Today I learned of a situation in which the authors of a Christian book called "Deadly Viper", published by Zondervan, use Asian (most Chinese) cultural symbols in the marketing of their work on character building through grace and integrity.

Here is the website: http://www.deadlyviper.org

Here is a particularly offensive video: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/video/video.php?v=35881373178&ref=mf

Professor Soong-Chan Rah, whose Cambridge church I had the privilege of attending a few years ago, brought his concerns to them, and this is their reaction: http://profrah.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/response-from-one-of-the-authors-of-deadly-viper/#comment-221

This is Prof Rah's open letter to Zondervan and the authors: http://profrah.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/an-open-letter-to-zondervan-and-to-mike-foster-and-jud-wilhite-authors-of-deadly-viper-character-assassin-a-kung-fu-survival-guide-for-life-and-leadership/

What pains me the most:

a) the disappointing initial response to Prof. Rah. They are christian, selling a book on the topic of character and integrity. I expected more from them.

From James 3:1
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

b) the fact that this book that has the potential to influence impressionable individuals. This will probably contribute as much to their subconscious image of Asians than any other Asian experience or encounter.

I applaud the effort of Mike and Jud's movement to reach a certain population in a culturally relevant way, but by doing this they also alienate multiple cultures which may otherwise have been willing to look beyond the cover of the book to glean some nuggets of truth. If we as Asians are made to feel like aliens among fellow believers, where else can we turn?

The Dell technician finally came and my computer is up and running. Let's hope the 3rd motherboard lasts a bit longer this time. Meanwhile, lots of photos from travels to share. I'm taking a scenic tour of the midwest in a couple of weeks (Chicago, Kenosha, Wisconsin Rapids, Osh Kosh, and Ithaca) so even more to come!

From Fall Foilage and Harvest 2009

From NYC 2009

I just sent this email to Erin Nelson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Dell Computers. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will be resolved soon.

Dear Ms. Nelson:

Can you *please* help me? I am incredibly frustrated. In approximately two years of Dell ownership, I have endured: an LCD replacement, a FULL computer replacement, THREE motherboard replacements, and several instances of failed technical service.

I am nearly sure I just want to throw this Dell laptop off my balcony. Except that I have a great deal of data on the Dell which needs a new motherboard in order to retrieve this data.

I am writing to I request that Dell replace this machine with another machine. Seeing as I paid nearly $2,000 just two years ago and two Dell Latitudes have since failed on me, I think Dell can at the very least replace this with a new net book or a desktop.

Below you will find the timeline of my experience, as well as the last email thread I exchanged with Mark Jarvis before his departure. The service tag and other assorted identification numbers may be found at the end of the time line.

I can be reached at [phone number]. Thank you in advance for your assistance.



TIME LINE OF EVENTS

July 2007: Purchase brand new Latitude from Dell

Less than one year later, I begin to have problems with it...

May 25, 2008: My laptop screen starts going white with occasional strips of color. I call Dell and they say it is probably a video card issue and they dispatch a tech to replace the motherboard.

May 28, 2008: The tech replaces the motherboard but says that didn't fix the problem. They order a new LCD screen.

June 3, 2008: Another tech replaces the LCD screen and discovers that the 5/28 tech did not connect the mouse pad when he replaced the motherboard. This tech says that the LCD screen isn't the problem and that need to dispatch a separate tech to replace the motherboard. Again.

I request that they take care of this once and for all instead of doing it piece meal. I insist that they replace the computer, seeing as I paid nearly $2K for it less than one year ago. They say getting a replacement would take 30 days and would likely be a refurb. They recommend sending it into the Dell tech depot, which I do.

June 11, 2008: I finally get the laptop back and discover that the depot did not reattach the battery correctly and therefore bent one of the leads that connects the battery to the laptop. I call Dell tech support. Again. They offer to exchange for a refurbished Latitude. This is not acceptable for me, so I email Mark Jarvis.

June 15, 2008: I have brand new replacement laptop, thanks to Mark Jarvis.

One year later, I begin to have problems with my 2nd new Dell laptop.

July 2009: I begin to have problems with the screen. The computer is not properly stating up. I call tech support and they walk me through a number of diagnoses, and determine that the motherboard needs to be replaced.

The Dell technician they dispatch is unwilling to come to my house at any time other than business hours. Except that I work full time, like many other Dell customers. How am I supposed to be at home when I need to work in order to buy products like Dell computers? The technician says there's nothing he can do, I must call Dell and discuss with them directly.

Service Tag: -------
Dispatch number: ---------
Express service code: ----------

Looking into the doorway of my old life. So familiar and foreign at
the same time.

I am disgusted by the release of the Lockerbie bomber. He was convicted in a legitimate court. He was given life in prison vs. a death sentence, which is what he carried out on his victims. What's so compassionate about what he did to 270 people and their families? And why is there such a contrast in treatment of mass murderers across just one ocean? What makes Scots so different than us that they would do this?

He was picked up by an official government plane, and will be greeted as a hero. Disgusting.

The 1:1 meetings as part of my "onboarding" continue. This morning,
coffee in the dining room. I hope I never take this view for granted.

Kayak shopping in Maine.