It's been pretty busy since the end of this May. My classmates and I went to Hokkaido for graduation trip during Dragon Boat Festival vacation. It was really fun and we all enjoyed the environment there and of course the delicious food!!! However, there was a problem with my skin. On some day, I found an area of uneven bulge appeared around my left eye. After coming back from Hokkaido, my skin condition got worse... Right after the trip, we went singing for 6 hours. Then on the same day, we bought alcohols for the graduation party two days later. In the graduation party, there were plenty of activities and performances. And for the first time I sang a song in public. After the "official" party, we graduates drank together. And that's the tradition of our department. However, I didn't drink at all because I was bad at drinking. It was funny to see everyone drunk. Ha~ So it was obvious that in these days I slept little. Perhaps bad quality of sleep was the culprit. Fortunately, I finally went to see the doctor and now it's getting better.
- 6月 12 週五 200919:55
Graduation
- 5月 14 週四 200921:24
Elizabethtown
On Facebook, there is a quiz "What is the soundtrack of your life?" My result is Elizabethtown and my song is 'Learning to fly.' So, I was very curious about this movie. Then I just watched it during dinner time! The leading characters are Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst. Actually, I found I already watched it before, but I forgot that I had watched it! Well, simply to say, I like the movie a lot!!! I like the opening "someone once said there's a difference between failure and fiasco. A failure is no existence of success. Any fool can accomplish any kind of failure. But a fiasco----A FIASCO----is a disaster of myth proportions. A FIASCO is a folk tale told to others that makes other people feel more ALIVE because IT DIDN'T HAPPEN TO THEM!" It's true, isn't it?
A man, Drew, was fired by a famous shoe-making company. First, he wanted to kill himself. However, right at the time when he was about to kill himself, he got a call from his sister. His father passed away. He had to picked him up from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. On the flight, he met the flight attendant, Claire. Then the story began...
This movie gives many positive atttudes toward life. The way they treated a funeral was casual and full of life. And this is very different from the original image of funerals which should be. I had to say that I really enjoyed it! Besides this, I like the charater, Claire, very much. She was energetic, positive and lovely. It was really very sweet of her to make Drew the AUDIO MAP for his roadtrip. Btw, the musics were great!
YOU should watch it!
A man, Drew, was fired by a famous shoe-making company. First, he wanted to kill himself. However, right at the time when he was about to kill himself, he got a call from his sister. His father passed away. He had to picked him up from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. On the flight, he met the flight attendant, Claire. Then the story began...
This movie gives many positive atttudes toward life. The way they treated a funeral was casual and full of life. And this is very different from the original image of funerals which should be. I had to say that I really enjoyed it! Besides this, I like the charater, Claire, very much. She was energetic, positive and lovely. It was really very sweet of her to make Drew the AUDIO MAP for his roadtrip. Btw, the musics were great!
YOU should watch it!
- 5月 08 週五 200914:40
Team Presentation
Today is my team presentation whose topic is introduction of cultural differences between America, Japan and Taiwan through McDonald's. My part was to introduce McDonald's in America. There are many characters created by McDonald's. Actually, McDonald's worked with Disney before ,so in our childhood we could see a lot of Disney toys in Happy Meals. However, after Disney dumped McDonald's, McDonal's started to work with other business. For example, Mario Brothers come from Japan. Thus, even in the U.S. there is a Japanese cultural diffusion. Next, it's the food. Bagels are Ameirca. But the point I'd like to say is that most of the time the American menu of McDonald's often put emphasis on their meat of burgers. This is kind of different from Taiwan and Japan. Let's go back to the 1970's of America. I found two ads on the Internet, but actually they are the same because the words on them are exactly the same. Why McDonald's made two different versions of the ad? Obviously, one is for the black and the other is for the white. I did a little bit research online. Though desegregation and civil right movements had risen at that time, perhaps there might be a quite strong concept of racial segregation. So, perhaps this was one one of the reasons why McDonald's made two different versions of it. Here's a commercial of Great Taste of America. In fact, this commercial has different versions for different places, such New York hip pop, Amazon rock, California classic and here we have Texas cowgirls. From this video, we know that America is such a broad continent that each local place will develop its own customs, values and lifestyles. America is called a melting pot because it contains many elements, different ethnic groups of people and different religions. This is very different from Japan, which is a homogeneous country. In addition to historical backgrounds, I think geographical factors may be one of the reasons why America features individualism and Japan features collectivism.
- 5月 06 週三 200922:52
Runway Mom
I did a mini-presentation in the English class last week. The topic was about women and babies. Liza, the president and founder of Expecting Models Inc., produced a reality show called "Runway Mom." I watched a couple of times on Travel and Living channel in Taiwan. Aactually, I was totally in shock when I watched it for the first time because there was a real birth process in the show. Basically, I stongly recommend that everyone should watch it once in a while if you have free time. There are many tips for prenancy you can learn, no matter you're women or men. You know, in preparation for the future, just in case, if you want a baby. You will also find that expecting moms can also be very energetic, sexy and beautiful as usual. And I'm sure you will be very grateful for your mother after you watch the show. By the way, Mother's Day is right coming up. Why not try to watch it with your mom at home?
The second thing is about the issue of breastfeeding in the U.S.. There was a news video on the Internet. A woman posted her breastfeeding images on Facebook. However, the images were taken down by Facebook due to the violation of terms of use they claimed. Then it became a hot debate on Facebook. Many other women standed on her side and uploded many breastfeeding photos on their profile on Facebook to protest against the rules. A woman even started a group called "Hey! Facebook! Breastfeeding is not obscene!" on Facebook. In the video, this woman thought this was uniquely American phnomena since she got the most hateful messages from the United States while got encouraging messages from south America and central Europe. Well, I don't know whether it is uniquely American phenomenon or not, but I do think it is very natural and normal things for women and babies to do. It's a baby's instinct to eat milk from a breast. In Taiwan, I seldom see people breastfeeding babies in public, but I did see once on a train a woman breastfeeding her baby with a cover of clothes or towels. I thought it was ok. It was fine with me, though I just couldn't help but notice the baby's reaction while it was eating. It was really cute.
The second thing is about the issue of breastfeeding in the U.S.. There was a news video on the Internet. A woman posted her breastfeeding images on Facebook. However, the images were taken down by Facebook due to the violation of terms of use they claimed. Then it became a hot debate on Facebook. Many other women standed on her side and uploded many breastfeeding photos on their profile on Facebook to protest against the rules. A woman even started a group called "Hey! Facebook! Breastfeeding is not obscene!" on Facebook. In the video, this woman thought this was uniquely American phnomena since she got the most hateful messages from the United States while got encouraging messages from south America and central Europe. Well, I don't know whether it is uniquely American phenomenon or not, but I do think it is very natural and normal things for women and babies to do. It's a baby's instinct to eat milk from a breast. In Taiwan, I seldom see people breastfeeding babies in public, but I did see once on a train a woman breastfeeding her baby with a cover of clothes or towels. I thought it was ok. It was fine with me, though I just couldn't help but notice the baby's reaction while it was eating. It was really cute.
- 4月 24 週五 200920:26
Cultural differences
This video was in ANTM show, which was a reality in the U.S.. I always thought that Europeans were the the closest to Americans because they were all inthe western world. However, I think there are still differences between these two general cultures, just like the ones between Taiwan and Japan. I don't know what the conflicts they encounter in their daily life, but at least I think it's easier for Europeans to fit in American culture than other ethnic groups. And this somehow frightened me since I wanted to go abroad for further studying. If those Europeans who seemingly look like Americans to me are also teased at school, what would I gonna do when I'm there? It is said that the racial discrimination in America is severe and prevalent even though many people are just faking it. Perhaps "Manifest Destiny" is unconsciously deeply rooted in Americans' minds, I don't know. Yes, it's a situation that you just suck it up or that you just leave it. It's the reality, I understand. But when you try to say something or ask, would you please be careful for the words you use? It's about sympathy. What if it's you who are in the situation like this, I think you are gonna respond the same way. It is fun to watch girls arguing as an outsider by the way. Ha~
- 4月 16 週四 200922:13
Hallo! Stefanie!
Actually, now I'm supposed to write my argumentative composition, which is my plan tonight. But you know somehow you're not in the mood for the things that you've planned to do. So here I am. Still typing in English might soothe my guilt more or less.
That was a Sunday. Not extremely hot, but quite hot. And I thought I got my face sunburned...... I didn't know for sure how long I was standing that day, maybe at least 6 hours. Every fan was quite calm and followed the order. I was happy to see that because it was more comfortable. I took the card of No. 169 so I got my ticket signed by 3 o'clock. In fact, I was thinking about leaving. On a second thought, I thought "I've already been here and why not stay till the last minute?" When I thought that way, this reminded me of what Forest Gump said, "I figured since I’ve gone this far, might as well turn around and keep on running." Though the situations were different, I'm glad I sticked to it then.
Despite the fact that I was far from a frenetic fan, I was quite dumb when I recalled the whole process...... I won't forget what I said to you when I stepped onto the stage for the second time and of course your reaction. Ha..... I wrote you a letter (a card). Hope you didn't miss it.:)
Well, it was a strange feeling. Perhaps it was like a dream (I'm afraid I have to say so). But not a fancy one, you know. Uh, it was beyond description... Now from time to time, I would think that maybe it is the moment when I can do this and do that. When it comes to that, I'm very grateful for you because it is you who motivates me to do this kind of things. Maybe this was the last time for me to meet you in person and maybe this was my first time and the last time to go to such a personal concert. I don't know what to say, but I'm happy and satisfied (at least before entering the seemingly flavorless graduate school:)).
Looking forward to the concert!
- 4月 08 週三 200920:59
4/12
This Sunday I'm gonna meet an important person in my life----Stefanie Sun.
I'm wondering whether I should write her a letter.......ha! Perhaps I will do that. I always think she is just like one of my friends so I never say "She is my idol" or something like that. It may sound silly for other people. "You actually don't know her and she doesn't know you, either!" That's what probably they would say. Yet, you know what. It were her and her music that accompanied me for the last seven or eight years. For me, she could be the most familar friend. Seeing her smile and listening to her singing makes me feel happy. The lyrics and the words make me think. The truth was that we grew up together. Now I'm 22 at which the same age when she entered the showbiz. Time flies fast, doesn't it? Somehow I always feel a sense of connection to her, mentally or spiritually, I don't know.
Hope she could write down my name on the ticket when I'm gonna have her autograph on Sunday. Plz!!!!! Maybe it is only an opportunity once in a lifetime. Though it is not very convenient to go there alone, hope it will be a fantastic experience and the weather will be just fine. Hope God bless me! Wish me a good luck!
I'm wondering whether I should write her a letter.......ha! Perhaps I will do that. I always think she is just like one of my friends so I never say "She is my idol" or something like that. It may sound silly for other people. "You actually don't know her and she doesn't know you, either!" That's what probably they would say. Yet, you know what. It were her and her music that accompanied me for the last seven or eight years. For me, she could be the most familar friend. Seeing her smile and listening to her singing makes me feel happy. The lyrics and the words make me think. The truth was that we grew up together. Now I'm 22 at which the same age when she entered the showbiz. Time flies fast, doesn't it? Somehow I always feel a sense of connection to her, mentally or spiritually, I don't know.
Hope she could write down my name on the ticket when I'm gonna have her autograph on Sunday. Plz!!!!! Maybe it is only an opportunity once in a lifetime. Though it is not very convenient to go there alone, hope it will be a fantastic experience and the weather will be just fine. Hope God bless me! Wish me a good luck!
- 4月 06 週一 200916:28
Spring vacation
This spring vacation, I did nothing. Really, NOTHING!
I thought a lot about one thing which came to bother me for no reason. I wondered why people always jumped to the conclusion by the result rather than by the whole process. It seemed that the pitiful one got the greatest justice. As for those who spoke up bravely, they were regarded as the causes of the chaos and the turbulent of the tranquility. It was unfair!!! If it was called the justice or the right conclusion, I wouldn't approve.
It took me a few days to calm down. It was really hard to analyze the whole thing through without emotions. At first, it didn't matter to me really because all the things already happened and solved. But the thing that really pissed me off was that I realized the conception of the rest of the others was totally biased. So I decided to mull it over again, then explain to everyone involved. Cuz I know if I don't explain it in time, it will become the "truth" rooted in their minds. Therefore, it is a right thing to do.
I thought a lot about one thing which came to bother me for no reason. I wondered why people always jumped to the conclusion by the result rather than by the whole process. It seemed that the pitiful one got the greatest justice. As for those who spoke up bravely, they were regarded as the causes of the chaos and the turbulent of the tranquility. It was unfair!!! If it was called the justice or the right conclusion, I wouldn't approve.
It took me a few days to calm down. It was really hard to analyze the whole thing through without emotions. At first, it didn't matter to me really because all the things already happened and solved. But the thing that really pissed me off was that I realized the conception of the rest of the others was totally biased. So I decided to mull it over again, then explain to everyone involved. Cuz I know if I don't explain it in time, it will become the "truth" rooted in their minds. Therefore, it is a right thing to do.
- 3月 25 週三 200922:23
Miao Miao
A couple of days ago, I watched the movie, Miao Miao. The movie was about two girls at high school. One was called small-ai and the other was called Miao Miao. Miao Miao was an exchange student from Japan. Small-ai was fond of making cakes because she thought cakes brought a sense of happiness to people.
This movie didn't have glamorous special effects and the inexplicable plot. Everything was so direct and pure. The movie reminded me that a part of myself in the past was still there. Though now I'm busy thinking about the future or the present, actually deep down inside my heart was there a innocent part remaining intact. Just like that you accidentally flipped through your diary. The feelings were so real and vivid. Especially I loved the last scene and my eyes became wet......
- 3月 15 週日 200920:50
Come back home by 511
It is great to escape the rainy weather at school! It rains a lot.......
I bought the ticket of Stefanie's concert and I'was very very very very exciting!!!!! I think it is going to be the best memory I've ever had. As far as I'm concerned, she is a very familiar old friend who walks me through the ups and downs in my life. I don't regard her as an idol or superstar actually. She is just human and an ordinary person like we are. I don't care what the media say and I don't like the over-commercia package, such as the poster.......But, you know what. It doesn't matter. As long as she is still who she is........it will be enough for me. Yes, people change. change with time. Or frankly put it, with age. Perhaps she is a little different from who she used to be, but we all are, aren't we? Well. all I really want to say is "I'll be there with you! Dear Stefanie."
I bought the ticket of Stefanie's concert and I'was very very very very exciting!!!!! I think it is going to be the best memory I've ever had. As far as I'm concerned, she is a very familiar old friend who walks me through the ups and downs in my life. I don't regard her as an idol or superstar actually. She is just human and an ordinary person like we are. I don't care what the media say and I don't like the over-commercia package, such as the poster.......But, you know what. It doesn't matter. As long as she is still who she is........it will be enough for me. Yes, people change. change with time. Or frankly put it, with age. Perhaps she is a little different from who she used to be, but we all are, aren't we? Well. all I really want to say is "I'll be there with you! Dear Stefanie."
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