As you get bigger and your customer base gets as older, you're forced to become stodgy and conservative.

Half the companies that raised venture money in 2005 won't be able to raise money in 2006.

My prediction? This move will be completely forgotten. Few to nobody will use it. And, 6 to 12 months from now, Oracle will have to give a real response to the open-source threat it faces. Tossing a lightweight database in front of a fast-moving market that wants free, open, and killer databases just won't fly.

Going out and doing focus groups to find out that your customer wants blue buttons on the screen instead of red buttons is useful. But it's much more useful to have your customers creating those buttons beside you.

One of the major factors affecting pork producer profitability is the policy of the government as it impacts a producer's cost of doing business and their ability to effectively market their products. This award is a way for us to show our appreciation for the continued support that these legislators have demonstrated to Illinois pork producers.

Illinois pork producers and the pork industry are committed to providing a safe, quality, affordable protein source, while caring for the environment, being a good neighbor, and adding economic development to our economy.