Travel Easily & Comfortably with a Dog : Know Products that Make Traveling with Your Dog Easier

Use car seat covers, window shades and pooch pads to make your dog more comfortable during car rides.Learn more in this free video. Expert: Roger Whitton Bio: For more than 30 years Roger Whitton has enjoyed researching training methods, services, and products to ensure his dogs are healthy, happy, well-mannered, and safe. Filmmaker: Roger Whitton

Critical Thinking in Our Daily Lives

While writing this paper, I could not help but think about the fact that this was the first time in my writing career that I had been asked to create a critical profile of myself. Thinking critically about life is hard enough but to think critically about myself? That would take a lot of soul searching and when searching one's soul, sometimes the truth hurts. In writing this paper, I found out some things about myself, some good and some not nice.

I graduated from college last year and sometimes it is hard for me to believe that I have come this far. When I started college, I told myself that I would not turn into a snobbish intellectual, brimming over with confidence but alas, I changed and although most of the change is good, the intellectual snob (the one I was not suppose to be) in me is dying for a chance to spew some of her beliefs about society. But after four years in college, I could not help but change as a person. The college experience does that sometimes. I truly believe that if an individual goes to college for four years, graduates and do not feel that he or she has changed as a person, the money he or she spent on tuition was totally wasted.

I learned to analyze information, even information that was diametrically opposed to my personal beliefs and values. Learning to think critically about different ideas was one of the best things that happened to me because I have a tendency to take things personally and in learning to think critically, I learned that the world is not against me but has the right to have an opinion opposite of mine. Although information that is opposed to my beliefs might make me angry, it makes me think and that is a good thing.

I have learned to evaluate my beliefs and have the courage to change my former viewpoints. At one time in my life, I was totally for the existence of the death penalty. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth was my motto, and I felt glee at the mention of anyone who was put to death for a heinous crime. Now, I feel that the death penalty should be totally abolished and that any criminal on Death Row should have his or her sentence commuted to life in prison. Justice in American society for the most part is not for everyone but those who have the material means to escape persecution from the law.

A large portion of prisoners on Death Row are poor minorities and no matter what way you look at it, this is an example of the systematic racism that has gone on for hundreds of years in American society. As long as American society suffers from systematic racism, the justice system cannot hand out Death Row sentences. How can a society that pretends that racism does not exist but practices it everyday be in charge of someone's life? Locking someone up in a prison cell for the rest of their life, not seeing or speaking with anyone will give the hardest killer a chance to reflect on the things he or she has done. In the end, the only one that can stand judgments is God.

Just for me to change my opinion on the death penalty lets me know that I can change my beliefs about certain things. For me to go from one extreme belief to another tells me that the critical thinking skills I have acquired in college have done me some good. My biggest strengths are the ability to keep an open mind about life and the ability to persevere in spite of whatever obstacle that might be in my path. Two years ago, I had some physical problems that resulted in me missing two weeks of school. Since missing one day out of college is like missing one week, I really thought about petitioning for a leave of absence since it was too late in the semester for me to withdraw from school. The two weeks I spent at home recuperating from my illness were one of the most depressing times of my life while I stressed out about my classes. In the end, I went back to school and to my surprise, I did not miss that much while I was out. At the end of the spring term, I received three A's, one B and a C. Thank God I did not do something stupid like withdraw from school.

My weaknesses are empathizing too much with other people's problems and not having the courage sometimes to stand up for myself. As a former Sociology major, I find myself filled with anger at many injustices that go on in the world. I watched the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina everyday on television for two weeks straight and was in tears the entire time. The pictures of human misery in my country (the richest in the world) made me feel contempt for the impotency of my government and the fear that if something like that occurred in Chicago, I would be in the same boat as the victims of Hurricane Katrina. For the first time, while watching a tragedy unfold, the victims had my skin color and economic background. These were my people being treated like crap for the entire world to see. It hurts to see how little American society cares for people if they are poor and Black, especially when you are poor and Black.

I plan on working on standing up for myself. Since there seems not to be a voice for the many poor Blacks that live in this society, I will be the voice. That sounds arrogant but I do not care, who will? It is time for me to take a stand on something instead of passively sitting around, waiting for someone else to do it for me. I might not be able to change the world, but if I can make a difference in the life of someone, I know that my time on this planet has been worth something. Instead of being angry all of the time, I will put my anger to good use.

Most of my friends and family think I have become a radical, racist maniac since I graduated from college and do not share any of my beliefs. Since graduating, I have learned so much about the society I live in and it makes me angry that millions of children are being cheated out of learning about the true history of this country. I am not a racist but I have learned not to believe everything the media tells me about minorities in this country. I learned that although the history of African-Americans is one filled with pain, we are survivors and have much to be proud of. In our veins, flow the blood of kings and queens who fought and died for their beliefs and who would be saddened by the state of their descendants who have forgotten where they come from. I refuse to one of those who have forgotten. If bragging about the history of my people makes me a racist, and not believing everything negative about my people makes me a racist, then I am a racist.

My biggest "hot button" issues are racism and sexism. I hate when people pretend that racism does not exist when you can turn on your television and see nothing but Whites on, as if other ethnic groups do not exist. I cannot stand to hear men talk about how women do not know "their place" anymore as if the only things women were made for were sex and cooking. I hate to see women dog each other out about issues that were created by the patriarchal society we live in that keeps women at each over throats over men. I do try to change other people's opinions about certain topics but for the most part, I just listen and try to keep an open mind. Even if their opinions are not like mine, they have the right to have them.

Three current topics that I favor at time are sexism, racism, the economy, and the state of poor minorities in this country. My favorite sources of information on these subjects are the many internet blogs that exist, the newspapers and different non-fiction and fiction books I have to find. The internet blogs are the best information because they consist of different opinions from a multitude of people. After reading some of these blogs, I know that there are a lot of woefully ignorant people in the world who do not have a clue about what is going on except for what they see on Fox News.

Critical thinking skills are particularly needed in this society since there is so much "misinformation" about historical and current events. The media and the government seem to be in league with each to keep Americans misinformed about the economy, racism, and society at large. I guess I have turned into an intellectual snob, but I think it is for the best. I do have an active contempt for anyone who does not value an education, particularly if you a minority. For too many years, education was denied to us and even if the schools minorities attend are not as good as those attended by the majority, an individual should still go. This society is setup for the advancement of those with an education. Those who do not have an education will be left behind. I am glad I figured that out sooner than later.

Indoor Dog Fence Demonstration

Bill from electricdogfence.com demonstrates the effectiveness of an indoor dog fence with a labra-doodle and a jack russell terrier.

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Treadmill Training - Training Your Dog on the Treadmill

Ever since Cesar Millan mentioned a dog on a treadmill, owners across the country have tried their hand at treadmill training. Some owners have succeeded while others have failed. Like any type of training, treadmill training takes time and patience. It is highly unlikely that your pooch will be a natural, but he can be taught how to use the equipment. A treadmill should not replace a daily exercise routine; though, sometimes, it is a necessary addition.

Before you toss your pooch on the treadmill, there are safety precautions you should take. Realize that your dog may be frightened by the machine and try to find his way off of it. For this reason, place the treadmill against a wall. If possible, place it in the corner of a room where there is a wall in front (or back) and on one side. Make a barrier around the one of the exposed sides using cardboard. The barrier does not have to be sturdy, but it should stand upright and show your dog that it is not a way out. One side should be left open for your dog to enter and exit the treadmill. Being surrounded on all sides may also add to his fright.

Other items that need to be prepared include his leash and his favorite motivator. If your dog normally walks on a harness, then use the harness for training. The same is true for a collar and leash. You should also grab his most loved treat, whether it is food or a favorite toy. Rewarding your dog for good and desired behavior is always necessary when training.

Slowly introduce your pet to the treadmill. If you use the treadmill, then keep him in the room with you when you are using it. He needs to get accustomed to the sight and sound of the machine. Take time placing him on the treadmill, and let him take his time in exploring the equipment. After he has had a chance to check things out (this could take a few minutes or a couple of days), then attach his harness or leash and place him on the treadmill. Never tie the leash off on the treadmill, because a fall could be dangerous. Hold the leash in your hands at all times; you should always have control over your dog. Set the speed to a slow walk. It's a good idea to use a stopwatch to time the training. Since you will be increasing the walking time each day, then it's important to be able to accurately judge the time. Let him walk for a minute or two, and stop the treadmill. Give him a treat for his good work, and then start it again. Once again, let him walk for a couple of minutes, then turn it off for the day. Repeat this process each day, allowing your dog to stay on the treadmill for an extra minute each time. You can slowly increase the speed; but, when increasing the speed, decrease the time so that your pooch can get accustomed to the new movement. Remember that training can take a while, so you may spend a few days just introducing your pet to the machine.

A walk or run on the treadmill should never replace your dog's daily routine. Depending on the breed, some dogs need large amounts of exercise. When an outside walk isn't enough, then a treadmill can be used to expend the extra energy. If it is raining outside or you are unable to go outside for whatever reason, then the treadmill is a good alternative. However, just because the treadmill is a quick fix does not mean that it should be used as the only form of exercise.

Training a dog to walk or run on a treadmill is possible; but, like all training, it does take time. Take your pooch's safety in mind before you start the exercise program. Once your dog is comfortable with the machine, then he is probably ready for his first walk. Start slow, and increase the walking time each day. Once your pup is ready to run, then the time should be decreased, and the process should start again. Before you know it, your pooch will be a treadmill pro!

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Pet Sounds vs Highway 61 Revisited Pt 1

Everyone says Pet Sounds is the best album ever. They overlooked an extraordinarily formidable album that's not only as inspirational as Pet Sounds. Bob Dylan has every bit of talent as Brian Wilson and maybe even more. Scratch that, he DOES have way more talent than Brian Wilson. Highway 61 Revisited just like Pet Sounds, was Bob Dylan's project which he had to tackle on his own with virtually no help whatsoever. You know Rubber Soul? The phenomenal Beatles album that broke music barriers that inspired Pet Sounds? Highway 61 Revisited inspired Rubber Soul. Therefore there would be no Pet Sounds without Highway 61 Revisited. Let's see how God Only Knows can go up against Like a Rolling Stone, which has been voted the greatest song of all time in Rolling Stone magazine.

The Dark Side! - No Touch Knock Out?

Over the years, high ranking members of the martial arts community have had several inquisitions about the Dillman pressure point phenomenon. Many of these inquiries have been very difficult to verbalize in the past decade. Numerous members of the martial arts culture have been silent about Dillman's approach to training methods, many have not. Although several have spoken out against the Dillman approach, others have stood up for Dillman's methods. This has caused a division between many of the traditional schools, and the Dillman schools. It seems as though the Dillman group, has generally declared, "hit them points, it won't hurt ya!" and from the more traditional systems, "watch out, hitting those points will sooner or later destroy your health, even kill ya!". There is a third group, that declares, that there is no need to use pressure points at all, that brute strength is all that's needed. The traditional systems warn us that pressure points are worth learning, but training methods must be done with all caution. The scientific communities have also taken a part in investigating the differing view points voiced by all players. Even though this battle rages, there has arisen something new from the mind of George Dillman, the study of, knocking a person unconscious without touching them. He has dubbed this method, The No Touch Knock Out. There has been deep controversy between different martial art camps, on the realities of this new phenomenon. The scientific community has taken part in studies and investigations by accredited groups such as National Geographic Institute, with a some what nonpartisan view point, which can be looked upon as an unbiased opinion. What could they reveal?

National Geographic K.O. George Dillman.

Aired on the History channel, National Geographic authorized the TV show, "Is It Real?" to scientifically investigate several mysterious groups from around the world. These groups claim to have special mystical powers. The central figure examined on the program was a martial arts splinter group which is headed by the celebrated Karate author, George Dillman. Mr. Dillman is the leader of a abundant following of supporters who practice his system of martial arts which he calls, Kyushu jitsu. This word Kyushu jitsu has several meanings depending on the Japanese characters used. In this case, it means to cause illness or to wound, (through hand to hand combat techniques) by way of physical strikes to acupuncture points found on the human body. This Dillman theory basically states that by using the power of Chi, when entered into two or more pressure points of the body, by means of a light strike, would render an attacker unconscious, when physically struck by way of hand or foot. These two or more strike combinations are implemented by use of the element theory, (see chart on site) used by doctors of acupuncture, to heal illness. Martial arts systems use this same element theory in a different way, to destroy health.

But the newest Dillman theory claims the ability to knock out a person, without touching them what so ever! This has become the new driving force from the Dillman camp. The question that first arises is, was Dillman the first to produce these pressure point theories? The answer is NO. These techniques of striking one pressure point to enhance the result of the next strike is as old as fighting it self. As well, the legend of projecting Chi across open space to incapacitate the enemy is a fable of Chinese folk tales from long ago. The first appearance of hitting points started in China during the Sung Dynasty and can be traced back to India. If the element theory has been in practice for hundreds even thousands of years, and the legendary tales of projecting Chi force dates back to the pre-Shaolin temple era, what really is Dillman's Claim to fame? Is it that George Dillman has brought back interest to the general martial arts community? Yes, Mr. Dillman did in fact popularize Pressure Point usage to the karate community. The traditional martial arts community has no problem recognizing the element theory (striking one point to enhance the effect of the next striking point), thousands of martial artists world wide study this very theory. The problem traditional systems find is in Dillmans method of teaching.

The question National Geographic had to consider, can the power of Chi really be projected across a distance to incapacitate an oncoming attacker? Along with the Dillman Group, National Geographic has also investigated an Islamic religious sect. There claim to fame is their practice of stabbing themselves with sharp objects. The third is a mystic, a self proclaimed prophet, who declares that his large following comes to see him for his ability to manipulate future events. At first viewing, it may not be clear, what these three have to do with one another. We will examine, first this very point to see what these groups have in common.

IS IT REAL?

As the "Is It Real?" program opens, Dillman vocally makes the statement, "I can knock out anyone without touching them". The "Is It Real?" team filmed several examples of Mr. Dillman demonstrating his no touch knock out technique on students in one of his seminar classes. At first glance, it appears that Mr. Dillman is really doing what he said he could do. Placing a sheet barrier between him and a student-subject, Dillman focuses his secret power, called Chi, at the student and in time, the student falls to the ground! Other clips show Mr. Dillman focusing his Chi on a line of students which eventually forces them backward. Many of them fall to the ground.

Suddenly, the film fades and takes a turn to another account which focused on an Islamic religious cult. which teaches a form of bodily mutilation which displays the powers behind there religious beliefs. Their devotees self mutilate themselves by stabbing themselves through the fleshy parts of there bodies, allegedly without feeling any pain or intense bleeding! The ritual involves asking the high priest for permission to execute the harsh process, then the devotee offers prayers to their Islamic ancestors before performing the piercing exercise. The devotee then stabs himself through the cheek with a long thin needle. Other devotees would put a needle through the fleshy part of there chest and others put swords through the top of there heads??? Yup, through the top of there skulls which appears to enter the brain!

Medical doctors comments.

"Is It Real?" interviews several medical surgeons who testified that there is nothing mystical at all about these devotees penetrating there skin. As you watch this film, you will noticed that in the demonstration given by a doctor/devotee of this group, it was clearly visible, that his face expressed pain, as he pierced his left cheek with a long thin needle. A secondary factor was the amount of bleeding was minimal in his case, just a few drops. The hole that was made by the long needle appeared to close up after the needle was removed, yet again the surgeon's who were interviewed, guaranteed that these effects are common occurrences in the operating room. The amazing thing to me was, the doctor/devotee, who pierced himself (an educated rational human being) was thoroughly convinced that he was feeling no pain, and that the act he performed was supernatural in nature! This causes me to ask the questions, If one could clearly see the doctor experiencing pain. but he had not recognized the fact that he had experienced pain, did I witness a form of self hypnosis? What about the lack of bleeding? In the case of Liposuction for example, the probe being used is much thicker in diameter than the thin needle used by the doctor/devotee who pieced his cheek. But in the cases of Liposuction, there was little to no bleeding involved in that process. The wound, when dabbed would stop or slow the bleeding, just like the doctors cheek. When the probe is removed in Liposuction the opening seems to close itself up, as did the doctors opening. In the case of the devotee which stabbed himself through the top of the head, which there were no formal investigation conducted, this act defies any reasonable explanation. Because in reality, any medical technician, can tell you that, the brain would have of course been permanently damaged if the sword used, really had penetrated the brain. But the devotee never blinks a eye as he puts the sword in or takes it out. But yet the doctor/devotee could not pull it out, with all his might!

Next, a self proclaimed prophet is examined for his professed ability to see into the future and with powers uncertain, could change a person's destiny! This popular mystic claims to change his follower's future by giving his distressed countryman a charm alone with some counseling. The staff of "Is It Real?" planted several investigators, to see how this mystic operates. Each investigator spent time privately with the mystic as a two way conversation takes place. After the investigation concluded, the investigators were interviewed by the staff of Is It real. In each case it had been found that the self proclaimed mystic merely invented a future traumatic event which would befall each investigator, which in reality, did in no way truly exist! The self proclaimed mystic had guaranteed he could change the terrifying future out come! It was also discovered that this charlatan appealed mostly to the poor and uneducated segment of the population. The average monetary charge for the mystic's services was about one months pay! In this case, it become plain to see that superstition within a certain segment of the population, having a desperate need to relieve there suspicions, would call upon a mystic such as this. Does a need to believe in something greater than your own personal power, someone with a power beyond your own, force a person to side step logic? Would people pay hard earned money for the so called privilege to do so? ABSOLUTLY.

Suddenly the "Is It Real" editors, cut back to the Dillman seminar. Within the class, an investigator had also been planted. This investigator is currently a professor at the university of Milan, known for exposing misleading mystical performances. Would the Dillman team be able to knock out the investigator with Dillman's no touch knock out technique? Throughout the time spent at Dillman's seminar, no one was able to cause the professor to even become dizzy, let alone Knock him out! Dillman, in a later interview was asked the question, why didn't it work on our investigating professor? Dillman's reply was, "he was not a believer" (BINGO)! When he made this statement he indicated that it only works if you are a believer. Then Dillman, in making this statement, with the understanding that he made a serious mistake, side steps his mistake by making the statement that, If a man places his tongue in a certain position in his mouth or if a man lifts one of his big toes off the ground, that no one could knock him out??? Don't you think we owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Dillman for revealing the hidden techniques which nullify all of Dillman's dreaded knock out techniques, (Thanks for the tip George!!!) Is Dillman trying to say that this professor was lifting his toe, and falsifying a scientific investigation, or is he covering up some type of hidden agenda?

Is It Real, felt that the long awaited question had been answered, not by the Is It Real staff, but by George Dillman himself! Mr. Dillman's predictable statements, Changed from, "I can knock out anyone", to "He was not a believer" or "His tongue is in the wrong position" or "he must be lifting his big toe" has very definite implications. But here is something shown on the film that "Is It real?" didn't pick up. The time factor involved. If in fact Dillman had knocked out anyone, how long did it take Dillman to do it? A minute, two minutes, five minutes or more? The question is, if the technique really did work, how long does it take to perform the knock out? and can this be applied to a fast moving combat or street attack situation? The answer, If it takes seconds let alone minutes, it has no martial arts use at all !!!

The Is It Real team ends the documentary filming with the comment that, these individuals, the Islamic religious sect, the false prophet and Mr. Dillman, instill a deep belief system into there individual devotees. These charismatic personalities are in the eyes of scientific inquiry unproven. Although they have the operational appearance of functioning, They only seem to work in a controlled environment. By Dillman's own admission, The power of his Chi and his so called ability to knock out any individual, is determined by a belief system, and is not determined by Dillman's Chi powers.

Controversy in the marital arts community.

The Dillman student followers have become protective, confused and disheartened all at once, not knowing which way to turn. The instructors have gotten defensive over Dillman blunders because of the threat to their investment on their own DVD sales. To say nothing of the student drop out rate. The martial arts world have voiced their opinions about the Dillman statements in no uncertain terms by way of the internet. You will find a definite distrust or even distain for Dillman and his organizational practices. Many martial artists claim that it only proves the fact that these so called Dillman techniques only work on Dillman students! Others say that it is a form of hypnosis! In the past, traditional martial art communities have always been against Dillman's practice of recruitment. That it is irresponsible if not immoral to recruit anybody who would reimburse Dillman for this potentially dangerous training application. Because, prior to the 19th century, a true master of the pressure point arts would take a long time to train a student in the basics. Not only because the basics are necessary but also so the master could learn the heart of the student, and that no misuse would take place on the part of the student. Many students would never be chosen. Dillman has continuously side stepped this process. Many old school masters and instructors have become enraged because of Dillman's lack of responsibility to the public and the martial arts community!

Moral objection.

It is not the fact that it is a trick or if projecting Chi across open space is a fraud, it is the safety factor that should be the issue. In the practice of healing, I personally have witnessed projected Chi from Buddhist monks from China, who if they maintained a pure mental state and lifestyle, could use this power for healing illnesses and they could do it with out touching the patient. The distance was about two to five inches, not feet or yards. One monk demonstrated this chi power on me. It was a powerful magnetic type force, which lifted my hair off my head. Another Monk I spoke to said, that if a monk killed a insect, his powers to heal will diminish, because of the emotional imbalance, or if he had impure thoughts, it would do just the opposite makeing the illness worse than before. The mental state does have an effect on the chi force. This same monk also said that, for these reasons the practicing Monks, could never use it for harm. This would be unthinkable. As far as Chi travel the reality nor the out come has ever been determined. Are there repercussions in the transmition to the reception of these energy fields? Do they have any negative effect on the person involved? Although some scientific research has been done, nothing has been clearly and factually confirmed, either way. The American journal of Chinese medicine, Acupuncture & electro-therapeutics, and several other institutions have tested masters with abilities which show a power to produce energy but as for testing for repercussion in transmition and or reception, the effects are at this time undetermined. Although some older martial artists feel that there are at time problems. And the reasons for these problems are not known, one thing is known...Effects can be erratic in nature. This energy has a widely random pattern which has no respect for time, age, health or intelligence. Then why is Dillman's light strikes style to several points using the element theory a problem? Let me take a moment to explain.

In Acupuncture, a Doctor will read the pulses found above the wrist of his patient, to determine the cause of a visible illness. Why, because there are several possibilities for any common illness and to haphazardly insert needles into the incorrect points or even the wrong meridian could be catastrophic! To use these same pressure points in the case of hand to hand combat situations during warfare of course is of no consequence; fore the primary object is to kill or to do as much damage as possible. But in the case of training method, the haphazard striking of points using the element theory will certainly have consequence, some clearly visible and some invisible! Why, because health conditions at these training seminars are unknown! Plus these instructors are not qualified to read a pulse, nor do they do so! So now, we can clearly see that Acupuncture and warfare are opposite ends of the spectrum. One to heal but the other to kill. In reality there is no middle ground. The core training method of the Dillman instructional philosophy is that, as long as you use light striking power, to a group of points (rather than a single strike) there is no long term danger. Doctors of Acupuncture and traditional masters question, the common sense of Dillman and his followers. The Dillman groups are like an assembly of school boys, shooting arrows straight up into the air, it is exciting but dangerous!

Many martial artists, who train for combat defense, question the reality of the necessity to apply attacks to more than one vital point at a time? Many masters around the world claim it is not essential, when one well placed precision strike will do the job every time. In any combative attack situation, the most expedient technique is always best. This would be the answer of most old school Masters around the world. To use a complicated process of several strikes is, difficult, or impossible to apply in the heat of battle. It is an impossibility for the light strike technique which the Dillman groups teach to work in a high speed combat situation, and has never been proven to work in combat as yet! What the ancestors of India, China, Okinawa, Japan and the like use in combat is a single strong heavy blow to a pressure point.

Then why do so many people practice the Dillman method and why do so many teachers of martial arts enlist and teach the Dillman techniques in their schools? The answer is simple, the Dillman students can and do demonstrate these compound light strike techniques because in the right environment they do work, most of the time. What environment will the Dillman theory's work?

A light strike compound technique will work if,

1. If the person being hit is perfectly relaxed combined with one or more vital points, simultaneously or one after an other.

2. if the person is in a unhealthy condition.

3. If the person is surprised by the attack.

4. if the student is week from over exercise.

5. Any person who is under the influence of strong drugs or alcohol for any reason.

6. any partner who is relaxed and ready to be hit!

7. Any combination of the above.

Why won't Dillmans theory's work in combat? You will find that these above conditions will never apply to the person who is attacking another person, other than possibly alcohol and drugs. And second more light strikes within the quick action of combat or a street fight is unlikely to work, because the body chemistry prepares the body for heavy blows, light blows would never do the job. The energies in the attackers body are way to high.

The Dillman theory's can work at times, for demonstration purposes only! That is were Dillman's techniques really work. Like the board of nails trick, it draws huge crowds to the performer, and a percentage will want to learn these techniques for themselves. These types of demonstrations fill the Do Jo and sell the DVD's.

The bigger Question is, why would anyone want to take part in any activity that may cause permanent harm to themselves or any other human being? In western medicine, it is a known fact that sudden impact to the head, neck or even certain parts of the body, cause trauma. In other words, any impact or injury to any part of the body may cause health problems, even chronic illness perhaps death. The fact that even slight trauma to nerves, arteries and organs may cause damage to some extent. Sudden impact in many cases lead to permanent health problems immediately or several years later. This is the foundational nature of martial arts, to locate and attack vital points for that very purpose so that one may survive a combat attack. In the case of light repeated strikes to the same areas of the body over a long period of time will change the natural structure and condition of the impact area. There is no question about it, Dillman's practice can be dangerous. Many top masters have spoken out over the years about the seriousness of this practice of repeated strikes to the body cavities, even light ones.

Conclusion.

We have hear the voices of many institutions who verbalize there response to the recruiting and training practices of George Dillman and there collaborator. We have witnessed the anti- Dillman voices of National Geographic, The traditional martial arts communities, The western medical communities, The eastern medical communities and hundreds of singular individuals from around the world. A huge assembly that comes together with one strong voice warning of the ever possible danger of the literal striking of pressure points and the possible fraud involved in other aspects of Dillman's psychological dependence strategy, which students as well as instructors around the world have come to know.

So why don't they stop this practice if it is known to be dangerous? May be it's like Star Wars, the dark side of the force V.S. the bright side of the force. Or may be they just don't care enough for the students. Or may be that old saying has something to it, "Ignorance is (truly) bliss"!

About this Author

Shi Xin Gao Zhu,
Registered 8th level, Internal Arts,
Beijing China

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shi_Xin_Gao_Zhu

Strategic Analysis

What is The BCG Growth-Share Matrix? What are the main aspects of The BCG Growth-Share Matrix? How to develop Good BCG Growth-Share Matrix of a company? Where to find information for The BCG Growth-Share Matrix?

INTRODUCTION
No strategic management or marketing text appears to be complete without the inclusion of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) growth-share matrix. When used effectively, this model provides guidance for resource allocation. And despite its inherent weaknesses, is probably one of the most widely used management instrument as far as portfolio management is concern. For instant, each SBU (strategic business unit) of large companies such as General Electric, Siemens, and Centrica require different strategies to compete effectively and efficiently. It is not a question of one strategy fits all SBUs since the likelihood for each of them experiencing the same market growth rate, industry-threats and leverage is very slim. This is where the BCG model comes into play as a management analytical tool. The ensuing examines the underpinnings of the model, for what it is used, how to use it and why it is used.

WHAT IS THE BCG GROWTH-SHARE MATRIX?
To begin with, BCG is the acronym for Boston Consulting Group-a general management consulting firm highly respected in business strategy consulting. BCG Growth-Share Matrix (see figure 1) happens to be one of many of BCG's strategic concepts the organisation developed in the late 1970s, and is being taught at leading business schools and executive education programmes around the world.

It is a management tool that serves four distinct purposes (McDonald 2003; Kotler 2003; Cipher 2006): it can be used to classify product portfolio in four business types based on four graphic labels including Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks and Dogs; it can be used to determine what priorities should be given in the product portfolio of a company; to classify an organisation's product portfolio according to their cash usage and generation; and offers management available strategies to tackle various product lines. Consider companies like Apple Computer, General Electric, Unilever, Siemens, Centrica and many more, engaging in diversified product lines. The BCG model therefore becomes an invaluable analytical tool to evaluate an organisation's diversified product lines as later seen in the ensuing sections.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ASPECTS OF THE BCG GROWTH-SHARE MATRIX?
The BCG Growth-Share Matrix is based on two dimensional variables: relative market share and market growth. They often are pointers to healthiness of a business (Kotler 2003; McDonald 2003). In other words, products with greater market share or within a fast growing market are expected to wield relatively greater profit margins. The reverse is also true. Let's look at the following components of the model:
Fig. 1: Source: 12manage.com 2006

Relative Market Share
According to the proponents of the BCG (Herndemson 1972), It captures the relative market share of a business unit or product. But that is not all! It allows the analysed business unit be pitted against its competitors. As earlier emphasized above, this is due to the sometime correlation between relative market share and the product's cash generation. This phenomenon is often likened to the experience curve paradigm that when an organisation enjoys lower costs, improved efficiency from conducting business operations overtime. The basic tenet of this postulation is that the more an organisation performs a task often; it tends to develop new ways in performing those tasks better which results in lower operating cost (Cipher 2006). What that suggests is that the experience curve effect requires that market share is increased to be able to drive down costs in the long run and at the same time a company with a dominant market share will inevitably have a cost advantage over competitor companies because they have the greater share of the market. Hence, market share is correlated with experience.

A case in point is Apple Computer's flagship product called the iPod, which occupies a dominant 73% share the portable music player market (Cantrell 2006). Analysts believe it is the impetus for Apple's financial rebirth 40% of Apple's sales is attributed to the iPod product line (Cantrell 2006). Similarly, Dell's PC line shares the same market dominance theory as the iPod. The PC manufacture giant occupies a worldwide market share of 18.1%, which is commensurate to its large market revenue above its competitors (see figure 2).
Figure 2: Source: Reuters 2006

Market Growth
Market growth axis, correlates with the product life cycle paradigm, and predicates the cash requirement a product needs relative to the growth of that market. A fast growing market is generally considered attractive, and pulls a lot of organisation's resources in an effort to increase gains. A case in point is the technological market widely consider by experts as a fast growing market, and tends to attract a lot of competition. Therefore, a product life cycle and its associated market play a key role in decision-making.

Cash Cows
These products are said to have high profitability, and require low investment for the fact that they are market leaders in a low-growth market. This viewpoint is captured by the founders themselves thus:

The cash cows fund their own growth. They pay the corporate dividend. They pay the corporate overhead. They pay the corporate interest charges. They supply the funds for R&D. They supply the investment resource for other products. They justify the debt capacity for the whole company. Protect them (Henderson 1976).

According to experts (Drummond & Ensor 2004; Kotler 2003; McDonald 2003), surplus cash from cash cow products should be channelled into Stars and Questions in order to create the future Cash Cows.

Stars
Stars are leaders in high growth markets. They tend to/should generate large amounts of cash but also use a lot of cash because of growth market conditions. For example, Apple Computer has a large share in the rapidly growing market for portable digital music players (Cantrell 2006).

Question Marks
Question Marks have not achieved a dominant market position, and hence do not generate much cash. They tend to use a lot of cash because of growth market conditions. Consider Hewlett-Packard's small share of the digital camera market, behind industry leader Canon's 21% (Canon 2006). However, this is a rapidly growing market.

Dogs
Dogs often have little future and are big cash drainers on the company as they generate very little cash by virtue of their low market share in a highly low growth market.
Consider Pfizer's Inspra (Gibson 2006):

"Pfizer launched this drug in Q4 2003 and continues to pump money into this problem child, despite anaemic sales of roughly $40 million in the $2.7 billion heart-failure market dominated by Toprol-XL (metoprolol). It was thought to gain market share and become a star, and eventually a cash cow when the market growth slowed. But, according to industry's experts, Inspra is likely to remain a dog, despite any amount of promotion, given its perceived safety issues and a cheaper, more effective spironolactone in the same Pfizer portfolio. Because Pfizer invested heavily in promotion early on with Inspra, the drug's earnings potential and positive cash flow is elusive at best. A portfolio analysis of Pfizer's cardiovascular franchise would suggest redeploying promotional spend on Inspra to up-and-coming stars like Caduet (amlodipine/atorvastatin) or torcetrapib to ensure those drugs reach their sales potential."

HOW TO DEVELOP GOOD BCG GROWTH-SHARE MATRIX OF A COMPANY?
SBUs or products are represented on the model by circles and fall into one of the four cells of the matrix already described above. Mathematically, the mid-point of the axis on the scale of Low-High is represented by 1.0 (Drummond & Ensor 2004; Kotler 2003). At this point, the SBU's or product's market share equals that of its largest competitor's market share (Drummond & Ensor 2004; Kotler 2003). Next, calculate the relative market share and market growth for each SBU and product. Figure 3 depicts the formulas to calculate the relative market share and market growth.
Fig 3

Oftentimes, if you are versed with a particular industry and companies operating in it, you could draw up a BCG matrix for any company without necessarily computing figures for the relative market share and market growth. Figure 4 depicts a fairly accurate BCG growth-share matrix for Apple Computer developed in the spring of 2005 without the author calculating the relative market share and market growth.
Fig. 4 Source: Asong (2005)

Once the products or SBUs have been plotted, the planner then has to decide on the objective, strategy and budget for the business lines. Basically, at this juncture the organisations should strive to maintain a balanced portfolio. Cash generated from Cash Cows should flow into Stars and Question Marks in an effort to create future Cash Cows. Moreover, there are 4 major strategies that can be pursued at this stage as described in the ensuing section.

AVAILABLE STRATEGIES TO PURSUE

Build
The product or SBU's market share needs to be increased to strengthen its position. Short-term earnings and profits are deliberately forfeited because it is hoped that the long-term gains will be higher than this. This strategy is suited to Question Marks if they are to become stars.

Hold
The objective is to maintain the current share position and this strategy is often used for Cash Cows so that they continue to generate large amounts of cash.

Harvest
Here management tries to increase short-term cash flows as far as possible (e.g. price increase, cutting costs) even at the expense of the products or SBU's longer-term future. It is a strategy suited to weak Cash Cows or Cash Cows that are in a market with a limited future. Harvesting is also used for Question Marks where there is no possibility of turning them into Stars, and for Dogs.

Divest
The objective of this strategy is to rid the organisation of the products or SBUs that are a drain on profits and to utilize these resources elsewhere in the business where they will be of greater benefit. This strategy is typically used for Question Marks that will not become Stars and for Dogs.

WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION FOR THE BCG GROWTH-SHARE MATRIX?
Information for the BCG Growth-Share matrix is generated from multiple sources including company's annual reports, sec fillings and a host of specialised research organisations such as IDC, Hoover, Edgar, Forrester and many more. Armed with this information, developing a BCG growth-share matrix should pose less of a problem.

Limitations
The BCG model is criticised for having a number of limitations (Kotler 2003; McDonald 2003):

o There are other reasons other than relative market share and market growth that could influence the allocation of resources to a product or SBU: reasons such as the need for strong brand name and product positioning could compel resource allocation to an SBU or product (Drummond & Ensor 2004).

o What is more, the model rests on net cash consumption or generation as the fundamental portfolio balancing criterion. That is appropriate only in a capital constrained environment. In modern economies, with relatively frictionless capital flows, this is not the appropriate metric to apply - rather, risk-adjusted discounted cash flows should be used (ManyWorlds 2005).

o Also, the matrix assumes products/business units are independent of each other, and independent of assets outside of the business. In other words, there is no provision for synergy among products/business units. This is rarely realistic.

o The relationship between cash flow and market share may be weak due to a number of factors including (Cipher 2006): competitors may have access to lower cost materials unrelated to their relative share position; low market share producers may be on steeper experience curves due to superior production technology; and strategic factors other than relative market share may affect profit margins.

o In addition, the growth-share matrix is based on the assumption that high rates of growth use large cash resources and that maturity of the life cycle brings about the expected profit returns. This may be incorrect due to various reasons (Cipher 2006): capital intensity may be low and the business/product could be grown without major cash outlay; high entry barriers may exist so margins may be sustainable and big enough to produce a positive cash flow and a growth at the same time; and industry overcapacity and price competition may depress prices in maturity.

o Furthermore, market growth is not the only factor or necessarily the most important factor when assessing the attractiveness of a market. A fast growing market is not necessarily an attractive one. Growth markets attract new entrants and if capacity exceeds demand then the market may become a low margin one and therefore unattractive. A high growth market may lack size and stability.
Given the aforementioned weaknesses, the BCG Growth-Share matrix must be used with care; nonetheless, it is a best-known business portfolio evaluation model (Kotler 2003).

If you found this article useful please have a look at the other articles we have written: PEST analysis, Porter's 5 Forces analysis, Ansoff analysis, SWOT analysis, Porter's Generic Strategies, Scenario Planning, Value chain analysis.

REFERENCE
12Management (2006). BCG Matrix. www.12management.com [Accessed: September 23, 2006]
Asong, B. (2005). Case Study: Apple Computer Market Assessment and Product Launch Strategy. CLC-PHW: London, pp. 17-40.
BCG (2006). The Growth-Share Matrix. www.bcg.com [Accessed: September 20, 2006]
Canon (2006). InfoSource research puts Canon No.1 in the UK & Ireland. [Accessed: September 28, 2006]
Cantrell, A. (2006). Apple's Remarkable Comeback Story. [Accessed: September 28, 2006]
Drummond, G. & Ensor, J. (2004). Strategic Marketing: Planning & Control. 2nd Ed. Butterworth-Heinemann: MA, pp. 96-100.
Henderson, B. (1976). Anatomy of the Cash Cow. Accessed: September 21, 2006]
Lane, S. (2006). Overall Mac OS usage market share declining? [Accessed: September 28, 2006] http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2059
ManyWorlds (2005). Models and Concepts.[Accessed: September 24, 2006]
McDonald, M. (2003). Marketing Plans: How To Prepare Them, How To Use Them. MA: Butterworth-Heinemann, pp. 175-245.
MindTools (2006). The Boston Matrix. www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_97.htm [Accessed: September 28, 2006]

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cooper, R. G., Edgett, S. J., & Kleinschmidt, E.J. (2006). Portfolio Management. Working Paper No 12: The Product Development Institute.
Lee, C. K. (2004). Asia Zirconium Limited Valuation report. Prudential Tower: Standard & Poor's.
Vriens, D (2004). The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Competitive Intelligence. Idea Group Inc: University of Nijmegen.
Zolkiewski, J. & Turnbull, P. (undated). Relationship Portfolios-Past, Present & Future.

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