I am a sucker for commercials. I take that back. I am the exact audience that companies are gearing towards with their 18-49 year old primarily female demographic in mind. I undoubtedly have wanted 90% of "as seen on TV" products for at least a second. Commercials nowadays, however, have definitely decreased in quality of content and focused more on lights, colors, and loud noises to attract the attention of the casual channel flipper. Consequently, when I see a well-crafted thoughtful commercial, it definitely stays in my head for a while.
Two examples come to mind: the Amazon Kindle ad and the AT&T commercial flipping back on a man's lifetime to becoming President.
Amazon Kindle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj5Jr0QWNMA
This stop-motion clip has everything in it: a protagonist, props, and semblance of a storyline.
AT&T:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiCq1ZMOa-w
This commercial basically plays upon the concept of the butterfly effect in which every action has a large impact on the future. Here, it's essentially a story about love and about taking that risk to capture it where "any second could be the second."
These two clips resonate with me so well. The first has a huge air of whimsy played upon a backdrop of the fantastical and notes of imagination, which we sometimes fail to recognize in everyday life. It takes you back to the stories we grew up with and the ones we have yet to read, evoking a sense of reminiscence and wonder. Set to a very sweet melody, it is hard for this commercial to not remind us of how it feels to discover and rediscover the things we love. Each time I see this on television (which used to be often, but not anymore because it has been replaced with a second stop-motion version), I smile and think of the strong effect books have on bringing me to tears or endless laughter. The Kindle tries to meld the worlds of reading and high-tech convenience together to create a large return to leisurely reading. I, personally, love flipping through the pages of paperback books and being able to exchange my books for new old ones when I am vacationing so I do not see Kindle or Nook or any other permutation becoming a part of my life. Nonetheless, I do hope to make more time for reading in the future when my head is not stuck in law books all the time. (Question to self: Will that ever happen?)
The latter is utterly hopelessly romantic. It premises that the new President can be traced back to his parents meeting which was due purely to his father's having an AT&T smart phone and being able to change his train ticket. It posits that having a smart phone allows you to make split second decisions, decisions that could completely alter the course of our lives. Although it is a little far-fetched, it is true at the same time. When I look back at the way my life has panned out, it is interesting tracking how "this" decision or "that" action was necessary for things to play out the specific way they did. Now, in an age of instant gratification and also instant communication, making those spontaneous decisions really does spur the moment. It reminds me how blessed I am to have done everything I have, leading me to law school, love, and of course, lots of laughter. I happen to think I have done pretty well in capturing those pivotal moments and making the best out of them.
All in all, we are constantly barraged by images of what we should be buying, eating, and watching. Sometimes the product being hawked at us is completely unnecessary and superfluous to what we require in everyday life. Other times, it is something that really could improve the quality of life. In any case, once in a while, you come across a representation of something that tugs at a heartstring, evokes strong sentimentality, and reminds us what happiness really is about. And isn't that the best feeling ever?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Unforgettable and undeniable
Every summer has a "song," a melody that the teenagers to early thirty-somethings remember the season with. These songs tend to be upbeat, have a catchy hook, and make you feel good. One of the heavy contenders for this year's summer ditty is Katy Perry's "California Gurls." This song characterizes the Golden State as being a beautiful place with equally beautiful girls. I have to say that, being a Californian, I like to believe that the lyrics carry much truth.
Being in California this summer has been wonderful so far. I have gotten acquainted with living in beautiful San Francisco and am slowly figuring out the bus system. I have hit the ground running at work, taking a lot of responsibility and doing a lot of interesting substantive work too. It has been a great learning experience thus far and I am excited to add more to my repertoire of legal work I have done first hand.
I have gotten to spend time at Dolores Park, visit the Union Street Festival, see great Impressionist art at De Young, walk by the water and through the Presidio, eat great food, and do it all with my friends and my boyfriend. We have been lucky to have some great sunny weather lately that has not been marred too often by clouds and gloom.
My summer has its own song of growth, happiness, and love. I love my California summer and hope to make the best of it.
Being in California this summer has been wonderful so far. I have gotten acquainted with living in beautiful San Francisco and am slowly figuring out the bus system. I have hit the ground running at work, taking a lot of responsibility and doing a lot of interesting substantive work too. It has been a great learning experience thus far and I am excited to add more to my repertoire of legal work I have done first hand.
I have gotten to spend time at Dolores Park, visit the Union Street Festival, see great Impressionist art at De Young, walk by the water and through the Presidio, eat great food, and do it all with my friends and my boyfriend. We have been lucky to have some great sunny weather lately that has not been marred too often by clouds and gloom.
My summer has its own song of growth, happiness, and love. I love my California summer and hope to make the best of it.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
back to the bay
I have made my way back to the Bay Area for the summer and it is so so cold. I always expect it to feel warmer than it actually ends up being, which is a letdown. I always feel excited to "come home" though I have grown more attached to the East Coast because of the people and places I love.
This summer will be a great one, busy but good. I start my internship on Monday; I definitely did not give myself a ton of time before starting, but I did spend my fair share of relaxing time in New York beforehand. I will be chopping off eight inches of my hair tomorrow to donate to women with cancer. I really do not prefer having short hair, however, I have been so blessed to have healthy thick hair and it would be selfish not to share it with women who are going through tough times. I hope to spend time with my friends and also have the chance to do light bits of traveling here and there. I am also lucky that my boyfriend will be in town for a brief stint and we can explore the city we know and love together.
Life after finals seems a little slow. The days kind of fold into each other such that it doesn't matter whether it's Monday or Wednesday, you're still doing the same thing. I am excited to get things started, feel productive again, and fall in love with San Francisco life.
P.S. Some websites that I have been featured on:
http://taiwaneseamerican.org/100people/shannon-liu, http://tinyurl.com/buapalsanews, and http://www.bu.edu/law/communications/apalsa2010.html
This summer will be a great one, busy but good. I start my internship on Monday; I definitely did not give myself a ton of time before starting, but I did spend my fair share of relaxing time in New York beforehand. I will be chopping off eight inches of my hair tomorrow to donate to women with cancer. I really do not prefer having short hair, however, I have been so blessed to have healthy thick hair and it would be selfish not to share it with women who are going through tough times. I hope to spend time with my friends and also have the chance to do light bits of traveling here and there. I am also lucky that my boyfriend will be in town for a brief stint and we can explore the city we know and love together.
Life after finals seems a little slow. The days kind of fold into each other such that it doesn't matter whether it's Monday or Wednesday, you're still doing the same thing. I am excited to get things started, feel productive again, and fall in love with San Francisco life.
P.S. Some websites that I have been featured on:
http://taiwaneseamerican.org/100people/shannon-liu, http://tinyurl.com/buapalsanews, and http://www.bu.edu/law/communications/apalsa2010.html
Friday, May 7, 2010
summer is here.
Another year of law school has gone by and I cannot believe how quickly time has passed.
This year was great, lots of work, but also very satisfying. I finally got to put practical skills and writing/editing skills to use, which reminded me what I am in law school for. I definitely do not think I am here to be in love with classes and long-winded exams, but rather honing the skills to be an effective litigator and researcher. Having experiences where I can excel with these skill sets acts as an essential affirmation that the law is what I should be pursuing.
Being done with finals is a surreal feeling because this huge load is lifted off such that it is almost inconceivable what to do next. I found myself occupying my time with running errands and cleaning up the apartment, which has become a huge mess. I had a couple days to unwind, shop, have good meals, and see friends before heading to New York to see my boyfriend. New York has become a second home to me the past few months. Getting to see a New York that is not full of tourists, flashing lights, and chaos has been so refreshing and has given me a new perspective on the culture, vibrancy, and beauty of the city. I could definitely see myself living here for a few years.
Soon I will be back in San Francisco for a couple of months. I am excited to live there instead of commuting and really explore the neighborhoods. I think this summer will be a good one for many many reasons.
This year was great, lots of work, but also very satisfying. I finally got to put practical skills and writing/editing skills to use, which reminded me what I am in law school for. I definitely do not think I am here to be in love with classes and long-winded exams, but rather honing the skills to be an effective litigator and researcher. Having experiences where I can excel with these skill sets acts as an essential affirmation that the law is what I should be pursuing.
Being done with finals is a surreal feeling because this huge load is lifted off such that it is almost inconceivable what to do next. I found myself occupying my time with running errands and cleaning up the apartment, which has become a huge mess. I had a couple days to unwind, shop, have good meals, and see friends before heading to New York to see my boyfriend. New York has become a second home to me the past few months. Getting to see a New York that is not full of tourists, flashing lights, and chaos has been so refreshing and has given me a new perspective on the culture, vibrancy, and beauty of the city. I could definitely see myself living here for a few years.
Soon I will be back in San Francisco for a couple of months. I am excited to live there instead of commuting and really explore the neighborhoods. I think this summer will be a good one for many many reasons.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
predicament.
Today, at lunch with two buddies at this great little Barbecue place, the song, "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd came on.
Life has been so busy lately from my first hearing (which I won!), to a mock trial, to tons of school work and journal note edits. It has also been pretty amazing from my spring break trip to Costa Rica, a fair amount of wonderful time in New York, and having fun with friends when I have the time. Things have all been based on progress and pleasure.
So really, my question to myself is, am I comfortably numb or just comfortably comfortable?
What a strange situation I currently find myself in.
Life has been so busy lately from my first hearing (which I won!), to a mock trial, to tons of school work and journal note edits. It has also been pretty amazing from my spring break trip to Costa Rica, a fair amount of wonderful time in New York, and having fun with friends when I have the time. Things have all been based on progress and pleasure.
So really, my question to myself is, am I comfortably numb or just comfortably comfortable?
What a strange situation I currently find myself in.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
eye of the tiger
This year is the year of the Tiger for the Chinese Zodiac, which comes around every 12 years. Back when I was 12, I thought it was a HUGE deal for it to be "my" year. I kind of would like to view this year in the same personal way...full of growth, fun, and fulfillment.
My year started off with great friends and great fun in one of my favorite cities: San Francisco. Then I went off to one of my favorite places for a few days: Disney World. I had not been there since I was about 8 or 9 and it was still just as fun to see all the attractions and go on the different rides, especially the new exciting ones.
The first great accomplishment of the year for me was on January 10. After only 45 minutes of sleep, in 30 degree weather, being sick the day before, forgetting to use my inhaler and in a good deal of physical pain from my foot which I went to the physical therapist for a week prior, I finished my first marathon. The whole time, my thoughts were focused on Janet Liang, a fellow Bruin who recently was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and just finished her third of seven rounds of chemotherapy. Her fight is so so meaningful to me and kept me going through the 26.2 miles.
I have come back to school to get a new semester and set of classes and experiences to go through. I will be back in San Francisco for the summer furthering my legal experiences. I have the travel itch and am pumped to start satisfying my exploratory urges. I plan to pursue new hobbies and continue my loves, from rock climbing to running everywhere.
This year will be great to embrace the mundane, relish in the fantastical, and I guess at the end of it all, do what I want. : )
My year started off with great friends and great fun in one of my favorite cities: San Francisco. Then I went off to one of my favorite places for a few days: Disney World. I had not been there since I was about 8 or 9 and it was still just as fun to see all the attractions and go on the different rides, especially the new exciting ones.
The first great accomplishment of the year for me was on January 10. After only 45 minutes of sleep, in 30 degree weather, being sick the day before, forgetting to use my inhaler and in a good deal of physical pain from my foot which I went to the physical therapist for a week prior, I finished my first marathon. The whole time, my thoughts were focused on Janet Liang, a fellow Bruin who recently was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and just finished her third of seven rounds of chemotherapy. Her fight is so so meaningful to me and kept me going through the 26.2 miles.
I have come back to school to get a new semester and set of classes and experiences to go through. I will be back in San Francisco for the summer furthering my legal experiences. I have the travel itch and am pumped to start satisfying my exploratory urges. I plan to pursue new hobbies and continue my loves, from rock climbing to running everywhere.
This year will be great to embrace the mundane, relish in the fantastical, and I guess at the end of it all, do what I want. : )
Friday, December 25, 2009
west meets east feast
Having two different cultures (that of my family and that of the society I live in) always makes holiday gatherings full of different kinds of food. I like to think that the two epicurean traditions can coexist well and not lead to some dichotomy in holiday celebration-ism.
This year, I experienced the phenomenon twice: once on Christmas Eve at home with my paternal grandparents (who are in town for a family friend's funeral) and then on Christmas Day in Sacramento with my maternal grandparents. For me, the holidays are not complete without turkey, a honey baked ham, and sparkling apple cider. For both sets of grandparents, any meal is not complete without tons of Chinese dishes. This leads to a dinner that seems like a hodge podge of food (hoards of food), but always ends up with satiated stomachs. Furthermore, there is always a heaping portion of love all around that reminds us why family comprises one of the strongest parts of our identities.
I have to admit, the meeting of two cultures, two minds, two hearts, or whatever it may be, always leads to the possibility of cacophony and discord. Nonetheless, we should be willing to take the chance to meld things together, to find out whether two things can converge and form a fit. Some of the best things in life would not exist if we did not take the chance to experiment and put together two seemingly dissimilar elements. From peanut butter and banana sandwiches to jean jackets and leg warmers, taking risks really allows for the opportunity that something great can emerge, or at least we can get a laugh out of our attempt.
The only issue . . . taking chances.
This year, I experienced the phenomenon twice: once on Christmas Eve at home with my paternal grandparents (who are in town for a family friend's funeral) and then on Christmas Day in Sacramento with my maternal grandparents. For me, the holidays are not complete without turkey, a honey baked ham, and sparkling apple cider. For both sets of grandparents, any meal is not complete without tons of Chinese dishes. This leads to a dinner that seems like a hodge podge of food (hoards of food), but always ends up with satiated stomachs. Furthermore, there is always a heaping portion of love all around that reminds us why family comprises one of the strongest parts of our identities.
I have to admit, the meeting of two cultures, two minds, two hearts, or whatever it may be, always leads to the possibility of cacophony and discord. Nonetheless, we should be willing to take the chance to meld things together, to find out whether two things can converge and form a fit. Some of the best things in life would not exist if we did not take the chance to experiment and put together two seemingly dissimilar elements. From peanut butter and banana sandwiches to jean jackets and leg warmers, taking risks really allows for the opportunity that something great can emerge, or at least we can get a laugh out of our attempt.
The only issue . . . taking chances.
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