Can't determine what is throwing a NullPointer exception?

Your doStuff() method is throwing something other than a SQLException and it is not being caught. Add a catch(Exception e) block and log that exception and see what happens.

Close the resources in the reverse order in which they were obtained.

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.