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Behind bad baby milk, an ethical gap in China's business

2008-09-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

Beijing - As Chinese officials warned Tuesday that contaminated milk powder may have sickened more than the 1,200 babies already identified, the scandal revealed more than a recurrent regulatory problem, Chinese and foreign experts suggested.

Rather, they said, it pointed to a deeper malaise in Chinese society where private profit often trumps the public good as the country races to create a market economy that has outstripped government regulators.

"China has the problems of any transitional economy," says Yanzhong Huang, a global health expert at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. "But the deeper and more fundamental challenge China faces is a systematic lack of business ethics."

"You cannot fully police the whole food chain," adds Dali Yang, a politics professor at the University of Chicago. "A lot depends on changes in social norms. People have to recognize that integrity does matter."

A leading Chinese dairy company, Sanlu, admitted last week that its baby formula manufactured earlier this year was tainted by the chemical melamine. Doctors in several Chinese provinces have found more than 1,200 babies who drank the formula suffering from kidney stones and renal failure. Two babies have died as a result since May, officials say, warning that the number of cases could rise sharply.

State television reported Tuesday that 22 of 175 dairy producers inspected since last week were found to have produced melamine-tainted milk. They included major brands such as the Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group, a supplier for the Beijing Olympics.

Investigators say it appears that milk merchants, selling to Sanlu the raw milk they had bought from farmers, had added the chemical – normally used in plastics and fertilizers – to boost the milk's apparent protein content.

Two brothers who owned a milk collection center in Shijiazhuang, Sanlu's home base, were arrested Monday on charges of adulterating the milk they had sold to the company, the state news agency Xinhua reported. Two additional milk suppliers were also arrested later that day. Seventeen others have been detained, including one man suspected of illegally selling melamine.

The case is especially embarrassing to Sanlu – a majority state-owned joint venture with a New Zealand dairy cooperative – because it was allegedly such a paragon of virtue it has been exempted from government food safety inspections since December 2005.

The company's infant formula had been certified as an "inspection-exempt product" for three years by the General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ), according to the administration's website.

Such certification means that "the products are exempted from quality monitoring and inspection conducted by the government," the website explains. In return, it adds, "internal inspection should be reinforced."

Forty-seven Chinese dairy companies currently enjoy such an exemption, according to AQSIQ, after demonstrating that they have "a complete quality guarantee system," among other criteria.

Not only did Sanlu fail to detect the melamine in its milk powder, the company has also so far failed to explain why it did not publicly reveal the problem until Sept. 11, although it had received complaints from worried parents as early as last March, and identified the contamination on Aug. 6.

The incident became public only after Sanlu's New Zealand partner, Fonterra, which holds three seats on the company board, informed New Zealand diplomats who told Chinese government officials in Beijing of the problem.

Fonterra has "been trying for weeks to get official recall, and the local authorities in China would not do it," New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark told her country's state TV broadcaster on Monday. "At the local level ... I think the first inclination was to try to put a towel over it."

Last year, after a wave of food safety scandals involving pet food, toothpaste, and seafood, the Chinese government pledged stricter controls, especially of food destined for export.

A new food safety law was presented last December to the National People's Congress, the parliament, after three years of study, and last month the Chinese Food and Drug Administration was put under the wing of the Health Ministry.

Skeptics are not convinced by such moves. "Central regulatory reform is only part of the problem," argues Richard Suttmeier, a University of Oregon expert on Chinese product safety. "There is nothing you can snap your fingers at and solve."

With nearly half a million food producing and processing companies, according to official figures, "there are more individual producers than the government could ever regulate," Prof. Suttmeier adds.

The authorities "will be defeated constantly" unless "they begin to think how you make multiple producers responsible agents," he says.

A wide range of reforms is needed, he warns, from capital markets that would starve misbehaving companies of funds to a legal system that would allow aggrieved consumers to sue firms for damages.

"What is really needed is a cultural shift," Suttmeier argues. "That will occur if they make progress with institution building" as part of China's transition from a socialist to a capitalist economic system.

Prof. Yuang also attributes the Sanlu scandal, and others like it, to "the difficulty of transforming institutions from the micro-interference of a centrally planned economy to macro-regulation.

"There is a big question mark over how effective this is," he adds.

Some observers see a silver lining in the scandal. "One positive result is that people will become more aware of food safety," says Ren Fazheng, a professor at China Agriculture University in Beijing. "Government and society will pay more attention to this issue ... and more inspection agencies will use more methods, so the level of inspection will improve."

Yet public opinion, even outrage, has limited impact, as evidenced by the stunted efforts by angry parents who lost children in the Sichuan earthquake in May to demand government accountability. While officials are still investigating why so many schools in the quake area collapsed, protests have been curtailed and media coverage on the issue banned.

Still, with Sanlu closed by government decree and its future in doubt, two men charged with crimes that can carry the death penalty, and a government investigation widening, "this serves as an extremely strong cautionary tale for the whole industry," says Professor Yang.

"Lawsuits have not worked well in China, but the costs are escalating" for companies that cheat, he argues. "Producers realize now how precious their brand name is."

Yuang is less sanguine. "The problem is structural and systematic" he warns. "If it is not tackled we will see many, many more cases like this, and it will really hurt the Chinese economy, especially its export sector."

How to Accept a Job Interview

2008-08-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

Finding the right job for your skills and interests can be an involved process. Typically, the process will begin with accepting a job interview, which can be done in several different ways.

Step1
Budget at least 15 minutes to accept a job interview. Whether you are accepting the incoming call or returning a potential employer's call, you will want to conduct the call when you don't sound rushed or distracted. The call will likely only take a few minutes, but you want to leave a buffer of time in case your interviewer is chatty.

Step2
Keep pencil and paper close to the phone. You will need to take notes on the exact time, location and other details about your upcoming job interview.

Step3
Check your email or mailbox for job interview offers, as well. Some companies prefer these means as ways to communicate with job applicants.

Accept the Job Interview

Step1
Return the offer the same way you received it. For instance, if you were contacted by phone, call the employer back at the same number and speak to the same person when possible. If you were contacted by email, respond electronically.

Step2
Accept the job interview with kindness and brevity. Thank the employer for the opportunity and stay on the phone only long enough to gather all the information you need for the interview. This will show that you value his/her time.

Step3
Call to confirm the day before if you are offered an interview several days prior to the actual interview date. If you are offered the interview on short notice, there is no need to confirm.

Attend the Job Interview

Step1
Attend your interview in the appropriate attire for the workplace. Based on the requirements of the job, this could range from formal attire to business casual (slacks, button-down shirt, polo shirt) to blue jeans and a T-shirt.

Step2
Thank the employer for the opportunity to interview with him or her and be sure to follow up with a thank-you call, email or hand-written note within three days.

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How to Accept a Critique of a Manuscript

2008-08-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

Every writer needs friends and colleagues who can provide honest critiques. By learning to accept a critique gracefully, a writer encourages others to continue to offer this valuable feedback.

Step1
Listen. Sit quietly during the critique. Don t try to argue or explain. If something the critic says isn t clear, make a note and ask about it after the critique is over.

Step2
Remain calm. It s painful to hear that the manuscript you worked so hard on has problems, but don t take the critique personally. Remind yourself that every reader has a unique set of experiences and expectations which will effect how your story is interpreted.

Step3
Thank the critic for the time and effort involved in preparing the critique.

After the Critique

Step1
Let your manuscript cool off. Set it aside for a few days, along with the critic's written comments and the notes you took during the critique.

Step2
Decide which suggestions to incorporate into your revised manuscript and which to discard. Transfer the comments you want to incorporate onto a master copy of your manuscript and keep it on file.

Step3
Revise your manuscript using the marked-up master.

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How to Accelerate Your Job Search with Networking Cards

2008-08-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

What's the single most effective thing you can do to get yourself your dream job? Talk to people and let them know that you are looking! Take along some networking cards (they're like business cards in size and shape, but more like a mini resume in content) to pass out and you'll be that much closer to getting what you want.

Articles resource

Step1
Use your computer and a common program such as MS Word to pick out a business-card sized template that you can use for your networking cards. Most templates will accommodate eight cards. Put all the information in one section/card of the template, then copy and paste the info into the other sections.

Step2
On the front of each card, include your name,contact phone numbers, and e-mail address; latest or most desired job title; and a catchy tag line.

Step3
On the back of each card, include two or three descriptive sentences, or a bulleted list of your experience and accomplishments, or a couple of testimonials from former employers or co-workers.

Step4
Once you've put all the information onto your networking cards, print them. Then, off you go to talk to people!

Step5
Now when you re talking to friends, family members, acquaintances, or teammates, you can tell them that you re looking for work, the sort of work you d like to do, and a bit about your previous experience. Remember to say, Here are three of my cards. Please pass them on to people you know in business people who might need someone like me!

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How to Become a Pharmacy Tech

2008-08-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

The field for Pharmacy Technicians has increased due to more and more retail and grocery stores providing pharmacy services. Jobs are available in many settings including hospitals, drug stores, grocery, club and some retail chain stores.

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Step1
Study mathmatics, health and life sciences in high school.

Step2
A Medical terminology Class is also helpful.

Step3
Complete a vocational,ROP,Technical or community college

Step4
certificate program for Pharmacy Technician, typically a

Step5
one year program.

Step6
Gain work experience as a Pharmacy Assistant, while completing your certificate.

Step7
Pharmacy Assistants usually have less complex

Step8
responsibilities than technicians and often serve as clerks, cashiers or stock shelves.

Step9
Experienced Assistants often have an easier time finding Technician jobs after graduation.

Step10
After completing your education certificate program, take the "National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam." This exam is voluntary, yet will formalize your education and allow employers to know you have a standardized

Step11
body of knowledge and skills. The passed exam will earn you the title,

Step12
"Certified Pharmacy Technician."

Step13
Keep up with your education and re-certify every two years by completing 10 contact hours of related Pharmacy education each year.

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How to Become an Auto Body Repair Technician

2008-08-12T04:26:00.000-07:00

Auto body technician careers are expanding with new technology and new materials, including plastics, metal alloys, steel and aluminum. This increasing technology and material sophistication require specialized and extensive training. It also spells greater demand for people who know what they're doing.

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Step1
Take English, math and computer science in high school.

Step2
Gain knowledge and experience in automotive construction and repair techniques through high school ROP (Regional Occupational Program), community college, or through vocational schools (either public or private.) For a complete local list of schools, consult your local Occupational Outlook and Training Directory (through internet search / local library) or check with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

Step3
Check out automotive manufacturers. They also provide ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified instruction for learning the latest auto body repair techniques. Curriculums are updated frequently and include extensive classroom and on-the-job training at local sponsoring dealerships. Some sponsoring dealerships also provide financial assistance.

Step4
Look into your local trade and technical schools. They typically provide intensive training over 6-12 months.

Step5
Consider your local community college. These programs normally take 2 years to complete, which often include an Associates Degree designation.

Step6
Complete the best college level or adult vocational school auto-body training program you can.

Step7
Become ACE Certified (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.) Certification will increase your employability.

Step8
Apply for jobs at auto repair shops, auto dealerships, or trucking companies.

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How to Become an Echo Tech

2008-08-11T02:46:00.000-07:00

The field for Echo Cardiovascular Technicians is booming! Demand for echo technicians has increased due to the number of 'babyboomers' who are quickly becoming senior citizens and need medical care.

Step1
Study mathmatics, English, health, and both physical and life sciences in high school.

Step2
Complete an accredited community college 2-year degree program in Cardiovascular Technology.

Step3
Check to be sure the program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. Only graduates from these programs can sit for the Registry Exam, which is a requirement prior to seeking employment.

Step4
Take a course in medical terminology too if it's offered.

Step5
Gain experience as an EKG Tech while working on your 2-year degree program. EKG Techs only require a 1-year certificate program, and on-the-job training usually lasts 8-16 weeks. Working part-time as an EKG Tech is a great way to gain experience and make contacts with future employers.

Step6
Sit for the Registry Exam.

Step7
Register as a professional cardiovascular technologist with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonogrpahers (ARDMS), or Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

Step8
Apply for positions within cadiology departments, cardiac rehabilitation centers, ambulatory surgery centers; and both adult and pediatric cardiologist offices in private practice.

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How to Become an MRI Technician

2008-08-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

MRI Techs may not have X-ray vision--but close. MRI techs use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (giant magnets and radio waves) to see soft as well as hard tissues within the human body. (X-ray techs use radiation.) The demand for MRI Technicians is at an all-time high due to the number of 'babyboomers' who are now senior citizens and need medical care.

Step1
Study anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology and math in high school.

Step2
Bone up on medical terminology.

Step3
Complete an accredited vocational or community college 2-year degree program for Radiologic Technology.

Step4
Check to be sure the program is an accredited program. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology provides a list of accredited programs.

Step5
Complete a 1-year MRI Technology certificate after you graduate.

Step6
Work on completing a 1-year additional MRI certificate and gain experience in the MRI specialty to become proficient in this field next.

http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/careers-work/3.htm#2

How to Become a Nuclear Medicine Technician

2008-08-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Although the nuclear medicine specialty is small, technicians are in demand jobs at hospital nuclear medicine and radiologic technology departments. The field for Nuclear Medicine Technicians has heated up due to the number of 'babyboomers'--now senior citizens--who need medical care.

Step1
Study mathmatics, English, computer science, health, and both physical and life sciences in high school.

Step2
Learn medical terminology too.

Step3
Complete an accredited vocational or community college 2-year degree program for Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Step4
Check to be sure the program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology, which is required in order to sit for the Registry Exam prior to seeking employment.

Step5
Sit for the exam once you've graduated.

Step6
Register as a professional nuclear medicine technologist with the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, 2970 Clairmont Rd., Ste. 610, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Step7
Apply for positions within nuclear medicine departments, and/or radiologic technology department.

http://www.freewebtown.com/6-30/h/o/howtodothing/careers-work/3.htm#1

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

2008-08-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

The field for Pharmacy Technicians has increased due to more retail and grocery stores providing pharmacy services. Jobs are available in many settings including hospitals, drug stores, grocery, club and some retail chain stores.

Step1
Study mathmatics, health and life sciences in high school.

Step2
Medical terminology is also helpful.

Step3
Complete a vocational, ROP, technical or community college certificate program for Pharmacy Technician, typically a 1-year program.

Step4
Gain work experience as a pharmacy assistant, while completing your certificate. Pharmacy assistants usually have less complex responsibilities than technicians. They often serve as clerks, cashiers or stock shelves. Experienced assistants often have as easier time finding technician jobs after graduation.

Step5
Take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam after graduating your certification program. This exam is voluntary, yet will formalize your education and allow employers to know you have a standardized body of knowledge and skills. The passed exam will earn you the title Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Step6
Keep up with your education and re-certify every two years by completing 10 contact hours of related pharmacy education each year.

How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

2008-07-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

The field for Ultrasound Technicians has increased due to advances in diagnostic science utilizing sound waves. There are now a number of fascinating specialities technicians may go into. Ultrasonographers may specialize in neurosonography (brain), echocardiography (heart), abdominal (kidney, liver, spleen, pancreas), OB GYN (female reproduction), and opthalmalogy (eye). This field also comes with fewer risks than using X-ray for diagnosis.

Step1
Study math, English, computer science, health, and both physical and life sciences in high school.

Step2
Get to know medical terminology.

Step3
Complete an accredited vocational or community college 2-year degree program for Ultrasound Technology.

Step4
Check to be sure your program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, www.caahep.org.

Step5
Register as a professional Ultrasound Technologist with the American Radiological and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) Association once you've graduated.

Step6
Apply for positions within hospitals and private practice physician offices.

How to Become a Refrigeration Mechanic

2008-07-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

In an age when lots of jobs are being shipped overseas, you can't go to China for someone to fix your air conditioner! These mechanics have job security.

Step1
Take classes in shop math, mechanical drawing, applied phsics, chemistry, blueprint reading, and computer applications in high school or college.

Step2
Get your high school diploma or equivalent.

Step3
Find an appenticeship program. Formal apprenticeship programs take 3-4 years to complete anc combine classroom with on-the-job training.

Step4
Pass three exams for certification to work with refrigerants: Type I-small appliances; Type II- high pressure refrigerants; Type III-low pressure refrigerants. Exams must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and are administered by Trade Schools, Contractor Associations, or Building Groups.

Step5
Apply for jobs through Associated Builders and Contractors; Home Builders Institute; Mechanical Contractors of America; or apply with retail service centers, or independent business owners.