Article 4 by Dr. Howard Culbertson of Southern Nazarene University

As a marketing major, I believe the author’s view about marketing Faith and Integration as Ministry Across the Curriculum is a very good idea. This strategy is very sophisticatedly phrased and it is also very catchy. Although it says nothing more than Faith and Integration it will appear to carry more value to people. People will feel like they are “getting their money’s worth!” Not that they would not be otherwise, but words have a funny way of playing tricks on one’s mind. The better worded and more sophisticated a title sound the more value the people who are investing in it will believe it will carry.

I have found out that people underestimate the way a phrase is worded. They do not look into the full meaning of something. Although most people are not selling products with grace and are trying to get people to buy an under-qualified product, the same principles work for people who are selling God’s word. When an institution says they are teaching or integrating Ministry Across the Curriculum it is more appealing to the people they are presenting to than saying, we practice Faith and Integration. Most people do not even know what the context of that is. It is more appealing to hear Ministry Across the Curriculum. That is why I believe it is an excellent slogan for institutions.

Whats good about E.coli?

New biological research may have discovered a truly useful new bio-fuel. Using the natural metabolism of common bacteria could be the future of our fuel dilemma. Who would have thought the E.coli, a bacteria commonly known for causing the spread of food poisoning, could be the future of fuel production. E. coli when used to metabolize sugars creates a short-chain of alcohol. With new technological advances in the field, long-chains are being developed that harness more energy and power.

What does this mean? To me and many other people who are hurting due to the high fuel prices, our worries of making our daily commute is over. However, this process is still in the works. This could mean that our reliance on foreign oil in the future could be alleviated. Less spending on expensive oil imports could mean more spending within the U.S. and a more stabilized economy. I understand this is a stretch, but facing the economic condition at hand right now, I’ll take any hope of change I can find.

Article 3 "Defining the Integration of Faith and Learning" by Robert Harris

I think that all the points made here have good reason. As a Christian, I believe that to find truth in a matter, one must see that truth through God. To me, there is no other truth, other than God’s word or truth; however, people who are from different religions might not see this as true. That is really the only point I could have some disagreement with. I feel that secular learning is often distorted because people do not fully understand God’s word and the text of the Bible. By having a better, more in-depth understand of God’s truth will lead to a more clear realism of God’s word. As institutions, such as Montreat integrate faith in learning, I feel that more people will seek to understand and gain knowledge for the Biblical framework set forth by God.

In turn, people will learn what God’s truth really is, and the true meaning of believing. They will learn that God has his hand in everything and control the outcome of all issues. I we follow God and live by his word, everything outside of his truth will be resolved. Understanding of God’s word is the beginning.

Deming's 14 Points, "Businesses Adopting Method"

Almost every successful company follows Deming’s 14 point to some extent. In a perfect organization, Deming’s 14 points would all be followed. Each point is crucial to the success of the entire company. More managers are involved with the hands on aspects of industrial business. Management is now taking a bottom-up approach to advancement. Very few companies are hiring Upper-level management that has not had previous experience within the company. Target quotas are now being done away with as well. Working in retail, I have had to meet quotas and the company I worked for has now done away with that process. It creates better customer loyalty and helps improve satisfaction.

The barriers between workers are no longer as heavy. Workers are often placed in workgroups with people from other areas to help encourage better communication and build relationships within the company. Most entry level positions are also utilizing on-site training methods in which someone from management is helping the individual learn the ropes of the company. This also helps build institutional leadership, and breaks down barriers between different levels of workers. Education is also a big thing with companies these days. Most jobs, even entry level require some sort of degree. If a degree is required, often companies will offer to help pay for their employees classes.

Finally, companies are always looking to consistently improve work quality and conditions. As new techniques are developed and discovered, all companies in the industry are quick to adopt and adapt to those techniques. The use of statistical methods of testing for errors and deficiencies has greatly improved the quality of products from the start and reduced costs by eliminating mass product defections and eliminating recalls. This allows companies to eliminate unnecessary costs.

Record Breaking Sales, Microsoft Still Optimistic

"Microsoft saw "record-breaking" sales of XBox 360 on the Black Friday weekend after the U.S. Thanksgiving day, which marks the start of the holiday shopping season. Sales were up 25 percent compared to last year's Black Friday weekend" (Wu, 2008).

With the United States economy declining, Microsoft is worried about next years sales. They fear that is the economic recession continues, people will be cutting cost and will not be spending as much for entertainment as they were before. They realize that people are going to be looking to get the most out of their purchases, which could be a major reason why Microsoft's XBox 360 just underwent "major surgery" with the revamping of it operating system. They are giving users what they want. More bang for their buck. It will be interesting to see the next upgrade for XBox and what Microsoft's gaming competitors (Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3) are going to come up with.

New XBox Experience

Microsoft just recently released a new and improved operating system for it mega popular XBox 360 gaming console. The new system uses technology that has never been utilized by a gaming console before. The update is free for any user, but can only be downloaded using XBox Live. This new technology add several features that are blowing the competition out of the water.

Users are now able to download video game straight to their XBox 360's. This save time and money from going to the store and buying games, only certain titles are available now. However, this opens many new opportunities.

As with Amazon about a month ago, XBox 360 users can also stream live television programs and movies through their consoles as well. Microsoft and Netflix are working together to provide 360 users with the capability to streamneflix movies right through their 360 consoles. I would venture to say that Microsoft might soon seek to work with Gamefly next to allow users to download/rent videogames through XBox Live Marketplace.

Xbox is making a significant difference in the gaming world. It is seperating itself from their competition. The recent price reduction has also boosted XBox 360's value.