Chokepoint Capitalism - Rebecca Giblin and Cory Doctorow

Fascinating and infuriating at the same time

Chokepoint Capitalism: How Big Tech and Big Content Captured Creative Labor Markets and How We’ll Win Them Back
Authors: Rebecca Giblin and Cory Doctorow
Publisher: Beacon Press
Pages: 295

Someone might think that Chokepoint Capitalism by Rebecca Giblin and Cory Doctorow must be dry reading. On the contrary, the authors expose a ruthlessness and greed that is shocking to behold. It’s riveting to read how a few companies control most of the marketplace. If you want to become informed or takes steps to bring about change, this is a helpful guide.

A key concept hurting suppliers and workers is monopsony: buyers having power over creators of content. When sellers have power over buyers that is the more commonly known monopoly. The largest companies are not just powerful sellers. They are major buyers that reduce the rates paid to producers and suppliers. To illustrate with a personal example, I am an independent publisher of books by a particular author. If I want to see them sold in the biggest markets, I must accept the rates established by the seller. Alternative options that provide higher rates of return may come at the cost of significantly lower sales.

Despite showing how effectively competition has been reduced readers are not left without hope. The authors provide practical suggestions, including what has made a difference in specific situations. They show that joining with like-minded individuals for small beginnings can upend the status quo.

Personally, I wonder if I should try to make less use of the entities whose philosophy and practices are disappointing to say the least? With limited alternatives it seems like most creators are resigned to what they offer because it can be a matter of survival. I guess I’m one of them having been helped more than hurt. I respect, however, the authors for refusing to allow DRM on the electronic and audio editions of this book. They don’t want readers to be locked into one platform.

More then ever this makes me want to support independent artists and suppliers. We might see their projects advertised through various funding campaigns.

It’s puzzling that the major players don’t seem to recognize that justice and generosity can be rewarding and profitable. Even if this were not true, a respected name and integrity are of more value than great riches.

I imagine there are more like me that want to support endeavors that care for more than just the bottom line. Short term thinking can jeopardize the potential for having repeat business and loyal customers. Unfair practices and policy are not the way to go. A poor reputation will mean fewer customers.

The authors provide an excellent historical perspective and they make even the more technical aspects understandable even though I had to read some sections more than once. It’s just that I’m not familiar with some of the concepts. I learned a lot and my interest never wavered. It’s fascinating and infuriating at the same time.

As others have rightly pointed out, true success is measured by how you treat others. It’s a lesson that even corporations can learn in how they relate to not only customers but their employees. I appreciate how the book makes me think along these lines.

Empathy in Action - Tony Bates & Dr. Natalie Petouhoff

Making empathy the priority

Empathy in Action: How to Deliver Great Customer Experiences at Scale
Authors: Tony Bates & Dr. Natalie Petouhoff
Publisher: Ideapress Publishing
Pages: 338

The Scriptures speak of rejoicing in the truth. What the authors say about empathy rings true and resonates deeply. It is a desire fulfilled for someone like me who yearns for more satisfying relationships in the workplace. Page after page is filled with wisdom.

True caring is often in short supply in employment situations. A preoccupation with efficiency and profitability leaves employees and customers less than satisfied. Even if ultimate fulfillment in work cannot be found in this life, this book gives me hope for a better future where the well being of employees and customers isn’t just an afterthought.

As the owner of a small business; emphasis intentional as in one person operation. One challenge is to apply what I can even though this is written for large companies. Perhaps this is a minor weakness but I think it’s possible for small operations to glean from the ideas and benefit.

One difficulty is that there are fewer choices in smaller communities. If you have a bad experience somewhere, you may not have many options to go elsewhere, though that has changed somewhat with the popularity of internet shopping. Those who have less resources and lack incentive to change may think that they can get buy with the status quo but the authors make it clear that this kind of thinking will cause companies to fall behind their competitors and lead to their demise.

So how do the authors define empathy, which is the cornerstone of this work? For their purposes it is, “The act of a company putting themselves in the shoes of their customers and employees to reorient the way they make decisions and conduct business, resulting in amazing customer/employee-centric experiences” (15). Again, I find this approach and all the practical considerations that it entails so refreshing. Just reading about it is inspiring!

Just the other day I listened to two former employees of a local business talk about their history with the company. The environment was so toxic that the both quit at different times and neither of them have ever set foot in that store again. In fact both admitted that they have not been employed by a business since that time. Both were traumatized and years later are still not over it. The ideas and approach in this book greatly reduce the likelihood of this kind of abuse.

Small boxes of text that adorn many of these pages are filled with blindspots! “A blind spot is something that you don’t know you don’t know” (21). Recognizing them helps leaders to rethink how they do things. This insight and help is a welcome feature in this book. It calls attention to the main ideas summarizing them in just a few lines. They also make use of figures so that readers have a visual to reinforce the main points. I like the layout and aesthetics, which are more inviting that just having text on page. Black, white and orange in keeping with the colors on the dust jacket are scattered throughout.

The writing is engaging and the meaning clear. Even if some of this might seem overwhelming the authors succeed in providing a vision that benefits all. I remember a past supervisor offering the perspective that going to conferences is worth it even if you learn only one or two things. Reader’s can learn far more than just a couple of things by attending to this text. The authors have readers thinking big but they can also think small. What can I do to make the world better?

Jesus Changed My Life - Katy Nichole

Dynamite first full-length from Katy Nichole

Katy Nichole
Jesus Changed My Life
Label: Centricity Music
Length: 11 songs/40 minutes

Not since Lauren Daigle’s debut have I been as excited by a first full-length recording. The root word for excite means “to move, stir up, instigate” and that’s how I feel. Nichole’s testimonies of God’s power to set free move and stir me.

Power is another appropriate word since the Holy Spirit is often associated with it. The lyrics reflect that source and with the music are dynamite.

This is what reminded me of Lauren Daigle. They share strong voices, excellent backing and production, and a focus on God and his ability to transform lives.

“In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” is the soundtrack for Nichole’s going from being bedridden to becoming known to many. It’s compassionate and bold at the same time: “I speak the name of Jesus over you.” Lyrically, it’s Charismatic in nature: “I pray that a breakthrough would happen today/I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.” Faith declarations abound.

As powerful as it may be, I like “Jesus Changed My Life” even more. It has a Southern roots rock feel. I hear a little country in her voice as she contrasts a soul’s journey from darkness to light. A slide guitar gives the sound some swagger. Her voice soars and the music explodes on the chorus. It may not be innovative and deep theologically but it’s a testimony of liberation that soars with the music.

Big Daddy Weave joins Nichole for “God is in This Story.” Their relationship began when the group invited Nichole to join them on select dates for the band’s spring 2022 tour. The opening lines describe a hopelessness that might seem to define a person but that is not the end of the story. She sings that there are “words that tell me I’m no good” but the hands of grace and endless love “told my heart that hope is never gone.”

On “Old Man,” Neil Young sings, “Love lost, such a cost. Give me things that don’t get lost.” “Things I Wish I Would’ve Said” is grieving such a loss, which comes with so much cost. Acoustic guitar gives it a plaintive feel with pedal steel furthering the sentiment.

Like “Jesus Changed My Life,” “Jesus Thank You” is electrifying. This release is worth having just for these two songs alone. This has a strong gospel influence complete with choir and excellent guitar work. Like the other aforementioned song it’s a celebration. It’s abundant life overflowing in gratitude. Once again I hear a little country inflection in the voice. Nichole is a force to be reckoned with when she leans toward country rock.

“Living Proof” begins quietly with a sober feel before breaking into forceful declarations of God’s healing power and faithfulness. It’s just another example of how well many of the songs fit Nichole’s life.

Fiddle adds to the swing on “By the Grace of God.” It adds energy to the bold, rural-sounding confidence.

“Please” is a cry of desperation. The music mirrors the insistence in the lyrics.

“Hold On” has a melancholy beginning with just piano and vocals. Nichole is equally at home between thoughtful ballads and rousing testimony songs. Here she sings of times when small clouds and darkness obscure seeing God in our circumstances.

“Take it to the Cross” has a marching rhythm that once again has a huge chorus. It’s an exhortation to take all our burdens to Christ. At one point it seamlessly incorporates a few lines from the hymn “Nothing But the Blood.”

She makes a similar move on the closing “Turn to Jesus” where listeners hear an interlude consisting of the “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” chorus. This is a gorgeous stripped-down song that serves as a fitting closer. Keyboard and strings provide the background.

This is a strong full-length debut for fans of pop/rock, testimony-oriented songs that incorporate praise and worship.

Michael Dalton

GREATER: Live at Chapel - Planetshakers

 

Worship on the mountain

GREATER: Live at Chapel
Planetshakers
Length: 11 songs/57 Minutes
Label: Venture3Media

One of my favorite moments on GREATER: Live at Chapel comes early. It’s more for the R&B style than the sentiments, though I like the thought:

Early in the morning
Late in the evening
Let the praises of our God be the number one sound
He is greater like no other
So let the praises of God be the number one sound

It’s the rhythm that delights! It is a joyful mix of acoustic and electric R&B. This style doesn’t seem as prevalent in modern worship, which is a shame. Planetshakers continually show how good it can sound on their releases, even though they use it sparingly.

The title song, like most if not all of the tracks, has a short intricate instrumental opening, which adds artistry to a genre that can lack it. “Greater” becomes a pounding anthem extolling Christ as being above everything.

My favorite part of “Victory of Jesus” is the creative guitar improvising at the end of some of the lines. Is it needless embellishment? I don’t think so. Recall the beauty of the High Priest’s garments. They reflected God’s glory. Subtle adornment in music can do the same.

The words “God of miracles” in this song and “Move in Power,” the next track, show charismatic influences, which provides some indication of the content. It’s contemporary as opposed to more conservative hymn-like songs along the lines of Keith and Kristyn Getty. One small drawback is that it gets a little repetitive and drawn out in spots, but that is often typical of contemporary styles of worship.

A welcome change is the acoustic adaptation of Psalm 23. The Gettys and those favoring more traditional expressions might approve. It’s a fine rendering and this trend continues on the following.

“Emmanuel,” which is not a Christmas song, is also stripped-down. It puts the words and singing in the forefront. Then to close the release the last four tracks return to the full band sound, which makes for an appropriate contrast.

Reading about the setting for this event is a bit of surprise: a mountaintop near Melbourne, Australia with the band joined by Planetshakers Bible College students. A studio version of GREATER, an earlier release, is also available along with streaming of the concert.

The musicianship and production are first rate. I never would have guessed it was recorded on a mountain but how appropriate given the significance of such in Scripture.

After Life: A Collective History of Loss and Redemption in Pandemic America

“If you know the history …, you’re not doomed to repeat the mistakes”

After Life: A Collective History of Loss and Redemption in Pandemic America
Editors: Raye Lynn Barnes, Keri Leigh Merritt, Yohuru Williams
Publisher: Haymarket Books
Pages: 370

The emotions that immediately come to mind when I read this essay collection on the pandemic are heartbreak and relief. The stories of injustice are deeply saddening but hearing from rational people is a relief. Too much of the irrational makes one despair of ever learning the truth.

Why is it that the US in comparison to other countries fared so poorly? The editors examine this and related questions beginning with the introduction and what follows, “but the heart of this book is a series of everyday stories of everyday people living through pandemic America” (3). They provide a political and factual framework that highlights our devastating failures. It reveals an administration that wasn’t able to transcend politics and shows how governments often get it wrong at a cost of lives. Readers see suffering but glimpse hope for change through stories that amplify various voices. Even though conservatives like myself may not agree with some of the perspectives and conclusions, this is a valuable document of what happened and why. It’s wise to listen and learn, which creates a foundation for communication.

In the introduction we meet Marquerita Donald, a forty-nine-year-old mother, sheep farmer and Navajo translator at the Tuba City Regional Health Care Center’s respiratory care unit. Along the way we witness the impact of COVID on the Navajo Community, “At times during 2020, the Navajo Nation had the highest coronavirus infection rate in the contiguous United States…. The Navajo Nation surpassed both NY and CA in both positive cases, and deaths per capita, with 32,528 confirmed positive cases and 1,403 confirmed deaths out of a population of 173,000 people” (10). This underscores the desperate struggle to find PPE and basic hygiene equipment that was insufficient in much of the country. Further, it shows how COVID has had a greater impact on minorities, the poor, elderly and even women. Though the statistics throughout the book are damning, the personal stories carry the greatest weight.

“El Paso In Mourning,” commemorating the first anniversary in 2020 of the August 3^rd massacre in El Paso, can inform us today as we consider immigrant and border challenges. It was on this day that an anti-immigrant white supremacist deliberately targeted people who looked Hispanic, killing twenty-three people and wounding twenty-three others.

A long history of anti-immigrant sentiment was exacerbated by President Trump’s rhetoric: “You wouldn’t believe how bad these people are,” referring to those crossing the border. Before he went on, he corrected himself, “These aren’t people. These are animals.” This kind of language is misleading to say the least. Since every person is made in the image of God, regardless of how degraded it might be, words like these are inexcusable.

El Paso became the place that instituted the family separation policy “that eventually removed nearly 5,500 children from their guardians.” Injustices followed and protests fell on deaf ears. Can people of all persuasions agree that it’s never right to treat immigrants and those crossing the border in inhumane ways? We define ourselves by how we treat others.

Let me remember that I’m the greatest fraud that I will ever meet, others are better than myself and those who criticize or judge me don’t know how bad I really am. Pretending to have it all together is a burden we need not bear. Dropping the facade makes it easier to love others including enemies.

This entire book is about relationships. We should face our history, confess our wrongs and make amends.

More important than any label, be it conservative or liberal, is the name I bear as a follower of Christ. Am I becoming more Christlike, living compassionately, acting justly and walking humbly with God? Even those who leave God out of the equation can adopt similar values making for a better society.

Leave it to fiction in David Baldacci’s A Gambling Man to inform real life: “If you know the history of a place, you’re not doomed to repeat the mistakes of others who came before you …” (245). Time after time in After Life we learn the history to avoid repeating the past.

 

“See that he has nothing to fear”

Home Sweet Christmas

Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN
Pages: 394

Sometimes reading widely can be accidental as in my choosing Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery. Drawn to reading a Christmas story, I didn’t pay attention to the publisher. If I had, it may have dawned on me that HQN is a division of Harlequin and I may have passed on it. Even after starting I paused a couple of times after reading something suggestive and wondered if I wanted to continue.

Fortunately, there were not too many sexual references and they are not explicit. More along the lines of a movie that implies a couple is sleeping together rather than showing it. For that I’m thankful even though I was still a little bothered.

My somewhat reluctant decision to continue was amply rewarded when I came to a scene that beautifully illustrated a scripture verse that one of my favorite authors highlighted. F. W. Boreham, wrote about it in “On Frightening Timothy” in Mountains in the Mist. Of the many sermons that I have heard, I don’t recall anyone ever preaching on 1 Cor. 16:10, which begins with “Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you …”. There are so many things to fear today. The world is not a safe, welcoming place.

When I came to the part of the story where River Best was chosen as the Snow Queen Boreham’s text came to life. River was terrified! “Her big green eyes were wide and filled with apprehension. She looked nervous and unsure, as if she wanted to be anywhere but here” (76). I can relate in that I shrink from the spotlight! I’ll never forget when a former employer was making a presentation to me, he said, “Mike, is the kind of person that would prefer if I just slipped this under the door.” That was infinitely preferable to being called to face a crowd! This was River’s predicament.

You can see her apprehension as she approaches the stage. Fortunately, the just previously announced Snow King, who is kind, is already on the stage and making his way towards her.

“‘It’ll be okay. I’m right here.’

He held out his hand … She climbed the three stairs, then clutched his hand tightly. ‘I can’t do this,’ she told him. ‘It’s terrifying.’

‘I’m right here’” (76).

I think of God continually reaching down, taking our hand, saying, “I’m right here.” He reassures. That’s what I want when terrified.

Boreham was known for using fictional stories to illustrate his sermon points. This story is a fine example of putting someone at ease. I can see why it’s not a spiritual gift. It’s something that anyone can do. Imagine a world where people are working to alleviate fear. We become more noble when we set aside our comfort to make someone less fearful.

The couple in this example is one of two that have intersecting story lines. I enjoyed following their ups and downs as they approached Christmas. It reads as true to life. Even the occasional references to sex were not gratuitous.

I like the setting, the characters and the writing. This excels many of the Christmas movies you find on TV. If you are looking for a Christmas story and can handle a few sexual references this is enjoyable.

I’m grateful for an illustration that I will not forget. More than once I’ve been in that place where I needed someone to tell me “I’m right here…. You’ll be fine.”

“See that he has nothing to fear,” Paul wrote. The River’s of this life will bless you and be forever grateful when you take this to heart.

Move of Heaven - Awaken Music

 

Electronic elements, a chill vibe and a singular focus on triumph through praise

Move of Heaven
Awaken Music
Distributor: The Fuel Music
Length: 11 songs/1 hour

I wonder if anyone else imagines floating in space when they hear electronic sounds like the ones found here on Move of Heaven. They are particularly prominent on the opening “Isaiah 52,” which includes auto-tune on the lead vocal. Don’t be put off by that because it’s not prevalent on the majority of vocals.

The spacey background fits with mostly mid-tempo tunes that can make for a tranquil listening experience. This despite the subject matter of revival and warfare. Fortunately, in this day of heightened polarization, the latter is of the spiritual kind where listeners are encouraged to take God at his word. It’s not a call to arms in the physical sense.

My appreciation of this recording grew with repeated listens. It bolsters faith, and I give it credit for sounding a little different thanks to the electronics, the chill vibe and the singular focus on triumph through praise.

One minor drawback was not being able to understand the words at times due in part to the pronunciation making it a challenge. Looking up the lyrics increased my enjoyment but it’s a plus when that isn’t necessary.

This is a studio recording with mostly female leads. It sounds current and should appeal to anyone who likes modern worship and the good fight of faith. It all starts with:

How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of those who bring the good news
Hear the watchmen down in Zion
Sing for joy as the wait for you

I’m glad to hear this wonderful announcement in song. How fitting against a dreamy soundscape with the words “Awake! Awake!” following later.

On “By Faith” the guitar sounds like a sitar, enhancing the backdrop. The singer is resolute:

When my circumstance
Feels like sinking sand
I will walk by faith

I’ll walk by faith
And lean on every word you say

The sinking sand reference brings to mind “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”:

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand

“Come What May” has a driving rhythm anchored by a solid drum beat. Synthesized elements gain momentum and on the bridge take center stage creating a magical moment. Again, the lyrics express an unwavering fortitude, “Come what may/Nothing’s gonna stop my praise.”

A male lead is found on “My Amen,” musically perhaps the most muscular track with the drums pounding out the rhythm. The epic title track encapsulates in a couple of lines an overall theme:

My worship is my weapon
My warfare is my praise

So this release might be for you if you are in the thick of battle or are anticipating it. It’s a resource for every follower of Christ.

There is an interesting play on words in “I Am,” which juxtaposes the “Great I Am” with our “I am.” Driven by keyboard and electronic accents in the background, the music meanders like a gentle stream. I like the following line and the ones after it show how the title is used:

There’s no need to pretend
Loved by the Great I Am
I am

It goes on to become even more rooted in the new identity given to us by God.

“Forever the Same” is my favorite. It’s just keyboard and female vocals spotlighting the constancy of God’s love. The relaxed, beautiful melody is enchanting.

“Kings and Priests” has an urban, industrial feel. It’s a change-up from the mellower songs that precede it. It works but the heavier style is not as appealing.

“Babylon” is carried by a hopeful melody, which makes for a fitting ending. Allusions abound to the story in the book of Daniel where three Hebrews are rescued from the flames of the fiery furnace. A male lead sings of taking a stand against idolatry ending this on a victorious note.

I appreciate the moments of beauty on this release. It’s another means of overcoming the world.