FOCUS GROUPS AND OTHER UNUSUAL TOPICS

RAPIAILLE/ THE WEEK/ 6/30/38

The problem with focus groups is that they are treated too rationally and members of the test group acts as if they are rational. Reason is the cognitive feature of the cerebral cortex. However, many times we "feel" like buying something and that draws upon more harder and deeper emotions that can come from numerous parts of the brain that border on the involuntary system. They draw upon non-cognitive forces or emotions. If you discover those feelings, you are likely to be more accurate.

QUINDLEN/NEWSWEEK/6/26/64

Capitol punishment doesn't seem to work or is not valued and the only countries that now use it the most frequently are CHINA, IRAN, SAUDI ARABIA, and the UNITED STATES.

LUKER/ THE WEEK/ 6/23/26.

Sex education came to public schools in the early 50's. It was endorsed by numerous prestigious organizations and corporations. The theme was to be heavy on the physiological aspects of sex. Abstinence was assumed until the birth control pill. A split began to emerge between conservatives that saw sex as a religious activity and liberals who saw it as a natural expression. If there is a middle, it is about delaying the first time. However, the split is considerable and therefore it is best to teach the debate and give both sides as neutrally as posssible.She interviewed in depth a purposive sample in 4  school districts of parents of various political persuasions.

_______(2006) THE WEEK/ 6/23/9 &17.

The CIA seems to pop up again and again. This week in THE WEEK, U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT and the ASSOCIATE PRESS is a report that the CIA kept Jews who were hunting for Nazis in the dark about the location of the Nazi leaders. They also stayed in touch with Eichman who was tried as a war criminal for killing thousands upon thousands of Jews. CIA also according to this source worked with European countries to help dissidents disappear. Original material came from the Council of Europe, a civil rights agency overseas.

GROMAN (2006) TIME/ 6/26/ 52-53

There is a new antibiotic resistant bug out there that is weaving its way right here in the United States. It just takes a scratch that is left unintended. Quickly wash your cut. Use the necessary

products suggested by  your doctor. It can spread through your whole body and can kill.

Don't share towels.

GREENE (2006) BUSINESS WEEK/ 6/26/ 65-75

School reform is back in the news, because internationally the USA does not score well on tests that impact cross culturally .However, the reforms sound very simi liar to the past. Teachers be paid on an incentive system. Bad teachers are removed. New software is used. Big schools are made into smaller schools and related. If a system or systems can be implemented that WORKS, most will find a way to like it. It is important that corporations are involved because they have the most complaints. Stay tuned to see if something does work. Please also recall that some strategies thought to work best in the past did not do so for very long. Numerous ideas have come from all across the political continuum.

________(2006) COMMUNITY COLLEGE WEEK/ NUMEROUS PAGES/ 6/19

TOP PRODUCERS ALL DISCIPLINES/ KIRKWOOD IS #28

NON-MINORITY- #14

AGRICULTURE- #4

.