Distraction-Free Writing

DISTRACTION-FREE WRITING FOR THE MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL ERA

I miss using the simple text green on black background (terminal theme) during my programming days. When I was writing on good old C programming and command line syntax use, I marvel at how a humble 8086 processor can do with 256KB of RAM memory. At that time, the 80386 and 2MB of RAM represents the state of the art computer, affordable only by big corporations. Even then, they easily cost a couple of thousand dollars. Wordperfect was my favourite word processor. Lotus 123 was the champion spreadsheet. I kind of miss those days, where 1 application means I work on one project at a time. It helps me in concentrating. Text based programming software such as BRIEF is my favourite. They are fast, stable and does not strain the eye as much as modern bright and high resolution monitors. I used to laugh at how these software programmers' sense of humour. (The programming editor "Brief" is made by company called "Underware Software" a Canadian company ) I should know. I was one.

Fast forward to the post-Millenium era. I am faced with machines that can open many different windows effectively. Dual-core processors and a few GIGAbytes of RAM. That is a whopping 1000x the amount of memory I used to have. Now I live like an in-between. On my right is my heavyweight Pentium DualCore / 4GB / Windows Vista 64-bit computer loaded with tonnes of Windows applications. The computer I am using now is a lightweight Pentium III / 64MB / Windows 98SE loaded with minimal applications. All my old computers are still with me. While I remain fascinated with new advances in computer hardware and software technology, I am reluctant to part with the oldies but goodies. So I searched. I found out that I can still get my old computers running as new, and to get my newer computers behave the way I like it. Here is what I found. Hopefully, this effort can help my readers achieve a better distraction free writing in a world of multi-tasking, multiple windows and the easily distracted modern mind. Most of these applications were inspired by WriteRoom, a Mac OS application. Let me suggest 4 ways below to help us advance toward a greater distraction-free mode of doing our work.

A) MODIFY MICROSOFT WORD
Make Microsoft word like the venerable Green on Black on a Full Screen mode.
- Start any version of Microsoft Word
- {format}-{background}-{choose black=""}
- {format}--{choose green=""}
- You can adjust the paragraph by 1” if you want
- Press {f11} for full screen effect. You will then get the minimalist Green on Black background, which is easy on the eye and will be distraction free in your writing. You can check out more details here. The picture below shows the end result.

[Photo Credit: labnol.blogspot.com]

B) DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS (free)

I am impressed with these few Windows applications that emulate MacOS WriteRoom word processor, a processor that is minimalist and distraction free.

1) WriteMonkey [http://www.techyard.net/fullscreen-distraction-free-writer-write-monkey/]

2) jDarkRoom [http://www.codealchemists.com/jdarkroom] (java based)

3) Q10 [http://www.baara.com/q10/] (windows)

4) DarkRoom [http://they.misled.us/dark-room] (windows / .NET)

5) WestEdit [http://home.online.no/~westerma/WestEdit/] (windows / .NET)
7) WhiteSpace [http://writespace.codeplex.com/] (Word 2007 plugin)

For offline purposes, I think DarkRoom is excellent and simple. I do not need to worry about the screen getting too bright, and it works excellent for my slower 10 year old computer.

C) USE WEB-BASED APPS
Two deserve special mention.
1) Writer [http://writer.bighugelabs.com] (web based)

This application brings you straight to a distraction free page that allows you to type in your words immediately. You can choose to save it, blog it, email it, create a pdf of it, or simply store it. For the latter you can easily register a username and password to ensure that the documents are available to you online when you log in next time. This is my personal favourite. (see below)

2) The Other is Google Docs which you can read in greater detail below.

D) TURN GOOGLE DOCS INTO DISTRACTION-FREE WRITING
- Thanks to "Amit Agarwal" who designed this template. Open it, sign into Google Docs and you're all set. It's that simple.

Hope the above helps us all extend the use of our older machines, and at the same time promote distraction-free and more productive use of any of our modern computers. Windows are good. However, when it comes to distraction free writing, and as an aid to learning how to pay attention, a simple text based device beats them hands down.

ks

Remembrance Day - Nov 11th, 2009

LEST WE FORGET

Remembrance Day is celebrated every Nov 11th, since 1918. According to history, WWI ended when the last guns fall silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. That’s a long time ago. For me, I was not even born yet. Neither were my parents. In Canada, Remembrance Day is a public holiday. This week, Prince Charles and his wife is in Canada to be part of the occasion.

I was at Costco a few days ago when I saw an elderly gentleman carrying a coin box on one hand, and a wad of poppy pins on the other. I popped a toonie ($2) into the coinbox and obtained a poppy. Pinning it on my rainjacket, I felt appreciative of those who died in the war for the service of their countries. It does not have to be the people I know. Neither does it have to be the war dead from countries I have to like. A soldier is a soldier. They mainly execute orders from their superiors. Their only liability is to be a citizen of their country who ordered them into the battlefields. War is cruel. There are no true winners. The triumphant paid a high price for victory. So I wear my poppy with me. I want to remember the war dead. I want to show my solidarity for peace and for love in this world. I want to teach my kids not to take peace for granted.

I remember the horrible images of war shared by my grandparents during the Japanese occupation in South East Asia. Many civilians were killed. Families were separated and whole towns destroyed. Young men were automatically sorted into the useful and not. Children, women and the weak are disposed of in the most cruel fashion. War is horrible. It must never be repeated. Never ever. For me, Remembrance Day conjures the following sentiments:

• War is evil; no matter the motive. It blatantly breaks God’s commandment not to kill.
  
• We must pledge to avoid war absolutely. Continually built bridges of communications and understanding; The best way to prevent a war is to maintain dialogue;
  
• War is not a simple ‘Good vs Evil.’ It is simply put, a struggle for power and territorial domination.
  
• We must never forget that war is costly. It is not merely the weaponry, the tanks and bullets that are expensive. The scars of war ensure that the outlay of war are continually paid, even after the war.
  
• Let our children, the next generation that assumes life as an entitlement, beware of complacency. Remembrance Day is not another holiday. It is a critical day to remind everybody, that war must never be the first option on the table. When all options are exhausted, relook at them over and over again, rather than resorting to taking up arms.
  
• Looking forward, if there are to be any war in the future, it will probably be one where the soldier will not even know what or who killed them. The war of the future will be drastically different. Worse, if that happens, there might be no more opportunity to remember anything, or anyone.
  

History must never be allowed to repeat itself. Each remembrance day should pull us a step away from the path of war, and push us a step closer to the path of peace. I watched "Saving Private Ryan," and felt the words used by George C Marshall, in a letter to the mother of Private Ryan very touching.

I have here a very old letter, written to a Mrs. Bixby in Boston. "Dear Madam: I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln." (Gen. George C. Marshall)

The following is the famous Remembrance Day tribute, “In Flanders Fields.”

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing,
fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset grow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw The torch;
be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Dec 8, 1915 John McCrae

Together with all who want world peace, I remember.

ks

Review: "A Popular Survey of the New Testament" (Norman Geisler)

Title: A Popular Survey of the New Testament
Author: Norman L Geisler
Published: Baker Books, 2007.

Books of the popular genre tend to cover broad themes, without going into too much details. They tend to be written in a manner that captures maximum attention with minimal effort. This 347-pages hardcover book has everything to whet the appetite of the average Church-goer. It has very little scholarship citations which is useful for uninterrupted reading. It contains a fairly helpful list of bibliographical material for the more serious student, ranging from books, commentaries and articles. Using easy to understand tables that compare and contrast books of the New Testament, the author invites readers to comfortably enter into the New Testament material.

The Structure
The Introduction lays the main theme of the New Testament, which is the person of Jesus Christ.

Geisler uses a 6-point question structure to approach the survey of each book.
1) WHO wrote it?

• This talks about the internal and external evidence of the origins of the book concerned. 

2) WHEN was it written?

• This estimates the time the book was written, with careful attention to list the different possible views for the reader to note.

3) To WHOM was it written?

• This is important for readers as it gives the context of the book's first audience.

4) WHERE were its readers located?

• Often, the location of the readers give us a clue as to why the book was written.

5) WHAT is it about?

• This forms the main section of each book surveyed.

6) HOW to respond to critics of difficult verses?

• Some controversial verses were dealt with.

Finally, a set of study questions completes each book section.

My Comments

I must admit that Geisler has done a rather good job in distilling the New Testament simple enough for the average Bible reader. His highlight of themes gives a clear overview of the emphases of each book. I especially appreciate the compare/contrast format that Geisler uses to demarcate both differences as well as similarities of each book. His use of alliteration, memory keys and various pedagogical tools within the book gives a very useful framework for us to hang on to.

Having said that, there are some things I feel less than desirable.

• Personally, I like his Christ-centered focus of the whole Bible. My question is, whether that truly reflects the intention of the original authors? While I am all for Christ being the entire focus, in inductive Bible study, we need to let the Bible speak for itself, to avoid putting words into the Bible.
  
• His mnemonics chosen is too sleek for my personal liking. I feel he has overdone it.
  
• Some of the themes he highlights, while memorable may appear to unfairly straitjacket the Bible. (for example, the table below while attractive, looks too simplistic)

In summary, I must say I enjoyed Geisler’s book. It makes a good introductory book to help educate the ordinary Church member who does not know much about the New Testament apart from choice verses. It also makes a helpful reference texts when we deal with controversial verses in the Bible. However, for the serious student, it will be better that this book be only an accompanying supplement to other reference books and commentaries. My rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

ks

100 Most Spiritually Significant Films

Thanks to my friend Stanley, I learned about this Top 100 list. "Arts and Faith" recently published a list of "Top 100 Spiritually Significant Films." There are listed and ranked in order below. I have seen some of them during my student days at Regent-College. I vividly remember Ordet, Babette's Feast, Jesus of Montreal, Shadowlands, The Big Kahuna, Wit, Luther, Gospel of John etc. The ones that I especially enjoy is Babette's Feast and Wit. Both drives home a certain message gently and powerfully. In an age where best-selling movies tend to be those of the sex and violence genre, the list below shows movies with an intelligent message.  Some of the films selected are rather weird like Dogville. I am not sure how Millions ever made the grade. Perhaps, the list of movies tend to reflect the view of the creator of the list. Agree or not, this list does offer us some food for thought. Maybe, one day I'll manage to watch at list half of them. Perhaps, you have a movie that ought to be on the list. I have two: "I Am Sam," a story of near perfect love by an imperfect man, and "Cinderella Man," a tear-jerker that describes a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-hope Great Depression story.

Rank Title
1 Ordet aka The Word
2 Le Fils aka The Son.
3 The Miracle Maker
4 The Gospel According to Matthew
5 The Diary of a Country Priest
6 The Passion of Joan of Arc
7 The Decalogue
8 Babette's Feast
9 A Man Escaped
10 Andrei Rublev
11 Au Hasard Balthazar
12 The Seventh Seal
13 Ikiru aka To Live.
14 Winter Light
15 The Mission
16 The Apostle
17 Three Colors Trilogy
18 Jesus of Nazareth
19 Jesus of Montreal
20 The Flowers of St. Francis
21 Dead Man Walking
22 Stalker
23 Magnolia
24 La Promesse
25 Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
26 Tender Mercies
27 A Man for All Seasons
28 Wings of Desire
29 Day of Wrath
30 Yi Yi: A One and a Two
31 The Hiding Place
32 Wild Strawberries
33 Rosetta
34 After Life
35 The Sacrifice
36 To End All Wars
37 Chariots of Fire
38 Shadowlands
39 The Big Kahuna
40 Not of This World
41 Schindler's List
42 Millions
43 The Straight Story
44 A Taste of Cherry
45 The Passion Of The Christ
46 Becket
47 Wit
48 Open City
49 Nazarin
50 Secrets & Lies
51 Romero
52 Places in the Heart
53 It's A Wonderful Life
54 Ponette
55 Les Miserables
56 Luther
57 Tokyo Story
58 Hell House
59 Breaking The Waves
60 Crimes And Misdemeanors
61 To Kill a Mockingbird
62 The Mirror
63 The Last Temptation Of Christ
64 The Gospel of John
65 Hotel Rwanda
66 Fearless
67 Solaris
68 The Night Of The Hunter
69 Cries and Whispers
70 Stromboli
71 Stevie
72 Dogville
73 My Night at Maud's
74 Black Robe
75 Close-Up
76 The Apu Trilogy
77 Werckmeister Harmonies
78 Waking Life
79 Koyaanisqats aka Life Out of Balance.
80 Peter and Paul
81 13 Conversations About One Thing
82 The Sweet Hereafter
83 Dersu Uzala
84 Trial of Joan of Arc
85 Summer / The Green Ray
86 Fiddler on the Roof
87 The Bicycle Thief
88 The Year Of Living Dangerously
89 L'Argent aka Money.
90 The Elephant Man
91 Faust
92 Molokai: The Story of Father Damien
93 A Moment of Innocence
94 Jean de Florette / Manon of the Spring
95 Sansho the Bailiff
96 Lilies of the Field
97 The Wind Will Carry Us
98 The Addiction
99 The Song of Bernadette
100 Tales of Ugetsu

Review: "Sexual Detox" - 2 free ebooks

Sex is one of the most seductive ways to lead people, especially men to sin. One can commit adultery with one simple look of lust. Like a fish hook, it is easy to bite into lust, but very painful and difficult to pull out. When we turn on the TV, sexual images that runs on the programs, the commercials and even news flashes tempts people, especially men.

Tim Challies recently released 2 ebooks that try to address this temptation. There is a need to have a 'sexual detox' especially for men, both single and married. Writing with a reformed perspective, Challies first observes that our modern culture is sex fills our minds and impacts our hearts. He then presents the modern dilemma as follows. How can "guys who want to be holy, who want to honor God with their minds and bodies" overcome the temptations of the modern highly-sexed culture? As both books are largely similar, I shall base my review on the one on the single guy, as every man has been single before.

Brief Overview
Challies answers this by providing 6 short chapters.

1. In chapter 1, "Pornifying the Marriage Bed," he zooms in on one of the key problems: Pornography. Engaging in pornography essentially makes men put unfair expectations on their wives or future wives, to behave or to act like the false porn portrayals. That is cruel and unfair when the wives fail to 'perform' like what men see on their porn. In fact, once anybody got hooked onto porn as an addiction, it is so damaging that a detoxification process is required for cleansing.
   
2. In chapter 2, "Breaking Free" is the first step to recovery. It is not swallowing a detox pill but to stop doing the wrong act altogether first of all. In other words, stopping the act altogether clears the deck for a fresh recovery. In other words, stop consuming porn stuff that puts unreal expectations on others. Instead, begin to prepare one's heart to wear God's lens of purity to learn to see real people, and to love them for who they are.
3. In chapter 3, "Theology of Sex" lays the groundwork for a fresh start, to see from God's perspective rather than from the world. A theology is important as it affirms that sex is good when we see if from God's original intention. This attempt at a biblical approach is helpful especially for believers.
4. In chapter 4, "Self-Centered Sex" Challies makes a case against masturbation and other acts that puts self before others. This additional section on masturbation is additional material that is slightly different from the 'married men' version of Sexual Detox. Here, Challies hones in on the true nature of sex. It is not self-centered but love for others centered.
5. In chapter 5, "Detoxification," the detox process is described in greater detail. Sex is not the 'act' but the 'thought' behind the act. Such a perspective must be maintained throughout the detox process.
6. In chapter 6, "Freedom," we see how detox liberates one from the clutches of worldly sex. 
7. Finally, Challies provides a helpful set of resources for those who want to learn more.
   

The conclusion of it all is simple: "Turn from your sin today. Pursue freedom. Pursue Christ." This is the universal manner to approach all sin. The two ebooks are a quick read and should provide good material for more discussion especially for men's groups. The author has also included some questions for facilitators to use. The ebooks are free for you to download, courtesy of Tim Challies. Thanks Tim.

---

A) Download "Sexual Detox - A Guide for the Single Guy"

B) Download "Sexual Detox - A Guide for the Married Guy"

ks

Another Troubling Sign for Bookstores

Here is another sad turn of events. Borders will be closing 200 Waldenbooks stores, and laying off 1500 staff. Tough times, but I foresee an even bigger shakeup of the traditional book industry. Their official press release can be read here. I remember Waldenbooks, a favourite haunt for me when I visit malls in the US. It remains one of my popular places to browse and to wait there while my wife does her shopping.

 

[Photo Credit: ShoppingBlog.com]

I think the following trends are worth noticing.

• Rise of the digital media, ebooks, Kindle and social networking media, that compete on convenience;
• Rise of the online stores like Amazon.com and large retailers that compete on cost;
  
• Rise of a generation who are not too concerned about paperbacks or printed materials. Some may say books themselves are not environmentally friendly. Why not go paperless? 
• Rise of a new 'normal.' People used to be able to read attentively a book without being distracted. Hence lesser people are buying books. Nowadays, more people are scattering their attention via multi-tasking activities. Jack of all trades, but master of none?

Sigh. What will happen when I visit the mall next time? A mall that has no bookstores? Boring.

ks

"Yawning at the Word"

This month's article by Mark Galli has a rather brave assertion: Reading the Bible during a Church service is considered boring to many. He tells of a worrying experience where reading the Bible is equated to boredom, himself being asked to 'cut down' on the Bible verses while he is preaching. More disconcerting is his sharp rebuke at preachers who prefer to preach exciting 'relevant' stuff like stories etc, rather than the plain Word of God. He writes in ChristianityToday Nov web edition: saying that "It's really hard to listen to God when there are really interesting things to think about." 

There are truly many more interesting things for the 1-day a week Church goer. How can a 1 day Church service compete with 6 days of TV, Internet, Sports, Work, Social and everything else combined? The 6-day mentality wins hands down. Galli's main criticism is on pew listening. From experience, he raises several points pertaining to the way church goers listen to the sermon.

• People tend to get 'lost' when too much Bible is read during the sermon;
• People are more interested in processed arguments rather than the pure Word itself; (eg arguments about creation, rather than reading Genesis)
• People tend to be more concerned about 'relevance' rather than the plain reading of the Word.
• Some listeners expect illustrations and applications to interest them.
• Some listen to sermon as if they are preparing to mount a counter-argument, to prove their own personal point;

Poignantly, he shares with us his observation about the lack of listening skills we have simply because we CHOOSE to listen according to our set thinking. Worse, we are raising a whole generation to listen like this.

"We often hear people say how difficult it is to hear God anymore, and I wonder if one reason is that we've forgotten how to listen to the Word of God when it comes to us in the sanctuary or the classroom. We listen like a husband and wife listen when they are in the middle of an argument: they listen only so they can have ammunition to mount a counterattack. That's not listening. And when we listen to the sermon only to hear what seems immediately and directly relevant, neither is that listening. And yet we've raised a whole generation of Christians to listen like this." (Mark Galli)

My Comments
I understand Galli's points. I think the Church ought to incorporate the reading of large chunks of Scripture. I too believe that the Bible ought to be given its full attention, not simply listening only to 'choice' perspectives. Having said that, there is more than meets the eye. I like to make 3 responses in fairness to the laity. Let me put it as my P.E.W response.

1) P: PREACHING COMMUNITY

I believe that preaching is a shared responsibility. Both clergy, preachers as well as laity ought to come together to listen together. They ought to help one another along, give feedback, and see the sermon as a special channel to deliver God's Word. As much as listeners have to learn to listen to the pure Word of God, preachers ought to give them TOOLS to listen. Training needs to be encouraged for preachers to be able to connect with their listeners. Listeners need to be handheld as they move from one point to another. The lack of listening ability is not simply the responsibility of the laity. The preaching community has to play their part. Both the preaching community and the listening community constitutes the Church TOGETHER.

2) E: EDUCATION
Teaching the congregation to listen well is an ongoing endeavour. In preaching, we valiantly preach at the level of teenagers so as to ensure the maximum number of people can catch what we are saying. It is wrong to assume everyone's spiritual maturity is at the same level. I believe that with every congregation is both unique and similar. They are unique in the sense that their church and personal contexts are unique. Location of church, the mix and the idiosyncracies of the neighbourhood. Yet, they are universally similar in the sense that the tradition and background they come from mirrors many others of the same. Moreover, they use the same Word of God, even if the translations are different. Not every person on the pew has the privilege of studying and preparing the Word of God like the preacher. They genuinely need help to cope with large chunks of Scripture. Hence, by gently guiding the listeners to where the preacher is saying, the listeners can be trained. I tend to think that if we give in too often to listener's preferences, we end up spoiling their appetite. Preachers need to WHET their appetite for the Word of God, starting from where they are.

3) W: WORSHIP
I believe that reading Scripture is important in sermons. However, let us not limit ourselves to just the sermon but the WHOLE worship time. We can read Scripture during the singing, in between announcements, when the hat is passed, before the doxology apart from the actual sermon itself. Maybe, 'Scripture reading' can be incorporated into one highlight of the whole church service! This will prepare the ears of people to listen better. Reading chunks of Scripture during service raise other agendas (many legitimate) in the minds of listeners.

• What is the preacher trying to say?
• Why is he quoting this part of Scripture?
• What context is he referring to?

In conclusion, I believe Galli's concern about raising a new generation of narcissistic listeners is somewhat valid. Yet I also believe that preachers have to shoulder part of the blame. We cannot simply sit down and point fingers to people who genuinely desire to know the Word of God. Sometimes, they need an admonishment. Other times they need a gentle encouragement. At all time, they need a loving exhortation. While Galli may have made a good observation, let me add that not everything is lost. It is the subsequent steps that is much more important. Whether one agrees with Galli or not, the question remains:

"How can we listen to the Word of God better?"

ks

Letting Life Live

I remember before my third child was born, my wife was already past her 30s. As a precautionary measure, our gynecologist recommended we do a pre-natal testing called amniocentesis, or 'amnio' for short. The purpose of the tests is to determine whether there will be birth risks for pregnant women who are past their 30s. One of the key concerns was the risk of having a Down's Syndrome baby. What the tests does is to insert a needle into the uterus so as to extract out some of the liquid in the abdomen, called the amniotic fluid. The fluid will then be tested for various possible problems. It is not a dangerous procedure, but it sure makes me squirm at the thought of a needle hurting both my wife and my baby. Anyway, much to my relief then, the results came back without problems.

This story reminds me of that moment. I am not sure if I would have testified the same way as the writer here, but I sure felt encouraged that this couple acknowledged their decision bravely as the most important day of their lives. See the Hsu family photo below.

[Photo Credit: Christianity Today blog for women]

On hindsight, we should have saved the additional money. After-all, we were planning to keep the baby regardless of the test results. Probably, at that time, I was simply being too cautious and lack faith. In "her.meneutics" today, there was a blogger by the name of Ellen Hsu who were able to testify that the day they let their son live was the most important day of their lives. Entitled, "The Day We Let Our Son Live," it is a testimony that love overcomes all, including what the world defines as birth defects. It is an inspiring post on how one's faith plays a part in very important decisions.

Life when defined solely by effectiveness, efficiency and excellence can cruelly make parents choose to abort babies with ANY kinds of birth defects. Life when defined by love in Christ will love all for Christ loved all, and died for all. Some decisions may be tough. However, love triumphs over the toughest challenges.

ks

White Ribbon Campaign

Here is a link to the White Ribbon Campaign, a movement that aims to raise awareness to end men's violence against women worldwide. Each year from Nov 25th to Dec 6th, you can wear a white ribbon to register your support. I think it is a great idea. Maybe, we can also have 2 ribbons, one for women and the other for men. Perhaps, we need a 3rd ribbon, to protect children. Maybe a fourth for animals. Oops. I got carried away.



ks

Other Side of Predatory Pricing

Price is the easiest way to win or lose a customer. As the large retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Target (WAT) fights among themselves by lowering bestselling book prices among them, they also attracted the unhappiness of the American Book Association (ABA) as discussed in my previous blog post.

Apparently, not everything seems to be going for the WAT. Their strategy of low prices has backfired on them, as small retailers buy their books in bulk so that they can re-sell them for a tidy profit. Talk about entrepreneurship and opportunists. Check out the news below:

- "Amid Price War: Three Retailers Begin Rationing Books" (Wall Street Journal, Nov 2nd, 2009)
- "Book Wars come to Grinding Halt" (Vox, Oct 30th, 2009)

Allow me to apply Newton's law, that with every action, there exists an equal and opposite reaction. Likewise, with every benefit offered by the retailers, there is a corresponding cost they have to pay. That's Newtonian dynamics applied to predatory pricing.

ks

Predatory Pricing - Slow Demise of Book Publishing?

This is worrying. Big box retailers (BBR) like Walmart, Amazon and Target are pricing bestselling books at below cost (link). We need to remind all, consumers especially, that nothing is for free. Short term gains does not necessarily mean long term benefits. Alas! Our culture thinks that way. It is downright self-deception. May we look more at FAIR pricing rather than low pricing. Didn't we read that we need honest scales and balances? Fair pricing reflects that. Life is not cheap. Why should we cheapen the works of other people? See the video below, and my comments later. In my comments, I will suggest some ideas for publishers to take note of.

"Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making." (Proverbs 16:11)

My Comments
I think we have to educate the consumer public not to become perennial 'low-cost' seekers but 'FAIR-price' minded people. This current economic climate may encourage more people to justify their purchasing decisions based on price alone. However, good or bad economic situations do not absolve us from ethical decision making. We are responsible not only to ourselves but our neighbours as well.

Though the customers may be happy with the short-term cost benefits, I wonder what damage it may cause in the long run. Will customers eventually be 'spoiled' by low pricing? BBRs' main line of business is not books. It is mass marketing of different product. They excel in getting people to buy many things in bulk, not single items.For writers and publishers, this development is downright ugly and discouraging. This is another example of big retailers using the easiest P to win marketshare: Pricing. In management studies, the marketing mix consists of 4Ps:

• Product
• Price
• Place (or distribution)
  
• Promotion

Every successful marketing campaign needs all of these components. A product is needed otherwise there is nothing tangible to offer the customer. An appropriate place is needed so that customers can easily and conveniently get what they want at distribution outlets, both online or offline. The product or service needs to be adequately promoted especially in the light of keen competition. Finally, a proper price point needs to be set so that the consumer can be enticed and persuaded to choose one over others.

Of all the 4Ps, the easiest to adjust is the price. Price alone can move mountains. Look at how certain companies have even put the word 'Price' in their corporate naming. Think "Price-Smart" supermarket, "Fair-Price," "Low-Price Foods" and so on.

The big box retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Target are rocking the publishing industry with their loss-leading pricing. The American Booksellers Association are accusing them of 'predatory pricing.' I think the ABA has a point. Consumers may be happy with the cheap books, but writing and publishing books are never cheap. Good quality books require time and investment in good research. If the book industry alone cannot sustain its long term viability, the book industry that we know now will disappear for good. Blogging and the blossoming self-publishing industry may be one answer. However, without adequate quality controls and the engagement of the traditional checks and balances of a publishing enterprise, the quality of future publishing may be compromised. We still need reputable publishing houses, with trained and professional publishers to maintain the highest publishing standards. If we cut prices without regard for the future of the industry, it is like chipping away at the roots of a tree. The higher a tree grows, the more space is needed on the ground for the roots to grow and sustain the tall structure.

Unfortunately, BBRs are not interested in books. They are interested in bringing more people into their stores, to buy more stuff. Books are but marketing gimmicks for them to achieve this end. Perhaps, what the ABA could do is to re-look at the marketing mix and play with the "Place - Distribution" component. They could:

• Limit quantities at BBRs
  
• Come up with a 'cheap' version specially for BBRs;
  
• Educate the consumer by letting them know the true cost of publishing;
  
• Legislation is a desperate move. The ABA needs to publicize other non-legislative measures more prominently so as to win over the consumer to their cause.

Predatory pricing may charm the present consumer, but it will ultimately harm the future of book publishing. That will be most tragic.

ks

Book Review - "The Misunderstood God" (Darin Hufford)

Title: The Misunderstood God (the lies religion tells us about God)
Author: Darin Hufford
Published: CA: Windblown Media, & NY: Hachette Publishing, 2009.

There are two things that caught my eye as I read this book. The first is the subtitle about religion spreading lies about God. With a cover image that resembles Michelangelo's famous "Creation of Adam" work of art, it seems like another book heading toward controversy, just like Dan Brown's work on the Da Vinci Code.The second is the publisher, Windblown Media, the company that published the bestselling book: "The Shack."

The essence of Hufford's book is that God is love. Anything that reflects the anti-thesis of love is definitely not God. Using 1 Corinthians 13 as a guide, the author breezes through 16 aspects of love and how God is to be understood. Misunderstanding God is essentially failing to see God possessing all of these attributes.

Using his extensive experience with people, Hufford begins by stating his unequivocal love for people. He then accuses preachers for tainting God's good name by making God sound the opposite of what 1 Corinthians 13 reads. He claims that some preachers use fear to put people down, instead of using love to build people up. For instance, love is patient meaning God is patient. Yet, some preachers go to the extent of scaring people into thinking that God's patience may one day run out. Hufford uses the same formula for all the 16 attributes. He first lists the lie. Then he restates God in terms of the love passage. Throughout the book, he gives the reader a generous spread of personal examples and his ministry encounters with people. He concludes by connecting the picture of God touching man through love.

My Comments
Indeed, if Hufford is correct about other preachers telling 'lies about God,' he makes himself vulnerable to accusations that he is telling 'lies about man,' particularly preachers.  In reading the book, I cannot help feeling that he has an axe to grind. In the process, he can be perceived as swinging to the other extreme, which is not good either.Hufford's book is extremely lacking in biblical exegesis. He base his entire book from an experiential beginning and uses the 1 Corinthians 13 to prove his point. Strict Bible scholars would have accused him of eisegesis (reading into the text). Indeed, the context of 1 Corinthians 13 is to mend bridges between warring factions within the Church at Corinth in the first century.

I believe the audience of the book is for groups of hurting people who needs love and encouragement, instead of multiple religious talk that appear too impersonal and harsh. I feel that the title alone is not accurate. The manuscript reads more like untangling misconceptions of man toward man, rather than man toward God. I think the subtitle is a more accurate depiction of the book's message.

The book is easy to read. It is a good reminder for man to show love and understanding toward one another in the household of faith. Unfortunately, I feel the book is too lopsided toward a lovey-dovey faith, to the point that there is also another aspect of love. Tough love as we are told like speaking the truth in love.

My Rating: 1 star out of 5.

ks

On This Day (Oct 31st)

Today is October 31st. It is a day many kids look forward to. Parents stock up candies and goodies to provide treats to little children knocking at their doors. The treat for parents and adults is to see the creative dressing some of the little ones wear. Some communities set off fireworks like what people in the UK do on Guy Fawkes Day. It is a celebration of sorts where people hand out all kinds of sweet stuff. It is a candy-paradise time for those of us with a hopeless sweet tooth. Incidentally, amid all the fun, do you know that October 31st is also significant for something else besides Halloween?

On this day in 1517, the German scholar Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of Wittenburg, Germany. Sometimes October 31st is also known as "Reformation Day." This is a significant event for those of us who familiar with the Protestant movement, which represented a breakaway from the then dominant Roman Catholic Church in West Europe. Other political events also figure though less prominently. In 1984 this day, the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated. More recently in 2003, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohammed stepped down from the highest political post of the land of Malaysia.

Yet people tend to remember Halloween more than anything else. People celebrate simply because of fun.  Well, while I am not against fun, it will be quite a pity that in the midst of enjoying ourselves in the festivities, we forget the history. What I find particularly helpful from a Christian perspective is that October 31st is actually a preparation for All Saints Day which is held on Nov 1st. Hence. Oct 31st is also known as "All Hallowed Eve's" day. It is a day to remember some of the saints of old, especially the ones martyred for the faith. Somehow, this tradition has been mysteriously mixed up with witches, pumpkins, witchcraft and all kinds of ghastly makeup. Well, people just want to have fun. Unfortunately with the fun, they fail to remind one another enough of the sacred tradition behind All Saints Day (Nov 1st) and Reformation Day.(Oct 31st).Maybe, these events in history is not as fun as sucking a lollipop, or crunching on chocolates. Incidentally, there is a friend of mine that may not be as famous as Martin Luther, but I am sure sometimes she feels Halloween is given an unfair coverage (and attention by friends) over her birthday.  Cheer up Rosie. Happy Birthday!

Let us not forget tradition. Didn't our teachers and dentists tell us that too much candy is no good for our teeth? Well, will excessive fun be any good for the soul?

ks

Free Book Giveaway (Can God Be Trusted?)

As a service to readers on my blog, I am hosting a book giveaway for the new title below. This is made possible courtesy of Hachette Publishing. Please note the following:

• Up to 5 copies of the book will be given away;
• The book will be mailed free of charge. (no kidding);
• The draw will be held on 31 Oct 2009;
• This offer is only valid for residents in the USA and Canada only. 
• Please provide me with your *mailing address (Name, Street Address and Zip Code) to verify eligibility. (No P.O. Boxes please)
  
• To Enter the draw, send me an email at yapdates@aim.com with your mailing address by 31 Oct 2009, 9pm Pacific time.
• If selected, I will email you a confirmation.

 * Your address will only be used for the book giveaway purpose.

---

Title: Can God Be Trusted? (Finding Faith in Troubled Times)
Author: Thomas D Williams
Published: NY: Hachette Book Group, 2009.

You can read an excerpt of the book here. My review of the book is here.

conrade

Review: NT Wright's "Simply Christian"

NT Wright is a prolific writer. I remember going through his voluminous texts, "The New Testament and the People of God" and "The Resurrection of the Son of God" for my theology classes. These two books total more than 1250 pages. Even my Regent professors are amazed at how quickly Wright churns out books for the academic world. My feeling is that he reads and writes at 10x the speed of my reading.

MAIN IDEA
This book is written not for academia but for popular reading. At 240 pages long, it seems awfully short compared to the huge academic volumes I used to read. Responding to the increasing anti-religious rhetoric from the atheist advocates, and lay Christians seeking a renewed faith, this book gently reaches out to the non-Christian seeker and the ordinary Christian reader with 4 broad themes; 1) longing for justice; 2) quest for spirituality; 3) hunger for relationships; 4) desire for beauty. His aim is to "describe what Christianity is all about" (ix) in a manner that is simple and straightforward.

BRIEF OUTLINE
In Part 1 (Echoes of a Voice), Wright cleverly describes 'Simply Christian' as ascending movements of faith. He starts with the basic human desire to put things right (Justice). Then he exposes the common desire for a deeper meaning in life through spirituality. Third, he makes a case that without relationships, human experience remains incomplete. Finally, he ties all of them together by stressing that the ultimate human experience lies in appreciating beauty.

In Part 2 (Staring at the Sun), Wright talks about God, the position of Israel, the kingdom of God, Jesus's life, death and resurrection; the Holy Spirit, and life in the Spirit and of course the Trinity. Theologically, this is the heaviest portion of the whole book. Yet, Wright masterfully processes the difficult doctrines and distills them clearly without overwhelming the reader. 'Staring at the Sun' is a brilliant way to describe how one ought to study theology. We can try our best to look at the sun, but we will instantly realize that there is only so much that our eyes can take, without being blinded by the scorching rays. I think Wright is creative in two ways. First, in calling his re-telling of the Christian doctrines being a 'glimpse'. Secondly, in showing us metaphorically that theology itself can only be 'glimpsed' at, by any one person. Reminds me again that understanding theology has to be done with a humble heart, and with an open mind to learn from others in the community of faith.

In Part 3 (Reflecting the Image), Wright deals with the response of the ordinary Christian in worship, prayer, the Word, Faith, Church and the New Creation. All of these aspects of the Christian life ought to reflect the original intent of why we are created: to glorify God through Jesus Christ.

His afterword drives home the point that being Christian is not simply in the knowing but also in the doing.

"It would be wrong, though, to give the impression that taking things further after reading this book would consist simply of reading more books. The church, for all its faults, is at its heart the community of those who are trying to follow Jesus, and in whose company those who are starting to explore these things for themselves may find help, encouragement, and wisdom. As we might say to someone starting to enjoy music: don't just listen to it, find an instrument and an orchestra and join in."  (240)

My Comments
This book is a lighter read that CS Lewis's Mere Christianity. This is probably because Lewis writes for the audience in the 1950s while Wright's audience is post-2000. While CS Lewis writes his book personally defending the Christian faith and giving reasons for belief, Wright's work looks more like an invitation to a person confused and disillusioned by the world, to actively consider the Christian worldview as a viable alternative. Wright is careful to recognize the negative climate surrounding 'church' and brilliantly ties the Old Testament Israel and the New Testament church as one entity to be serving God in Christ. An important contribution is the way Wright captures the cultural need for order amid the chaos through the 4-movement framework. Beginning where most readers are living in, and charting out a melodious progression, Wright articulates the notes and chords of Christianity harmonically, concluding with an invitation to all to join the orchestra, conducted by the Triune God. This book is small in pages, but big in substance. Sounds beautiful.


My Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

ks