Change, Creativity, and Innovation

Change, Creativity, and Innovation Reflective Observation There is no need to elaborate the fact that our community and our county is in dire need of creative people. Creative individuals are sources of innovation and creative solutions that can enhance our way of life. Without them culture and society will stagnate and the world will be overwhelmed with problems and unable to solve new challenges that crops up everyday.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Change, Creativity, and Innovation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There is a need to be creative but it starts with the individual. I must aspire to be creative and to see things differently. I need to train myself to think outside-the-box. The readings, especially the book by Dawson and Andriopoulos was a tremendous help in this regard. Creativity is closely related to change and innovation. Creative people are not bound by the status quo. This is not an easy thing to do. There is the risk of being alienated if an action or word spoken will offend another person, especially if that person has power and influence. In a corporate setting there is a tendency to follow policies set by those who are unwilling to adapt and to experiment. Creative people are wary of the limitations set by others and at the same time they too feel the pressure. It is a balancing act. It is not practical to always go against those who are in power, especially if that person is your boss. However, men and women and children of the 21st century would probably be still living in caves today if not for change agents. Abstract Generalization One of the most intriguing and interesting component of organization change has something to do with speed and scale of change. I believe that this is an important topic that I need to familiarise myself with. An example of is the concept called first-order incremental change which is another way of saying that change must be a slow and adaptive – the objective i s to refine a business process rather than to radically alter something that has been proven effective (Dawson Andriopoulos, p.15). As the wise saying goes there is no need to fix something that is not broken. On the other hand there is a continuous need to innovate. While it is a helpful strategy to incorporate first-order incremental change in the creation of business strategies that will increase the overall efficiency of the organization, there will also come a time when it is no longer enough to fine-tune current business processes. When your competitors are doing something unexpected and utilize newer technology it is also time to adapt or perish. It is time to think about the next level of change called second-order discontinuous change (Dawson Andriopoulos, p.15). This time around change is not expected to occur piecemeal but it is so significant that it can even transform the way the company is doing business.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The second-order discontinuous change rarely happens because in my opinion human beings are creatures of habit. This is especially true when it comes to old organizations and successful businesses that have made a mark in the community or society. Their products are well-known and the corporate leaders have tasted what it was like to be on top. For these people and for these organisations it is almost impossible to abandon what has been a proven money-maker. However, the leaders, especially those who will inherit the company will have to think long and hard and consider underlying issues such as sustainability and long-term profitability. More importantly an old organisation that could not adapt to a changing environment will soon fade away. Application There is a need to find out how open I am to change. I need to know if I am conscious of the fact that change is inevitable and I had to deal with it in a constructive way. It does not matter if I am not willing to adapt because others around me are willing to improve their game, enhance their skills, and transform their mindsets in order to compete at the highest level. This new understanding of change will help in not only assessing my career path but also in terms of challenging myself to reach higher goals. One way to find out is to look for like-minded people. This person can be a mentor, a teacher or someone who is an expert in the field of management. This person can also be a colleague who is also interested in studying change in both the corporate or individual level. This person will help me look for areas in my life that I can improve. I will have to interact with this person to find out if I am willing to change for the better. Another way to go about it is to study the lives of innovators, inventors, mavericks and people who had a vision of the future and persisted no matter the ridicule and the discouragemen t that they received from people all around them. Their lives will be an inspiration to never stop growing, never stop learning, and never stop reaching for goals no matter how high and no matter how implausible they may seem at present. Innovators and inventors are not merely stubborn individuals – they tend to work hard. Their goal is mastery of their craft. And more importantly their activities were geared toward one thing and it is to discover a solution for a particular problem that is making life difficult for many. The breakthrough or the solution will radically alter the way people live.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Change, Creativity, and Innovation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Creative Economy Reflective Observation There is nothing that is as inevitable as change. Nevertheless, many were caught off-guard by the sudden and radical change that occurred in the business world because of the int roduction of the personal computer and the Internet. The personal computer made it possible for an employee and an entrepreneur to accomplish a lot of things at less the time. Before that clerical work was done manually. Accountants for instance had to laboriously write down a great deal of information using nothing but paper and pen. It there was a need for a copy then they had to do it over again. The combined effect of the computer and the Internet is just an example that change is good and the same time change must be managed, meaning leaders must react to it correctly. Those who did not adapt fall by the wayside. I wonder what happened to the company that manufactured typewriters. The question lingers in my mind, I want to know how a group of individuals, a community and even a nation can be transformed from an ordinary consumer society into a creative economy. How can it be done in such a purposive manner? What are the conditions that must exist before a creative economy can b e developed? I am interested to know the answer to these questions because I believe that in the future the impact of creative economies will be felt all over the world. At this point, only the rich countries in the Western world are fully aware of the importance of creative economies but in the near future its importance will be greatly magnified. Abstract Generalization There are two ideas in this section that really grabbed my attention. The first one is the research findings highlighted by the authors that there are several highly-industrialised and affluent countries that pride themselves on being â€Å"creative economies† (Dawson Andriopoulos, p. 76). It is one thing to train an individual to be creative it is quite another to develop a whole nation to think creatively and to use the by-product of that creative process to strengthen the economy of that said country. This is an entirely new thing for me. I used to believe that the economy of a particular country is base d on resources – both natural and human. I was not able to figure out that there is a vast reservoir of creativity within the human resources department that is yet untapped. Most companies train their people to do a particular task. It is actually a very routine task such as those working in the factory floor.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Even those doing sales and administrative functions are seldom encouraged to be creative. In the first few weeks of employment everyone has to undergo a training program and the end result of that training program is to produce employees that are programmed to think by the book. In other words they must not deviate from corporate policy and they should memorise their manuals. Every possibility has been analyzed with regards to the company’s product or services that the employee simply had to refer to their manuals if there are problems and more often than not they can find the answer to their query in there. But as the authors were quick to point out the advent of the Information and Digital Age has created a host of new products and services that are oftentimes interrelated. For example the mobile phone can now access the Internet and it can be used for m-commerce or mobile commerce – shopping using the phone whenever and wherever the customer feels like purchasing a product or service. Application I would like to become part of a discussion or a group that will promote the development of my community into a mini-version of a â€Å"creative economy.† I can start this initiative by talking to the local entrepreneurs and try to interest them in thinking about creative solutions for the community. In order for them to buy into this idea, I have to make them understand that they can make money by helping the community and they can start by solving some of the basic problems that our community is facing. We can jumpstart this process by creating awareness that there are entrepreneurs willing to finance small business ventures that will hit two birds with one stone. This means that the business model that they will create will be a money-making venture but at the same time solving the community’s problems. A good way to start is to create business models that will help in promoting a sustainable environment that is conducive for doing bu siness. For instance a local entrepreneur can finance the establishment of a sidewalk vendo-machine type of equipment that will collect empty bottles, beer cans etc. A local business can also partner with the local high school and provide cash incentives to high school seniors who can develop a solution to environmental problems faced by the community. This initiative is not merely a copycat of projects that has been proven to be effective in other cities. This initiative is based on the idea given by the authors when they said that: â€Å"Creativity is based on combining disparate sources of information and transforming the raw data into valuable insights† (Dawson Andriopoulos, p. 78). A steady stream of disparate information will come from the initiatives mentioned and it is up to the community and the businesspeople in the community to use these data to solve problems. Deliberate Creativity Reflective Observation Creativity must be and can only be deliberate. It does not happen to the lazy and to the unprepared. Creative minds are honed by years of practice and experimentation. I can just imagine the Wright brothers who dreamt of flying and the way they pursued their dream by doing countless experiments. Numerous times they failed but they also succeeded and the world was never the same. Although no one can really predict if his work or struggle will amount to something significant, it can also be said that no inventor, innovator or revolutionary succeeded without first taking one deliberate step towards a particular goal. I believe that change agents are not simply interested in studying change. They want to be innovators. They want to be part of the solution. They want to make a contribution and they want to have the opportunity to solve a nagging problem that is causing a great deal of discomfort and grief to many people. Creativity must be deliberate. There is no need to emphasise the need for learning and preparation. There is no need to elabor ate on planning and doing the necessary steps to acquire information and to learn new skills. It is also important to learn team work. Creativity is sometimes only possible through synergy the convergence of talents and experiences. A team can accomplish more. Creativity is deliberate process and this simply means that I must do whatever it takes to solve a problem and help others improve their way of life. Abstract Generalization There are two things in this chapter that inspires me and challenges me. It is an inspiration to know that every technological breakthrough and every novel solution to a problem was made possible by a creative individual. It is indeed an example worth emulating. On the other hand it is a challenge for me – sometime it is even a reproach – knowing that I am simply a consumer of these bright ideas and I had never contributed anything. The authors were able to send their message that each person is a creative individual. The ability to create so lutions and to find ways to improve human existence is not a capability reserved only for those with high-level I.Q. it can also be done by ordinary folks like me. But the most important thing to remember is that creativity is a deliberate process. It means that the person must be always conscious of increasing his capacity to make sense of information that he or she has gathered. We always hear the suggestion that creative solutions were by-products of inspiration just like when a scientist took a stroll suddenly without warning able to see in his mind the solution to an ancient problem. What I realized from reading this chapter is that these people were creative because they made sure that they will use their minds to generate insights. They are not merely consumers of information and passive participants they were active in the pursuit not only of knowledge but the creative way of using this knowledge. The most important thing to remember is this: â€Å"A creative mind must be a ble to deal with complexity, discriminate options and to be open to new ideas and not constrained by habit† (Dawson Andriopoulos, p. 110). This statement reveals two things, first, creativity does not happen out of the blue, the person aspiring to be creative must train himself to think and behave in such manner that he or she can develop creative solutions. Secondly, the number one obstacle to creativity is complacency, conformity, and habit. Application I need to study more with regards to the creative process, creative minds, and creative individuals. What intrigues me the most is the assertion that creative minds are able to see through the complexity, meaning they are not overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information coming from different media streams. This is a helpful trait in the 21st century where people can easily access information from various sources. I need to determine what kind of mental exercise or preparation is needed to train the mind to think beyond th e ordinary. I need to find out how to break free from habits that easily tempts the mind not to seek out innovative solutions. There is truth to the saying that if it is not broken, then do not fix it; but sometimes you just have to go beyond the obvious. Another element that has to be added to the discussion regarding the deliberate nature of innovation and change is the word focus. It is important to understand that men and women who changed the world did not do so by doing different things at the same time. They were focused on doing what they believe is essential and the things that they needed to accomplish to bring them closer to their goals. In order to maintain focus it help if I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses. It would greatly improve my chances of success if I know of the areas in my life that I can improve and strengthen in order to produce a skill or a quality that will allow me to solve problems or bring me to places and meet people that in turn can help me inc rease my knowledge and my propensity to develop creative solutions. Dawson, Patrick Constantine Andriopoulos. Managing Change, Creativity and Innovation. London: Sage Publications, 2009.

Paths out of homelessness in chicago Research Proposal

Paths out of homelessness in chicago - Research Proposal Example However, there are several issues that shall be faced while reaching to the desired state and respective goals and objectives must be attained in order to tackle these issues effectively. Chicago needs a steadfast plan of action to eliminate homelessness to minimum acceptable levels, deciding on objectives to be achieved, steps to be taken, who shall take the initiative and what population must be targeted in priority. Chicago’s environment Internal Causes Internal Effects External Causes External Effects Severe levels of addiction to alcohol and drugs Affected mental stability and health of the homeless Fall in individuals’ income levels and unemployment in Chicago Homelessness consumes national funding and increases residents’ taxes Social and sexual abuse for children and lack of parental guidance Behavioral problems especially in children Adverse local housing market conditions making it unaffordable for Chicago masses Homeless people engage in criminal activ ities thereby harming others Family frictions eventually causing parents to turn children out of home Loss of community connectedness and social life Racial, status, social and other demographic differences between Chicago residents Cleanliness cannot be ensured causing health and hygiene related issues in Chicago (Fertig and Reingold, 2007) SWOT Analysis Strengths: Availability of surplus community resources adequate to cater the homeless in Chicago; presence of performance management systems with authorities of the Chicago government to collect information about homeless, measure statistics and prioritize people in order of need for aid; and strong relations and ties with outside countries and other American states shall enable it to bring in foreign aid support for the homeless in crucial times of need. Weaknesses: Lack of political will to bring about improvements and eliminate homelessness at state level for Chicago; inadequacy of community support from other Chicago residents to help the poor and homeless since the busy lives racing for money don’t allow them enough time and sympathy for others; and large size of this state with only a limited amount of funding makes it an extremely difficult job for government to operate smoothly, not only satisfying its abiding taxpayers but also managing to save surplus for the homeless. Opportunities: Chicago has a severe educational and illiteracy problem and this area has lot of room for improvement and therefore government should capitalize here to create better employment opportunities; Chicago needs foreign funding to accommodate its overpopulated region and therefore it should work efficiently and effectively in industrial areas to manufacture goods and services that attract foreign funding and investments; and the government should join international bodies that exist for these purposes only and should participate actively in grooming homeless slums of Chicago. Threats: Denial of help from foreign econo mies and international charitable bodies working for these causes; political pressures for own benefits might eventually stifle this cause; and lack of housing schemes available for the homeless due to full accommodation. Vision of path out of homelessness in Chicago Chicago shall become homeless-free through community engagement, creating unlimited employment opportunities, development of housing scheme

Teamwork and Leading Teams Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Teamwork and Leading Teams - Assignment Example Some team members publicly question the authority, and there are those that want to be in authority. Some advantages of teamwork include improvement in the quality of service. The production improves with active cooperation. Another advantage is shared ideas. A common agenda for teammates helps achieve a common goal. At the formation stage, clear directions were given, and challenges resolved. We were allowed to act on our individual thought and soon noted they somehow lacked in the ultimate goal of the company. As a group, we combined ideas and were able to tackle problems encountered. We developed the spirit of cohesion and trust was the central pillar of our team work. Teamwork is an accessible door to enter into an organization culture. Collaboration improves companys performance and is an indispensable part of any business (Maxwell, 2014). Group culture geared towards cooperation helps achieve goals and work in a given time frame. If I were to assume a leadership role, I would put emphasis on the group’s achievements over individual performance. In-group competition kills the spirit of comradeship and diverts from the teams goal. I would organize frequent team building activities among members and institute competition among themselves. Regular teamwork brings the company together as well as a refresh on the focal purpose of the enterprise. Formal communication is essential for passing vital information. Memos and circulars at key installation place deliver information to all people. Communication can pass through informal means of communication like propaganda and grapevine. Information flows quickly using informal means but stands a chance of being distorted. Informal information is easy to assimilate for team members, unlike formal communication (West, 2012). As the team leader, I would be with my team throughout the process starting with formation. Ensure each member knows her role and, above all, the main reason for

Oral Anti-diabetic Drugs

Oral Anti-diabetic Drugs Chua Mei Yi Several factors that need consideration when comparing two oral anti-diabetic drugs include degree of glycemic lowering needed to attain target goal range, effect of the medication on weight and lipid profiles, contraindications, side effects, cost, and potential level of adherence to the regimen. The two drugs for comparison are namely metformin and gliclazide. Besides having the same level of glycemic lowering percentage, both metformin and gliclazide are also considered one of the least expensive oral anti-hyperglycemic agents (Reinhold Earl, 2014; Mozaffari, 2013; Holt, Cockram, Flyvbjerg Goldstein, 2011). One of the potential problems with anti-diabetic medication, is that the conventional dosage form is given in 2 to 3 doses daily, and it causes a conflict in compliance rate for the elderly who has poor memories. In this circumstance, both metformin and gliclazide offers the option of single daily dose with either extended-release metformin or gliclazide modified release tablets. Of course the side effects, improvements and degree of glycemic lowering are the same as conventional tablets (Unger, 2013; Barnett, 2012). Metformin is well known for being the first line drug against diabetes type II treatment over the past decades for some reasons. First, Metformin as a biguanide, acts on pancreas independently, inhibiting the liver’s production of glucose, thus controlling blood glucose by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin requirement. If it’s taken when blood glucose is normal or low, it does not stimulate insulin release in the pancreas, thus poses little threat of hypoglycemic (Lehne, 2013). Second, Metformin treatment results in a moderate reduction in circulating triglyceride levels, causing an improvement in lipid profiles that leads to the occurrence of weight loss (Goldstein Muller-Wieland, 2013). Third, having a high frequency of GI side effects due to the inhibition of carbohydrates being digested can be minimized by slow-dose titration and by taking the medication with food. No matter how safe a medication is, contraindications and adverse side effects still need to be observed. As for metformin, renal or hepatic dysfunction patients are contraindicated, and lactic acidosis due to metformin’s accumulation, is considered one of the rare but fatal adverse side effect. The only down side of metformin is, it should be withhold prior to radiological procedures involving contrast dye, as it predisposes patients to acute renal impairment (Reinhold Earl, 2014). Gliclazide, on the other hand, is classified as sulfonylureas. It works by increasing insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, driving blood glucose levels down, causing hypoglycemia if taken when blood glucose is normal or low, thus should only be prescribed to patients likely to have regular food intake. Driving or operating machinery during the initial treatment phase needs to be careful as hypoglycemia might occur (Lehne, 2013). Besides having minimal effect on lipid profile, Gliclazide causes undesirable weight gain due to increased insulin secretion and reduced glucose excretion (Meeking, 2011). Contraindications, particularly renal or liver disease patients, as well as rare but fatal adverse side effects of gliclazide, impairment of liver function, must still be observed (MIMS Australia, 2014). In conclusion, while there is significant debate regarding specific treatment for patients with type II diabetes, most experts agreed upon metformin’s usage as first line drug, judging from its effectiveness, generally well-tolerated cost effective and long term usage. References Barnett, A. (2012). Oxford diabetes library: Type 2 diabetes (2nd ed.). UK: Oxford University Press. Goldstein, B. J., Muller-Wieland, D. (2013). Type 2 diabetes: Principles and practice (2nd ed.). USA: Informa Healthcare. Holt, R. I. G., Cockram, C., Flyvbjerg, A., Goldstein, B.J. (2011). Textbook of diabetes (4th ed.). UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Lehne, R. A. (2013). Pharmacology for nursing care. (8th ed.). USA: Elsevier Saunders. Meeking, D. R. (2011). Understanding diabetes and endocrinology: A problem-orientated approach. UK: Manson Publishing Ltd. MIMS Australia. (2014). Mimsonline. Retrieved on 28.3.2014, from https://www-mimsonline-com-au.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/Search/Search.aspx. Mozaffari, M. S. (2013). New strategies to advance pre/diabetes care: Integrative approach by PPPM. USA: Springer. Reinhold, J. A., Earl, G. (2014). Clinical therapeutics primer: Link to the evidence for the ambulatory care pharmacist. USA: Jones Bartlett Learning. Unger, J. (2013). Diabetes management in primary care (2nd ed.). China: Williams Wilkins. MIMS Australia. (2014).

Eveline´s Decision in Eveline by James Joyce :: essays research papers

In the short story â€Å"Eveline â€Å" by James Joyce, Eveline, the protagonist is given the opportunity to escape from her hard unendurable life at home and live a life of true happiness at Buenos Ayres with Frank, her lover. Throughout the story, Eveline is faced with a few good memories of her past from her childhood and her mother, but she also faces the horrible flashbacks of her mother’s illness and her father’s violence. In the end, she does not leave with Frank, Eveline’s indecisiveness and the burden of her family’s duties makes her stay.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By not taking that opportunity, Eveline probably missed a life of exploration with Frank. Eveline would have had the chance to know what independence feels like and she would have had the chance to experience individual freedom. Instead, her life afterwards is a life of regret and imprisonment with her family. Being an only child, she is bound by her family’s actions and their duties. Eveline has taken on an incredible part of the burden in keeping the family together. Her father is an overbearing and unfair man who takes his daughters earnings for himself; and rather than appreciating her sacrifices, he ridicules her. As she now lives with her dad and her two brothers, she feels tired and frustrated with her dad’s commands and her everyday life. Everyday, she sadly waits for frank to come back into her life once again and fill her life with happiness. Eveline may possibily in the future live her freedom when her controlling father passes away, but p erhaps it will become too late for her to experience the freedom she wanted.

Importance of Home in the Wind in the Willows

WillowsThere’s No Place Like Home: An Analysis of Two Characters’ Journeys in â€Å"The Wind in the Willows† As discussed in this course, classic children’s literature often involves some kind of journey for a character, in which they temporarily leave home, only to discover a self-truth and a new appreciation for that which they often took for granted. Kenneth Grahame’s â€Å"The Wind in the Willows† is no exception. The two animals that most notably go through a transformation as a result of leaving home are Mole and Toad. While their reasoning and experiences along the way differ, they both prove changed characters, and for the better. The Wind in the Willows† begins with a busy Mole, caught in his spring-cleaning daze, and within the first paragraph he has decided to leave the work behind as â€Å"something up above was calling him imperiously† (Classics of Children’s Literature, pg. 637). Mole’s home is undergr ound, and as soon as he breaks the surface, the nature around him is described as very positive with words like â€Å"sunlight†, â€Å"warm†, â€Å"caress†, and â€Å"happy† (pg. 637). He takes in his surroundings and is pleased to â€Å"be the only idle dog among all [the] busy citizens† (pg. 637).He quickly comes across the river, something that he’s never seen before, and makes friends with Rat, a loyal and happy member of the River Bank. The experience on a boat is grand, and Rat doesn’t have to say much to convince Mole that venturing out was the best idea: â€Å"Absorbed in the new life he [Mole] was entering upon, intoxicated with the sparkle, the ripple, the scents and the sounds and the sunlight, he trailed a paw in the water and dreamed long waking dreams† (pg. 639). Rat goes on to teach Mole all the necessary â€Å"animal etiquettes,† different things about the inhabitants of the Wild Wood, and how to do river tasks, like rowing.Even though he fails in first attempts to fit in, Moles spirits are easily lifted by the comfort of his friends. Mole stays with Rat through the summer and continues learning and growing as a character. The pair goes to visit another friend, Toad, who is all too eager to travel and go on a journey with his horse drawn carriage. The night before they are supposed to leave, Mole says that he’ll do whatever Rat wants, but asks, â€Å"Shall we run away to-morrow morning, quite early-very early- and go back to our deal old hole on the river? † (pg. 647). Here, he mentions home for the first time, and seems to miss it.However, Rat declines, which suggests that Mole has not learned all he needs to and is not ready to return. The journey with Toad comes to a quick end, and Mole and Rat go back to the river. However, Mole does something out of character when he decides to set out on his own to meet Badger, an â€Å"important personage† (pg. 650). Agai nst Rat’s previous warnings, Mole goes into the Wild Wood and becomes afraid of noises and unfamiliar sights. Rat quickly comes to his rescue and says that even Toad â€Å"wouldn’t show his face here alone,† which suggests that Mole has become braver.After meeting Badger, Mole and Rat decide to return back to the river and Mole is very excited, â€Å"eagerly anticipating the moment when he would be at home again among the things he knew and liked† (pg. 663). When they begin their journey back, Mole feels summoned â€Å"like an electric shock† and he realizes where he is. â€Å"Now, with a rush of old memories, how clearly it stood up before him†¦the home had been happy with him, too, evidently and was missing him, and wanted him back† (pg. 665). Mole wants to see his old home, but at first Rat doesn’t think it’s a good idea and convinces Mole to move on. Emotion overcomes Mole, and he sobs.At this point, home is everything to him, and he finally does deserve to go back. Rat realizes that the trip back is very important to his friend, and they turn back to find Mole’s old dwelling place. They find it and begin making a fire, welcome in some friends, and eventually settle down to dinner. It is a splendid time, and Mole, upon going to bed, realizes â€Å"how much it all meant to him, and the special value of some such anchorage in one’s existence†¦[however] he did not at all want to abandon the new life and its splendid spaces†¦it called to him still, even down there, and he knew must return to the larger stage† (pg. 671).It is in this moment that Mole appreciates his home, but realizes that he has changed for the better, and is ready to go back up and out to see what great, new experiences await him. Toad is not so easily moved by his home/away/home journey. Before he is introduced officially in the story, Rat says that Toad is â€Å"always good-tempered, always glad to see you, always sorry when you go,† and goes on to add â€Å"perhaps he’s not very clever†¦it may be that he is both boastful and conceited† (pg. 644-645). There are many instances when Toad is a bit too proud, whether it be talking about his house or his heroic deeds at the end of the story.The fact that Toad is wealthy seems to go along with him being obsessed with the latest craze, as he can afford to indulge in them. However, because of his boastful attitude and unawareness of consequences, it seems fitting that when he becomes infatuated with cars and driving, he never really succeeds at mastering it. Toad is more than happy to leave his fine estate for â€Å"the open road† (pg. 646). Travel and the like excite him, and it seems that he takes his home very much for granted at this point. Later on in the story, his friends, in hopes that he might be cured of his â€Å"poop-poop† daze, hold him under house arrest.This sheds a negative light on his home, making it a prison from which he escapes. Toad’s version of freedom is finding a new car, dressing the part and driving like a maniac. He even steals several cars (stooping to a new low) and crashes them. Toad’s freedom, his escape, is reckless and irresponsible and therefore it is essential that he come to a resolution to change. When Toad is finally placed in jail, he begins to reflect on his mistakes, calling himself a â€Å"stupid animal† (pg. 684). He even thinks about Toad Hall and his friends and there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel: â€Å"the cure was almost complete† (pg. 85).Not quite. Toad lucks out quite a few times, and several people take pity on him-the jailer’s daughter, the engine driver, the driving couple-even though he doesn’t really deserve it. Grahame uses these people to remind the reader that Toad isn’t all-bad, he’s just going through some kind of crisis. He even says that ità ¢â‚¬â„¢s when he’s at Toad Hall with his friends that he’s â€Å"at his best† (pg. 686). It is also interesting that as soon as Toad starts to think about how clever and amazing his actions are, karma finds him and he is once again running away from a pursuit.He is much like a child, throwing tantrums and being stubborn. When Toad ends up in the woods, he is finally finding his way back, feeling free in the wilderness. After being rescued from the river by Rat, Toad is excited to reveal all his adventures and cleverness. He even pledges to â€Å"lead a quiet, steady, respectable life†¦just as [he] used to in the good old days, before [he] got restless† (pg. 710). This proud moment is put on hold when he learns that Toad Hall has been seized. Suddenly, when he realizes his home is in danger, a fire is lit inside Toad, and he is ready to fight for it.Toad seems to have come to a breaking point, and the fact that he has to win his home back makes the ch ange in him more obvious. Although Toad, after the battle, still wants praise and to give speeches and sing songs (on his behalf), there is finally a complete turn around. Toad has a few last conceited moments, but it is only between him and his home. He sings to a room with empty chairs, which shows just how important the home was to his transformation. It was the last thing that would see him in his old ways, and the thing in which he would build a new life and character.At earlier instances, the reader may not be convinced of Toad’s change, but Grahame assures us saying, â€Å"He was indeed an altered Toad! † (pg. 724). Both of these animal characters in â€Å"The Wind in the Willows† have human qualities of wanting something more, something new to spark interest and passion. Grahame, through Mole and Toad, has shown the benefits of leaving home at some point so that it might be better appreciated upon return. Change is necessary to both these characters, and results in them both being much happier and satisfied with their lives.

Brilliant Lies - Original Script Writing Essay - 935 Words

Brilliant Lies - Original Script Writing Act One Scene One 1. The case between Susy and Gary is one where it is ones words against another. 2. From the first scene it would appear that Susy has got her heart set on getting 40 thousand dollars from the case. One would also get the impression that she is a slut and a bit of a player. Scene Two ========= 1. Gary is an uptight and aggressive character. Vince would appear to be lay back and nice. They however both agree that the sexual harassment laws are out to get middle class white males. Gary says Damned if you do, damned if you dont, which mean even if you†¦show more content†¦3. The Connor family is critical of each other. The father sexually abused his daughters at an age when they where developing into young ladies. Scene Four ========== 1. When Marion tells Susy that Vince and Gary said she made many private phone calls, slept at her desk and told married women about her drug taking Susy said Oh shit! Did they say that?. She obviously was not expecting them to tell Marion about those things. Williamson wants us to know that neither side is telling the complete truth. He wants us to decide what the truth is, if we ever do know the real truth! Scene Five ========== 1. Gary believes that Gay Armenians and Lesbian Turks are dictating the moral agenda. 2. Vince is not so sure that Gary is innocent of these allegations of sexual harassment. Also Vince saw Gary having launch with some Merchant Bankers and does not believe it when Gary says that they are some old college friends. This develops a rift between the two. Scene Six ========= 1. Williamson is trying to present Susy as a liar and a lazy person and someone who think of herself as sex goddess. Katie is presented as someone who would not usually lie, but could be talked into lying. Scene Seven =========== 1. Brian has molested his daughters, lost million of dollars onShow MoreRelated How The Twilight Zone Reflected American Society in the 1950s4909 Words   |  20 Pagesvehicles for this change was television. In a time when situation comedies and game shows dominated the air waves, Rod Serlings science fiction anthology program stood out as an example not only of the artistic potential of television in terms of writing and special effects, but also of the power television had as social commentary and a thought-provoking medium. 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