South for the Holidays

Good news, I am going south for the holidays. Bad news, south of Minneapolis includes Toronto and that's where I'm going. Sad isn't it?

The Case for Christ

In general, this was a well written book. He does build a strong case for Christ with his arguments and evidence, using 'typical' law rules to prove his case. Eye Witness, Historical Evidence, Expert Testimony and so on. He makes references in the bible to test consistency of the writings and events. All in all, it's not something scholars have never thought of - Lee Strobel verbalized it well.

There are however, 'holes' to his logic if you will.

1. No expert testimony from the opposing view. To get a holistic picture and to present a well balanced case, seeing as this is one of his 'key' premises to proving the case for Christ.

2. He makes a case for the authenticity of the document against the Illiad. If the Illiad is inaccurate from the beginning and has x number of versions, it doesn't matter how many translations it's been through, or version control or whatever, it is still inaccurate. Making a comparison to this book does not increase the bible's authenticity. He quotes the nature and stature of those who kept those records as time goes by and the strictness of versioning. Well, if the 'original' was wrong to begin with, it doesn't matter how strict the Church maintains its versioning control, you're maintaining strict control of inaccuracy.

Those were my biggest objections to his logic. All in all, it was a well written book and I do recommend it.

Eat, Pray, Love.

So text books notwithstanding, it has rarely taken me so long to read a book. The book just never did generate enough excitement for me. It was slow. It was repeatitive.

The book was about the author's journey to self discovery - after a horrendous divorce and not knowing/feeling what she wanted. She made these self discoveries in the midst of her personal struggles in three place: Italy, India and Indonesia,which respectively corresponds to Eat, Pray, Love. Trying to let go of the pain of her past through an eating and traveling adventure in Italy and learning about what her "word" is (intraversero - or something - that means crossing over). Trying to find god in India through prayers and meditation with her guru, while in the meantime realizing her strengths and weaknesses and making them work. And finally, trying to find balance in her life by visiting an old Medicine Man in Indonesia (where balance is central to life on the island), in which, yes, you've guessed it, she's eventually found love on her terms as well as his.

The first chapter did a fairly good job of setting the scene: she's crying on the floor of her bathroom after realizing that she no longer wants to be married. I'm sure many women have had that thought crossed their minds many times at one or more times in their lives (and men of course). But it all went downhill from there. She just came off as whiny most of the time and perhaps that indicates my tolerance level for women crying about how tough life is. Granted, she did acknowledge that in the whole grand scheme of things, she probably doesn't have it all that bad.

The book would have been a more enjoyable read had the chapters been condensed to half of what it is. It just dragged on for too much. That or the book needs to be written in a way that can sustain attention and empathy from its readers.

God and I

Well...as you might have noticed. I've stopped reading the Bible. Yes...it was kind of tough to go through it so I took a break. I did however, went to Church several times. I decided not to today. I just didn't feel like it. I don't feel anything really. Well, maybe exhaustion. Going to Church is kind of exhasuting sometimes. Especially when the majority of the time I just don't agree with what the Church is preaching about. Recently it's been about sin. It's weird hearing my 'name' being preached in Church and associating it with something evil. I did however enjoy the last service -

I like to use the grocery store analogy. When I go grocery shopping, I don't like everything that they carry, so I just pick and choose what I like and buy it. Sometimes though, maybe I'll try something new and end up liking it, even though I may not think so in the first place. I kind of see that metaphor with Christianity. I pick and choose what I like, and maybe someday I'll end up liking and accepting other parts of its beliefs. However, there are certain foods that I KNOW I don't like (like Avocado), and the same goes for with some Christianity beliefs (i.e. homosexuality is a sin). I think that's what I have the most trouble wrapping my mind around.

So I am taking a break. Besides, I've been buying a lot of new stuff and really haven't had the chance to 'eat' it yet.

CH

My Encounter with Religion

"Whatever your plans or objectives may be, they'll be a butt for serious obstacles; don't get discouraged for that. Don't wrap yourself up, knowing that your relationships with your equals will improve your spirit and your heart. Don't wait for happiness to come to you, go out and seek it by enjoying each moment of your life. You'd be willing to follow a newly met person to the end of the world; nevertheless take time to reflect before engaging yourself; love is blind, as is said everywhere and forever."

So that was my hororscope for the day. Moving on now.

So I, who believe in Evolution, went to (an Evangelical) church for the first time. Now, it's not that I'm becoming more religious (like some of my friends) or that I'm feeling lost/confused (or whatever) and need "answers." Nothing deep like that - fortunately I am quite content with my life at the moment. I may be looking for something (aren't we all?) but it's probably not god. However, this religious encounter has made me revisit the idea of how we all came to be. Tough question. There is no definitive answer. Regardless of what we each believe in - Evolution or Religion - both requires an element of FAITH, which is commonly associated with Religion. Lets face it, evolution wouldn't be called the THEORY of Evolution if it was cut and dry.

Now, anti-religious people knock on the bible, saying that it is "sexist" (towards women), that war and violence are "justified" by the bible and it's teachings etc (there are many so called "flaws"). If god existed, then why does he allow this and that and what is up with this free will that's not really free? Now, this is not to say evolution isn't flawed...how many decades have we been talking about the "Missing Link"? The link that "proves" that humans evolve from apes/monkeys? If evolution is in fact based on Darwinism - survival of the fittest, only the strong survive - then Hitler and Stalin wanting to weed the world of the "inferior race" is in fact practicing evolution. Scary thought isn't it? We "practice" survival of the fittest every day in our lives. As much as Religion causes war, so does Evolution.

So where does this leave me? Well. I have recently purchased a bible (New International Version) - this is not saying I'm becoming Christian or religious. I see it as a learning experience. I don't think I can ever accept that the Earth was only 5 days old before man "appeared on Earth" (I do believe in Carbon Dating), that we existed with dinosaurs, that good men and women will go to hell if they didn't believe in god and bad men and women can go to heaven if they repent. Of course, the caveat is that it's all subject to interpretation.

If there is a god...and if all non-believers go to hell...then I guess I'll be going to hell with a lot of my family and friends.

If there isn't a god...then...we are just part of the circle of life. Then there's the fact that I do believe in the spiritual realm...that there is a higher order of things...so where does that fit in? Is it related to god?...who knows.

If you think about it...believing that there is a god, in religion...is kind of like buying life insurance (or any type of insurance really). You'll be protected - and you have to admit, it's a nice comforting thought. All you have to do is change the way you live...

My first visit to the doc's in the US

Blows. I have been sitting here for almost an hour now (absolutely rediculous!!!) while other patients are being called. Apparently this doctor has been delayed. How can you be delayed when (as I was told) his schedule was wide open?! Seriously. I'm in pain :( I think I just might die.

Freaky Horoscope!

"Risks of inflammations, transitory fevers and above all rather painful raging toothache."

Wow...I am just recovering from a fever and I had a dream about breaking my tooth last night!! Freaky. Maybe there's more to this horoscope thing!

4 in a row...booyyaaahhh

Although our Canadian teams can't seem to nail the elusive Stanley Cup, the WORLD is ours!!

2007 World Juniors Champions...3-2 OT over Sweden =)

Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone...

I guess what keeps things "fresh" in a relationship is finding out new things about each other - not with respect to what is "good or bad" or "right or wrong" ... just...perspective/values/beliefs. And at the end...if it works it works, and if it doesn't, it doesn't. Like my friend says...what you gonna do?

I Know

I know loneliness
Loneliness of the imprisoned
I know fear
Fear of losing oneself
I know joy
Joy of being rescued by a friend

I know
So don't think I don't
I know
So don't think I won't

I know pain
Pain of the broken hearted
I know love
Love of the forbidden
I know happiness
Happiness of the innocent

Your mission, should you decide to accept it

Mission: Hard to Believe
Level: Difficult

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to escape The Village in the middle of the night, undetected with all your belongings. Then drive off into the night with the music blasting out of the Ford Focus. Observed obstacles: drunk sleeping person on the living room floor, unpacked luggage, randomly scattered items, loud creaking doors and dark lighting. Available resources: BlackBerry.

Turning on the lights was not an option. So of course I had to rely on my handy BB to show me the way. Believe me, it was not easy finding and packing everything (I forgot the toothbrush and took the wrong headset). I wasn't sure that I would be able to pull it off successfully. But I did. A new skill to put on the resume. I even straightened my hair before I left at 5am.

Cosmic Coincidence

Unbelievable, the weather here is fine, the weather in Dallas is fine, yet somehow my flight has been delayed. Again. I'm sure it has to do with all the delays in the East Coast.

Strangest thing though. I bumped into an old acquaintance at the airport. Here I was standing in the middle of the terminal trying to figure out where concourse E is and I guess the brief moment of confusion allowed the person the chance to catch grab my arm. And here I was wondering who the heck it could be. The thing is, we never really hung out or really had a lot to talk about...but here we are, at the Minneapolis airport swapping numbers...he'll be in MN every week for about a year...same as me. Wow. I'm still kind of shocked.

A broken heart...that's still beating

Love the new Lifehouse album - Who We Are. Will be seeing them on tour at First Avenue in Minneapolis, can't wait!! Here's one of my favourite songs from the Album...

Lifehouse - Broken

The Broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow
From stealing all my time
And I am here still waiting
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've already figured out

Chorus:
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
There is healing
In your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on (I'm holdin on)(I'm holdin on)
I'm barely holding on to you

The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They're still looking for life

Repeat Chorus

I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what, you will throw my way
And I'm hanging on, to the words you say
You said that I will, will be okay
The broken light on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
But I haven't forgotten my way home

Repeat Chorus

Storm is great too!

Summit Ave

Saw them for the first time last night at Bunkers located on Washington Ave. They were pretty good! You can check them out on www.myspace.com/summitave. Although I must say that they sound much better live than they do on their recordings.

Ben, the lead singer, sounds like Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20, or perhaps Live (when he sings Simple - awesome song btw). He also kinda looks like the lead singer from Duran Duran with a hint of Leonardo DiCaprio. They're playing again at Bunkers in a few weeks, will probably check them out again!

~Ci

WebClients...Which One!?

Disclaimer! Geek Zone!!

[Start Geek Post]

Alright, so last week I've been checking out various webclients/collaboration tools for one of my projects. The four (Enterpise versions) that I've selected to compare were Open-Xchange (OX), SquirrelMail, Google Apps and Zimbra (aquired by Yahoo!). So using the following main criteria: Scalability, Security/Anti-virus/Spam, Ease of Integration with Outlook, Cost and of course User Friendliness (includes Admin functions as well), the following were my findings.

OX

Has an extensive list of capabilities (aside from email) such as:

• Calendaring for individual and group
• Meeting coordination
• Document sharing with automatic versioning control and file locking (great to keep track of collaborated documents)
• PM capabilities
• Forums
• PDA sync

For the IT nerd, OX uses the company's existing directory, is scalable and replicable (unlike Open LDAP server) and allows central admin and sharing of authentication data with other services. With all these capabilities at a much lower cost and good support, it makes me wonder why anyone would ever choose MS Exchange. Oh right...Corporate brainwashing and great Marketing. Of course, economics also comes in play with Adam Smith's invisibile hand.

The only real downside that I see with OX is the integration piece. It is not easy. Using a Connector is relatively simple, but for more flexibility and transparency, any med-large corporation would either go with replacing the the OX OLDAP directory with the company's existing directory or use a MetaDirectory to act as an abstraction layer. Might want to also note that OX only works with Linux Red Hat or Linux 4. To integrate with Outlook, OXtender will also be needed. Now the question is, are all these capabilities necessary? Probably not for the average user.

SquirrelMail

Now quite opposite of OX, SquirrelMail is quite...simple. Really. There is nothing inherently lacking with SM if all one is looking for is an email client. It comes with the standard anti-virus/spam filter with tons of plug-ins (which is great) for added functionality like calendars, project management etc. The program was designed with the Unix admin in mind and integration is a cinch, especially if you compare it to OX. It uses PHP as its programming language so it should be relatively easy to work with when it comes to customization. Although when it comes to aesthetics, it is lacking compared to its counterparts. Did I mention that it is completely free? Oh, and ne parle pas francais? SM has been translated into various languages like Arabic, French, Chinese, German and Spanish! And it's free. Yes, even the "Enterprise" version.

Google Apps

The new hot App...Google has come a long ways since its introduction of Google Search. Google Apps and OX have similar capabilities, just varying degrees. So for example, unlike OX, the Calendaring capability does not have the function of categorizing calendar events. The great thing about Google Apps is that one can customize the interface for each user and it is relatively simple to use, so very user friendly, love the drag and drop. Not only that, from an IT standpoint, there is no hardware or software to buy, install or maintain. Scalability and integration is super easy.

Now...the thing that deters me away from Google Apps (again from an enterprise point of view) is from a security standpoint. Google's products have to stay behind Google's firewalls. So for any big corporation, this raises a lot of compliance and security issues since hosting on a public infrastructure just might be a recipe for disaster. No matter what Google says. With that being said, Procter and Gamble uses Google Apps, although whether this is divisional or enterprise wide I am not sure. I can't see their bread and butter, the R&D department, using this though. Surprisingly, when it comes to cost, it is more than OX, but then again, it's Google vs. open source - the fact that one has to pay for open source is sometimes a wonder for me.

Zimbra

This is a full calendar/mail/document management solution, which Yahoo! has just acquired to play with the big boys (or girls) - Open-Xchange and Google Apps - within the whole collaboration Web 2.0 sphere. A trend sweeping the IT industry today. The cool thing about Zimbra is that it can integrate with a wide range of third party applications like Wikipedia so it is higly customizable with regards to adding capabilities for users. When it comes to User Friendliness, it's AJAX interface beats out the other category players. What can I say, I'm a sucker for drag and drop functions. When it comes to integration, it is simpler than OX but a little more difficult than Google Apps. Zimbra is open source...but it is debatable in some IT circles. To make note, some universities use Zimbra so on a scalability level, it has no problems. With regards to security/compliance/anti-virus, the application is installed within the company's firewall so it is as secure as the company's firewall. Filtering is standard for email and any types of exchanges that occur across the network.

It doesn't have as many capabilities as OX or Google Apps, and by the time one adds all the components that are desired, it might just make a small dent in the corporate budget. Then again, depending on what users need, it can be a cheaper option.

So...what's my verdict? SquirrelMail is too simple, OX is overkill, Google Apps might cost me millions in a lawsuit.

I choose Zimbra.

[/End Geek Post]

Forgotten combination lock

So I've almost finished unpacking everything except my hookah, which is locked in a silver case...with a combination lock - like the bike lock type. The thing is, I changed the combo number before I packed it up in the U-Haul and now...yep...I don't remember what the combination is!!! I've been trying various combination for the last few hours to no avail.

There are effectively 1000 different combinations that I can try (10 x 10 x 10), if I can at least find out ONE number, then there is only 100 combinations to try. Finite math does come in handy! At the end, I decided to use brute force and semi-break it. I got it opened, and after tinkering with it a bit, I figured out the combination I used, and I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THAT NUMBER CAME FROM!!! Anyways, I got my hookah out so I'm happy. AND the case still works...with the combo ;) I definitely remember the number now!

~Ci

Never Once

Never once turned around
As I walked away from you
Never once turned around
I knew it was through
Never once turned around
If you only knew
Never once turned around
That the desire burns in me too
Never once turned around
You didn't have a clue
Never once turned around
That my heart was breaking in two
Never once turned around
Something I couldn't do
Never once turned around
I'd have run back to you


Sad...but sweet at the same time...
~Ci

My Idiotness with Car Keys

Ok - I don't know what is the matter with me, but lately I've been an absolute IDIOT with car keys.

I locked the U-Haul keys a couple of days ago and now my rental!! My next car will be idiot proof in the sense that you can't lock the keys in the car. So now...Geico to the rescue...AGAIN. I'm glad I got the unlimited roadside assistance option.

~Ci

BlackBerry Enterprise Security Email Go Around

I should share this before I forget.

Last time I mentioned how I got around adding my personal email to the BlackBerry 8310 (trick is to do it before Enterprise Activation), but I found out that after activation, I couldn't reply to personal emails although I was still able to receive them. Well today I discovered a way to "respond", effectively maneuvering around the so called IT security thing.

Once you open up your i.e. gmail message, instead of hitting "reply", you must use the "forward" function instead. Yes, you will have to input the email address again, but you can type your message like you normally would. This route gives you the "send" option, whereas if you hit "reply", it doesn't give you the "send" option after you're done - only "save draft". I was pretty excited when I discovered this!

***********UPDATE************

If you hit "forward", the phone uses your enterprise email...so if you don't want that to happen and let the recepient know your biz email, or if you don't want your company to be able to track your personal emails...I suggest you not do the forwarding trick...I just realized it a few days ago :o

~Ci

Another "About Me" thing...

1. Where did your last kiss take place? On my lips
2. Who knows a secret or two about you? A lot of strangers who don't know me...and vice versa.
3. Four words to explain why you last threw up? It's my par tay...
4. Have you ever burned yourself? Yes, both metaphorically (whathisface) and literally (cooking)
5. What is crazy to you? Love at first sight
6. Favorite cuss word? Fut.
7. Who is probably talking a load of crap about you right now? No one, I'm an angel :p
8. Who is your hero? My dad, who tells me to grow up...
9. Would you ever want to be a supermodel? I'm content with just being Super!
10. Who is the most experimental person you know? Err...me.
11. Do you tell white lies? Only to white people.
12. When is your next party? My birthday...in a U-haul!
13. Who do you want to be with right now? The person who wants to be with me as well...
14 Do you scratch when and where you want to scratch? My legs...so dry from this cold weather!
15. How do you handle a break up? I go live in a different country - oh wait, that's HOW I break up :p
16. Your motivation for tomorrow? My new job!
17. Do you know what you will wear tomorrow? Something warm...brrrr!!
18. Last person to make you laugh? My dad - he told me he'd support me if I came home.
19. Last thing you ate? Tortellini with mushrooms, tomatoes, red peppers in a cream sauce.
20. Do you ever go a few days without changing your underwear? No, I just go without.
21. Have you ever accidentally eaten an insect? Eww...yes. I will be forever traumatized.
22. Do daddy long legs freak you out? YES.
23. Have you ever cleaned up someone elses vomit? No.
24. Have you ever dropped food on the floor and eaten it? Did it land face up or down?
25. Do you kiss your pets on the mouth? Yes :p
26. Do you talk baby talk? Only to babies - age is not a factor.
27. What serial killer do you find most disturbing? Ugh...Robert Pickton!!!!
28. Do you watch court tv? No.
29. Would you ever work in a retirement home? Yes. I have.
30. Do you believe plants have feelings? Yes. Venus Fly Trap feels hunger I believe.
31. Do you laugh at people with bowl haircuts? Hahaha...um...
32. Do you have nervous twitches? No
33. Are you ever purposely irritating? Yes :)
34. If you could fly, where would you go first? Jupiter
35. Do you prefer boats or planes? Planes...faster to run away in.
36. Love or lust? Amour.
37. One best friend or 10 aquaintances? One BFF please
38. Favorite food? Too difficult.
39. Do you believe that your first love never dies? Everyone dies.
40. What upcoming event are you waiting and ready for? Retirement.
41. Current smell? Jasmine
42. Do you get your nails done? Nope...mine are naturally beautiful
43. Most favorite person? Don't have a favourite
44. What was the last thing you ordered at McDonalds? Coffee
45. Are you an emotional person? No
46. Do you like your name? Yes...if they say it right.
47. Do you have plans this weekend? Roadtrip!
48. Do you work? Yep...and I actually like what I'm doing!!!
49. Do you dance naked in your room? All the time.
50. When did your last relationship end? Thanksgiving of last year.
51. What are you listening to right now? Erykah Badu
52. Biggest fear? Fear
53. If you can remove one emotion from romance, what would it be? Jealousy
54. Favorite place to be? Greece...at the moment. Still lots to see!
55. What are you wearing right now? Pjs
56. Are your toes painted? Yep, red.
57. Does anyone hate you? My best friend, but I think she was only kidding when she said it.
58. How many people do you trust fully? No one.
59. Did you have fun doing this? Meh.
60. Are you thinking of someone right now? Yes.

Chinese Rice Pudding

tNow I don't usually write about my parents...it just isn't that cool. But what can I say, I love them. They called me after learning that I was sick, from my little brother (Facebook status). I was kinda touched. I was even more touched when my dad said that if I was not happy that I should go home and he will support me. No jokes - not really, it was his second time offering. LMAO. I had to break it to him that he cannot afford to support my lifestyle. He said that I should start eating Chinese rice pudding to save him money. Now you know where I get my sense of humour from.