Product Analysis on Gillettes’s Razors

Gillette is leading worldwide home applicants, such as razor, battery, electronic and manual toothbrush, manufacturing company. On April 14, 1998, the company introduced the world†s first triple blades razor and begun to sell July 1, 1998 in the United States and September in the Western Europe. Since Gillette launched new razor in 1998, the company expected high returns in short-term; however, the result of the new product has been defined yet. The areas of the internal factors are Finance, Management, Manufacturing, Market position, Personnel, and Research & Development. All these factors can be defined as either strengths or weakness or both. First of all, the company as a whole gained net sales amount of 10. 1 billion dollars and net income of 1. 4 billion dollars for the 1997 due to acquire leading battery company â€Å"Duracel† in 1996 and grow of â€Å"Sensor Excel† razor. As a result, company could spend 1 billion dollars to invent â€Å"Mach 3† which is triple blades razor. Even though Gillette had sufficient fund to invent the new product, the company took high risk of financial side that if the new product†s sale does not reach to company†s expectation, the company will face shortage of capital resources and can be lead to bankruptcy. But if Mach3 turn out to be a New Coke or McDonald†s Arch Deluxe – much-hyped new products that were mostly duds and fizzle- the gloom will be heavy from Gillette†s corporate headquarters in Boston†s Back Bay to the South Boston factory that Gillette has overhauled to produce 600 million Mach3 blade cartridges per year, or about half of Gillette†s annual target of 1. billion Mach3 blades. (Boston Globe, 4/15/98) Since Gillette introduced â€Å"Mach3† in April, the company changed its manufacturing tools to produce Mach3 South Boston's factory. Gillette already spent 300 million dollars for advertising and promotion worldwide for the year that company introduced new product. The amount is twice as much as the company put for advertising â€Å"Sensor Excel† in 1989. Gillette released the new product to retail stores on July 1, 1998, and starts to advertise on TV and the other media six weeks later; however, many people went to the company's web site to look at the new product. Even though company spent tremendous amount of fund for the advertising, some people from Asia did not recognize the product according to our group's survey. For customers, there are satisfaction and complaints for Mach3. People, who satisfied with Mach3 according to our survey, said there are less irritation and faster shaving time. Customers who complaint about Mach3 argue that they do not want to spend more money on better outlook. According to our survey, one hundred percent of surveyees, who does not satisfy with Mach3, say the price is too high for the product. Price is relatively higher than other products including â€Å"Sensor Excel† which was the most expensive one before â€Å"Mach3†³ came out. Its price is 6. 99 dollars per razor with one blade included – currently, the company is selling for 7. 29 dollars per Mach3. It is 4 percents increased from original price, and 40 percents higher price than other products. This may lead to decrease in sales and the company†s total revenue. The company is trying to reach customers several different ways. Gillette offers Mach3 package product, which included Mach3 itself and couple of extra razors, Shaving cream and deodorant. This package product makes each items† unit price lower than sell separately. Also, the company offers sweepstakes on the company's web site, and there is no obligation. This is the one of the finest ways to reach and get involve the customers. The company give chance to people to win prize without any obligation; however, people will recognize the product automatically. Also, Gillette can acquire the Since Gillette is well-known global company, many retail stores are not offended to carry the company's product even though the product's price is high. Retail stores are assume that Mach3 will bring more customers. On the other hand, even more customers come to store, it is unpredictable for increasing store†s sales revenue because price is too high so that consumers would not buy. External factors are Competitive, Economic, and Social. Gillette†s major rival in the market is Shick. Since Gillette is the first company produce triple blades razor, the company will lead the market; however, rival company such as Shick will develop the same product with higher quality or lower price. Then the result will be unforeseen unless Gillette improve Mach3†³s weakness – â€Å"high price†. For long time in the United States, people†s income has been growing. As a result, customers purchasing power also increased. However, the company†s market is not only the United States but also overseas, in fact, over sixty percents of sales are made from overseas. Consequently, the company has to consider the facts that poor countries† consumers are willing to use cheaper product; especially the countries in economic crisis. There are 3 target groups in the market. The first group is disposal razor users that it's approximately more than half of the market. The advantages of this group are cleaner, cheaper and easy to use. On the other hand, it is less quality than other two razors. The second group is regular razor such as Mach3 about 40 percents. The last group is electronic shaver users which it takes remaining market share. The customers who use the electronic shaver satisfied with high technology, easy to use, saving time and safety compare to the other two products. The disadvantages of this product are high price and less cleanness when one shaves. The goal of Gillette is trying to acquire customers who use disposal and electronic shaver to Mach3. In order to persuade the customers to change to Mach3, the company should beat other product's weaknesses and add the improved the weakness of the other product to Mach3 and decreases of its weakness. Mach3 has several strengths; the first impression is fancy outlook that makes customers feel differentiated from other products. Second of all, men are challengers, always pursue new trend; especially on the tangible items with high technology. Although Mach3 has several strengths, it also has weaknesses. High price makes people think twice to purchase Mach3; the older generation of the Gillette razor is cheaper than Mach3, that makes people wonder if it is necessary to spend more money on the Mach3. The key purpose for Mach3 is to shave beard, but the older generation is also doing same job as Mach3; that makes no different between older and newer product. The next weakness is the advertisement. Gillette has spent 300 million dollars on the advertisement, but we did the survey with at least thirty people; 22 out of 30 surveyees know the brand from Television and magazine, but they have never uses it. This means the advertisement has preached the good news, but it has not reach people's life. The majority of men do not know why they should spend more money to buy same result. The marketing strategy did not fail the sale of the Mach3, it is price controller. The main point of the marketing is to opening a market for product. Since 73% of the men from the survey know the product, this mean the marketing strategy succeed its intention. The biggest mistake we found is the price. As I mentioned, â€Å"the majority of men do not know why they should spend more money to buy same result†. I would recommend to the company, to lower the price and match the same price as older generation. Let public buys Mach3 as the same price as older generation, allow public to try out differences between Mach3 and older generation. After when market demand of the Mach3 is higher than older generation, then increases its price.

How to Lose Weight Without Going Insane Essay

At a certain age, we all reach a point in our lives where we are no longer satisfied with our appearance. Because of societies various portrayals of â€Å"beauty† by Hollywood celebrities and models, the average woman (or man) tends to become obsessed with perfection. The most common approach in changing their appearance is usually made through weight loss. Although it may take time to develop results, there are many ways to lose weight without going mad. The many keys in maintaining a successful weight loss plan is by limiting when and how much you eat, maintaining a well-balanced meal and also by exercising. The first step to losing weight is to create a list of foods you plan to eat throughout the week. You do not have to do this step, but if you feel this will help you may do so. Try to dispose of any unhealthy foods that may pressure you into eating unwisely. This will help you get motivated in achieving your goal in losing weight. If you feel the need to eat an hour or two after eating a large meal, serve yourself low-fat yogurt, smoothies, or cheese for a nourishing snack between meals. By doing this, your body goes into fat burning mode. If you skip meals and eat less than normal, your body goes into fat storing mode. This means, since your body is not getting the nutrients and proteins it needs, it won’t be able to get rid of your body’s waste products properly, therefore storing all your body’s fat. It is important to include healthy foods in your diet but when you tell yourself you can’t have a certain food, such as a cookie, you feel a sense of deprivation. If you crave a certain food, it’s best if you eat it. If not, eventually you will rebel against the deprivation and eat more cookies than your body needs. While you may feel out of control, this is a normal reaction to restricting foods. The key to a healthy relationship with food is to eat when you are hungry; eat exactly what you are hungry for and stop when you are satisfied. When you eat in this way, your body will stabilize at its natural weight. After listing your food choices, find different healthy recipes that will help your body during the process. Take a trip to the grocery store and buy foods that contain protein, calcium, nutrients, iron and fiber. Eating fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and any dairy product helps maintain your body’s metabolism, making it easier to lose weight. Starting your day with a high-fiber cereal is a great way to fill your daily needs. Add nuts to cereals, yogurts, or vegetables for added protein, fiber, and healthy fats. If you continue doing this, it won’t become a problem because your body will get used to this routine on a daily basis. When you are finished creating you’re eating schedule, try to make plans to exercise. Consider a reasonable plan for movement. Exercise is an excellent way to keep your body healthy and strong. However, exercise can become a compulsive activity causing physical and emotional problems. If you must exercise every day in order to feel relaxed or ease the anxiety, exercise different hours. If exercise gets in the way of other activities, you have probably become a compulsive exerciser. Focus on exercise as a way to stay fit rather than as a way to lose weight. Walking, jogging, running, even working on your garden is considered exercise. If you choose to develop a regular exercise schedule, make sure that it enhances your lifestyle rather than becoming an obsession. If you are not able to exercise every day, 3 or 4 days a week is more than enough. It may feel good to be active at times but try not to force it upon yourself. Exercise at your current size that feels comfortable for you. Some important things you can do for yourself, no matter what shape or body size you have, are to stay fit, eat according to your physical hunger, and develop a loving attitude toward your body. There are many programs that offer classes for larger people in a safe, accepting environment with an emphasis on fitness rather than weight loss. According to Martin Haracz, the key to having a high self-esteem is for you and your family to value who you are and respect your body, no matter what your size. If neither of these steps seem to work due to emotional reasons or constant overeating, consider getting help from a therapist so that you can directly deal with the issues in your life that makes you unhappy. Don’t blame yourself for the difficulties you encounter in maintaining weight loss. Rather than feeling shame, try to become compassionate with yourself. While you may solve some of the other difficulties in your life, compulsive eating behaviors require direct intervention. It is tough to live in a society that tells you that you are not â€Å"okay† just the way you are. Instead of trying to change the shape of your body, consider trying to change the messages which you’ve internalized. Remember that your genetics plays the greatest role in determining your size, followed by changes in your physiology due to dieting. The key to losing weight and being fit, is to be patient. If your reason for wanting to lose weight is to become â€Å"attractive,† feel better about yourself or just simply to be healthy, don’t hurt yourself in the process. There are happy and unhappy people at all sizes. Accept the fact that your body will naturally change throughout the life cycle. Celebrate the health and capacities of your body rather than trying to attain cultural ideas which are unrealistic. In time, you will see results. Be patient, live life, and above all, be confident about both yourself and your body.

Geo Lab Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Geo Lab Questions - Essay Example Some of the most salient landscape features found in Los Angeles include mountains, rivers and beaches. In fact, the landscape of Los Angeles has created geologic instability in the area. The main types of rocks that influence the landscape of Southern California are the sedimentary rocks located in the region. Research asserts that the Southern California region has numerous petroleum fields which are mainly formed as a result of sedimentary rocks (U.S Department of State, 2012). McWilliams, C. (2009). Southern California: An island on the land. (9th ed.). New York: Peregrine Smith Press. U.S Department of State. (2012). Minerals. Retrieved from http://countrystudies.us/united-states/geography-5.htm Question 4 A plate boundary is defined as the region found at the edge of the lithospheric plates. According to the discipline of geography, there are three types of plate boundaries. They include convergent, transform and divergent boundaries. Transform or conservative boundaries are fo rmed when two plates slide past each other along transform faults. In addition, convergent or destructive boundaries are formed when two plates move towards each other. Lastly, divergent or constructive boundaries are formed when two plates move away from each other (Condie, 2009). The movement of these plates always leads to the formation of certain physical landmarks. For example, Iceland is continually separating along the Mid-Atlantic ridge. These divergent forces are attributed by the American and Eurasian plates. This separation has led to the formation of a new crust. However, researchers claim that soon enough Iceland will be separated into two land masses because of the broadening of the crust (Harden, 2011). Condie, K. (2009). Plate tectonics. United States: Butterworth-Heinemann Press. Harden, D. (2011). California geology. New York: Prentice Hall Press. Question 5 According to experts in the field of geography, there are several types of features that are formed through either wave or wind action. Research proves that there are both soft and hard features that are formed along the coastline (Jervis, 2009). The aspect of softness or hardness of a physical feature formed at the coastline mainly depends on certain phenomenon. For example, a spit can be identified as a soft feature that is mostly found at the coastline. In most cases, spits are located at regions with shallow waters whereby there is a diversion in the direction of a coastline. A spit is normally formed when deposition occurs at the shallow area. As deposition of finer material continues, the spit bulges outwards into the sea and is more visible. In addition, an example of a hard feature is a headland. A headland is formed through wave action whereby the force of the water hits the shore forming a land mass. In some instances, the formation of a headland is also boosted by the chemical content that is contained in the sea water (Haslett, 2009). Jervis, P. (2009). Physical features. Unit ed States: Folen Press. Haslett, S. (2009). Coastal systems. New York: Routledge Press. Question 6 It is factual that hot air balloons operate on the certain physical principles. When the amount of lift in the balloon surpasses gravity, then, it moves upwards. According to most physical theories, hot air balloons are supposed to be launched in the morning. This is because the stable winds allow the balloon to operate effectively. Since balloons move with air, most pilots

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 8

Report - Essay Example The council shall take important steps to promote business in these areas. Overdependence of a particular place on a given industry may prove to be harmful, as it might become unprofitable in the longer run, because of too many businesses in the same field. Also, this may also result in huge demand for infrastructural facilities in the Local Village area. The number of employees in small businesses range from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 45. The mean number of employees hired by small businesses is 12 employees per business. Majority of the businesses in the council area hire 8 or 9 employees, of which 8 will be called the mode. The total number of employees hired by small businesses who responded is 1161. The median for the number of employees hired by small businesses in the area comes out to be 10. Mean is affected by outliers (Wisegeek, 2009), such as 45. In fact 75% of the companies hire less than 13 employees. Median suggests that half of the small businesses hire 10 employees. Since the mean is greater than the median, it implies that the distribution of the number of employees is positively skewed to the right (Sable, 1998). The council shall encourage locals to setup businesses by providing them tax schemes, schemes, and facilitate availability of business locations. Setting of special economic zones may be a useful step in that direction. As can be seen from the frequency distribution of the constraints responses, 40% of the owners said that they faced no constraints indicating that the council is doing a good job in helping small businesses. Some areas where council can improve is the availability of skilled labor force by setting up of educational and training institutes, and parking space. The pie chart below shows the percentage of constraints as faced by the business owners in Stapleton Borough: When asked if businesses have plans to relocate, majority (54%) said that they do not have

The Bernie Madoff Scandal Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Bernie Madoff Scandal - Case Study Example This paper illustrates that the Bernie Madoff Scandal was discovered by one of the Modoffs’ son when Madoff decided to pay up to $7 billion redemptions or bonuses upfront after showing the inability to pay investors. The sons demanded to know the source of the funds and father admitted that his asset management arm of his firm was actually being operated as a Ponzi scheme in which new investments covered returns from the existing or earlier investments and personal wealth. Upon discovering the fraud, the son did what the unexpected and took up the matter with the federal authorities leading to the arrest of Madoff. Madoff revealed that he had run the scheme for approximately 20 years since the early 1990s. It was discovered that over the years Mr. Madoff was actually using money from new investors to pay returns to old investors creating a pyramid resembling a previous scheme named after Charles Ponzi. Although Mr. Madoff was operating within hedge fund industry, his fund was not a hedge fund, but endowments and foundations after the hedge funds invested heavily with his company. Madoff’s strategy to pay old investors with funds obtained from new investors enables his firm to satisfy the high returns promised to investors despite failure by the old investments to generate any returns. Investors expected that their funds were invested elsewhere by the company to generate returns, but Madoff deposited all the funds in his business account at Chase Manhattan Bank. In order to hide the reality in his company, he creatively came up with false transactions involving falsified SEC filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission and foreign transfers year after year. Modoff’s fraud dealings also most surfaced in 1999 when Harry Markopolos, a financial analyst-whistleblower alerted the securities and commission that his gains were impractical in the financial situation.

An Evaluation of United States Business Bachelor's Degree Programs in Research Paper

An Evaluation of United States Business Bachelor's Degree Programs in Preparing Graduates for Employment - Research Paper Example The Carnegie Foundation classification system for categorizing colleges and universities has been to support its programs of research and policy analysis. Derived from empirical data on colleges and universities, the Foundation’s classification system reflects differences between the various colleges and universities. The U.S. colleges and universities use this classification to identify the differences and similarities among each institution. This classification system has been widely used in the study of higher education, both as a way to represent and control for institutional differences, and in the design of research studies to ensure adequate representation of sampled institutions, students, and faculty. The foundation categorizes higher institutions framework and to allow comparison in undergraduate enrollment and size and setting classification. These classifications provide different lenses through which to view United States colleges and universities, offering researchers greater analytic flexibility (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 2010). The Carnegie Foundation’s principal users are: By providing a set of distinct classifications as well as a set of online tools for creating custom listings, combining categories within classifications, identifying institutions in similar categories, or filtering listings by selected criteria, this study will achieve much greater analytic flexibility, allowing the researcher her to match classification tools to the study analytic needs (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 2010). The Center for Measuring University Performance is a research enterprise focused on the economic and nationwide context of research universities.

U.S. Fiscal Cliff Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

U.S. Fiscal Cliff - Essay Example The primary obstacle towards a greater understanding between the two political parties with regards to austerity, spending, and the national debt is with regards to how the situation should be handled. On the one side the Democratic Party oftentimes if much more fiscally liberal than the Republican Party and as such oftentimes has few qualms in running up high deficits. However, the Republican Party itself under the Bush years added to the national debt by a figure of over 4 trillion dollars. Such a sum for the time was an unimaginable one. Aided by nearly a decade of conflict and two wars, the Republican Party lost any and all credence that they had formerly retained with reference to being the party of fiscal responsibility. However, with regards to the individual positions that the political spectrum retains, there can be said to be two. The Democratic Party believes that the best way to find a reasonable solution for such economic difficulties revolves around raising taxes (speci fically on the upper middle class and wealthiest citizens). Such an approach has merits; however, speaking economically, it also serves to penalize those job-creators that most directly influence the level of growth and recovery that the nation would experience if such a deadweight loss were not experienced. Similarly, those that support the alternate view to the one listed above claim that any and all budget shortfalls must be remedied by relying on austerity and/or budget cuts to achieve the desired result.

Rise of China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Rise of China - Essay Example inence is often bandied about as a goal of national development and is expressed frequently in the speeches of Chinese leaders and documents such as CCP National Congress Reports and Government Work Reports. In addition, foreigners often worry that China’s rapid economic development will present a threat to the stability of the current world order,† Adding that, â€Å"Because of this, other countries, especially a United States increasingly anxious about losing its preeminence, are often even more outspoken than Chinese pundits in proclaiming the imminent rise of a Chinese pole on the global power-map. According to the 2006 report of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, 61 percent of US citizens believe that within the next 20 years, Chinese GDP will surpass US GDP. Yet interestingly, only 30 percent of Chinese citizens hold this view. The â€Å"China threat theory† has proliferated across the globe, while Chinese people remain bewildered as to why their country is suddenly the cause for so much international concern,† (Yiwei p.1). With a surging Chinese economic present, as well as the potential for the future, many in the international community have in fact been keeping a close eye for that each country is keenly aware that any kind of economic insurgence by China can have very real consequences for everyone else, whether good or bad is left to be determined on an individual basis after viewing the facts. As for the economic history of China, â€Å"The Peoples Republic of China has the second largest economy in the world after the US with a GDP of nearly $ 7 trillion (2007) when measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis. In November 2007, it became the third largest in the world after the US and Japan with a nominal GDP of US$3.42 trillion (2007) when measured in exchange-rate terms.[5] China has been the fastest-growing major nation for the past quarter of a century with an average annual GDP growth rate above 10%.[6] Chinas per capita income has

Jury Nullification Paper Essay Example for Free

Jury Nullification Paper Essay Jury nullification is a constitutional doctrine that allows juries to acquit defendants who are technically criminals guilty, but who do not deserve punishment. It occurs in a trial when a jury reaches a verdict contrary to the judges instructions as to the law. A jury verdict contrary to the letter of the law does not belong only to the particular case before it. If a pattern of acquittals, however, develops in response to repeated attempts to prosecute a statutory offense, it can have the de facto effect of invalidating the statute. A pattern of jury nullification may indicate public opposition to an unwanted legislative enactment. In the past, it was feared that may unduly influence a judge alone or a panel of public officials to follow established legal practice, even if such practice had drifted from its origins. In most modern Western legal systems, however, often instruct juries only serve as finders of facts, whose role is to determine the veracity of the evidence, and the weight accorded to evidence, to implement these tests the law and reach a verdict, but not decide what the law is . Jury Nullification â€Å"It is not only the juror’s right, but his duty to find the verdict according to his own best understanding, judgment, and conscience, though in direct opposition to the direction of the court.† This is what John Adams said of jury nullification. John Jay, who was the first justice of the Supreme Court said, â€Å"The jury has the right to judge both the law as well as the fact in controversy.† So what is jury nullification and how does it influence courtroom proceedings and judicial practices? The definition of jury nullification according to thefreedictionary.com website jury nullification is defined as a sanctioned doctrine wherein members of a  jury disregard either the evidence presented or the instructions of the judge in order to reach a verdict based upon their own consciences. It espouses the concept that jurors should be the judges of both law and fact. The doctrine of jury nullification is based one important things, one that a juror can never be punished for the verdict they bring back to the judge, and second that a defendant cannot ever be retried once the jury has returned to the courtroom with a not guilty verdict. The first case of jury nullification in British law dates back to 1670 in trial of William Mead and William Penn, (William Penn would later go on to be the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania) these two men were charged in England for unlawful assembly, which was a law that was aimed at preventing different religious groups that were not noticed by the crown from worshipping. Both of these men were clearly guilty of breaking the law according to British law and the judge presiding over the case demanded that the jury find William Mean and William Penn guilty, but the jury refused to find these two men guilty because they felt that the law itself Jury Nullification was unjust. The judge continued to insist that the jury find these two men guilty, and the jury repeatedly refused, the judge became so infuriated with the jurors that he threw the jurors in prison. The highest court in England ordered that the jurors be released and established into common law the integrity of jurors in criminal cases. In America the Founding Fathers recognized the relevance of letting jurors determine not only the guilt or innocence of the person on trial, but the fairness of the law in which the person is charged with breaking. In more recent cases, in California a jury convicted Ed Rosenthal in two-thousand three of growing marijuana which was a violation of federal law. During the case the jury did not know and was never allowed to hear that not only was Ed Rosenthal growing medical marijuana for medical patients, but he was growing and harvesting the marijuana for the city of Oakland, California. When the trial ended and the jury found out the true facts of the case they were outraged and the foreman of the jury was quoted in the New York Times as saying â€Å"it is the most horrible mistake I have ever made in my entire life.† Should Ed Rosenthal b een convicted of growing marijuana? I feel that he should not have been convicted and the jury had a right to know the truth about who Ed Rosenthal was growing the marijuana for and for who it was being provided to. Another case would be that of Richard  Pen of Florida, who is serving a twenty-five year prison sentence in Florida for distribution of a controlled substance. Richard Pen was a forty-six year old paraplegic man who became a paraplegic after being involved in a very serious car accident that badly damaged his back, and after having back surgery that did not go as planned, Richard Pen was left in indescribable amounts of pain. Richard Pen realized that Jury Nullification. He could relieve his pain by taking large amounts of opiate painkillers, but the amount of medication his doctor had prescribed him was not enough, and they could not prescribe him anymore because it would exceed the amount of what his doctor could legally prescribe. Richard Paey felt that he had no choice but to obtain the medication illegally and he began photocopying the prescription and used them to get his medication from local pharmacies. Richard Paey was arrested and was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, but he never sold the medication, and never gave the medication away, he only used the medication for himself so that he could live somewhat of a normal existence and be free from the excruciating pain that he was in. But once again because of the way the laws are written the jury had no choice but to return to the court with a guilty verdict. In these two cases, I do feel that they did break the law, but should they have been found guilty of the charges against them? I do not feel that they should, and if the jurors were allowed to hear the truth about these cases these two men, Ed Rosenthal, and Richard Paey would not be serving time in prison, and since the Supreme Court ruled that prosecutors on the federal level can continue to arrest and charge people who use medical marijuana, you should expect to see more and more cases like this crowding up our courtrooms. You will probably see more and more cases such as Richard Paey, and other patients like him who are just trying to manage their pain and try to live somewhat of a normal life crowding up our courtrooms as well. So what can us as citizens do to undo the injustice of the Richard Paey’s and the Ed Rosenthal’s? Well unless you are serving on a jury panel, nothing, but if you happen to get a jury Jury Nullification Summons in the mail, do not ignore it as I have done many, many times before although I did have valid reasons for not being able to serve as a juror, I had a disabled parent and I was his sole caregiver, instead send back the summons stating that you are available to serve as a juror, and who knows you might be able to undo some  of the injustices of the judicial system, and keep an innocent person from serving a lengthy prison sentence. References http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/jury+nullification http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,163877,00.html http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig10/emal1.1.1.html

Think Tanks in the United States Essay Example for Free

Think Tanks in the United States Essay A think tank (also known as a policy center) is a non-profit research institution that conducts studies on public policy (Columbia University Libraries, n. pag.). Aside from public policy analysis, a think tank also engages in developing solutions for national or commercial problems (Rohrer, n. pag.). Although there are some think tanks that are strictly nonpartisan (their research on public policy issues are not affected by political outcomes), think tanks are generally regarded as organizations that provide intellectual support to political parties and or politicians. Hence, a think tank is considered as an important part of the American political scene (Columbia University Libraries, n. pag.). However, think tanks affect American foreign policy and economic development abroad by coming up with ethnocentric and xenophobic perspectives. In some cases, American think tanks create unsustainable, violent and even genocidal policies, majority of which the US government imposes on Third World countries. Worse, the civilian nature of these organizations allows them to escape accountability for their detrimental ideas (Hayes, 3).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the article A Litany of Horrors: America’s University of Imperialism (2008), Chalmers Johnson wrote that the RAND Corporation, one of the oldest existing think tanks in the US, was â€Å"the premier think tank for the US’ role as hegemon of the Western world (Johnson, n. pag.). To support his argument, Johnson detailed the history of RAND’s active participation in US military intervention since it was founded after World War II. During the Cold War, RAND perpetuated the â€Å"arms race† between the US and the Soviet Union by urging the latter to create huge demands for weapons such as atomic bombs, nuclear submarines, intercontinental ballistic missiles and long-range bombers. In the 1960s and the 1970s, RAND’s anti-Marxist rhetoric heavily influenced the US to get involved in the Vietnam War and to establish puppet governments in Third World countries that included the Philippines, Thailand, Chile and Taiwan (Johnson, n. pag.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   RAND was also heavily involved in the Iraq War in 2002. During 9/11, former Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci was the co-chair of the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy Advisory Board and was also a member of the RAND Board of Trustees. However, he was likewise the chairman of the Carlyle Group, a defense contractor with strong connections to the Saudi Royal Family and the Bin Laden clan. Other key players in the Iraq War that held important positions in the RAND Corporation were Paul Wolfowitz, Condoleeza Rice and Donald Rumsfeld (Here in Reality, n. pag.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Aside from the RAND Corporation, other American think tanks that were also occupied with the promotion of American foreign policy and economic development abroad were the National Institute for Public Policy (NIPP) and the Project for a New American Century (PNAC). Akin to RAND, the administration of the NIPP and the PNAC are both composed of unilateralist ideologues, most of which are former executives, consultants or major shareholders of the country’s biggest defense contractors. Some of the individuals who were connected to these think tanks went on to become government officials. Hence, it should no longer come as a surprise if US military intervention has increased in the previous decades (Ciarrocca Hartung, n. pag.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The NIPP has strong ties with the nuclear weapons industry. Most of the members of its advisory board were formerly connected with the arms and nuclear divisions of major defense contractors. Kathleen Bailey, for instance, worked as an analyst for the Lawrence Livermore nuclear weapons laboratory for six years. Robert Barker, meanwhile, worked for the weapons laboratory of Lawrence Livermore for 30 years. Charles Kupperman was Lockheed Martin’s vice president for its national missile defense programs (Ciarrocca Hartung, n. pag.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The leadership of the PNAC is made up of William Kristol (editor of the Weekly Standard), Robert Kagan (senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, contributing editor at the Weekly Standard and columnist for the Washington Post) and Bruce Jackson (a longtime Lockheed Martin executive). Founded in 1997, PNAC’s principles were based on â€Å"the Reagan administration’s success (in ending the Cold War)† and called for the revival of â€Å"a military that is strong and ready to meet both present and future challenges† (Ciarrocca Hartung, n. pag.). It must be noted that the founding document of PNAC was signed by major players in the Bush national security team, such as Paul Wolfowitz, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. Furthermore, PNAC’s deputy director Thomas Donnelly was hired by Lockheed Martin in 2003 (Ciarrocca Hartung, n. pag.).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Given the background of RAND, PNAC and NIPP, it is very clear that there is a conflict between the objectives of think tanks and American foreign policy (which focused mainly on promoting American values abroad). Most of the think tanks that are affiliated with the US government are also connected with companies that benefit financially from war. It is therefore just a matter of common logic to assume that think tanks like RAND, PNAC and NIPP will advise the US government to wage war on other countries (no matter how flimsy the justification is) simply because the defense contractors that they are connected with will earn immensely from doing so.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Furthermore, there are some US politicians who are likewise affiliated with organizations that profit from war. Former President George Bush, Sr., for instance, is a former Senior Advisor in the Carlyle Group. Former Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury James Baker, meanwhile, was former Carlyle Senior Counselor. Carlyle Managing Director Richard Darman also happens to be the White House Budget Advisor (Here in Reality, n. pag.). It is very obvious that their affiliation to Carlyle makes them view war as an avenue for profit, and not as an atrocity that claims countless innocent lives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While think tanks are excellent sources of information and ideas, conflict of interest arises when these institutions affect government policy. Think tanks doing business and making money while advising the US government at the same time should be considered as a grave cause of concern. Indeed, what will think tanks do when private business clash with public policy? What will be their stand when the very same government official that they supported is criticized for applying the ideas that they have formulated? Works Cited Ciarrocca, Michelle and Hartung, William. â€Å"The Military-Industrial-Think Tank Complex:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Corporate Think Tanks and the Doctrine of Aggressive Militarism.† January-February The Business of War. 9 June 2008 http://www.multinationalmonitor.org/mm2003/03jan-feb/jan-feb03corp2.html. Hayes, Peter. â€Å"The Role of Think Tanks in Defining Security Issues and Agendas.† Nautilus Institute. 21 October 2004. 8 June 2008 www.nautilus.org/collaborative/essay/2004/1021_Hayes.pdf.   Johnson, Chalmers. â€Å"A Litany of Horrors: America’s University of Imperialism.† 29 April TomDispatch.com. 8 June 2008 http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174925/chalmers_johnson_teaching_imperialism_101. â€Å"Meet the Carlyle Group.† n.d. Here in Reality. 09 June 2008 http://www.hereinreality.com/carlyle.html. Rohrer, Finlo. â€Å"Just What Is A Think Tank?† 15 January 2008. BBC News. 08 June 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7189094.stm. â€Å"The People We Pay to Think.† n.d. Here in Reality. 09 June 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.hereinreality.com/news/rand.html. â€Å"Think Tanks Policy Centers.† n.d. Columbia University Libraries – Lehman Social Sciences Library. 08 June 2008 http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/lehman/guides/ttanks.html.

Knowledge Management Knowledge Creation in Organization

Knowledge Management Knowledge Creation in Organization In the present age, knowledge management (KM) is playing increasingly important role in both public and private organizations. However, there are many organizations did not realize the importance of KM. This value asset can contribute most of learning organizations in achieving their business aims and goals. To compete effectively in this twenty first century, organizations need to be aware on the environment changes within the organization and they needs to be the one that creates information and knowledge. In order to achieve this, both top management and support staff must be active key players in creating knowledge. Creating knowledge is not the matter of learning from others or obtaining knowledge from outside but knowledge must be built on its own through communication and interaction among people in the organization. Moreover, knowledge creation is part of knowledge management that is seen as heart to the successful of organizations where KM tasks involved in capturing the cre ativity, sharing and utilization of knowledge as well as professional that provides with competitive edge. This article is critically emphasizes on knowledge management and knowledge creation with SECI model, Ba concept and case study in regard to organizational adaption, survival and competence. Keywords: knowledge, knowledge management, knowledge creation, SECI model Ba concept, competitive edge, tacit and explicit knowledge Introduction Knowledge is now seems to be the significant to organization success where organization able to secure its competitive advantage and competent to achieve sustainable superior performance. As pointed out in Migliarese and Verteramo (2005) article based on Alvesson (1995), Drucker (1988) Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), Prusak (1997), many authors agreed that this competitive advantage relies on the ability to create new knowledge, to spread it throughout the organization and also to express that knowledge in products, services and systems. Knowledge creation also should be important part in any business strategy as this has agreed by many executives (Migliarese and Verteramo 2005). While organizational capability to create knowledge is the most important source of organization to sustain its competitive advantage (Junnakar, 1997; Nonaka et al., 2000; Parent et al., 2000). While organizational knowledge creation, need to be understood as a process that organizationally increases by individuals and develops it as a part of the knowledge network of the organization (Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995). Tacit and explicit knowledge are another crucial element that involved in the creating of knowledge. Tacit knowledge is important in creating knowledge in organization where logically this knowledge is created only by individuals. Nowadays, technology is crucial element that contributes to the creating of knowledge; however, knowledge management is not a technology. Technology is only a platform that enabled the activities of creati on and people is the one who produce the knowledge. Knowledge Management Concept There are numerous of knowledge management concept has been defined by various researchers and practitioners and there is no limitation to defined it. The concept of knowledge management in todays globalization world has brought to widen aspect, where it applies based on the circumstances of certain place, time as well as space. According to Awad and Ghaziri (2001) in their book of Knowledge Management, considered the knowledge management concept as a new interdisciplinary business model that has knowledge within the framework of an organization as its focus. Knowledge management is not only emphasizes on specific area of subject but it also covers all aspect of life comprising business, economic, psychology and information management. Becerra-Fernandez et al. (2004) have defined knowledge management as doing what is needed to get the most out of knowledge resources. Based on Awad and Ghaziri (2001) as taken from Malhotra (1999) stated that knowledge management provides to the seriou s issues of organizational adaption, survival and competence in the aspect of progressively discontinuous environmental. Basically, it represents organizational processes that seek synergistic combination of data and information processing capacity of information technology and the creative and innovative capacity of human beings. In addition, knowledge management is seen as a repository where the composed of facts and information that can be stored, retrieved and transferred in order to run the business organization effectively. Besides, knowledge management also is more than getting the right information to the right individual at the right time. In upon of views by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), people do not only receive new knowledge passively but they interpret the knowledge actively in order to fit with their own situation and perspectives. Further, knowledge management assists people to share and put information in action in order to achieve the organization goals. However, Bodhanya (2008) argued that knowledge management cannot be considered as important for organizational success in the contemporary world because this may only be the case under certain conditions. Knowledge management is really about the relationships between people, process and technology in overlapping parts (Figure 1). In order to manage knowledge, organization must first list its people, systems and decisions as well. Even though there are still have yet to agree the definition on knowledge management from researchers and practitioners (Awad and Ghaziri, 2001), each definition of knowledge management should include the above three important elements as these elements enable the organization to position itself and has positive impact on business processes. Knowledge K Figure 1: Overlapping human, organizational and technological factors of KM Source: Awad, E.M. Ghaziri, H. M. Knowledge Management. International ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2004 Knowledge Creation Sabel (1994) as cited by Diego Puga and Daniel Trefler (2002) pointed out that knowledge creation is about shifting products and processes in theoretically ways of unpredictable. While as Soo, Divenney and Midgley (1999) have stated that knowledge creation is broadly known to be strategically essential for both organizational learning and innovation. In a different views, Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) said knowledge creation is basically depends on the mobilization and conversion of tacit knowledge. In the other hand, knowledge can be created through the process of tacit knowledge transfer as well as the conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge. In addition, Choi and Lee (2002) referred to the views of Bloodgood and Salibury (2001) and Bohn (1994) said that, the continuous process that involves individuals and group of people within the organization and between organization share tacit and explicit knowledge is also known as knowledge creation. While for Ratcheva (2003) new k nowledge creation is collectively constructed and embedded in the organising practices of virtual teams activities. As written by Balestrin, Vargas and Fayard (2008) in their articles that taken from Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), knowledge creation is considered as a process of knowledge conversion. Knowledge conversion is the interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge in the innovative of human beings activities where they are not isolated entities but complimentary entities. Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) have introduced a model of knowledge creation known as SECI model that involved socialization, externalization, combination and internalization. SECI process will be function effectively with the support of proper context (Balestrin, Vargas and Fayard 2008) that covers the aspect of time, space and relationship between people in the organization. However, for Awad and Ghaziri (2001), the knowledge creation is related to the updated knowledge which is based on the experiences in a certain problem area and utilizes the new knowledge in combination with initial knowledge in order to update the knowledge for the purpose of knowledge sharing. In different point of views by Lehaney et al. (2004), knowledge creation is a key factor in competitiveness in a service economy where the creation of new ideas, new methods to market the existing products, upgraded old products and brand new products are all based on idea. Two Dimensions of Knowledge Creation According to Daud et al. (2008), knowledge creation has two dimensions, which are epistemological and ontological. The epistemological knowledge creation dimension comprises of both tacit and explicit knowledge. As mentioned in the book of The Knowledge Creating Company by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), tacit knowledge is personal where it is difficult to formalize and communicate as it basically in peoples mind such as ideas and thought while explicit knowledge is a knowledge that is transmittable in formal with systematic language. However Daud et al. (2008) defined explicit knowledge as a knowledge that is described in symbols such as mathematical formula and statements. The interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge is presented in the Nonaka and Takeuchi SECI model. This model is basically shows the relationship between tacit and explicit knowledge with different modes of knowledge conversion in order to develop important information and knowledge as for the business purposes . In ontological knowledge creation dimension, it emphasizes more on the different level of knowledge creating entities which involves individual, group, organization and inter-organization (Daud et al., 2008). The concept of ontological dimension can be portrayed that it is impossible to create knowledge without a people where knowledge only can be created by them. Organization also need to have a clear understanding towards the created knowledge and should constitute it as a part of knowledge network of the organization. Knowledge Creation and Four Modes of Knowledge Conversion Based on the assumption that knowledge is created through the collaboration between tacit and explicit knowledge made by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), allows them to produce model of SECI modes. These four different modes were presented in the simple square box (Figure 2) and the conversion of knowledge consists of socialization (tacit knowledge to tacit knowledge), externalization (tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge), combination (explicit knowledge to explicit knowledge) and internalization (explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge). In socialization modes, knowledge is created through the interaction between people and mental models or knowledge sharing among team members in the organizations such as team meetings and discussion. As stated by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), individual can acquire tacit knowledge without language. While the concept of combination modes refer to the process of socialization where it merges different type of explicit knowledge that is produced by individual. This mode will be take place when individuals exchange and merge knowledge such as through meetings and phone conversation. According to Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), the reconfiguring of existing information through the sorting, adding, recategorizing and recontextualizing of explicit knowledge can assist in the production of new knowledge. Another two modes is the knowledge conversion process of both tacit to explicit communication also referred to as externalization and internalization modes. Externalization mode is very important in articulating among team through dialogue such as formal meeting and brainstorming. The process helps the team members to articulate the hidden tacit knowledge. This mode is different with internalization mode where it related to learning by doing such as a report and deducing ideas or taking constructive action. Socialization Externalization Combination Internalization Tacit Knowledge Tacit Knowledge Explicit Knowledge Explicit Knowledge Figure 2: Conversion of knowledge between tacit and explicit forms Source: Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) Principally, in order to ensure the SECI process occurs effectively, Balestrin et al., (2008) said a proper context is required. This proper context referred to the concept of ba that developed by Nonaka and Konno (1998). The ba concept is originally created by Kitaro Nishida (Nonaka and Konno, 1998) which means multi context place (Kivijarvi, 2008). According to Nonaka, Toyama and Konno (2001, p. 22) ba can be defined as a shared context in which knowledge is shared, created and utilize. Each ba in ba concept supports a particular mode of knowledge conversion in the SECI process (Nonaka and Konno, 1998; Balestrin et al., 2008) as represented in Figure 2. This topic of ba concept will be explained further in the next topic. Knowledge Creation and the Characteristic of the Four Types of Ba According to Nonaka and Konno (1998), ba concept consists of four types of elements namely originating ba, interacting ba, cyber ba and exercising ba. While, Nonaka et al., (2002) have categorized it with different name of ba, there are originating ba, dialoguing ba, systemitizing ba and exercising ba. However, both opinions have similar concept. Each ba supports a particular mode of SECI model (Nonaka and Konno, 1998; Nonaka et al., 2002) and this lead to increase the speed of knowledge creation within the organization (Nonaka and Konno, 1998). For John and Cook (2001), it is very important to understand the characteristics of ba with the relationship of knowledge creation modes (SECI modes) to enhance organizational knowledge. Within a given perspective, this article will be followed the terms created by Nonaka et al. (2002). C:UsersIJAPictures2.jpg Figure 3: Types of Ba Source: Nonaka, Toyama and Konno (2002) taken from Balestrin et al. (2008) Originating ba is the beginning of the process of knowledge creation where it involves socialization mode (SECI model). Originating ba is the situation where individuals share their feelings, emotions, experiences and mental models. This can be achieved through the face to face interaction such as social gatherings and informal meetings (Trips and visits). Dialoguing ba is the second phase of ba concept where it refers to the situation where dialogue is a key to the conversion between people. This ba supports the conversion and articulation of tacit knowledge into a more external form. This means, individuals share their experiences and abilities, and finally transform it into common terms and concepts. While systematizing ba is the situation where it offers a context that combine explicit knowledge with the existing knowledge in the organization. For exercising ba, it allows the knowledge that has been socialized, externalized and systematized to be interpreted again or in the other hand it offers a context for the internalization of the knowledge again. Ba concept can be applied in the organization where it will guide an assist organization in analysing valuable basis for knowledge creation. As mentioned by Nonaka and Konnon (1998) awareness of different categories of ba can enable successful support of knowledge creation. Case Studies: Knowledge Creation in Organization This section will be presented one case studies about knowledge creation in the organization with the adaption of ba concept. Knowledge creation within the AGIVEST network Association of Rio Grande do Sul (AGIVEST) is a clothing industry that is located in southern Brazil. Based on the case study done in this small firm network, it was found out that majority knowledge is created from the information and knowledge sharing through the interaction between people in the organization. And this knowledge sharing occurs informally between the businessmen. Besides, several spaces in which this factor takes place in the network were identified. It was discovered that the effective process of knowledge creation in the AGIVEST that supported by the different types of ba concept lead to the creation of valuable knowledge assets in order to develop value and competitive differential for the organization. Various types of ba were identified and each type of ba identified works as different situation that promotes an effective platform as to make knowledge creation easier between the network firms. Based on the findings, there are 7 (seven) types of ba have been identified which consist of meetings at firms, assemblies, social gatherings, trips and visits to fairs, courses and lectures, strategic planning and electronic space. All the types of ba have been categorized according to respective ba as represented in Figure 4 below. As can be seen in the Figure 4, visits to factories, trips and visits to fairs and social gatherings and informal meetings were group under originating ba. As discussed above originating ba is a platform for individual to socialize with others through face to face interaction which they can share their feelings as well as experiences. In AGIVEST, the visits by businessmen between network industries assist them to identify enhancements of their business in the aspect of production processes, technologies and other production concepts. Through the visits and social gatherings also help them to strengthen the relationship between industries and increase the trustworthiness among networks. In fact, AGIVEST businessmen obtained chances to know the other experiences and cooperate together on the trends and challenges as well. C:UsersIJAPictures1.jpg Figure 3: Types of Ba in the AGIVEST Source: Balestrin et al. (2008) While in dialoguing ba, assist AGIVEST in to develop a good strategy in order to ensure their business stay competitive with others. It also helps in structuring their best network strategy planning as it were participated by all network businessmen. Through formal assemblies, they can take an action based on the planning that has been structured at collective decision making process in order to achieve its business goals and objectives. Electronic communication and courses and lectures occur under the systematizing ba. This stage helps the businessmen to share their knowledge that has been received from the previous stage of ba. As stated by Henderson and Sussman (1997), computer mediated communication may lead to the development quality knowledge creation through forum, and sharing beliefs, in order to confirming consensual interpretation and allowing expression of new ideas. However, limitation on it ensued in AGIVEST due to the systematization resources for knowledge was fragile and deficient, mainly in the aspect of non-existence of use of IT system. Finally, exercising ba was taken place as to produce new management concept and new production process. In short, by applying the ba concept, it helps the AGIVEST in observing the interaction between their networks that lead to the creation of knowledge. From the collected findings, it was discovered that most of the knowledge creation occurred in the AGIVEST was resulted from the informal communication between the businessmen. However, this evidence is not actually a definitive theory but it purposes to encourage further research concerning on knowledge creation and small firm network in the academic community. Conclusion As conclusion, many different types of knowledge can be created within the organization. Basically knowledge creation occurs in the organization is resulted from the interaction between people in the organization, and then this knowledge is captured and share among them for the purpose of business development. According to Ratcheva (2003), the creation of new knowledge is socially embedded in interaction and communication practices. She also said that new knowledge creation processes in virtual partnership exist in in the networks of professionals and the interaction and communication forms and rules established amongst team members decide how knowledge is gathered. Every individual in organization need to participate in the process of knowledge creation as this will lead to produce good answer to the presence problem. This method is very useful because by sharing knowledge whether in both formal and informal meetings can develop new management concept as well as better solutions for specific problems as these meetings were participated by various levels of people in the organization. All of them may contribute an idea based on their experiences at different level of job environments. However, according to Roth (2003) it is a challenge for all organizations to enhance effective knowledge creation within and between diverse knowledge areas, as significant in the deep professional knowledge area as in the cross-functional team area or other communities of practice. In reality, most of the existing study done on knowledge creation is emphasizes on the source and state of knowledge (John and Cook, 2001). Further study on this topic is needed to identify more comprehensive approach towards the creation of organizational knowledge, where the successful process of knowledge creation is resulted from the much cooperation and knowledge sharing between many organizations. Based on John and Cook (2001), research is needed where it must be beyond the source and state of knowledge in order to consider the conditions that enable knowledge creation. BIBLIOGRAPHY MLA Awad, E.M. Ghaziri, H. M. Knowledge Management. International ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2004 Adamo, Jean-Marc. Data Mining for Association Rules and Sequential Patterns: Sequential and Parallel Algorithms. United States, America: Springer-Verlag New York Inc., 2001. An Introduction to Data Mining. January 25, 2010. Data Mining. January 25, 2010. Data Mining Picture. February 10, 2010. Data Mining: What is Data Mining? January 25, 2010. Decision tree technique picture. February 10, 2010. Dennis, C., David M. Tony C. Data Mining for Shopping Centers: Customer Knowledge Management Framework. Journal of Knowledge Management. 5 (4) (2001):368-374. Dunham, Margaret H. Data Mining Introductory and Advanced Topics. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2003. Folorunso, O. Ogunde, A.O. Data Mining as a Technique for Knowledge Management in business process redesign. Information Management Computer Security. 13 (4) (2008): 274-280. Genetic Algorithms Mechanism Picture. February 10, 2009 Inmon, W.H, John A. Z. Jonathan G.G. Data Stores, Data Warehousing and the Zachman Framework Managing Enterprise Knowledge. United States, America: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2003 Lee, S. J. Siau, K. A Review of data mining techniques. 101.1 (2001): 41-46. 25 January 2010. Nemati, H.R. Barko, C.D. Key factors for achieving organizational data-mining success. Industrial Management Data Systems. 103 (4) (2003): 282-292. Pendhakar, P. C. Managing Data Mining Technologies in Organizations: Techniques and Applications. United States, America: Idea Group Publishing, 2003. Wang, J. Data Mining Opportunities and Challenges. United States, America: Idea Group Publishing, 2002. Westpal, C. Balxton, T. Data Mining Solutions: Methods and Tolls for Solving Real-World Problems. Canada: John Wiley Sons, Inc., 1998

School Shootings and Denial :: Mass Shootings, School Shootings Essays

I can think of no other way to say this, so here goes: White people need to pull our heads out of our collective *ss. Two more white children are dead and thirteen are injured in Santee, California, and another "nice" community is scratching its blonde head, utterly perplexed at how another school shooting could happen. After all, as the Mayor of the town said in an interview with CNN: "We're a solid town, a good town, with good kids, a good church-going town ... an All-American town." Yeah, well maybe that's the problem. And days later, a teen girl shoots another student in a high school cafeteria in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, the home of the Little League World Series. I said this after Columbine and no one listened so I'll say it again: White people live in an utter state of self-delusion. We think danger is black, brown and poor, and if we can just move far enough away from "those people" in the cities we'll be safe. If we can just find an "all-American" town, life will be better, because "things like this just don't happen here." Well, bullsh*t on that. In case you hadn't noticed, "here" is about the only place these kinds of things do happen. Oh sure, there is plenty of violence in urban communities and schools. But mass murder; wholesale slaughter; take-a-gun-and-see-how-many-you can-kill kind of craziness seems made for those safe places: the white suburbs or rural communities. And yet once again, we hear the FBI insist there is no "profile" of a school shooter. Come again? White boy after white boy after white boy, with very few exceptions to that rule (and none in the mass shooting category), decides to use their classmates for target practice, and yet there is no profile? Imagine if all these killers had been black: would we still hesitate to put a racial face on the perpetrators? Doubtful. Indeed, if any black child in America -- especially in the mostly white suburbs of Littleton, or Santee -- were to openly discuss their plans to murder fellow students, as happened both at Columbine and now Santana High, you can bet your ass that somebody would have turned them in, and the cops would have beat a path to their doorstep. School Shootings and Denial :: Mass Shootings, School Shootings Essays I can think of no other way to say this, so here goes: White people need to pull our heads out of our collective *ss. Two more white children are dead and thirteen are injured in Santee, California, and another "nice" community is scratching its blonde head, utterly perplexed at how another school shooting could happen. After all, as the Mayor of the town said in an interview with CNN: "We're a solid town, a good town, with good kids, a good church-going town ... an All-American town." Yeah, well maybe that's the problem. And days later, a teen girl shoots another student in a high school cafeteria in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, the home of the Little League World Series. I said this after Columbine and no one listened so I'll say it again: White people live in an utter state of self-delusion. We think danger is black, brown and poor, and if we can just move far enough away from "those people" in the cities we'll be safe. If we can just find an "all-American" town, life will be better, because "things like this just don't happen here." Well, bullsh*t on that. In case you hadn't noticed, "here" is about the only place these kinds of things do happen. Oh sure, there is plenty of violence in urban communities and schools. But mass murder; wholesale slaughter; take-a-gun-and-see-how-many-you can-kill kind of craziness seems made for those safe places: the white suburbs or rural communities. And yet once again, we hear the FBI insist there is no "profile" of a school shooter. Come again? White boy after white boy after white boy, with very few exceptions to that rule (and none in the mass shooting category), decides to use their classmates for target practice, and yet there is no profile? Imagine if all these killers had been black: would we still hesitate to put a racial face on the perpetrators? Doubtful. Indeed, if any black child in America -- especially in the mostly white suburbs of Littleton, or Santee -- were to openly discuss their plans to murder fellow students, as happened both at Columbine and now Santana High, you can bet your ass that somebody would have turned them in, and the cops would have beat a path to their doorstep.

Use of the Internet as a Tool for Piracy Essays -- Expository Essays R

Use of the Internet as a Tool for Piracy The internet is an ever increasingly powerful tool for finding everything from entertainment to reference to daily news. When first created, the internet was only a shadow of what it has become. Most people didn't even have a computer, let alone a connection to the internet. In the last decade, however, computers have become more and more affordable, and internet service providers have become far more widespread. According to the World Almanac and Book Of Facts 2001 "By early 2000, more than 300 million people around the world were using the Internet, and it is estimated that by 2005, 1 billion people may be connected" (World Almanac). As with any new, powerful technology, the internet has brought with its positive aspects, a number of new problems which will have to be dealt with in the next several years. One of the biggest controversies which has spawned from the popularity of the net is the piracy of music, software, and movies. In the past, piracy of music and movies was fairly small scale. The only way to make illegal copies of tapes was to dub them in a double tape deck. This process was slow enough that music companies and movie studios didn't really worry about it. With the advancement of technology, however, piracy has become as easy as burning a CD or downloading music from the internet. The ease with which people can get free copies of songs or movies, production companies have tried to crack down on piracy. Piracy is the copying of copyrighted material without permission from the author. Because technology is always changing, there are no fail safe methods of preventing piracy. Soon after a new preventative method comes out, someone finds a way around it, making pr... ...reate key generators that produce a valid code. Hard as designers might try, they will never be able to make a totally hacker proof program. Piracy has been a problem for many years, and every time a new method of prevention is created, a new loophole is discovered. Piracy may be illegal, but because of ambiguous laws and the relative anonymity of downloading from the web, authorities will be hard pressed to ever crack down on individual bootleggers. No matter how hard people try to end piracy, there will always be people who want free music and movies and software badly enough to make copies and exchange it illegally. Napster. Napster Incorporated. September 20, 2001 . Selvin, Joel. â€Å"Did Napster Help Boost Record Sales.† The San Francisco Chronicle August 5, 2001. â€Å"The Internet and Computers: Internet Basics.† World Almanac and Book of Facts. 2000 ed.

Companion Animal Behavior and Training Module

In the case study, a young adult male cat, neutered and aged between four and five years old, undergoes extreme modifications in behavior in response to the birth of a newborn child to the owner-couple. The domestic short-hair lives in a single-cat household and prior to the birth of the first baby and the baby’s subsequently learning to crawl, the cat made appropriate use of 24-hour outside access, toileting outside in an acceptable fashion.Since the baby in the household learnt to crawl, the cat has started unrinating in the upstairs area of the house and squatting in various different locations.The cat also began grooming excessively. Based on this case study information, several determinations can be made about the causal factors relating to the behavioral issues displayed by the cat. For obvious reasons relating to the general health of the household, the cat’s behavior poses several hazards. One principle explanation for the behavior change, however, is the presen ce of the first child and the cat’s perception of the child, now mobile and a perceived presence from the cat’s perspective, as a treat to the cat’s perceived territory in the house.The explanation for the behavioral issues rests upon the fact that cats sometimes undertake urine spraying or urine marking because of territorial disputes, during aggressive conflicts, and even during sexual encounters. The spray produced is pungent and designed to ward off potential predators or competitors. In the case study, the cat clearly fields that the child, crawling and thereby presenting what must be a visible threat to the cat, is a predator or a threat of some general kind to the cat’s domination of the household, his territory.The objective of marking the territory is to establish its boundaries and ward off the child. It is classic cat behavior to advertise their presence in a territory by spraying visually conspicuous sites. Since cats naturally look to â€Å" time share† territories, marks enable the cats to space themselves out and prevent unwanted encounters. Cats can identify the urine marks so track can be kept of their neighbours (Hart, 1980a). Spraying serves to bring the male and female together during the breeding season. It is often done at a height convenient for sniffing (Beaver, 1992).Cats that spray urine inside their homes are classically prevented from doing so by neutering. Since the cat in the case study is already neutered, other measures must be undertake to curb the behavior. Most often, spraying is undertaken by reproductively intact males. Females spray as well, but less rarely. In one study conducted by the ASPCA, 77 percent of cats stopped or significantly reduced spraying within six months. Ten percent of male cats neutered before 10 months of age will still spray as adults. In households with numerous cats, at least one cat will likely spray, even if all the cats are neutered (ASPCA, 2007).Cats can become jealous upon the arrival of a new baby and this is particularly since the presence of a new child leaves the parents, the cat’s owners, exhausted and turmoil of a new baby, the cat is often neglected. This creates and exacerbates resentment about the presence of the child. Of course, it should not be ruled out that medical problems could be the cause of the cat’s unusual behavior. At the very least, this must be investigated as a potential cause. Medical problems such as diarrhea, urinary bladder inflammation, and the condition polydipsia or polyuria may promote unusual behavior from the cat.The signs of these problems include soft to watery diarrhea, which may indicate a problem in the small intestine, or mucus visible in the stool, along with blood, which suggests an inflamed colon or colitis. Urinary bladder infections may include FUS, bacterial infection, calculi or bladder stones, and tumors. Diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver disease, ad renal gland disease, pyometra, and hypercalcemia are all possible medical causes for spraying and urinating in the house (ASPCA, 2007).If the baby were not present in the house it would be viable to note that females in heat, male spraying, other cats outdoors, over-crowding indoors, and the possible presence of testicular tissue remaining and producing low level hormones. Overcrowding, unchained litter, interrupted access to liter boxes, a change in litter type, and the presence of objectionable chemicals may be causing the problem. Psychological stress factors such as moving to a new environment or undergoing a change in routine can leave cats of any age bewildered and under considerable psychological stress.Overall, cats are loners and avoid interactions with other cats, except when with a mate, with young, or if several cats belong to the one household. The area traveled during normal activities is known the home range (Beaver, 1992; Bradshaw, 1992; Thorne, 1992). It is much lar ger for males than for females (Bradshaw, 1992) and the range may overlap other animals’ ranges (Thorne, 1992). Studies on free-ranging cats (Fox, 1975), showed that cats have a home territory and a home range that consists of places for resting, sunbathing and watching. A network of paths connects places and people may visit them regularly.Cats have an order of dominance in a neighborhood, which depends on time and place. If a low-ranking cat has already entered a narrow passageway and a high-ranking cat enters, the less dominant animal will sit and wait until the way is clear. Cats go to great lengths to avoid meeting another cat on a pathway, and chance face-to-face encounters lead to fighting and chasing and the development of a dominant–subordinate relationship. Subordinate males are pushed around in a dominant male’s home range. They essentially become nomads (Liberg, 1981, cited in Thorne, 1992).If a group of cats is maintained in colony pens, they need t o be provided with shelves so they can ‘own’ one and retreat there from other cats (Hart, 1980). The cats work out an arrangement where certain ones use the floor at different times to others. Rubbing may help reinforce social positions, with subordinate individuals generally rubbing more dominant conspecifics (Macdonald, Apps, Carr and Kerby, 1987). The socialization period is the time when all primary social bonds are formed and is the most important period during the cat’s life (Beaver, 1992).Active social con tact with more than one adult cat at some crucial development stage is necessary for an adult cat to adapt later to social living conditions (Bradshaw, 1992). Given this, the lack of socialization with a new infant introduced to a household is going to cause problems and, after official confirmation that there are no medical explanations for the cat’s unusual behavior, the likely best response will involve heavy bonding efforts to help the cat ove rcome feelings of displacement, in addition to efforts to help the cat to perceive the baby as a non-threat to its territory.SECTION B: To modify the behavior of the cat in the case study, several steps need to be undertaken to ensure that the cause of the problem is properly assessed and to assure that the problem does become resolved as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The first step in the behavioral modification process will be to identify the reasons that they cat is spraying. Presumably, the new baby is the issue, however, it is necessary as a precautionary measure at least to have the cat subjected to a physical examination by a qualified vet.Physical problems can lead to inappropriate urination and spraying and should at least be ruled out before any psychological issues are investigated. To assess the psychological state of the cats it is quite important to begin by discouraging other cats from hanging around outside the home, if there are any signs that cats are doi ng this. Ideally, one of the various types of commercially available motion-activated devices, such as the Critter Gitterâ„ ¢, the Scarecrowâ„ ¢, or the Scraminalâ„ ¢, serve the function to frighten outdoor cats away.The Scat Matâ„ ¢ and the Sofa Saverâ„ ¢ can be used to keep outdoor cats away from doors and windows if there is evidence that other cats are coming this close to the house (ASPCA, 2007). Although it is not likely that this type of territorial issue is in play in the case study, the cat’s owners would to well to investigate and rule out the possibility. Multiple factors could easily be in play since the cat’s behavior is altered so drastically and since there is evidence that it is only since the new baby began crawling that the cat’s urination and spraying have been a problem.If the cat is spraying in several locations, areas should be made less appealing. Commercially available are such deterrent systems as Ssscatâ„ ¢ may be used and the cat’s owners might also try establishing a different behavioral pattern in the sprayed locations by placing items that stimulate behaviors incompatible with spraying, such as the food dish or toys in the appropriate locations. A litter box may also be placed in each location to try to establish the same change in behavioral pattern. The ultimate treatment objective is to revolve the cat’s sense of insecurity in their home environment.Any form of direct punishment is to be avoided. Punishment simply makes the cat feel more insecure. If the cat has singled out one new person to be the target of marking, as in this case, the baby, it is helpful to have the child present and seeming to participate in the feeding of the cat as a means of establishing trust for the cat. In general cases, it can also be helpful to have family members use the same soaps, shampoos so as to homogenise the group in terms of smells. This stops the cat from singling out one human being for attention.A behavioral modification campaign along these lines can be supported with the use of anxiolytics, tranquilisers, and pheromonatherapy if little or no progress is seen over time. However, these drugs should be given only in combination with behaviour modification and essentially as a last resort, on advisement of a vet. In the case study example, it is highly likely not only that the threat is correctly identified as the new baby and that extra attention given to the cat combined with certain modified methods of feeding, for example, involving the young child, the issues surrounding the urination and spraying should quickly be resolved.REFERENCES. American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA]. 2007. Animal Behavior Center: Cat Behavior. http://www. aspca. org/site/PageServer. Beaver, B. V. 1992. Feline Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians. W. B. Saunders Company, Sydney. Bradshaw, J. W. S. 1992. The Behavior of the Domestic Cat. C. A. B International UK. Fo x, M. W. 1974. Understanding Your Cat. N. Y. : Coward McCann (London). Fox, M. W. 1975. The behaviour of cats. In: The Behaviour of Domestic Animals.Ed. E. S. E. Hafez. Bailliere Tindall. Hart, B. L. 1980a. Feline behaviour: A practitioner monograph. Vet. Practice Publishing Co. , California. Liberg, O. 1981. Predation and social behaviour in a population of domestic cats: an evolutionary perspective. Ph. D thesis, University of Lund, Sweden. Macdonald, P. W. , Apps, P. J. , Carr, G. M. and Kerby, C. , 1987. Social dynamics, nursing coalitions and infanticide among farm cats, Felis catus Advances in Ethology 24, 1–66Thorne, 1992

The Return: Nightfall Chapter 39

â€Å"We won the battle, but not the war,† Elena said sadly. She thought it was the day after their fight with the kitsune twins. She couldn't be sure of anything except that she was alive, that Stefan was gone, and that Damon was back to his old self again. â€Å"Maybe because we didn't have my precious brother,† he said, as if to prove it. They were driving in the Ferrari, trying to find Elena's Jaguar – in the real world. Elena ignored him. She also ignored the soft but vaguely annoying hiss that came from some device he'd installed that was not a radio, that just seemed to play voices and static. A new kind of Ouija board? Audio instead of all that tedious spelling? Elena felt herself shiver inside. â€Å"You did give your word to go with me and find him. I swear it by – by the Other World.† â€Å"You tell me that I did, and you're not a liar – no, not to me. I can read your facial expressions now that you're a human. If I gave my word, I gave my word.† Human? Elena thought. Am I?What am I? – with the kind of Powers I have? Even Damon can see that the Old Wood has changed in the real world. It's not an ancient, half-dead forest anymore. There are spring flowers in midsummer. There's life everywhere. â€Å"And in any case, it will give me plenty of time to be alone with you – my princess of darkness.† And we're back to that again, Elena thought wearily. But he'd leave me here stranded if I once suggested that we had laughed and walked in a clearing together – with him on his knees to adjust my footstool. Even I'm beginning to wonder if it was real. There was a slight bump – as nearly as one could tell from Damon's style of driving. â€Å"Got it!† he cheered himself – and then, when Elena turned, ready to wrench the wheel to make him stop – he added coolly, â€Å"It was a piece oftire , for your information. Not many animals are black, arched, and a few tenths of an inch thick.† Elena said nothing. What was there to say to Damon's quips? But deep down she felt relieved that Damon wasn't given to running over furry little animals as an amusement. We're going to be alone together for quite some time, she thought – and then realized that there was another reason she couldn't just tell Damon to dry up and die. Shinichi had put the location of Stefan's cell into Damon's mind, not hers. She needed him desperately, to take her to the location, and to fight whoever was keeping Stefan captive. But it was fine if he had forgotten that she had any Powers. Something to save for a rainy day. At just that moment, Damon exclaimed â€Å"What the – † and leaned forward to adjust dials on the not-radio. † – peating; all units be on the lookout for one Matthew Honeycutt, male Caucasian, five foot eleven inches, blond hair, blue eyes – â€Å" â€Å"What is that?†Elena demanded. â€Å"A police scanner. If you want to be able to really live in this great land of freedom, it's best to know when to run – â€Å" â€Å"Damon, don't get me started on your lifestyle. I meant what was that about Matt?† â€Å"It looks as if they've decided to bring him in at last. Caroline didn't get much revenge yesterday night. I guess she's taking a shot at it now.† â€Å"Then we've got to get to him first – anythingcould happen if he stays in Fell's Church. But he can't take his car, and he won't fit in this one. What are we going to do?† â€Å"Leave him to the police?† â€Å"Don't, please. We have to – † Elena was beginning, when in a clearing to the left, like some vision sent to approve her scheme, the Jaguar appeared. â€Å"That'sthe car we're taking,† she told Damon flatly. â€Å"At least it's roomy. If you want your police scanner doo-hickey in it, then you'd better start uninstalling it from this one.† â€Å"But – â€Å" â€Å"I'll go get Matt. I'm the only one he'll listen to. Then we'll leave the Ferrari in the Wood – or dump it in the creek if you want.† â€Å"Oh, the creek, byall means.† â€Å"Actually, we may not have time for that. We'll just leave it in the Wood.† Matt stared at Elena. â€Å"No. I won't run.† Elena turned the full intensity of her blue eyes on him. â€Å"Matt, get in the car.Now . You have to. Caroline's dad is related to the judge who signed the order to get you. It's a lynching, Meredith says. Even Meredith is telling you to run. No, you don't need clothes; we'll get clothes.† â€Å"But – but – it's not true – â€Å" â€Å"They'll make it true. Caroline will weep and sob. I never thought a girl would do this to get revenge, but Caroline is in a class of her own. She's gone nuts.† â€Å"But – â€Å" â€Å"I said, get in!They'll be here any minute. They've already been to your house and Meredith's house. What are you doing at Bonnie's, anyway?† Bonnie and Matt glanced at each other. â€Å"Uh, just having a look at Bonnie's mom's car,† Matt said. â€Å"It's on the fritz again, and – â€Å" â€Å"Never mind! Come with me! Bonnie, what are you doing? Calling Meredith back?† Bonnie jumped slightly. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Tell her good-bye and we love her and good-bye. Take care of the town – we'll be in touch – â€Å" As the red Jaguar pulled away, Bonnie said into the phone, â€Å"You were right. She's pulling a Straight A away. I don't know whether Damon's going – he wasn't in the car.† She listened for a moment and then said, â€Å"Okay, I will. I'll see you.† She hung up and got into action. Dear Diary, Today I ran away from home. I guess you can't really call it running away when you're almost 18 and you take your own car – and when nobody knew you were home in the first place. So I'll just say, tonight I'm on the run. The other slightly shocking thing is that I ran away with two different guys. And neither of them ismy guy. I say that, but†¦I can't help remembering things. The look in Matt's eyes in the clearing – I honestly think he was prepared to die to protect me. I can't help but think about what we once were to each other. Those blue eyes†¦oh, I don't know what's wrong with me! And Damon. I know now that there's living flesh under the layers and layers of stone he's wrapped around his soul. It's deeply hidden, but it's there. If I'm being honest with myself, I have to admit that he touches something deep inside me that makes me shiver – a part of myself even I don't understand. Oh, Elena! Stop right now! You can't go near that dark part of yourself, especially now that you have Power. You don't dare go near it. Everything is different now. You have to be more responsible (something you're not at all good at!). And Meredith won't be here to help me be responsible, either. How is this ever going to work out? Damon and Matt in the same car? On a road trip together? Can you imagine? Tonight, it was so late and Matt was so stunned by the situation that he couldn't really take anything in. And Damon only smirked. But he'll be in demonic form tomorrow, I know he will. I still think it was a great pity that Shinichi had to takeWings of Redemption from Damon along with his memories. But I firmly believe that, deep down, there's a tiny part of Damon that remembers how he was when we were together. And now he has to be worse than ever to prove that what he remembers was all a lie. So while you're reading this,Damon – I know you'll get hold of it somehow and snoop – let me tell you that you were nice for a while, actuallyNICE,and it was fun. We talked together. We even laughed – at the same jokes. And you†¦you were gentle. And now you're going, â€Å"Nah, it's just another Elena-plot to get me to think I can turn around – butI know where I'm going, and I don't care.† Does that ring a bell, Damon? Have yousaid those words to someone recently? And if not, how do I know them? Could it be that for once I'm telling the truth? Now I'm going to forget that you're totally besmirching your honor by reading secret things that don't belong to you. What else? First: I miss Stefan. Second: I didn't really pack for this. Matt and I swung by the boardinghouse, and he grabbed the money Stefan left for me while I grabbed an armful of clothes out of the closet – heaven knows what I've got: Bonnie's tops and Meredith's pants, and not a decent nightgown to my name. But at least I also got you, precious friend, a present Stefan was saving for me. I never really liked typing in a file marked â€Å"Diary† anyway. Blank books like you are my style. Third: I miss Stefan. I miss him so badly that I'm crying while I'm writing about clothes. It looks as if that's what I'm crying about, which makes me seem insanely shallow. Oh, sometimes I just want to scream. Fourth: I want to screamnow.It was only when we got back to Fell's Church that we found what horrors the malach had left for us. There is a fourth little girl I think may be possessed like Tami, Kristin, and Ava – I couldn't really tell, so I couldn't do anything. I have the feeling that we definitely haven't heard the last of this possession thing. Fifth: But worst is what happened in the Saitou house. Isobel is in the hospital with raging infections in all her piercings. Obaasan, as everyone calls Isobel's grandmother, was not dead as the first paramedics who got there thought. She was in a deep trance – reaching out tous . Whether some of the courage I got, some of the belief in myself, was really due to her, is something I'll never know. But in the den was Jim Bryce. He had†¦oh, I can't write it. He was the captain of theb asketball team! But he hadeaten away at himself: his whole left hand, most of his right-hand fingers, his lips. And he had put a pencil through his ear into his brain. They say (I heard this through Tyrone Alpert, the doctor's grandson) that it's called Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (sp? I only heard it said) and that it's rare, but there are others just like him. That's what the doctors say. I say it was a malach making him do it. But they wouldn't let me in to try to take it out of him. I can't even say he's alive. I can't say if he's dead. He's going to a sort of institution where they keep long-term cases. We failed there. I failed. It wasn't really Jim Bryce's fault. So he was with Caroline just one night, and from there he passed the malach to his girlfriend Isobel and to his little sister Tami. Then both Caroline and little Tami passed it along to others. They tried to give it to Matt, but he wasn't about to let them. Sixth, the three little girls that most definitely did get it were all under the orders of Misao, from what Shinichi said.They say that they don't remember anything about decorating themselves or propositioning strangers. They don't seem to remember anything about the time of their possession, and they act like very different little girls now. Nice. Calm. If I thought Misao gave up easily then I would be sure they'll be all right. Worse is the thought of Caroline. She was a friend once and now – well, now I think she needs help more than ever. Damon got toher diaries – she kept her own diary by recording herself on video, and we watched her talk to the mirror†¦and watched the mirror talk back. Mostly it was her own image that showed, but sometimes, at the beginning or end of a session, it was Shinichi's face. He's good-looking, if a little wild. I can see how Caroline might fall for him and agree to be his carrier of malach in the town. That's all over. I used the last of whatever Power I know I have taking the malach out of those girls. Caroline, of course, wouldn't let me near her. And then there were those fateful words of Caroline's: â€Å"I need a husband!† Any girl knows what that means. Any girl feels sorry for another who says it, even if they're unfriends. Caroline and Tyler Smallwood were going together until about two weeks ago. Meredith says Caroline dropped him, and that kidnapping her for Klaus was Tyler's revenge. Butif before that they'd been sleeping together with no protection (and Caroline is dumb enough to do it), she could certainly have known she was pregnant and been looking for another guy by the time Shinichi turned up. (Which was just before I – returned to life.) Now she's trying to pin it on Matt. It was pure bad luck that she said it happened on the same night the malach attacked Matt and that that old man from the Neighborhood Watch saw Matt drive home and pass out at the steering wheel as if he were drunk or on drugs. Or maybe it wasn't just luck. Maybe that was all part of Misao's game, too. I'm going to sleep now. Too much thinking. Too much worry. And, oh, I miss Stefan! He would help me deal with the worry in his own gentle but keen-sighted way. I'm sleeping inside the car with the doors locked. The guys are sleeping outside it. At least, that's how we're starting – at their insistence. At least they agreed on that. I don't think Shinichi and Misao will stay away from Fell's Church for long. I don't know if they'll leave it alone for a few days, or weeks, or a few months, but Misao will heal and they'll come back for us eventually. That means that Damon, Matt, and I – we're fugitives in two worlds. And I have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow. Elena

Natural Brown Rice

Brown rice is the least processed form of rice where only the outer hull has been removed. After removal of the hull, its quality deteriorates rapidly causing significant decrease in shelf life. The most critical determinant in achieving rice quality is the degree of milling. This requires evaluation of quality according to suitability of specific end use based on a set of criteria described below as standard product specifications for wholesomeness. Grain quality and yield largely determine market price and consumer acceptance.If consumers do not like the flavor, texture, taste, aroma, appearance of the rice then all other attributes are worthless too. The genetic makeup of the grain, handling, and storage are the major factors influencing quality. Brown rice is the most nutritious food that can be found. It is the best substitute for potatoes in meals. Long grain has higher nutritional value and lower in calories than short grain. The length of the grain determines texture and cons istency. When cooked it produces firm, fluffy grains that separates easily.The oil in the bran remains intact making it more likely to become rancid. It is advisable to keep it in an airtight container and consume within six (6) months from purchased. Brown rice standard product specifications Product name: 100% organic long grain Brown rice Pricing unit: kg, lb, ounce Type: organic, long grain Standard/grade: USDA 1-6, percentage broken grains is