IMPORTANT!!

Commenting is pretty straightforward - There's a 'kick the wall' and 'x scuff mark(s)' - those represent comments. 'Kick the wall' if you want to leave one. BTW!! I do tend to reply to comments :D

Obviously certain previous entries have been deleted due to my sometimes unstoppable need to be rant-y.. Trying not to be all emo here, so help God help us all..! Haha

http://mousharilla.blogspot.com/

And because I have no patience for a normal blog and a photo blog. :P

"It's always night in the Nightside. It's always three o'clock in the morning, and the dawn never comes. People are always coming and going, drawn by needs that dare not speak their names, searching for pleasures and services unforgivable in the sane, daylight world. You can buy or sell anything in the Nightside, and no-one asks questions. No-one cares."

Our man is John Taylor, not your typical hero. He's on the run from a world he's known since childhood and he's dirt-poor, living in his office which has a bullet hole on the window. He has no idea who his mother is - a plot devise you know will kick ass once it finally shows its head. But while he's literally nobody in our world, he's close to celebrity or royalty stature in his world.

You know - the one he's running away from. And I don't think its from paparazzis.

Now, I have very mixed feeling with this book so let me just start by saying: I quiet like the Nightside as a whole. BUT. But.. well, let me tell you what bugs me about this series.

I can't help but feel that the characters are a little bland.

I wont touch on the other characters as that would be a spoiler. So here's what I think about John Taylor.

John Taylor - supposed bad ass, shows weakness in a way that doesn't really convince you he's actually a bad ass. Just possibly someone who insists on it, but doesn't quite have what it takes. Of course he keeps saying that he likes letting his 'rep' speak more than his own actions, and how everything was exaggerated but that it helps when people fear him. I feel like Simon R. Green justifies his characters actions just a little too much by spelling things out.

Here's a little spoiler: His relationships with people from the Nightside.

He keeps insisting he has no friends, but just close enemies.. Well reading the two books I own, makes me think that he does have some very loyal friends. It would probably have packed more of a punch if John Taylor never mentioned that he had no friends, but casually mention acquaintances he has who have in turns helped then stabbed him in the back (or in one case, as we, the readers, find out very early on - shot him in the back).

And while I feel there's a huge need for character development, there's a whole cast of people I'm dying for you to meet. Shotgun Suzie, Razor Eddie, Cathy Barrett, and Alex Morrisey. Lovely people you wont want to meet in a dark alley, but fascinating all the same.

As I said before - I do think it was a good read.

I liked the whole noir feel of the novel, and how he was all Dick Tracy in the beginning. Complete with a dingy office, and your quintessential dame (limited to the very first story, but I liked her so much, I thought I'd mention her). Note; not damsel in distress. But kick ass snotty dame.

I also adored the whole idea of a world within a world. Of course it was very Neverwhere-ish (Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere).. But I think it distinguished itself enough with the whole range of inhabitants available for viewing.

I know, I know.. The whole hidden world thing isn't quite new (Of the top of my head: Neil Gaiman, Joss Whedon, LJ Smith, Eric Kripke - and those are only from the ones I've touched recently. Not to mention a whole host of others that I haven't read/watched/whatever..), but it works. Its an intriguing world to peek at.

Plot-wise, I enjoy the fact that the stories aren't quite novel length. Three stories to a book works for Simon R. Green. And there's a wide range of cases, showcasing the sheer absurdity of the Nightside. It never quite delves into the macabre though, he seems to lack the words to describe the blood and gore and to turn it into something which turns your stomach, so you're sort of left detached to it all.

To be honest it does feel like a half assed effort at times, but its saving grace is the sheer number of possibilities available in the universe Green created. And the potential you can see peeking from the corner. At times I feel like I should maybe coo at the book and try to coax out the ability of writing horror I think Green possesses.

On the whole? Read it. The genre needs more stuff like this.

Sometimes, when something is broken.. You have a chance to fix it.

But when it gets broken over and over again, and the cracks are so visible that what was once beautiful is just a horror show waiting to be broken again with a simple nudge.. Then maybe it should be put away.

Maybe it should be thrown away, because what use is something that is so broken you're even afraid to touch it in case it falls apart, crumbling beneath the gentlest caress? But looking at it.. All the memories and the laughter and the joy..

I don't think I can. Not yet.

And the saddest thing is, you probably don't realize that this is all that's left of our friendship.Or maybe you do, and you just don't care. I don't know anymore. I've been second best to everyone else with you these past few.. months? years? I don't even know where I stand anymore. I wish I could say that I didn't care, but  I miss being your friend - Without all the awkwardness that we're somehow left with.

I wish I could pinpoint that one moment in time when it all started to fall apart, and erase it. But I can honestly say it was everything and nothing. It was that one joke that hurt a little more than it should have, and imagined slights that went by remembered.. It was you walking away, or me never showing up. I wish I could say it was all you and live a guilt free life. But all the double edged words I've said in mock severity but meant in malice.. I can't erase those.

So here's to you, and to me.. And what we can't fix.

It's been a blast.

And that's fine.

I don't mind admitting how stupidly stupid I have been.

And today its one of those days I felt like someone had come along to slap some sense into me. I get excited over the most random things, and I have the attention span of a five year old high on speed, who has just consumed a tub of triple fudge-chocolate ice cream with sprinklings of sugar on top. I figure maybe I should take a breather, and calm down.

I keep saying I should do my under grad thesis. Maybe I should start then. I keep saying I'm going to be better at resisting vices I know I should avoid. Maybe I should start then. I keep saying I'm leaving my past (non existant) love affairs behind (seriously, I hold on to the most random people.. I can recite you my yr. 8 crush's home number, because I'm still crushing on him a little). Well maybe I should start it then.

There's a long 'to do' list that I've neglected for much, much, much too long. And today's a Sunday, as good a day as any to start over.

I'm gonna stop saying maybe, and I'm just going to plunge right into the deep end.

Here's to a new start.

I have crushes on people who are able to voice their thoughts with eloquence.

No, I don't mean that they have to wax poetic on artsy subjects, or serious stuff.. Its just.. Well, its hard to explain - I haven't the words for it. Just.. Words. *happy sigh* I'm sorry, but I've just spent the last couple of hours watching stand up comedians weave tales of hilarity through speech, and I'm in awe. I find myself easily falling for comedians (not the slapstick kind). And writers (song, books and television AND movies included). When someone turns the mundane into something interesting through choice of words - I swoon, flail and fall into an undignified heap, panting like an idiot.

I wish I had the skills, but I realize I'm incoherent half the times.

Partly because I really do find myself talking too much without saying anything all too often, and because I prefer to reveal all only to a couple of friends. (Then why an online journal? Well.. That's another story for another time.)

*twirls, bows and rolls away*

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/4984680/Beyonce-fans-among-least-intelligent-but-Beethoven-fans-are-cleverest.html

READ.

I laughed my ass off..!

http://musicthatmakesyoudumb.virgil.gr/

That's the researcher's site.. And also, just take a look-see:

http://booksthatmakeyoudumb.virgil.gr/

The whole intelligence coupled with taste thing is a bit weird for me. Because.. Well.. Hypothetically speaking, I should be around.. The upper-average scale of the SATs based on my tastes in music and books. SHOULD. I'm not saying 'am', actually I'm just pointing out that it just goes to show how there are always exceptions when it comes to 'grading' human beings and sticking them to categories..

*laughs and shakes head*

But seriously.. Do you think taste indicates intelligence? I mean, I know I'm a snob and I'm judgmental when it comes to books and music - but that's just because of my own rating systems. Its a bit of a moot point for me..

And yeah okay, this is based on SAT scores and stuff..

But come on..

I'm still giggling over the fact that someone was 'niat' enough to do this. Niat apa kreatif yah? Masih bingung. Hahaha.

Ah well, I don't mind being classed as intelligent. Well.. Average at least.. All hail Indie!

A couple of days ago I was alerted to the fact that I spent too much time on the internet.

But at least I'm not wasting my time. I read, I write, I faf around. Okay, fine. Maybe I am doing time-wasty thingies on the net, but that's only because I can only stare at chains for so long before I feel like I should scratch my eyes out. And no, I'm not suddenly into ropes and chains in a BDSM kinda way - I've been making a bunch of jewellery bits and bobs. Earring, necklaces and bracelets. My friends are gonna hold a garage sale, and I thought I'd contribute some bits and bobs.

God knows I need the cash :P

ANYWAY.

Sharing the crack. Yes. Here's a couple of sites that never fail to make me laugh:

Confessions of The Inadequate - Sex blog. Yes. FUNNY. It's a livejournal community of people sharing unfortunate "incidents"
Nguping Jakarta - Inspired by Overheard in New York
Not Always RIght - Brought to you by your frustrated servers
Daily Cognition - Random bits and bobs, occasionally containing the weirdest things

and finally..

Cracked - Well the name explains it all, yeah?

So.. Now that I've shared. I'm off to read some fanfics.. Another reason why I spend entirely too much time on the internet. The unlimited amount of reading to be done.. *swoon*. Yes I'm a happy birdie. :D

http://mousharilla.blogspot.com/

I have no idea why, but I made a photo-blog-ish-type thing. I already have my dA account, and flickr as well (though I haven't touched flickr in eons).. And I promised myself I wouldn't spread my work around until I've learnt how to watermark my stuff.. But I can't resist. Its just one of those things.. Hahaha..! I'm a fickle, fickle person.

Lately I've found myself full of ideas for essays. All on fiction. I really shouldn't have stuck it out in politics - but it is such a fun subject to study.

Anyway, this has resulted in lengthy discussions and arguements with Mama dearest regarding works of fiction spanning from classics to contemporary fiction. She declared I would have passed all her classes with flying colours. Then she told me to get on with my under-grad thesis. I was supposed to click my fingers and suddenly go from talking about the impact of culture in an author's characterization and signature flair in telling stories to ponder the impact of technical assistance in dealing with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia!

Of course considering how everyone jumps from talking about one thing to another in what is supposed to be 'quiet, relaxed afternoon coffee times', in this family.. with heated voices no less.. I shouldn't be surprised.

*sigh*

I much prefer talking about fiction than the real world. I understand it so much better. *laments*

I suppose I better get on with it then.

Ciao!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brazil-rocked-by-abortion-for-9yearold-rape-victim-1640165.html

A nine year old rape victim's parents and doctors were excommunicated by the church for abortion. Its left me with a frown on my face and a sick feeling in my stomach.

All life is sacred, I get that. I do. I've always believed in pro-choice, but I have moderate views on it, and I do believe that sometimes it shouldn't be a way out.. But on cases like this. Oh my god. The kid has gone through enough traumas without having to endure months more of it.

I'm pretty much speechless. My god.. The things that are happening in the world today..

Without words to express,
All the things I repress,
Without fail I will try,
To.. put on my resolve face and suck it. Because things are never going to change if I don't force myself to change them. Yes? *sigh*

Yes, I'm sucky at poetry, and I will try never to inflict it upon the world ever again.

But yes, without words. Which is strange, because I talk and write too much, and I blabber on incessantly. But I'm trying, because playing this game is fun.

Which makes me a masochist. (Because by GOD.. I *know* how this will end!!)

Talkin' about mine again , while pimpin' out my bestieboo again.


Missing my bestest friend so much :(

The blog of my bestest bestiest most loved and adored bestieboo. Overkill? Not really, I adore this girl. My best friend. BFF. Mah home dawg. No okay.. That one is overkill. I can't do hip-hop speak and keep a straight face ;P

She's the one I'd love to hate with talent drip, drip, dripping from her fingertips. She is a creator extraordinaire. Her artwork is gorgeous, her writings take my breath away, and when she tells a story you find yourself lost in her world. I adore her.

I spent it with my family, then yesterday I celebrated with my ex housemates (RabenSama).. And the celebrations haven't yet ended! I have plans to celebrate it for at least three more times. My high school bezzies, my random uni buddies and maybe a couple of dinners with certain individuals.

I could probably have lumped them all together as my housemates are my uni friends too, and I've introduced my friends to each other, but compartmentalizing my friends means the birthday celebrations will go on well into March. This means that I'll be broke till April, of course, but I don't quite mind it! Tee hee!

I also gave my self a haircut! I'm happy. And I'm thinking of putting up all the haircuts I've had in the past four years. I get bored easily and I experiment a little - not much, mind.. I'm not that adventurous! But yeah.. I've had my fair share of haircuts :D

BACK!! YAY!

I am so extremely happy to be back in Jakarta. You have no idea just how happy I am *HUGE grin*

I shouldn't be happy really.. I was in Bali!

But I am.

I'm back. :D

Digital SLR Guide is a wonderful, wonderful website for beginners just delving in to the world of digital SLR photography! Chris Roberts - the owner of the site manages to explain the sometimes.. Scratch that, the often complicated terms in photography that often intimidates someone who has just started testing the waters.

Truth be told, I took classes one summer because I was bored, and my cousin was looking for someone to accompany her. Don't get me wrong.. I love love love photography, but the idea of classes - Meh. In the end I enjoyed meeting new people, and managed to retain some knowledge on how to operate my camera at an acceptable level - but often the explanations given by the instructors just got me crossing my eyes and groaning in semi-pain. And since I tend to be very shy/stupid (depending on your points of view) when it comes to questions in classes, I generally kept my mouth shut.

I've searched the internet, high and low, and usually forums are filled with already knowledgeable senior photographers, who aren't very good at explaining things. Sure they're helpful, and I usually come away learning something.. But there are always question marks over the simplest, basic things I feel I really should know about by now. (I've only started using DSLR since 2007, nonetheless - 2 years is a long time to familiarize oneself with one's camera. But this might be because I'm by nature someone who jumps in first, and end up trying to think much, much later on).

Searching for a glossary of terms was my first instinct at trying to understand, but that's like reading a dictionary to learn a language! And I could have of course read the manuals - but alas, I always fell asleep five minutes into it. Chris Robert's site is very, very helpful. And as he puts it - he tells stories. Well, not really stories, but semi stories.. *shrugs* take a look and you'll see what I mean.

His guide for searching for your "perfect" lens (aka the lens you want/need/crave) is helpful and friendly, and I devoured every word. I also like his reviews on DSLR cameras, some sites are biased towards one type of camera - often dissing other cameras, just because. So I really enjoyed his detailed reviews of pros and cons, from the way the camera performs, to the lenses available with the kit. I might have ended up wishing I bought other types/makes/etc.. But he made me feel good about my choice in the end.

All in all I would really recommend anyone who wants to get started with DSLR photography to have a look at his site, hey take a look even if you've waded up to your knees but still find certain terms difficult to understand.

http://mousharilla.deviantart.com/

*twirls and bows*

My deviantArt gallery for those interested in my poor attempt in photography.

*twirls some more and crashes*

*cough* Excuse me.

Colson replied to my post on Obama and got me heated up again.. In a good way by the way :P (Hope you don't mind me quoting you to get this post started ^^)


Pro-choice is usually a term used to describe one's stance on abortion. It basically means that people believing in pro-choice believe in a woman's right the goings on in her body.

Moderate supporters on pro-choice accept certain restrictions on abortion. And I guess I'm one of those. I believe that a woman - THE woman involved. not anyone else, not her husband, not her parents, not her "religious leaders" - should have the choice on whether or not a pregnancy should be carried to full term if certain circumstances happen. Even a premature baby resides in the mother's womb for a long period of time, and full term - that's 9 months.. is a long long time. I believe that a person should have a choice over what's going on in their body.

I support restrictions on abortion though, as in there has to be a valid reason on why the pregnancy is to be terminated. And also a set time, aka no killing 'babies'. But hey this is me, I'm not forcing my views on anyone, I'm just stating them.

So Prop 8.. Prop 8 means the cancellation of legalized gay marriages in California. I mention Prop 8 specifically because I was talking about the US, but in general - I support gay rights. Love is love is love. And hey, marriage is between two people - why should anyone else get in the way? If you want to have the whole religion-argument-thing, then I'll also throw this out - Religion is personal. It's a person's relationship with whatever they want to believe.

Basically, I'm 'pro-choice' about a lot of things in life. Some say that makes me flaky, unable to stand my ground on any issue, but I say if you want to talk about human rights, then individual choice is the basics of a lot of things in life. And I can defend my views just fine ;)

And the whole thing about people expecting Obama to shit rainbows (excuse my language, Mr. President ;P).. Well its unfair. The more you idolize someone the more you'll be dissapointed when things don't go the way you hoped they would, insert anecdote of high pedestals and crashing *here*. I believe we'll see changes with Obama in seat, and I believe he'll do his best, but he is human afterall. ^^

WARNING: this is, and I repeat, this is my PERSONAL VIEW, stated on my personal blawgh.. I'm not forcing anyone to see things from my POV, so please don't diss. State your own opinions by all means! But NO DISSING. That's just impolite :D

Obama just got elected and already everyone is either throwing banners up in support or dissing him fully. He hasn't even had a chance to do anything yet. How hard is it to sit still and watch for his next move?

What's his position on the Israel-Palestine war? Is he fully in support of abortion? What about gay marriage? What's he gonna do about Prop 8? And the economy! Oh the failing economy! What's his next move?

Relax.

I mean okay, after Bush, everyone is antsy about the American President, everyone is watching his next move - but that's the thing, people aren't so much watching as shouting. I'm currently watching a debate on TV on what Obama is going to do about the Israel-Palestine war, and although I fully understand the urgency (and feel it too I guess) - maybe give him a chance to voice his opinions and his strategy before dissing or supporting him, yes?

There are comments like 'He's american! And the US policy on the war will stay the same!'.. Pessimistic much? Seriously.

SIT DOWN and shut up, people!