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As a member of the Analytical Sciences Team, James provides analytical support across a wide range of research and engineering activities at Apeel: from extractions and formulations through final product QC.
James joined Apeel after 22 years at UC Santa Barbara where he operated the mass spectrometry facility in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and brings with him a wealth of expertise in mass spectrometry and chromatography techniques.
James received his B.S. in Chemistry from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Following undergraduate studies, he worked at an environmental services laboratory for several years before attending Oregon State University in Corvallis. There he received his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. He spent a postdoctoral year at UNC Chapel Hill in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering.
James started work at UCSB in 1994. While there he maintained the shared MS instrumentation, trained students and researchers, and collaborated with various faculty and researchers. Additionally, James is a founding member of the California Los Padres Section of the America Chemical Society and has served on its Executive Committee in various capacities since 1996. In 2012, he was presented the section's Sandra Lamb Award for his "contributions to the chemistry community.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Get a taxi ride anywhere in Effingham for $6.50 per person - one way. Additional stops or passengers will be charged extra. Give us a call to learn more.


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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
It was the custom of the city-dwelling Arabs to send their infants away from the diseases and polluted air of the city to the outskirts. They believed that the children raised in villages were strong and healthy. Being away from the city that witnesses regular visitors from foreign countries, it was believed that the children will speak the pure language free from dialects and accents. Every season, Bedouin women will come and collect infants from the rich Arabs in hopes of pay and food provisions. Prophet's grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib was in search of a woman who would nurse baby Muhammad salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam and raise him to be a healthy and strong boy.
While today we send our children to elite schools and West, the rich Arabs would send their children to the villages away from the shallow lifestyle of the city. It has been seen many times children studying in the elite schools and West lose their moral character at an early age. Their language, their conduct, their dressing differs from that of a righteous Muslim. These children grow up distant from their roots and eventually break away from their families.
The Arabs would send their infants away so that they could acquire better communication skills. It teaches us that a child's language skills begin to develop from infancy. Therefore parents must be extra vigilant of how they speak with their babies. Instead of baby talk, help them develop strong communication skills.
According to WebMd: All through the first year, you can do a lot to encourage your baby's communication skills. And it's easy. All you need to do is smile, talk, and read to your baby. Why focus on communicating with your baby? Because early speech and language are associated with success in developing reading, writing, and interpersonal skills, both later in childhood and later in life.
Infancy is a great opportunity for the parents to teach their children any language. Want them to learn Arabic but don't know the language yourself? Play a CD of Saheeh Bukhari in Arabic near them. Even if you do not understand it, the baby will pick up the language. Look for similar videos on YouTube. Teach them your mother tongue; many Pakistani children feel embarrassed to speak correct Urdu; more attention is paid on English while the local language is treated as an orphan. One should know both their mother tongue and the universal language to communicate effectively. Encourage them to learn the regional languages. For example, if you live in the Sindh province (Pakistan), do your children know the Sindhi language? What if you live in Punjab, do they know how to speak Punjabi? Learning more than one language strengthens our brain cells and improves our speech.
[Check Abi Homeschools Too and Iman Homeschool blogs for tips on teaching Arabic to your children]
Be cautious of what you read to your children. Goodword Books has several Islamic books for children. Buy a pack of the Stories of the Prophets and read to them. For book reviews of Islamic children literature check this blog.
Articulation is an art that only a few people know. It is what distinguishes us from other creations. Unable to express ourselves clearly leads to weak social connections and hampers our learning. No matter what your age, you can always improve your communication skills. Purdue OWL is an excellent website for those interested in improving their writing skills. If Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has given you the ability to read, speak, and write then use it in the most excellent way. We owe it to our younger generation to teach them only that which is the best.
Reading, writing, and speaking comes with practice; do not expect to have excellent communication skills overnight. Put in the effort and you will see the results.
Giving an account of the incident Lady Haleema said, "I arrived at Makkah along with other women from Banu Sa'ad looking for babies to suckle. It was a year of famine. I arrived on a dark gray jennet worn out from riding. With us, I had a boy of our own and an old camel which, I swear, didn't give a drop of milk. That entire night, we could not sleep at all. There was no milk in my breast or in our camel to feed my boy with. We did, however, have hopes of rain and relief. So on, I went on that old jennet of mine which lagged behind the caravan because of its weakness and its thirst, much to their annoyance.
So, we arrived in Makkah and, I swear, I don't know of any one woman who was not offered the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam). However, everyone refused him when they were informed that he was an orphan. We said, 'What good could his mother do for us? What we want is some help from the boy's father; what could his mother do for us?' Every single one of my women companions found a baby to nurse except me.
Having found no one except him and being assembled to leave, I said to my husband, 'By Allah, I hate to go back among my companions without having a baby to nurse. I'll take the orphan child.'"
Her husband, Harith replied that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala might bless them through the orphan child.
The Blessedness on the Family of Haleema
And so it happened! Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala blessed the family for taking an orphan child under their care.
[Changing the Life of An Orphan]
Lady Haleema said, "No sooner had I taken him and brought him back to my caravan that my breast welcomed him, giving him all the milk he wanted. He drank till he was satisfied and his foster brother (Haleema's son) drank his fill too. My husband then went over to the old camel of ours and to his surprise, she was full. He milked her and we both drank till we were satisfied. We then spent a fine night together."
The next morning, Harith commented that perhaps they have taken a blessed boy. He invoked Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala for further blessings and prepared to return to his hometown.
On the return trip, the same jennet that lagged behind was now heading the caravan. It was going so fast that no other donkey could keep up with its pace. The caravan members wondered if this was the same donkey that Haleema and her family had brought with them to Makkah.
This was the year of famine, but when Haleema and her husband would send their goats out for grazing they would return with filled udders. They would drink to their fill though no other person around them had even a drop of milk. The other shepherds would follow the goats of Haleema and Harith, but their goats never gave any milk. Haleema said, "Allah continued to bless us, and we recognized it."
[Thanking Allah for His Many Blessings]
The family lived a blessed life until Muhammad salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam turned two and it was the end of the term for suckling. Baby Muhammad was now a sturdy and healthy little boy.
(The names of the Prophet's foster siblings were: 'Abdullah, Unaysa and Shayma.)
Baby Muhammad at the Age of Two
Haleema would bi-annually take baby Muhammad (salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam) to Makkah to meet his mother and family. Now that the suckling term was over, it was time to return him. However, witnessing the miraculous blessings of rearing baby Muhammad (salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam), Haleema did not want to give up the child. She wanted the child to remain with her a little more, so that they could reap further rewards.
She requested Lady Aminah, the mother of Muhammad salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam stating that the contaminated air of Makkah might harm the bay. Aminah agreed and permitted Haleema to keep the baby for another two years. Imagine, this was a new mother who lost her husband before the birth of their first child and just for the sake of her child's well-being keeps him away from herself.
While today new mothers want to visit their parents' place every other day, Lady Aminah lived without her baby for two years and would meet him after every six months. This sacrifice was only for the sake of her child's excellent upbringing. She did not want her child to be disturbed by changing his place of residence every other week.
Dr. Farhat Hashmi recalls her time when she had to leave her daughters with her parents for her Ph.D degree. She was raised in a home where her father encouraged her to become a female scholar. He had noticed that our society has many male scholars but there is a dearth of women scholars. We have limited the women to rearing children and cooking dishes. He motivated her to not waste her talent and thank Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala by pursuing what she was good at. When she was leaving for the U.K. she feared her children's upbringing. Her father assured her that he will raise his granddaughters with the same love and tarbiyah as he raised his own. Dr. Farhat Hashmi recalls had her father not said those words she might have never pursued her Islamic education. She credits her parents for the excellent upbringing of her children.
As mothers, it is our responsibility to raise our children. If you leave your children with the maid or a stranger then be prepared for turbulence in the future. You have no idea what your maid, or babysitter will teach your child; what kind of language they will use, and what they will watch on the television and the Internet. A mother was made to be free from financial obligations so that she could commit to her children for at least the first seven years of their lives. If the mother leaves her children to pursue her ambitions, she must ensure that the person she leaves her children with is "known" and a person of high moral character.
Also , women should not unnecessarily treat their parents, siblings or in-laws as a volunteer babysitter. Ensure their availability and willingness before dropping off your children with them.
Haleema returned home with the blessed little orphan hoping for the favors of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala to continue.


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PlayStation-centric US magazine PSM has put PS3 and Xbox 360 through a series of rigorous tests in a "definitive head-to-head comparison," and has come out with what must be a surprising result for subscribers: the next-gen console war is a dead heat.
has just passed because someone at PSM is sooo fired. Wow.lol
Can someone scan the PSM article and post it? I would like to read the article from beginning to end before I comment.
...ask anyone who has BOTH systems, and see which one MOST of them choose .
Blind Lemmings, Sony Loves You.
Yep he's gone.
I would like 2read the entire article also, but the "MEDIA" controls public opinion/public perception, so in light of the current "Facts" in regards to PS3's(Sony) woes as of late, and the XBOX 360's success's, a usually partisan/pro-Playstation magazine like PSM has no other choice currently but to give 360 its "props" sort of, it can't say PS3's winning the next-gen war cause that would be ridiculous, but for the sake of swaying public opinion, maintaining a positive outlook on things for PS3, it cant say Sony's losing either,(even though this would be more accurate at the present time), So what does a partisan Magazine like PSM do? ..they say its "even"(even though this isnt true currently) ..REMEMBER this is about "PR"(public relations boys & girls), PSM is attemping sway public opinion to keep the fan boys & potential fence sitters from giving up on PS3.
Anyways, I believe you should choose whatever console fits your style - of course.
And based on everything that happened in 06, it basically is a draw...for now. This is an independent magazine, so it's not like Sony's going to drop down on them. They were brave enough to bring in Fran from their sister magazine (Xbox side), which is pretty admirable. A second or even third comparison is inevitable considering the kind of changes Sony's system is gonna go through in the near future.
lol -Wow, no joke I was in the store today and I actually read this exact same article from PSM....now I see it posted on N4G, damm thats cool!....DJ, either you are trying to "spin" this or you haven't read the entire article because in their conclusion(opinion) they specifically said that neither system would ever dominate the other this gen -(in so many words). It was wierd to see them say so many good things about the 360, they like 360's exclusives and this was not specifically directed at 2006...in fact the reason they said it was a draw was because it really comes down to the games you prefer....saying the 360 would have better games from western dev's and online content and of course PS3 will have more of the Japanese style dev games , sure both will have a mix but this will be their strength....whats really interesting is more and more "sources" are saying that Blu-ray isn't going to be a "significant" difference for GAMES -NO I'm not implying that they said it was bad for them....actually I've always said more space is always good, but like I've been telling you it's not something in this gen that will be "neccessary" for games, thats all....now for those who want Blu-ray HD movies and don't want to buy a expensive player...the PS3 is without a doubt a good value -AGREED. At any rate I will say that: This one article from PSM actually gave me alot of respect for the MAG as a whole....it does take alot of guts to go against the grain and "try" to be un-biased in what is essentially suppose to be a "bias magazine."
360 and ps3 are certainly not even .... by the end of this year we all would know better
the, "Oh just you wait and see, in blablahblah time it's over". First it was, "Just wait until the PS3 launches, then it's over." That came and went with nothing ending. Now its, "just wait until a year from now, then it's over." What's going to happen then? Is Sony going to reveal that there's a hidden magic, supercomputer button that once you push it, the PS3 transforms into the greatest piece of electronic equipment that ever graced this planet......and makes berry snowcones?
There's a major flaw in this fanboy logic. I completely agree that games for the PS3 will get better. The services (like online network) will also get better, although at a slower rate than if Sony was a software company. I also completely agree that a launch is not completely indicative of all that a console will offer. Plus, Sony has got some big games on the horizon. However, the flaw is that the 360 will continue to get better as well. MS has some big games on the horizon. The 360's services will continue to get better, but at a slightly faster rate as MS is a software company.
The PS3 needed to hit the market running, with games and services at the very least equal to the 360 or, if Sony every told the truth, better than the 360. The PS3 has to catch up with both as it hit the market behind in games and services, all the while the 360 is getting better and priced significantly less. I honestly believe that if Sony did not force bluray into the PS3, the PS3 would be in a MUCH, MUCH better position. It would be Sony's brand recognition and japanese developer support versus MS's software services and PC developer support. MS would still have its head start (since cell and RSX problems also contributed to the PS3 delays) but there would be no price issue. This is Sony's biggest hurdle. The average consumer wants to see from day one that they are getting more for the extra money they have to spend. They don't want to spend more now, hoping that in the future bluray MAY be influencial for games, or that the PS3 games MAY get better than 360 games. They want it now, which also explains the heavy criticism of the PS3 from the media.
Yah, wait until the end of the year when Halo 3 launches
Your right Bilal, their covering their own asses because at the end of the year, they may be all working for Microsoft.
games and personal preference. there are probably a few diehards that will buy a $300-$600 system for 1 game (halo 3/MGS4), but not very many. it's a matter of which exclusives you prefer. the extra features and services are just extra icing on the cake.
I have to agree. You have even trade offs for both consoles. 1st the DVD drives PS3 has BR and it has the most available space but has not shown and true advantages yet. The 360 has a DVD drive with less space but has not shown to be a disadvantage. 2nd the joystick PS3 has a motion sensor which has proven a better way to shoot free throws in basket ball games but not much of a innovation anywhere else. The 360 is what we are used to because of rumble so there is no loss there. I do have to say I hate the fact that the PS3 internal batteries are not replaceable too. =[ Xbox live has no competition at all and PS online is free. The features ground is too even right now.
This console generation will come down to the abilities of the CPU's and the GPU's. And the developers will need to take full advantage of them for both consoles. So I say it will be dead even until 2008. Halo 3 will take 2007 hands down.
"Halo 3 will take 2007 hands down."
Hands down to wat MGS4. I beg to differ my friend. But then again its your opinion. As far as the eyes can see. I see game of the year awards "so far" and only "so far" Coming down to
Halo 3 (xbox360)
God of War 2 (ps2) <---dont forget its by votes and this system has by far the largest install base of all consoles still in production !!!
But who knows wat tricks are up Microsoft and Sony sleeves. Ever heard of a "Kansas City Shuffel" lol !!!
that's assuming MGS4 actually comes out this year. kojima seems to like to take his time and get things exactly as he wants them. not saying for sure it won't come out, but i wouldn't be surprised if it didn't.
You think that HALO 3 is less anticipated than MGS4? You need to come out from under that rock. *LOL* Just put it this way Sony will need to seel 20 million plus consoles buy 11/2007 for MGS4 to out sell Halo 3.
When a Playstation Mag say it's a draw, biased as they still are, it's obviously a win for the 360.
You can't make anything else of the current situation. More games out there for the 360, more exclusives, more AAA games, overall higher rated games etc etc
Plus a premium online service.
Sony lacks in all area's. Only thing is Resistance, which is good. Not great, good.
So for sure, 360 wins now hands down. First have to see the 'potential' that people are buying the PS3 for. I'd rather go for good things now that are real, then hope for goodness in the future that may not be like Sony tells (lie) to you
You know oddly enough I like reading your posts, I mean atleast I know that their well drafted and actually readable considering some peoples spelling deficiencies. But mainly you have some very good points, yes I understand your a little bias towards the 360 but I dont think you let that get in your way. Bluntly put man you actually add something to this site so thanks. Also I felt like being nice since you'll probably have like 15 disagrees for your comment soon enough, everyone seems to disagree with things that are the truth I guess.
PSM is now the only Playstation Magazine left. They've always been pretty open-minded guys though; I mean, of course they love Playstation, but every single one of them owns and loves their 360, and they've never been afraid to point out the flaws and faults with the PS.
And if no one bought a system based on its potential, it would just die.
its not OBVIOUSLY a win for the 360. Its a tie right now, you want it to be a win, but its not. Sony may not have performed as well as people wanted them to but they performed better then they had previously. Sony will not own the market this gen, but neither will 360, therefor its OBVIOUSLY NOT a win for either. And yes, 360 has better games right now, which is expected after a year head start. If they didnt, then we could pretty much write them off as another failure. And Sony has several things going for them right now, first of all, the PS3 is a work of art in and of itself, quality that the 360 could only dream of attaining. My 360 freezes all the time, and it scratches my games all to hell. I can barely get a game of Rainbow 6 to start up anymore its been so mutilated. And Resistance by the way is a GREAT game, not good, GREAT. If you cant see that, then you obviously havent played through the game. Nor have you been through a 40 player deathmatch. As for the whole waiting thing, patience is a virtue. So we've had to wait (a long freakin time) for our games, but we waited for xbox to produce quality as well. I love my xbox, but its a janky piece of plastic compared to my PS3. Its got better games, but thats not going to last for very long. Personally I'm excited about far more PS3 games then xbox games. Mass effect looks pretty good, Alan Wake should be amazing, but I'll take Heavenly Sword over ANY xbox offering including the overhyped Gears, Halo Franchises. In addition to quality, the Sony people arent trying to up the console cycle like your precious MS. I may have put down 600 bucks for my PS3 but I dont have to worry about buying another system for several years. MS is already showing prototypes of a new xbox after only a year! 400 dollars every 3 years is a lot more than 600 every 10. In addition, BluRay is a great addition. Maybe a lot of xbox people dont care about movies, but I love them, I was excited about bluray and am more than happy to pay the extra cost to have a quality HD format for my favorite films. You pay an extra 200 for HD DVD which brings your total cost up to what I paid for my PS3 and you get a format thats far less likely to succeed. And if BluRay does win the format war (which is looking more and more likely every day) then MS says they'll put out a BluRay addon for the xbox. DO YOU THINK THEY'RE GONNA BRING OUT A MORE EXPENSIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR 200 DOLLARS? Yeah, I dont think so either. And the obvious winner of the console wars?! ME!! Cause I got em both.
The only game my 360 has scratched was my fault. How much stuff do you have stacked on top of your 360?
I agree that you are the winner because you have both... Resistance is not any better than GOW they both represent the best games available for their respective console. But they are different games aas many many many people have pointed out.
Just a quick comment on something you said, "In addition to quality, the Sony people arent trying to up the console cycle like your precious MS. I may have put down 600 bucks for my PS3 but I dont have to worry about buying another system for several years. MS is already showing prototypes of a new xbox after only a year! 400 dollars every 3 years is a lot more than 600 every 10."
First off...I have yet to see any prototypes being shown...and I am pretty damn sure you haven't either since things of that nature are totally top secret for these companies.
Secondly...I would fully expect and hope MS, Sony & Nintendo would all have some kind of dev. team in place to start working on the next version in some fashion or not. MS stated they were looking at a 4-5 year life cycle btw..not 3.
Third...You act like a 4-5 year life cycle is a bad thing? Let me tell you, what Sony did by riding the PS2 for 10 years was basically akin to being lazy and reaping the rewards of the major competition failing early on (sega) or entering too late (MS). I am sorry but I am rather glad MS is getting these guys to think more in line with the PC world where upgrading should be done every so often. Consoles now will begin updating more regularly and get the newest, better tech to allow them to stay competative in the gaming market.
Change is good if done right...and a 4-5 year life span is perfectly fine for 360 owners. Remember...we have had our console over a year already and have been enjoying great games. PS3 owners are just now coming to the party.
You make many valid points in reference to the speeding up of the hardware cycle. I was just trying to point out that a lot of people claim the 360 to be the best value, but they're only talking about right now. When you're putting down the amount of money that we do on games we're basically investing in these systems. Investments are not short term so it irritates me that people only look at short term results when comparing long term investments.
As for the new xbox console, there are pictures all over the web, its not entirely new, its more of an upgraded 360, with HDMI ports, larger hard drive, etc. But still, it makes me mad that they would release something like this when I've already spent 400 on their system. Give me something that has lasting value. Plus look at the way they completely abandoned the original box. I've never seen a company abandon a product so mercilessly. At least the PS2 is still getting strong support, and so did the PS1.
Everyone talks about MS like they're loyal to their fans cause they make a system thats easy to develop for but I dont see it that way. I see Sony as supporting their users much better. I mean the xbox didnt even have a year warranty on it till the PS3 came out.
As for my game being mutilated, I'm actually planning to take the system back and get a new one since I have a warranty from best buy, but its irritating none the less. I've very careful with my media, and if I showed you the scratches you would see that they're from the xbox laser since they go in circle patterns.
I dont think that Sony was lazy with the PS2, I think it took people that long to fully reach the potential of the PS2. Look at the first gen games compared to what they're producing now. God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, Final Fantasy XII, no one would have guessed in the first year of the PS2 that it was capable of such amazing games. I see the same thing happening with the PS3. MS goes with well known technology thats easy to develop for while Sony goes for powerful unknown technology that takes longer to understand but delivers more and more amazing content thru its life cycle. And for all those saying the emotion engine never lived up to its hype, you guys didnt stick around long enough, the titles I mentioned earlier fufill the promises Sony made about the PS2. People are so concerned with immediate results they dont realise that waiting has its rewards.
People would know its a good deal, but for some reason they refuse to do that. I mean blue ray players are going for $1000 and you can get that and a PS3 for $600. I dont like the force fed blue ray but it is a good deal. But lots of people arent ready for all that and thats why its not selling well. Im sure its gonna pick up steam but it sure starting off extremely slow!!!!! But hearing that from PSM. WOW!!!!! Whats next Nintendo Coupons??????????
I dont get the "force fed" bluray deal. Sony made it clear. system is running on blu ray. you want PS3 its bluray based. Dont want bluray dont buy PS3. that simple. "forcefed" i just dont understand how people arrive at that. "hmmm Infiniti force fed me Gasoline powered engine when I bought my Car".....
Its not like Ken was like "hey kaz guess wat im sneaking a blu ray drive in this bad boy and no one will know till they buy it" Then wen you fired up your PS3 the start screen said OWNED by Bluray !!! lol even though that would be funny.
I could be wrong but I just see the term thrown around alot and I personally dont see how people arrive at it. Maybe im just a different kind of consumer if i dont want it I dont buy it. There is always an alternative and if you dont think the alternative is better well then your not being force fed your making a choice. thats my opinion correct me if im wrong.
you CANT get a PS3 without Blu-ray. If you want a PS3 you be forced into blu-ray. Microsoft decided to give you the choice to add a HD Drive. Sony could have done the same but chose to force it on the PS3 community. Also with purchasing cars you always have a choice. I chose to get a Toyota Pruis instead of their new SUV so that my wife would not spend much on gasoline. Also, Gasoline is a standard. In videogames it would be equivilant to joypads/controllers. Now did infinity force you to get the luxury package or did you choose to get the standart package and you took it upon yourself to upgrade to leather and possibly some cool rimsa. Now please show me an alternative way that i can buy a playstation 3 without bluray.
I'm not sure you understand what "forcing" Blu-ray vs. a bolt on HD-DVD player really is. True, MS does not FORCE anyone to purchase the HD-DVD player. It's simply an option in that if you want to view HD movies on your 360 you can go lay down the cash and pick it up. On the flipside SNE has not forced anyone to purchase their Blu-ray "driven" console either. The BD in the PS3 is OEM and functions as a superior HD movie playback machine as well as the capability of allowing dev's more space to create games and add more content. This will come into clearer view here in the next few months with SNE's big budget game releases. You can't run games on the MS HD-DVD drive. It's not a forced issue. Either you'll pay $500 - $600 for the BD PS3 or opt to pay $399 for the 360 w/o the capability of plying larger games on a disc (BR) capable of holding more information. Take the red pill or the blue one. The choice is yours. =]
I have both systems and agree for the most part with this article. I think that they are even right now, but as that really speaks good for the ps3. Not that they're even with games now, just overall. If the 360 has out for a year and they are even with the ps3, to me it seems the ps3 will come out the winner. The 360 will get better also, but there wont be too much more than whats already known.
The ps3 has the potential to be around long after the 360 dies and MS comes out with another console. This is the first thought i had when sony said the Cell will never use 100% of its power. Maybe there wont be a reason for a ps4. Maybe ps3 is really future proof
unless they can upgrade their CPUs and GPUs through downloaded updates, or CPUs and GPUs will never be better than they are now. i don't believe either is the case.
...to get at least 8 - 10 years out of the PS3. What a joke!!! in 5 years time the current cell in the PS3 will look as good as a 16-bit megadrive. If Sony is not releasing a PS4 in 2011 then they will probably be 2 years behind the next Xbox.
Consoles can only afford a 5-6 year life span given that technology moves so quickly. Oh, and who gives a damn about Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD. By the time you actually get your moneys worth, Blu-Ray players will be under $100. I wish everyone would stop saying the PS3 is actually good value for money because as a games console its not. If it was such great value for money, why is the Wii outselling it everywhere?
...that a 50% price cut and 20 software updates can't fix.
Plus some new games.
It'll take time, though, MS isn't standing still; they're already working on *new* ways to make Sony's life miserable.
So yes, a tie is not a bad prediction to make today, but keep in mind that all indications are that a tie is the *worst* that XBOX will get, come 2009 or thereabouts and that an outright win is no longer impossible.
As things stand, MS will do no worse than maintain their installed base and pricing lead well into 2009 and possibly 2010 and the next-generation.
Sony has two advantages over MS at this point; brand loyalty (but that's a currency they've been depleting for the last two years) and japanese nationalism. We know the japanese will never buy an american console, even with japanese games, but every day that goes by japan matters less to the global market and right now Nintendo is looking to rule Japan, anyway. So that limits PS3 japanese sales (no big boost to the installed base this time around) and forces the previously PS-only japanese developers to protect themselves by developing more for Nintendo and 360, especially if they have any kind of export ambitions.
Certainly it doesn't hurt that Capcom's two big releases for 360 have hit a million sales each (and Lost Planet got there in weeks).
There's money to be made off them 360 boxes!
As of January 07 MS has about a 9 Million box installed base lead. Judging by the (not-so) vast numbers Sony will ship to Europe for that launch, it doesn't look like they'll be within sniffing distance of 6 million by June, so lets be kind and say they'll be at 4 million when MS hits 12. That brings the gap down to 8 million.
Second half, MS will likely cut prices and let loose the Spartans of war so they'll likely do no worse than match Sony sales at retail.
Basically status quo, right?
Except that. unlike Sony, MS will have a *second*, non-retail, channel for 360 sales in the second half of 07 and going forward; the OEM STB 360 boxes to be used for IPTV. And that is a complete wildcard. That could mean as a few as a million 360's or as many as 3 million, depending on how and when they start building them. And a lot of those boxes will be going (as leases!) to people who wouldn't necessarily think of buying a 360. Its a whole new ballgame children.
Bottom line is that while Sony has work to do to catch up to where 360 is today (in games, online, and media) MS is well ahead in installed based, manufacturing cost reductions, and alternate sales and revenue channels. Just remember, this generation its not just about the hardware or even the games. MS has those but they also have other weapons in their arsenal that Sony can't match. Period. These are not things fanboys notice but they certainly help the bottom line and are more likely to influence the outcome of the so-called console war than any single game, no matter how popular.
Lets just say MS will do no worse than a tie and point out Nintendo hurts Sony more than MS. It *is* a three way race, after all. No wonder Gates is happy with 360 as it stands.
"There is nothing wrong with PS3...
...that a 50% price cut and 20 software updates can't fix. "
That is the best summation I have seen. Nice.
i never said that ps3 would win by the end of a year......what i said was that after the end of 2007 it would be conclusive as to whoever have the edge, it could even be nintendo......or 360 by a long margin....
before you start ranting please make sure you dont read what is not written....
Not trying to sound cheesy but thats the kind stuff of I come to this site for. "Valid logical Reasoning" . I'm still behind my point that I made at the same time you made a good one as well. What im stating is "they made it pretty clear there is no PS3 without Blu-ray" Bluray makes the PS3 clock go around. To offer it without blu ray would defy the purpose in a way. I dont think they force fed costumers as much as they more likely have taken up the responsibilty to make sure blu ray is successful or they are how do you put it "screwed royally". So I guess you can say they took a gamble more than they say the force fed. Its not all one sided. People forget at the end of the day "WE" are the consumers "WE" have the final word. "WE" make the purchase.
a small company with no power.sony has more music,more movies,more games,and more brand loyalty than microsoft.sony also has more innovative ideas that can't be matched.that dual analog controller your holding for 360?copied from sony.that rumble in the controller?yep,copied from sony.the eyetoy camera(awsome idea),the hard drive,dvd playback,dvd remote,online and services that sony was too slow to get up and running on ps2?you guessed it.copied from sony.microsoft only improved and ran with those ideas and made it work as a software company.
sony has the retail channels,they have the advertising,they have the capability to streamline the system and make it cheaper because they own and make the hardware.microsoft has a better shot this time because they own some of the components now.all microsoft has is live,a bigger installed base and a head start.doesn't mean that will stay the same.and not everyone plays online.
as for being forced with bluray?why should i be forced to buy a 360 with a dvd drive?how about a cd drive to make it cheaper to buy?wait,you say you need more space for games?really?sony offered it to devs and said you have more space to put any type of content on the disc.that's not a negative.that's a positive.don't try to spin it.it is a positive.one worldwide sku for simultaneous release,multiple languages,more sound tracks and voice overs.just more content without MULTIPLE DISCS.with the option to cache files on the hard drive for faster loading.loading already is decent.i don't have any complaints.bluray isn't a psp loading up a wrestling game.and the disc covers any large game for the next 10 years without trying to squeeze it on a dvd.
right now,it's going to be up to the big guns to decide who leads for the next few years.yes microsoft has a very big gun with halo3.but that's it.there are new ips coming,but none as large and as well known as halo3.what was the biggest sellers on xbox?halo and halo2.other games sold well like EA's games.but other than that,nothing.just halo.
sony on the other hand had games in all genres.and that was just themselves without third parties included.they also have big companies like square-enix that stand by sony first.not microsoft.i wouldn't count out japan becuase a third of our games come from there.japanese games are also shouted out loud by some 360 fans about sales.doesn't mean a japanese company,or any japanese company will abandon sony.a JAPANESE COMPANY.
the war has just started.over one year against 2 1/2 months.one country has sony already beating microsoft with sales of a HIGHER PRICED system and hd-dvd is dead with a 96% bluray installed base.europe will be the second country that sony passes microsoft.not sure about bluray over there.as for america?microsoft has the lead.FOR NOW ANYWAY.and bluray is starting to lead over here."OUT NOW ON DVD AND BLURAY."I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE,ONE HD-DVD COMMERCIAL.
it's not over yet.just getting started.sony is in a good position selling more systems in the same time frame as when ps2 launched.let's see how it all pans out.
and the first things that came to mind were dreamcast/PS2 style controller and PS2 features, such as the hard drive, dvd drive, dvd movie playback, etc. No wonder Kaz Hirai told the press how hard it's been trying to innovate when Microsoft keeps copying almost every strategy they put out. "We can't shake these guys off our backs!"
In Japan, the 360 is half the price of the PS3, but the PS3 beat 52 weeks of Xbox360 sales within a 4 week period. Within the past 8 weeks it's doubled that figure. PS3 is breaking 360 sales records, despite the fact that it was released in fewer countries and with fewer consoles at launch. That says a lot.
I can only imagine what'll happen after the European launch and heavy hitters like Lair and Motorstorm hit the shelves.
Kaz can shove it up his crap hole. The Japanese wouldn't even have an economy right now if it wasn't for American innovations. Any idea where the IC Chip, Personal Computer, or first video game was born??? There were stand up arcade games with dual joysticks before the playstation brand even existed...all they did was miniaturize it. Innovative....whatever.
"sony also has more innovative ideas that can't be matched.that dual analog controller your holding for 360?copied from sony.that rumble in the controller?yep,copied from sony"
And Sony stole ideas from Sega and Sega took some from Nintendo and Nintendo capitalized on the failure of Atari. You know….. R&B met Country and made Rock n Roll, while Psychedelic Rock spawned Metal and Metal said hello to Hip Hop.
"rock n roll also has more innovative ideas that can't be matched.that electric guitar your holding for metal?copied from rock n roll.that amplifier its pluged in to?yep,copied from rock n roll" <------ :-)
Fact, every game designer or console manufacture barrow from one another. Why…. because this is how "new" software and hardware get made. This is how all new technology gets made and I'm going out on a limb here but I'm going to say it's impossible to progress as a human race without stealing every idea from everyone.
You just seem mad, is it because the 360 (Yes and the Wii) has done it better with "innovative ideas" this round.
Can somebody tell me what's so good about the 360's online services? Every xbox fans just say it's so great but nobody says why
Just to name a few things:
unified friends list (I can see what game everyone is playing and compare our achievements) <---I can do this on xbox.com as well
xbox live arcade
rent HD movies online
being able to jump into a multiplayer or co-op match with a friend just by hitting "Join in progress."
Its really hard to say in a few words. I mean the LIVE experience once you get into it is very deep and rewarding. More than anything you really feel you are part of a community. You are always just a couple taps of buttons away from friends/invites to any game no matter where. This is part of the unified system that Sony opted to avoid and imo is the number one thing that makes LIVE so great. Its just seamlessly integrated into everything and you don't notice it...which is a great thing. There are tons of other little things...achievements, comparing games, multiple downloads behind the scenes while you play, downloading movies/tv shows...and a ton more. And trust me Sony again missed the mark by not making achievments part of the online. They are addicting as all get out!
Post 18: Geachy..not 100% what you are trying to imply..but if its to slam the 360 online you are SADLY mistaken.
The online service for 360 it makes the wii's look next gen. It is so bad and so is the wii.
BHAHAHA! that is just the dumbest item of the day right there. The 360 has the worst online service, if you think sony's online service is better than xbox's, get out of your wet dream. Nothing beats XBLA, unfied friends list, downloading HD movies. more and more.
Why would anyone but the PS3 for Resistance, that game looks so awful. Buy a PS3 and Motorstorm than you will be happy. Shadowgamer, Sony never invented the Hard Drive, it was already being used in Computers a long time before and even then it never came into the European version of the PS2. Theres already something called the webcam so did Sony copy the webcam and improve it? Did Sony copy the PC online service and make it worse? Ddid Sony copy the DVD playback which was in DVD players before? Sony, MS and Nintendo all copied each other, its a part of life and you can never claim it as your own unless you made it better, you changed something to make it better etc.
They all harvest ideas off each other, and btw...MS actually developed the first motion sensitive controller a ways back for PC's but it was not widely liked due to the limited support in games.
Anyway, its this back and forth, copying and improving that is what makes having competition so important. Gaming will just get better and better for all with it.
Sony is way way behind, there is no draw for now. that's wishful sony thinkingf, I mean common sence tells us that. If your a sony game lover then ps3 is best for you and if your an Xbox 360 game lover then Xbox 360 is best, ....but, on a scale of where hardware and software and it's functionality is at, then it's no contest at all. Xbox 360 is bleems ahead for now, beginning 2008 will be the true test for all 3 consoles. Xmas 2007 will begin to set the true pace of things, but for now , now way and you know it.
In the end it comes down to the games you prefer.
What I miss? What I miss?
The Flame Wars start yet?!!!
***this story probably should have never got posted...LOL!***
PS3 isn't even on the same level as an media Home entertainment divice. IPTV, Live Anywhere, XNA, Tons of Next-gen Social titles which are very popular right now(online capable). I agree saving a little face is better than none(PS3 & 360 even?).
As with apples and oranges, you'll never have an objective comparison on every point because they're different products. Some will tout PS3's look, built in functionality and storage flexibility. Xbox 360 advocates put community and Live on a pedestal over Sony's online network. Major differences aside, when comparing what both are capable of doing and claim to do well, which is play video games, there is very little difference. I'm confident that a majority of people out there bought them for that main reason.
These comparisons are done to death, and even the definition of "winning" is ambiguous. Is it to process the most gigaflops? To have the most exclusive titles? To make the most money? To have the prettiest shape?
Or was it to provide the most entertainment?
Quote: "mean blue ray players are going for $1000 and you can get that and a PS3 for $600."
Why is it that the only reason to get a PS3 is for a cheap blu-ray player. I thought the PS3 was supposed to be a game machine.
When people talk about the 360 they talk about the AAA games, awesome online service. The PS3....well it has blu-ray.
Maybe this is why the system isn't selling. Doesn't this look like it could be a problem for sony.
I love how everyone is taking a draw to mean anything but a draw. It means they are equal. For the fanboys who take that as a slight towards either system I say just relax. Dependant upon what side of the fence you sit on it could mean many things but its all just a matter of perspective. Both Sony and M$ have been saying their machine is superior, this is just one (surprisingly unbiased oppinion) suggesting neither is. BooHoo or hooray for both..? Without the games both are just incredibly overpriced paper-weights anyway. Yes, I'm aware the ps3 plays blu-ray discs, I've also never heard anyone say "well with all these great blu-ray titles coming out I HAVE to get my ps3!" Either way, good job to both for building machines so technically capable. I'm eager to see what both will do throughout the next year.
1. A Sony-centric (PSM mag? Unbiased? Pleeez) magazine called the PS3 and 360 a draw. This IS good news for 360, not-so-great news for PS3.
2. Both of these systems have new content and capabilities coming out in the future, so things can change. If Blu-Ray blows HD-DVD out of the water (which is not likely), then including it in every PS3 will look like genius. Right now, because of what it adds to the PS3's cost, it could be considered and achille's heel. Likewise, when IPTV, XNA, and live anywhere are fully implemented, with all the ramifications of these programs, they might boost 360 to a whole new level that PS3 can't match.
3. Content is king, Whether it is Live arcade games, downloadable HD video, or GAMES. Both PS3 and 360 will have all of these types of features (plus music, connectivity, etc.) So WHO provides WHAT to their users, and the soonest, will make MOST of the difference. Right now, Sony is limping a little behind-- losing 1080p "exclusivity," being the only system capable of showing HD movies "out of the box"-- (you can download HD movies from live, store them on the 360's harddrive, and watch them that way WITHOUT buying the HD-DVD add-on), losing exclusive games (GTA IV, Assassins Creed, VF, etc.), media delivery, and the PSN being as good as Live, but for free (Not even close, yet, Sony)
4. This "battle" is not over. Some people think that Christmas '07 will tell the tale, I doubt it very much. By launching first, Microsoft can price-drop quicker, and has a HUGE game in Halo 3 in the pipeline. Sony may very well sell lots of systems if Lair, Motorstorm, DMC4 and Heavenly Sword are all they are claimed to be, even at $600.00
5. Don't forget the Wii. It is STILL selling like crazy, even while shiny, new PS3's sit on the shelf and 360 sales have leveled off or even declined. NO ONE really thought the Wii would do this well, or that at least the novelty would wear off, eventually. But with Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Brothers out by the end of the year, they could easily distance themselves from PS3 and catch or surpass 360 in systems sold, which would lead to even more devs. making games for Wii, etc.
I love being able to point out that PS3 has a little pie on its face, and that so far, the 360 is doing better than a lot of people expected, because I have a 360 and see no need to buy a PS3.... Yet. But I have an Xbox and PS2, and played the heck out of both, so if the exclusive games are their for the PS3, eventually I will get one of them, too, and probably a Wii for the kids. I love video games of all kinds and everything about them, even these lovely debates on the interwebs. But lets be honest, people, all three systems offer something to somebody, so let the people buy what they want and play what they want-- when 3 huge companies are throwing THEIR money at game developers, and spending it on hardware and features and better games, we, the consumers, ALL OF US, win!
"trust me Sony again missed the mark by not making achievments part of the online. They are addicting as all get out!"
No offense but i think that the achievements are a waste of time. They do nothing except point out that some people have probably played more than others. I'd prefer it if they put ranks for the games based on performance or skill instead.
wow i thought they were supposed to be the playstation magazine. not looking good if ur own magazine turns on u
They made valid points, and haven't been afraid to criticize Sony's faults in the past. It'd be great if other magazines were as unbiased as PSM.
We're only two months into the Playstation's life cycle, so it's obvious that they didn't have much to base their comparisons off of. From the looks of it though, Playstation 3 is going to have the advantage by the end of this year. Having superior hardware is great, but the games that are planned for the coming months are actually starting to take advantage of that power much faster than what happened on the PS2.
If the new footage of Lair is anything to go by, then we're in for a hell of a treat.
"but the games that are planned for the coming months are actually starting to take advantage of that power much faster than what happened on the PS2."
I've heard that before.
You and other Sony fans said:
"Wait untill the PS3 launches and the multiplatforms they worked on longer all those months will look better then the 360 versions. Like FNR3"
Well we've seen that and the PS3 versions were defeated by the 360 versions. FNR3 on the 360 looks better. COD3 on the 360 looks much, much better then the PS3 version. It runs even smoother with 60fps on 360 compared to 30fps on the PS3.
If you talk online, Tony Hawk, Virtua Tennis 3 have no, I repeate: 0,0 online features on the PS3. It has extended online stuff on the 360. MLB 2k7 has 30 person leagues online on the 360, it has 12 person leagues online on the PS3.
Last time fanboys said: "wait, wait wait"
Now they say again "Wait untill the coming months games come out", "wait untill the 2nd gen"
I'll tell you a little secret. When the PS3 has it's 2nd gen, the 360 will have it's 3rd gen. When the PS3 has their 3rd gen, the 360 will have its 4th gen.
They'll always be ahead. Why are titles for the PS3 delayed so much? GRAW 2 I already play the demo on my 360, this night. The game will launch in March for 360 and PC. THe PS3 version is delayed again untill what, fall? And still will get the lesser version.
So stop the waiting, start jumping in. Buy a 360 because you're missing out if you're waiting for potential.
PS3: 'This is paying, this is waiting'
consoles aren't pcs.never have been.probally never will be.did sega or nintendo have a hard drive,dvd remote,backwards compatability(sony did it first before everyone because it was built in.not like the master system converter i bought for my genesis),did they have built in dual motor,dual analog, vibrating controllers?how many games on pc use the camera to play games with?how popular were they?i didn't see any.who was talking about offering games,movies and music for download on ps2?wasn't microsoft.they didn't have a system available.
everything sony has come up with,even the target audience has been copied by microsoft.microsoft didn't go for nintendo's target audience.they went after sony's target audience.nintendo didn't copy sony or microsoft.they have innovation on their own.they don't need sony or microsoft's ideas.microsoft went after the adult audience that sony created because they have money to spend.and two,they no longer want to be spoonfed the same mario games over and over.even if mario is fun.we grew up.we have jobs.we spend money.
i don't see any movies being made that microsoft can offer for download or to sell.plan on watching spiderman 3?yeah,me too.that's sony.listen to music maybe?some of those artists are under sony.think sony could cut deals with it's own artists to offer their music exclusively on ps3 and psp?as for bluray,seen and hd-dvd commercials to support that add-on to let people know that movies are still coming for the format?nope.neither have I.next generation online has an article on sony and bluray.the top five movies last year are only on bluray.the top 11 of 15 are exclusively on bluray only.think spiderman 3 will be on hd-dvd?hope you got a dvd player.sony's movie,i say again,sony's movie will be on dvd and they will reap the rewards from those sales too.
i know you have a 360 and plan on getting ps3 when the price comes down for you.nothing wrong with that.it has games you like.it has online you like.can't disagree with that.i on the other hand was raised on atari and american games,but LIVED ON JAPANESE GAMES.and that particular style.i love action like dmc,rygar for ps2,god of war,castlevania,onimusha.i like flying games like ace combat.i like racing games like outrun,gran turismo,tokyo extreme racer.well...actually put any racer in front of me and if it's good,i'll play it.rpgs like skies of arcadia,final fantasy and phantasy star.those apear in abundance on a japanese system.i don't hate fable or morrowind or knights of the old republic.but mostly,their not my style.their pc style rpgs.i didn't grow up on pc.most of us grew up on console in front of the tv.and that's where my tastes lie.shooters are fun but really do nothing for me.i can't see my character.i can't see my feet,i can't see to the left or right of me and so on.ninja gaiden wouldn't have felt right in first person.dmc wouldn't have felt right.so until microsoft releases games "I" want like they got me to buy the xbox,i don't want the system.it's probally why 360 gamers want a lot of playstation titles to go multiplatform.to get people like me to buy it.so that the lead increases.but looking at the game portfolio,i't not changing my mind on wanting both.
so right now,sony has a dedicated customer.and i know they won't abandon millions of gamers to get the jump on the competition.they still support the old system and support the new one.i can't say the same for microsoft when they said"NO MORE GAMES FROM US"!"BUY THE EXPENSIVE NEW ONE"!"WE MIGHT SUPPORT IT WITH BC BUT IT'S NOT REALLY THAT IMPORTANT TO US."NFL 2K5 ANYONE?
Then W? the F**k is Sony, Nintendo and MS keep telling the whole world these things are PCs?
And don't consoles use operating systems like PCs?
Isn't one of these guys Microsoft? You know… "MICROSOFT" the pirates who brought Windows and put the "PC" everywhere
lair does look pretty sick. but seriously shouldnt the psu magazine be trying to help look the ps3 better not on par with the 360 or inferior? traitors theyre just sore theyre losing their jobs suckers
"A Sony-centric (PSM mag? Unbiased? Pleeez) magazine called the PS3 and 360 a draw. This IS good news for 360, not-so-great news for PS3"
I wouldn't call it a draw tho'...I would call it a slaughter! The 360 is still outselling the ps3! 17 games have reached the million sale mark with more big sellers coming this year in Crackdown, Mass Effect, Blue Dragon, Bioshock, Forza 2, Halo3, etc... Nothing on the ps3 in 2007 brings the excitement as GOW! So calling it a draw is a stretch!
The 360 has done so much since its birth! The ps3 hasn't done anything but spit out one good game in Resistance! It looks like the only good news I ever see on the ps3 is about the blue ray player and movies. I prefer the games! Give me the games baby!!!
A draw??? Not even close!
to 2 months of market presence. When a 2-month old console is viewed as being on par with a 14-month old console, it's the older console (the 360 in this case) that is at a disadvantage. The pitiful sales figures of the 360 don't help either. Come on, 14 months and they only sold 5 million consoles in the U.S.? They had two holiday seasons, and still couldn't step up to the plate. No wonder investors are so disappointed in Microsoft.
Either way, you didn't name very many upcoming titles for the 360. Come on. Criticizing the fact that Playstation 3 owners received a killer-app on day one, when 360 owners had to wait a year? What kind of crazy mindset is that?
Why should an independent magazine have unquestionable loyalty to a company that does not have ownership of them in the first place? I find it very surprising that you and others have the nerve to criticize the staff of PSM for NOT lying, for NOT being biased, and for doing such a great job.
On par? When did the PS3 reached this point?
WTF my alarm clock didn't wake me to this news, maybe it because its "still" just a DREAM.


text:
- Shekinah Books
In these times: war today, peace today and threat of war tomorrow; we have desire for peace and at the same time, to dispel our enemies forcefully. Rockets fly, and then the lulls…we need greater revelation. Father! Draw us in to that place of safety and intimacy in your presence where we can see beyond the worlds in collision to where you are! Focusing on the situation is overwhelming.
"Why do the heathen rage?"(Psalm 2:1) We need your Grace to abound in us that we might attain to that place where you sit smiling in the heavens unfazed. You remain still as a summer's day in the midst of the vain attempts to thwart your plans and purposes for us and the Land. Grant us that composure.
Take us into your counsel. Draw us to the place where we belong, seated with you in Heavenly places.
Your secrets are with those that fear you (Psalm 25:14). Your council is in intimacy. Commentators say that this word "secret" in Hebrew (sod) comes from the word for couch or divan, reminiscent of the orientals who gathered and reclined on couches in intimate consultations.
Oh, to be in that place, like John, leaning on your breast, hearing your very heartbeat. That is where we long to be in these times!
Take us in


text:
Monday, 20 June 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The National HR Conference (NHRC), the premier people event in South Asia, is just around the corner. This time they have picked an opportune theme entitled 'HR Ecosystem for Competitiveness'. My intention is to explore the fascinating scenario of the HR Ecosystem and to have a glimpse through the ten Gs.
Figure 1: HR Ecosystem through ten Gs Source: Dharmasiri (2016)
Ecosystems in a nutshell
Ecosystems are so essential to nature. The typical biology textbooks call it a community of living organisms. They provide the basis for survival and sustainability. This article explores the nature and features of an ecosystem in relation to Human Resource Management (HRM). It also attempts to link the HR ecosystem for competitiveness, in four levels, namely ground, group, general and global. Expanding the seven-G framework of HRM in an institutional context to cover industrial to international perspectives, a novel ten-G approach is proposed.
HRM in focus
It is worthwhile recalling the way we defined HRM for Sri Lanka. Based on the brainstorming conducted as a team and feedback obtained from professionals and professors, the following definition emerged: "A strategic and integrated approach in acquisition, development and engagement of talent, using relevant tools, with proper policies, practices and processes in creating a conducive climate towards achieving organisational excellence and societal wellbeing (IPM, 2014)."
What we meant by strategic is working towards achieving the overall goals and specific objectives of the organisation. It is essentially aligning with broad organisational priorities. It highlights the strategic significance of HRM and the holistic role it should play.
Talent refers to three Cs going in line with Prof. Dave Ulrich (2009), namely, competence, commitment and contribution. We consciously included the term Conducive Climate in our HRM definition, meaning a supportive environment within an organisation. The end result of all HR endeavours, the way we see, is having twin aspects - Organizational Excellence and Societal Wellbeing.
HR Ecosystem through the ten Gs
It is indeed fascinating to see how HRM operates at various levels within an institution as well as outside an institution
I propose an HR ecosystem as a combination of ten Gs, namely, Goal, Get, Give, Grow, Glue, Glow, Guard, Grapple, Grip and Gratify. They are related mainly to four levels, from micro to macro. I would identify them as Ground, Group, General and Global. Let's go through the details with examples.
Ground level
I propose this as the institutional or organisational context. It could be private or public. The first seven Gs are very much in existence here.
1. Goal: This occupies centre stage in setting the direction of the entire organisation. It revolves around the strategic intent, comprising vision, mission or aspiration whatever the terminology may be. Aligning the grooming of people with the goals of the organisation should be the right approach. There are numerous occasions where people are unclear about their top goals and priorities.
Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) appears prominently in this context. SHRM is an approach that defines how an organisation's goals will be achieved through people by means of HR strategies and integrated HR policies and practices.
2. Get: This is all about getting the right people in. The hiring challenge looms large for organisations in diverse environments, mainly owing to a talent gap. I would call it an R-R gap, the gap between required talent and raw talent. The market is replete with raw talent, especially with school-leavers. Are they geared for a demanding job in a target-driven environment? Sadly, the answer is no. We teach complex subject matter but not how to gain confidence. Job-orientation in the academic courses has been recognised as important only of late.
In practical terms, updated job descriptions and job specifications should be available for each position and these should be used in the selection process. Also, selecting the appropriate test in predicting future performance for the specific job is important. Managers should be trained in effective hiring, with special emphasis on interviewing skills.
3. Grow: This refers to the need to build people. Training and development go hand-in-hand. The simple difference is that the former is for the present and the latter is for the future. In essence, training is to do something. Development is to be someone. Both are intertwined in such a way that training leads to development.
Choices in training and development are captured here. The identification of training and development needs is of the utmost importance in this regard. Having clarity on program participants, presenters, designers, coverage, delivery methods and expected behavioural changes are some of the vital associated components.
4. Give: 'If you give peanuts, you get monkeys', goes the old saying. What you give the person who came in by way of reward and recognition is of the utmost importance in the context of competition. Your competitor can grab your best talent by giving more.
One may observe that some Sri Lankan organisations have well-structured reward and recognition schemes. What is needed more could be strengthening of the behavioural aspects, such as verbal appreciation of exceptional performance.
5. Glue: I would associate the feature 'binding' with glue. This refers to the range of choices in retaining talent. Having developed the knowledge and skills of high performers of any organisation, seeing them leave is the last thing an organisation would want. Encouraging evidence can be found in many leading organisations in Sri Lanka. Yet, the reality remains that when overseas opportunities are galore with unmatchable financial offers, employees tend to seek better prospects. As I have seen in many organisations, effectively engaging the employees with a clear purpose can be a sure-cure in arresting the rot.
6. Glow: This is the subtlest of all. It can appear in several forms. As one such form, choices in promoting the employees can be captured. When a career ladder is available for them to climb, and when the organisation is genuinely providing support and encouragement, the chances of them contributing better in a more committed manner is high. Establishing criteria for new jobs, allowing volunteers to take up challenging tasks, evaluating candidates' potential and supporting new jobholders are some of the key actions in this regard.
7. Guard: Guarding is all about employee protection through a proper policy framework. It may include controls as well as clearance for creative action. A widely shared and wilfully-practiced set of corporate values also falls into this perspective. A weak guarding may result in employees having uncertainty and ambiguity with regard to their direction, resulting in lower involvement and contribution.
The above seven Gs are interrelated and in existence in institutions. Let's move one step further. When many such institutions in an industry have seven Gs, there are much greater prospects for HRM to prosper.
Group Level
I use the term 'Group' to identify many institutions in an industry. Several apparel manufacturers having seven Gs of HRM in the apparel industry is such an example. The eighth G, Grapple, is required here,
8. Grapple: It is the reality of competition among various institutions to grab the best talent. It also highlights the way to handle possible conflicts or collaborations between different institutions with regard to HRM. Among the competing organisations, how HRM practices can be shared and supported is worth exploring. In essence, Grapple refers to the challenges of facing competition among the firms and how HRM should respond to such challenges.
In the diagram of the HR Ecosystem, several institutions having seven Gs of HRM are represented with the eighth G as an institutional HRM response to the industry. This in fact can be further extended to more than one industry as well.
General level
This is where all industries with many institutions meet. It is essentially the broad national level where country-wide HRM policies and practices become significant. This is where twin influences occur with regard to industries and thereby the institutions within. I would like to call them gearing factors and governing elements.
Gearing Factors are the typical PESTEEL factors that gear or influence the steering of an industry or the institutions within it. PESTEEL stands for political, economic, social, technical, environmental, ethical and legal factors. They affect an industry in general and an institution in particular. What is the implication to HRM? It is a case of having a grip on the gearing factors in making HRM policies. I propose this aspect as the ninth G, Grip.
9. Grip: In essence, it is the collective and committed HRM response to the gearing factors. Let's say a policy decision of allowing knowledge workers from a neighbouring country is taken. There is a need for HR professionals to discuss, decide and do the needful in such an event. That is to take a firm 'Grip' in responding to the influencing factor. It is a significant step in staying competitive as a nation.
Apart from the gearing factors, governing forces need our attention.
Governing forces are the stakeholders having diverse expectations. They include government, labour unions, HR professional bodies, HR research units, etc. What is required from HRM is the tenth G, which is to Gratify.
10. Gratify: This essentially refers to stakeholder satisfaction. HRM has a macro role here. HR professionals have to connect, cooperate and collaborate with multiple institutions, communities and organisations at the national level. These moves provide the key drivers for being more competitive as a nation.
Having discussed ground, group and general levels what is left is the global level.
The global level is where national competitiveness matters most. For us to be more competitive as a nation at the global level, HRM should produce global talent from Sri Lanka.
HR professionals have a critical role in ensuring that the seven Gs are present at the ground level, the eighth G exists at the group level and the remaining Gs exist at the general level. The current indications such as the Global Competitiveness Index reveal a significant area for improvement in this respect. It is the culmination of all Gs that HRM has to offer in order for the country to be more competitive globally.
Way forward
What we have attempted to do is have a glimpse at the HR Ecosystem through a ten-G approach. Each G is critical in ensuring the contribution of HRM for competitiveness at all levels. The role HR professionals have to play is getting increasingly important with inherently complex challenges. That is why HR professionals need confidence and competence in order to complete this uphill task.


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A Hero Arises from Tragedy
By: Lacey Meenen, Legal Assistant
Amid impending tragedy, a true hero thinks of others first.
We're committed to the safety and well-being of our communityLearn More
Amid impending tragedy, a true hero thinks of others first.
Frank Bailey was honored to be a guest speaker today for the Holiday Island Rotary Club in Holiday Island, AR.
The 74th Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks starts today, June 27th and continues through Saturday night the 30th.
When you learn to have a real positive mental attitude, you will see setbacks as challenges
"Touch Talks is about learning to communicate with your spouse in a way that will improve, adjust, mend or even fix your marriage. " --Jeannette Nieves
Protecting Your Rights
Make Sure You Don't Pay The Price For Someone Else's Negligence
Don't Let Your Rights Get Run Over Too


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My better half has finally succumbed. With a cry of "If you can't beat 'em, then join 'em" she has begun her own blog! You can visit her new online home at:
I am hoping she will still write here from time to time. If you are a fan of her writing, please drop me an e-mail so I can show it to her in an effort to get her to return! In the meantime, she is going to be focusing on her photography hobby on her blog. Most of the family pictures I have published lately have been taken on my camera, which is far inferior to her's. So I'm expecting to be shamed . . . and possibly to shamelessly steal some of her photos!


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Music is a perfect image of life. Each measure, each beat, each part of each beat represents a fresh beginning. The same "you" who played that note wrong yesterday or two minutes ago no longer exists, but is replaced by a new "you" who will play that note differently because charged with new energy, new vitality.
No wonder musicians come into our own in our 60's and really get steaming in our 80's. No wonder many great artists are still performing at 100.
You could look it up.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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I was born and raised in San Diego, and have lived in the North County area my whole life. I have fond memories of my Mom bringing me to Poway when I was a boy. We would go the old Bible bookstore, Miller's Outpost and then to Del Taco for lunch (I sure miss Del Taco).
Twenty years ago my employer moved to the Poway Business Park. Through my experience of working here in Poway, I gained appreciation for its high quality of life and the uniqueness of being the "City in the Country."
In 2004, around the same time that I started dating my wife, Tina, I was contemplating buying a home. The choice was clear to me. I knew that raising a family in Poway would be the right decision for me and my future family.
I know that I am not alone; families have been making that wise decision for decades. Poway represents so many good things to so many: San Diego County's safest city, great schools, tight-knit communities, excellent property values and so much more.
During the past eleven years, my family has grown with the birth of my daughter, and Poway has experienced growth as well. As Poway continues to evolve I want to be a part of a team that helps Poway continue to be the city that we Powegians all know and love, and to do that with fiscal responsibility and accountability.
For the past year and a half I have had the privilege of serving on the Poway Road Corridor Study committee, where it is has been my goal to influence the direction of City policy that will lead to the revitalization of this important thoroughfare.
I believe that several challenges lie ahead for City leaders, including equitable water rates, attracting quality businesses for jobs and shopping, and utilizing technology to better equip families and businesses meet their potential in Poway.
As a citizen of South Poway I see the impact of many of these decisions each day. I believe there is a need for South Poway to have representation on the City Council. The Mayor and Council represent the voices of all Powegians and as such I believe it is vital for a member of the Council to come from this area, especially when considering such things as water rates and community growth. I believe my fiscal conservatism and pragmatism would be a welcome asset to the Council.
I will work hard to ensure that I represent the interests of the working families of Poway, and I look forward to the chance to serve as a true representative of the people.


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- Canon 5D mk 3, Tamron 24-70m f2.8, Canon 70-200m f5, 50m 1.8.
- Zoom H4N, Zoom H1 with tie mic, Rode video mic
- Sachtler Ace Fluid Head Tripod
- Micro Slider
- Top Light
- 2 x Studio lights with soft boxes
- Mac Book Pro 15″
- Final Cut Pro
- After Effects
London South Bank University
- sep 10-june 2013 BA Hons in Digital Film & Video Production
This course encompassed many aspects of both film production and film studies. It provide me with a good grounding to work in the film and video production industry.
'In Her Dream' – Young In Hong, fig-2, Institute of Contemporary Art, London.
- Monday 9th feb - Thursday 12th Feb Director, Editor.
I won a commission to make a short film documenting the performance of an art work by the South Korean artist Young In Hong at The ICA London. The film was then screened for visitors to the gallery for a week after the performance.
Rich Hall's Hoe Down – Live at Soho Theatre - Bar Productions for Off The Kerb Productions
- 3rd Feb 2015 Camera Operator - Assistant Editor
'Tomorrow' Feature film - Tomorrow Film Productions
- November 2014 Camera Trainee
A feature film produced by Martin Scorsese, due for release this year. I performed general cam trainee roles and occasionally a 2nd AC role.
SEGRO – Business Watch 2014
- Dec 2014 2nd Camera & Editor
Law Course Introductions – University College London
- Sep 2014 - Nov 2014 Camera Operator
The Shirt Company
- sep 2014 Videographer
Commissioned to make a short film film detailing the production and photo shoot of The Shirt Companies new range. This involved going to Hungary to film in their factories and design studios.
York Council & Yorkshire Fitness Hire - Tour De France 2014
- June 2014 Videographer
Asked to make a promo documenting The Tour De France coming to York, and Yorkshire Fitness Hire's activities during the weekend festival.
Little Gold Online – The Telegraph - Kevin Ahart In The Studio
- June 2014 Camera Operator
Joseph Osgood – 'She So Fine' - Electric Theater
- may 2014 Camera Trainee
The Great Bake Off - Paul Hollywood TV advert & EPK - Triology Films & Little gold online
- April 2014 Camera Op
Nutley Edge Ancient Gill Woodland Restoration - National Lottery Funding & The Outreach Charity
- Feb 2014 Camera Op & Editor
I jointly won a commission with Bar Productions to make a film documenting the building of a Nature Trail for Adults with learning disabilities.
10 Plagues A Song Cycle- Marc Almond
- Feb 2014 Camera Op
616 – Web series Systir Productions The True Story of Vincent Legrand
- Oct 2013 Second AC/ Clapper loader
Mike – Short Film - Iressistable Films
- June 2013 Runner
Drop-out TV Interviews Bastille
- March 2013 Cam Op
The British Museum Broadcasting Unit – The Grayson Perry Interviews
- August 2012 Jnr Editor - Work exp


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HOW TO USE: Apply this water-repellent protective barrier on the affected area at least twice a day or as directed by a specialist.
Avoid irritants, ensure your baby's skin stays well hydrated and keep it protected.


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Heathrow give every MP a tin containing Scottish shortbread (and chocolate) as PR stunt on air freight
On about 21st July, Heathrow airport had a tin containing chocolate and Scottish shortbread delivered to every MP. Its aim was to try to persuade them that it is vital to ship UK exports from around the country via Heathrow, rather than them being exported from other airports. While it could be questioned whether there is a need to ship langoustines and salmon all the way across the world, it could also be questioned whether Scottish companies would prefer to use a Scottish airport. With an increasing desire by many in Scotland to be more independent from England, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports would be happy to build up their own long haul routes and take care of their own exports. All the time that Heathrow dominates UK aviation, new routes to long haul destinations (such as those for exports) will not be profitable from regional airports. Is Scotland really happy to continue to ship its produce via Heathrow? Do those affected by the environmental impacts, especially noise, from Heathrow really want Scottish products being freighted and then re-freighted over their heads? And as shortbread has a shelf life of at least 6 – 12 months, why is it being air freighted at all? Surely transfer by ship would be cheaper and more fuel efficient?
Every MP was sent a tin from Heathrow, (21st July 2015?) with some publicity blurb and a letter, a mug, some shortbread and some chocolate.
Many MPs were not impressed.
Caroline Lucas MP with her tin
This is the letter that came with it.
This says, in case it is hard to read:
"Inside this tin are a couple of the UK's food exports that leave the country through Heathrow.
• Walkers Shortbread, an established Scottish brand selling all over the world and a supporter or Heathrow expansion
• [and Louis Barnett Chocolate – not from Scotland].
There are plenty of other things we wanted to put in but couldn't. Scottish salmon, for example,is the UK's biggest food export of which £290 milloin worth went through Heathrow in 2014. British food products from Cornish clotted cream or langoustines from Inverness all travel via Heathrow to clients across the globe. "
All MPs given mug, shortbread & chocolate by Heathrow. Financial value trivial, so no need to declare "gift". But dubious given to EVERY MP?
Shortbread not persuading
@CarolineLucas that #heathrow expansion 'taking Britain further' but towards #climate chaos
All MPs got this box of goodies promoting a 3rd runway as a holiday present from Heathrow. Holiday captions please…
@HACAN1 Of course Britain faces a choice: cheap shortbread or butter shortbread. Pleased to see Heathrow has got it right. Pure Butter!


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Monday - Friday: 06:00 am - 11:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 08:00 am - 10:00 pm
We are a multi-purpose leisure centre situated on Holmanleaze, Maidenhead. We offer a fantastic range of facilities to our customers including a 135 station gym, 8 lane competition swimming pool, 10 court sports hall, and a brand new spin studio! The centre is also the place to contact for bookings for tennis, netball and football at Kidwells Park.
Its party time all the time at the Magnet Leisure Centre!Find out more
Will not be running until further notice, Roller Disco at the Magnet - 3-4pm Beginner session / 4.15pm -5.30pm Family session / 5.45pm - 7.30pm Older session. *Subject to change. Please check with the centre. CLICK MORE DETAILS FOR MORE INFOFind out more
The Take That Experience are one of the finest tributes to Take That across the UK and Europe & are returning to Maidenhead.Find out more
Wacky World is a one of a kind inflatable arena coming to the Magnet! Get the kids, family or partner active & make awesome memories. Take on our ultra-hype total wipeout style inflatable arena with a variety of games for the whole family to enjoy. All you need is kids with plenty of energy & a camera for selfies. Warning! Don't miss out limited tickets available.Find out more


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Download Frindle Study Guide
Critical Overview
Andrew Clements's work has been praised for a number of qualities. Barnes and Noble featured Clements in their summer reading program in 2008, and their vice president for children's books, Josalyn Moran, praises Clements for his wit and for being "thought-provoking." While those accolades refer to his work in general, comments specific to Frindle have been just as complementary. The novel won children's choice awards in more than twenty states, won the Christopher Award for upholding values of the human spirit, and Utah's Beehive Fiction Award.
Critics find much to praise in the novel. Writing for Horn Books, Elizabeth S. Watson calls the plot of Frindle a "tall tale," and praises its inventiveness, and, especially, its humor. Numerous critics praised the novel for what it offers children, especially for its love of language. A sign of Frindle's influence and power are the numerous Frindle-based contests designed to create a "best new word." An unsurprising but useful treatment of Frindle is found in Joan Novelli's article "Fact vs. Opinion," which guides instructors in how to use the novel to teach critical thinking based Clements approaches to research, ideas, and argumentation.
As well as noting its unique qualities, a few critics remark on how Frindle relates to the other works aimed at younger readers. Discussing a stage version of the novel, Dawnell Smith draws parallels between Nick's clashes with Mrs. Granger and Harry Potter's interactions with Professor Minerva McGonagall, suggesting that in both cases the lead character grows through rigorous, official authority. Publishers Weekly suggests that "frindle" becoming a real word. Kay Weisman sees parallels between Frindle and Avi's Nothing but the Truth, which also focuses on a clash between an independent student and a teacher's authority.


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Goal: $2,000.00
Donations: 17 - Raised: $575.00
Two Thanksgivings ago my sister's husband unexpectedly left her. Since then she has struggled making ends meet and it is now beyond her ability to keep up. She recently finally got her bank account out of the red, but has nothing left over for rent, food, gas, and her other bills. She is on the verge of getting evicted from her apartment because she hasn't been able to pay. She had to resort to using credit and that has piled up higher than she can manage. My sister has always been giving and independent and she is not comfortable asking for help, so I'm doing what I can to help.
I know you likely don't know her, but please consider helping her get back on her feet so she can continue building her new life. Any amount helps. Thank you very much in advance.
PS, she wants to remain anonymous, which is why I chose a picture of myself.