My Agony is More Noble Than Your Pain :: Essays Papers

My Agony is More Noble Than Your Pain In a world where an infallibly righteous God oversees justice, the source of all human suffering is known and understood. While this may not make the pain of the punishment He assigns any less agonizing, it at least lends it clarity. When Job loses his family and his fortune, he immediately knows with whom to take up his case. However, in a world where the gods do not determine all human actions and exert their influence arbitrarily, one’s misfortune is wholly one’s own to bear, no matter how undeserved it may be. Sophocles emphasizes this human aspect of injustice in Electra and Philoctetes, placing both main characters in a position of undeserved suffering caused largely by human actions. Electra and Philoctetes are in a situation comparable to Job—they were wronged by powers mightier than themselves and bringing those powers to justice is an arduous or downright impossible task. Both characters must decide whether to cling to their suffering because it is just , at the expense of their humanity or their lives, or to relinquish it in order to rejoin society either literally, in Philoctetes’s case, or metaphorically in Electra’s. Where Job could not feasibly punish God, and was therefore left with only the choice between abandoning or maintaining his faith in the face of injustice, the world of arbitrary and human injustice opens a new avenue to end suffering: revenge. Electra immediately seizes on this as her only hope of salvation and sets the machinery to accomplish it in motion by sending Orestes off with Pedagogus after her father’s murder. However, this shifts her control of the revenge out of her hands and, while her communication with Orestes keeps the prospect close enough to obsess her, it also renders her entirely passive to his will. The chorus repeatedly rebukes her for her self-inflicted misery, claiming that nothing will assuage it once it has been too deeply entrenched. They say, â€Å"If past the bounds of sense you dwell in grief that is cureless, with sorrow unending, you will only destroy yourself, in a matter where evil knows no deliverance†¦Why do you seek it?† (Electr a, 140-145). Electra does not refute the truth of their speech, focusing instead on her admiration of those who cling to suffering. In contrast, whatever desire for vengeance Philoctetes has towards those who wronged him, he can only direct it through curses and appeals to the gods because he has no reasonable hope of punishing Odysseus and the Atridae himself. My Agony is More Noble Than Your Pain :: Essays Papers My Agony is More Noble Than Your Pain In a world where an infallibly righteous God oversees justice, the source of all human suffering is known and understood. While this may not make the pain of the punishment He assigns any less agonizing, it at least lends it clarity. When Job loses his family and his fortune, he immediately knows with whom to take up his case. However, in a world where the gods do not determine all human actions and exert their influence arbitrarily, one’s misfortune is wholly one’s own to bear, no matter how undeserved it may be. Sophocles emphasizes this human aspect of injustice in Electra and Philoctetes, placing both main characters in a position of undeserved suffering caused largely by human actions. Electra and Philoctetes are in a situation comparable to Job—they were wronged by powers mightier than themselves and bringing those powers to justice is an arduous or downright impossible task. Both characters must decide whether to cling to their suffering because it is just , at the expense of their humanity or their lives, or to relinquish it in order to rejoin society either literally, in Philoctetes’s case, or metaphorically in Electra’s. Where Job could not feasibly punish God, and was therefore left with only the choice between abandoning or maintaining his faith in the face of injustice, the world of arbitrary and human injustice opens a new avenue to end suffering: revenge. Electra immediately seizes on this as her only hope of salvation and sets the machinery to accomplish it in motion by sending Orestes off with Pedagogus after her father’s murder. However, this shifts her control of the revenge out of her hands and, while her communication with Orestes keeps the prospect close enough to obsess her, it also renders her entirely passive to his will. The chorus repeatedly rebukes her for her self-inflicted misery, claiming that nothing will assuage it once it has been too deeply entrenched. They say, â€Å"If past the bounds of sense you dwell in grief that is cureless, with sorrow unending, you will only destroy yourself, in a matter where evil knows no deliverance†¦Why do you seek it?† (Electr a, 140-145). Electra does not refute the truth of their speech, focusing instead on her admiration of those who cling to suffering. In contrast, whatever desire for vengeance Philoctetes has towards those who wronged him, he can only direct it through curses and appeals to the gods because he has no reasonable hope of punishing Odysseus and the Atridae himself.

American Slavery :: Slavery Essays

  The purpose of this report was for me to research and explore the connection between African American women and music.  Ã‚  Since prior to the slave decades, music has been an integral part of African American society, and served as a form of social, economic, and emotional support in African American communities in the past and present.  Ã‚  This paper will cover three different types of secular music that emerged during the slave days, through the civil war, reconstruction, and depression periods.  Ã‚  They are blues, jazz, and gospel music.  Ã‚  Each of these forms of music are still in existence today.  Ã‚  In addition to exploring the history of each of these genres of music, this report will identify three African American female music legends, Bessie Smith, Emma Barrett, and Mahalia Jackson. Blues emerged in the period between the end of the civil war, and the beginning of the 20th century.  Ã‚  Originating in the fields of the rural south, it became popular after the emancipation of the slaves.  Ã‚  In this form of music, the singer and composer is one in the same, a characteristic not evident in the spiritual songs of the slave communities.  Ã‚  Spirituals were somewhat of a passage way for blues.  Ã‚  Blues followed blacks to urban societies as spirituals followed the slaves onto the plantations.  Ã‚  The differences between these types of music were that spirituals were collective, whereas an individual sang blues.  Ã‚  Blues attributed to the evolution of black society toward individualism after the collective society of slavery.  Ã‚  Blues became know as the music of the black working class.  Ã‚  It was a way for African Americans to express the modern problems of economics, social errors, and poverty and power struggles they faced after they became free.  Ã‚  African Americans were still living in unjust societies, where jobs were hard to find.  Ã‚  They began to migrate north, but the case remained the same.  Ã‚  They used music for economic gain in nightclubs, corner halls, publishing, and recording.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the greatest African American female blues singers was Bessie Smith.  Ã‚  She was born on April 15, 1894 or 1898.  Ã‚  The exact date is unknown.  Ã‚  Her father William was a preacher, who died when Bessie was very young.  Ã‚  This left her mother to raise seven children on her own.  Ã‚  When Bessie was nine years old, her mother Laura had passed away, and two of her brothers had died as well.  Ã‚  The oldest sister brought up the five remaining brothers and sisters.  Ã‚  Prior to the death of Bessie’s mother, she was singing on a street corner to the accompaniment of her brother’s guitar.

Fresh Direct case analysis Essay

BACKGROUND/HISTORY FreshDirect was launched in July 2001. Cofounder and former chief executive officer Joseph Fedele, Joseph Fedele was able to bring a wealth of experience in New York City’s food industry to FreshDirect. In 1993 Joseph Fedele cofounded Fairway Uptown, a 35,000 foot supermarket located on West 133 Street in Harlem. Only reason Fairway survived in that location was of Fairway’s low prices and quality selection of produce and meats which made the store a big hit with neighborhood residents and many downtown and suburban commuters. FreshDirect primary business is for consumers who want to shop for their produce from the comfort of their own time and need. Being able to shop from work, home, app, pretty much anywhere and have it either delivered to you at work, meet up with them at a specific location or even just pick it up at their very own FreshDirect location is their goal, along with making sure the customer gets what they want and guarantee the freshness of their items. FreshDirect is still in business and their corrent CEO is Jason Ackerman. However as the case listed FreshDirect went through many CEO changes. Which isn’t always a great thing but since FreshDirect was growing so much, so quickly there was in need of changes to happen. â€Å"Cofounder Joseph Fedele had remained CEO until January 2004, when cofounder Jason Ackerman succeeded him in that position. Since then, FreshDirect has experienced multiple CEO changes. Jason Ackerman stayed as CEO of FreshDirect for a little over seven months, until Dean Furbush succeeded him in that position in September 2004. Ackerman remained vice chairman and chief financial officer. The tenure of Dean Furbush lasted a little over two years. Steve Michaelson, president since 2004, replaced Furbush as the CEO of FreshDirect in early 2007.9 In 2008 Michaelson left  for another firm, and FreshDirect’s chairman of the board, Richard Braddock, expanded his role in the firm and took over as CEO.† (Strategic Management 2012) FreshDirect main promise when opening wa s â€Å"Our food is fresh, our customers are spoiled†¦. Order on the web today and get next-day delivery of the best food at the best price, exactly the way you want it, with 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed.† Since FreshDirect is still in business and still improving since when they first opened they have not changed their main mission which was to prides itself on sourcing the highest quality food and freshest ingredients available for their customers and being able to deliver them when they want. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths – †¢ well-known brand †¢ high quality produce †¢ multiple ways to order/deliver †¢ only company that allows you to change rate the freshness †¢ more options on what kind of meat thickness, type, etc to choose from Weaknesses – †¢ weather †¢ large market for many other competitors †¢ many stores around the corner open late Opportunities – †¢ expandable since having their own trucks †¢ longer delivery times advantage of owning own trucks Threats – †¢ many high quality organic produces, lower-price at competitors †¢ Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s moving into a FreshDirect neighborhood †¢ numerous competitors †¢ lower prices for delivery with competitors ANALYSIS VIA PORTER’S FIVE FORCES MODEL STRATEGY USED FreshDirect has been using the same strategy since they had opened in 2001. They have been able to fulfil what the customer wants and how they want it every time a customer is shopping. Being able to rate products and showing them the rate of how fresh the product might be helps every customer out every time. Able to deliver the same day and also next day right to your office or doorstep along with being able to pick up at the store is a strategy that FreshDirect has been using since the opened. Since they own their own delivery trucks they are able to deliver anytime needed for the customer. Low prices, and also having a minimum order to just $30 with a low delivery fee is great for any shopper. THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACING THIS COMPANY Only problems, issues, and challenges that are faced by are the company are very small. Main one would be the fact that not a lot of people like to buy their produce online, since they are not able to pick it themselves, however FreshDirect has been able to show many consumers that they can be trusted, and many consumers are given a choice on what they want and how they want their meats. Another problem faced by FreshDirect was that many people were concerned about the pollution the trucks/vans were giving off by FreshDirect when delivering groceries. Also another issue that was a concern for the company was the volitions for parking that the company got, and blocking traffic in the city when delivering. FreshDirect had to pay for them, along with many boxes that were wasted when boxing everything different for each customer, there was no way for customers to return the boxes to the company for proper recycling. COURSE OF ACTION RECOMMENDED Since the company is already doing well there is only a few things I would change. I would first lower the prices for delivery since many people will find that high, and along with that give discounts on separate bulk orders so it is like a wholesaler such as Sam’s or Costco or even BJ’s. If that is done, and shipping prices are reduced then they would not have to worry  about Amazon and even Walmart effecting their business that are larger markets that could hurt the business. OPINION I feel that in my opinion I really do not like shopping for groceries online, I am one of those people who like to shop in person for things like this, however I’d shop online a lot but for food, I feel like it is more of a hands on process that should be done then just ordering your meats and produce online. Even though the market for online shopping is good, since some people do not have time to physically go shopping, it is not a bad idea. When I was first reading this, I thought to myself, how can they succeed, but then realized in NY there are many people who are busy with their jobs and family, where this would eliminate some time in spending at a store. REFERENCES Dess, G., Lumpkin, G. & Eisner, A. (2012). Strategic Management (6e). Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Fresh Direct, LLC. (2002 – 2014). Retrieved March 19, 2014, from https://www.freshdirect.com/index.jsp Porter’s Five Forces – Problem Solving Techniques from MindTools.com. (1996 – 2014). Retrieved March 19, 2014, from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_08.htm

Effects of Psychodrama Practice on University Students’ Subjective Well-Being and Hopelessness Essay

Psychodrama can be defined as the helpful role-playing method technique usually conducted by groups. Many questions have been raised about the effects which can be caused by psychodrama on students (Blatner, & Adam, 2014). This article have discussed and compiled those effects caused by psychodrama practice on university students’ subjective well-being and hopelessness, morenean approaches: Recognizing Psychodrama’s many facets, the integration of psychodrama with Bowen’s theory in couple therapy and enriching psychodrama through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques Bibliography. Article summary on the effects of psychodrama practice on university students’ subjective well-being and hopelessness                  The effects of psychodrama can be either positive or negative (benefits or limitation).Psychodrama has several applications in real life today. These applications include business, training, religion, and application in business and also teaching together with psychotherapeutic application and concentrations (Blatner, & Adam, 2014). Many people have made it a major part in their colleges as psychodrama trainers who puts efforts broadly with such persons (Farmer et al, 2007). The psychodrama tic tactic can be readily unified with several other approaches which relates to psychotherapy. According to Blatner, & Adam, (2014), the integration of psychodrama with psychoanalysis, gestalt therapy, behavior therapies, creative arts therapies, play therapy, body therapies, family therapy, group therapy, imagination therapies and other miscellaneous psychotherapies. For example within (ASGPP) American Society for the Study of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama ther e is a sub class of psychodrama that precisely concentrate on application of psychoanalytic. Psychodrama symbolizes a full expansion and improvement of role-playing together with their applications and implementation. Although role-playing is mostly discussed, outdoor of psychodrama it has not often been considered as an intermediation but except decisiveness training, others are known by the clinician. A psychodrama tic role-playing meeting is perfect for formulating for example a university student to have an encounter with a family or friend member, employer, or maybe the colleague worker. Psychodrama have another application of addressing a wide range of matters and problems comprising those in the currently, future, and past or those that comprise the interior encounter (Farmer et al, 2007). According to Farmer et al, (2007), it can be addressed as â€Å"surplus reality,† that is those issues connected to what one might have, would have, and should have done. This can be applied to efficiently address visions and fantasies and can be applied to address worries related to â€Å"God†, â€Å"the church† or â€Å"the government† in a straight sort of manner. This can improve the well-being of a student and assist him or her in grieving through a goodbye meeting with a departed important and esteemed one. Furthermore Psychodrama can be applied to enhance specific therapy on an individual or additional therapy setup. This can assist the move a student past a deadlock or define if they are equipped for expulsion from treatment through tackling an expected challenging situation (Treadwell, 2005). Privacy is an issue in any experimental preparation groups just as it is in psychotherapy groups. Each participants is required to come to an agreement to privacy as one condition for being a fragment of this training (Blatner, & Adam, 2014). The participants are also stimulated to take into account ongoing work and school interactions with other participants as they select what they unveil as a personal material. Furthermore, it will be addressed out that a moral condition for group work is to make the contestants aware that though a group trainer is forbidden by law from unveiling any material from group, also other group members do not have that same responsibility. Many ways can lead to physical injury to the participant in the process of enactment. For example, the presentation of fierce scenes, creating effects in example standing on chairs, or peoples who are bodily compromised to start with commotions which they cannot do. It is the teacher’s and therapist’s accountability to be alert of possible hazards and to shield the participants. Societal force can end up in individuals feeling constrained to participate in activities of which they may not otherwise accord. Moreover, it is stressed that this subject must be made clear with each participant with whom the therapist might use the method (Farmer et al, 2007). Psychodrama is the most approach developed by Moreno in his lifespan. Instead of being believed of as an only technique, his work would be greatly aided if utilized and recognized as actually separate mechanisms (Karatas, &Zeynep, 2005). Although the efficiency of these individual mechanisms might be added up by using them in performance, there are many situations in which they can be applied in their own right. Moreno came to a conclusion that body movement, active interrelations and actions on the stage, their common familiarity or distance as stated in altitudinal terms, physical, could inform more about the troubles in interpersonal affairs than speaking (Farmer et al, 2007). The action occurring on the stage, movements and spoken words, and objects, make it probable for the character to either to complete anything he or she has been unable to, or have not known how to do it, or tried not do in actuality (Treadwell, 2005). This can be referred as act completion since it is on the psychodrama stage that the person understands the emotions and thoughts that obstruct him, plus the new sequence of behavior that will assist him to express himself independently (Treadwell, 2005). Psychodrama not only sightsees one’s unexpressed feelings and thoughts, but also the conditions that have never really occurred but could have the meets with those who are actually not there. Everything can happen in psychodrama and this hidden dimension of experience can be referred as surplus reality or an extra dimension of reality. The â€Å"character’s† story or subject is at the center of the psychodrama tic presentation whereby the character is the client, patient and the subject of the conduct. The character is chosen out of the group and during the psychodrama tic process the group’s participants are the â€Å"listeners† and the source is for the enactment (Blatner, & Adam, 2014). About the greatest part, the source plays the part according to the character’s comments and instructions .The organizer may direct the source but not intensively. According to Moreno, the source can be acted to the character’s creative mind in two approaches known as double and soliloquy (Treadwell, 2005). There are many methods which co-therapist use to deal with those in relationships mainly couples by use of psychodrama methods and Bowen’s theories. The authors put together the Bowens theory of differentiated individual as single who is capable to function from a position of me as different from we in couples or relationships and use psychodrama to show this functioning (Blatner, & Adam, 2014). The appliance of psychodrama among couples is based on the four Bowens theories (Farmer et al, 2007). the first theory is the theory of triangle, In couples who are too cross of very far there comes a time where some misunderstanding occurs, some couples are able to solve them in a peaceful manner while others they do not manage to do so, this cause an emotional tension which leads to violence in the family. This is where the Bowens theory of triangle gets in, the theory introduces a third party in the family, which helps to solve the problem. The three party’s forms a triangle as the name suggest due to the pull of the third party. The third party can be Christian leaders, police or family friends. According to Blatner, & Adam, (2014), in families, differentiated profile according to Bowen’s theory occurs when a child is born with some characteristics similar to those of one parent or grandparent or the child is born during the period of the death of one of the members of the family. The child concentrates more on the family due to the pressure from those sharing the same characteristics with him or her. This makes child to grow in a sense of WE more than I. In this case, Bowen wanted to teach couples on how to be different from others, if is to attend therapy sessions on member can attend and bring a change in the family if both are not willing to attend together (Karatas, &Zeynep, 2005). The authors bring together the psychodrama and also cognitive behavioral techniques in-group settings. Those groups should have a minimum of five and maximum of ten members. The sessions should take 2 to 3 hours and total period should be 15 weeks. Those with aggressive disorders should take individual therapy (Treadwell, 2005). In the application of cognitive therapy, therapist should start with dysfunctional contemplation or thought records where the group’s members record things that affect them emotionally. The records are kept in each person’s file. During the filling of dysfunctional forms, the members should be given the samples first to guide them on how to fill them. Those forms help the therapist to know each person problem (Treadwell, 2005). Other cognitive technique is automatic thoughts, which are habitual. The therapist helps the patient to recognize them and assist the patient how to deal with them. The cognitive behavioral technique is very effective and the patient responds to it very well (Blatner, & Adam, 2014). Conclusion                  From the impacts of psychodrama and its explanation we can deduce that it not only explores one’s unexpressed feelings and thoughts, but also the situations that have at no time really occurred but could have the meets with those who are actually not there. Everything can happen in psychodrama and this hidden dimension of experience can be referred as surplus reality or an extra dimension of reality. Psychodrama is useful since it can be applied in business, training, religion, and application in business and also teaching together with psychotherapeutic application and concentrations. Other than benefits it can affect the participant due to its societal force which can end up in individuals feeling constrained to participate in activities of which they may not otherwise accord. Outline Psychodrama can be defined as the helpful role-playing method technique usually conducted by groups. Effects of psychodrama can be either positive or negative (benefits or limitation). Benefits include the applications in real life situations such as in business, training, religion, application in business and also teaching. Negative effects are the potential harms in terms of emotions, social culture or physical change. According to Moreno, Psychodrama is the most approach developed in his lifespan Psychodrama not only sightsees one’s unexpressed feelings and thoughts, but also the conditions that have never really occurred but could have, the meets with those who are actually not there. Everything can happen in psychodrama and this hidden dimension of experience, can be referred as surplus reality or an extra dimension of reality. Bowens theories emphasizes mostly on differentiation where one refers himself as an individual. The force of the third party in a relationship helps a lot. The integration of Bowers theories and psychodrama brought a solution to those in relationships. Dysfunctional thought forms help mostly students and patients with a problem of mood regulation. During the first sessions of application cognitive technique, the students do not cooperate but later they enjoy the sessions. References Blatner, Adam (2014). Morenean Approaches: Recognizing Psychodrama’s Many Facets. Turk Egitim DernegiFarmer, Chris; Geller, Marcia (2007). The Integration of Psychodrama with Bowen’s Theories in Couples Therapy. Heldref Publications Winter Karatas, Zeynep. (2005). Effects of Psychodrama Practice on University Students’ Subjective Well-Being and Hopelessness Treadwell, Thomas W; Kumar, V K; Wright, Joseph H (2005). Enriching Psychodrama Through the Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques. HELDREF PUBLICATIONS Summer Source document

Location: Bhogpur village, Dehra Dun district, India

Location: Bhogpur village, Dehra Dun district, India Introduction: The CAS project spanned two days in Bhogpur village. As a group of 32 students, we decided to combine creativity, action and service into one positive approach to work in the village in the short time we were there. Day 1 Total number of hours: 4 hours Total distance trekked: 4 km After lunch, our group decided that it was important for us to find out the problems of people in the area and to attempt to address them in whatever ways possible. To do this, it had been suggested that the group divided itself into pairs of two and went door to door in the village, interacting with the villagers. Although I believed that the idea was, on the whole, a positive one I was still apprehensive about the approach. Nevertheless, forcing myself to throw out any negativity, I decided to participate wholeheartedly in the interaction with the people of the village. Initially, my friend Shivaan and I had a hesitant start. I was extremely self-conscious and felt downright idiotic expecting unknown villagers to pour out their problems to strangers. But as we kept trekking through the village, I realized that the distance was merely in the head. The villagers ranged from old women to middle aged families and young adults. Some were very hesitant in talking to us but soon started interacting openly. Others were extremely vocal throughout. Shivaan and I noticed an underlying set of problems that pervaded the entire village. These included a water problem, an economic divide, gender issues, etc. I mulled over all these problems in vain. What was the solution that I could provide in a day, in a flourish to people who were far removed from who I was or where I lived? In the evening, my perception underwent a change. We decided to put up a program that would encompass two plays, a dance routine and a panel discussion. I was part of both the plays and enjoyed outlining the storylines and acting and directing at the same time. As we practiced, I thought about the initial negative attitude that I had had regarding the solutions we could provide to the villagers about the issues that they faced. Day 2 Total number of hours: 4 hours Total distance trekked: 2 km This was the day of the performance. Before an early breakfast, we moved to rehearse and have a run through of the entire performance one final time. Although there were occasional glitches, I managed to keep calm and be confident. We then trekked to the village area. After literally tugging villagers out of their homes to create an audience for our performance, we started. All four items were great successes. The smiles on the faces of the children and the curt nods between the adults said it all. Although it would have been far too optimistic to believe that we could make a huge difference in merely a day, I am sure that we did make a difference. We did ensure that the villagers realized what their problems were and also offered rudimentary, individualized solutions. With a smile on my own face, I realized that the entire effort resulted in success – we had, in some way or the other, managed to positively affect the villagers’ lives.

Julie was perfect – Creative Writing

Julie was perfect. She was smart, popular and pretty. Her naturally blonde hair was professionally styled at least once a week and her size eight figure was always gloved in designer labels heard of only in magazines, brought for her on Daddy's credit card. She was involved within the school teams and clubs, including gymnastics and dance, as well as all of the social clubs and school politics. Jen was far from this. She was what would be referred to as â€Å"bad†. Her dyed black hair that was worn so that half of her face could not be seen and she always wore uniform black. She was the kind of person that rarely made an appearance at school, let alone at anything extra curricular. She spent her entire life drinking, smoking and getting â€Å"high†. Dom would have called himself one of the cool guys but everyone else would have called him a jock. He was captain of the football team and head of his gang. They were all members of the football team and spent their free time taunting or punching one another mindlessly. When he was away from his gang, he spent his time acting too cool for anyone else. Brian was one of the cleaver ones. He was a straight A student who enjoyed extra curricular activities like science and chess club. The only thing that he was not good at was sport. Whatever he tried, he looked gawky and awkward. Everyone saw him as a â€Å"geek† or a â€Å"nerd† and I suppose the fact that he wore trousers that were slightly too short for him and glasses didn't help. These four people had nothing in common apart from the fact that they had to share a chalet on a skiing holiday organised by the school. There had been a mix up with numbers meaning that none of them could share with their friends. There was no television or radio and no one was to leave their chalet after eight in the evening unless there was an activity. After the first day of skiing, neither Julie, Dom nor Brian wanted to leave their friends. Jen, who had no friends that had come on the holiday, was busy having a smoke out of the window with her Walkman turned up. She didn't hear Mr Bowdon, their incredibly strict PE teacher come in to the chalet. â€Å"What do you think your doing, Ms. Parker?† Mr. Bowdon shrieked red with fury. Jen turned off her Walkman and spoke. â€Å"What does it look like I'm doing?† She said sarcastically. â€Å"It looks like your trying to get yourself banned from the slopes,† Mr. Bowdon remarked snidely â€Å"What do I care? Skiing is mind-numbingly boring; I only came to pick up some cheap smokes and booze!† Jen laughed, â€Å"Besides, where are the princess, the jock and the geek that I have to share this place with? I bet there with their friends and its after eight! So, instead of wasting your time with no-hopers like me, why don't you guide them into doing the right thing, isn't that what you say your job is?† Her words oozed with contempt. Mr. Bowdon looked at her but she stared him out. Eventually he turned and went in search for the others. For the rest of the week, Mr. Bowdon kept an eye on all four of them and caught them out many times. By the second to last evening, he had had enough. He called them all in to his chalet and banned them from spending their last day on the slopes. There was an array of moans and groans but it was clear that Mr. Bowdon's word was final. They were to be supervised by Mr. Bowdon's wife who was not a skier and would have to spend the day with only each other for company. Everyone knew that tomorrow would be hard. They were woken at six in the morning for breakfast, which was to be eaten on a solitary table laid just for the four of them. Jen was the only one to speak through breakfast. She spent the whole time complaining about being stuck with a bunch of losers for the whole day. When they had finished breakfast, they were instructed to go back to their chalet and to stay there until they were told otherwise. â€Å"This is so unfair, all I wanted to do was to spend my holiday with my friends, and now I'm stuck in here for the day,† Julie whined â€Å"Oh shut up princess, just because you can't go running to Daddy!† taunted Jen. â€Å"Leave her alone, arguing's a waste of time because you can't walk away, your stuck in here all day whether you like it or not,† Said Brian shyly. â€Å"This is none of your business, Geek†, jeered Jen and, with that, she lit up a cigarette and began to inhale deeply. Just as Jen had thrown the cigarette butt out the window, a hard faced woman came into their chalet without so much as a knock. She informed them that she was Mrs. Bowdon and that she would be surprising them with visits throughout the day and, as swiftly as she entered, she left. â€Å"God, no wonder Mr. Bowdon's so bitter with that witch as a wife†, sniggered Jen. For the first time, Julie and Jen made eye contact and smiled. â€Å"So, why do you waste so much of your free time in clubs then?† asked Jen. â€Å"Leave her alone,† warned Dom. â€Å"No I'm being serious, why?† â€Å"I don't know, it's just what me and my friends have always done. Besides, it's not so bad† Julie answered unconvincingly. There was an awkward silence. Julie began to study her French manicure and the others started to fidget. After a while, Dom crossed the room to talk to Julie. â€Å"Hey!† Dom said with ease. â€Å"Hi† Julie said, surprised. â€Å"Aww, the Jock and the Princess, what a prefect match† Jen jeered. â€Å"Shut up!† They all said in unison. â€Å"It's a free country!† She retaliated. â€Å"Why are you always so sarcastic, Jen?† Julie asked, â€Å"I think it's just a front. I think that you are so scared about letting anyone see your feelings, that you cover them up with jokes and sarcasm.† â€Å"Shut up Julie. Yeah, so I don't show emotions, so what? Besides you can hardly talk. Everything about you is fake. Your so fake that you probably don't even know who you are anymore. So maybe I do hide emotions but I'd rather do that then have everyone know my personal business.† Jen shouted and, with that, she went into their room and slammed the door. â€Å"You know, she's right.† Brian said timidly, â€Å"Every single one of us puts on a front.† â€Å"And what front do you put on then?† Dom mocked â€Å"You know, I'm not as good as you think I am,† Brian said, a little braver than last time. As if on cue, Jen entered the room again. Her gothic make up was freshly applied to red, blotchy eyes and her infamous army boots had been removed, as had a little bit of her front. â€Å"So, what have you done that's so bad?† Jen asked with a friendly smile on her face for the first time. â€Å"Well, I've smoked a cigarette and I got a little bit drunk at my cousions wedding,† Brian said nervously. â€Å"Hey, I know what'll make the day pass quicker!† Jen said with a glint in her eye. With that, Jen ran to her room to fetch something. The others looked at each other nervously. She returned with a tightly wrapped package. â€Å"Is that drugs?† Brian asked nervously. â€Å"It's only pot, it's not gonna kill ya,† Jen said â€Å"Well, ok then,† Brian said reluctantly. â€Å"Are you guys in?† Pushed Jen. Julie and Dom looked at each other. After a few minutes they agreed. They all sat around in a circle and watched Jen expertly roll it. After it was lit, they passed it around. Everyone accept for Jen coughed violently on their first drag, and, after it had been passed around a few times, they were too relaxed to care! They spent hours talking mindlessly and becoming relaxed in each others company until it wore off. When it did wear off, the fronts that they had been putting on for so many years also wore off.

Management versus leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Management versus leadership - Essay Example Leaders play a critical role in group and organizational effectiveness. Leaders can exert influence and direct task-related activities of other group members. They require motivational skills, exceptional people skills and flexibility. They also require courage of conviction and the foresight to stand by their pioneering and sometimes, even risky choices. What is surprising, however, is that leaders can be found at all levels of an organization. Although, many leaders are not necessarily managers, their abilities can be studied in ‘leaderless’ situations where they stand out by helping to keep clear goals and meeting targets. Management refers to the practice of granting a person formal authority to be in charge of an organization or its subunits (Coffey, Cook, & Hunsaker, 1994). Managers are responsible for maintaining a smooth flow of work for optimum productivity and profitability and hence are given authority according to their organizational hierarchy. Managers perform many functions on the basis of their position of authority. However, much of the work relies on following protocol and ensuring compliance. Leadership, on the other hand, entails a certain degree of imagination and risk, and good leaders are those who learn from mistakes and lead by example as stated in The Leadership Challenge (Hellriegel and Slocum, 2010). Leadership refers to the process of developing ideas and a vision, taking measured steps to fulfil that vision and influencing others to adopt them in their lives. This depends on the ability to change mind sets and no longer rely on command and control alone. According to Hellriegel and Slocum (2010), leader is one who exhibits these key attributes of leadership- ideas, vision, values, and the ability to influence others and make tough decisions. Management is a process that is used to accomplish organizational goals (Bohoris, & Vorria, 2009). The focus of management is generally on improving the present conditions, like