Imagined Dreams

I'm a sucker for totalitarian societies.

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:39:31 GMT

No really, I have some unhealthy obsession with these oppressive regimes. Ask, what am I reading now? Yes, yes - I'm reading Nineteen Eighty-Four. Again. (I think it is the only piece of "legitimate" literature that I have ever enjoyed and chosen, voluntarily, to reread. Not that I consider fantasy illegitimate, but I feel that fantasy/sci-fi often gets the shaft, because there simply are a lot of extraordinarily crappy books out there. They're not helping with the image. I would alternately, like to say, likewise, there are crappy books in the 'normal' genres, but simply, people don't see it as I do? That's another rant.... :D) There are a number of other dystopian novels, like Ayn Rand's Anthem come to mind, sitting on my bookshelf like dark reminders of what this world could be like in the wrong hands. Ask me what are the general schemes of my desktop? Dark, 'dreary' grey (so I have been told, although, I certainly don't consider it dreary. I would call it more of an industrial flair, verging on austerity and minimalism; I do appreciate functionality. Ask me of the colors in my room. I would state, simple black desk, black book shelf, black plushy chair, steel rug (it has the softest, silkiest strands!), black bed frame, black comforters (as they were until I changed them to my winter, yes, steel grey comforters). How about the walls, and their adornments? Oh yes, there's Equilibrium, with its corny "In the future where freedom is outlawed; outlaws will become heroes." The movie is really like a remake of Nineteen Eighty-Four... How about the other wall? Hah. There's an enormous (and I do mean enormous) V for Vendetta poster. What about the music roaring through my ears, thrilling my mind? None other than Muse's new album, The Resistance.

Sitting down here, at my ebony desk, staring at my grey, minimalist, customized computer, and typing this out (and the background, fyi is a Combine, staring down and representing that authority that cannot be beaten) I cannot help but wonder...why do I feel drawn to such a crazy thing? (As an aside - I do have strange tendencies anyways... but, still - it's not something one can list in one of those surveys: "List your favorite interests...")

I think there is something about the heroes that arise from these societies that capture some strange interest of mine. They are often the single, ordinary man, oppressed yet still resilient in small fine ways. They are the one man against the majority, the Underground, rebels defying the puppeteers that threaten the essence of humanity: freedom. It is like pitting a speck of dust against the universe - what is it that a man can do against such a great force? Under the overwhelming circumstances, some manage to topple the impervious dynasties, while others are crushed and absorbed back into the populus, forgotten. They are the black sheep of the masses, waking from the reality and seeing things as what can be, what should be. They are the visionaries, they are the resistance - and that is so incredibly appealing to me. I am a fairly model citizen, observing rules fairly fastidiously, yet internally I cherish the idea of free reign... But, more seriously, I guess in my own small way, I would like to be a person who sees the world beyond what it is now. I like to see things as what can change, what can be made better. That future is enticing, even if I cannot reach it - even if I cannot reach it ever. I am always grasping at the elusive tomorrow, imagining what technologies, societies, wonders lay beyond the clasps of ponderous time.

But, that's all talk. Maybe someday I can do something - maybe my ideas will become coherent, and maybe these will bring revolutionary change for the better. Maybe I won't, but it doesn't hurt to dream of it first.

Meanwhile, I'll keep an eye on these fictional (and not so fictional...) oppressive regimes. Remember, Big Brother is watching you.

Yup you.

-Lila *shrugs and skips off*

I am on CLOUD9

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:00:28 GMT

I SAW NEIL GAIMAN TODAY!~

In the flesh. Breathing, and simply freaking awesome.

I couldn't get a seat in the main auditorium of the library which was frustrating. I would have been delegated to a cramped room where he would be on a tv. Totally can see him on a tv anyday (helllo, internet). Plus I really have some serious studying to do... Anyhow, I was feeling frustrated/desperate in the filled auditorium, standing on the steps when I see him walking up the steps - my way! I back up and he passes me on the way out (my heart is totally hammering and going crazy realizing I'm that close to one of my favorite authors of all time. I mean he has near god-hood status in my book)- he went to say hello to the peeps in the cramped other overflow room. I hovered around the doorway - just super thrilled to hear him talk! And then, he turned out to return to the main auditorium and there, in the few seconds that s-l-o-w-e-d down to minutes really, I said hi - and he said hi back!

me = CLOUD9

-Lila

P.S. Did I mention I SAW NEIL GAIMAN TODAY?!

Just a little something...

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:57:56 GMT

Disclaimer: The following are the musings of a crazy mind.

'nuff said. :)

I have been feeling very... restless of late. It is like grasping in the air at shadows and eidolons that don't exist, yet still feeling the need to do so.

I find myself more and more drawn to the powers of technology. I suppose I figure if there really is no magic in this world, so be it. At least I can believe in technology in this life...

Just yesterday, I went to the airshow - and seeing those planes, hearing the roars follow as the plane slides by, just made me want to be up there with them. My heart was there with them, wishing hard that I could drink in the skies, feel the speed pressing into me, testing the limits of what I can do. I suppose it doesn't take a big reach to say, hey that plane kinda looks like Kyrios from Gundam. Stuff like that makes my mind go crazy. Fictional worlds are dangerous for me. I mean really dangerous. I remember walking out of the theatre of Star Wars: Episode III and wondering where exactly was my lightsaber as I turned the corner. I felt kinda empty handed. ^^ I think I am complacent when realizing that they may not be dragons in this world. That there may not be wizards, or princesses, or princes, or gryphons. (At least in this dimension, or this corner of the mutliverse, or cosmos). I can still be affected by these longings, but, at least when I read a science fiction book and see (and feel, and play) the new touch techs and transparent displays, and all those wonderful things that bring us a little closer to self-sustainable energy and flying cars - I can be a little more happy.

I guess what I'm trying to say is - I really thought I would grow out of the whole imagining these things can be real thing. Part of me was scared to lose that piece of me, but another part of me said it would maybe let me connect with people more easily on a normal level. I mean, I'm sure a lot of people have tried things like attempting to push a pencil off a table - with their mind - but, that impetus ghosted away as soon as they realized it can't happen in the 'real world.' Nope, that did not happen to me, and now I am certain it will not happen. Whatever caused my brain to torture itself with tantalizing glimpses of a future that will never be or a reality that never was, continues to do so. I think the difference now is that I accept it... ^^

It is strange balancing the mix of practical rationality - especially in light of the educational/career path I have chosen - along with the mental chaos that occurs often silently in my head. I walk around with another world tagging along. I talk with people here, with another set of characters waiting a short distance/when away. Actually, a lot of my friends and peers I interact with everyday don't realize the extent of longing I have for things that will never be. I realize my duality of focus is something that could get me into trouble. If I ever go off my rocker, I would be one crazy and delusional person. ^^

So why the divulgence of ideas and thoughts that would normally label one as clinically insane? :P Eh, the reason is not logical either. I had a really strange dream - well, when are dreams not strange? - but, it is kinda what prompted me to show up here. I'll hint that it was adventurous.

So, that's that. ^^

-Lila

.adversaria.

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:13:46 GMT

24) White Coat: Becoming a Doctor at Harvard Medical School by Ellen Rothman

Rothman provides a stark, plantive and humble account of her journey through medical school. It helped steady my thoughts about entering medical school and more fully understand the challenges to come. I would consider the book a relatively swift read, for her writing style is straight forward and consise. Personally, I also consider her writing style a tad restrictive at times - for it felt repetitive, especially during her introductory descriptions of people. Beyond that, I felt it was an overall solid book and an inviting read.

25) Wizard and Glass by Stephen King

I know people have their reservations regarding this book, due to its flashback into Roland's past, but I certainly found it delightful! Talk about a western smashed with a post-apocalyptic world - and something strange and wonderful comes out. The further I travel down the pat to the Dark Tower, the more I liken my life to this journey. The parallels are becoming uncanny.... :D King's writing is always addictively amazing and I can only look forward to the next three volumes with dry-mouthed anticipation.

26) Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Well, I thought I was going to start The Wolves of Calla by King, but somehow this novel interjected and got finished in between. :D It was a trip to a very different world than the dusty plains of Mid-World. I have already gushed my praise over Sanderson's Elantris, the book in which he broke into the fantasy scene, and this book proves itself just as extraordinary as his first. Sanderson's gift to the fantasy world is his ability to craft new magic systems. Let me tell you, having read shelves full of fantasy books, I've seen my fill of vague magicks doing vague and cliche things. This author thrusts you into a novel system and there's no stopping the fascination from there. In this standalone novel, colors serve as the basis for the magic. A person possessing Breath, which I likened to a soul, can gain more Breaths and thus attain different levels of awareness. Certain numbers of Breath can heighten one's senses, achieve perfect pitch, see the harmonics of color, and more fantastic things. There are so many implications to this color system, such as a script based on colors - readable only by those who have a certain amount of Breath.

This is only a scratch at the surface for the complexity Sanderson has fabricated into this fantastic world.

Politics, plot, characters - this book has it all. Action, love, religion - there is enough of everything to satisfy your palate.

As always, I give Sanderson's novel my highest recommendation.

-Lila

.adversaria.

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:52:27 GMT

23) The Wastelands by Stephen King

Steadily, steadily, the series is picking up speed, dragging me in on a train (that's a pain ^^). I cannot put these books down!

*gobbles next book*

- Lila

Time is a funny thing.

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:50:16 GMT

Oi! I totally am on the fritz regarding time. Today - I proudly announce - I got up at 15:00! Fun times. :) Apparently I've been dead enough, that yesterday I completely missed the home alarm that my mom accidentally set off. Considering that I'm typically a fairly light sleeper, it says much! Begone jet-lag!

In response to a very fun letter meme sent my way by remembrancer19 , I got the letter D!

Leave me a comment and I will give you a letter. Then, write 10 things that you love starting with that letter. Post the list in your journal. Give out letters to those who comment in return.

Dragons - though my first love was of horses, it evolved into these fantastic creatures. Although I do not draw them much anymore, they still remain dear to my heart.
Deathnote! - 'nuff said ^^
Darker than Black - I want to see more from this show! It was too short...
DeviantArt - I firmly believe dA has been the place that pushed me to do more. Without this community, no way in hell could I find any way to advance my skills. Quite a talented and inspirational place!
Dean Winchester - Dean, Dean, Dean. I am quite possibly very obsessed with you. Yup.
Death - not in a weird or morbid way. Just a eensy bit of healthy fascination, quite like Lirael's. The topic sets off a lot of stimulating thoughts on what's beyond the final gate and more thoughts on how we cope with Life.
Devil May Cry - one of my favorite games. I like its style and it's one of those satisfying games in which you can vent some steam after a long day. ^^
Drawing - that goes as far back as I can remember. I still have old notebooks floating around with bloated, hand-shaped unicorns. I tried. :p
Dinosaurs! - still a nerd at heart =3
Dreaming

Yo.

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:34:32 GMT

Erm, I think it's Friday, July 3 here.

Just a little hello and heads up that when I'm back - there will be a ton of pictures! I've been around so many places - temples, mountains, beaches, park... pretty much everywhere! I'm really glad I brought my phone to take pictures as I go. It's kinda strange using the internet. I haven't seen it in days!

Time passes in a snap.

Oi.

Too much excitement in too little time!

*falls asleep*

-Lila

06/03/09

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:25:41 GMT

Bale!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:57:48 GMT

I love cracked.com, even its offensiveness... :D

www.cracked.com/topic/8-christian-bale/

Heck yea! Christian Bale!

*twiddles thumbs, and continues studying*

-Lila :3

Curious!

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 03:36:00 GMT

Found this on remembrancer19 's blog. I thought it would be fun :D
Considering the nature of urbandictionary, what you may find may not be what you want to see. =O

And... I tried my hardest to put this under the LJ cut - but it was being extraordinarily funky. I don't know what's up o.o

Go to urbandictionary.com and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the FIRST definition it gives you.

1) Your name:
2) Your age:
3) One of your friends:
4) What should you be doing?
5) Your favourite colour:
6) Your birthplace:
7) Last person you talked to:
8) Last thing you had to drink:
9) Your nickname:

1) Your name: Lila

a girl who finds meaning in nature, especially at night

2) Your age: 19

To "be 19", or to have "gone 19" essentially means that something has gone wrong, is just plain weird, or is inexplicable. Derived from Stephen King's 'Dark Tower' series. Its true meaning, if anything more than a motif, has yet to be revealed.

3) One of my friends:

4) What I should really be doing: biochemistry

The study of the chemistry of life. It involves the chemistry of living things from the very largest organisms to the microscopically small lipids and amino acids.

5) My favorite color: black
1.Darkness, a dark colour, the colour of this text is black.
2.A race - The black race can range from African american to polynesian.

6) My place of birth: Fairview

Proper Name: Fairview Park
One of the illest towns in Ohio. Known for its rivalry and hate of Rocky River( rich assholes). Some call it F-Town.
A mostly residential town with only a few strips of stores, though it was 3 kickass icecream stores:Websters,East Coast Custard and Dairy View.

7) Last person you talked to: mom

The woman who loves you unconditionally from birth, the one who puts her kids before herself and the one who you can always count on above everyone else.
Just telling her your problems makes you feel better because mom's always know how to make it all go away.
Even if you fight, know that she's just looking out for your best interests.

8) Last thing you drank: water

The 4th element required to summon Captain Planet

9) Your nickname: Li (pronounced "lie;" as if my name could be any shorter...)

AOL instant messanger slang.
How many times a day do you typically type the word "lol" when you are not actually laughing out loud? Even if you do this once, you are a liar, you're lying to yourself, and to your friends who think they've made you laugh.
Instead, be true to yourself and your friends, and type "li" which means you are laughing on the inside, and that's all your friends need to hear to know that they still have a half decent sense of humor

I was thoroughly amused. :D

-Lila

.adversaria.

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:38:55 GMT

16) Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Beyond wanting to chuck my computer out the window (due to problems pretty much stemming from my abuse ;p), everything that Sanderson has done, has said, is enough to cool my mind and make me breathe.

This is one spectacular piece. I urge you to read this, not as a fantasy book, but as a true work of literary art.

My god, my opinion of Mr. Sanderson simply hits the roof sometimes, just because I can't contain my enthusiasm having found an author I appreciate.

Ok.

Well, yes, I do have a list of authors I hold in high esteem - such as Gene Wolfe and Barbara Hambly. But, what really kills me is that Hambly is an author that help inspire him. (from his Blogger blog Aug 25, 2007 - mistborn.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html ) I love seeing that connection, and it makes me respect Mr. Sanderson even more.

But, enough effusive shouts of praise, because this is what I have to say, if I were to bother the author again with a fan-born email.

Dear Mr. Sanderson,

I just can imagine that you would feel ever so slightly miffed to have fans effusing themselves and slavering away at your feet in pure devotion (surely they must do this); but I fear that in the next few sentences, I'm just about to do the same.

In all honesty, I thought Elantris was magnificent.

But, let me say, Mistborn totally blew past my love for Elantris by a couple windstorms. :D

I cannot quite articulate the magnitude of what I feel, but at least I can say, I am at the full lull of your characters and their stories. I feel very attuned to your writing, because I have strived hard to make sure for whatever little writings I do, my full effort is spent fleshing out characters who are believable and real, with their own set of motivations and flaws.

They are tangible. And they speak to the reader as a person could to another.

There's nothing more that I appreciate than being sucked into the author's world, and enjoying the immersive experience.

I fear (here, I may adopt the tone of a physician), there has been a dreadful consequence after I finished Mistborn. I am having an extraordinarily hard time coping with the fact that I am unable to find books suitable for my raised expectations.

I mean, what book can match the sheer amount of surprise I encountered within, let's say, the final chunk of pages. The subtle twists, revelations - pushed the capacity of my heart. The amount of thrill, anticipation, action, and dialogue ennervated me like no book ever has.

Reviewing such symptoms, like withdrawal, despondancy (in the face of books that aren't really up to par), and heart palpitations (just read it, and you'll ~~see~~ feel), I see there is one solution, and one solution only.

Certainly, the proper course of action is to take in a healthy dose of the next book, in which I will definitely (and most gladly do so).

Wrapping up the mad ramblings of a faithful reader, I at least give you:

My highest regards,

Lila

Can I offer any higher recommendation?

I didn't think so.

Read it.

You will not be disappointed.

:D

-Lila

(Hot damn. I just want to know how this entry will read tomorrow, when I'm actually somewhat awake. Woo. I'll see!)

In between loving and hating the world.

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:36:29 GMT

WTF?!

I swear.... Code Geass R2 is going ~~double~~ ~~triple~~ quadruple time per episode.

A bajillion things happened in episode 21. No joke.

I think my head is about to fall off.

*dies*

-Lila

A pebble of holes in the target.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:08:25 GMT

Call me silly, but I encountered the most incredible feeling as I was shooting in my archery class this morning.

My literary mind struggles to scramble together words that would express the precise feeling, but I fail - miserably. The best I could say is, with growing confidence, I felt when the arrow would go right. Explains a lot, eh? But, I guess I feel very comfortable shooting. Last time, (aka my first time I ever shot an arrow hehe) was very tense. When I pulled back on the string, it felt like I was straining, fighting against the bow. But, this morning, it felt very relaxed and I guess fitting. Any time I did not feel this sense was the times I shot astray. So, I was learning to refrain from releasing if I did not feel that everything was alright.

I dunno. Maybe, with more success I will try to explain this as the class goes on. :D

Besides, it was extraordinarily cool to huddle a group of arrows together so they were all touching each other in the target.

*grins crazily*

-Lila

.adversaria.

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:36:19 GMT

15) Yendi by Steven Brust

16) Teckla by Steven Brust

So, I feel slightly guilty. I should have written these entries right after I read the two books, but.... I didn't. So, I'm smooshing my review on the two books into one entry.

This is not to say that they are not good books. Considering the fact that they are well-written first person narratives, easily places these books high on my admiration list. By far, the adventure's provided by Brust's witty character, Vlad Taltos, are refreshing, surprising, and utterly human.

Yes, human.

Because, Taltos is an assassin, but he has his motivations, origins, and humanity. And, there's a such thing as revival in case of an un-permanent death. Handy, eh?

Yendi focuses on the events leading up to Brust's first book: Jhereg. Teckla I believe happens somewhat after the two (but, don't take my word on it).

Returning to an aforementioned statement: I like how I am surprised. I do not find Brust's books very predictable and having spent a lifetime with my nose stuck fantasy novels - being surprised is.... surprising.

Unfortunately, (I'm so sorry Mr. Brust!), I feel that my new read, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, somewhat overshadows what should have been an effusive review of Brust's novels. Unfortunately the deadly combination of time and new interest dampened my enthusiasm. No offense meant - the Taltos novels are excellent reads and I give my full-hearted recommendation!

With great regret,

-Lila

Life.

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:58:39 GMT

I guess, I just wanted to ramble.

And, so I shall.

First note: The opening ceremony for the Olympics was... fantastic! I mean - wow! From the 'footsteps' leading to the Nest, to the coordination (my god - it's hard enough coordinating two people!), to the costumes (they were all so cool!), to the paintings, to the crazy box thing (in which I told my mom that "at least there are no people inside those doing that..." Ohhh... to my great surprise. I was speechless...), to the torch (which was beautiful!)- I was definitely impressed.

That was a sweet opening. :D

In other news, I'm studying (well, should be studying) for the MCAT. I feel... somewhat apathetic and I really should be this way. I should gather my mental strengths and fiercely defend my brains before this mighty task coming up (so soon!), but... I don't feel anything. Nervous? Yea, I guess, because I don't want to take it again, but I just don't have the motivation bubbling up within.

I need to get out of this strut - because I have less than 7 days before - The End. It's looming. And it's near.

It doesn't help that I keep on searching for more FF vs. XIII things to no avail. I'm am so thoroughly obsessed.

(Plus, the music for that trailer - somnus - is definitely on my to do list to transcribe after The End. I've made some progress in figuring out the piano part ;p)

*sighs* May I disappear from this planet? Take a trip to Hogwarts? Join some interdimensional taskforce?

Can I just escape?

That would be nice.

-Lila

Shelfari

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:19:23 GMT

To the readers out there who find bookshelves (and their dusty Gems) near and dear to their hearts:

Visit here: www.shelfari.com

You will find an amazing site that will keep your friends posted on what book you're reading, what book you have read, what book you want to read... and everything bookish!

*obsesses some more*

:D

-Lila

meme meme meme!

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:40:49 GMT

Alrighty! I got tagged by remembrancer19 - and guess what? I'm actually doing it in a timely manner! :D

Here's the rules: A) People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.
B) Tag eight people to do this quiz and those who are tagged cannot refuse (unless they really don't wanna do this). These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.

1. What are your reasons for having a LJ?
I had an LJ a looooooong time ago. Like in highschool long time ago (:P). But, I revived my interest in blogging when I really wanted a spot to spew out my sketches and writings regarding Abaeran and his story. So, I first got a Blogger and started filling it out - when the community at LJ appealed to me more. I felt that I could find people with similar interests in a much more focused fashion than at Blogger. So, here I am!

2. What do you do before bedtime?
Nighttime is when I actually do things and when I do nothing. Either, I'm doing assignments, or I'm on the computer - surfing the nets and wasting a lot of time (reading up on some manga... watching some anime... browsing dA.... the good stuff :D). I take a shower at night - so I'm most likely at the computer with sopping wet hair. ^^ Oh, and I tend to chat with people online. *surfs some more* ;p

3. What would you do with a million dollars?
Build meself a library. Invest it somewhere - money makes money. (Aren't I selfish?)

4. What is the city of your dreams and why?
Hrm. Probably a fictional place - and then - I would have too many I would want to go to. (*uses a portion of the million dollars to buy a capable vehicle*) :P

5. What is your favorite type of cuisine?
Persian food!

6. What are five things that have made you happy lately?
I, uh, am not sure.

Um.

Hypothetically:

1) Reading a good book - seriously it makes my world all the more better.
2) Watching a good show - with enough action, enough intrigue, enough character awesomeness to keep my blood pumping....
3) Music - the good stuff that makes me float in bliss ;p
4) A good conversation - with friends that connect on so many levels
5) Drawing/writing - these go together since, I do so little of them.

I attempting to reach all these goals so I keep up some psuedo-happiness.... ;p

7. Do you trust easily?
Nope.

I am extraordinarily suspicious and very intune to the reality that people are people. And people change.

Therefore, I have very high walls that are fairly unbreachable. ;p

'nuff said.

8. What is your earliest memory?
Uhm. Of late, I don't remember much from my past. I've made much an effort to forget a certain event, that I fear that I have accomplished that. And, I've forgotten a lot more than I intended to.

o.o

9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
The freaking mcats.

I want a life.

10. What is your dream career?
A librarian in the Clayr's library.

er - I really don't think that's attainable.

More realistically, a researcher of all things regarding the mind/brain and its idiosyncrasies.

11. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh goodness.

The food of the gods - nectar. Wouldn't that be sufficient? ;p

12. Where are you in 5 years?
Oh god, still in med school.

13. Do you have any weird talents?
I don't think so?

14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
Riah is a kindred spirit (I'm always amazed by our shared interests ^^)! She is talented and personable, a confirmed bibliophile, and one with a great taste in guys. *winks* There is also an air of mystery about her that is intriguing because she has such a great depth of character. ;p

15. Would you rather be single and rich or married but poor?
Single. Rich.

Who needs men anyways? *nyah!*

16. Name a food that you absolutely hate.
Hm.

I dunno.

o.o

I dislike a lot of things - but I will eat most----

wait. I know! Eggs. I really refuse to eat them alone, but if they are in something, that's fine ^^

17. What's better, to give or to receive?
hahaha.

Trick question - of course I would love to receive things. But, I am only more satisfied if I have either given before or will give something special in return.

18. What is your oldest userpic and why has it survived when you deleted others?
This is Abaeran in one of my early and original conceptions. He looks different now, but still, I feel something of his character is preserved here. Besides, I came here to LJ primarily for his story - and look what happened! I'm writing about myself ;p

19. What would you do if you (or your girlfriend) became pregnant unexpectedly?
If I got pregnant- eeek! It should not have been unexpected. *shakes head* The decision would be an informed one. ^^ If my friend became pregnant, I would remain supportive in whatever she decides.

20. What were your parents going to name you if you'd been born the opposite sex?
Oh! I really don't know....

But, I know that my parents gave me the middle name of Emily just in case I got fun of having the name of Lila. :p

So, I'm lame and I will leave this wonderful meme open to whomever chooses to take on the fun. :D

.adversaria.

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:00:08 GMT

14) Jhereg by Steven Brust

In the wake of my mental destruction while scribing adversaria entry number 13, I find myself sufficiently calmed to present to you, my dear readers, an exemplary work of fantasy fiction. From the first page, the first sentence, to the final sentence, I was absolutely captivated. I am thankful for such talented writers in this world, for Steven Brust's introduction to his fantastic world is simply spectacular.

"There is a similarity, if I may be permitted an excursion into tenuous metaphor, between the feel of a chilly breeze and the feel of a knife's blade, as either is laid across the back of the neck. I can call up memories of both, if I work at it. The chilly breeze is invariably going to be the more pleasant memory. For instance..."

-Prologue of Jhereg

Following the main character, an assassin, from his point of view (I absolutely adore first person narratives - and well done ones too!), the dialogue is humorous, action-filled, politically infused, and overall engaging. I feel a true part of Vlad Taltos' world, for his eyes are mine, and together there is much to be seen. The characters are real and unique.

And guess what?

There were turns in the plot that were unpredictable! *Thank goodness!* There is no sense of cliche-ness in the magic of the world. Sure, it was familiar in the sense that I could somewhat understand how the magic worked, but, it was different enough that I said, "wow" at times. For example, the source of their power is reachable via an orb. This orb can sustain major magical efforts, or for a more practical sense, allow people to know what time is it. ;p

I am so incredibly excited to continue reading his series. Brust says that he did not write the books in chronological order, therefore you really could start wherever you chose. (He did provide the information that Taltos, Yendi, Jhereg, Teckla, Phoenix, Athyra, and Orca follow a chronological sequence - so maybe someday, I shall read them in that order for fun!)

*grins* I have found a gem!

-Lila

.adversaria.

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:40:02 GMT

13) The Summoner by Gail Martin

"Run," the old woman hissed through broken teeth. "Run for your life."

pg. 345

*rolls eyes* That about sums up my feelings on this book.

How sad is this? : I got more pleasure out of looking at the beautiful cover than actually reading this book.

(I'm sorry! I would hate to hear that as an author, but it is my honest opinion!) As a reader, I was severely disappointed on several counts.

Severely.

Currently I'm on page 422 out of 637. I don't even know why I pushed it that far. Around page 300, it suddenly occurred to me that - wow, I don't have any feelings for any characters whatsoever. For me, the value of a book comes with writing that literally takes me to that world. The characters become people that I know well and their world is one that is tangible. The plot must be structured against cliches and unpredictable. For me not to contain any feelings for the main character or his comrades quite irritates me. This book had stereotypical characters (an evil brother who usurps his father for the throne, a blamed younger brother - on the run (oh noes...) and he's wronged on the accounts of a murdered family, an evil sorcerer acting as a sinister presence behind the new regime) and it was a cliche fantasy thriller - and it wasn't even that thrilling.

Seriously, if the main character died by falling down a hole or some other ignominious way, I would feel rather satisfied. "Good, he's gone and done. Now, I can pick something else up worth my valuable time."

Another thing: the writing. I do not exactly understand how this book got published. The words were simplistic. Nothing invigorated my word-thirsty mind. I simply stared at the sentences and got pissed off. Not to mention the number of sayings that forced me to look away and roll my eyes. Seriously? Can you get away with this?

I thought my blood was going to boil out of anger. (And yet, I hung on, hoping, just hoping the book would live up to its cover).

Nope. I'm done. (Actually, if it makes me angry enough now - it's probably healthier for me to stop). I'm just incredibly disappointed how a book with an incredible premise (I love necromancers like none other...) can fall so flat. I mean, I am arrogant enough to believe that I can write something better than this - and not be ashamed.

You see? It was bad.

Do I recommend it?

No.

Please, unless you have the time to kill or are really new to the fantasy genre, don't bother reading this book. (By the gods, hearing that come out of my mouth! O.O) I think I need to curl up with a real book and get this stupidity out of my system. I swear my brain is melting, and my command over language is dying alongside it.

*huffs*

-Lila

Die like or hero, or live long enough to become the villain.

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:11:16 GMT

I saw it-

-and it was amazing.

I would say Dark Knight was not quite a movie I have ever seen before. The action sequences and planning was superb but so was the psychological element. Figuring out the interactions between the characters was intense - especially with so many strong, pivotal ones. It was fascinating to see how it played out.

I saw an interesting theme of human nature brought up again and again, in the carnal city of Gotham. Moral dilemmas plotted men against men, and the Joker - movingly played - was a big, laughing figure in the middle of the chaos he stirs.

There really are no words to say.

Just, wow.

-Lila

q.o.t.d.

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:46:11 GMT

"War is coming, and he is pissed."

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/36516.html

Definitely, the quote of the day. ^^
*grins*

-Lila

Why So Serious?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:13:50 GMT

I am so incredibly excited to see this movie.

How many years have I waited?

Check out SciFi's Interview with Christopher Nolan and (more importantly :D) Christian Bale.

http://www.scifi.com/sfw/interviews/sfw19105.html

Excerpt: (My fave part :D)

Were you on the edge of the Sears Tower yourself?

Bale: Yeah, I was. It's not really a stunt. It's more an experience. I had a cable; they weren't going to let me plummet 110 stories to the bottom. I could have fallen, but I just would have had a nasty bang against the [side of the building and] surprised some office worker down below and then get hauled back up. But yeah. ... All the fight sequences I do myself. With that, I had to turn to my stunt double Buster [Reeves] and say, "Sorry, buddy, that one's mine. I've got to be doing that one." But I gave him slamming into concrete pillars at 30 miles an hour, falling five stories onto a car, that stuff. I was like, "No, that's
yours. You can take that one." But the Sears Tower experience I had to take for myself. Had to be selfish.

Cheeers!

-Lila

Shin Angyo Onshi

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:32:36 GMT

Wow.

Just freaking wow.

If you have not read Shin Angyo Onshi, do so now - because the end just about made me bawl.

Simple craziness. The story just kills you.

*muses a thousand years more*

-Lila

Sketchdump

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:53:17 GMT

Over the past month or so, I have been drawing at least once a day (which somewhat surprised me, since I don't usually pick up the pencil too much during breaks...)

Here are a couple things I scribbled. I like seeing my progress over such a short period of time. I'm becoming a lot more critical about my work on top of trying to get things to look as I imagine they should look.

A work in progress! ^^

^ This is an oldie; all the way from spring semester 2008.

^ Created sometime in May 08

^ 06.05.08 This is what the majority of my sketches lately have looked like. Drawings + a lot of writing, since I muse as I draw :D The creatures above are "windrills" or "windrils" (I'm still trying to figure out if that's the name I am happy with or if I should call them something else). They are obviously draconic in nature, with influence of equine and canis. The large middle windril is a reincarnation of one of my old, old dragon characters that I made up when I was little. He is called Ayreon in honor of the old Ayreon. ^^

^ 06.19.08 My style has definitely evolved again. An eyeless dragon here.

^ 06.25.08 Random junk from today. I'm trying to draw again at least once a day. And - er a person with anatomy issues (I realized my problems too late :O).

Probably more to come! ;p

-Lila

adversaria

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:59:57 GMT

12) Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

I sought a book that was different. I was tired of traditional fantasy, of traditional characters, of traditional roles and faces. I wanted something fresh, and by Domi, I found it in here. :D

    ELANTRIS was beautiful, once. It was called the city of the gods: a place of power, radiance, and magic. Visitors say that the very stones glowed with an inner light, and that the city contained wondrous arcane marvels. At night, Elantris shone like a great silvery fire, visible from a great distance.

    Yet, as magnificent as Elantris had been, its inhabitants had been more so. Their hair a brilliant white, their skin an almost metallic silver, the Elantrians seemed to shine like the city itself. legend claimed that they were immortal, or at least nearly so. Their bodies healed quickly, and they were blessed with great strength, insight, and speed. They could perform magics with a bare wave of the hand; men visited Elantris from all across Opelon to receive Elantrian healings, food, or wisdom.
They were divinities.

    And anyone could become one.

    The Shaod, it was called. The Transformation. It struck randomly - usually at night, during the mysterious hours wen life slowed to rest. The Shaod could take beggar, craftsman, nobleman, or warrior. When it came, the fortunate person's life ended and began anew; he would discard his old, mundane existence and move to Elantris. Elantris, where he could live in bliss, rule in wisdom, and be worshiped for eternity.

    Eternity ended ten years ago.

I was first drawn by the cover, hopeful that this book will present me something different than normal fantasy fare. (Yes, I know I should never judge books by their covers... but the tantalizing prospect of a futuristic looking city masked in a book demarked fantasy gave a delightful lurch in my heart. I thought, maybe this will be some meld of science fiction and fantasy - just as I like it!) Opening the cover, Sanderson's dedication to his mother, in short claiming that his mother wished a doctor and ended up with a writer placed the final clinch in me. I thought of my own position, en route to medical school, yet I still feverishly devote time to my dear Abaeran and his worlds both in drawings and in words. Yes, I would read this book.

My few resisting thoughts that had persisted in my mind disappeared as I began reading. I wanted a book with characters who have motivations and reasons. I truly believe that everyone is human, no matter what side of the battlefield he comes from (and my philosophy extends to both fictional characters and real people). There is some root to reason (or unreason) - and this is precisely what the author did. He eventually explains (or at least hint) all character motivations.

The magic is vaguely familiar, like a sort of alchemy with glowing symbols, yet rich and different enough that I would call the magical system fresh. In addition, I liked the involvement and characterization of the city Elantris as a character herself, adding a dynamic that I have sought in books, but have never found. Again, this struck a chord with my own writings and personal imaginings of Abaeran's world, since I consider my cities as alive or at least like a greater organism built from the dynamic human beings living within (like cells in a body).

The characters themselves are thoroughly enjoyable. They are fully fleshed and real; their personalities lasting past the final pages of this book. (I only wish the character Hrathen had more time in the timeline of the novel...) I fell into the pace of the book satisfyingly. The pages disappeared, and I was part of a world that is rich and real. The variety of cultures are fantastic, and I definitely enjoyed learning of the distinctions of each.

I tend to gravitate towards authors like, but not limited to, Barbara Hambly and Gene Wolfe who add obscure words (enormously obscure words in Wolfe's case :D) to intensify their writings. Sanderson did not quite do this, but I found it (to my surprise) completely fine. His words flow easily and clearly - and cleanly. (I say quite because he did have plenty of words from native speakers of different lands' languages spread within the conversations. I had fun picking up and interpreting words, like kayana - all the more fun when I translated correctly! :P)

Plot wise - the complexity was utterly thrilling and satisfying! There were a number of threads to follow and in the end they tied together fantastically. It is not only a story of a kingdom, and a princess and a prince - generic faces of a familiar throne. No, instead factors like political unrest, religious tension and so many others fed upon each other, weaving here, there every where. Simply awesome. :D (Besides, the pacing in the end was brilliantly swift and I strive to provide that sort of speed for what I have in store of the conclusion of my writings.) I do hope for another book continuing in the wonderfully rich world of Opelon (and I sensed perhaps there could be? There were small frays of story threads that I feel can continue... *a hopeful grin*).

The glossary at the end sent shivers through my spine, because I had studied each symbol at the head of each chapter in search of meaning. There, at the end, the meanings and the ties with character and place names were clear.

My thoughts spin in a thousand different directions regarding this book. I did not expect much, and therefore was astounded to find myself thoroughly satisfied by this book. I give my full recommendation for all seeking a fantasy novel that stands well above the crowd of mundane stereotypical fodder (that have so thoroughly upset my literary stomach *grimaces*).

(I still have a foot stuck in the novel's world - so I beg pardon for any jumpiness here. Please understand my helter-skelter attempt to convey my excitement for having found such a rare gem, Kolo?) :D

-Lila