After watching the short film above, I’ll admit, I complain too much.
I complain about the fog and lack of sun in San Francisco.
I complain at times even about traffic.
But I have learned that it’s not just about me. We live in a global community and at times we need to give back whether through volunteering which I done in college or simply contribute financially to causes.
We have never had so much (materialism), yet been so unhappy.
In the film, it was so cool seeing the implementation of a clean water filtering system. Can’t believe many people in this world still do not have access to clean water.
I’ll be honest. I thought I was pretty ugly growing up.
Overlapping rice bowl bangs, braces with a nightly headgear, thick bulging lips.
But I’ll admit, you told me I would peak during my 30s and you’re right on point.
But enough about me.
This post is for ugly ducklings out there.
The truth is, you’re not ugly.
Perhaps reality is, we don’t know reality.
Glancing over attractive beach bodies featured on magazine covers, it is easy to want to look like a certain celebrity.
The truth, they have an entourage of “I will make you look great” stylist.
Take me. I played a small part in an Apple commercial a few years ago. I had a trailer, make up artist (foundation is gross), and wardrobe.
Also, take note that beauty is not defined the same across all cultures. Living in San Francisco and Hong Kong full time, it is obvious.
Girls in Hong Kong prefer light skin and this is defined as beautiful. They even have skin whiteners. My Hong Kong roommate at UC Berkeley used it. She almost is a white as Michael Jackson.
Girls in California in general prefer radiant glowing tan skin. Go figure.
Also, some of my buddies like “junk in their trunk” ala “big booty”.
Other thinks that thick lips are sexy.
Get this. I know friends that like people with a certain calf size.
Me, I’m a face man.
But do the world a favor, do the basics.
Wear clothes that are the right cutting, brush your teeth, smile, wash your face – do a facial if necessary.
I majored in Environmental Economics and Policy at UC Berkeley. Full of tree hugger girls. So girls tend to wear little or no make up. They dressed in hippie looking hemp made clothes. And in this circle, since the guys like me were “tree hugger” guys, we defined this as beautiful.
Main point. Be smart. Your type of beauty will be most “championed” in a certain circle. Find it, conquer, smile, and send me a thank you note.
Rayfil Wong ( Founder-Campusfork.com) and Rebeca Hwang (Director-Younoodle.com)
As I hip hopped into the mile high ceiling of Younoodle.com in South Park San Francisco, I knew I had arrived at my kind of party
No one wearing ties.
No one trying to flaunt their college pedigree or Rolex watch.
No one trying to impress.
But simply, a bunch of creative geniuses at the party + ping pong tables + pizza + pull up bar contest.
Innovators, hustlers, + shakers roamed around.
The talent in the room collectively could have easily been a great pool for a start up.
As the playful host, Rebeca Hwang (Director-Younoodle.com) worked the room.
Casually tossing smiles and making informative introductions, Rebeca Hwang threw a great party.
Rebeca and I met when we spoke about the future of start ups at a dinner presented to European executives. (thanks to Amanda Reynaud the intro)
Rebeca is a rare kind.
With a MIT degree along with bonus points for having a Stanford Phd, she banishes the Sexy Nerd oxymoron.
Throughout the night, I met some great characters making it an awesome night.
With a memorable smile, Ellie Cachette left her cushy corporate job and started Consumerbell.com. Now this girl is made to be an entrepreneur. Her ability to hustle, makes things happen, and Red Bull energy makes her a star.
With a fanatic grin, Frank Chiem from Facebook and I had a great conversation about the future of social media and how he got buff arms from P90x.
As usual, I get the aspiring entrepreneur that has creative ideas but lacks execution.
I advise them that entrepreneurs must possess the 3 F’s. 1:: Focus. Have a plan, execute. 2:: Frugal. Manage time + resource. 3:: Fearless. Be ready to take risk. Fail, learn, try again.
Truly, I just enjoyed a night of conversing with down to earth people innovative people. Living in Hong Kong full time, I hope that a city running premiere in finance, real estate, and import/export can foster a hi tech ambiance in the coming years.
Jeremy Lin taught me about living life with tenacity. After high school as a star player, he receives no division 1 scholarship to play basketball but later shines in NBA 2010 Summer League. Read Palo Alto Online Sports Article
Lesson: never give up
The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. – Randy Pausch
The moment I met Candy Lo, her vibrant smile was noticeable. After a few surface level chatter, I got to know her more as a person over the months and found a distinct inviting persona about her.
Remarkable defined = something worth talking about
Following her passion of singing and performing, Cando Lo worked for Disneyland in Hong Kong. Later, I had been convinced that she performs to entertain and inspire, as oppose to others after the fame and money.
She mentioned that she know that monetary rewards may not come her way, but she wanted to do something she loves.
(CLAP) (CLAP)
Admirable.
In the world of entertainment, there are numerous choices.
Mainstream and independent.
For me, I enjoy watching the underdogs, the independents stars for 3 main reasons.
1::Accessibility. These rising stars are approachable. After concerts, I enjoy talking to these people as a person whether as a budding comic at Takeout Comedy or at local venues. Get their autographs, give them a hi 5/ low 5, ask for advice.
2 :: Cheerleaders. We all have dreams. Some aspire to be comics, actors/actress, hand models, DJ’s, but along the way before stardom, they need every support. Every famous person started at home plate. Lady Gaga once played at piano lounges.
3:: Intimacy. I learn to enjoy concerts more when they are in small venues, providing an intimate setting. I can feel the music and I feel a greater connection to the artist.
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In short, follow your dreams. The biggest limitation maybe yourself.
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