The Next Best Thing

Have a really, really bad handwriting? Do you hide your notebook from your friends while jolting down all those notes in class? Do they make your life miserable, wanting to sneak a peak?

You can learn calligraphy and show off your improved handwriting easily, now. Here's how.

1. Search for fonts online.

You'll be amazed at the variety of fonts available online. There are many websites dedicated to fonts alone. Browse through these fonts, find what you like best, and then either take a snapshot or download it if available. You can even find more in social media posts, website titles, and movie posters.

2. Trace Those Fonts.

Once you've found "the one," you can start practicing. Trace your chosen font like your life is on the line. If you want to be able to write on screens, then use your stylus and practice on your smart phone, or your tablet.

3. Use Different Types of Brushes, Pens, and Ink.

To be better able to write like an expert, try experimenting with different brushes, pens, and ink. There are tons of weirdly-tipped markers out there that you can use. Use colorful ink to make this learning seem more interesting. You won't find it boring, then.

4. Design Posters and Enter Competitions.

If you want your progress to be analyzed, you should enter competitions and show your work to experts. They'll judge you and you'll learn a lot from their criticism and will get to meet more of your kind.

5. Practice Regularly.

This goes without saying. Regularly tracing your chosen font will result in eventual perfection. You might even be able to create a whole new font, which will be yours alone! That's what happens; you discover your own self through hard work and determination.

Have fun, folks!

They glare at one another; in the eyes of each, an insurmountable fire. Like lions preparing for a brawl, they waltz around in a circle, neither wanting the other to gain an edge. The scorching sun dangling up above does naught to melt the steel in their hearts; they move unaffectedly.

One is red; as red as the dawn. The other, blue; as blue as the sea.

After seemingly endless scrutiny, they draw their blades and encompass the distance in between — within seconds. Mountains move when metal clangs against metal. They both jump back; assessing each other again. Then, resume the intimacy of their swords.

They dance with their outstretched weapons; neither giving up, neither giving in. Their movements are perfect; their beastly battle seeming like a well choreographed dance, and they, themselves, two dancers. With every move, their swords embrace, sending sparkles on the earth below.

Soon, they are surrounded by fire.

Day turns dark, but the dance doesn't end. Spinning, then skipping; over and under. It is surprising how a battle between two foes can seem so beautiful.

They never stop; engaged in their endless dance.

Why are these flames too hard to avoid?

Step.

Jump.

Step.

Jump.

Jump.

Step.

When you fall for the illusion of having made it across, your heart sinks.

Because, you haven't.

Jump.

Step.

Jump.

Step.

You skirt to the edge.

But, never reach.

Jump.

Step.

Jump.

Step.

You lift up your head, and try to calculate your progress.

But, can't. Because, you've not made any.

Jump.

Step.

Jump.

Land!

And you fall down, curving into a ball. Burning...

You're an introvert if there's a group of people laughing and having fun, and you're not part of that group. You never are.

You always are alone and want to be left so.

People? Ugh!

But, there's a downside to wanting to be left alone and to your devices: introvert problems!

1. They think you are antisocial.

A look at your seemingly gloomy vibe, and you'll automatically be judged. People are that way. Not many try digging deeper, try walking in your shoes. A few feel sorry for you, sitting alone, and might try to talk to you. This annoys you even further, and you just nod your answers with either Hmms and Ahans, which leads to a tenacious infamy.

2. They think you have attitude issues.

When you've successfully scared away the pitying few, you then face misery of a whole new level. People start believing that you have attitude issues, think too highly of yourself to indulge with the mortals around; to pay them any attention. This is the worst. Even the ones you made small-talk with, don't talk to you. And you find yourself, not at a loss, but into the bowels of more frustration.

3. They think you have an inferiority complex. 

What else do people blatantly assume? That you have a bad inferiority complex. They think that you think too lowly of yourself and that you're not important or cool, as the term goes, enough to be included into cliques and groups.

4. They think you're too scared to talk.

Another of people's wild assumptions is that they think you might be very shy and can't participate in face-to-face conversations. Some people avoid conversations because either they have a secret, that might be revealed if they talked too long, or because they have a personality type; not talking to people is pertinent to it. But, some people just don't want to talk. And are misunderstood, instead, as shy and afraid.

5. They think you have a "past."

This has to be the worst of the assumptions. People think that since you're so bad at socializing and acting normal, there has to be some history. Something that "made" you this way, makes you act the way you do. Maybe it is just them trying to understand something that they can't. People are afraid of what their minds can't encompass. In order to not feel this fear, they force explanations to fit you. To get over you, judging you, and to the next human being.

While all an introvert does is "think." See things a not-too-much-thinking person wouldn't. Do things a not-too-much-thinking person wouldn't. That doesn't mean introverts are aliens. Everyone feels comfortable in doing whatever it is they feel comfortable doing. If a person prefers seclusion and less conversation over being loud and seen, why should they be judged?

What was it? That I felt forcing me forward, when in front of me lay a vast chasm of icy despair? 

Hands.

I landed surprisingly safely; my limbs intact after the fall. A quick discerning of the surrounding dark made my skin crawl. There was nothing but dark, encompassing me. I felt around with my hands: nothing. A step at a time, I made it to a side. The wall I traced with my fingers was cold; so very cold. 

I winced as something sharply gripped my shoulder. 

I stared at the icy, white hand. Its tenacious grip difficult to shrug off. 

"Who are you?" I asked the horrible, bone-white being.

"I am you." It replied. 

Perplexity. I stared at it in disbelief as it drew a dagger from thin air. The sparkle of the blade illuminated more of the wretched creature. Its features let loose a startled cry from my lips. 

It indeed was me. 

Pain. Pain is what I felt, as the creature — as I — dug the blade into my chest. 

"Welcome," it said, "to the darkness that is your heart."

Horrible. Horrible. Horrible.

As I gasped away, I realized with unending gloom that this chasm was my heart.

And the hands that had pushed me were my very own.

My icy, white hands.

Only a true bibliophile knows the importance of the specific extracts that appear in books, ones that hold profound meaning and accuracy. Some are all-too-relatable, while others are bone-chilling horrendous.

Here are five thought-provoking extracts that you must know of.

1. Paper Towns, by John Green.



4. Red Queen, by Victoria Aveyard.



5. A Court of Mist and Fury, by Sarah J. Maas.

A superstition, as defined by Websters, is a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck; a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck.

Even though we're living in the twenty-first century, some ancient beliefs in the occult and the supernatural have survived a long and arduous journey from the their own time to our days. People, educated people, believe in such absurd superstitions that one would call their dedicated believing a mockery of the education they've received. Outright mockery.

There's a fine line between orthodoxy and being crazy!

Here are six of today's most ridiculous and still-believed-in superstitions. You might even know of more. Ugh!

1. Peacock Feathers and Lizards.

Want to keep those house geckos at bay? That's easy. Just buy some peacock feathers and hang, stick, or put them wherever your little friend is most likely to appear. Some people still believe that this feather will act as a lizard-repellent.

Why use modern insecticide and precautions when you have your magical peacock feather with you?

2. Brooms and Beds.

They say that if you accidentally — or knowingly — use a broom on a bed, your bed or anyone else's, it is bound to harbor bad luck for the wielder of said broom. Your house might be robbed or a horrible accident might befall you.

Give it a try.

3. Under the Ladder.

Everyone's heard of this one. It's popular in the west but has seen a decline in its reputation here in Asia. If you walk under a ladder, and emerge on the other side from under it, then yours is doom and misery. Bad, bad luck will devour you and you won't have time to even brace yourself for impending horror.

Right after you emerge from the other side.

Oh dear.

4. Using Scissors in Thin Air.

If you're not actually using a pair of scissors to cut something, but are just opening and closing the steel just for the fun of it, or maybe because you like the snipping sound that it makes, or simply because you were born the sicko you are, physical danger will await you.


5. The Braying of Donkeys.

This one is as old as they come. Still, you'll find octogenarians feeding this piece of "vital" importance into the ears of their grandchildren. If you hear the braying of a donkey, it is because the donkey can see the devil...

Maybe because donkeys are genetically modified to observe supernatural beings? Hmm, that must be it.

6. Slippers Near Your Head When Asleep.

I tried this one once. Obviously, nothing happened. It is believed that if you place a pair of slippers, or any other sort of footwear, near your head while you sleep, you're bound to have nightmares. Bad. Ones.

Come on.

If you hear of any other, apart from these, make sure you don't fall for them.

Seriously. Do not.

The need of good writing is encountered by us all at some point in our lives. Whether it is an essay, an exam, a report, or your thesis, you need to write perfectly if you are to secure a praiseworthy grade. Even though practice is what makes one perfect, here are eight literary hacks that might help you gain an edge.

1. Using the Colon: An Absolute Must.

You'll find in good literature how authors make use of the colon to emphasize what needs emphasis, or to introduce a certain quality or qualities of an object, thought, or person mentioned before it. For instance.

I remember him exactly as he was before: clever, cunning, and cruel. 

In the example above, you are spared from the use of another sentence. And that of a period. Instead, a colon has been placed, giving the sentence conciseness. This hack can be used in formal writing as well; it is not confined to any particular style of writing.


2. The Use of a Comma with "too."

Remember, whenever the word "too" is being used — if in lieu of also — then a comma should be placed before it.

I like to read, paint, and write, too.

However, if there are more words accompanying such a too, then this too will have a comma behind it and in front of it.

He wanted to attend the party, too, but couldn't go with his friends.


3. Use Only a Single Exclamation Point!

We tend to overuse this poor old thing, don't we? Either when we're too excited or by just habit. If seen professionally, writing with more than a single exclamation point on the same line, the same paragraph, page, even the same chapter, is seen as bad. Use an exclamation when really, absolutely necessary.

Wrong: Hello!!! How are you!!!!!!!!! It's been a long time!!!!!!!!!!!

Right: Hello. How are you? It's been a long time.

Another thing to remember: Is what you're trying to add an exclamation point to really, really surprising? Is it expressing fear, disgust, happiness? If yes, and if you feel like you really need to add an exclamation point and that it's necessary, then by all means do it.

Wrong: I won in the damn Olympics.

Right: I won in the damn Olympics!

Here, it is necessary to place a mark of exclamation, because — well — winning in the Olympics is a pretty big deal.


4. Italicizing Words.

It adds sophistication to writing if certain words that require stress and emphasis are italicized. However, italicizing can be tricky, and if you choose the wrong word, then this little act might end up altering the meaning of the entire sentence.

Alan said, "I want more coffee."

In the example above, Alan wants more coffee, because he likes it or his previous fill wasn't enough. If "coffee" had been italicized, it would've meant that Alan was being given something else instead of coffee. You can see in this example that the word needing to be italicized isn't, but the rest of it is. Why is this? Here is why: If you need to italicize a word in an already italicized sentence, then leave it be. To make it stand out. That's the rule.


5. The Ellipsis...

This pair of dots is used rather rarely. Or by rare people. It can be used for a number of reasons. If, for example, a character has just began eavesdropping, and heard from in between.

"...was all he had to say."

Or, if you need to stress over an event or occurrence, usually when revealing plot twists.

He was dead...

There are other uses for this unusual punctuation. The internet has tons of information. Mind a little browsing?


6. Always Place the Period Inside.

When using commas, double and single, and if a period is ending the sentence, make sure you place it inside of the commas.

Wrong: She chose "Dauntless".

Right: She chose "Dauntless."


7. Capitalize Headings Properly. 

This can be a little tricky; one can't remember exactly what needs to be capitalized and what doesn't. All three articles, of course, never get capitalized if they're not the first word of the heading. You can refer to an online capitalization tool called TitleCap. Just copy/paste your headings into the given space on their website and watch the magic happen.

Choose the third option from the given options!


8. The Interrobang?!

Although considered nonstandard punctuation, many writers use the interrobang — either ?! or !? — in their writings. It is used when a sentence contains both a question and surprise. It wouldn't look nice in professional writing, though; use it when you're not writing professionally.

There have to be more hacks out there, written by experts and professionals. For example, the use of who and whom, and many, many more. Perfect these eight. If you're hungry for more, then the internet's your best friend.

Isn't it?

There comes a time in the life of every teenager when asking for money from the parents seems too awkward. You want to pay on your own, for a change. Whether you've shopped online; and want to pay the delivery guy by yourself, or you want to buy something better by saving up — you want to use your own money.

The question that comes to your mind when you've chosen this course of thinking is: How can a teenager like yourself make money?

Here are five ways you can make money from home. No sweat.

Author Sarah J. Maas has blown us all away with yet another compelling series. Throne of Glass was amazing, but A Court of Thorns and Roses is something else.

Here is why this book is absolutely Hollywood material.

1. Stand-alone and ongoing.

Although part of an ongoing trilogy, the book ends on an almost happy note; with Feyre breaking the curse, becoming High Fae, and making a name for herself. A movie made out of it is probably going to be a masterpiece, even if directors decide to not continue making films out of the rest of the trilogy. This book has the finesse of a stand-alone novel, and is being continued in two other books — one of which, A Court of Mist and Fury, has already been released. Even if all of the trilogy doesn't get to see the limelight Hollywood provides, a single movie alone won't appear absurd at all.


2. To-Die-For Baddies.

We thought only Harry Potter had to offer engrossing villains and accomplices. Wait till this book becomes a movie. Creatures like the Naga; which are literally snake-men, the Attor; a flying bat-like human-monster, the Suriel; which gazes into your future for you if trap it — and many, many more — await you.


3. The Physical Intrigue.

This is what some people root for. Though a tad bit intense, and probably inappropriate, the physical intrigue this book has to offer is obviously how a book makes it to the big screen in the first place.


4. The Plot Twists.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is an action-packed read. When such a book with spine-tingling plot twists is turned into a movie, people would want to name their children after the characters!


5. The Magic and Everything.

Experts at Hollywood can easily turn the scenes of the movie, involving magic and levitation and burst of energy and light, into believable and watchable.

Whether the author has had any agreements with any directors or companies, is still not known. But rest assured, A Court of Thorns and Roses will soon have a movie made out of it.

We all remember the good old days when all of us had fallen into the habit of wrapping up presents with colorful wrapping paper, ribbons, and whatnot. This practice, however, has seen an unfavorable decline. You will still see wrapping sheets being sold, but also next to them, gift bags adorning racks. Countless of them; of all shapes, color, and sizes.

This new concept of presenting gifts in bags started not long ago, a few years back to be exact. Many people still prefer wrapping paper, however, here is why these bags are better than your gift wraps.

1. Goodbye, Meticulous Wrapping. 

That's right. It takes time for a person to perfectly wrap a present, if that person is not an expert. Messing up can be very well expected. Also, that person's becoming angry and tearing the wrap mercilessly into shreds, followed by more episodes of anxiety and low self-esteem.

However, if you don't want to go through all that, opt for these elegant gift bags. If you do, all you'd literally have to do would be placing the present into a bag of appropriate size. And voila! No hassle. You'll also be saving yourself from mental torture, and from balling up into a corner and repeating: I am a useless human, I am a useless human being.


2. Easy Peeking.

When you're handing a gift in the aforementioned fashion, it will be all the more easy for the receiver to peek inside, figure out what it is that you've given them. There are advantages to it, like the person's immediately knowing what they've received. Also, disadvantages, when what you've bought wasn't what your friend or whoever was expecting. If your case is the latter, run for your damn life!

Why complicate things, right? Why not get used to these amazing bags, to figure out what's inside quickly then by spending hours in rigorous, violent shaking of the gift or waiting for the right moment to open it up?


3. Easy Carrying.

Are you going to a birthday party? And it's like, a million miles away? No worries! With a gift bag as your chosen way of surprising the birthday boy/girl, all you have to do is hold it like you would any other bag. A good alternative to carefully carrying rectangular and square-shaped boxes. What a burden!


4. No, You're Not Sorry Anymore.

It is natural for us to let out our inner beast when it can't be controlled anymore. One look at a wrapped up present can do that. However, if you've been given that best-seller book or anything else you had been dying for in a bag, you won't have to undo the paper on all fours. Instead, all you'll have to do is simply take it out. Period. No more people looking at you and calling you a psychopath.


5. It'll Look Neat.

You want to leave a good impression on the receiver, don't you? An ugly wrapped present won't be as delightful as a simple, sophisticated, gift bag. I know, I know, it is the thought that counts, but this isn't the 90's anymore. We're living in a make-you-or-break-you world. So, we must tread accordingly.

In the end, this is all I have to say: If you think you can pull off amazing surprises with the wraps and ribbons, go for it. If not, then you're better off with these elegant bag things.

There are people out there that find devoting all of their energy to a particular career quite a struggle. If you're an average student, and are stuck between choosing majors and don't have a resolute opinion of your own, then you're in hot water. People will enforce their ideals on you, whether pertinent to your well-being or not. And if you're led astray even once, by agreeing to another's take on the "best" career choice, then you are doomed. Period.

It is difficult to reconcile with choosing a career that pays a lot, or something that you like and are good at, but pays less comparatively. Opt for what you believe you can succeed in, money aside.

Here are some tabooed career choices that you might not regret choosing from — if you have no particular interest in any other.


1. Business Administration.

A vast majority of the people living in Pakistan believe that to secure a good job as a business administrator, you must have a degree from only the leading business schools and universities in the country. This claim has some semblance of truth to it. However, only a sensible employer would try to ascertain your skill-level and would give it priority over your academic background. If you're lacking the needed skills, but are a graduate of a renowned institution, only a fool will hire you.

It doesn't matter what institute you're from. If you're not into strict studying and overwhelming course outlines, and think that you have the skills necessary for convincing and managing, or believe that you can develop these skills, then business administration is the right career choice for you.

Moreover, MBA's can find a job almost anywhere. Regardless of their degree's worth.


2. Law.

Another tabooed profession in the country is law. People believe the profession doesn't hold the honor and the glory it formerly used to. And that the country's lawyers are a disgrace to the entire judicial system, also that the judicial system is a disgrace itself. You'll find many average studying students opting for degrees for law-related professions. If you're one of them, or harbor a keen interest in the field, then what is stopping you? The current standing of the country's lawyers is not your problem; you don't have to follow in their footsteps.

Pursue your journey as a lawyer, and you can be hired as a legal adviser, and can even practice privately. You can open a firm of your own. Believe it or not, everybody needs a lawyer at some point in their lives. There is less probability for start-up lawyers to secure a government-job, but with the needed time and dedication, you can better your standing as a practicing lawyer.


3. Mass Communication and Journalism. 

Declared only for the "writing type" and those possessing journalistic creativity, this is yet another tabooed profession. Some people have associated a journalist with only writing. Not true! You can be a field-journalist with a degree in mass communication, appearing on news channels and live TV.  A journalist can also start a talk-show of their own. Can even make documentaries, apart from writing. It's all about providing the public with the truth about things and unveiling secrets that the people have a right to.

Honorable, indeed.


4. Visual Studies and Fashion Designing.

All of the artists here are shunned upon by the conservative part of the country's population. They say that only the most weak of students opt for degrees in visual studies, fashion designing, and other art-related programs. Wrong again. There is a wide demand for computer artists throughout the world for designing book, magazine, menu covers and much more. Even if you're the CEO of a leading business organization, you will find yourself in the need of a good visual artist. Who else will design your company's logo? An artist can earn by showcasing their work in galleries and can make a good name.

Similarly, the fashion industry is thought to be only for the pompous and the profusely rich. What is to stop a talented designer, who may not be from a well-off family and may not own much, from entertaining the people with their unique designs? If you're into sketching, painting — et cetera — or have opinions about whether wellingtons and knee-high boots should be allowed to run rampant in the Pakistani fashion industry, then these two picks are for you.


5. Teaching.

Those who can't do, teach.

You must have heard of this ridiculous teaching stereotype. If you're a supporter, then you're in the wrong, sir — or ma'am. If there won't be any teachers to teach our young doctors, engineers, and school children, then we can bid adieu to the country's future.

There are so many schools, some have even opened more than a single campus, out there that you can easily find a job at. Are you a qualified major of English, Mathematics, or any other high school subject? Do you have a degree in child education? Think you can be a good teacher? Then do your country a favor and teach!

Start-ups, of course, won't be given that much of a salary. But as you gain experience and get more comfortable with the prospect of teaching, you'll be hired by better employers and organizations. Every child-later-professional will be indebted to you, and you'll shaping the country's future!


Culminating, it is all about finding what you're good at and what you think you can do best. Not what people think and definitely not what they want.