The Other Sister essays

The Other Sister essays The Other Sister, produced by Mario Iscovich and Alexandra Rose was a romantic comedy. The characters staring in this film were Carla Tate (Juliet Lewis), who was a slightly mentally challenged young woman. The overprotective mother Elizabeth, played by Diane Keaton. Carlas father was played by Tom Skerritt. Last, but certainly not least, there was Daniel, who was Carlas boyfriend (Giovanni Ribisis). Carla had spent years of her in a special education program at a private boarding school. This was a very hard decision for her parents to make. Her father was a drunk and did not know much of anything that was going on. Elizabeth, her mother, was the one who had made the decision to go ahead and send her daughter Carla off to boarding school. That night that Carla had gone to boarding school was the last night that her father had a drink Elizabeth thought that this would be the best thing for Carla, because there would be other children at this school who were also mentally cha llenged. Carla had returned home after several years with a lot of goals that she had set for herself. The most important thing to Carla was her need for personal fulfillment begins to express itself in ways her mother is unable to accept. When Carla fall in love for the first time with a boy from school by the name of Daniel, she wants to prove to her mother that just because she may appear to be different on the outside she still has the ability to be a responsible adult, worthy of loving and being loved. Carla was going to take a journey and discover herself. Carla and her boyfriend Daniel do this together and find some of the tough answers to lifes challenges which the two of them come across together, and to be able to prove that sometimes a plain life can be something so amazing if there is someone that you care about helping you through it. The Tates family life was nothing that was original. For one thing, the f...

Free Essays on Gladiator

The promotional tag-lines succinctly sketch the plotline and its major movements: "the general who became a slave, the slave who became a gladiator, the gladiator who defied an emperor", "a hero will rise" and "in this life or the next, I will have my vengeance". The Quicktime trailer at the official Gladiator website promises a tougher, pacier and bloodier version of the classic sword-and-sandals epic movie - Quo Vadis with cutting-edge SFX. And these first impressions are not wrong; Gladiator does indeed employ many of the conventions of the Hollywood epic genre. The plot revolves around a decadent, scheming villain (Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix) and a rugged, defiant hero (Maximus, played by Russell Crowe). The cinematography is spectacular, there is a cast of thousands (albeit mostly computer-generated), a vision of ancient Rome sliding into decline, tumultuous, shattering battle-scenes, political intrigue, an array of debaucheries ranging from patricide to incest, and the foregrounded savagery of the gladiatorial arena. Like other epics, Gladiator works through "a series of spectacular moments" that can be "traced back to the equestrian shows and circus spectacles which toured Europe and the United States at the turn of the nineteenth century" (Wyke, 1999: website). All the usual ingredients are present, only better constructed; CGI gives the film's reconstruction of ancient Rome visual depth and apparent authenticity; the chariot scenes in the Coliseum are a dazzling rupture of spinning wheels, blades and broken bodies that make the famous chariot race in Ben Hur (1959) seem pedestrian in comparison. Gladiator does everything that Hollywood epics are supposed to do, only Gladiator does it much better. But, for all that it draws upon the visual and thematic lexicon established by its generic precursors, the film's deployment of these conventions is skewed and unsettling. The mood is different; the familiar elements of epic c... Free Essays on Gladiator Free Essays on Gladiator The promotional tag-lines succinctly sketch the plotline and its major movements: "the general who became a slave, the slave who became a gladiator, the gladiator who defied an emperor", "a hero will rise" and "in this life or the next, I will have my vengeance". The Quicktime trailer at the official Gladiator website promises a tougher, pacier and bloodier version of the classic sword-and-sandals epic movie - Quo Vadis with cutting-edge SFX. And these first impressions are not wrong; Gladiator does indeed employ many of the conventions of the Hollywood epic genre. The plot revolves around a decadent, scheming villain (Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix) and a rugged, defiant hero (Maximus, played by Russell Crowe). The cinematography is spectacular, there is a cast of thousands (albeit mostly computer-generated), a vision of ancient Rome sliding into decline, tumultuous, shattering battle-scenes, political intrigue, an array of debaucheries ranging from patricide to incest, and the foregrounded savagery of the gladiatorial arena. Like other epics, Gladiator works through "a series of spectacular moments" that can be "traced back to the equestrian shows and circus spectacles which toured Europe and the United States at the turn of the nineteenth century" (Wyke, 1999: website). All the usual ingredients are present, only better constructed; CGI gives the film's reconstruction of ancient Rome visual depth and apparent authenticity; the chariot scenes in the Coliseum are a dazzling rupture of spinning wheels, blades and broken bodies that make the famous chariot race in Ben Hur (1959) seem pedestrian in comparison. Gladiator does everything that Hollywood epics are supposed to do, only Gladiator does it much better. But, for all that it draws upon the visual and thematic lexicon established by its generic precursors, the film's deployment of these conventions is skewed and unsettling. The mood is different; the familiar elements of epic c...

Exploring Employee Motivation at Bureau Veritas Dissertation

Exploring Employee Motivation at Bureau Veritas - Dissertation Example These studies were carried out over a period of nine years (i.e. from 1924 to 1932) by Elton Mayo (Dickson 1973). The Hawthorne studies found that monetary benefits are not the only factor to motivate employees working in an organization. In fact, employees are also in search of other attributes related to their jobs which in turn shape their behavior and develop an attitude towards work. In addition to this, the Hawthorne studies also initiated the examination of relationship between employees and management by way of developing a human relations approach to management. In this particular regard, the studies explained how the needs and motivational factors for employees are regarded as the major focus for management of an organization (Bedeian 1993). After the conduct of the Hawthorne studies and since the results of the studies were made public, a number of researchers focused on to develop understanding as to what motivate employees and how their motivation levels can be evaluated (Terpstra 1979). In this regard, there were many theoretical models developed amongst which major works included Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory, Victor Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, Adam’s Equity Theory and Skinner’s Reinforcement Theory (Lindner 1998). 1.2. Definition of Motivation While defining motivation, a number of contemporary authors have given their explanation of the concept. Following are the definitions of motivation given by different authors: The psychological process that gives behavior purpose and direction (Kreitner 1995) A predisposition to behave in a purposive manner to achieve specific, unmet needs (Buford, Bedeian and Lindner 1995) An internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need and the will to achieve (Higgins 1994, Bedeian 1993) Employee motivation is deemed to be important for the survival of the whole organization (Smith 1994). In the modern business world of today, where requirements of the organ izations, consumers and employers change continuously, it is extremely important that employees are motivated enough to cope up and follow these changes in the surrounding environment. Apart from the fact that motivation is important in making employees to be adaptable to changes and work towards the survival of the organization, it also helps in improving the productivity of employees. In this regard, it is very a matter of extreme significance that the management of an organization understands the factors which are responsible for improving motivational levels among employees. The importance of knowing motivational factors for employees for managers is also required to be considered because of all the responsibilities and duties of management, motivating employees is placed among the top priority tasks and is also regarded as a complicated and tough task for managers; as motivation levels for employees are prone to consistent changes (Bowen and Radhakrishna 1991). As for instance, researchers in the past have agreed that after becoming satisfied from the financial incentives and

The controversies over stem cell research Paper

The controversies over stem cell - Research Paper Example Stem cell research is particularly useful for patients suffering from hemophilia. Hemophilia is very complicated and stem cell research helps in curing it, there are other blood related diseases which can also be cured using stem cells this goes to show that we have made tremendous progress in the field of science and research. The research was initially conducted in mice and it was found that their blood problems had been cured because of stem cells and the same has been found to be true in case of human beings. It is very fair to say that stem cell research has been really useful when it comes to treating diseases like hemophilia, stem cells can also cure several other blood diseases which were previously incurable and many more such advancements are expected to be made in the near future. The diseases that are incurable today may not be incurable tomorrow such is the power of science and research. Stem Cell Research- a clash of Science vs. Ethics, could well be a debate that might go on for generations as every individual has a different opinion about the subject. Should we allow doctors to play God and reverse our own destiny? Should we strive to provide cures that reverse the processes of injury and death? Or do we hold strong on our religious and moral aspects? These are the sorts of questions that have sparked the massive debate we have today. This field of science particularly deals with factors like cell plasticity and its capacity for â€Å"trans-differentiation† and â€Å"de-differentiation† in forming particular tissue types (Stojanoski et al, 2009). The clinical application of this property has been of much interest to biomedical researchers in the recent years. Though the potential of stem cell research has been confirmed to have much clinical relevance, many social and spiritual controversies have been raised due to the developments in this field. Pierret and Friedrichsen (2009) have analyzed the sociological aspects of stem cell re search. Their study has urged serious discussion, both among college students and other social elements, on the ethical issues pertaining to stem cell research (Pierret & Friedrichsen, 2009). The authors have developed a new course termed ‘Stem cells and Society’ to attract the attention of students towards scientific realities in the research and also to the moral issues related to it. (Pierret & Friedrichsen, 2009). The study has also critically analyzed the ethical controversies that had erupted in relation to similar scientific innovations (Pierret & Friedrichsen, 2009). The purpose of our study, though, is not to argue about one particular stand point but to discuss both the view points and finally to allow readers to draw their own opinions and conclusions. In addition the process has been facilitated by providing an integrative review that details previous research, theories, explanations and answers and then counteracting them with questions and objections so th at at the end of our research readers can make their own rationalistic conclusion. First Article: Introduction This particular article talks about Embryonic stem cells and how they can be used for the best. Stem cells can be crucial in reconstructive surgeries and it has proved extremely helpful in many cases. In this method the micromass technique is used and this technique is extremely useful

Abortion in the United States Essay Example for Free

Abortion in the United States Essay Abortion is one of the most controversial topics to date in the United States. Because of the complexity and issues involved, there are those individuals who are for abortion, and those who are against. There is neutrality that extends between the two, with those who are one the fence depending on circumstantial situations. In this paper our group of four peers debate the topic, and base a conclusion on weather women in the United States should have the right to abortion, based on the arguments themselves. Today, the reference of for and against, is better known as pro-choice and pro-life. Pro choice (abortions) refer to the political and ethical view that a woman should have complete right over her fertility, and that she should have the freedom to decide whether she wants to continue or terminate her pregnancy (Bose, 2012). According to pro-life advocates, women who demand complete control of their body should also shoulder the responsibility of preventing unwanted pregnancy, and that the result of an unplanned pregnancy, rape or incest, aborting the embryo is equivalent to punishing the unborn child (Bose, 2012). See more:  Mark Twains Humorous Satire in Running for Governor Essay The position that Valora has in this debate, is that it is the woman’s choice to decide whether or not to have an abortion, but also to understand that it is their responsibility to protect against unwanted pregnancies by using every available means of contraceptive, not including using abortion as if it were a contraceptive, as some pro-life advocates would claim. When evaluating risk, one should take in account of women’s feelings after an abortion. Feelings of depression and anxiety is something woman feel prior, and of course afterwards. Women sometimes choose abortions because of medical issues with the babies, or horrifying circumstances leading to the unwanted pregnancy. Henry P. David, PhD stated after conclusive research â€Å"severe psychological reactions after an abortion are infrequent†. The best indicator of your mental feelings after an abortion is to realize your feelings and mental health prior to the abortion. (ProChoice.org). Usual feelings aft er an abortion is relief, loss, sadness, and grief. It is okay to grieve and you should give yourself time to grieve. Women who have had abortion may have feelings of sadness because they had to make the decision on their own without help from family and friends. Some woman may live in a home life where they are made to feel worthless because of the decision they will make. Some believe women who decide to have abortions will come down with â€Å"Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome†, which is psychological trauma or deep depression, and the American Psychological Association has found no scientific evidence that abortion leads to this type of trauma. Furthermore, experts stated after a study with the National Cancer Institute studied abortions and breast cancer, trying to see if there is any link between an abortion and breast cancer. In the end they settled that there was no link between the chances of breast cancer if you had received an abortion. In the United States, technology has made abortion safer in the last few years. Abortions are performed with in the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. Early termination the better is for the woman, less complications. Most woman receiving their abortion within the first 9 weeks report no complications afterwards. Less than 0.5% of women have serious complication that may bring them back to be seen or hospitalized. Complication rates to rise if the abortion is decided with the pregnancy weeks of 13 and 24. The position of Tracy in this paper is that abortion should be the right of the woman. I do not believe the government or any religious authority should make this type of decision for any woman. Deciding to have an abortion is an important decision in itself and having others dictate you can or cannot choose makes the situation even more confusing. As with most any conflicts, there are usually laws which govern the actions those directly involved, and with abortion comes some of the most well-known pieces of legislature in history. Today in the United States abortion is legal in every state due to the decision of Roe v. Wade. In this case the appellant (Roe) sued the state of Teas on the basis that personal privacy was violated unconstitutionally when the state proscribes that it is unlawful to abort a fetus, other than to save the life of a mother, advised by a licensed medical physician. The ruling decided on January 22, 1973 by the United States Supreme Court was a major milestone in the still controversial topic of abortion. According to the court â€Å"the abortion statutes void as vague and over-broadly infringing those plaintiff’s Ninth and Fourteenth Amendment right† (Roe v. Wade). On the same day of the Roe decision, another case in the state3 of Georgia was also decided on, in the case of Doe v Bolton we the state in question also was found to be in violation of the appellants constitutional rights. The Ninth Amendment: The enumeration in the constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. The Fourteenth Amendment: Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or poverty, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws (Legal Information Institute). The position that Timothy has on this subject, is that a woman’s right to abortion should be that of her own decision based on the legislation’s that have been passed. A woman should be able to do with her own body as she chooses, not including using abortion as a method of birth-control. Abortion is not all together without some medical complications. The side effects of abortion are sometimes critical. Some of them involve spotting and bleeding. You could be bleeding for past 30 to 60 days, bleeding which could be very dangerous if care was not sought from a physician. Another side affect is headaches and dizziness, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. Sometimes abortion can even lead rare instances of death. During the surgery the doctors may leave some parts of the fetus inside the body. That is what may cause the affections that may cause damage to the body and or death. The symptoms are high fever, diarrhea, cramping, foul smelling in your discharge and more. Your cervix may get injured and damaged by the surgical tools that are being used during the abortion procedure which will lead to not being able to conceive again. Women who have gone through abortion are at a greater risk of ovarian and cervical cancer. Abortion is a very short p rocedure but it impacts your life forever, and the after affects of abortion varies from physical and psychological effects. Women may develop an eating disorders, or drugs on alcohol abuse, or they may have flash backs about the procedures themselves. Abortions may cause problems in relationships, and it may affect the woman’s sex life which leads to sexual dysfunction. The position that Veronica has on the subject of abortion is that she does not agree with the procedure, and the word abortion can be discussed in two different ways. Therapeutic abortion is one, where the abortion is unplanned due to medical problems with the patient’s health also unknown as miscarriage. Another way is elective abortion when it is planned. In many states planned abortions are illegal and have resulted in up to 70,000 deaths across the world every year. Many arguments support the issue on abortion. One reason why I am against abortion is that you are killing an innocent child that has nothing to do with the mistakes that one makes by having unprotected sex. You should not kill an unborn child because you are ashamed and afraid of what people might say about you. Another reason why she is against abortion is it’s against her religion. â€Å"If I make a mistake and got pregnant, then I would have to step up to the plate and take care and raise my child. It is against my religion to have abortions, because children are a gift from God†. In conclusion of this paper, there are two sides to this debate on whether women should have the right to have abortions in the United States. The research shows that the peer group has more emphases on the pro-choice side of the debate, because the laws of abortion are designed to protect the welfare of the mother and in some cases the fetus, if there is evidence of potential danger, and the fetus may be born with severe disorders, or mother having serious complications that could threaten the mother’s life. In the past, abortions were not as safe as they are today due to advanced technologies, making abortion safer than they’ve ever been before. Abortion is sometimes the best course because of medical issues, and sometimes due to other horrifying circumstances in which some women may become pregnant, such as rape, incest, and or other circumstances that may be legitimately valid reasons, and may lessen the quality of life for the child or mother. In 1973 it was decided by the highest court in the United States (The Supreme Court), that prior statutes infringed on the rights of women in such cases as Doe v Bolton, and Roe v Wade, making abortion legal, and the right of women to choose. Opposing arguments have raised health related issues of having abortions such as â€Å"Post-Abortion Syndrome†, breast cancer, and depression, but upon studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute, and The American Psychological Association, there has been no scientific evidence to prove the accusations. Abortion will probably remain one of the most controversial topics known to man, but the pros, and the laws which protect, are essential in preserving individual rights of freedom in the United States. References Bose, D. (2012). Arguments for Pro Choice. Retrieved from Buzzle.com website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/arguments-for-pro-choice-abortions.html. Doe v. Bolton. (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0410_0179_ZS.html. Dudley, S., Ph.D., Kruse, MS, CNM, ARNP. (2006). Evaluating the risk of complications. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Abortion Federation. Revised December 2006. http://prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/safety_of_abortion.html. Fourteenth Amendment. (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/amendmentxiv Heath, S. (2012, April 14). No One Called Me a Slut. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/opinion/Sunday/having-an-abortion-when-no-one-called-me-a-slut.html. Ninth Amendment. (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/ninth_amendment/ Roe v. Wade . (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0410_0113_ZS.html. Sengupta, S. (2010, June 30). Should Abortion Be Legal. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-abortion-be-legal.html.

Doing it: The Social Construction of S-E-X Essay example -- Article An

Since the dawn of man, sex has played a crucial role in society. Before they learned to read or write humans were engaging in sex and without it none of us would be here. In today’s society, sex has grown to become much more complicated. If I were to ask a group of people on the street what they believed sex was? I bet they would have a hard time answering. The question puzzling society today is how do we define sex? Can we define sex? These are questions raised in Tracy Steele’s article â€Å"Doing it: The Social Construction of S-E-X†. This article is about the current questions and issues that have been raised about sex within today’s society. In this paper I will summarize the key points of the article, while sharing my own thoughts and opinions of Steele’s findings. One of the key questions raised in the article is where do our sexual urges come from, have they always been there deep in our minds, or did we gradually learn them. Steele states that it is her belief that sex in something that is learned overtime from our environment and society (Steele 13), but she also states that there are many theorists who believe that sex is instinctive, and that we have always known how to perform it. After considering both sides of the argument, I have to agree with Steele’s belief that sex is learned. I believe this because I find it hard to believe that humans are born with the knowledge of sexual intercourse. This is due to the fact that I can guarantee you most children barely have a clue what sex is, let alone how to engage in it , it’s not until their parents or teachers explain to them what sex is, that they are able to truly understand and engage in it. The only argument that can be raised against this idea is that there are m... ...define sex; they can’t even agree on where our sexual desires come from. In conclusion, what I learned from this article is that sex is much more complicated then I could have believed it to be. This article made me aware of many conflicts, issues, and disagreements that go along with what is or isn’t sex, and how there is no clear way to say, it’s really just a matter of opinion. For lesbians the simple use of a finger is enough, for gay men its anal sex. For some sex is innate and instinctive, while others believe it is learned. For some it’s based on love and pleasure, while for others it’s about domination. I highly doubt that there is anyone in this world that could come up with a universal meaning to sex which would please all parties. It is my conclusion that there is no right or wrong definition of sex; it is whatever you want it to be.

The reigns of Justinian as the emperor of Byzantium during

The reigns of Justinian as the emperor of Byzantium during 527 to 565 BC and Romanus IV in 1068 to 1071 AD were two most important events in Byzantine. The former marked the stability and economic growth of the land and the former was known to start the end of the empire. Byzantine (Istanbul today), which was called as an extension of Roman Empire in eastern part, after it was captured and made it a province. Justinian known as ‘Justinian the Great’ according to Alexander A.Vasiliev â€Å"is the central figure of this entire period† (1954, 132) for invading Italy, pacifying Africa and controlling Persia from invading the land through his faithful and able generals named Belisarius and Mundo (Treadgold, 1997, 207). Romanus IV on the other hand had a strategy that did not work for him. Romanus IV gathered large army in troops enough to defeat the enemy, yet he lost the battle for he lost control of them due to disloyalty of his men.Justinian seldom joined the army, while Romanus was at the center of the battle. Justinian delivered direction and instruction to his trusted men, and Romanus IV if not misunderstood, was left alone by his warriors to seek refuge (Bradbury, 2004, 176). The challenges in the reign of Justinian were the uprising of the people and uncontrollable circumstances that weakened his control – the plagues and earthquakes that befell the land.Romanus IV’s challenges were much severe since he reigned at the time when Byzantine never had any recur but to drive away the Seljuk Turks to contain the territory at the midst of unfaithful generals and warriors. Justinian was just fortunate to have a wife and Belisarius who advised and obeyed his command. Romanus IV had a different case instead because he was caught unprepared despite a well-organized plan he made to win the battle.His greatest challenge was not the number of enemy but the sphere of his influence as a leader to execute commands. Romanus had no lawful men and he was unaware of that; besides, the empire was surrounded by men with greedy ambition. Bibliography Bradbury, J. 2004. The Routledge Companion to Medieval Warfare. USA: Routledge. Treadgold, W. 1997. A History of the Byzantine State and Society. USA: Stanford University Press. Vasiliev, A. 1954. History of the Byzantine Empire, 324-1453. USA: University of Wisconsin Press.

Hewlett Packard Swot Analysis Essay

The Hewlett-Packard and Compaq merger decision case study provided many points necessary in the understanding of why these two companies would undergo a risky business venture. Compaq was a company that began successfully with record setting financial statements, but in an attempt to expand its market, threatened company stability. With the acquisition of Tandem Computer and Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq experienced decreased revenues resulting in their inability to fully recover. In a competitive information technology market, HP was one of the industry leaders. Due to a failure to be proactive to market changes, HP grew stagnant and looked to reinvent company strategies through newly appointed President/CEO Carly Fiorina. Competitive advantages for both HP and Compaq included imaging and printing segment and high performance PC technology respectively. Management’s reasons for the merger included their assumption that together, HP and Compaq would be able to replicate and overtake competitors. Oppositions to the merger included a decrease in shareholder interests, a reduction of focus for company core competencies, and an unprofitable future. Several financial advisors and industry analysts were in agreement that the proposed merger would not be in the best interests of either company. Despite the uncertainties, information gathered and forecasts projected were in favor of the merger, which resulted in shareholder approval and the merger of Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer. SWOT Analysis In researching Hewlett-Packard’s present-day company position, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted. Strengths found include HP’s strong market position internationally and on the domestic end, a successful growth throughout large acquisitions, and a considerable brand value. HP currently has a 28.6% market share in the United States of America while internationally they stand at 17.7%. As the current number one leader in PC sales, HP has a solid market position. Although the strengths are allowing HP to maintain market position, there are also weaknesses present in all companies. Compared to other companies in the same industry, Hewlett-Packard lacks significant software product and management consulting services. As a result, Hewlett-Packard’s weakness is its weak market segment integration. HP is able to answer consumer demand when it comes to PC technology and imaging and printing software, but they fall short in t he software product creation and consulting services to combine with their successful departments of PC technology and imaging and printing services. As Hewlett-Packard continues to grow and seek an increase in market position, opportunities surface. A spin-off of the PC technology business, entering the cloud computing market, and expanding imaging and printing solutions portfolio are opportunities HP has going forward. In placing more emphasis on the PC technology aspect of the company, HP may find that this venture will become as profitable as the imaging and printing department in the long-run. With the announcement of this spin-off, their share of US PC shipment increased from 25.4% to 28.9%. This positive reaction from consumers is an early indicator of possible success as a result of placing resources to build up the PC technology department. Cloud computing is a fairly new concept in which resources and software are delivered through a network, mainly over the Internet. As this is market quickly growing in demand, HP’s introduction of HP Cloud Assure is a great opportunity for future prosperity. With success comes o pportunities of threats, and Hewlett-Packard is no exception. With projected decrease in information technology (IT) in the near future, an increase in demand for non PC devices, and competitors with more diversified portfolios, HP’s threats are numerous. Industry analysts have projected a decrease of IT in upcoming quarters which will decrease HP’s profitability. HP has already witnessed a decrease in consumer spending during last quarter’s back-to-school spending. If analyst projections prove to be true, changes will quickly need to be made. As more and more consumers are entering the non PC device era, HP is losing a segment of the market with their inability to provide products for this demand. HP’s more diversified competitors such as Dell and Samsung are able to easily capture the demand for these tablets. Future of the Company Through the case study, present-day SWOT analysis, and outside research conducted on Hewlett-Packard, the group has concluded that the company will remain constant, but unless strategies are implemented to answer more consumer demands, they may lose market share. New CEO Meg Whitman has a technology visionary that will shift HP’s focus to answering consumer demands. Her leadership capabilities and projections for company future are a desirable mix for a company to achieve sustainable future relevance. With the implementation of HP Cloud Assure, a new venture capitalizing on the growing consumer interest of cloud computing, HP is already adapting to answering the demands of consumers. As long as the company continues to anticipate and provide the products and services desired, sustainability will be maintained. Questions 1. What are the strategic challenges that HP is facing? Strategic challenges: Cost- reduction initiatives that included â€Å"difficult but necessary voluntary- severance programs† and manufacturing consolidations. â€Å"Unacceptably high expense growth† contributed to a decline in earnings from operations and net earnings. HP had a weak macroeconomic environment and competitive price pressures that led to slumping sales. Management was unable to keep pace of the changing market conditions which were a key contributor. HP management failed to follow Dell’s lead in adopting a low- cost, Internet based direct sales channel to offset its reliance on the retail channel. * Accelerating growth in existing businesses * Streamlining the existing decentralized operating model to fuel growth opportunities * Implementing a â€Å"total customer experience† approach * Taking advantage of HP’s strong balance sheet and cash generation capability to fund new growth initiatives * Leveraging HP’s market position * Creating e- services ecosystems and placing HP at the center 2. Is the proposed merger likely to address these challenges? Benefits from the merger included personal systems, improved economics, and innovation. HP management believed that the combined company would have a lower cost structure due to economies of scale. HP would also be able to leverage Compaq’s progress in developing a direct sales channel, yielding a more flexible distribution model. Complementary leadership in key markets: Compaq’s strength in industry standard servers, coupled with HP’s Linus and UNIX offerings, would result in an industry- leading product line spanning the entire server category. By adding HP’s strength in high- end storage, the combined company would be the industry leader in both the enterprise storage segment and the fastest growing sub-segment storage area networks. Doubling HP’s sales force, the merger would allow HP to increase account coverage and better compete for important customer engagements around the world. IT Services: Strengthened Business Provides Critical Mass in Key Growth Market- Management believed the merger would significantly strengthen HP and Compaq’s combined services business for several reasons. Financial Benefits- As predicted the merger would yield $2.5 billion in annual cost saving by mid-2004. Yes, we do believe the proposed merger is likely to address the challenges HP faces. 3. How do you interpret the market’s reaction to the proposal deal? We interpret the market’s reaction to the proposed deal to be negative. Just two months of the Merger announcement, HP’s share price trailed the preannouncement level by 27%, representing a loss of $12.3 billion of market share value at the same time comparable companies increased 9.9%. 4. If you were a shareholder of HP, how would you vote on the deal? If we were shareholders of HP, we would vote against the deal. It is obvious the company is losing a great deal of money at the same time other companies in the same industry are making money. The merger is not looking out for the best interest of the shareholders so we would not vote for the merger. Sources Bloomberg Businessweek http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-12/hewlett-packard-gains-pc-market-share-after-mulling-spinoff.html CNN Money http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/02/07/8250437/index.htm http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/22/technology/hp_ceo_fired/index.htm Hewlett-Packard Website http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2009/090331xa.html Hewlett-Packard Case Study â€Å"Hewlett-Packard – Compaq: The Merger Decision† Marketing Research http://www.marketing–research.com/marketing/swot-analysis-hewlett-packard Jennifer Brown Synopsis The process of completing this assignment has helped me discover how to view business decisions in a more analytical way. When approaching this one it seemed overwhelming at first. I began pulling outside sources and background information that helped me gain a better understanding of the project at hand. That extra research was very useful in explaining what the companies were going through and giving different perspectives as to why. I was able to apply what I have learned in my accounting classes when the case study and articles referred to financial ratios and provided financial reports. That was helpful when trying to answer the questions assigned. Working with a group was also beneficial because there were several times my group members made great points that I may have missed working alone. Our group has met several times since the project has been assigned. I have been present at each meeting. Before we met the first time we decided we would read the case study in full to have an understanding of what we would need to do. Our first meeting we discussed the case study and our stance on what HP should do. We also discussed the questions within the case study and started our outline for our power point. Outside of the meeting I researched articles to gain background information. Our group had several more meetings at which we outlined our strategy report and assigned each person a portion of the report. When we were finished with our portion we would submit it to the rest of the group for proofreading. Everybody completed their task as set and we came together as a group and finalized the report. I, as well as the other members of the group, contributed to the makeup and layout of both the strategy report and the power point. Charnele Hodge Synopsis Being that this has been my first time in a group doing a strategy report on a company, I took away a few key elements. I have learned, understood, and properly used the purpose of a SWOT Analysis. I know this form of analysis will be used in my future endeavors, so I know it will be very beneficial to me. Also, I learned while in a group setting how to effectively achieve a SWOT Analysis to inform and persuade others to understand and see our point-of-view on our particular position. As a Business Management major, this group project has helped me realize that in not every group setting, that there needs to be a set leader. In my group, I felt that everyone meshed well with each other and there was not a constant need for someone to be in charge. Every group member knew what was at stake and that being at meetings and pulling her part in the group was essential. My individual contribution to the group was making sure that I gave my opinion on the different positions that we would be taking on the SWOT Analysis. I made it my individual objective to make sure that I pulled my part in completing each and every task that I volunteered to work on, that it was done properly, as well as completed on time. Being a Business Management major, I believe I helped bring balance among my other peers that are majoring in different genres in the college of business. I took a more realistic, rational approach to the group, in who would be better fit for particular objectives. Sakina Middleton Synopsis Conducting a strategy report required using resources from all aspects of my undergraduate studies. I was able to read the Hewlett-Packard and Compaq merger decision and understand the different aspects used to compile the information. In utilizing marketing concepts, I was able to conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of Hewlett-Packard’s present company structure. My management background allowed for an understanding of company decisions made, such as whether to undergo a merger. Finally, the accounting knowledge I have acquired thus far has enabled me to read and comprehend the many financial statements used to decide which options should be made based on the factual numbers provided. Overall, my primary takeaway was my ability to read, comprehend, and analyze a case study regarding two merging companies with the knowledge and education provided by Savannah State University’s College of Business Administration. Throughout this project I was able to increase my ability to problem solve in a group of my colleagues. No one group is perfect, but the communication skills I have acquired allowed me to handle all situations appropriately and in a timely fashion. For this strategy report, I was responsible for arranging all group meetings regarding the collection and accumulation of information for the paper. I was the initiator of correspondence and also the channel of delivery for every member’s designated portion of the paper. My personal contribution includes the compilation on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the present-day company Hewlett-Packard. I was also responsible for the editing of the final paper. Summer Wilcox Synopsis In March 2002, Hewlett- Packard’s current CEO and president, Carleton Firiona announced the acquiring of HP’s rival company, Compaq Computer. The merging of the two companies was designed to put Hewlett- Packard/Compaq in a position to challenge one of its top leaders in the industry, IBM. The merger was also designed to create a global technology powerhouse that would provide consumers with products and services demanded by profitable enterprise customers. After reading over the case, I started to feel like the merger was not going to be a success. The merger presented itself to be too risky. Although Hewlett Packard was aiming to become the industry’s leader by expanding into new markets, the idea of the merger just didn’t seem to look out for the best interest of the company. Management felt that HP and Compaq needed to improve their whole business structure to effectively compete with Dell which was the industry’s leader. They also felt that HP and Compaq’s leadership would complement each other in key markets such as the enterprise storage segment and storage area networks, and by having a broader portfolio of products and services. Management believed that HP and Compaq had a weak combination of products and services, and merging would strengthen that area. While some thought that the merger would be a success to Hewlett- Packard, there were some who were against it. Among those few were the director and son of HP cofounder William Hewlett, Walter Hewlett. Walter Hewlett was HP’s second largest shareholder and had a very powerful, important voting privilege of HP. Walter was against the merger for 4 main reasons. He felt the proposed merger would be worse, the integration risk of the proposed merger would be substantial, the financial impact on HP’s stockholders would remain negative, and the position of the company would not improve. I agree with opposing the merger of HP and Compaq. They knew from the beginning stages that the merger was going to be risky. Shareholders would lose and ample amount of value on their shares. Stockholders would get a very small amount of the combined company’s contribution to earnings. The merger would drown the stockholder’s interest in the imaging and printing business which is the most profitable of HP already. The merger would not improve the position of the company. Furthermore, HP had no experience with handling a merger of that size. All HP had to do was invest and focus more on the printing and imaging part of the company. The printing and imaging varied in low-end printers and supplies to commercial printing solutions. Instead of taking such a risky acquisition, they could have focused on something that proved already successful for the business. My contribution to the overall strategy report was to research where HP stands now. I also found official documents filed by both HP and Compaq to the SEC about the planned merger. The documents further explained forward- looking statements, assumptions, uncertainties, and risk of the planned merger between the two companies.

Free All the King’s Men Analysis Essay

Free All the King’s Men Analysis Essay All the King’s Men Analysis Question 1: Which is more effective and powerful, Willies speeches and the crowds reaction as presented in the film, or in the novel? (Pages 135-144, 219-220). Explain your answer providing specific examples from both the film and the novel. Willie Stark is portrayed in both the novel as well as the film as a self-righteous man who fights for the truth and justice. According to Woodell (18), the small town lawyer and an idealist is also family man who does not drink because his wife does not allow him. After Stark realized that he was being engineered to divide votes, he steps down from the governor position. Willy works hard to feed the family. After he steps down from running for governorship, he starts giving speeches which were captivating to the listeners. The public applauds his speeches and expects more from him. Willy is also a farmers son who studies at night to become a lawyer. It is though, after the deaths of three children at a school, due to the faulty construction that he becomes a local hero for the community. The man who tried to warn them, but no one listened to them. Willie like every man who speaks the truth was a lousy candidate for the governor elections. He could not make the crowd listen; his speeches were full of facts and figures and lacking emotion. It was only after Sadie Burke revealed the truth to him that he was set up to split MacMurfees voters that he showed some emotion. Enraged, he drunk a whole bottle of whiskey and passed out. The next day, still drunk and furious over the way he was played, he gave the public his best speech. He told them how he was a foolish hick, like them who had been set up by those in power, suddenly the crowd began to listen. in fact, they could relate to him, and Willie spoke in ordinary words, unlike the rest of the politicians. After Willy decides to run for governorship, Judge Irwin disapproves him and calls him an opportunist. Willy does not give up and is never distracted. He goes straight for the post and wins. He initiates projects to run and asks Dr Santon to run them for him. The projects become popular and make him a man who fulfills his dreams. Willy maintains a pet project and starts to build a hospital for the neighborhood. After being criticized by Judge Irwin, and besieged by the political controversy, Willy demands that Jack should dig more sins from the judge and expose them too. Jack becomes adamant but later reveals the most painful facts that Judge Irwin was corrupt in dispensing his duties as a judge. This not a good experience for the judge and he instead considers committing suicide to shield him from the shame. In the novel, that speech is even more powerful as he states that he withdraws from the race to support MacMurfee: But if MacMurfee does not deliver for the little people, nail him to the door, or he would do it himself. ORDER FOR: $Â  11.99 document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () { $("#miniorder_shorcode form").append($("", { "name": "_token", "value": window.Laravel.csrfToken, "type": "hidden" })); }); Question 2: Which is more effective and powerful, the visit with Judge Irwin and the conflicts presented between Willie, Jack and the Judge in the film version, or in the novel? (Pages 62-73) Explain your answer, providing specific examples from both the film and the novel. Jack Burden is a brash-bound idealist. According to him, idealism is exceedingly straightforward: What you do not know do not hurt you, for it aint real. If you are an idealist it does not matter what you do or what goes on around you because it is not real anyway", But, why would an idealist is working for a man like Willie Stark these days? In his perspective, Willie might have his own methods, but what it comes down to, he is using those methods to help, the best way he can. The first time, however, he does not agree with Willie is in his conflict with Judge Irwin, the man who Jack loved as a father. The same man raised him after his father abandoned him. The man who shared his love for history of warfare and weapons and at the end is proven to be his biological father. When it comes to the Judge, Jack is not sure whether he agrees with Willies methods. Going into the Judges house in the middle of the night, threatening him to retract his endorsement; otherwise they would find some dirt from his past. Jack does not feel comfortable threatening a man he respected this much. This is best presented in the film version, because of the three splendid actors, Sean Penn, Antony Hopkins and Jude Law. They are responsible for the strong emotions in the atmosphere, the anger, the betrayal, the gilt. Question 3:Which works better to show the conflict between Jack and Judge Irwin when Jack threatens to expose the Judges involvement in the scandal (regarding the Littlepaugh family): the scene in the film or the version in the novel. In your answer include the reaction of Jacks mother to Judge Irwins suicide. When Jack discovers that the perfect gentleman who treated him as a son, the eminent Judge Irwin has something hidden in his past, he feels the need to confront the Judge himself. He travels to Burdens Landing and visits the Judge at his house. The Judge seems happy to see him and apologizes for their last conversation. Jack nonetheless, asks the Judge to call MacMurfee off, and when he refuses, he threatens him with the information he found regarding Littlepaughs suicide and the bribe. This annoys the Judge, and consequently Willy is told to keep off. This however, does not leave the judge in peace. He is troubled about his status and his reputation that he has build for many years (Scott 32). It is that same blackmail that led the Judge to commit suicide. The reality was too much to bear. When Jack returns home, he hears a scream from his mothers room and he finds her on the floor crying and screaming that he killed the Judge. He was responsible for his death, the death of his father. That is when Jack finds out the truth about his family. What is more, Judge Irwin took a bullet to the heart to reveal the secret that haunted him all these years the love for his son. Then Jack learns that the bribe that Judge took was for him to have something to inherit and was a blessing in disguise. Him, who blackmailed him using that same information, He was responsible for the death of his father, whose only sin was for him. This feels like a Greek tragedy of modern Democratic politics. However on the film, it is shown on a velvet wallpaper version, where neither the politics nor the family intrigue makes some sense (Steven 37). Stark also comes to embrace various forms of corruption and uses patronage and intimidation to accomplish his mission. Dr. Stanton revealed that the hospital is as a result of the governor's political and personal gain. He waits for Stark at the state capitol to assassinate him, but is shot and murdered by Stark`s bodyguard. Question 4:Which provides more dramatic power and closure for the viewer, the last few scenes in the film when the Boss and Adam Stanton are murdered, or the ending of the novel? On a rainy day, Adam Stanton murders Willie Stark because he found out he had an affair with his sister and thinks that is the reason he was offered the directorship of the hospital. Two funerals, of two righteous men who did not deserve to die. At least that is the way it is portrayed in the film, but it leaves so many things unsaid. It fails to show how Willie changed after his sons accident. How he decided to go back to his wife and ended the affair with Anne. Moreover, it does not show that the reason behind Willie and Adams deaths were Sadie and Tiny and what Tiny told Adam to make him murder Willie at the first place. After the entire book is called the entire Kings Men and it focuses on the ultimate betrayal to the King by his Men, which led to his death. What is more, the film fails to show how Willie became who he was again at the end, a righteous man whom power corrupted. A man who made a mistake and regretted. Nonetheless, the film does not show what happened to the rest of the characters, Jack, Anne, Lucy, Tom, Sadie, Tiny and even Sugar Boy. What is written in the New York Times is the truth especially regarding the ending of the film: All the Kings Men make a lot of promises, but fails to deliver the goods (Steven 12). According to Woodell (28), the film had notable lessons because of its central focus of Sean Penn as Huey Long, the Kingfisher, and the every person governor of the depression-era Louisiana. If ever there existed a role meant for Penn's heated and emotive style of acting, this was it. Faithful to that to that promise, Penn brings colorful scenes with Willie Stark bringing fire and brimstone from the campaign trails.

Black History Month and Lesser Known African-Americans

Black History Month and Lesser Known African-Americans The term little known black Americans can refer to all the people who have made contributions to America and to civilization, but whose names are not as well-known as many others or not known at all. For instance, we hear about Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, and many other famous Black Americans, but what have you heard about Edward Bouchet, or Bessie Coleman, or Matthew Alexander Henson? Black Americans have been making contributions to America from the start, but like countless other Americans whose achievements have altered and enriched our lives, these Black Americans remain unknown. Its important, though, to point out their contributions because too often people dont realize that Black Americans have been making contributions to our country from its inception. In many cases, what they accomplished they managed to do against all odds, in spite of overwhelming obstacles. These people are an inspiration to everyone who finds him or herself in circumstances that seem impossible to overcome. Early Contributions In 1607, English settlers arrived in what would later become Virginia and founded a settlement they named Jamestown. In 1619, a Dutch ship arrived in Jamestown and traded its cargo of slaves for food. Many of these slaves later were freemen with their own land, contributing to the success of the colony. We do know some of their names, like Anthony Johnson, and its a pretty interesting story. But Africans were involved in more than settling Jamestown. Some were part of the early explorations of the New World. For example, Estevanico, a slave from Morocco, was part of a group who had been asked by the Mexican Viceroy in 1536 to go on an expedition into the territories that are now Arizona and New Mexico. He went ahead of the groups leader and was the first non-native to set foot in those lands. While most Blacks originally arrived in America primarily as slaves, many were free by the time the Revolutionary War was fought. One of these was Crispus Attucks, the son of a slave. Most of them, though, like so many who fought in that war, remain relatively nameless to us. But anyone who thinks that it was only the white man who chose to fight for the principle of individual freedom might want to take a look at the Forgotten Patriots Project from the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). They have documented the names of thousands of African-Americans, Native Americans, and those of mixed heritage who fought against the British for freedom. Not-So-Famous Black Americans You Should Know George Washington Carver (1864-1943)Carver is a well-known African-American. Who isnt aware of his work with peanuts? Hes on this list, though, because of one of his contributions that we dont often hear about: The Tuskegee Institute Movable School. Carver established this school to introduce modern agricultural techniques and tools to farmers in Alabama. Movable schools are now used around the world.Edward Bouchet (1852-1918)Bouchet was the son of a former slave who had moved to New Haven, Connecticut. Only three schools there accepted Black students at the time, so Bouchets educational opportunities were limited. However, he managed to get admitted to Yale and became the first African-American to earn a Ph.D. and the 6th American of any race to earn one in physics. Although segregation prevented him from attaining the kind of position he should have been able to get with his outstanding credentials (6th in his graduating class), he taught for 26 years at the Institute for Colored Y outh, serving as an inspiration to generations of young African-Americans. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable (1745?-1818)DuSable was a Black man from Haiti is who is credited with founding Chicago. His father was a Frenchman in Haiti and his mother was an African slave. Its not clear how he arrived in New Orleans from Haiti, but once he did, he traveled from there to what is now modern-day Peoria, Illinois. Although he was not the first to pass through the area, he was the first to establish a permanent settlement, where he lived for at least twenty years. He set up a trading post on the Chicago River, where it meets Lake Michigan, and became a wealthy man with a reputation as a man of good character and sound business acumen.Matthew Alexander Henson (1866-1955)Henson was the son of free-born tenant farmers, but his early life was difficult. He started his life as an explorer at the age of eleven when he ran away from an abusive home. In 1891, Henson went with Robert Peary on the first of several trips to Greenland. Peary was determined to find the geographic No rth Pole. In 1909, Peary and Henson went on what was to be their final trip, the one on which they reached the North Pole. Henson was actually the first to set foot on the North Pole, but when the two returned home, it was Peary who received all the credit. Because he was Black, Henson was virtually ignored. Bessie Coleman (1892 -1926)Bessie Coleman was one of 13 children born to a Native American father and an African-American mother. They lived in Texas and faced the kinds of difficulties many Black Americans faced at the time, including segregation and disenfranchisement. Bessie worked hard in her childhood, picking cotton and helping her mother with the laundry she took in. But Bessie didnt let any of it stop her. She educated herself and managed to graduate from high school. After seeing some newsreels on aviation, Bessie became interested in becoming a pilot, but no U.S flight schools would accept her because she was Black and because she was female. Undeterred, she saved enough money to go to France where she heard women could be pilots. In 1921, she became the first Black woman in the world to earn a pilots license.Lewis Latimer (1848-1928)Latimer was the son of runaway slaves who had settled in Chelsea, Massachusetts. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, Latimer got a job as an office boy in a patent office. Because of his ability to draw, he became a draftsman, eventually getting promoted to be the head draftsman. Although he has a large number of inventions to his name, including a safety elevator, perhaps his greatest achievement is his work on the electric light bulb. We can thank him for the success of Edisons lightbulb, which originally had a lifespan of just a few days. It was Latimer who found a way to create a filament system that prevented the carbon in the filament from breaking, thereby extending the life of the lightbulb. Thanks to Latimer, lightbulbs became cheaper and more efficient, which made it possible for them to be installed in homes and on the ​streets. Latimer was the only Black American on Edisons elite team of inventors. What we  love about the biographies of these six people is that not only did they have exceptional talent, but they did not allow the circumstances of their birth to determine who they were or what they could accomplish. That is certainly a lesson for all of us.

Maritime piracy along Malacca straits 800-1830 Research Paper

Maritime piracy along Malacca straits 800-1830 - Research Paper Example Privateering under the Dutch was initially started in the 1600s as a weapon of war in the Malay Peninsula against the Iberian army which was perceived to be threatening the Dutch’s strategic frontlines and may potentially cripple the Dutch’s trade in the region. Privateering was considered legitimate according to the laws of war at that time since privateers operate with company licenses or a letter from a marque stating privateers can only attack and seize enemy ships. This paper investigates how the Dutch, other European countries and native Sultans employed privateering as a legitimate operation in war. Therefore, privateering activities along the Malay Peninsula in the 19th century, was instrumental in the development of piracy activities, mainly motivated by trade activities between the Europe and the Asian, and which were responsible for promoting piracy activities along he Malay Peninsula. This paper also investigates the effects of piracy activities on both the Europeans and natives, and how both parties viewed such piracy activities which are often in contrary to each other, resulting in tensions between them. Privateering is a concept closely linked to just war, and was designed to work from a legal perspective in the high seas.4 Since the 17th century, Europeans had made their way in the Malaysian Peninsula and developed sets of rules that explained how, and under which conditions such privateering activities were to be carried out; the Dutch were the main European powers behind privateering. To ensure adherence to legal limits, privateers had only to operate under a letter of marque and reprisal, which was only issued if such groups showed evidence of loss suffered as a result of their enemies.5 These groups were therefore allowed to seize such enemy vessels along the peninsula, and covert such goods as a ransom for

The Lord Of The Ring Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Lord Of The Ring - Research Paper Example Long before, there existed twenty rings: nine were for men, seven for dwarves, three for elves and another unique ring was made by the Dark lord Sauron in Mordor and would rule all the others. This last ring is the one that stirs conflict in the story and ensures continuity. The story is divided in three parts: the Fellowship of the Ring, the Two Towers and the Return of the King. This paper will discuss the conflicts faced by the protagonist, the ways he deals with them and whether he succeeds in his quest (Tolkien 49). Conflicts between the Protagonist and Other Characters and how he resolves them Frodo is the ring bearer and the protagonist in the trilogy. He is a young hobbit chosen by the wizard Gandalf to return the ring to Mordor. This happens when the eccentric hobbit Bilbo departs from his home in the Shire and gives his most treasured ring to Frodo. Due to the difficulty he had in giving away his ring, the Wizard Gandalf suspects that it is the powerful ring forged by Sauro n. The wizard warns Frodo that the ring must be destroyed since Sauron had already learnt of its whereabouts from the creature Gollum (Tolkien 53). This is the main conflict in the story that revolves around the protagonist. The conflict is to get the ring destroyed and prevent Sauron from getting it. Frodo accepts this quest and burden and promises to take it to the safety of Rivendell. In the first part, the protagonist is in conflict with the obstacles that come between him and his destination. He sets off for the journey with three other companions, Merry, Pippin and Sam, his fellow hobbits. The black riders are an obstacle that conflicts with Frodo on the road. They are attacked near the ancient Watchtower of the Weathertop. The ring wants to reveal itself since it senses the close proximity of its servants. Frodo, on the other hand, wants to hide the ring. Part of the desire to slip on the ring comes from its power. Frodo copes with this mind conflict when the black rider sudd enly sits up and rides away. In another episode, Frodo is not tempted to put on the ring. Instead, he invokes Elbereth and Luthien; the leader stabbed him with an evil enchantment and tried to force him to surrender. Heavy floods wash the black riders away while Arwarm rushes to Rivendell on a horse back with badly injured Frodo (O'Day 123). In Rivendell, it is decided that the ring must be destroyed at mount Doom, its place of origin which is also Sauron’s home country. Frodo for the second time accepts to deliver the ring to its destruction. The fellowship of the ring is formed to accompany him in the journey. Many obstacles triggers conflict between them and Frodo as there were many others who wanted the ring for themselves. First was one of the wisest wizards, Saruman the white, who wants to keep the ring to himself. This episode is followed by an unnatural snow that almost burries them, but they retreated. These obstacles act as a physical conflict between Frodo and his quest. But he does not give up the ring to the wrong people. Frodo carries a sword to defend himself, but he rarely uses it. His heroism is brought out by his endurance to the weight of the ring (Tolkien 169). They decide to brave themselves through the mines of Moria which also has many darker obstacles. Gollum begins to go after them, and they are later attacked by a terrible demon known as Balrog. Gandalf holds it