Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit” Essay Example for Free

Bilbo Baggins in â€Å"The Hobbit† Essay Firstly, it is necessary to outline that Bilbo Baggins is the protagonist and title character of â€Å"The Hobbit†. He is the most important figure in the novel, because his emotions, feelings and actions shape the plot of the story. Bilbo’s appearance is rather original and even funny as he is only half the size of a man. In the beginning of the novel Bilbo appears to be comfortable and complacent like most hobbits. For example, he likes drink, food and security as well as he has his snug little hole at Bag End, Underhill. However, starting from the chapter 5, when Gandalf â€Å"enlists Bilbo’s help in Thorin’s quest for the treasure under the mountain†, Bilbo gradually changes, develops and transforms from a cautious homebody to a confident and brave hero. With novel progression, Baggins displays inner cunning, strength and, certainly, he becomes the dominant force which holds the group of hapless dwarves together. Bilbo gains their respect, because he saves them from the goblins by shouting for Gandalf and then he helps them to defeat the spider and wood elves in Mirkwood. He is respected for finding the way into the mountain and leading dwarfs to the desired treasure. Furthermore, Bilbo discovers the weak spot of Smaug and tries to thwart Thorin’s greed. Simply saying, Bilbo wants to bring peace to the feuding dwarves, elves, and humans. Chapter 8 is the turning point in hero’s development, because Bilbo kills the spider and feels like â€Å"a different person†. Further, despite dwarfs’ stubbornness and inability to make proper decisions, Bilbo develops his newfound qualities of initiative, courage, and heroism. It is necessary to underline that when other participants of the journey become corrupted with greediness, Baggins tries to maintain common sense and courage. Throughout the novel, Bilbo discovers new capabilities unknown to him earlier. Moreover, he doesn’t become arrogant and follows his principles and values. Bilbo learns how to thrive and how to draw strength from the simple source trying to stay true to himself all along. References Tolkien, J. , Gardner, P. (ed. ) Phllips, B. (ed. ). (2002). The Hobbit. New York, NY: Spark Pub.

Exploring the Debate Surrounding The Investment of Solar Energy Develop

As part of the Kyoto Protocol international efforts to combat climate change have seen signatory nations commit to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a variety of mechanisms (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2008). The Australian government as part of its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol implemented the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme that would see a minimum 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply being delivered through renewable sources by the year 2020 (Australian Government: Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency 2012). In developing a renewable energy strategy a range of issues arise concerning the feasibility, reliability and policy in implementing solar as a source of renewable energy. Instead of examining the technical specifications of current solar technology efficiency this essay aims instead to provide a general overview to the current levels of investment by government in the Australian solar industry and explore the debate involved with the implementation of solar power as part of Australia’s energy landscape. Due to the world’s abundant supply of solar energy there is an additional recognition by developed countries that solar has tremendous potential in resolving the global dilemma of increasing energy consumption and climate change. Solar energy has obvious advantages compared to other energies in part to it having minimal environmental and ecological hazards associated with its production (Solangi, Islam, Saidur, Rahim, et al. 2011). Solar energy technologies have shown the highest growth in clean energy finance and investment, increasing 44 per cent to $128 billion in 2011 (The Pew Charitable Trusts 2012, p. 3). Recent price drops in solar module pric... ...direct.com/science/article/pii/S1364032111000220 [Accessed May 19, 2012]. The Pew Charitable Trusts 2012. Who’s Winning the Clean Energy Race? Report 2011 Edition. Available at: http://www.pewenvironment.org/uploadedFiles/PEG/Publications/Report/FINAL_forweb_WhoIsWinningTheCleanEnergyRace-REPORT-2012.pdf [Accessed May 19, 2012]. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2008. Mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Available at: http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/mechanisms/items/1673.php [Accessed April 30, 2012]. Wright, J. 2009. The contribution of renewables in Australia’s future energy mix. Australian Academy of Science. Public Lecture Series: Australia’s Renewable Energy Future. Available at: http://science.org.au/events/publiclectures/re/wright.html [Accessed May 20, 2012].

The Ministers Black Veil Essays -- Literature, Hawthorne

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil," Mr. Hooper, a Reverend in the town of Milford, surprises his parishioners by donning a conspicuous black veil one Sunday. The town is visibly spooked, yet still curious, about his eerie appearance and profoundly affected by his sermon on secret sin. "A subtle power was breathed into his words. Each member of the congregation, the most innocent girl, and the man of hardened breast, felt as if the preacher had crept upon them, behind his awful veil, and discovered their hoarded iniquity of deed or thought" (2432). The parishioner's expect that Hooper will only don the veil for one day and then remove it, having used the visage to make his point on secret sin, but they are taken aback to find that he does not remove the veil after that sunday, but in fact, ultimately wears it until his death. The town begins to gossip about why the Parson wears the crepe, questioning his purity and straying away from his person. When the Parson's i ntended, Elizabeth, asks him to do away with his foolishness and remove the veil, he sadly refuses, and Elizabeth reluctantly leaves him. The story concludes as the Parson dies, isolated by his choice to wear the veil with only the dying and the dead taking comfort in his presence, proclaiming that on each face he sees a black veil. In "The Minister's Black Veil," Nathaniel Hawthorne seeks to showcase the flaws of a society in which its members wear and create false facades by illustrating how it separates and alienates the individual from society, peers, reality, and spirituality. In The Minister's Black Veil, Parson Hooper uses his black veil as a way to represent an individual verses their hidden sin. He sees each member of his community as havi... ...o despise the veil are warranted in their dislike, because it is unnatural, shocking, and sudden. For them to react any other way would be odd. All but Elizabeth fail to ask him to remove the veil as well as the deeper meaning behind it. Sow could they expect him to yield to demands they themselves never voiced? Perhaps if the veil bothered his parishioners so greatly, they would have become more proactive in revealing their secret sins and thus relieved the Parson of his burden. Neither side is per say 'right', but it is important to note that the Parson acted out of desire to help the parishioners while the parishioners didn't truly act at all. Works Cited Lauter, Paul, Richard Yarborough, and John Alberti. "The Minister's Black Veil." The Heath Anthology of American Literature. Vol. B. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Pub., 2009. 2431-439. Print.

Bill Gates: the Man Behind the Success of Microsoft

William Henry â€Å"Bill† Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is an American business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and author. Gates is the former CEO and current chairman of Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen. He is consistently ranked among the world's wealthiest people and was the wealthiest overall from 1995 to 2009, excluding 2008, when he was ranked third, in 2011 he was the wealthiest American and the second wealthiest person. During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of CEO and chief software architect, and remains the largest individual shareholder, with 6. percent of the common stock. He has also authored or co-authored several books. Gates is one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the personal computer revolution. Gates has been criticized for his business tactics, which have been considered anti-competitive, an opinion which has in some cases been upheld by the courts. In the later stages of his career, Gates has pursued a number of philanthropic endeavors, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, established in 2000. Gates stepped down as chief executive officer of Microsoft in January 2000. He remained as chairman and created the position of chief software architect. In June 2006, Gates announced that he would be transitioning from full-time work at Microsoft to part-time work, and full-time work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He gradually transferred his duties to Ray Ozzie, chief software architect, and Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer. Gates' last full-time day at Microsoft was June 27, 2008. He remains at Microsoft as non-executive chairman

buy custom Stem Cell Research Should be Allowed to Give Room to Scientists to Perform More Research essay

buy custom Stem Cell Research Should be Allowed to Give Room to Scientists to Perform More Research essay Stem cells can be obtained either from the embryo or an adult. These cells are then nurture in the laboratory by scientists for various usages because of their ability to differentiate into different cells and tissue replenishment tendencies (Monroe, Miller. Tobias, 2008). Moreover, stem cells whether adult or embryonic are first unspecialized and can replenish themselves through cell division and secondly, can easily germinate into specific organs and tissues under certain physiological or experimental process. Based on the adverse scientific knowledge on cell physiology, stem cell characteristics and continued need for scientists to offer solution on various challenges affecting humanity, stem cell research should be allowed for research firms as it has the opportunity to cure many prolonged diseases, helps researchers to develop stronger human body, and discover new medical treatments. It sounds as a relief to a multitude of patients all over the world suffering from many disease s and conditions. For a very long time, scientists have carried out research on biological issues. One of the new developments in such studies is the invention of new biology in 1970s (Panno, 2004). This process entailed the use of biotechnology to study the cell. Ideally it could be cited that prior to biotechnology, scientists new very little about the cell structure and function (Panno, 2004). With insights on the cell, more research and enquiries in cell technology became relevant to scientists thereby giving rise to animal cloning, stem cell and gene therapy. This marked the genesis of stem cell research that has found usage in various avenues irrespective of controversies surrounding it. Stem cell research should be allowed for research firms as it has the opportunity to cure many prolonged diseases. Such research is meant to improve peoples lives byfinding treatment for a wide range of diseases especially those resulting from failure of human body cells function (Panno, 2004). Presently, many people are suffering from chronic diseases which have resulted to lose of hope. However, scientific research shows that over 100 million persons which chronic diseases can benefits from therapies that are based on stem cell (Monroe, Miller. Tobias, 2008). Some of the diseases where stem cells have been applied include cancer, diabetes cerebral palsy and others. In addition stem cell therapies that utilize bone marrow and umbilical cord have successfully been utilized to treat blood disorders and human immune system (Dick, 2009). Secondly, the human body is continuously undergoing the process of tear and wear of different cells thereby calling for continued replenish (Dick, 2009) Stem cell research should be promoted because it is only through this research that scientists will get an opportunity to develop new cells, tissues, or organs that can be used to replenish cells that would otherwise be dead thereby enhancing development of stronger human body. For instance, scientists anticipate that stem cells research will offer treatment to injured tissues and organs, replace on insulin producing cells. Not only will the treatment develop human bodies, but also the research will help to improve livestock and other aspects of human life (Panno, 2004). Stem cell research should be promoted in scientific research because it will lead to discovery of new medical treatments. So far there are varied proofs of stem cell research treatments. Among the diseases where stem cell research has been applied is in the treatment of diabetes, brain diseases like Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and other therapeutic diseases (Panno, 2004). Based on such success, it iis evident that scientists will still engage in stem cell research with a mission to search and discover other possible functions of stem. This will definitely unearth some treatment that are still hidden and eventually restore the smile of good health to humanity Despite numerous successes in the usage of stem cell research, the process has been surrounded by opposition from all walks of life; religious, moral, ethical and also political views. It is largely believed that using embryonic stem cell research is tantamount to killing a life to save another persons life. That is, embryonic stem cells come from the embryo which is believed to be an unborn child. According to Ho (2008), it is wrong to destroy human life for any reason. This is because embryos are human and that means human beings are used as medication for other humans. The embryonic stem cell research has been long debated politically and socially to involve the destruction of human embryo (Frankel, 2000). Whereas stem cell research has been supported by many bodies as a means of allowing scientists to conduct research and offer solutions to various acute disease and problems surrounding humanity, the controversies surrounding the practices is something that cannot be ignored. Ethical moral, religious and some other bodies opposed to the practice arguments holds much water because every human being developed out of the clumps of primordial cells; stem cells. However, those opposed to the practice argue that stems cells have not attained the human capacity and can therefore be used to save lives. Actually, there is sense in all the two cases and therefore there needs to be a balance on stem cell research especially on how the cells are acquired so as to eliminate the feeling of guilt and moral injustice to both the donor and the either the embryo or the adult stem cell. Buy custom Stem Cell Research Should be Allowed to Give Room to Scientists to Perform More Research essay

Reengineering Management essays

Reengineering Management essays Reengineering Management (RM) is a great book written by James Champy. Other than the one published before, which was Reengineering the Corporation, this books directed to all managers in all levels. It is about changing managerial work, the way we should think, organize, inspire, deploy, measure and reward the value-adding operational work. This book is a following one for reengineering the Corporation written by Michael Hammer and James Champy. Youve redesigned your companys processes, organization, and culture. Now, how do you manage it? Champy examines the successes and failures of reengineering, and cites the failure of management to change as the greatest threat to the success of reengineering. Champy attempts to develop a subject that was not given adequate attention in Reengineering the Corporation. Managers must change how they work if they are to realize the full benefits of reengineering. Champy begins with the impact of reengineering on managers. Managers must create change, big change and fast. According to Champy, managers most fear the loss of control. Modern managers do not command or manipulate, but share information and educate. They must replace old ways of thinking with new ideals and expectations associated with letting go. These include replacing perfectionist thinking with experimental thinking, and "getting it right" credos with "making it better and better" credos. Managers must have faith in human beings to do the right thing. The authority of the organization chart is giving way to the ability to do a job better for the customer. Customer needs, not internal values, should guide the manager's performance. Reengineering changes everything. Managers cannot successfully support a reengineering effort unless they too change. And they need to change in the areas of purpose, culture, processes, and people. But what does that mean? Champy tries to answer this...

Meaningful Life Lessons We Learn From Teachers at School

Meaningful Life Lessons We Learn From Teachers at School Teachers spend a lot of time with their students throughout the course of the year. They are influential by nature and often take advantage of opportunities to teach life lessons when they present themselves. Life lessons taught by teachers have made a lasting impact on many students. In many cases, sharing these life lessons can have a far greater impact than teaching standard based content. Teachers often use both direct and indirect opportunities to incorporate life lessons. Directly, there are natural components of schooling that lead to learning life lessons. Indirectly, teachers often take advantage of what they refer to as teachable moments to expand topics or to discuss aspects of life that are brought up by students during class. 20. You Will Be Held Accountable for Your Actions Student discipline is a major component in any classroom or school. There is a certain set of rules or expectations by which everyone is expected to follow. Choosing not to adhere to them will result in disciplinary action. Rules and expectations exist in all facets of life, and there are always consequences when we push the limits of those rules. 19. Hard Work Pays Off Those who work the hardest typically achieve the most. Teachers understand that some students are more naturally gifted than others, but even the most gifted student will not achieve much if they are lazy. It is nearly impossible to be successful at anything if you are not willing to work hard. 18. You Are Special This is a core message that every teacher should drive home to every student. We all have our unique talents and qualities that make us special. Too many children feel inadequate and unimportant. We should strive to ensure that all students believe that they matter. 17. Make the Most of Each Opportunity Opportunities present themselves on a regular basis throughout our lives. How we choose to respond to those opportunities can make all the difference in the world. Learning is a significant opportunity for children across this country. It is essential for teachers to convey the message to students that each day presents a new opportunity to learn something new. 16. Organization Matters A lack of organization can lead to chaos. Students who are organized have a much greater chance of being successful later on in life. This is a skill that begins early on. One way that teachers can drive home the importance of organization is to hold students accountable for how their desk and/or locker looks on a regular basis. 15. Pave Your Own Path Ultimately, every person determines his or her future through decision making over a long period of time. It is easy for experienced adults to look back and see exactly how we paved the path that led us to where we are today. This is an abstract concept for students and teachers should spend time discussing how our decisions and work ethic at even a young age can shape our future. 14. You Cannot Control Who Your Parents Are Parents have the largest influence on any child. In some cases, this influence may be negative in nature. However, most parents want the best for their children although they may not know how to give it to them. It is vital that teachers let their students know that they have the capability to control their own future, making different decisions than their parents, which can lead to a better life. 13. Remain True to Yourself Ultimately it does not matter what others think about you. Making a decision based on what someone else wants almost always turns out to be the wrong decision. Teachers must convey the message of believing in you, trusting your instincts, setting goals, and reaching those goals without personal compromise. 12. You Can Make a Difference We are all potential change agents, meaning we have the potential to make differences in the lives of those around us. Teachers demonstrate this directly on a daily basis. They are there to make a difference in the lives of the children they are charged to teach. They can teach students how they can make a difference by incorporating different projects such as a canned food drive, cancer fundraiser, or another community project. 11. Remain Trustworthy Being trustworthy means that those around you believe that you will tell the truth, keep secrets (so long as they do not put others in danger), and will carry out tasks that you have promised to do. Teachers drive home the concepts of honesty and loyalty on a daily basis. It is a core part of any classroom rules or expectations. 10. Structure Is Critical Some students will initially reject a structured classroom, but ultimately they will come to enjoy it and even crave it when it is not there. A structured classroom is a safe classroom where teaching and learning are maximized. Providing students with a structured learning environment can show students that having structure in their life is a positive aspect that they need more of. 9. You Have the Greatest Control of Your Destiny Many people believe that their destiny is dictated by the situation in which they inherited by birth. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every person controls his own destiny once they reach a certain age. Teachers fight this misconception all the time. For example, many students believe that they cannot go to college because their parents did not go to college. This is a cycle that schools work hard to break. 8. Mistakes Provide Valuable Learning Opportunities The greatest lessons in life result because of failures and it is the lessons learned from those mistakes that help make us whom we become. Teachers teach this life lesson on a daily basis. No student is perfect. They make mistakes, and it is a teachers job to ensure that their students understand what the mistake was, how to fix it, and to give them strategies to ensure that those mistakes are not repeated. 7. Respect Has to Be Given to Be Received Good teachers lead by example. They give their students respect knowing that the majority of the students will, in turn, give them respect back. Teachers often have students who come from backgrounds where little respect is expected or given in the home. School may be the only place where respect is given and expected to be given back. 6. Differences Should Be Embraced Bullying is one of the largest problems in schools today often resulting because of perceived differences that make some students an easy target based on how they look or act. The world is full of unique and different people. These differences, no matter what they are, should be embraced and accepted. Many schools now incorporate learning opportunities into their daily lessons to teach kids how to respect individual differences. 5. There Are Aspects of Life That Are Beyond Our Control The process of school is one big lesson on this. Many students, especially older ones, do not want to go to school but go because they are required by law. Once they get there, they are learning lessons created by a teacher with little to no student ownership. These lessons are being taught because of state-directed standards. Life is no different. There are many aspects of our life with which we have little control. 4. Bad Decisions Lead to Serious Consequences Not every poor decision will lead to a bad consequence, but some of them will. You may get away with something once or twice, but you will eventually be caught. Decision making is a critical life lesson. Students should be taught to think each decision through, never make a decision in haste, and be prepared to live with the consequences associated with that decision. 3. Good Decisions Lead to Prosperity Making smart decisions is critical to individual success. A series of poor decisions can quickly lead to a road of failure. Making a good decision does not necessarily mean it is the easiest decision. In some cases, it is going to be the harder decision. Students must be rewarded, recognized, and praised for good decision making as often as possible. Teachers can help make good decision making a habit that will follow students throughout their life. 2. Working Together Cooperatively Benefits Everyone Teamwork is a valuable skill taught in schools. Schools often provide the first opportunities for children to work together with other children who may be different. Working cooperatively is imperative to both  team and individual success. Students must be taught that each individual part working together makes the team successful. However, if one part quits or does not perform adequately, everyone fails. 1. You Can Become Anything It is clichà ©, but it is also a valuable lesson that teachers must never stop teaching. As adults, we know that it is nearly impossible to break a generational rut. However, we should never give up hope that we can reach students and help them break a cycle that has held other family members back for many generations. It is our basic duty to provide hope and belief that they can achieve and become anything.