It's an intense, shimmering reminder of an afternoon and evening in another country, a few blocks from Journal Square.
Although guards are a feature of such events everywhere, to prevent nonpaying guests from slipping through, the level of security in the Middle East is always more intense, a reminder that even Jordan, one of the most peaceful countries in the region, sometimes falls victim to the violence of the conflicts around it.
A sizable group of journalists was also in attendance, a reminder of the intense international interest surrounding Nelson Mandela's health.
However brief, the fire was an unwelcome reminder of the intense fire that had broken out in a lounge in Boland Hall, killing three freshmen residents.
While Khawaja was busy tweeting on his behalf from another car ("Route to Abbottabad a reminder of the intense beauty of our wonderful country! Green hues of plants, golden wheat, fruit trees — God's gifts"), Khan continued his jaunty disparagements.
The most hotly disputed elements — the creation of a consumer protection agency to watch for deceptive and abusive terms on mortgages, credit cards, payday loans and other financial products — are a reminder of how intense lobbying and partisan gridlock threaten to significantly weaken what the Obama administration has called a top priority.
Taken together with Wednesday's other shootings, it also serves as a stark reminder of the intense level of gun violence the United States endures each day.
For recovering addicts, the sight of drug paraphernalia and other reminders can trigger intense cravings and relapses.
Research assistants can provide intense counseling, education, and even reminders for scheduled medications or clinic appointments.
But on both sides the intense emotions were a reminder just how vivid the reverberations from the case -- and the era it represented -- still are.
The suicide of primary school teacher Lucy Meadows, who's transition became the subject of intense, nationwide press coverage, is a poignant reminder of that.
