All Things New (The Novel)

All Things New is a completed novel containing fictional interviews and experiences from the New World. It is currently being serialized online @ allthingsnewnovel.blogspot.com.

When one is making some sort of art with a spiritual theme, there are some inevitable problems. One of these is making sure the material isn't cheesy or of poor quality; Jehovah's Witnesses are usually not professional artists and should devote the meat of their time and energy to other more important concerns. Another concern is sharing one's art without compromising the need to be an example in humility. Making art for the sake of fame or personal glory is a trait inseparable from the spirit often shown in this world. Also, there is the issue of not offending or making it seem as if one is presenting presumptuous ideas or something beyond that which is written in the fictional text.  

To quote the writer of All Things New:

"The idea behind this novel first occurred to me in 2010... I assumed that some would be offended by my portrayal of post-Armageddon society. Perhaps they would feel that my book was a transgression in over-speculation. At the very least, there would be a flood of those who disagreed strongly with my depictions...then 2013 came along...that year’s District Convention featured two dramas set in the future–one at the start of the Great Tribulation, the other after the Resurrection. 

"A myriad of questions begged answers in my head that I wanted desperately to explore on paper: How would the U.N. attack false religion? How would the Witnesses later be targeted? How would Jehovah protect his people? What would Armageddon be like? What (and who) would be left? How would we reorganize? Communicate? Travel? Rebuild? What would return to perfection be like? How would a perfect child think? And, perhaps the most intriguing question of them all: What would the Resurrection be like? 

"Thus, in August of 2013, I returned to my novel. I wrote at a swift pace, with a loose quota of 2,000 words a day and an ultimate goal of 100,000 words, the length of an average paperback. As you might imagine, writing a novel takes determination, and writing is just half the effort. It involves hours upon hours of research, editing, and–in the case of a story with spiritual themes–lots of meditation.

"Of course, the stories here are fictional. The events and characters are nothing more than my imaginative renderings of what could be. Still, I’ve done my upmost to align the details of the stories with our current understanding of Bible prophecy. Where that understanding is unclear or incomplete, I have bridged the gaps with reasonable hypothesis. Where some aspect of a story resembles a Biblical account, I’ve tried to conclude the likeliest outcome based on precedent. After all, Divine destruction is nothing new; neither are Divinely-backed construction projects. Does this mean that I believe future events will play out as the stories describe? Not necessarily. They might, but I expect it’ll be much more surprising (and more miraculous) than anything I could invent or write. So please, as you read through the novel in your hands, remember: I’m not making predictions. I’m merely exploring one stream of possibilities. But one thing I am certain of–as are you, I'm sure–is that whatever happens in the end, each one of us will have a story to tell..."

The writer of the blog series wishes to remain anonymous, but hope you get a chance to check All Things New out. Enjoy! :)

Ender's Game (Book Review)

Ender's Game is often listed near the top of most lists for the greatest sci-fi novels ever written. However you might quickly find out that this is really a military, or even a sports novel more than a sci-fi one. It's also different from many other sci-fi novels in that while many deal with ideas (Foundation) or perhaps focus on creating an interesting new world entirely (Dune), Ender's Game seems to rest its laurels on its narrative, especially the exciting battle room sequences, and characters we can easily like. These are the two strongest points of the book.


The Achilles Heel of this novel is the incessant juvenile dialog that feels pulled out of the cut scenes of a Call of Duty video game. The characters are calling each other 'farteater' or engaging in eye-rolling conversations along the lines of:

"We're pushing him too hard!"

"He's the only chance we've got."

"I hope you're right about him."

"If I'm not, God help us all."

(Facepalm)

Ender's Game uncomfortably juggles between the profound and the trivial, and the result is a novel that has a satisfying climax and a few interesting thoughts to consider--but not a novel that leaves me wanting more (and there is much more...this is part of a series).
Its low prosaic value cements its place as a young adult novel that crackles and pops more than it does simmer and linger.

In spite of what I personally feel (and do remember, I am the guy that gave that boring women's novel Persuasion a five star review), it's important to mention that virtually everyone else I know who read this book loved it.

Many right now may be squawking the tired and usually obvious adage 'the movie's not as good as the book.' For me? -- Even the source material has some flaws.
For you? -- It's worth checking out for its legacy and reputation as such a widely acclaimed and beloved book.

3/5

Michelle (A New 'Deep-Voiced-Zero-Guitar-Artificial-Electronic' Style Original Song)

Here's a new song in the 'deep-voiced-zero-guitar-artificial-electronic' style of "Gerle Creek," "Marigold" and "Super Sad Love Song."

In case you're one of my friends and your name happens to be Michelle: No this song isn't my subliminal way to flirt with you! :P

Many seemed to like my last post "Girl in the Picture" a lot! I got great feedback. If you were one of the ones like liked it or at least listened to it--Thanks! I think most prefer my organic/acoustic stuff more. I think I do too.

On the other hand "Super Sad Love Song," seems to be my least liked song on my blog even though it's probably the one I'm proudest of lyrically.

I don't know what to think anymore!

"Even I don't like these song styles,
These electronic beats.
They're just an excuse,
A melody,
To speak what I want to speak."

- Lyrics from 'Michelle.'

Persuasion (Book Review)

This is my first Jane Austen book, and I doubt it will be my last. There isn't a lick of adventure or sensationalism in its pages, and yet it still kept me wanting more.

Jane Austen can write out a sentence like few I know can. As a result, plot aside, her writing style is witty and fun to pick at. But the plot, although a simple one, delivers as well. She excellently brings out the subtleties of social situations and awkwardness of feelings we can all relate to in a way that makes me squirm.

My guess is that with virtually any romantic relationship in existence today, there was always, once, the in-between stage where you don't know if things will work out or not. Persuasion, is about that stage--it's ecstatic highs, lows, jealousies, misunderstandings, good and bad timings, the single person's worry about one's age, the busybodies--and it's about so much more. This may be a tough read for some, but force your way through the first few chapters to get hooked in. If before you, like I, minimized this to being a 'woman's novel' (whatever that means), I'm glad to say you were wonderfully misinformed.

5/5

Girl in the Picture

Here's a new song I wrote today. Sometimes my singing is a little to loud and it 'over-peaks' on the microphone. Sorry. Have a nice day.

A Year in the Dominican Republic

About 14 months ago, I was sitting in large, fairly-newly renovated, dark, nearly empty cafeteria of a mini mall about ten minutes walk from where I lived in Changning, Shanghai, China. I was aware that it was already five years that I had been in China, my work contract for the Elementary School I taught at was soon up, and I was wanting a change. Before this day, I was considering moving to another part of Shanghai, or maybe another city in the same country.

I can't remember if I actually ate dinner in that cafeteria that evening, but I do remember sitting there and reading the article linked to below on a PDF version of the Watchtower on my iPad. This was when the idea of moving to a Latin-American country first popped into my head. 

Click here to read the article that I read. If you want to get motivated to live abroad and haven't read it yet, I recommend you do. 

I tossed around the idea of Ecuador, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, but ultimately, it was the Dominican Republic plans that flowed out and progressed most smoothly. My initial plan was for a short visit, but ultimately the plan became a full year. 

Now, after a year in the Dominican Republic and a recent trip to America, I know that DR is where I want to be not only for the next year, but also for the years to come if circumstances permit.

My life here is less of an experiment (with China remaining my base) and more and more like my new home, my new 'base.'

I'm getting more comfortable with Spanish and am useful in the congregation here because of being able to help the Chinese language learners, and even being used as a regular for interpretation of talks from Spanish to Chinese. 

There were many great memories from this past year, but I'll just post a few service related pictures here from the last year here. 

The photos are posted more or less in chronological order.

Anyolina cracks some nuts on the street to share with the service group on a day during my first few weeks of service in Fall of 2012.

Before we were a congregation, the El Ejido Chinese Group crammed into the back school to study the Bearing Thorough Witness book. Sometimes it was so crowded, that members would have to stand outside and comment through the windows of the back school (not joking).

A shot of the Chinese group and visitors making more and more clear the point that we had outgrown the tiny back school room at El Ejido.

Kazu and I enjoying real Chinese food at a return visit's home.

Alan studying his Watchtower before meeting. Alan has discontinued studying for several months now, but hopefully he'll start again! :)

Days after the announcement that we will become the second ever Chinese Congregation in the country, the printout of the biblical year text arrives for placement at our new home, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Avenida Imber.

On Sunday, February 3rd of this year, while many in America were getting ready to watch the Superbowl, we had our first meeting as a congregation.

My first Chinese assembly in Santo Domingo in the back room of the Assembly Hall while the Spanish brothers had their convention in front.

Me with two of my former Bible studies. 

Patricia and Jael during the tract campaign for the Memorial.

(Above and Below) Catherine takes a photo with some of our Asian brothers and sisters and Jorge Lebron gives the talk at the last Memorial in the Imbert Kingdom Hall.

An angry goose we met while doing census work in southern Santiago. Yeah, I'm not really sure why I thought including this picture in was necessary either.

Teammates and friends Catherine and Emi enjoy evening service with newly bought flowers (above) and help learn Chinese from one of their students at Monumento (below).

Kiara with a Spring flower in her hat during a day in the ministry earlier this year.

The Santiago Chinese Congregation doesn't just cover Chinese territory in Santiago. We are also responsible for all of Cibao (the state) and the northern region of the country. This photo was taken when we were doing preaching work near the border of Haiti and informally shared a tract with this young boy.

A new stage in DR witnessing begins as we have the meeting of orientation for the new public witnessing project (Metropolitan Witnessing) to begin in Santiago.

After service, we hit the beach in Monti Cristi.

Me practicing my Chinese character writing skills with friends who were writing encouraging messages on cards to hand out to Chinese people.

Day 1 of the Metropolitan witnessing project in Las Colinas Mall.

Sarah, a three month need-greater joins Emi and I for service near Monumento.

A young child leaning against a wall in Santiago while we do census work.

A more recent picture of our growing congregation and visitors.

Krista, Kazuyo, Akane and Kazu take a break from the hot sun on a construction site.

My first day of doing Metropolitan witnessing (above) and my completion of my service time for the year a couple of weeks ago (below).

What I look forward to in the upcoming service year is participating more in the Metropolitan service project, getting a regular Bible study (or two), and developing the friendships I've already started here.

Hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures, and hope it makes you perhaps consider moving to the DR or another foreign field one day.

Have a great new service year. :)

JW Showroom Project

More and more people I ask have been telling me that they've received emails about the JW showroom in Rouen, France--a town about an hour and a half northwest of Paris on the way to England. Thankfully, I recently got the chance to talk to my personal friend Havalah who lives in Paris and recently visited the location to get more information.  

The showroom will be open for 6 months as a trial. She mentioned there was a boat show in town that attracted a lot of outside visitors to the city and that the brothers there are hoping to attract some of those tourists. 

All of the brothers and sisters working in the place were locals. There were around 10 people in the showroom at any moment, and around the area there were a couple public witnessing stands set up within three blocks of the actual showroom. Those who worked in the showroom rotated shifts with those manning the public witnessing stands.

She noted that right now they have 11 different languages featured, and there are brothers that speak all of those languages working in the showroom.

There were also computers set up where people could access the website to get more information, and there is a section out of public view where people could look up information on their own or ask more questions/study with one of the Jehovah's Witnesses present. 

On June 1st it was a barbershop. On June 3rd construction began. Three days later the showroom was open to the public (Thursday June 6th). 

In the first week, around 1000 publications were placed in various languages. Since it has been open for over twenty days and seems to be successful for now, it will be interesting to see if more of these open up in the rest of the world. Hope an official video will be made on JW.org soon. :)

Gerle Creek

Here's my latest song by the title of "Gerle Creek."

Gerle Creek is a camping spot my family and friends from the El Cerrito area would go to quite often.

This is the third song I've posted with electronic drum tracks and my "Joy Division" style singing. I'd like to complete a full video/karaoke album of ten tracks with this same style.

If I get to ten songs, I'll probably delete these individual posts and make one post with all ten songs in it.

I know this isn't everyone's style of music, but I hope you do enjoy it. :)

Super Sad Love Song

The second of two new original songs I'm posting today.
This one by the name of: "Super Sad Love Song."
(I wasn't feeling very creative when it came to giving this song a title)

Hope you like it. :)

Marigold

Here's a song I wrote a couple days ago.
It's called "Marigold."

Hope you enjoy it.

Boy + Girl

Update: A few people have told me the embedded video isn't working. Click here to see the video on YouTube. :)

Five years ago, Josh became my first ever roommate in China. Soon after he and I began writing songs, playing in tiny cafes and even finished a rickety, poor-sound-quality full length album. Since then, Josh married the girl he was then dating (Ayumi), started a bigger band with my other two roommates, Levi, Bren and myself (Stegosaurus) and continues to live in the 长宁 district.

Josh is left handed (using a left-handed guitar) and I'm right handed (I used my broken-necked steel string and a standard nylon string guitar I found in a garbage heap in Shanghai), so whenever we played songs together sitting side by side, it looked like I was the mirror image of him...sort of.

Our duo's name was 'Mirror Mirror.'

It's now been five years since we recorded that album. There are parts in it where you can hear ambulance sirens, birds chirping in the background (during the song "Banana Fish"), washing machine alarms going off (during album version of the duet "I Am A Robot") and other sounds that are the result of recording an entire album without a studio--and instead with a Logitech Skype Microphone on a problematic Hewlett Packard laptop.

I recently talked to Josh about making a second album. I'm not sure whether or not it will be possible, but for now we have one new song. It definitely feels like a song that would have fit in perfectly on the first album.

Ayumi was very reluctant to sing at first. It's not easy to sing for others and especially when English isn't your first language, so I really appreciate her finally recording this song with Josh!

Hope you all enjoy the song. :)

'Stegosaurus made a few hits and rocked things hard,
But they were just the pulse, and we the beating heart.
Banana Fish is still the song they ask me to play
We didn't make a big splash, but we made a few waves.
Now the world is changed. Obama said 'Change'
Different world now, my life's rearranged.
We were kids with an HP and a notepad,
Now we're old men keepin' up with the iFads.'

- Lyrics From an Unfinished Song Meant for the Mirror Mirror Album Sequel