BUSINESS IDEA: PERSONALIZED BUDS

I was asked recently what I do to pass time when completing a long run, which could take up to 3 or 3 1/2 hours. Most of the time, I don't think about anything too complicated, otherwise it throws off my breathing cadence and I start to get cramps. Sometimes I might play a mind game, like guessing the number of steps it takes to get to the next street sign. On rare occasions, I come up with something that I think might make a good invention or business idea. Here is my latest inspiration:

With so many people sporting iPods and other portable music devices, a lot of time is being spent listening to tunes (I'm not exempt). However, I've never liked the headphones that come with these things because they lack bass and suck at keeping external sounds out. I bought a pair of Sony ear buds earlier this year that solves this problem by using rubber seals around its ends, and I am having an amazing experience with my portable music! That got me thinking about what experiences other mobile music lovers are having. I'm sure each person would have a difference experience even if everyone had the same headphones, just because our ears respond differently depending on age and sensitivity. Well, what if a test could be done to determine the exact sensitivity of each person's ear and this information used to create a personalized set of ear buds that emitted sound at that listener's optimum range? Maybe someone who has less high end sensitivity could have the music tweaked specifically for those missing ranges. The other benefit of this product, in the long run, is that it will actually help preserve hearing. You no longer have to crank the overall volume of the music just so you can 'hear it' (to your liking). Instead, your enjoyment comes from hearing the music clearly at a safe volume. This is more of an expansion of the idea of electronic equalizers but takes the approach from the listener's stance as opposed to being a broad stop gap process.

Now take this one step further. A person who chooses the smooth sounds of R&B will have a different preferred listening environment than someone who is listening to Rock. Again, it's not just an issue of overall volume but the emphasis of a range of sounds or space that is characteristic of that genre. This information (generated through a one time listening survey) can be captured and used to make the headphones 'remember' your preferred musical surroundings depending on the song that is being played (i.e. one 'remembered' setting for your Jazz playlist, another setting for your Country playlist).

Because of its potential health benefits, this could even be a product that falls under a social health care program, which would make this enjoyment of music experience accessible not only to those who can afford it. Of course, I have not given thought to how much it would cost to bring such a product to market. Or the fact that if this product was uber successful, it would create a somewhat disconnected society, one where people walk by one another without saying a word because their ears are plugged. Oh wait, that's already happening! Uh, I feel a cramp coming on...

EVANGELISM - A SCARY WORD

I was skeptical, even disappointed, when I learned that The Meeting House was going to cover a series on evangelism. I was raised in a church where one’s spiritual worthiness was based on, albeit not overtly but certainly implied, “kingdom works”. I think that through this I have developed a deep guilt complex, as I never was one of those All Star Christians who would be able to successfully persuade people to “accept Christ”. I was never good at arguing theology or debating with Scriptures and often dreaded it, heaven forbid, when such opportunities came up. I think I dreaded even more the thought of having to face God one day and have Him ask me how many I’ve converted, when I would hang my head sheepishly and admit that I converted not a one.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve been blessed to be part of a spiritual community (The Meeting House, my Thursday night small group) that has shown me that “kingdom works” is acting in practical ways to help heal the world. The guilt I now feel is realizing how arrogant I was to think I was somehow better than those who didn’t share the same label that I gave myself (or a label that my upbringing had convinced me that I). This arrogance prevented me from seeing how the world hurts, how people are exploited and marginalized, and how easy it is for me to pervert theology to justify the way I seek temporary creature comforts. Evangelism suddenly tasted sour, at least in the form that I’ve grown up knowing. Good news for many people in the world is being able to have a next meal or a safe roof over their heads, things that I take for granted. I guess it makes it even more disheartening for me when I see how the church bickers with one another, how some use it to further their political aspirations and how insensitive this “family” can be to those they perceive threaten their status quo.

I was recently questioned (more like aggressively challenged) on why I considered my trip to New Zealand a “missions” trip, since the primary objective was not evangelism (in the sense of converting people to Christianity). I was surprised by how I reacted which was with fierce anger. But, before I could do or say something that I might have regretted, I suddenly realized that this person was me 4 or more years ago. I was that person who went to Austria in 1992 for 3 weeks so that I could help convert refugees fleeing their war-torn homes in Yugoslavia. I was that person who was so heavily involved in church, running programs and activities that seemed altruistic on the surface but were really a mask for an ulterior motive (whether I knew it or not). Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that I really sucked at converting people because it wouldn’t have been a real transformation. And this is exactly what stuck out to me about this most recent message at The Meeting House.

It's not about a one time conquest in someone's life, like you're trying to get someone to cross THE LINE. It's an ongoing dialogue, a conversation that you have in relationship. Although Paul was probably very distraught that a whole city was involved in pagan worship, it's interesting to see how he reacted. He had a dialogue with them, not an argument. He quoted their scholars, referred to their mythology and basically showed that he cared about their culture, their traditions, their passions. Once he established this common ground, he merely pointed out certain understanding that he had of his own faith and left it at that. If it truly was meant to be a mission of conquest, why would it indicated that he "failed"? This was really refreshing for me, particularly when I was least expecting it.

I wonder if people get mad when a FREE service doesn't work as it should. I had typed out most of this entry when I went to save it, only to be told that Blogger was experiencing server issues and that my entry was not saved and lost. It's understandable that the initial reaction is frustration or anger. All that time WASTED! But then again, this IS a free service. It fascinates me how the sense of entitlement can be such a strong, blinding force. Is this sense acquired or is it part of the human nature?

Thanks to Anna and Sam for these awesome gifts! A TITANIUM SPORK (that's right, it's both a spoon and a fork) and the COLLAPSABLE CHOPSTICKS (ala pool cue) that comes with its own carrying pouch! We have just graduated from "tea time with Timmy" (a ritual that Sam and I shared at Canon Mountain in New Hampshire last year) to "dim sum in the glades"! Oh, how jealous my camping friends are going to be!

GO WEST YOUNG MAN!

Well, I am off to Calgary! This decision is both an exciting and anxious one. Exciting because of the prospect of being in a new place and starting on a new adventure. Anxious because I've never uprooted before, leaving behind a tight network of family and friends. Regardless of how things turn out, I made a choice and realize that many good outcomes can occur. More importantly, it was made with the support of my community through sharing and praying.

There is value in involving community whenever faced with what appears to be a large, life-altering decision. You receive perspectives and insights that you might not have otherwise. At the same time, the decision should not be made based solely on popular opinion. Rather, others' views should help to compliment or validate a decision that one derives internally. Answers don't come to me in the form of supernatural signs. I need to rely on informed intuition which is either positively or negatively affirmed by the dialogue I have with those around me. At the end of the day, the level of peace that I feel with ONE CHOICE is the tipping point. Perhaps it is my upbringing that has previously nagged at me for not waiting long enough for a "sign" because that's how it supposed to work, right? Pray hard enough and God will give an answer, the right answer. If you don't get an answer, it means that you haven't prayed hard enough, or done enough good deeds, or...whatever. Well, it's the wrong approach. He's not trying to mess with your head and your heart, making you guess the secret password that will unlock His treasure chest of blessings. It's this: get to know the Father's heartbeat and that should guide you in making a decision. BUT MAKE A DECISION. I think He understands that I have limited access to pure information and my decisions may lead to different outcomes. Well, He'll be there when I celebrate the joys of that decision or suffer the consequences of that decision. What I do know is that I can be a blessing either way. Kind of wish that someone told me this earlier on in life, as it would have saved a lot of grief agonizing over different life choices, second guessing myself as to whether or not I was doing "the will of God". His will is that I CHOOSE.

I can't say that I'm too sad about being so close to the Rockies. I learned a lot about worship in the midst of Creation while in New Zealand. Despite it still being great beach volleyball weather, I find myself thinking more and more about riding this winter. That will be a good mind distraction as I start climbing a mountain of a different type: finding a place in Calgary, getting all my stuff packed here and basically tying up loose ends.

p.s. I WILL ALWAYS BE A LEAF FAN

THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world a better place than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a pretty poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction."

Bessie Anderson Stanley (1904)

PASSIONATE LIVING

"Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a great ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair.

I have sought love, first, because it brings ecstasy - ecstasy so great that I would often have sacrificed all the rest of life for a few hours of this joy. I have sought it, next, because it relieves loneliness--that terrible loneliness in which one shivering consciousness looks over the rim of the world into the cold unfathomable lifeless abyss. I have sought it finally, because in the union of love I have seen, in a mystic miniature, the prefiguring vision of the heaven that saints and poets have imagined. This is what I sought, and though it might seem too good for human life, this is what--at last--I have found.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge. I have wished to understand the hearts of men. I have wished to know why the stars shine. And I have tried to apprehend the Pythagorean power by which number holds sway above the flux. A little of this, but not much, I have achieved.

Love and knowledge, so far as they were possible, led upward toward the heavens. But always pity brought me back to earth. Echoes of cries of pain reverberate in my heart. Children in famine, victims tortured by oppressors, helpless old people a burden to their sons, and the whole world of loneliness, poverty, and pain make a mockery of what human life should be. I long to alleviate this evil, but I cannot, and I too suffer.

This has been my life. I have found it worth living, and would gladly live it again if the chance were offered me."

-Bertrand Russell, What I Have Lived For

ANNUAL TACKLE FOOTBALL FRIENDLY

It's been a while since I've played football. My friend Sam plays host to an annual game of tackle football to kick off the start of the NFL. It's usually high schoolers and university kids that show up. So, in the spirit of being in denial of getting old (or older), I fished out my old cleats and mouthguard, hoping to recall some of the tackling techniques from the past lest I get schooled by the new school. Life is too complicated now so I tend to simplify all events into 3 guiding points that I can remember quickly. My approach to this "friendly" game was:

1. Don't get injured.
2. Don't get pwned.
3. Make it a good cross training exercise.

Because only 10 guys showed up, we decided not play tackle. Having cleats helped because the grass was pretty slippery and those who showed up with runners only discovered quickly that you can't cut quickly on this grass. Plus, at this stage in life, you start thinking about how expensive getting injured can be, in terms of time missed from work and impacts on other significant areas of life.

With the exception of Sam and I, everyone there was born from 1985 and upwards! We were definitely the old folgies there! So, I guess we had more motivation than others to preserve what shards of pride we had left that time has not eroded. Not a good thing if one wants to achieve the first directive successfully. But, man, it felt good when Sam gave me that 5 yard screen and I ran it in the length of the field after making 2 kids miss with some killer jukes!!

Despite having completed a 34 km run in the morning, all the sprinting back and forth was great in clearing the soreness from my legs. Definitely one of the more effective forms of recovery, ironically.

CAPTURED...

The loud screeching of metal gears grinding jolted him from his state of semi-sleep. A little disoriented, he tried to ignore the irritating sound, willing in his mind for it to go away. Once that didn't work, he reverted to what he thought would be a more effective alternate plan: covering his ears with his hands like a child who wishes to ignore a parent's nagging. Only then did he realize that somehow he had been strapped down, arms bound tightly to his side. In fact, he was also bound at the waist so that he couldn't even twist his body. He was shivering, as a continuous draft of icy air embraced him. As the fogginess of disorientation slowly cleared from his eyes, he could see that he was in some sort of cylindrical capsule, the roof of which was mere inches from his face. It would have been dark, had it not been the two light emitting strips found on the top of this weird sarcophagus. It's light was an unknown hue, not quite lime, not quite aqua, but definitely alien. The sounds continued, but now he could distinguish other ones. One sounded like a bird's chirp, but it was definitely artificial in timbre and too regular in the frequency in which is occurred. Without warning, a sharp, high pitched siren went off somewhere close by, close enough to seem like it was coming from inside his head. He could feel himself moving, although he had not summoned his body to do so. He was on some sort of mechanical platform that was controlled remotely. Then, without warning and penetrating through all the mechanical sounds, a human voice boomed through an intercom built into this strange coffin, the sound of which was distinctly mid-rangy: "Now Mr. Chan, take a deep breath, breathe out and hold your breath..."

Not having experienced an MRI before, it only seemed fitting to describe my initial impressions in a sci-fi context. I should have suspected something when the entry questionnaire included the question "Are you claustrophobic?". The 2 technicians that were there were very helpful at explaining each step of the process and even used humour to set my mind at ease. Yet, nothing really prepares you for the first few moments after they slide you into the "coffin". It's a little daunting because of the low level lighting and the really loud sounds (despite having been given a pair of ear plugs). I should find out why those sounds are necessary, but it sure brought back memories of that video game "Half Life" as I envisioned the different alien monsters that each sound I heard reminded me of. All in all, the whole procedure took about an hour and a half. I had to "pose" for about 60 shots. Each shot involved a specific breathing process: take a deep breath in, breathe out deeply and then hold your breath for 15 seconds, lying perfectly still as the machine did its thing. They warned me not to fall asleep, otherwise, one of the techs would come out and tickle my feet. I did fade out a couple of times, only to snap back and think to myself: "Oh crap, did I just breathe in the middle of a shot?" The results will take about a week and a half, after which I will meet with the cardiologist for her feedback.

Similar to the MRI machine that I was a prisoner to for over an hour!










Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a noninvasive, non-x-ray diagnostic technique based on the magnetic fields of hydrogen atoms in the body. MRI provides computer-generated images of the body's internal tissues and organs. When I stumbled on this website, I (in a weird, funny but twisted way) thought about the havoc that this product would wreak in the imaging lab of the hospital. The warnings are pretty funny (although I don't think that they were meant to be humourous)!

http://www.unitednuclear.com/magnets.htm

HOOK ME UP....

To a holter monitor. I need to wear this thing for 48 hours to see if there are any irregularities with how my heart beats. So as not to mess up the readings, I'm not allowed to shower for the next 48 hours. Ewww, stay away from me coz things might get smelly!

Only one thing comes to mind.... RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!

COVENANT

They are going to strap a heart rate monitor to me this week that I have to wear for 48 hours, to see if there is any arrhythmia of my heart (a precautionary step). My cardiac MRI happens right after that. With all this happening, I could be stressed, but I'd rather not worry about anything until I know for sure. But, speaking of physical exams, it reminds me of a story I once heard. This old man went to the doctor for a physical exam. When the doc was through, the old man said "What about my sperm count?" "Sperm count?", said the doc, "You're 85 years old!" The old man said, "I paid for a complete physical and I want it". So the doctor gave him a little bottle and told him to go home and do his thing in the bottle and return it. Two weeks later the old guy came back holding an empty bottle! "What happened?", asked the doctor. The old man said "I tried it with my left hand, I tried it with my right hand and I even got my wife to take out her teeth. And I still can't get the top off this damn bottle!"

The idea of covenant is something that's been on my mind lately. On more than one occasion, while overseas, I was treated to the sight of full-arching rainbows. I'm used to seeing partial rainbows, typically faint in colour. But seeing one in which all the colours are clearly visible (I've never seen purple in a rainbow before!), and which was often encircled by a second or third, fainter ring, blew me away! The first thought that came to mind was the idea of covenant (as in the covenant between God and Noah after the flood as shown in the form of a rainbow), a commitment made between 2 parties in the spirit of trust and partnership. This concept seems to be a foreign one today, especially in a society where all agreements seem to exist in the form of contracts and legal recourse IN CASE one party doesn't fulfill their commitment. Too often, we are so worried about covering our asses that the idea of partnership and community in commitment is overlooked.

A couple of close friends of mine were recently married and I was asked to be part of the bridal party. They understand the concept of covenant and that the wedding day should be less about theatrics, but more about the gathering of community to witness and support the beginning of a sacred journey of commitment. There was a moment during the service when, as the vows were being exchanged, the minister's wireless mic cut out. The audio engineer part of me immediately became on edge, worried about how the sudden absence of sound reinforcement might disrupt the flow of the service. Then it hit me. How amazingly fortunate it was for me, to be standing mere steps from something so precious that was happening at that exact moment, a moment which would never, ever happen again. I was touched by the purity of that moment where covenant was being made and I, part of a privileged few, was witnessing it in its most intimate form.

It is because of covenant (one I made on June 30, 2001) that I find myself in such a trying stage in my life. It is arguable that commitments made when the right mindset is absent should make the commitment void or illegitimate. Yet, when I had recited my vows, I meant it. How can I now turn my back on this covenant, despite being justified in so many ways to do so? It strikes at the very sense of integrity that I feel defines who I am and how I view community/relationship/partnership. And now, Katherine has actually made the bold statement that SHE WANTS TO WORK ON THE RELATIONSHIP. Meaning that she is willing to commit to it, something that she has not experienced before, ever. I should be elated, relieved that after waiting for 4 years, the outcome for which I had hoped for has arrived. Yet, I am not. I seem to have accumulated four years worth of emotional baggage that is skewing my perspectives towards this marriage. I am still willing to make this relationship work, but not under the auspices of the original covenant. I believe that the old covenant needs to be "crucified" and a new one created - therefore no grandfathering. Part of this process requires that I heal, to purge the emotional baggage that is keeping me from loving her. I am feeling more strongly that relocating is an important part of this exercise, a chance to properly grieve and to properly heal. Only then, can a healthy, loving, constructive relationship exist, one that honours God. And so, as I wait to hear back from prospective work out West, I continue to reflect.

The first time I've ever seen the marriage ceremony referred to as a "Covenant Ceremony". Very cool.










A thank you gift from the Bride and Groom. I especially appreciate how thoughtful this gesture is, that it is helping to support a microenterprise in Beijing. This is consistent with their ethos, as they chose, as bombonieres for each of the guests in attendance, to make a donation to a literacy foundation.










We celebrated the groom-to-be's late night of bachelorhood at The Academy of Spherical Arts (www.sphericalarts.com) Rather than going for the table d'hote, we decided to order the ENTIRE Tapas (hors d'oeuvres) menu. I'm sure the kitchen staff was not amused, but they did an awesome job and ensured that all the food (which was an amazing variety of East Asian, South Asian, Italian, French and English delights) came out all at once. A bottle of Alsace Pinot Blanc and a Bordeaux red capped it off nicely! Of course, being surrounded by engineers (U of T Engineering Science grads, nonetheless) necessitated the formation of this 20 plate spread in a 5 by 4 matrix!!













Found on one of the inside covers of the wedding program, this symbolizes the Bride and Groom's heritage and outlook on marriage.

NZ PUT TO REST...

Well, I've devoted a lot of recent blog real estate to my recent New Zealand trip. Maybe I'm still trying to "live" there, maybe I've had so many experiences that I need an outlet to purge for fear of remaining overwhelmed. Last week's post-trip gathering was really good for me as it brought a sense of closure to this trip. Plus, I was able to catch up with people I haven't seen in a while (but yet who have supported me throughout this journey), to thank people for their partnership and to share about the impact of my experiences. But, life goes on. I'm positive that I'm a better person for having gone through this whole journey, which started in February when I decided to apply for a Habitat trip. 7 months, 1 attempted triathlon, 40 hours worth of flying and 1 completed house later, I can look back with much wonder and gratitude.

I've put a link to the Kodak Gallery site where various photo compilations have been placed. Just login with the email: timinnz@gmail.com and the password: timinnz. Click "Play" to begin the slideshow. Bear in mind that this a collection of mine and my teammate's pictures, lest one thinks that all I did in New Zealand was take pictures!

Maybe I'm too much of a gadget lover, but a few things helped to enhance this trip. The Saucony dri-fit hat was perfect for early morning runs and keeping the sun out of my face during the build. Somehow, it manages to stay white! I was reluctant to take my Palm at first, but it certainly came in handy for tracking world time (I kept track of 3 time zones: Toronto, L.A. and Auckland) and it was my trusty alarm clock. I was worried that the batteries wouldn't last but, luckily, I was able to charge it each time I went to the internet cafe. Of course, my parents' Canon A85 allows me to relay my experiences in more than a thousand words. And finally, my nifty limited Canada Edition Samsung YP MP3 player (a gift). Originally, I had hoped to use its built in recording function to capture some of the partner family's thoughts. But alas, there was no partner family to converse with. However, it was such a joy to be able to throw on some of my favorite tunes late at night as I wound down and journalled.

MAORI PASSION

A community can have individuals that have different levels of passion. I tend to think that North Americans don't get too passionate about anything for fear of being politically incorrect or offending someone. Yet, I learned something about collective passion from the Maori people in New Zealand. Despite being displaced, subjugated and persecuted, certain things (namely their passion) have survived and speaks about their resilience. I would think that our society would much better if we all decided to destroy apathetic complacency with passion.

During our visit to Whakarewarewa, a Maori village in Rotorua, Michael, our Maori guide, concluded the tour with a Maori blessing. To not be disrepectful, I attempted to film this prayer without using the viewfinder (i.e. I palmed the camera and pointed the lense towards him), which will explain why he is not framed. But it's the passion with which he blessed us with that really touched me.



It is encouraging to see Maori influences embedded in many aspects of the New Zealand culture. The second official language is Maori; Maori people can be seen integrated within the workforce; even Christian church services are conducted in Maori. Perhaps one of the most amazing displays of Maori passion is when they perform their Haka (tribal dance). This is often used in their welcoming rituals and puts them (and their visitors) in touch with their spiritual and ancestorial roots. One of my most memorable experiences was sitting in a pub (uh, I mean establishment) watching the All Blacks (their national rugby team) play their rivals from Australia. They start all their matches by welcoming their opponents with the Haka. How can anyone not get psyched (or psyched out - observe the looks of concerns by their opponents!) when you watch the welcoming Haka performed by the players? Turn up the volume and listen to how the crowd hushes as they begin...



I was so tempted to get an official All Blacks rugby jersey - they look so cool! Alas, anything that says Addidas on it will always cost you an arm and a leg, so I settled for an All Blacks toque. By the way, none of my American teammates have ever heard of "toque" before! (get out, eh? You HOSER!)