Abstract
This paper differentiates between the dangerous slab avalanche, and the often harmless powder avalanche. It explains what weather conditions contribute to the worst avalanches. It also examines the significant impacts avalanches have on the environment and shows certain preventative techniques to protect and limit the damages and deaths caused by avalanches.

From the Paper
"There are two types of avalanches; powder avalanches and slab avalanches. In very cold, dry weather, light powdery snow grains don't stick together. If this snow is pushed down the slope, it forms a powder avalanche, which swirls along like an enormous white cloud. Normally these avalanches aren't that dangerous as there isn't much snow in them, they are also easy to get away from, most of the time. The slab avalanche is the most dangerous, and causes the most damage. A slab avalanche starts off as a solid chunk of frozen snow about the size of a soccer field and about 30 feet thick ( McClung, David and Schaerer, Peter, 129). It usually forms on sunny days that are followed by frosty nights and snow that melts and freezes again. These slabs are cracked, commonly by the edge of a ski, and break into many different thick pieces that haul down the slope, taking out whatever is in its path."

Tags:avalanche, disasters, disasters, natural, related, weather

Abstract
The thesis in this paper states that cyber criminals are far ahead of U.S. efforts to prevent cyber-crime. The paper explains that it is not only lucrative but because law enforcement's priorities are on the War on Terror, cyber crime has a low priority. The writer suggests not only better recruitment and training of technically-savvy people, but contributions by large computer manufacturers to establsih training centers to at least begin to stem an avalanche of cyber-crime.

From the Paper
"The legendary bank robber Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks. His answer, "That's where the money is." So, when one might ask a hi-tech "entrepreneur" who is making millions by using his technology to steal, defraud, spy, and otherwise cause loss, anger, and embarrassment, why he does what he does. And the answer would be the same. In the 21st century, that's where the money is. Global criminal activities operated and engineered by people well versed in the latest technological products and services are outwitting much of law enforcement because they have specialized knowledge and therefore are steps ahead of law enforcement,..."

Tags:computer crime, cyber technology, training

Abstract
The paper discusses how data mining was employed to customize offerings for goods and services to the paper's author during recent weeks. The paper explains how the avalanche of marketing materials received as a result of data mining can be traced back to many everyday activities. The paper therefore shows that by employing data mining techniques of tracking customer transactions and analyzing the statistical models for anticipated behavior, companies are able to deliver timely, pertinent, and coordinated messages and value propositions to customers and prospects.

Outline:
Introduction
Transactions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"One method for helping a company decide how best to select and interact with customers is to collect and analyze vast amounts of information about people's preferences. The detection and use of statistically relevant patterns to build models that predict customer behavior is the process of "data mining". For a data mining process to be successful, database marketers must first identify market segments containing customers or prospects with high-profit potential. They then build and execute campaigns that favorably impact the behavior of these individuals (Thearling, 2001). This paper will discuss how data mining was employed to customize offerings for goods and services to the paper's author during recent weeks."

Tags:customer, data, tracking, transactions

Abstract
In this paper, the writer notes that the global positioning system (GPS) has advanced vastly since the first satellite was launched into space in 1978. The writer points out that originally the GPS was a project placed into orbit by the United States Department of Defense and in the 1980s the system became available for civilian use. The writer discusses that the GPS offers many positive applications such providing driving directions to devices that will save a life buried by an avalanche. The writer discusses that although the GPS has thousands of different possible applications, it is controversial in the ways it could be used. For example, privacy is jeopardized as a result of the tracking capabilities of the global positioning system. The writer concludes that the GPS definitely has its advantages and has the capabilities to save lives, however, the possible consequences of this technology should not be overlooked.

From the Paper
" Since GPS has been allowed for civilian use, we have seen it placed in many devices. The most common devices are those for navigational purposes. Such as a device that is used in cars, boats, and aircraft. These devices tell the navigator their position at all times, and or how to get to a specific location. Another popular device used in agriculture helps to maximize crop production. The GPS device that is used during farming will tell the farmer what areas he has covered and what areas are yet to be done. The system is so advanced and accurate that it will actually auto guide that tractor in a precise path so to optimize time and coverage. There are also many hand held devices that are used by hikers to navigate trails, by snowmobilers and skiers in case of an avalanche, and by hunters who wonder deep into the woods. We also see devices now in cell phones, personal and business vehicles, on personal belongings and much more. There are now millions of devices that take advantage of the Global Positioning System and there will be millions more to be developed as time progresses."

Tags:device, privacy, satellites, navigation, position

Abstract
This paper explains that the crisis at Enron has had a negative impact on the United States economy but not the total impact that many believed it would have. The author states that, when Enron began to collapse, it started an avalanche or economic panic and activity nationwide, which the U.S. managed to level out; but the lack of confidence remained heavy for more than a year afterwards. The paper concludes that, from the Enron debacles, a blue print for a better check and balance system was developed and now provides a governmental watchdog.

From the Paper
"The key to Enron's undoing was about stock mistakes. The company committed to put $1.2 billion of Enron stock into the Raptors to make them more creditworthy. It did not promise a fixed number of shares -- it promised $1.2 billion worth, regardless of the share price, a seriously dumb move for a company that talks about hedging risks. In return for that commitment, the Raptors gave Enron $1.2 billion of promissory notes. Enron put them on its balance sheet as an asset. When a company adds to its assets and nothing else changes, its net worth rises. Hence, Enron marked up its net worth by $1.2 billion. But, as the stock prices of Rhythms, NewPower and Enron all sank, Enron faced having to fork over a ruinous number of new shares." This was the beginning of the end and the ripple affect on the stock market caused a negative impact on the nation's economy."

Tags:watchdog, panic, check, balance, shares

Abstract
Natural disasters include such occurrences as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, avalanches or earthquakes. Manmade disasters would include such things as airplane crashes, chemical or nuclear accidents and, of course, war. This paper will demonstrate that the distinction between these two types of disasters is significant, as each triggers different reactions in those individuals and communities who experience them. Such post-disaster impact assumes many forms depending upon variables such as locus of control, and degree of exposure to trauma. It will be argued that community planning to deal with post-disaster impact is equally as important as the reconstruction of the physical landscape after disaster.

Tags:post-disaster, impact