Life, Book Reviews and Random Stories...

My Thoughts, My Review: The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking #2)

2019-08-17T11:57:00.001+08:00

After the heart-stopping cliffhanger at the end of The Knife of Never Letting Go, Todd and Viola find themselves separated, with no knowledge of where the other is or if they’re even still alive. They find themselves working for opposite sides of a war that is brewing in New Prentisstown, and they must try to stay true to themselves and do what is right even when faced with enormous pressures to conform.

What I loved most about this book was the social commentary that is provided. While The Knife of Never Letting Go examined self-discovery and identity, The Ask and the Answer looks at the bigger picture and explores free-will in an oppressive environment, terrorism, and war, power, and resistance, among other themes.

I enjoyed the focus on the grey areas, on the fact that life isn’t black and white and that there is no right or wrong. What the book makes us realize is that things that are seemingly wrong are not always wrong and things that we do ostensibly for the greater good are not always right. Throughout the book we see our characters vacillate between this blurred spectrum of right and wrong, and their internal struggle to determine what’s best for the world and what’s best for themselves.

For me, the pace of this book was much slower than The Knife of Never Letting Go. Even though it was still a quick read for me, I felt like there were times when nothing was happening. The first 150 pages had almost not actioned and I wasn’t really excited by it until we got past the 25% mark.

However, the rest of the book was exciting and I enjoyed seeing the conflict and the struggle for power. The book ends with a powerful climax and another unbearable cliffhanger. You should probably have Monsters of Men on hand so that you can continue straight away. I took a lot of willpower for me to stop and write this review

We still get the same almost stream of consciousness writing style in this book but it was less noticeable for me than it was in The Knife of Never Letting Go. In this second installment, we also get to read from Viola’s perspective and it was interesting to see the differences in writing style and voice between the two perspectives.

I probably still enjoyed reading from Todd’s perspective a little bit more because I love his voice and how well the writing flows. But I still really enjoyed being able to see from Viola’s point of view. The shifts in perspective were smooth and didn’t feel jarring. I am in love with Patrick Ness’s writing!

The characters in The Ask and the Answer were fantastic. I enjoyed being able to see Todd and Viola develop further in this book, and develop separately. I probably enjoyed The Knife of Never Letting Go a little bit more than The Ask and the Answer purely because we don’t get to see as much of Todd and Viola together (I SHIP) but I also thoroughly appreciated being able to see them grow separately, with different influences.

Needless to say, the scenes where they were together were my favorite in this second book. Another thing that I admire about Patrick Ness is his ability to make me loathe a character in one book and love them in the next. There were characters that I was expecting to hate forever and ever but they ended up being big surprises and I went all teary-eyed at some parts. All of the characters are extremely complex and make me continue to question their motives.

Also, for those of you who were upset about Manchee in the first book, there’s another animal friend in this novel that might help cure your heartache. But Manchee will never be replaced! NEVER!

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful sequel! Even though it was a bit slower and didn’t have as much action as the first book, it never felt like a filler book. I enjoyed it as much as The Knife of Never Letting Go and I’m excited (and a little bit scared) to jump into Monsters of Men right now.

-Ruselle

The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking) by Patrick Ness, A Review Before the Movie Adaptation

2019-03-18T17:53:00.000+08:00

What is the book about?

Prentisstown is a town where everybody can hear everybody's noise. Noise in its own description means that like any other town, people can hear everyone else's thoughts through a stream of Noise. Todd who is turning 13 in just a month, has a dog named Manchee. Even against his will he can hear every noise in Manchee's head. In an unexpected turn of events and the unraveling of awful secrets in a town where you can't hide your noise but can lie about it, Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

Review.

This is one of the books that I really did not expect too much because I am not a fan of 'YA' sci-fi adventure novels. However, this book excites me from the beginning, the narration was clear and it gave me a lot of pleasure listening.

This one gave me goosebumps and sad feelings mix altogether. Every chapter was thought-provoking, exhilarating, adventurous, heart-wrenching and just plain perfection. I've never read (or yeah heard because I was listening to audible) a piece like this before, everything was original.

Here's why you should read/listen to the book.

1. Of course, other than that its movie is already in its post-production and will be released probably this year, this book is really fast-paced, adventurous, action-packed and emotional. It will make you awake late at night at the edge of your seat thinking what will happen next.

2. This book will make you realize that the noise of men is different from the noise of women and that it needs logical thinking to make them relevant to each other.

3. Every character in this book is complex and has a certain personality that you will like, dislike and even hate.

4. Every scene, story, and character in this book is original. 100% new, unique and authentic.

5. The most likable about this book is that there's no instant love affair or love at first sight between characters. Yes, they build care and love but in a more remarkable way.

I really enjoyed my audible experience for this book. Nick Podehl was superb in narrating the whole book. I hope you will enjoy it too. Read or listen before the movie adaptation in theaters.

___________________

*YA - young adult

-Rustychiic

Atomic Habits by James Clear: A Review

2019-03-15T07:33:00.001+08:00

Continuing good habits and eliminating bad ones are the most challenging parts as a human being. I started listening to Amazon audible two months ago. It was convenient seeing my iPad or iPhone with the app early in the morning or before bedtime and the idea of thinking that it's there available all the time.

Then, I started picking it up and started listening in the morning while I sip my coffee and before bedtime while I'm lying in bed ready to sleep. Not until I read about the habit loop which is clearly explained in this book that I realized what I am doing is developing a good habit.

For me, the CCRR or Cue, Crave, Response, Reward was the highlight of this book and this is just my own-reader-opinion. I was amazed by how my simple act of becoming a member at Audible made me a habitual audiobook listener.

This book taught me a lot of things which is a far cry from what I expected from the beginning. I thought this book is just the same with other self-help, self-improvement books out there but turned out it's not. This is a life-changing piece of material and when I say life-changing, it is literally really life-changing.

I'm on my second round of listening to this book again and I recommend that you join in with me.

The narration on Audible: 5/5 (Recommended)

Happy listening!

-Rustychiic

Exhilarating, Amazing, Thrilling!

2019-03-15T04:25:00.000+08:00

All I have now are praises about this book, it was my adrenaline that pushed me everyday to finish this book in Amazon Audible. It's truly amazing how the story progressed and how it unfolded. The narration was perfect and I even experienced palpitations because of its brilliant and thrilling plot.

Anna Fox is truly a masterpiece in this book. It's my first time hearing about someone who has extreme agoraphobia.

A child psychologist, who suffered a breakdown but now inadequate to leave the four corners of her house. The internet becomes her fortress. Leading a very sad and narrow life, we completely understand Anna’s feelings of helplessness and self-loathing.

One of the highlights of the drama is the perfect pace and the believability of the plot. Slowly we understand Anna and her tortured psyche. It is all very convincing and plausible. I absolutely adored links to the brilliant Alfred Hitchcock.

The author expertly gives us an updated version of Rear Window, the 1954 Hitchcock classic. He quotes from various old movies, as the story progresses. Wonderful. I fully appreciated that. He has done a very fine job.

I would recommend this audible version to everyone! Ann Marie Lee also gives justice in narrating this book. She has a very strong understanding of Anna's feelings and struggles. I enjoyed every inch of this audible book. Way to go audible!

-Rustychiic

The Courage To Be Disliked – Change is Inevitable?

2019-01-18T20:46:00.000+08:00

Recently I’ve been drawn to books which encourage me to look at myself, and hopefully make me a better ‘me’. So, when my book-lover friend recommended The Courage To Be Disliked, I just couldn’t go past, and when I read that over 3 million copies had been sold, I couldn’t pass it up.

As you can see, I'm on the verge of finishing the book and so far, it's great!

The Courage To Be Disliked is a unique book. It has taken Japan by storm, using the theories of renowned 19th century philosopher and psychiatrist Alfred Adler to create a string of conversations between a fictional philosopher and a young man. The conversations cover many broad, interesting and touchy topics, such as:-

Admitting Fault Is Not Defeat

An Inferiority Complex Is Not An Excuse

Discard Other Peoples Tasks

All Problems Are Interpersonal Relationship Problems

The Difference Between Trust And Confidence

These often complex topics and discussions are played out in a conversational style between the two men, which works because it brings two balanced sides to the arguments and discussions. The Courage To Be Disliked is translated from Japanese and has kept the cultural and conversational language style which does take a while to settle into (it certainly isn’t a casual or relaxed discussion), but it works perfectly.

Be warned, this is not a book to read when you aren’t fully focused. Whilst it’s easy to follow the conversations, the topics will knock around in your own head as you work out whether you sit on the side of the philosopher, the young man, or somewhere in between.

The philosopher character certainly sticks by his life’s work and the theories of Adler, but The Courage To Be Disliked is a book which aims to leave you sitting with yourself in between chapters. You’ll find yourself doing household chores, or at your keyboard, unpacking all the information in your mind and coming to your own conclusions.

You will wholeheartedly agree on some points and want to throw the book at the wall at others. Its content is polarizing and I certainly don’t agree with everything the philosopher says, or the young man, but I think that’s the point. The Courage To Be Disliked is there to spark a conversation with yourself and do some slightly uncomfortable soul-searching.

I enjoyed the fresh perspective, the conversations it sparked, and the questions I asked myself after reading. One of the most unique books I’ve read in a long time.

If you are in the market for a bit of self-reflection without the kid gloves, buy The Courage To Be Disliked.

Synopsis Of The Courage To Be Disliked

Released for the first time in the English language, the Japanese phenomenon that teaches us the simple yet profound lessons needed to liberate our real selves and find lasting happiness.

A single book can change your life.

Already an enormous bestseller in Asia, with more than 3 million copies sold, The Courage to be Disliked demonstrates how to unlock the power within yourself to be the person you truly want to be.

Using the theories of Alfred Adler, one of the three giants of 19th-century psychology alongside Freud and Jung, it follows an illuminating conversation between a philosopher and a young man. The philosopher explains to his pupil how each of us is able to determine our own lives, free of the shackles of past experiences, doubts and the expectations of others.

It’s a way of thinking that’s deeply liberating, allowing us to develop the courage to change and to ignore the limitations that we and those around us can place on ourselves.

The result is a book that is both highly accessible and profound in its importance. Millions have already read and benefited from its wisdom. Now that The Courage to be Disliked has been published for the first time in English, so can you.

---Russ D' Great

The Way To Bleed

2016-10-16T07:26:00.004+08:00

You know there are million ways to bleed but you are by far my favorite. I always wish you were here, I am there, I wish it was different.. I wish your wishes come true, I wish wishes do come true. I'd wish you back. You are my favorite scar. I know it's selfish for me to say but please don't leave me. I will do my best to live. I promise.

My Happy Ending

2016-10-12T22:24:00.000+08:00

People always ask me why I like romantic comedies so much. Its because even under extraordinary circumstances, the right two people can end up together. – Mindy Kaling

I know it’s cliche. I know it is. But I really love romantic comedies. I like the cheesiness that usually comes with them, the campy flavor, the impossible win at the end for our favorite hero or heroine, and of course, the meet cute.

There are weekends when I’ll just decide instead of going out, I’m going to lay on my sofa and just partake in the wonderment of these stories. I laugh with them, I cry with them, heck – I even try to will the main characters into not making that big mistake I know will make their journey to happiness longer (but of course it wouldn’t be a movie without it).

Let’s think about some of the more famous ones that have come out: in those, you’ve had people end up together despite living in a different country, despite a love-hate relationship at work, despite the fact that the woman was engaged to someone else (who of course, she didn’t truly love), despite onset Alzheimer’s, despite an initial betrayal, despite the fact that they didn’t like each other when they first met, and despite the fact that they thought they were just friends. Talk about extraordinary circumstances, right?!

But the beautiful thing about romantic comedies is that while they let those circumstances play out (kind of how they do in our own lives), you still know that THOSE two people are going to be together before the credits roll. You get to smile at the end and bask in things working out for someone (even if it’s a fictional someone) and also imagine your own happy ending.

I guess what I’m saying is that I finally realized one of the biggest reasons I love romantic comedies is because they give me hope. They remind me to keep believing in happy endings, that despite how things look and despite whatever “extraordinary” circumstances I may encounter, whoever I’m supposed to end up with will still be there.

Perfect love, wrong timing, right reason, wrong ways, if you give everything for someone you love, it's always a happy ending and I think I just found my soulmate. ---MHBTR

Forgive Me

2016-10-12T10:57:00.000+08:00

Things matter even when you think they don't. They matter when you’re thinking about something else. Things are important when they’re not obvious, when they’re subtle, like the curve of a lip. They’re important in the spaces that most of us miss.

Because we don't know what matters until it passes us by. Until it's too late to grab it, hold it and say, "I'm sorry, I didn't know this mattered. I didn't know it was important."

You will say that the time for anger is now, that we have not been angry enough, that not being angry enough is the problem, and I understand that you have every right to be angry and I am angry for you.

And yet somehow, you and I must turn the anger into love. We must turn the black cloud of hate into light. We must turn war into peace. We must turn clenched fists into open hands. We must only perform miracles.

I am kept awake not only by the people that I hurt, whether on purpose or accidentally, I am kept awake by everyone I hurt unknowingly, who might still be hurt.

This is the hardest thing: You can never know how many people you hurt, just by being you.

-MHBTR

The Colours of What We Have

2016-05-29T21:32:00.000+08:00

When you have done the things you've done.

When I tell you I'll meet you at the door, and you tell me you're sorry. That I have no reason left to worry.

When you hit the ground in a most peculiar way, and I tell you to wait and you tell me I'll be sorry. That you have no reason left to worry.

When I am more than you can take, just give me back.

If you're tired of trying to fall asleep, sleep on it and try again tomorrow.
If you're all out of promises, I have one left for you: The Earth is still here as long as you're alive.
If you want to yell out your frustrations, I'll understand, just understand that the whole world is screaming, mostly complaining about the noise.

If you're worried about having the poetry knocked out of you of you when you're older, don't. Old blood bleeds as good as new.
If you've got nothing left to feel, just think of me and please do not walk away.

If there's anything else, let me know.

-russ d' great

The Bits and Pieces of What We Have

2016-04-27T21:10:00.002+08:00

I believe we will be friends, that's a fact.

First, I will tell you something about me, then you can tell me something about you, as that, I believe, is how friendship works.

Here is something I believe: I believe that people don't know how people work when they're young and maybe that's why we're so reckless with each other when we're young.

I think people think that people come and go, in and out of life and I think that school teaches them that, that life changes in big annual movements, that one year you're this and the next, you're that. But life blends into itself as you get older and you realise, you will watch a few, if not many, of your friends get old.

You will watch them lose their minds and their hair. You will watch them get sick and get better. You will watch them succeed and fail. You will watch them get married, get divorced, get pregnant and yes, eventually, you will watch them die. Or they will watch you die.

So this is what I believe friendship means. And I'm sorry to have to put such a heavy burden on you. But you have put the same burden on me. But I like how everything works at this moment.

Now you can tell me something you believe, as it is your turn, and this is how friendship works.

-russ

The Distance To Everything

2016-04-10T22:51:00.000+08:00

THE DISTANCE TO DREAMING

If it doesn't happen magically happen overnight, then you might want to try doing it manually, everyday.

THE DISTANCE TO YOU

You told me it'd be okay. But you were the one crying.
You told me to let go. But you were the one holding onto my shit.

THE STORY IN THE DISTANCE

And you keep whispering the same story to yourself "I'll be unhappy now because because that'll make me happy later. Because that's how a story works." So your happiness will always happen later, never now. Life isn't a story. Life is chaos.

THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS

I didn't miss you now. I miss you then.
Standing on the edge of the water, I looked out towards a land I could not see. Somehow, I knew you were doing the same. Thinking of me. Thinking of you.

THE OCCASIONAL SILENCE

You can walk into a room and spot them. they seem fine when you talk to them but every now and again, across the room, you catch them looking off into the distance at an invisible point that maybe, they once reached.

They laugh a little different. they hesitate a little more. Now they know what it feels like. And something about their eyes when they listen to music says "Turn it up until my ears bleed. Let it be the last thing I hear."

-russ

The Internet And The Ghost Friend

2016-03-20T20:33:00.000+08:00

I used to carve your name on trees hoping you would find them. The Internet has made this so much easier than it used to be.

I saw your face online a long time ago, and I had no idea who you were. But you had something about your eyes that made me click. It’s so hard to keep up with you, I waited for so long when you finally decided to click that accept button. It opened a door for me to keep track of what you’re up to. Thanks for updating once in a while.

Your life seems so interesting, even if you’re not a celebrity or anything. It’s just nice to watch someone else’s life from a distance and care for them secretly. But sometimes I wish I could just grab a taxi and visit your home directly, or get a job at a store near you and try to accidentally meet you there somehow.

Yeah, I know that sounds creepy but you deserve to see the face of a secret friend. You have unique fractures along your heart and I have mine. And maybe there is nothing, anywhere that doesn’t break someone’s heart. But believe me it’s not us my ever loved Ghost Friend.

~~-Russ~~

The Night and The Return To Green

2016-03-15T01:33:00.001+08:00

♪♫Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too.

So I stayed in the darkness with you...♪♫

Oh, shut up. Every time it rains, it stops raining. Every time you hurt, you heal. After darkness, there is always light and you get reminded of this every morning but you still choose to believe that the night will last forever. Nothing lasts forever. Not the good or the bad.

The blackest night will fall and I will be gone like the sun. But in the darkness, you will find something more important than me, more important than the moon and the stars. You will find yourself, deep in that ink.

The sky will lift you up like the moon, to bring light to a landscape starved of it. Then I will chase you and you will chase me, in the hope that one day we will find each other again.

So you might as well smile while you’re here.

Because when that day comes, it's either we will cast our light or we’ll stay in the darkness, together…

-Russ

The Waiting Room: Telling of Something Beautiful

2016-03-13T13:43:00.000+08:00

Wait. But don't wait too long. Work hard. But don't forget how to play. Sing loudly. But don't learn all the words. Wonder. But not so much that you lose yourself. Read magazines. But read more books.

Love.

On this day, you read something that moved you and made you realise there were no more fears to fear. No tears to cry. No head to hang in shame. That every time you thought you’d offended someone, it was all just in your head and really, they love you with all their heart and nothing will ever change that. That everyone and everything lives on inside you. That, that doesn’t make any of it any less real.

That soft touches will change you and stay with you longer than hard ones.

That being alone means you’re free. That old lovers miss you and new lovers want you and the one you’re with is the one you’re meant to be with. That the tingles running down your arms are angel feathers and they whisper in your ear, constantly, if you choose to hear them. That everything you want to happen, will happen, if you decide you want it enough. That every time you think a sad thought, you can think a happy one instead.

That you control that completely.

That the people who make you laugh are more beautiful than beautiful people. That you laugh more than you cry. That crying is good for you. That the people you hate wish you would stop and you do too.

That your friends are reflections of the best parts of you. That you are more than the sum total of the things you know and how you react to them. That dancing is sometimes more important than listening to the music.

That the most embarrassing, awkward moments of your life are only remembered by you and no one else. That no one judges you when you walk into a room and all they really want to know, is if you’re judging them. That what you make and what you do with your time is more important than you’ll ever fathom and should be treated as such. That the difference between a job and art is passion. That neither defines who you are. That talking to strangers is how you make friends.

That bad days end but a smile can go around the world. That life contradicts itself, constantly. That that’s why it’s worth living.

That the difference between pain and love is time. That love is only as real as you want it to be. That if you feel good, you look good but it doesn’t always work the other way around.

That the sun will rise each day and it’s up to you each day if you match it. That nothing matters up until this point. That what you decide now, in this moment, will change the future. Forever. That rain is beautiful.

And so are you.

-Russ

The Silly Things I Need To Hear

2016-03-09T01:42:00.001+08:00

Sometimes people you like, won’t like you.

That’s Ok.

Sometimes, everyone around you will talk about all the incredibly cool things they’re busy doing and you will have very little to talk about yourself.

That’s Ok.

Sometimes you’ll wake up and you’ll just be sore for no real reason.

That’s Ok.

Sometimes you won’t know what to do and people would say “I’d kill to have your problems!” and that won’t magically and suddenly stop them from being problems.

That’s Ok.

Sometimes, I’m saying it to you because I hope that one day; you’ll be able to say it to me.

That’s Ok.

-Russ

Pursue, Not Pedestalize

2016-03-07T10:45:00.000+08:00

This is one of my favorite scenes in the series. During Seaon 1 Episode 6, Claire visits her and Francis' former secret service bodyguard who is dying of cancer and receives a deathbed profession of love.

Bodyguard Steve: I hate your husband.

Claire Underwood: A lot of people hate my husband.

Bodyguard Steve: For the past 8 years, I watched over him but it wasn't him I was watching. Jesus what I would give. . .

Claire Underwood: You know what Francis said to me when he proposed, I remember his exact words. He said,

"Claire, if all you want is happiness, say no. I'm not going to give a couple of kids, and count the days until retirement. I promise you freedom from that. I promise you'll never be bored."

"You know he was the only man, and there were a lot of others who proposed, he was the only one who understood me. He didn't put me on some pedestal.

He knew I didn't want to be adore or coddled, so he took my hand and put on a ring on it because he knew I'd say yes. He's a man who knows how to take what he wants. You told me your truth and now you know mine."

At that point, she does something that solidifies her bid for entry into the Alpha female hall of fame. Francis and Claire are THE power couple. Women don't want to be pedestalized.

Pedestalization is objectification. And elevating someone's status inappropriately is idolatry. Claire didn't want to be another man's idol. That's the temptation of the male heart - to make women an idol

Francis was looking for a partner to pursue his plan of ~~world~~ White House domination and he found what he was looking for.

LORD, help me live fully in this kind of courage and conviction.

-Russ

The Error of Parallax

2016-02-27T00:36:00.000+08:00

The only reason I hate you now is because I loved you then.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I can't stand listening to this music when I type this. I am not typing, I am shouting at you! But the rules of conduct and playing the game means I can't do that. Tables are turned now. I can't even say anything. In a last effort to save some face I can't even sms. I wish I could take some of them back before.

You've made a fool of me, just as I am sure you've done many times before with many girls. Undeserving! I replayed it on my mind and I can't understand why? I suppose this is a frequently asked question but it's not one I am used to asking. Am I not enough?

I checked my mail constantly. I knew I shouldn't and I felt even more defeated with every empty inbox. You did nothing. You didn't do anything. I didn't understand? If you didn't do what you do, I would be enough. But because of this world and you in it, I am not enough. I didn't understand.

I never hated you, though I was blindingly angry with you for a time.

I'm not angry with you any longer, though you were judgmental and cruel in ways which were crystalline in their ingenuity. I can't even imagine how you've lived through the years after you abandoned me and said that you no longer loved me.

Because of that, the years we've spent happily together just banished together with those good memories we made. Then I stopped wishing that I could spend any more time with you. It also stopped me from thinking that you're a kind person because I felt that you've been terribly unkind to me.

But. I still love you, yes I do, not the same way as before but I know I can't hate you forever. This love will always remain in my heart in spite of all of that heartaches you gave me. But you're wrong, you know when you said that "love is not 'only a two-way street', otherwise it isn't love." Because I'm all alone here on this infinite one-way street but I know what I feel.

Thanks for that liberating talk we had.

-russ d'great-

Baliwan 101

2016-02-11T05:33:00.002+08:00

Sa pagiging distress lagi sa buhay, minsan na e'inspire tuloy ako na sana maging baliw na lang. Feeling ko kasi wala na silang feelings, tila wala na rin silang kapagoran kakalakad kahit saan, parang hindi na rin sila na gugutom---at kung gutom man unli naman pagkain nila sa daan...weeeheee... =)

Bilib rin ako sa confidence nila. Wala silang pakialam anuman sabihin ng mga tao sa kanila, wala silang pakialam sa pamatay amoy nila, sa damit nila, sa buhok, sa paa, sa langaw, sa dumi, sa matraffic na daan, sa lubak na kalsada, global warming, baha, mahal na bill ng kuryente, internet, cell phone load, bigas, leptospirosis, kung corrupt nga ba si binay, kung mananalo nga ba si duterte, kung bakit may FB at IG na, o sa 1D kung nagkawatak-watak man sila....Ang sa kanila lang----ay ewan ko ba...

Sa tingin ko ang lakas rin ng immune system nila-----kasi kahit palaboy-laboy sila sa daan---under the sun at biglaang ulan-----never ko pa silang napansing umuubo o nagkasipon man lang... O diba? para silang mga zombie...pero di lang nanganga-in ng tao---nambabato lang, nangdudura, nangangaway, nanghihingi, at kung anu-ano pa...Pero bilib rin ako sa mga normal na tao dahil okay lang din sa kanila---kumbaga normal lang sa kanila....O dibah? gusto ko na talaga maging baliw.....wala rin kasi silang pakialam sa mundo....waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...!!!

Sabi nga ni Paulo Coelho sa librong sinulat nya "If one day I could get out of here, I would allow myself to be crazy. Everyone is indeed crazy, but the craziest are the ones who don't know they're crazy; they just keep repeating what others tell them to.”

Di ko masyado matranslate pero isa lang ibig sabihin nyan na baliw man sila eh normal din sila sa sarili nilang mundo..mas ok na yun kaysa maging pabigat ka o pasaway ka sa gobyerno at wala kang naitulong sa ekonomiya. Charot!

baliw na rin siguro ako sa ka-iisip nito...hehehe

salamat sa pagdaan,

russ d'great

Veronika Decides To Die: A Short Rundown

2016-02-10T01:17:00.000+08:00

As a fan of Paulo Coelho’s much-celebrated and classic book, The Alchemist, I stumbled upon Veronika Decides to Die through a good friend's recommendation and was intrigued by the topic of the book and the major questions it asks about life and death.

Inspired by events from his past, Coelho tells the story of Veronika, who seems to have everything in life that most people would envy and consider fulfilling, but who nonetheless feels dissatisfied and makes a decision to end her life by overdosing on sleeping pills.

Veronika, who attempts suicide, fails, is institutionalized, and is informed that her attempted suicide damaged her heart and she has only five days to live. In the hospital she has to come to grips with what it means to be dying, but also what it means to be insane.

“Decides” is the key word in the title of this book: Coelho weaves his storytelling around the major, life-altering decisions that the central characters—the protagonist and those with whom she interacts in the mental hospital—must ponder when they learn of her imminent death.

With her days numbered, Veronika goes on a journey of self-discovery that makes her contemplate her original reasons for wanting to die as well as the meaning of life as a whole.

Readers join Veronika in her self-discovery quest by inquiring what they themselves would do if they were to learn that the ends of their lives were happening in a matter of days, rather than in the several years ahead, which many people hope for.

In the end Veronika finds that she is truly free. She seems to have everything at the beginning of the story: a job, boyfriends, and popularity. However, they're those things that enslave her, and that’s what leads to the attempted suicide.

In a way, Veronika is doubly freed. She is free because she is dying, and what can one do to a dying person. Second, she has been labeled crazy, and, having such a label, people expect her to act oddly. She has the freedom to do those things she has been too frightened to do all her life.

Thoughts About The Author

Veronika Decides to Die made me fall in love even more with Coelho’s writing style, because he seamlessly introduces to the reader a vast expanse of topics revolving around spirituality and psychology. The writing resembles that of a teacher who gently instructs his students without acting like a pretentious know-it-all trying to force people to believe everything he teaches.

It offers food for thought rather than preachy absolute truths. As readers are engrossed in an engaging story that keeps them asking, “What will Veronika (and others) decide next?”, Coelho is a master at allowing his audience to absorb any new information without making them feel dumb for never having thought of or known about it before.

This book is not something to read once and then completely forget. It is meant to be one of those books in which the topics on psychology and spirituality make you want to do more research and reading in order to understand better the concepts being questioned.

Also, the events and characters in this book are bound to linger in readers’ thoughts well after the book is finished, simply because it will make them wonder about the exact meanings of their own lives, especially if the ends of their lives were happening a lot sooner than they expected.

I’d recommend this book. It’s short, readable, and offers clear food for thought.

thanks for reading,

russ d'great

Prose in Motion: To A Friend Whom I Loved In Many Ways

2016-01-31T23:52:00.000+08:00

"Finding love is like finding a friend, a person whom you can join in with your weirdness." Matt Haigg, Reasons To Be Alive

I love you with a kind of love that is terrified. Terrified at the thought of losing you. Losing you to the distance that separates. But worst of all, terrified at the thought of losing you as a friend.

I love you with a kind of love that is regretful. Regretful of the words that might escape my mouth. Words that escape in times of anger, words that escape in times of hurt, words that I would not have meant, and yet still did utter.

I love you with a kind of love that is afraid. Afraid for the moments where I will fall short to give you comfort in a way that you can feel. Afraid for the times when I will be incapable of listening and responding in a way that you feel understood.

I love you with a kind of love that is easily angered. Angered at the idea of anyone ever hurting you. Angered at the knowledge that I can do nothing about it. Angered at the fact that sometimes I am the cause of it.

I love you with a kind of love that is proud. Proud of all that you want to accomplish. Proud of how you overcome circumstances day after day, despite how difficult it may be. But mostly, I love you with a kind of love that is proud of simply who you are.

I love you with a kind of love that is anxious. Anxious to when will I ever see your smile and hear your laugh. More often than not, I just am anxious to know how you are, and to know that you are doing all right.

I love you with a kind of love that is full. The kind of love so full that nothing that you can ever say or do will make me care less. A fullness that overflows that even when things are tough, it overpowers the pain.

I love you with a kind of love that is content. Content because I have never felt more joy knowing that you're there ready to listen and piss me off when I'm in my worst mood.

~thanks for reading
russ d'great

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, A Short Review

2016-01-02T03:20:00.000+08:00

Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a rag-tag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

I’ll start by saying that if you are a Star Wars fan and a bit worried that this film will somehow ruin the legacy of the originals I want to tell you that you have nothing to worry about. This film stayed true to the “Star Wars feel”, the original “Star Wars feel”, and honestly made me fall in love with the franchise all over again.

I was worried that the movie would feel rushed or contain nothing but back story to catch us up on what had happened in the 30 years since Return of the Jedi but those worries were soon put to rest.

There actually wasn’t much back story given at all but what given was delivered well. I never felt lost or like I was missing something. The plot flowed smoothly and I felt I both understood what was happening and why.

It’s true. All of it. The Dark Side, the Jedi. They’re real.

It was great to see some of the old characters back at it and it was refreshing to see they weren’t just there for gimmicks and nostalgic value, they actually contributed to the plot. The new characters were great too. They felt real and believable in this universe and you felt for them throughout the film.

What I loved most was the emotional roller coaster The Force Awakens stakes you on. The film has it’s happy moments, and some incredibly sad ones too. The film brings up strong sentimental feelings and makes you laugh, a lot! It’s intense and you will want to stand up and cheer with every victory. It wasn’t all light-sabers and stuff blowing up. It was full of feelings.

All-in-all I loved it and if you are debating whether it will be worth it I can tell you the answer is yes! Go see it and let it remind you why so many people are dedicated to this franchise.

There’s been an awakening. Have you felt it? The Dark side, and the Light.

Thanks for reading,

russ d' great

Love plus Dedication

2015-12-31T02:45:00.000+08:00

What is the best thing to say after a tough downfall from a romantic relationship? It's the words "I'm ready to love again". Several people might think differently from the way you think but this is more of gathering insights from those who suffer from the misfortunes of a hard break up.

They say it's tough when you're up on a way thinking that things aren't working anymore but you still want to hold on. Now that's *foolishness*, but you know what's amazing about people when it comes to love? Their hopes are always high and they remain faithful in the belief that loving again isn't that bad after all.

You may say that most of the relationships are into "the trial and error thingy" but if you haven't yet started a relationship then don't try especially if the only reason is testing its working capacity. It doesn't work that way, remember that it needs discernment and deep realization...

Starting a discussion like this is really tough because people think that love in its own terms is fake nowadays. Break ups and rejections are everywhere and maybe everybody has experienced it already. But hey! you should know that love is the most wonderful thing here on earth. It can hurt you but it's the only sure thing that can make you happy too.

That's why if you don't like your past to haunt you in the future, love unconditionally and love without hesitation. Also, remember that dating/courtship is a way more deeper than that. Yes, you can fix things on your own way, that is if you are already sure in what you have but for those who haven't started yet, think better, think deeper...-------------------------

~~SMOTHER ME BY THE USED~~

...and I wanna dedicate this song for someone special, I guess you know who you are... *lol* I didn't say I'm madly in love but I'm very happy that you gave me the chance to get to know you better...

I want you to know that you bring back the joy in my heart and you fill the emptiness inside. You just don't know how happy I am everyday while conversing with you. You brought the sunshine in, turn the dark to day and made my sadness flee away.

By the time I said I care for you, I really mean it..*smile* my love for you is unconditional because I'm not asking you to love me in return but I know you do because we're friends now and because you tell me even in my dreams. Talking to you is a great relief... Thanks for every gift of smile you pinned in my heart.

------------------------------------

"Falling in love is like looking at the stars...when you pick one out of the billions and stare at it long enough... all the others just simply melt away.."

thanks for reading,

russ d'great

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist: A Short Review

2015-12-21T00:45:00.001+08:00

"When you want something, all the Universe conspires to help you achieve it."

Until today, I haven't read any of Paulo Coelho's books. I don't know why but I'm thankful that three days ago my brother asked me to buy the book for him because a certain teacher wanted them to read the book. Then my curiosity about it increased when a good friend of mine said that it's a great book to add on my reading list.

I devoured the book for almost 3 hours and after which I know that I will be reading more of his works. The simplicity and wisdom of the book is amazing, adding to it are helpful life lessons that will surely give you positive reasons to wake up happy every morning.

It's a very simple story about a shepherd boy, Santiago who pursue his dreams and meet different people along the way - a gypsy woman, a King, an Englishman and an alchemist who helped him understand his journey in achieving his greatest dream.

The book teaches the readers simple things about God, life and love - the language of the world. But as you walk along with Santiago's journey you will realize that simple things always comes with a broader truth. You may not see it the first time you look at it but eventually you'll end up realizing that it's been there lying and waiting all along.

I admire Coelho for writing such a pure and unembellished novel in all its content; a masterpiece that will surely resonate to people with different faiths and beliefs. A simple story that testifies the power of following one's dreams and listening to one's heart.

I can absolutely say that The Alchemist is a must-read and I highly recommend it.

Lessons from The Alchemist (Spoiler Alert!!!)

…and when each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises. -page 27-

There must be a language that doesn’t depend on words… -page 43-

When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision. -page 68-

“Everyone has his or her own way of learning things,” he said to himself. “His way is isn’t the same as mine, nor mine as his. But we’re both in search of our Personal Legends, and I respect him for that.” -page 84-

It is said that all people who are happy have God within them. -page 131-

“When you possess great treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.” -page 134-

There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure. -page 141-

…when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too. -page 150-

And that’s where the power of love comes in. Because when we love, we always strive to become better than we are. -page 151-

thanks for reading,

russ d'great

Lasing Ka Na Ba? The 5 Ayaw Ko Man, Aaminin Ko Na Stages

2015-12-16T01:14:00.001+08:00

Stage One: SMART (Feeling mo ang talino mo sobra!)

Ito na 'yong moment na expert ka na on every subject in the known Universe. Biglang alam mo na lahat and you want to pass on your knowledge to anyone na gustong makinig. At this stage you are always RIGHT, and of course the person you are talking to is very WRONG. This makes for an interesting argument when both parties are SMART.

Stage Two: GOOD LOOKING (Ako na yata ang pinakamagandang lalaki sa mundo.)

This is when you realize na ikaw na ang pinakamaganda/pinakapogi in the entire bar at may gusto na lahat ng tao sayo. You can go up to a perfect stranger knowing they fancy you and really want to talk to you. Basta isipin mo lang na SMART ka, so that you can talk to this person about any subject under the sun.

Stage Three: RICH (I can buy you and this entire bar.LOL)

Ito na 'yong moment na feeling Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg ka na. This is when you suddenly become the richest person in the world. Gusto mo ilibre lahat ng tao sa loob ng bar because you have an armored truck full of money parked behind the bar.

You can also make bets at this stage, because of course, you are still SMART, so naturally you win all your bets. It doesn't matter also kung talo ka kasi you are RICH. You will also buy drinks for everyone that you fancy, because you are now the BEST LOOKING person in the world.

Stage Four: BULLET PROOF (Ako si Superman, Man of Steel 'to mga dude!)

Ito na 'yong pinaka-nakakatakot. Gusto mo ng makipag-away sa lahat ng tao especially those with whom you have been betting or arguing. This is because nothing can hurt you.

At this point you can also go up to the partners of the people who you fancy and challenge to a battle of wits or money. Di ka naman takot matalo kasi nasa isip mo you are SMART, you are RICH and heck, you're BETTER LOOKING than they are anyway!

Stage Five: INVISIBLE (Wala akong paki, at wala kayong paki dahil nanonood lang kayo!)

This is the Final Stage of Drunkenness. Dito pwede mo ng gawin lahat kasi ang alam mo di invisble ka, NO ONE CAN SEE YOU. You dance on a table to impress the people who you fancy because the rest of the people in the room cannot see you.

You are also invisible to the person who wants to fight you. You can walk through the street singing at the top of your lungs because no one can see or hear you and because you're still SMART at alam na alam mo 'yong lyrics kahit sentonado ka!

thanks for reading,

russ d'great

COC (Clash of Clans): 21 Signs of Addiction

2015-12-10T01:55:00.000+08:00

Nagtataka ka ba bakit 'pag namemention 'yong COC sa news which basically means 'certificate of candidacy" eh "clash of clans" ang naiisip mo agad agad? Well, maybe you're a certified addict or maybe you're just annoyed because of the game's popularity.

Anyhow, wala kanang magagawa kasi it's the new trend of online gaming right as of this very moment. Just remember that there's a very fine line between "playing games online" and "finding your way out in the middle of something" just to defend your clan faced with war.

Afterwards, anxious kana at di makapag-isip ng maayos when your phone notifies you that "your troops are ready to take into battle" or "your village was raided by attacker_12345". Thankfully hindi ka nag-iisang 'Clash-of-Clan Junkie' dahil since its release last 2012, malamang isa ka lang sa millions of players na adik na adik dito ngayon.

Unless nahihiya ka pang aminin or i-admit sa sarili mo na addict ka nga sa larong ito, here are tell-tale signs that you're a certified Clash of Clans addict.

1. When you're reaching out for your phone to send a text/online message to your friends telling them it's time to "ATTACK".

2. Kapag ang 'Ultimate Kaligayahan' mo ay yung makakita ng 3 stars 'VICTORY' on your phone or tablet screen.

3. Calling someone by their IGNs or clan names as "RPM24" or "DBG24" is totally second nature.

4. Nagtataka na mga friends mo bakit di kana nag-uupdate ng status sa Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

5. Galit na galit ka when you lost your Internet Connection in the middle of a loaded raid. "Sayang ang loots sa dead base..Grrr"

6. Kailangan mong mag-isip ng tama at valid na dahilan bakit ka MIA the moment the war begins at kapag hindi ka talaga naka-attack the moment the ward ended.

7. You find a deep connection with someone who understands a perfect dragon fury and burning village to ashes. Classic.

8. Takot na takot kang mawala ang gold and elixirs mo.

9. You find Liam Neeson's Superbowl Ad showing off Clash of Clan's revenge feature so hilarious (“I don’t know you BuffetBoy85 but if you think you can humiliate me and take my gold, think again. Or I am coming for you with lots of barbarians and dragons!”).

10. Moreover, wala ng mas nakakainis pang form of revenge rather than taking all your available loot in a flash. Ganti ganti lang daw.

11. Loosing sleep not because of work or school but because of farming/looting. Alam nyo na ibig sabihin n'yan mga adik!

12. Kapag nagsisimula kanang mahumaling sa mga wizards and witches. You loving them all of a sudden is just plain creep. LOL.

13. Kapag nag-level up na ang multi-tasking skills mo. Grabe na!

14. Kapag nag-iisip ka na ng malalim kung manloloot ka ba or i-memaintain mo shield mo for the next 11 hours. It's hard man!

15. You actually set an alarm to when you lose shield or once your builder will be available.

16. You feel the same level of hate between your cheater-ex and some random player who raided you.

17. Nagseselos ka sa fellow clanmate mo na mas magaling umatake kaysa sayo. Like seriously?

18. You feel a different kind of happiness when it's time to embellish your town hall. hahaha

19. Kahit bawal ang maglaro sa opisina or skwelahan, you can't just put down your phone when no one's looking to attack.

20. You engage in some serious talks about war strategies and winning clan wars with fellow clanmates. (Can't blame them, LOL)

21. Being part of a competent clan now sounds very interesting and overwhelming. (Hey, you're from Pinoy Titans? Awesome Clan!!)

It's very simple, once you downloaded Clash of Clans on your phone, you're now halfway to C-O-C obsession...and these creepy, hilarious, dramatic signs of addiction.

thanks for reading gamers,

russ d'great