Companies Seek to Avoid China New Year Hangover

     This article explains that every year millions of China's migrant factory workers travel home to their families.  The problem is that many of the workers do not return to the factories once the holiday is over.  A major cause of this is that many workers have higher expectations for pay and they look elsewhere for jobs.  These labor issues are causing problems in production times and error rates.  This problem in China is forcing companies to look at other countries for possible factory sites.
     I picked this article because in my position at work the impact of China's New Year holiday is huge!  We know we need to allot extra time for orders and developments.  If we do not then orders and projects can be delayed and backed up and this makes the company I work for look bad.  The accounts we deal with do not really have their eyes open to the labor issues we deal with so when orders get delayed is it 100% fully our fault.  This is why it is extremely important to incorporate the China New Year holiday into our planning for the year.

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Malls' New Spin on Leisure

Rendering of IntoOutdoors

     This article discusses the project IntoOutdoors.  It is to open next year in the English countryside and will sit on 125 acres.  It will combine traditional stores with outdoor attractions as well.  "It uses entertainment to lure customers to shopping centers, then keep them there all day and keep them spending, rather than losing business to online-shopping sites."  The director of IntoOutdoors, Simon Tothill, explains "We're trying to make a living experience, rather than just a retail one." 
     I love to shop so of course I would choose this article to write about.  This idea sounds great and I am sure it will be a success.  Yes, internet shopping is becoming much more popular but the internet cannot provide the real experience of shopping and actual hands on activities.  The IntoOutdoors center will allow shoppers to consider both.  The center will allow all types of people to find something they are interested in, whether it be the shops themselves, restaurants, or physical activities such as fishing.  This seems like it will be an awesome place and I hope to one day check it out in person.

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Amazon Acts on German Controversy

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     This article discusses how Amazon has ended their ties with a German security firm.  This is because there were claims of the guards who oversaw the temporary immigrant workers at the Amazon center in Germany of intimidating and harassing the workers.  These claims were brought to light after ARD, a German public-television broadcaster aired a documentary on the working conditions of thousands of temporary workers from different European countries.  These temporary workers were hired by Amazon to work in its German distribution centers during the Christmas rush.
     An interesting fact mentioned in the article was that the security guards wore clothing from Thor Steinar, a brand that is known to be popular with in Germany's neo-Nazi community.  This brand is actually banned from Germany's Parliament and other government buildings.  Amazon stopped selling the brand a few years back.
     I am glad that the documentary took place and this issue was brought to the public's attention.  If the documentary did not take place then these working conditions could still be taking place.  It is unfortunate though that it took this film to happen for the issue to be recognized and put a stop to it.  There are a few people at fault.  Amazon would be the number one at fault.  Amazon needs to have a better grasp on who they hire and what is taking place in their facilities.  I do hope that Amazon really had no idea of what was taking place and they did not put a blind eye to the problem.  If it comes out that they were aware of the conditions then their business will suffer.  The public has no tolerance for that.  I also blame the security guard company.  They need to have a better code of conduct in place so all employees know what is expected and that there be consequences for actions not aligned with the company's policy.
     I hope this article and documentary have opened other company's eyes to their own workforce conditions and they can put and end to any actions that are negative.

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A Degree Drawn in Red Ink

     This article discusses how graduates of Arts-Focused Schools are shown to rack up the most student debt.  Schools that specialize in art, music, and design have an average debt of $21,576 when they graduate.  A problem on top of that is that the majority of graduates have a salary of less than $40,000.  

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     The government created a new way to guage the financial return on a college education by the "College Scorecard."  The Scorecard enables families to see how much debt graduates will owe on loans, information on graduation rates, and other valuable information that was previously unknown to potential undergraduates.  While these are all very informative to a potential student the Scorecard does not say how debt can add up and what it will take to repay it.  The government does plan to add some additional features such as a comparison tool and salary information.

     This topic was very informative to me as I am still paying off my undergraduate loans and will continue to be doing so for a few more years.  School loans are the worst but I think very much worth it.  Education is very important in today's age and without it one will have a very difficult time aquiring a job.  School loans are pretty much a double edged sword.  If one has school loans then most likely they will have a job.  No school loans than no job.  I am only talking about students who don't have school loans because they do not attend college.  The "College Scorecard" is a great tool though.  The price of a college's tuition plays an important deciding factor on where to attend so being able to see possible future loans would really help in the deciding factor.

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'I Don't Smoke, Doc,' and Other Patient Lies

     This article discusses how patients are more likely to lie to their doctors and health care providers than not.  People lie out of fear of a diagnosis, embarassment, and worry about their information being communicated to their employers.  Also, some people lie to their doctors because they are lying to themselves.  "They want to project to their doctor the image they want for themselves."  One doctor in the article believes patients lie because they don't want to be judged.  Doctors will try to pick up on lies but since visits are quite short in time many lies can go unnoticed.

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     After reading this article I really couldn't believe what I read.  Maybe I am one of a kind but I have never lied to a doctor.  The thought never even crossed my mind.  Doctors are there to help you and how can they help you when you are providing inaccurate information.  Health is extremely important so I don't understand why so many people would jeopardize that because they are embarassed by telling the truth.  Your health will suffer if the truth doesn't come out.  Diagnoses can go unnoticed and a mis-diagnosis' will be more likely.  This is something for sure I would not want to experience and hopefully more people will start to feel that way as well.

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Using Smell to Make A Sale

     This article discusses how real-estate agents use certain smells while conducting open houses.  There was also a study done in Switzerland on how different aromas affected what one purchased while shoppping at the store.

     I found this article to be very interesting and have personally had some hands on experience with this.  While in college I worked part time at a real estate office and would help out at open houses once in a while.  One realtor would always light a candle in the living room and an upstairs bathroom.  I always thought it was just so the house smelled nice.  I did not know there was an  underlying meaning.
     Another job I had in college was working at a department store, specifically the swimsuit department.  In summer there would be these machines on the floor and around the department that sprayed out a sun tan lotion spray smell.  So while you shopped you had a feeling you were on the beach.  Many customers would comment on the smell and how they enjoyed it.  I think overall this tactic worked in making the sale.

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Tiffany Sues Costco on Alleged Fakes

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    Costco is a company who primarily carries large packages of food and household items that it sells at a discount.  Tiffany and Co. is a high end jewelry store.  Costco apparently has been selling fake Tiffany jewelry and is being sued by Tiffany and Co.
     I do not shop at Costco.  I actually have never even been inside a Costco.  I have heard of it and when I think of the name I picture a giant warehouse where you buy in bulk.  I could  not imagine a jewelry section in the store but apparently there is one.  Even though I cannot imagine it, it does in fact exist.  I think any person who has heard of the name Tiffany and Co. would know the company would not sell its items in such a setting.  Tiffany and Co. has a very well know brand image as well as a strong following of customers that they do not need to sell their items at Costco as a discount price.  Clearly, the person who notified Tiffany and Co. would agree with my thought process.
     I do think Tiffany and Co. needs to be more aware of their products and if they are being mis-sold at other retailers.  Costco needs to be aware too of the brands they carry and to be sure they are not selling any type of knock offs or fakes.  They should have a stronger policy when dealing with suppliers.

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CEOs Fly Coach? Business Travel Turns Frugal

     The sub-title of this article sums the article up perfectly..."Employees Asked to Forgo Perks, Trade Down to Lesser Hotels; They Should 'Treat Company Funds Like Their Own Money.'"  The travel policies of many companies today are emphasizing utility over luxury.

    I travel quite a lot in my job so this article struck home for me.  My thought process is that if I am spending time away from home on a business trip the traveling aspect should be top notch but not exessive.  Traveling coach across the United States is perfectly ok and the money saved is well worth it.  However, traveling overseas for example, Asia, which is about a 15 hour flight coach would not be acceptable.  On a trip like that you are gone for at least a week so as many comforts as possible should be available to you.  The hotels do not need to be 5 stars but should as least have the comforts of home.  I mean you are working so being comfortable will only enhance your frame of mind and complete your work to the best of your ability.  If your travel conditions are poor then no doubt your work would suffer.  Travel conditions and work tasks have a direct correlation.

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Toys and Apps Are Yet to Play Nice Together

     This article is about how the toy industry is taking best seller games and creating tablet versions of the games.  This development was not a success.  Toy companies are not giving up on this concept and are continuing to try to merge the two together.  Traditional toys have lost market share; whereas,  tablets and educational videogames are becoming the top sellers.  This change could be happening because toy companies are not coming up with innovative toys.
     Kids need to be kids for as long as they can.  The world today is making kids grow up too fast!  Toys are meant for kids and the toy companies need to remember this and start upping their development.  I understand tablets and technology are all the craze now but kids need REAL toys.  Toys that are used while sitting on the living room floor and their imagination is running at full force.  I agree with educational electronical games but I don't think they can be put into the same group as traditional toys.  They are in two different categories and serve two different purposes.

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Now on YouTube: Return of Copyright Woes

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     This article discusses how copyrighted movies are ending up on YouTube.  YouTube has a special program called Content ID which helps identify copyrighted material so content owners can block the content from appearing on the site altogether, or in certain geographical markets.
     I think YouTube is a great program.  It allows you to watch clips of shows, whole shows, music videos, upload your own videos to share, watch tutorials, the options are endless.  I think the big concern companies face are with the uploading of their movies illegally.  When this happens the companies are not benefiting in any; no profit.  If companies wanted to combat this they could make the movies available themselves with either a fee or place advertisments in the movies for a profit.
     If the companies do not have the movies available and people want to watch them they will whether it is legal or illegal so companies should be prepared.

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LinkedIn Profit Soars as Site Caters To Corporate Recruiters, Adds Members 2/8

     The title of this article basically sums up what the article is about.  After hearing many of my friends discuss LinkedIn I decided to join.  Right away, I liked it!  I think it is a great networking tool.  I connected with friends from different industries as well as coworkers from my employer.  I joined groups I was interested in and followed companies I admire.  I am able to stay connected with all the people I come across in my job.  It is a great way to continue face time even if you are miles away.  I can see how LinkedIn would be a great asset for people looking for jobs as well as for recruiters.  Ever since joining I have been contacted by a few recruiters so I can only imagine how much luck job seekers would have with LinkedIn.
     I did explore LinkedIn a little more after reading the article and it seems the paid subscription really does not have any real valuable additional features than those members who choose the free subscription, like myself.
     I hope LinkedIn continues to be innovative and finds ways to continue to better themselves with the changing workplace environment, etc.

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Coffee Demand Shifts Down-Market

     As a daily coffee drinker this article stopped me in my tracks as I flipped through the Wall Street Journal.  This article discusses the decline of demand for the more costly Arabica beans and the lower cost of the Robusta beans.
     Manufacturers are the main reason behind this switch in demand I feel.  The robusta has a lower cost so manufacturers are taking advantage of that by pushing the robusta onto the consumers.  Some consumers like myself where any coffee will do as long as it's coffee will not be opposed to this involuntary push towards robusta beans. However, I know there are many coffee aficionados out there who will only drink the best which is Arabica.
     I agree with the article where the demand for the two will become closer together especially with the way the economy is.  It will be interesting to see the outcome in the long run.

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Library That Holds No Books

     This article breaks my heart.  I refuse to turn my back on hard copies of books.  I hope to one day have a library in my house.  This article is about a library in Texas that is being developed to be all digital.  All digital = NO hardcopies.  I love technology and how it continues to improve our lives but I do not love technology when the plan is take away my books!  I was happy to read the quote by Ramiro Salazar, San Antonio Public Library's director, who said "Our experience shows that demand for printed books continues to exist and it is in fact growing." 

Rendering of library setup. Picture taken from article website.

     I can deal with a few digital only libraries as long as there are real book libraries as well for the people who like me wish to hold a real book in their hands.  Yes, the hard copy is more expensive but it is worth the money to hold and feel the actual book.



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FDA Warns of More Fake Cancer Drug

     This is completely awful!  The FDA has had to warn doctors about counterfeit cancer drugs, specifically Avastin.  Thank goodness this was brought to light before any patients received the counterfeit drug.  People are trusting these doctors and in hand trusting the manufacturer of their prescribed drugs.  There must be a higher standard of QC and QA.  This mistake is unacceptable especially when it deals with the health of people. 

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     Yes, it is horrible that this is actually taking place but what is even more awful is that doctors are buying unapproved drugs to beat the system with Medicare.  Dr. Joel Bernstein has pleaded guilty to doing this.  What a poor ethical choice on his part!  He deserves to lose his liscense if he hasn't already.  If he doesn't there there is no doubt he will lose all his patients with his ethical choice.  As I have learned in class it only takes ONE wrong decision or choice to completely turn off the public and it is very hard to come back to your high status after falling from grace.

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Soccer Match-Fixing Probe Goes Global

     After reading this article I was quite disappointed.  This was the first that I have heard about this situation.  Over 680 soccer matches from all levels and from all around the world are of accused of being fixed by criminal networks.  Singapore allegedly plays the largest part in this crime situation.  Who would of thought?

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     Sports nowadays almost always have some type of negative stigma to them ex. Lance Armstrong and the whole steroid ordeal.  Stigmas as well as poor ethical choices are extremely hard to forget by the fans, consumers, etc.
     The sports world is letting their fans down and without the fans there is no point for the leagues to exist.  Hopefully, this will never come to fruition but it is possible if there is no other way to stop the criminal activity.  I hope this criminal network is put to a stop and the game can be played and enjoyed as it is suppose to be.

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Crime That No Longer Pays

     This article discusses the decrease in crimes that happen in a physical setting, for example, bank hold ups, and the increase in virtual settings, for example, online theft.  This change is allowing for less violence but higher money figures.
     I found this article interesting since technology plays a big part in this story.  Technology is allowing for the criminal to access larger amounts of money and a larger amount of victims.  Yes, online robberies cause less violence but banks nowadays have amble security protections.  The article stated that when these protections were put in place the robberies fell more than 70%.  This clearly deters the criminals.  However, there is no such deterance for online robberies.  The only backlash against the criminal would be extremely long and strong punishments.
     As an avid online bank user myself I would not want the online banking system to end but there needs to be more online security somehow.  Hopefully soon technology will become the solution to the problem they created.

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Harvard Punishes Dozens of Students for Cheating

     WOW!  This article was a bit of a shocker.  Harvard students, about 125 of them, were caught cheating and many were forced to temporarily withdraw.

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     Harvard is one of the top schools in the country so obviously these students are extremely smart that I don't see why they would need to cheat.  So then I think do those students even deserve to be at Harvard?  Probably not since it seems they are cheating their way through their education.
     Also, how Harvard decided to take disciplinary action does not seem very consistent.  Some students were forced to temporarily withdraw; whereas, other students were only put on probabtion.  All students should of received the same punishment.
     For all those students who applied to Harvard and didn't get in, this can help ease the pain because why would you want to go to school with a bunch of cheaters??

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Coke and the Calorie Wars

     This article points the finger at soda for being the blame in obsesity.   I think this is a very easy cop out.  The truth is I think is that people are lazy and they want to blame something other than themselves so they are not at fault.  Yes, soda is not good for you but no one is forcing you to drink it.  You, yourself is choosing to drink it.

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     The opening sentences of the article sums up the real reasons for obsesity.  "Food prices have fallen in relation to incomes.  Jobs have become less strenous.  Instead of being paid to exercise, now people must pay to exercise."  Everyone should know no that no matter how "diet"or "natural" a soda is, it is STILL soda.  If people were more aware of what is in the foods and drinks they consume they would be able to make better decisions and not blame the wrong things.

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Monsanto:Battered,Bruised, and Still Growing

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     This article grabbed my attention because after of not ever hearing about the company, I have heard about it twice in one week.  This article discusses all the setbacks Monsanto has overcome and how they are still growing and expanding their business.
     The name Monsanto has much negativity surrounding their name but clearly the company must be doing something right since they are still around and still being an innovator in their industry.
     The key point in the article I would like to point out since it was a main focus in class on Monday is that Monsanto "...got back to the basics of reconnecting with our customers."  This ties in perfectly with the concept of relationship marketing.  Relationship marketing's goal is to develop and maintain long-term mutually satisfying arrangements where both buyer and seller focus on the value obtained from the relationship.  This shows that Monsanto is putting the customer's needs first and that is needed for a business to succeed.
     I also would like to point out that Monsanto is a very innovative company and being an innovator means you are the first to do something and being that of course will lead to criticism by others.  Monsanto needs to continue to do what they are doing because it is clearly working.

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Psst...This Is What Your Co-Worker is Paid

     This article discussed whether it would be positive or negative to have employees have knowledge on other employee's salaries, the company's financials, etc.  It discussed outcomes of different companies who took this approach.  Some were a success and others a failure.



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     I personally do not like the idea of employees knowing other employees salaries.  I don't think any real good can come out of it.  Yes, I agree it can create a competitve environment which can result in harder workers which would lead to bigger success for the company but the likeliness of that is slim.  I think it would cause much tension between everyone.  I also think employees will spend more time debating other employee's salaries than being productive in their own job.



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     I do agree with employees knowing the company's financials.  I think this is a good push for motivation.  Everyone can see the impact of their work in the big picture.

Interesting Video from the article

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