be defined as a deliberate act, serving no legitimate purpose, which has the possibility of reasonably harming another person. Violent behavior is often associated with the cultural environment and class status of an individual. The ideology that can be obtained from this perspective would be that lower class, uneducated†¦show more content†¦Society also blames other environmental exposure, such as video games, as the root cause of violence in young boys specifically. Electronic games have largely become a popular form of human recreation, and the immersive expe riences they provide millions have led to concerns that violent games have a negative impact on society, and gaming-related aggression leads to aggression in the real world (Przybylski). Granted, sometimes music, video games, and media influence aggressive behavior, but also the primary reason why teenagers become so engrossed in such things is because of lack of attention from parents and other important authority figures. Often time’s students also feel overwhelmed in school and suffer with secondary traumatic stress disorder (STS). Students have to deal with burden of school work, homework, their jobs outside of school, and their social lives outside of school, which can include family and other interpersonal relationships. Disruptions among interpersonal relationships are often referred to as a symptom of secondary traumatic stress (STS). A study conducted by the Offices of Mental Health Practitioners showed a high correlation between high stress levels and damage of rela tionships leading to violent behavior and aggression. Results of the study showed higher levels of STS symptoms along with a significant association with lower relationship satisfaction, less use of constructive communication, more avoidance, andShow MoreRelatedThe Columbine Tragedy766 Words   |  3 PagesThe Columbine Tragedy The student sat at her desk on Monday morning in English class, discussing the details of the weekend with her best friend. The bell rang at 8:45 a.m. and her teacher started taking attendance. It was a new week with so many things to accomplish. The teacher finished the morning details by completing lunch count. She then asked her pupils to quit visiting, and to open their literature books and begin reading. 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Unusual Grammatical Principles and Structures

Piano Concert - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 1 Words: 335 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2017/09/19 Category Music Essay Type Argumentative essay Tags: Personality Essay Did you like this example? Michael 10-14-08 Piano Concert-10/7/08 The only performer, performing this evening was an aspiring pianist named Judy Huang. The performer had a charismatic personality, with a little bit of an accent. She gladly welcomed us and opened her recital by introducing herself. The event occurred in the Art Building, C-104 at approximately 5:00 P. M. on Tuesday of October 07, 2008. She humbly dedicated and donated her time to share her piano skills. She proudly opened her recital by presenting how honored she was to be able to perform for college students that had appreciation for the art of music. She played some fast pace and slow moving melodic classical music with accuracy and perfection. Some of the classical songs she played includes: Sonata in F Major, Op. 10, No. 2 (First mvt)- L. V. Beethoven, Carnaval, Berceuse, Op. 57-F. chopin, Etudes, Op. 10, No. 1,2,3,4,5,7,8-F. Chopin, and Op. 9-R. Schumann. After each song, Judy explained what majors were used, and what type of classical music the song can be classified. The audiences applause held until each song was successfully recited; then was followed by a gentle bow. She willingly offered to answer questions that any of us might have. Judy succeeded amazingly at the throughout her performance. All the songs she played not only hit just a perfect key note, but also a strong sense of confidence. I can almost feel her character reflected off of her precision in each tune. The song she played sounded like a story, which appealed to all my senses. During the performance, I felt really relaxed, and mellow. It was what I really needed from a long day. The songs she played were like a soothing lullaby to a babys ear. Her techniques were really astonishing to my amusement. It captivated my attention throughout the whole show. I honestly do not like that type of music, but just to see it and hear it live was a good experience for me. I have learned to appreciate other types of music a little more. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Piano Concert" essay for you Create order