I recently read an interesting article by Umair Haque called “The Case for Being Disruptively Good.” He's a leading blogger about competition and global business for the Harvard Business Review. The author argues that in a highly connected world companies will experience the amplification of any good or evil that they do so that businesses that do more “good” will excel and those that do “bad” will fall.

This is an interesting premise. After all, we know that companies that survive and thrive are those that continue to generate profits. This requires them to provide goods or services that customers are willing to pay a premium to purchase. Companies values can lead, lag or reflect the values of society. As America developed, the society forced the elimination of the evils of slavery, reduced child labor, created safer working conditions, reduced corporate pollution. Companies that refused to move with the changing moral demands of society lost out but companies were often laggards not leaders in driving the changes.

Companies sometimes settle into a mode of profitability where they generate minimal good for their client but rather succeed through industry collusion, leveraging dominant industry positions and quashing competition. These companies usually eventually lose their dominant positions not because they are doing evil, but more simply because they are failing to provide value to their customers.

I recall during my time in the corporate world a primary focus on short term profitability and a general look towards longer term profitability. We tried developing financial products that would be profitable and have some appeal to the customer but I don't recall challenging ourselves as to whether our products were “good” or “evil” though the cost of capital certainly seemed less than altruistic as the most profitable customers were those that teetered on the edge of bankruptcy.

Let's starting with a fun example of doing good, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. They are well known for being an early mover in the world of corporate responsibility. Their company has a three-part mission, one dedicated to social responsibility, one dedicated to product quality and one dedicated to profitability. Why all three? If the company puts out mediocre ice cream then they will soon become unprofitable and eventually struggle to continue functioning. Social responsibility is a worthy goal but the company exists to generate profits first and foremost, without the profits the company and its social vision will disappear. The customer enjoys the “good” from the product while the company is able to provide social value.

Moving on to one that is near and dear to anyone with a PC's heart, Microsoft. Microsoft certainly has been accused of doing plenty of “evil” in the past, most notably in their browser war with Netscape. While they certainly pushed the bounds of ethics and the law in bundling their products, Microsoft eventually developed their browser to the point where it was a superior product. When Microsoft released Vista, a relatively unpopular product, and announced the impending retirement of XP, customers were displeased. Microsoft released Windows 7, a much more popular operating system in late 2009. A typical Microsoft customer cares little of the corporate good or evil Microsoft does, but rather cares about the product they provide and how they feel about the products/services. If Microsoft continues to try forcing unpopular products, the users will look to its competitors thus damaging Microsoft's profitability.

Lastly, let's look at Walmart. Mr. Haque argues that they are at the top of the rung, “rule making” due to its Sustainability Index being pushed on its suppliers. Walmart is the certainly the 800 pound gorilla, crushing competition while creating millions of jobs and enabling millions to purchase inexpensive products, whether they need them or not. Along the way it has definitely created its detractors due to its weak health care package, antiunion policies, supplier manipulation and other issues. The good Walmart has created in the past has been focused on low prices to its customers but Mr. Haque is correct that Walmart is better positioned than most countries to impact the environment in a positive way, creating good for the world. Let's hope he is right because if the world waits for Nopenhagen agreements to make a difference we'll be enjoying oceanfront property in Arizona.

For those of you who play, having the right boots is essential. Aside from the ball, they are the only other piece of equipment you really need to compete. They are what you move with, plant with, pass with, shoot with. Everything happens through the boots and you need the right pair.

Unfortunately, there are more brands/models/styles out there than any player could hope to keep track of. A certain boot may not be right for one person, but perfect for another. It really depends on who’s wearing them, their foot and the game they play.

When I was given the new PUMA Power Cats to try out, something felt right from the start. Traditionally a Nike wearer, I’d never dipped into PUMA’s range before. These boots certainly changed that.

As I do with most of my reviews, we’ll break it down into a few sections, grade out of 10 and then give some final overall impressions. Let’s say, comfort, breaking in, control, style and intangibles. Not really sure how each will turn out, given this is my first boot review, but hey, let’s go with it.

Comfort

Easily one of the best things about these particular boots, they seem to mold to your foot as soon as you put them on. The insoles are cushioned nicely and sink in around your foot. Some boots I have worn don’t give a whole lot, but these certainly have that little bounce that makes them a dream to wear. When playing in a match, it helps to have that bit of added support when sprinting or cutting so from this aspect I was quite pleased. They tie up nicely and the top of my foot felt supported as well.

Note: My feet are a bit wider than most and PUMAs tend to run small so if considering them, be sure to try on a size up and see how they fit before committing to your normal size.

They get a high grade for comfort because, well, they are damn comfy 10/10

Breaking In

Straight out of the box, these cleats weren’t really all that stiff or formed. They had some flexibility and seemed like they’d be pretty easy to break in. That was pretty much the case once I started wearing them and playing. It didn’t take long for them to mold to my feet and feel smooth.

I did some running in them and played four matches, both indoor and outdoor and they began to feel natural and right for my feet. Even the lacing process became natural as when I tightened them up, they seamlessly gripped around the arches and tops of my feet. May not seem like much, but having them feel right in that respect is a big deal. Also, no blisters. Not one.

Another solid score as this boot adapted to my awkward hobbit feet flawlessly 9/10

Control

Now, let’s make something clear right off the bat: I’m no Lionel Messi. I’m not even Dean Windass. My skills aren’t exactly what you’d called ‘world class’. Nowhere close.  Having said that, I’ve played for a while and know my way around the pitch well enough to compete and make some things happen.

All that aside, they do handle well with the ball at your feet. Adjusting naturally and fluidly, my first touch was smooth and my shot received a nice boost from specifically the PUMA 3D Power Shooting Technology. The power released using the 3D PST is really noticeable compared to other boots I’ve worn.

They aren’t the as best in this category, but do a nice job of keeping things in order 8/10

Style

Obviously, it’s not about the look. When is it? It’s about the performance and how they work on your feet, etc. Well, you all may say that but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a nice looking boot to wear that maybe even makes you feel a bit more confident when you have them on.

In the case of the PowerCat 1.10, they have quite a distinctive look. Depending on which colors scheme you go for (I was given the black/white/‘wild lime’ pair) they are catchy from a visual standpoint. Two prominent PUMA logos coming from the heel to the side of the body transition into the side-oriented laces structure. The main part of the boot is the gill-like 3D PST mentioned earlier and that works. Subtly stylish, gills look sleek and well-placed. Not sure if that makes sense, but they just look good on your feet.

Being as vain as I am, I like attractive boots. These fit the profile 9/10

Intangibles

This is just the random other stuff I like about the boots section. The little parts that push them over the top or really get on my nerves.

Firstly, this may not seem like much, but the studs are unique. They are bladed in a way that they have tiny grooves cut into each one so that when you plant or are grinding out that loose ball, you get a bit more stick. I could be making that up, as could PUMA, but regardless, had me fooled.

One thing I’m not a fan of are the laces. They are way too long and way too flimsy. They are flat and pretty slippery and that all means they’re hard to tie, especially for someone who has big clunky hands like I do. Just can’t get a good grip on them and makes things difficult. They are useful for tucking into the boot as they’re so slim, but that wouldn’t be an issue if they weren’t as long.

Final little bit is the heel area. Very comfortable and contours well to the back of your foot. Even got some cheeky back heels to go off with them. It's a reach, I know.

As mundane as they seem, the laces really bothered me. Enough so to drop this score a bit 7/10

Pros & Cons

Pros: Very comfortable, easy to break in, stable on your foot, nice control (even for amateurs), little stud blade things

Cons: Wonky laces, hard to tie, sizes run a bit funny, side-lace orientation is a bit of a pain at times, did I mention the laces?

Overall: 43/50

They are a quality boot and serve their purpose well. Definitely an upgrade some of the previous models put out by PUMA, the PowerCat 1.10 are a must have if you want your money to be spent well. I may have worn better boots in the past, but I’ve also worn way worse. They have more ups than downs, and in the end they are worth having and should definitely be given a chance when you are considering a new pair.

Looking to score a pair? Text PUMAKICK to 21534 to be entered to win PowerCat 1.10 cleats for you and your team. Message and data rates may apply.  For official sweepstakes rules and regulations, visit www.mogreet.com/pumasweeps

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surface evolver

I was in the mood for chicken for supper tonight. Being a cold, blustery winter's evening, I didn't feel like trudging out for fast-food chicken. Then, I remembered I had a meal kit in the cupboard and a pack of boneless, skinless chicken breast in the freezer; I was in business. Read this food product review for Campbell's Supper Bakes- Traditional Roast Chicken and Stuffing and find out if you should buy it as well!

Price and Availability
By looking at the price tag, I can tell I bought this meal kit at my local Big Lots. It cost $1.70. I've bought this brand and type before at my local Kroger store. I'm sure it cost considerably more. If I remember correctly, it was around three or four dollars. Still a good deal for an easy-to-make dinner that feeds four hungry people.

If you're in the mood for something else besides chicken and stuffing, Campbell's has several other varieties as well. They include Cheesy Chicken with pasta, Creamy Stroganoff Sauce with pasta, Garlic Chicken with pasta, Herb Chicken with rice, Lemon Chicken with herb rice, Savory Pork Chops with herb stuffing and Southwestern-Style Chicken with rice.

Product Description
Campbell's Supper Bakes- Traditional Roast Chicken and Stuffing comes with baking sauce, stuffing, seasoning and crumb topping. All you need to provide is 1- 1-1/2 pounds of raw skinless, boneless chicken breasts, two tablespoons butter and 1-1/3 cups hot water.

1-2-3 Baking Preparation
You can prepare this product in the microwave oven, on the stovetop or in your baking oven. I prefer the latter. The box boasts a five-minute prep time. In my mind, if chicken is going to be truly roasted, it needs to be baked in the oven.

Basically, for the oven method, all you do to make Campbell's Supper Bakes- Traditional Roast Chicken and Stuffing is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13X9 pan with cooking spray, then mix together the butter, hot water, seasoning and stuffing. Push the stuffing into the middle of the pan. Place your chicken pieces to the sides and pour the baking sauce over them. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the chicken and pop the whole thing in the oven for thirty minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Tonight I used a pack of Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The pieces weren't thick, so they were done baking after thirty minutes. However, as I said, I have made the Campbell's Supper Bakes- Traditional Roast Chicken and Stuffing before. If you use thick pieces of chicken, it will take longer to bake it. The problem with that is, the stuffing ends up being baked too long and it becomes hard and dry. So, keep that in mind.

Nutrition Facts
The box states there are six prepared servings, with each serving being 330 calories; 110 calories are from fat. There are 12 grams of fat, 5 grams saturated and 0 grams Trans fat. There are also 75 grams Cholesterol, 830 milligrams sodium, 29 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber and 2 grams Sugar.

Conclusion
I highly recommend buying Campbell's Supper Bakes- Traditional Roast Chicken and Stuffing. This meal is pre-seasoned, and, I think, seasoned perfectly. Make this meal kit and you end up with a full pan of moist stuffing and tender chicken with sauce and a crumbly topping.

The calories, cholesterol and sodium is a little high, but the meal kit still makes a hot, comforting meal on a cold winter's night, or any night you need a quick supper that will satisfy hungry appetites.

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