I heard on CBC News Radio today about a Canadian non-profit organization that collects data on charity organizations: how much money they get from donations and how effectively the money is used. They look at many different aspects of managing resources, and they have a report for the most effective charities in Canada in 2010. This report can be downloaded in PDF format from their website.
Over the past few years, I've been looking for a Canadian organization that does this sort of research before I make donations to charities. I had never come across CIC before, and I'm glad I have now.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Causes of migraines
-lower levels of serotonin
What causes the level of serotonin to drop? - certain foods or behaviours that produce more negative emotions than positive emotions.
Foods:
MSG - had some of that in the Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
nitrites - had some of that in the 2 steak dinners I had, back to back on the weekend; Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
tyramine - found in chocolate (have been having lots of that lately), yogourt (part of my regular diet, so this should be fine); aged cheeses (none)
caffeine - had been drinking 2 cups of black tea/day during the 2 weeks of Christmas holidays; had been drinking 3 cups/week prior to the Holiday Break. This would constitute a sudden increase in the intake of caffeine
Behaviours:
- was exercising less during the holidays
- had left work to the 2nd week of holidays, therefore creating as sense of anxiety
- had left some work undone; forgot to bring home calendar to prep for Monday's class > created a lot of anxiety
- not expressing my anxiety often enough to release it
- depression (realized that I may have been suffering from this disorder since my teenage years)
Action Plan:
1. must must must excercise every day
2. complain more and share my anxiety with others to release it
3. avoid procrastination
4. avoid eating those foods at high amounts within a short period of time (have stopped drinking black tea since Sunday night)
What causes the level of serotonin to drop? - certain foods or behaviours that produce more negative emotions than positive emotions.
Foods:
MSG - had some of that in the Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
nitrites - had some of that in the 2 steak dinners I had, back to back on the weekend; Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
tyramine - found in chocolate (have been having lots of that lately), yogourt (part of my regular diet, so this should be fine); aged cheeses (none)
caffeine - had been drinking 2 cups of black tea/day during the 2 weeks of Christmas holidays; had been drinking 3 cups/week prior to the Holiday Break. This would constitute a sudden increase in the intake of caffeine
Behaviours:
- was exercising less during the holidays
- had left work to the 2nd week of holidays, therefore creating as sense of anxiety
- had left some work undone; forgot to bring home calendar to prep for Monday's class > created a lot of anxiety
- not expressing my anxiety often enough to release it
- depression (realized that I may have been suffering from this disorder since my teenage years)
Action Plan:
1. must must must excercise every day
2. complain more and share my anxiety with others to release it
3. avoid procrastination
4. avoid eating those foods at high amounts within a short period of time (have stopped drinking black tea since Sunday night)
Monday, October 11, 2010
(Four Days Late) Congrats, Mr. Liu Xiaobo!
I've been listening to a lot of Chinese language commentary on Fairchild radio, as well as reading news articles about Mr. Liu's accomplishment. Some of the most touching snippets that I've heard include an interview with Mr. Liu's brother. He said that Mr. Liu has spent a large part of his life promoting human rights and democratic reform in China, and winning the Nobel Peace Prize is completely deserving.
I've also heard some radio listeners giving their two cents worth on an evening talk show, who said that they believe that awarding Mr. Liu this prize is a politically-driven decision, primarily to disgrace the Chinese government. One listener even harkened this award to Gao Xingjian's Nobel Prize for Literature for his novel, "Spirit Mountain." This listener said that the Nobel Committee would award the prizes to anyone who openly criticizes the Chinese government, and not because those individuals have done any commendable work. According to this listener, "Spirit Mountain" was a very ordinary novel without much literary value.
I personally have not read the novel, so I can't weigh in on its literary merits. I do want to read it though, and in Chinese. I read a little bit of it at my bro's condo yesterday when I was there for Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn't hard to read at all. It was actually easier than some of Jin Yong's wuxia novels because Gao didn't write using Classical Chinese prose. Now I have 3.5 books to read, hopefully by Christmas.
Back to the topic of the Nobel Peace prize, I do have to say that there was one commentator (there are probably several who have made this observation) that Mr. Liu's achievement is so much more remarkable because he is the first Chinese national to have won a Nobel prize while still residing in China. He hasn't exiled himself; he doesn't enjoy any freedom in foreign countries. He's currently in prison still for writing up the Charter 08 that called for political reform in China. He does all this work knowing full well the consequences: facing persecution. I do admire him for this.
Several weeks ago, my pastor gave a sermon where he talked about the work of missionaries in areas of the world where evangelical work will land people in prison, or worse, punishment by execution. As a result, these missionaries have to do their work so carefully so as not to set off the authorities. Often times, it's a matter of walking a very fine line.
And then you have people like Aung San Suu Kyi, a human rights activist from Burma, who openly criticizes the Burmese government. She has been living under house arrest for the past 7 years. Prior to this, she had already served another sentence of 6 years between 1989-1995.
Whether one agrees with their ideology, or disapproves of their cause, how can anyone deny their courage and resolve?
"Wife of Chinese Nobel Laureate under house arrest after weekend visit". globeandmail.com. 11 Oct 2010. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/wife-of-chinese-nobel-laureate-under-house-arrest-after-weekend-visit/article1751640/
I've also heard some radio listeners giving their two cents worth on an evening talk show, who said that they believe that awarding Mr. Liu this prize is a politically-driven decision, primarily to disgrace the Chinese government. One listener even harkened this award to Gao Xingjian's Nobel Prize for Literature for his novel, "Spirit Mountain." This listener said that the Nobel Committee would award the prizes to anyone who openly criticizes the Chinese government, and not because those individuals have done any commendable work. According to this listener, "Spirit Mountain" was a very ordinary novel without much literary value.
I personally have not read the novel, so I can't weigh in on its literary merits. I do want to read it though, and in Chinese. I read a little bit of it at my bro's condo yesterday when I was there for Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn't hard to read at all. It was actually easier than some of Jin Yong's wuxia novels because Gao didn't write using Classical Chinese prose. Now I have 3.5 books to read, hopefully by Christmas.
Back to the topic of the Nobel Peace prize, I do have to say that there was one commentator (there are probably several who have made this observation) that Mr. Liu's achievement is so much more remarkable because he is the first Chinese national to have won a Nobel prize while still residing in China. He hasn't exiled himself; he doesn't enjoy any freedom in foreign countries. He's currently in prison still for writing up the Charter 08 that called for political reform in China. He does all this work knowing full well the consequences: facing persecution. I do admire him for this.
Several weeks ago, my pastor gave a sermon where he talked about the work of missionaries in areas of the world where evangelical work will land people in prison, or worse, punishment by execution. As a result, these missionaries have to do their work so carefully so as not to set off the authorities. Often times, it's a matter of walking a very fine line.
And then you have people like Aung San Suu Kyi, a human rights activist from Burma, who openly criticizes the Burmese government. She has been living under house arrest for the past 7 years. Prior to this, she had already served another sentence of 6 years between 1989-1995.
Whether one agrees with their ideology, or disapproves of their cause, how can anyone deny their courage and resolve?
Bibliography:
"Aung San Suu Kyi - Biography". Nobelprize.org. 11 Oct 2010 http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1991/kyi-bio.html
"Democracy Fighter Aung San Suu Kyi's Struggle". CBC.ca 11 Oct 2010 http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/05/22/f-aung-san-suu-kyi-burma.html
"Liu Xiaobo could win the Nobel Peace Prize, and he'd be the last to know". globeandmail.com. 11 Oct 2010 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/liu-xiaobo-could-win-the-nobel-peace-prize-and-hed-be-the-last-to-know/article1747791/
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
So you think teachers have it easy?
Try sitting in an office that has the temperature of 10 degrees Celcius. Try typing a document when your fingers are stiff. See how many times you have to backspace and retype something because of all the mistakes you made. Try aiming your mouse at a specific target while your hand is shaking and your whole body is shuddering from the cold.
In cold weather we don't have heating. In hot weather we don't have A/C.
And you think teachers have it easy?!
In cold weather we don't have heating. In hot weather we don't have A/C.
And you think teachers have it easy?!
Monday, September 13, 2010
三個 “感謝”
昨晚， 是我第一次去觀看一個頌拜的音樂會。 它在 Agincourt Pentecostal Church 的大禮堂理面舉行。 領導頌拜的是 “讚美之泉敬拜團“。 我從來没有看過這一樣的東西， 所以對我來講，是一個大開眼界的經力。 感謝主給了我這一個幾會。 整個晚上的一切都讓我覺得好難忘。 最令我心窩的事情是昨晚我的爹爹跟了我一起去。 我看到他真的很高興地去享受這個音樂會。 這一點令我好感恩。 謝謝主耶稣！
昨天，我又常試了一樣新的東西： 用國語來禱告。 讓我覺得更有福的是因爲我不是爲自己而禱告， 而是爲了别人。 我真的非常感謝神因爲祂給了我一個幾會去帮助别人， 而且還是爲了侍奉主耶稣。 一舉兩得！ 起初，我講得很慢。 後來， 因爲我越來越緊將，所以說得越來越快。 好在到最後， 我也把整個禱告說出來。 現在我才發現，爲甚麼我對主耶稣那麼没有信心呢？ 像頌拜歌理面所說， 我要更加依靠神的能力， 而不是依靠自己的聪明。
之後， 我的弟兄姊妹也有鼓勵我再一次在吃飯之前用國語來帮大家做禱告。 有這幾位愛心豐富的弟兄姊妹圍繞着實在是天父給我的福氣。 他們讓我成長得很有意義， 很快樂。 非常非常感謝主！
願所有的榮耀歸于我們的神耶和華。
昨天，我又常試了一樣新的東西： 用國語來禱告。 讓我覺得更有福的是因爲我不是爲自己而禱告， 而是爲了别人。 我真的非常感謝神因爲祂給了我一個幾會去帮助别人， 而且還是爲了侍奉主耶稣。 一舉兩得！ 起初，我講得很慢。 後來， 因爲我越來越緊將，所以說得越來越快。 好在到最後， 我也把整個禱告說出來。 現在我才發現，爲甚麼我對主耶稣那麼没有信心呢？ 像頌拜歌理面所說， 我要更加依靠神的能力， 而不是依靠自己的聪明。
之後， 我的弟兄姊妹也有鼓勵我再一次在吃飯之前用國語來帮大家做禱告。 有這幾位愛心豐富的弟兄姊妹圍繞着實在是天父給我的福氣。 他們讓我成長得很有意義， 很快樂。 非常非常感謝主！
願所有的榮耀歸于我們的神耶和華。
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Hiking Trail: Corippo - Oviga di Fuori - Lavertezzo (click)
That day, I had finished eating my lunch before most of my travel companions were done, and I also felt like I needed some personal time. After taking leave from the group, I followed a trail that took me up the hill towards the woods. It took me farther and farther away from the river, so I stopped and turned back. What I wanted to see, most of all, was the river. Heading back downhill, I was able to follow the river. The scenery of trees, rocks and river may sound a bit too simple and ordinary, but the hike is anything but.
As I was walking, I was met by many friendly trees who were waving their lusciously green leaves at me, as if beckoning me onward. On my left was a steep decline towards the riverbank. I could hear the chatter of the waters as they hit the rocks, cheerful and impatient, as if they were approaching a happier destination. This only made me want to walk faster to find out where they were headed. Every now and then, I would climb a small hill and then be treated to a view of the great white rocks and the stream of turquoise. The thrill came when I walked across two wooden bridges, about 2.5 feet wide, and 10-12 feet long. They were made of wooden planks, but were still very sturdy.
The hilly terrain coaxed me on, leading me to believe that after the next hill, I would arrive at the riverbank. That was not so, but the anticipation of reaching the rocks grew evermore enticing.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Switzerland 2009 Home Video
I finally finished my first project using Windows Movie Maker. The movie doesn't have a title yet, but it's basically footage from Great-Uncle's funeral last September in Basel, Switzerland. The second half of the film is footage from two day-trips to Lake Luzern and Zermatt.
I used several different pieces of music to compliment the video footage. They include classical, folk and rock music. The hardest part was putting on the subtitles for the various speeches that were read during the funeral. The audio quality captured on my camcorder were quite poor, especially when there was a lot of background noise, such as people coughing and such. Another difficult task is to synchronize the music with the images.
My favourite part of the film is at end. I've used footage shot from the top of a mountain that sits opposite the Matterhorn. My cousin, Thien, panned the camera around to film the mountainscape. It looks absolutely stunning! Plus, the music from "Everything" starts off very softly and builds to a crescendo at the end with vocals, guitar and bass. It works out perfectly with Thien's footage. Even the tempo fits well because there is a clip where he films the landscape from a moving train.
Actually, a lot of the footage happens to fit the music that I've selected really well. I'm very pleased with my first project. Now, all I have to do is buy some DVD-Rs and burn a few copies. Next, I'll work on the cooking footage and make a video of this year's travels.
I used several different pieces of music to compliment the video footage. They include classical, folk and rock music. The hardest part was putting on the subtitles for the various speeches that were read during the funeral. The audio quality captured on my camcorder were quite poor, especially when there was a lot of background noise, such as people coughing and such. Another difficult task is to synchronize the music with the images.
My favourite part of the film is at end. I've used footage shot from the top of a mountain that sits opposite the Matterhorn. My cousin, Thien, panned the camera around to film the mountainscape. It looks absolutely stunning! Plus, the music from "Everything" starts off very softly and builds to a crescendo at the end with vocals, guitar and bass. It works out perfectly with Thien's footage. Even the tempo fits well because there is a clip where he films the landscape from a moving train.
Actually, a lot of the footage happens to fit the music that I've selected really well. I'm very pleased with my first project. Now, all I have to do is buy some DVD-Rs and burn a few copies. Next, I'll work on the cooking footage and make a video of this year's travels.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Back in Canada
I've been back in Toronto for almost a week now. At first, I felt really sad because: 1) I don't get to hang out with my cousins anymore, plus all the new friends I've made. 2) I miss the atmosphere of a new place where I can go exploring on my own. 3) School is going to start soon. Maybe this should be number 1.
This past weekend, I met up with some friends from Ling Fu, as well as my cousin from LA. Their good company and kind words helped me greatly. I just feel sorry I couldn't go to Thai and Catherine's house for a BBQ with Clare and Jack. I miss the Gang so much!
Over the past week, my parents and I have been sharing our travel stories with relatives, and that has been such a blast. Reliving the best (funniest) moments is therapeutic almost.
Right now, I'm learning to use Windows Movie Maker. It's not as hard as I thought it would be. First, I'm going to make a movie using the footage shot by Thien last September when my mummy when to visit. After that, I'll make a movie of the footage that I/Dad/Thien shot during this recent trip.
Now, it's back to the routine, mostly. I have to start practicing piano again, as well as start preparing for Bible Studies. The first one is this Wed. Very much looking forward to seeing the friends from Logos again.
I wish everyone a good week.
This past weekend, I met up with some friends from Ling Fu, as well as my cousin from LA. Their good company and kind words helped me greatly. I just feel sorry I couldn't go to Thai and Catherine's house for a BBQ with Clare and Jack. I miss the Gang so much!
Over the past week, my parents and I have been sharing our travel stories with relatives, and that has been such a blast. Reliving the best (funniest) moments is therapeutic almost.
Right now, I'm learning to use Windows Movie Maker. It's not as hard as I thought it would be. First, I'm going to make a movie using the footage shot by Thien last September when my mummy when to visit. After that, I'll make a movie of the footage that I/Dad/Thien shot during this recent trip.
Now, it's back to the routine, mostly. I have to start practicing piano again, as well as start preparing for Bible Studies. The first one is this Wed. Very much looking forward to seeing the friends from Logos again.
I wish everyone a good week.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Uncle Thien's Bible Study Group
Last night, Uncle Tien brought me to his youth Bible Study group. At first, he said that there might only be four members showing up. When we got there, however, there were already six people! The study was on John 6. This chapter talks about Jesus's sermon from the shores of Capernum.
The format of the study was quite similar to the ones we conduct in Toronto, except this group doesn't use any study guide. We simply do a close reading to understand what's going on in that chapter. The study was conducted in Mandarin, led by girl named XiaoDan. She just finished her studies in theology in Hamburg, Germany. She was very enthusiastic and made the study quite enjoyable.
At the end, Lisa asked all of us to recite one verse from chapter 6 that Dan Dang had chosen to be the most important. She chose verse 35, which goes like this: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. Since I was reading from a Chinese Bible in Mandarin, I decided to interpret it into English while most everyone else recited it in either German or Mandarin. Perhaps my current Bible study groups at Logos and Lingfu could also adapt this strategy.
In the past, we discussed memorizing verses after each study, and reciting them at the beginning of the next session. However, this important activity always seems to be conveniently forgotten at the next session. As a result, we have yet to commit to memorizing verses from the chapters that we've studied.
In the closing prayer, I spoke in English and I prayed for my dad. While in Switzerland, he prayed with me for the first time a few nights ago. First I prayed, and then he followed. He didn't just sit passively and listen to me pray, but participated by speaking directly to the Lord. When I was praying about this last night, I was so overcome by the Holy Spirit that I broke down and was virtually sobbing and praying at the same time. This is so uncharacteristic of me to render myself so vulnerably to complete strangers. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit was with me and I was able to complete my prayer. Last night was a very liberating evening for me.
Afterwards, we sat and chatted. I described to Lisa what Lingfu is like, and she described her church to me. Currently, they don't even have a pastor. The church is basically run by 20 or so members of the Mandarin congregation. She said that now, every one of them have a great responsibility because they no longer have a pastor to lean on. Whatever becomes of their church will depend on what these 20+ members do with it. I responded that if God didn't think they were capable enough for the task, He would not have placed it on them thus. She agreed and we both felt very thankful to the Lord for showing us this scenario. As small as Lingfu is, at least I have Pastor Rex and his wife Ellen to lead the congregation. I thank the gracious Lord for his providence and blessings.
The format of the study was quite similar to the ones we conduct in Toronto, except this group doesn't use any study guide. We simply do a close reading to understand what's going on in that chapter. The study was conducted in Mandarin, led by girl named XiaoDan. She just finished her studies in theology in Hamburg, Germany. She was very enthusiastic and made the study quite enjoyable.
At the end, Lisa asked all of us to recite one verse from chapter 6 that Dan Dang had chosen to be the most important. She chose verse 35, which goes like this: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. Since I was reading from a Chinese Bible in Mandarin, I decided to interpret it into English while most everyone else recited it in either German or Mandarin. Perhaps my current Bible study groups at Logos and Lingfu could also adapt this strategy.
In the past, we discussed memorizing verses after each study, and reciting them at the beginning of the next session. However, this important activity always seems to be conveniently forgotten at the next session. As a result, we have yet to commit to memorizing verses from the chapters that we've studied.
In the closing prayer, I spoke in English and I prayed for my dad. While in Switzerland, he prayed with me for the first time a few nights ago. First I prayed, and then he followed. He didn't just sit passively and listen to me pray, but participated by speaking directly to the Lord. When I was praying about this last night, I was so overcome by the Holy Spirit that I broke down and was virtually sobbing and praying at the same time. This is so uncharacteristic of me to render myself so vulnerably to complete strangers. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit was with me and I was able to complete my prayer. Last night was a very liberating evening for me.
Afterwards, we sat and chatted. I described to Lisa what Lingfu is like, and she described her church to me. Currently, they don't even have a pastor. The church is basically run by 20 or so members of the Mandarin congregation. She said that now, every one of them have a great responsibility because they no longer have a pastor to lean on. Whatever becomes of their church will depend on what these 20+ members do with it. I responded that if God didn't think they were capable enough for the task, He would not have placed it on them thus. She agreed and we both felt very thankful to the Lord for showing us this scenario. As small as Lingfu is, at least I have Pastor Rex and his wife Ellen to lead the congregation. I thank the gracious Lord for his providence and blessings.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Hindu Chariot Festival @ Toronto (click)
While riding a canal cruise in Amsterdam, I was chatting with another travelling couple from Ireland who said that when they visited Toronto a few years ago, they saw an amazing parade to honor the Hindu god, Ganesh. I had to struggle to grasp what she was talking about becuase I had never heard of such a parade in Toronto. The Gay Pride and Caribbana parades I hear about every year, but not the Hindu Chariot Festival. And look! Here's an article about it in the T.O Star.
Returned from Paris and the Netherlands
I felt like I would never want to go back to Paris again. Then I thought of the Musee d'Orsay and all the paintings in there that I have yet to see, and my heart feels a bit lighter. Next, the thought of exploring and enjoying Paris with the Ogden Gang makes me feel almost inspired.
Of all the places I've travelled to, Nieuvliet has been one of the most enchanting. I definitely want to visit Oosterburg again to see the other villages besides Sluis. Seeing "ai-ya" auntie and Aunt Jing and her husband again was a very heart-warming experience. I still, however, feel sory for not having met Uncle Liang for a second time before he passed away last year. Visiting his gravesite was a bittersweet experience that I cannot as yet find words to express.
I now look forward to visiting Zurich and revisiting the Ermitage at Arlesheim.
Numerous times has my temper and patince been tested. And every time, if it were not for the worship music that I carry with me everywhere I go, I would have lost my mind, and probably my respectability. I listened to Pastor Smith's sermon on Being Judgemental and Critical again today, and what I got out of it is: forgive others, lest my resentment build up walls that block my path towards Christ. Amen.
Of all the places I've travelled to, Nieuvliet has been one of the most enchanting. I definitely want to visit Oosterburg again to see the other villages besides Sluis. Seeing "ai-ya" auntie and Aunt Jing and her husband again was a very heart-warming experience. I still, however, feel sory for not having met Uncle Liang for a second time before he passed away last year. Visiting his gravesite was a bittersweet experience that I cannot as yet find words to express.
I now look forward to visiting Zurich and revisiting the Ermitage at Arlesheim.
Numerous times has my temper and patince been tested. And every time, if it were not for the worship music that I carry with me everywhere I go, I would have lost my mind, and probably my respectability. I listened to Pastor Smith's sermon on Being Judgemental and Critical again today, and what I got out of it is: forgive others, lest my resentment build up walls that block my path towards Christ. Amen.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Bern, Engleberg & Luzern
Just came back from a 2 day trip to the capital city of Bern. I was very excited when I saw the Canadian flag outside the consulate building. Englewood is great for hiking, and the hostel that we stayed in was very clean and comfortable. Luzern is definitely a place that I must visit again and truly explore. Photos to follow.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
First Impressions of Switzerland
1. The water truly does taste sweet.
2. There are a lot of nice water fountains everywhere you go.
3. The weather is not as hot as Toronto.
4. Pedestrians and cyclists are better respected on the streets of Basel.
5. Fruits and vegetables are very expensive.
2. There are a lot of nice water fountains everywhere you go.
3. The weather is not as hot as Toronto.
4. Pedestrians and cyclists are better respected on the streets of Basel.
5. Fruits and vegetables are very expensive.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Worship Yesterday
Yesterday, at worship service, I felt so inspired! And everyone else seemed to be as well because we sounded great. The congregation sang the melodies with enthusiasm, Alex's piano accompaniment was played with gusto, and the singers were able to sing in harmony. Michael led us the entire way with engergy and charisma. Praise the Lord for all these gifts!
It was while I was singing, filled with the Holy Spirit, that I realized that music is a language in and of itself. It's a language that one has to learn and practice on a daily basis, just as one would if learning to speak French or Spanish. I have been practicing playing on the keyboard more regularly these past two months after having abandoned it for three months earlier this year. And with the Lord's grace, I am improving! Some songs that I had attempted in the past, and failed after only four bars, are now manageable. I am able to play them from the beginning to the end, albeit very slowly. However, I'm not baffled by the many different chords.
Learning to play chords has taught me intuitively how to sing in harmony, and some keys are easier than others. For example, songs in the neutral key of C or F are easier to sing in harmony compared to songs in E or A because of all the flats and sharps. I have tried figuring out my own harmony for various worship songs on the keyboard, and sometimes it works. Sometimes, it doesn't.
Yesterday, while I was singing, the harmony came to me just like that with songs that I had not previously practiced. First, I was able to sing the first three bars of the chorus in harmony, and the rest I had to keep to the melody. The second time we sang the chorus, I was able to sing six bars in harmony. The third time, the entire chorus! Meanwhile, the other singers were also singing their own harmony, and it sounded so beautiful and inspiring!
This led me to wonder if music is a tongue that is spoken spiritually? I may not have been speaking in Russian, but it was close! (no offence intended to the Russians).
It was while I was singing, filled with the Holy Spirit, that I realized that music is a language in and of itself. It's a language that one has to learn and practice on a daily basis, just as one would if learning to speak French or Spanish. I have been practicing playing on the keyboard more regularly these past two months after having abandoned it for three months earlier this year. And with the Lord's grace, I am improving! Some songs that I had attempted in the past, and failed after only four bars, are now manageable. I am able to play them from the beginning to the end, albeit very slowly. However, I'm not baffled by the many different chords.
Learning to play chords has taught me intuitively how to sing in harmony, and some keys are easier than others. For example, songs in the neutral key of C or F are easier to sing in harmony compared to songs in E or A because of all the flats and sharps. I have tried figuring out my own harmony for various worship songs on the keyboard, and sometimes it works. Sometimes, it doesn't.
Yesterday, while I was singing, the harmony came to me just like that with songs that I had not previously practiced. First, I was able to sing the first three bars of the chorus in harmony, and the rest I had to keep to the melody. The second time we sang the chorus, I was able to sing six bars in harmony. The third time, the entire chorus! Meanwhile, the other singers were also singing their own harmony, and it sounded so beautiful and inspiring!
This led me to wonder if music is a tongue that is spoken spiritually? I may not have been speaking in Russian, but it was close! (no offence intended to the Russians).
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Plants that attract Bees
I can only grow plants that are suited to the 5th climate zone. So, they are:
Oregon grape - I already have grapevines climbing the chain link fence on the south side of my house. I don't intend on growing more grapes.
Hyssop - has the properties that fit my needs.
I will have to research these more indepth later.
Oregon grape - I already have grapevines climbing the chain link fence on the south side of my house. I don't intend on growing more grapes.
Hyssop - has the properties that fit my needs.
I will have to research these more indepth later.
- Aster Aster
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia
- Caltrop Kallstroemia
- Creosote bush Larrea
- Currant Ribes
- Elder Sambucus
- Goldenrod Solidago
- Huckleberry Vaccinium
- Joe-pye weed Eupatorium
- Lupine Lupinus
- Oregon grape Berberis
- Penstemon Penstemon
- Purple coneflower Echinacea
- Rabbit-brush Chrysothamnus
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Sage Salvia
I Want to be an Eco-Gardener
I've been reading about how to design home gardens for years, and slowly, I'm learning the most basic tricks of the trade. My biggest goal is to create a garden that grows plants native to Ontario. My research tells me that doing so helps by way of...
- controlling the spread of pests
- helping conserve native wildlife and insects
- reducing water usage because native plants only need as much as it rains
- easing the work involved in maintenance
- all of the above means I would save $ and workload.
My Immediate Goals:
- filling in my flowerbed and borders with native plants, as well as other plants that look nice
- use plants that help keep pollinators alive, such as bees
- use plants that gypsy moths don't like
My Future Goals:
- plant a tree in the front yard to create a shade over the house during the hot summer months
- build a separator between my backyard patio and my neighbor's using a trellis
- grow a beautiful rose garden
- grow a practical herb garden that I can maintain indoors over the winter months
Some helpful links:
http://www.plantnative.org/how_intro.htm
http://ontariowildflowers.com/index.php
http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/wildlife/save-the-bees-how-to-attract-pollinators-to-your-yard/a/21340
http://www.toronto.ca/greentoronto/greengroups
http://www.cloca.com/index.php
- controlling the spread of pests
- helping conserve native wildlife and insects
- reducing water usage because native plants only need as much as it rains
- easing the work involved in maintenance
- all of the above means I would save $ and workload.
My Immediate Goals:
- filling in my flowerbed and borders with native plants, as well as other plants that look nice
- use plants that help keep pollinators alive, such as bees
- use plants that gypsy moths don't like
My Future Goals:
- plant a tree in the front yard to create a shade over the house during the hot summer months
- build a separator between my backyard patio and my neighbor's using a trellis
- grow a beautiful rose garden
- grow a practical herb garden that I can maintain indoors over the winter months
Some helpful links:
http://www.plantnative.org/how_intro.htm
http://ontariowildflowers.com/index.php
http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/wildlife/save-the-bees-how-to-attract-pollinators-to-your-yard/a/21340
http://www.toronto.ca/greentoronto/greengroups
http://www.cloca.com/index.php
Saturday, May 01, 2010
黎明金句 Funny Leon Lai Sayings (Click)
My favourite Leon Lai saying is:
１. (1) 我朝早唔會空肚食早餐 ＂Ｉ wouldn't eat breakfast on an empty stomach."
2. 27) "希望各界支持Leon的朋友選擇自己願意做的善事，不好勉強自己，如果認為不值得，就證明你同他有緣無分.就不需要做，因為我們沒有欠下任何人，我們只希望能夠做點好事，幫助有需要的人。" I hope that the friends who support Leon Lai (me) will choose to act charitably, but please don't do it if it's against your wishes. If you think it's not worth it, then that is proof that you two are not meant to be, then don't do it because we don't owe anyone anything. We just hope that we can do something good to help those in need.“
^ He sounds like he only has an attention span of 2 seconds. Not convinced? See below.
3. （3） 左手又係肉， 手掌又係肉， 獎就只係得一個， 得冠軍同季軍， 唔知點決定。 “Your left hand made of flesh, and your palm is made of flesh. There is only one trophy. Whether it's winning 1st place or 2nd runner up, you wouldn't know how to choose."
The first sentence is a Chinese proverb that says: "the back of your hand is made of flesh, and the palm of your hand is also made of flesh." It's an analogy that is used to drescribe situations of having a dilemma, when you have to choose between two things that you wish to possess at the same time, yet you must sacrifice one of them. Leon Lai made the mistake of saying your left hand and your palm, which makes no sense. Not to mention the part where he says you wouln't know how to choose between winning 1st and 2nd runner up. Of course winning 1st is ideal!
Reason for Edit: correcting a translation mistake.
１. (1) 我朝早唔會空肚食早餐 ＂Ｉ wouldn't eat breakfast on an empty stomach."
2. 27) "希望各界支持Leon的朋友選擇自己願意做的善事，不好勉強自己，如果認為不值得，就證明你同他有緣無分.就不需要做，因為我們沒有欠下任何人，我們只希望能夠做點好事，幫助有需要的人。" I hope that the friends who support Leon Lai (me) will choose to act charitably, but please don't do it if it's against your wishes. If you think it's not worth it, then that is proof that you two are not meant to be, then don't do it because we don't owe anyone anything. We just hope that we can do something good to help those in need.“
^ He sounds like he only has an attention span of 2 seconds. Not convinced? See below.
3. （3） 左手又係肉， 手掌又係肉， 獎就只係得一個， 得冠軍同季軍， 唔知點決定。 “Your left hand made of flesh, and your palm is made of flesh. There is only one trophy. Whether it's winning 1st place or 2nd runner up, you wouldn't know how to choose."
The first sentence is a Chinese proverb that says: "the back of your hand is made of flesh, and the palm of your hand is also made of flesh." It's an analogy that is used to drescribe situations of having a dilemma, when you have to choose between two things that you wish to possess at the same time, yet you must sacrifice one of them. Leon Lai made the mistake of saying your left hand and your palm, which makes no sense. Not to mention the part where he says you wouln't know how to choose between winning 1st and 2nd runner up. Of course winning 1st is ideal!
Reason for Edit: correcting a translation mistake.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Meeting His Honour, Lt. Governor, David Onley
Too tired to type up a full entry right now. Yesterday, I met His Honour at the reception for the Opening Ceremony of the Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly (SOMA), organized by the grade 12 students of UTS.
It was fun.
Today, we opened the first day of model assemblies and it was very fascinating to watch. Kids these days are so smart!
It was fun.
Today, we opened the first day of model assemblies and it was very fascinating to watch. Kids these days are so smart!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Life is a Ballgame by Winona Carr
As I was driving to church this morning with my dad sitting beside me, listening to the CBC, I heard this song.
Life is a ballgame
Bein' played each day
Life is a ballgame
Everybody can play
Jesus is standin' at home plate
Waitin' for you there
Life is a ballgame, but
You've got to play it fair.
First base is temptation,
The second base is sin
Third base tribulation
If you pass you can make it in
Ol' man Solomon is the umpire
And Satan is pitchin the game
He'll do his best to strike you out
Keep playin' just the same.
Daniel was the first to bat
You know he prayed three times a day
When Satan threw him a fast ball
You know he hit it anyway
Job came in the next inning
Satan struck him in every way,
But job he hit a home run
And came on in that day.
Prayer will be your strong bat
To hit at Satan's ball
And when you start to swing it
You've got to give it your all in all
Faith will be your catcher
On him you can depend
And Jesus is standing at Home Plate
Just waitin for you to come in.
Moses is standin' on the side lines
Just waitin to be called
And when he parted the Red Sea
He gave Christ is all-in-all
John came in the last inning
When the game was almost don
Then God gave John a vision
And he knew he'd all ready won.
Life is a ballgame
Bein' played each day
Life is a ballgame
Everybody can play
Jesus is standin' at home plate
Waitin' for you there
Life is a ballgame, but
You've got to play it fair.
First base is temptation,
The second base is sin
Third base tribulation
If you pass you can make it in
Ol' man Solomon is the umpire
And Satan is pitchin the game
He'll do his best to strike you out
Keep playin' just the same.
Daniel was the first to bat
You know he prayed three times a day
When Satan threw him a fast ball
You know he hit it anyway
Job came in the next inning
Satan struck him in every way,
But job he hit a home run
And came on in that day.
Prayer will be your strong bat
To hit at Satan's ball
And when you start to swing it
You've got to give it your all in all
Faith will be your catcher
On him you can depend
And Jesus is standing at Home Plate
Just waitin for you to come in.
Moses is standin' on the side lines
Just waitin to be called
And when he parted the Red Sea
He gave Christ is all-in-all
John came in the last inning
When the game was almost don
Then God gave John a vision
And he knew he'd all ready won.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Hands Held High by Linkin Park (Explicit)
Turn my mic up louder, I got to say something
Lightweights steppin' aside when we come in
Feel it in your chest, the syllables get pumping
People on the street then panic and start running
Words on loose leaf sheet, complete coming
I jump in my mind, I summon the rhyme I'm dumping
Healing the blind, I promise to let the sun in
Sick of the dark ways we march to the drumming
Jump when they tell us that they wanna see jumping
Fuck that, I wanna see some fists pumping
List something, take back what's yours
Say something that you know they might attack you for
'Cause I'm sick of being treated like I had before
Like it's stupid standing for what I'm standing for
Like this war's really just a different brand of war
Like it doesn't cater to rich and abandon poor
Like they understand you, in the back of their jet
When you can't put gas in your tank, these fuckers
Are laughing their way to the bank, and cashing their check
Asking you to have the passion and have some respect
For a leader so nervous in an obvious way
Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay
And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day
In the living room, laughing like, "What did he say?"
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
In my living room watching it, I am not laughing
'Cause when it gets tense, I know what might happen
The world is cold, the bold men take action
Have to react to get blown into fractions
At 10 years old, it's something to see
Another kid my age drugged under a Jeep
Taken and bound and found later under a tree
I wonder if he had thought 'the next one could be me'
Do you see the soldiers that are out today?
They brush the dust from bulletproof vests away
It's ironic, at times like this you'd pray
But a bomb blew the mosque up yesterday
There's bombs on the buses, bikes, roads
Inside your market, your shops, and your clothes
My dad, he's got a lot of fear, I know
But enough pride inside not to let that show
My brother had a book he would hold with pride
A little red cover with a broken spine on the back
He hand-wrote a quote inside,
"When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die"
Meanwhile, the leader just talks away
Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay
The rest of the world watching at the end of the day
Both scared and angry, like "What did he say?"
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
With hands held high into a sky so blue
As the ocean opens up to swallow you
***************************************************************
There are several reasons why I love their music, among them: their music rocks hard; they have sections of rap that is ennunciated clearly; and they write meaningful lyrics. Recently, I started listening to Linkin Park again and I was disheartened to find that some of the songs in Minutes to Midnight contain explicit lyrics. This never was the case in their first two albums, Meteora and Hybrid Theory. I acknowledge that there is a place for using explicit language in contempoary mainstream music, and if it's used appropriately the effect is moving rather than disgusting. One of the songs on MTM that can be considered as such is "Hands Held High (see lyrics above)."
For other reasons, I find this song quite sad and troubling, if I've understood it correctly. Clearly, the song is commenting on the Bush's administration and the war in Iraq. It's a call to arms to Americans to stand up and think for themselves, and not just eat up whatever propaganda the government and media dish out on a spoon. It talks about how people in the US are living in their own version of poverty, resulting in a slew of social problems. How can the Bush administration talk about taking care of problems in other countries when the US has their own to deal with? It also points out that innocent Muslims in the Middle East are suffering from bombings, too.
Then I hear this part of the lyrics about a man who carries a red book. I wonder, which red book? I have a Bible that has a red leather cover, but is that what Mike Shinoda was referring to? I looked up the quote that was written on the back of the red book, and it's by Jean Paul Sartre. There is one fellow who claims that it's by Karl Marx and that's just grossly misinformed. That quote is from act 1 of the play, The Devil and the Good Lord (1951). The red book is probably not a copy of the play because the quote was handwritten presumably by the brother, and not printed by the publisher. Is the little red book referring to the Mao Zedong's book? The quote by Sartre actually makes sense in this context because Mao's communist campaign was all about bringing down the rich and wealthy capitalists whose sole interest is in exploiting the poor. "When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die."
What did Mike Shinoda mean when he wrote those lines of the lyrics? Some think that he's projecting socialism as a solution to some of the problems in the US. Others think he's idolizing Mao and Communist ideology, which I find skeptical. What is clear is that the brother who carries that book is portrayed in a sympathetic light in the song.
Then there's the part where "Amen" gets repeated over and over again. And then the lines "With hands held high into a sky so blue / As the ocean opens up to swallow you." The imagery in the first line is beautiful, and in the second, terrifying. When I read the first line, I think of people who are at a Christian music concert, or at church, who have both hands raised high above their heads. This is how Paul the Apostle prayed, and probably many more like him and before him. Is Shinoda making a comment about Christians, then? Is he saying that Chrstians are praying and believing in something that appears so beautiful, but in reality it's something that will smother us or swallow us up? Is he saying that Christians who believe in praying to God are no less blind than the people who believe in the anti-Muslim/anti-Islam propaganda? Is he saying that praying is an ineffective way of addressing current societal problems?
Even if Mike Shinoda were sitting right in front of me, and if I were to ask him these questions point blank, I doubt he'd answer them directly and succinctly.
Lightweights steppin' aside when we come in
Feel it in your chest, the syllables get pumping
People on the street then panic and start running
Words on loose leaf sheet, complete coming
I jump in my mind, I summon the rhyme I'm dumping
Healing the blind, I promise to let the sun in
Sick of the dark ways we march to the drumming
Jump when they tell us that they wanna see jumping
Fuck that, I wanna see some fists pumping
List something, take back what's yours
Say something that you know they might attack you for
'Cause I'm sick of being treated like I had before
Like it's stupid standing for what I'm standing for
Like this war's really just a different brand of war
Like it doesn't cater to rich and abandon poor
Like they understand you, in the back of their jet
When you can't put gas in your tank, these fuckers
Are laughing their way to the bank, and cashing their check
Asking you to have the passion and have some respect
For a leader so nervous in an obvious way
Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay
And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day
In the living room, laughing like, "What did he say?"
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
In my living room watching it, I am not laughing
'Cause when it gets tense, I know what might happen
The world is cold, the bold men take action
Have to react to get blown into fractions
At 10 years old, it's something to see
Another kid my age drugged under a Jeep
Taken and bound and found later under a tree
I wonder if he had thought 'the next one could be me'
Do you see the soldiers that are out today?
They brush the dust from bulletproof vests away
It's ironic, at times like this you'd pray
But a bomb blew the mosque up yesterday
There's bombs on the buses, bikes, roads
Inside your market, your shops, and your clothes
My dad, he's got a lot of fear, I know
But enough pride inside not to let that show
My brother had a book he would hold with pride
A little red cover with a broken spine on the back
He hand-wrote a quote inside,
"When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die"
Meanwhile, the leader just talks away
Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay
The rest of the world watching at the end of the day
Both scared and angry, like "What did he say?"
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
With hands held high into a sky so blue
As the ocean opens up to swallow you
***************************************************************
There are several reasons why I love their music, among them: their music rocks hard; they have sections of rap that is ennunciated clearly; and they write meaningful lyrics. Recently, I started listening to Linkin Park again and I was disheartened to find that some of the songs in Minutes to Midnight contain explicit lyrics. This never was the case in their first two albums, Meteora and Hybrid Theory. I acknowledge that there is a place for using explicit language in contempoary mainstream music, and if it's used appropriately the effect is moving rather than disgusting. One of the songs on MTM that can be considered as such is "Hands Held High (see lyrics above)."
For other reasons, I find this song quite sad and troubling, if I've understood it correctly. Clearly, the song is commenting on the Bush's administration and the war in Iraq. It's a call to arms to Americans to stand up and think for themselves, and not just eat up whatever propaganda the government and media dish out on a spoon. It talks about how people in the US are living in their own version of poverty, resulting in a slew of social problems. How can the Bush administration talk about taking care of problems in other countries when the US has their own to deal with? It also points out that innocent Muslims in the Middle East are suffering from bombings, too.
Then I hear this part of the lyrics about a man who carries a red book. I wonder, which red book? I have a Bible that has a red leather cover, but is that what Mike Shinoda was referring to? I looked up the quote that was written on the back of the red book, and it's by Jean Paul Sartre. There is one fellow who claims that it's by Karl Marx and that's just grossly misinformed. That quote is from act 1 of the play, The Devil and the Good Lord (1951). The red book is probably not a copy of the play because the quote was handwritten presumably by the brother, and not printed by the publisher. Is the little red book referring to the Mao Zedong's book? The quote by Sartre actually makes sense in this context because Mao's communist campaign was all about bringing down the rich and wealthy capitalists whose sole interest is in exploiting the poor. "When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die."
What did Mike Shinoda mean when he wrote those lines of the lyrics? Some think that he's projecting socialism as a solution to some of the problems in the US. Others think he's idolizing Mao and Communist ideology, which I find skeptical. What is clear is that the brother who carries that book is portrayed in a sympathetic light in the song.
Then there's the part where "Amen" gets repeated over and over again. And then the lines "With hands held high into a sky so blue / As the ocean opens up to swallow you." The imagery in the first line is beautiful, and in the second, terrifying. When I read the first line, I think of people who are at a Christian music concert, or at church, who have both hands raised high above their heads. This is how Paul the Apostle prayed, and probably many more like him and before him. Is Shinoda making a comment about Christians, then? Is he saying that Chrstians are praying and believing in something that appears so beautiful, but in reality it's something that will smother us or swallow us up? Is he saying that Christians who believe in praying to God are no less blind than the people who believe in the anti-Muslim/anti-Islam propaganda? Is he saying that praying is an ineffective way of addressing current societal problems?
Even if Mike Shinoda were sitting right in front of me, and if I were to ask him these questions point blank, I doubt he'd answer them directly and succinctly.
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