The Next Best Thing

Ghost World is a graphic novel written and illustrated by David Clowes, an American cartoonist, and illustrator. It centers around the lives of two teenaged, best friends meandering around the makings of a suburban town. Highly acclaimed, a true masterpiece of art and script, possibly Clowes' best, Ghost World made it to the big screen with a slightly astray plot.

The comic has a specific-color-only vibe and explores friendship; what makes it, breaks it and everything in between. It is still a major favorite of the masses out there and inspires its readers even today.

I feel like it was one of the best graphic novels I have ever read—it is a total must read.

Here are 5 things Ghost World teaches us or reminds us of that we should totally stick to.

Warning: Spoilers ahead. 

1. Friendships Don't Last Forever.

True to the core. Rifts form between Enid and Rebecca, friends we assumed would always stay friends. They begin to drift apart and eventually, by the end of the series, Enid leaves. Even the best of friends can find themselves tangled up in complicated webs of mild jealousy that may cause irrevocable consequences.

There is much speculation as to what the ending of the series meant. But one is all too obvious, the Ghost Girls from Ghost World were no longer as much of friends as they previously were. 

2. There Is More to People Than They Let On.

Enid and Rebecca go about observing people, this is usually followed by a comical mockery of the subject of their scrutiny. They are probably right about the people around them most of the time. But as friends, they do not know all of each other. Both girls hold on to some things the other has no clue about.

Taking people as they are, especially when they are not your friends (unlike these two) can be a dangerous game to play.

3. We Should Be Grateful for the Things We Have.

To my understanding, these girls break up over a crush they both share and a prospect of a better future. While one explores the unknown (an entrance exam, really) to give a meaningful life a shot, the other longs to accompany her. This is not reciprocated (it is and kind of isn't) and the resulting consequences shatter the foundations Enid and Rebecca's friendship stood on.

Wishing, probably, for things to go back the way they were, we see Enid at the end looking at Rebecca with the boy they both have feelings for and then walking away from the life she knew.

4. Sometimes, Your Parents Are the Friends You Need.

Both girls find solace in the company of their parents—or a guardian, was it, in one case?—when they least expect to find it. We see Enid with her father comforting her as she cries into his lap—or was it his shoulder?—when Rebecca isn't there for her, or rather is an indirect cause of the situation itself.

Never take your parents for granted.

5. Always Embrace and Accept Yourself the way you are.

Enid is met by rude remarks—such as "dyke"—and is often portrayed as the rowdie, rebellious one of the duo. And yet we see her owning it all. The head mask, the sassiness, and everything. Owning ourselves the way we are supposed to is kind of the whole point of making it out there? Aye, it is.

I definitely would recommend more of Daniel Clowes. 

I am not much of a photographer myself and you'll probably find better resources to go about this hobby as a beginner. But I feel like if you're creative enough, you can understand the basics of almost anything and really rock it out.

Planning and implementing are cores to almost everything out there. Probably everything. And that is kind of what I thought, too, and came up with these:

01. Start at Home. 

Much like the proverbial charity, Photography also begins at home. You can't just buy yourself a fancy camera and escape into the unknown. You first need to break it in. Get a feel for it. Learn how to use it.

You'll be surprised at the level of creativity you can implement as an at-home photographer. There are a thousand things! You can take candids of your siblings (don't take bad shots, though), close-ups of your room—only if it's nice, and a lot more. Do a whole My Room When I Was Eight project. Scatter up your childhood collectibles, make an indoor castle with bedding, and whatnot. You can make book-buildings, too. Just for fun.

Once you have started taking good images, you can move outside.

02. Make a Photography Notebook.

Something people don't do? I guess.

You might be into making to-do lists. This is kind of something similar. Buying, or making (go crazy DIY) a notebook is the start. Take a picture of the kind of shot you want to take. Or just write, in big-ass capital lettering, what the picture is going to be about. For instance, a close up of ice-cubed fruit. Then write whatever you'll need for this project with cool checkboxes and all. Assign this project a date and time. Once you have absolutely everything you need, take this picture and maybe even paste a printed copy into this notebook. Make it a notebook-scrapbook.

You will be surprised at the amount of learning this will give you. Also, this is kind of a mixture of other cool hobbies like making bullet/doodle journals and scrapbooks. Oh, the fun!

03. Do Nature.

Almost every beginner does this. Well, probably every beginner.

I got into photography for this very purpose. Observing sunsets was kind of my thing. I used to write poetry to kind of go with my observations. And then this one day I figured I could probably do more.

Start with sunrises and sunsets. Do gardens or go out in the wild doing wildlife. This is better suited to photography enthusiasts who travel comfortably and frequently; wouldn't want you to specifically go through the trouble of going outdoors just to take a few shots.

And what better way to 'do nature' than to go to the beach?

04. Read the Instructions Booklet.

You'll probably spend the first few days trying to figure out how to actually use your camera. I kind of asked around, it was mostly internet surfing, and found out that that little booklet, the instructions manual that comes with that you probably tell yourself to avoid? That is what you should read. Inside. Out. You'll learn way faster with this booklet than you will on your own.

Another thing you can do is take multiple pictures of a single object by changing the settings. Notice the changes and the quality of each picture. Note these down and try to figure out why the results differ. This will help with understanding the camera settings.

05. Edit Your Photos. 

Another thing newbies don't look into, I know I didn't at first, is photo editing. You can't tell by merely looking at a picture taken whether it is good or not. Not until you properly look at it on your computer. Moreover, you can turn a bad photo into a good one by simply applying basic filters and going about it with Photoshop. There are a thousand tutorials on YouTube that explain how you can fix your pictures and impress the hell out of everyone.

If you find Photoshop a bit too intense, try Lunapic online or download from Playstore a doable, photo editing app.

Takeaway. 

Guys! Practice and consistency are the two things you need to focus on. So long as you stick to these, you'll be taking awesome-ass photos in no time.

Happy photographing!

It is finally here! Mostly, students find it hard to spend their semester break productively. One day of procrastination leads to another. And then another. And soon, you take a look at your phone and figure out that you're left with not many days.

Bummer.

If you're an introvert, however, you'll have every day—every moment planned. Don't despair if you're not, this post is for introverts and extroverts alike. 

01. Journaling.

Pretty cliched. I know. You're probably done with all your life's journaling by now. However, there is more than one way of journaling. Some people prefer doing a weekly journal; they record an entire week with whatever they can commit to memory and recall. Some people write every day. 

You could try bullet journaling for a change. It's this whole new minimalist trend that has been getting pretty popular. People even post their bullet journaling ideas on Pinterest and Instagram. Do check those out. Finding where these ideas shouldn't be a problem. 

Learn to web browse. 

Why just stick to those fancy leather journals? Download a journaling app! There are tons of those on Play Store.  

When it comes to what you will actually be writing, you don't need much input. Do you? However, here is something new for you: Try writing a people's journal? You can describe encounters you recently had with new people and how they made you feel. Or how you generally see a person. Using cool metaphors, or even poetry, ought to spice it up a notch. 

02. Photography.

Not the most introvert-y of things people from the introvert cult can do. If you think about it, Photography is something that mild introverts can have fun doing. And isn't that the whole point? Of photography? I think of it as this self-involving hobby where you get to explore more of the world around you. Through a camera lens. And most importantly, you get to explore yourself, too. You see yourself in the pictures you take. 

Self-exploration is what drives us.

Here is what I suggest: Try a whole new angle on your usual targets. Have them printed. And then cover an entire wall or something. Like a pictorial mural. You could always post your shots on Instagram. Or start a blog. 

The best thing about this one is that if you're good enough, you can get paid. 

Cha-ching! 

03. Scrapbooking. 

I have been wanting to start this one. Too bad I am left with only a single week before my classes resume. 

You would need a lot of material for a scrapbook. I recommend an entire art-supply-shopping-spree. People stick to just pictures when it comes to scrapbooks. That's just plain boring. You can get as inventive as possible. There really is no limit. It is just you. And how much you like to experiment. 

You can use spray paints! Break crayons and oil pastels and stick those to the cover to fancy it up. Cut empty soda cans to make borders; you should probably use toothpicks and matchsticks, too. Some walnut shells ought to give your scrapbook the homemade look people opt for. 

I like being resourceful. 

Now, what to scrapbook about? As far as scrapbooking goes, it is literally about anything you can think of. But here is something different—if you haven't tried it already: Make a scrapbook of all the cool new songs you have listened to so far. Put in some album arts, add in the lyrics, and finally, your interpretation of those lyrics and the songs as a whole. 

04. Reading!

The best one yet. 

I tried doing one of those reading challenges. But never got around to completing any. There are some books that you just will never touch. And that kept me from this one challenge completely. Currently, I am preoccupied with four books at once. That is challenging enough for me.

So, how to make this one interesting like the rest? 

I recommend doing a character map? What's that? Something I just made up. I think another best thing about reading books is that you may come across the characters IRL. If not, then there might be something familiar in the people you see. Writers adept at making good characters end up teaching you a lot. You can then learn to interpret how best to protect your interests when dealing with... personnes difficiles. In the real world.

Not narcissistic at all. You should try this map thing. The originally intended meaning of which was writing about the characters you read and trying to understand them with your point of view instead of that of the author.

05. Coding.

Took you by surprise, this one, didn't it? I personally loathe coding. Probably because I never got around to getting good at it. However, if you want to avoid all interaction, enjoy your own company, then you should code.

I like cryptography. And ciphers. And encoding and decoding messages. This does fall in line with coding, somehow. Okay, maybe it doesn't. But they do teach you this in all the computer bachelor programs.

To make this one seem outside the box, you should try duplicating already made software into some code of your own creation. That might rile it up for you?

Computer programming is getting very notorious nowadays. And in a good way. You could also benefit from freelance coding. And earn!

These were my five picks for spending this time's semester break. I honestly feel like I had to write a post. Having been away for a really long time. Most of what I've written might not even make complete sense. I did notice some rampant casualness in the content, though. I kind of like it, too. Keeping it simple makes it easy for everybody.

I hope you enjoy doing all these five, people who never read much of my blog.

Until next time.

People say that smartphones are a no-no when the month of Ramadan is upon us. Well, not anymore. Our phones can be used in a lot of different ways. Even in this month of blessings and prayer.

I've rounded up some useful applications that can be an enormous help in the proceedings of Ramadan—which is almost here!

01. A Counter App.

We all have one of those noisy counters from the past that are still working and we won't get rid of them. So, to avoid that clicking, irritating noise, you can download (this) application. This "Counter," when it comes to design and appeal, doesn't have much to offer. I like it for its simplicity; it has a very uncomplicated set of controls and you can easily use it during praying or reciting anything.

02. A Compass App.

For those who are traveling, are in the middle of nowhere, and don't know where to pray when a mosque isn't nearby, (this compass) can be of great help. It won't only tell you what to do and where, but it also has additional advantages that come as a package deal. Their recent update is meant for this month. Download it to find out about its extra features.

03. A Quran App.

(This app) is probably the best Quran app available on Playstore. (Quran for Android) has a unique, beautiful user interface and comes with translations and audios in a wide array of languages. Perfect for reading while traveling and when at work. All you have to do is touch your smartphone awake and delve into this app. Saves you the trouble of carrying a real one.

04. A Reminder App.

There is a lot of work and praying to be done in this month. It does people good when there is a reminder for them set in case they forget anything. (To Do Reminder) is just what you need for this. It also comes with an alarm. This app can be used to plan out your entire Ramadan.

05. A Note-Taking App.

If you're one for just note-taking, and nothing additional, try (ColorNote) to help you out. Plan out all your religious proceedings and to-do lists with this broadly-acclaimed note-taking app.

06. A Recipe App.

To avoid the hassle of trying to figure out what to cook during Ramadan, you can use this app. (Cookpad) has tons of recipes for you to choose from. If you still find it limiting and if you want some easy-to-cook recipes, you can go to (Food.com) or (allrecipes), the latter also has an app.

These were all I could think of. If you have more to add, please do so in some comments below.

Have a blissful, and fulfilling Ramadan!

Those of you who are already done with King's Cage know what a turn the series has taken. Didn't see that coming.

The story began with Mare Barrow falling like a lightning bolt into Queenstrial. She was sentenced to a life of a royal under a pseudonym, to hide the true meaning of her ability. Twists and turn brought about a discovery and betrayals soon followed.

Later, in book 2, Barrow began to search for Newbloods like herself and the sequel ended in her capture.

Book 3 reveals that the battle against the Reds and the Silvers is not over. And that more books are to follow. We have seen no comment from the author as of yet about #RedQueen4.

The series have been on the NYT's bestsellers for a really long time and we all know there's a Red Queen movie coming.

Listening to your playlist won't be the same as it was before. Your music gets flat? That's the word I use for songs that I've been listening to since forever. We either resort to new music, or stop altogether until that "phase" is over.

However, you can try something else.

Listening to remixes is one way. It works out for some people and they get to listen to their favorite songs without getting bored. But I rather don't like remixes. The only remix version I like better than the original is Tove Lo's Talking Body. I don't remember whose remix it is but I like it.

I've come across some male versions of my favorite songs on YouTube and found them to be the needed break. They all seem to have been sung by the same person! I'm guessing David Archuleta.

Here they are:

01. Work From Home - Fifth Harmony
This single was all over the place when released. I used to listen to it hours on end. I even tried using those bass apps to make it sound different after all these months.

Instead, I've now found this male version. Which is pretty hot.

02. Into You - Ariana Grande
Straight from her latest album, Into You has been turned into tons of remixes. I liked this male version best.

03. Slow Down - Selena Gomez
Slow Down became my favorite one off Stars Dance. Here is the male version I like even more.

04. Roar - Katy Perry
This is everyone's get-back-up song. Here's the male version I found. Seriously. Who is this guy?

And last but not the least.

05. Burn - Ellie Goulding
This was one of Halcyon Days' best songs. Did quite a number on all of us, didn't it? You can listen to it now in a different voice. The awesomeness remains. Ellie's is still better, but it doesn't hurt. Here it is.

I gotta' look for more.

Oh, and here's who's been singing these songs: no one! These YouTubers have messed up the pitches of these songs to give them that masculine appeal we all can hear.

Lame.

It is an endless battle for some when it is time to choose between what you want and what is best for you. The pressure inflicted upon by society and parents alike renders those some vulnerable to becoming mentally morose and withdrawn. Their insides that shout on their behalf are silenced into submission and what prevails is anything that is socially understandable and acceptable.

From the start of our academic journey, thoughts of becoming either a doctor or an engineer are poured endlessly into our minds. As we grow up, we discover what we're capable of and want to pursue our interests solely. It is quite easy to quell our determination for everybody. They mean well, but as we grow more, we find out that what put a stop to our hopes and dreams was nothing but hearsay. In some case, vindictiveness and watching you fail.

Living in a society as conservative as ours does not help. Even if we are brave enough not to fall for what people think is right for us—or want us to think so—the fire that brings us forward soon dies, leaving nothing but an empty being who'll do whatever is necessary to survive.

A career that is in direct relation to what we aspire to be is the right career for us. If we are not good at calculations and mathematics, we must not allow ourselves to become tangled up with disciplines such as engineering and computer science just because they have mass appeal and there's an aura of recognition about them.

Similarly, stressful career choices like becoming a doctor—or worse, something else—are ill-suited to those who want to pursue careers in writing and arts.

It can be difficult at first, convincing your parents to let you choose a major of your liking for your undergrad years. Some parents never give in. Some do. If you do not want to spend four years of your life, possibly more in other cases, do not choose something that you will later regret and then will feel the need of transferring to another program. This will waste your time and your money.

The takeaway, I guess, would be to always be bold and brave and go after the things you like. Create a whole vision for what you want your future to be like. Set your priorities and your goals and work relentlessly to bring them to fruition.

I write this sort of open letter to all the writers out there. Whether you're a professional or a beginner, if you're not using these tools/apps/websites, then you're not making the most of your writing. Not only will they help you in increasing your productivity and quality, but they will also save a lot of your time and save you from unnecessary marketing.

We all remember how The Lunar Chronicles blew our minds away. The author returned with an equally riveting retelling of how The Queen of Hearts was once a girl in love.

Set in a world of magic and romance—unlike that of The Chronicles, Heartless centers around Lady Catherine Pinkerton and her universe. Being an only child of the Marquess and Marchioness of Rock Turtle Cove, Catherine has it all; luxuries and everything a girl could possibly ask for. 

But, Catherine wants more.

Fond of baking delicacies and desserts, Lady Pinkerton wants to own a bakery. With help from her best friend, Catherine sets out to do whatever it takes. 

Her parents, however, have other thoughts for their only daughter. 

The Marchioness wants her to be wed off to the King, himself. A child of a man whom Catherine despises. It is in the din of her mother's first attempt to have Catherine woo the king that a certain someone makes an entrance. It is Jest, the king's joker. Conflicting emotions haunt her, and Catherine has a lot to think about. There are secrets, and there are lies, coincidences that are not much of what they appear, and risks that need to be taken. In the mix of all the flurry, there's a dangerous predator out on the loose, and all of Hearts is in peril...

This book was highly anticipated, and the author has indeed outdone herself. I strongly recommend it to all who have religiously read The Lunar Chronicles. It's an interesting adventure; a world devoid of science fiction.

Catherine's character is of note. She's a strong-willed and determined protagonist who wants to defy the norms set before her by her conservative, traditional parents. Having a purpose and stepping out of our comfort zones is what her story teaches us. She seeks not the glamor that she is born with, but a world of her own where she wishes to explore her gifts and make a name for herself—by herself.

There has been no comment from the author about a sequel. The note with which this book concluded should not be ruined by an additional follow-up.

It bore a rather close resemblance to Alice in Wonderland. The description of the places and the characters. Perhaps a retelling of Alice in Wonderland by Marissa Meyer ought to make more sense of this book. We'll find out, anyway, whether there's a surprise sequel that I am not in favor for. Some books are better off as standalone.

I found it funny. Each page had me gripped if my interest began to wear. Each chapter had that bombs-have-been-dropped ending that immediately had me flicking away at my tablet to read on.

I enjoyed what Chesire had to say most of the time. These are some of the quotes that amused me.

2. It is a dangerous thing to unbelieve something only because it frightens you.