http://browse.deviantart.com/journals/?order=5&q=by%3Aakarra deviantART RSS for in:journals sort:time by:akarra en-us Copyright 2013, deviantART.com Sat, 18 May 2013 08:14:11 PDT deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://st.deviantart.net/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Occasional-Poetry-and-Bioshock-347007532 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Occasional-Poetry-and-Bioshock-347007532 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 23:43:01 PST Occasional Poetry and Bioshock nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2013 *akarra
I think it's a really good example of "sketching" through poetry, capturing an occasion or a feeling and just jotting it down. And I think that's really, really important for building to other projects.

There are two writings of my own for which I'd like some support. I think you guys will love what I've done paraphrasing translations of Cavafy. Really proud of how "At the Cafe Door" turned out.

I also just finished writing on Bioshock 2. The game addresses some difficult political issues thoughtfully; it's a terrific introduction to the best political theory has to ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Happy-New-Year-345985112 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Happy-New-Year-345985112 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:20:21 PST Happy New Year! nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I hope you'll help me thank him by reading his poetry and giving him lots of favorites and follows.

I will be posting more here shortly. If you want to help me out, I always need likes on facebook for my main blog. Recently, I've been posting paraphrases of poems by Cavafy. I think they're turning out really well. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Heh-heh-heh-Hee-Hee-Hoo-Hoo-319548790 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Heh-heh-heh-Hee-Hee-Hoo-Hoo-319548790 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:49:44 PDT Heh heh heh. Hee Hee Hoo Hoo... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
On Batman Begins | On "The Dark Knight" | On "The Dark Knight Rises" ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Llamas-amp-Writing-319246028 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Llamas-amp-Writing-319246028 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:23:22 PDT Llamas & Writing nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
It's hard to keep up with everyone here. I don't know how some of you do it.

In any case, I think I should link to a few things I've written recently, because you might want to read them:

- On "The Dark Knight Rises:" there's a lot going on in this movie. I'm happy some of it seemed to "click."
- Alda Merini, "There are nights that don't ever happen: Truth.
- Kay Ryan, "New Rooms"
- On Emily Dickinson's written description of herself

Not a lot, but I think y ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Passion-amp-Politics-314792438 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Passion-amp-Politics-314792438 Sun, 15 Jul 2012 01:50:18 PDT Passion & Politics nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
- from a post on The Weakerthans' "Pamphleteer"

Just was looking through some old blog entries, thought I'd share this. I know the prose is a bit convoluted. I know at least one of you will say I'm overthinking things. But I liked writing this, um, "pamphlet" of a sort. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Given-art-Help-me-say-thanks-313099910 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Given-art-Help-me-say-thanks-313099910 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 22:20:03 PDT Given art: Help me say thanks! nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
:devsandratheporcupine: saw that I was her 25th watcher and asked me if I'd like anything drawn. I told her about the graphic novels post at my blog, and she picked :devsvetlania:'s "Nightschool" as something to draw from. I told her I'd like a picture of Sarah Treveney, who I find funny but weirdly reflective of the truth. Sarah Treveney has magic powers and is capable of teaching others to use magic. Of c ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Happy-Independence-Day-312569589 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Happy-Independence-Day-312569589 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 12:39:07 PDT Happy Independence Day! nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
We put our hands over our first-grade hearts
We felt proud to be part of America

I said One Nation Invisible until corrected

I've put the poem and a brief analysis up on my blog: http://www.ashokkarra.com/2012/07/alicia-ostriker-america/ ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Graphic-novel-reviews-311969214 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Graphic-novel-reviews-311969214 Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:23:59 PDT Graphic novel reviews! nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
http://www.ashokkarra.com/2012/07/graphic-novels-consumed-recently/

Do take a look and let the discussion begin. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Venting-Promoting-Hoping-311615909 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Venting-Promoting-Hoping-311615909 Fri, 29 Jun 2012 23:46:12 PDT Venting, Promoting, Hoping nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I figure the best revenge is to just be productive. I could be writing, and in fact I'm planning something on Plato's "Ring of Gyges" story from Republic Book II. But you know what? I've written a bunch already, much of it very good. I'm just going to build the audience on dA and share what I've written with ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Pledge-Drive-Time-310547837 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Pledge-Drive-Time-310547837 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 01:44:31 PDT Pledge Drive Time nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
That DD didn't come because I'm the most talented poet ever in the history of ever. It happened because a lot of you cared to give attention, read well, gave serious comments, and were really supportive. I am so grateful for all of you: you're the best dA has to offer, and we're going to add to our ranks. I do apologize I've been quieter recently, but I am writing up a storm for school purposes.

I can use your help with my main blog. I write a lot, l ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Haiku-Contest-Winners-Announced-308082113 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Haiku-Contest-Winners-Announced-308082113 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:32:09 PDT Haiku Contest Winners Announced nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
Thank you all for participating and being so supportive. I am happy to run these contests, and I'm thinking what the next one will be already. You guys make this a lot of fun.

Winners of the haiku contest (link) ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Thanks-for-the-well-wishes-307350688 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Thanks-for-the-well-wishes-307350688 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 12:44:55 PDT Thanks for the well-wishes! nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
Thank you all for the well-wishes. I don't know if any of you have read Daniel Clowes' "Ghost World" - the movie is a bit different. If you have read the graphic novel, I've put some thoughts up about it (and e-mailed a link to Mr. Clowes himself. Hopefully he takes a look and likes what he sees):

http://www.ashokkarra.com/2012/06/we-are-who-we-were-in-high-school-on-daniel-clowes-ghost-world/ ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Am-not-well-307161460 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Am-not-well-307161460 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:56:14 PDT Am not well... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I'm a bit out of it atm. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Haiku-Contest-5-days-in-29-entries-302587648 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Haiku-Contest-5-days-in-29-entries-302587648 Wed, 16 May 2012 18:56:50 PDT Haiku Contest: 5 days in, 29 entries nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
2. You guys have been awesome - there's lots of donations and some very, very strong haiku. A special thanks to :deva-nameless-one: for his support in terms of points and his devotion to haiku. Go check out his page and his submission - he's worked especially hard to understand some finer points that elude me totally.

3. Without further ado, the 29 of you who've been brave need to be promoted. I can't guarantee I'll do this for everyone in the future. But you guys have made these last few days special:

:iconlove-the-peace: :iconMartinisontini:  :iconalways-cosplay: :iconhonor2serve: :icontheinfirm: :icona ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Haiku-Contest-Theme-Nature-301738486 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Haiku-Contest-Theme-Nature-301738486 Sat, 12 May 2012 16:36:07 PDT Haiku Contest! Theme: Nature nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
So I'll just start fixing that now. Deadline for this contest is June 12th. Instructions: write a haiku about nature. The idea is to get everyone to try writing a haiku and have an appreciation for the form's potential. Submissions must be original, written for the contest.

I can't emphasize this enough: You MUST send me a note with the link to your poem on dA. You can, in ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Winners-of-the-Short-Poem-Contest-301244272 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Winners-of-the-Short-Poem-Contest-301244272 Thu, 10 May 2012 10:58:29 PDT Winners of the Short Poem Contest nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
Short Poem Contest Winners

I'm going to put the list of winners on facebook and maybe reddit. Any help promoting this is appreciated. I apologize I didn't have time to mention all the contestants by name on the blog: you've all been fantastic, and I want to keep up with all of you. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/All-good-things-301007503 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/All-good-things-301007503 Wed, 09 May 2012 07:49:02 PDT All good things... nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
2. Thanks to :devchristopham: and :deva-nameless-one: for their donations to the prize pool! Having lots of points means more winners: I'm not eager to be exclusive here.

Winners will be announced shortly, probably later today.

3. Last batch of contestants - awesome people here:

:iconsurrealcachinnation: :iconpackeranatic: :iconraven-dust: :iconchristopham: :iconbeyondjen:

4. Not much else to tell you. I'm thinking about what the next contest would look like. But ho ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Prizes-Contest-Ends-at-Midnight-300810461 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Prizes-Contest-Ends-at-Midnight-300810461 Tue, 08 May 2012 11:55:52 PDT Prizes! Contest Ends at Midnight nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
1. Original Rules | Meet the Contestants #1 | Meet the Contestants #2 | Meet the Contestants #3 | Meet the Contestants #4 | Meet the Contestants #5

2. PRIZES: All those of you who've entered, promoted, donated have been amazing. I just bought 400 points and with :devjoanbausher:'s & :devjane-beata:'s amazing contributions, can give out a TON of points:

First Place - 500 points. :devpixiepot: will do a custom box feature; :devcjwilde: will offer two of her awesome critiques.

Second Place - 300 points. :devpixiepot: will do a custom box feature; :devcjwilde: will offer one of her awesome ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-Update-3-Days-Left-300184421 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-Update-3-Days-Left-300184421 Sat, 05 May 2012 10:57:28 PDT Contest Update: 3 Days Left! nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
1. Original Contest Rules | Meet contestants #1 | Meet contestants #2 | Meet contestants #3 | Meet contestants #4

2. Alright. We've got a bunch of prizes. I've got 380 + points thanks to donations (most especially thanks to :devjane-beata:). I'll probably buy some points myself and give a bunch out. :devpixiepot: is offering a custom box feature for the first and second place winners. :devcjwilde: will critique the first, second and third place winners.

I'm not sure how the points distribution will work. We'll have 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. Then I'm thinking I'll give out a bunch of honorabl ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Please-keep-supporting-each-other-299232913 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Please-keep-supporting-each-other-299232913 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:05:08 PDT Please keep supporting each other nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
2. Please keep supporting each other - I know, I said that already. You're already doing that. But I can't tell you what a difference it makes. The watches I've been getting make me happy; the likes on my facebook page even happier. I can't emphasize to you each enough that you can make each other's day by just using the "Meet the Contestants" link to say hi to each other and gives favorites and llamas and watches away.

3. You guys have been awesome with the prizes! :devkymira12:, :devthorns:, and two other deviants who I'm not sure want ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/30-words-or-less-298659088 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/30-words-or-less-298659088 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:59:26 PDT 30 words or less nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
2. We now have some awesome prizes. Plenty of people are donating points - many thanks to :devmrs-freestar-bul:, :devhirakuplz:, :devlove-the-peace:. :devpixiepot: is giving a custom box feature to the first and second place winners. Please feel free to donate points and offer more prizes - plenty of submissions already.

3. Newest contestants:

:iconsomenightowl: :iconkymira12: :iconlewanut: :iconHuntingforHappiness:

Doesn't seem like many, but add to the previous and we're well over 20 entries. And this contest really hasn't been promoted all over dA yet, desp ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-is-ridiculously-popular-298494805 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-is-ridiculously-popular-298494805 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:53:54 PDT Contest is ridiculously popular nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
1. It's a lot of work making sure I collect all the entries, read them carefully, and make sure you guys get something out of this independent of the prizes.

I'd like two things, if you would - first, I'm collecting for prizes. If you know anyone who wishes to give something, get them to contact me.

Second: my own work has a facebook page. I'd really like "likes" for that, please. If you're curious about what exactly I do, here's an interview with me.

2. That having been said: you guys are amazing. I've seen contests and prompts that can barely get 10 responses in a week or tw ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Interview-with-Dessie-Love-the-peace-298426462 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Interview-with-Dessie-Love-the-peace-298426462 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:17:58 PDT Interview with Dessie (~Love-the-peace) nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I'm very happy to introduce all of you to Dessie - this turned out to be a terrific interview.

1. It looks like you're really into art - visual, spoken, music. What's your favorite so far?

Out of all of the many types of art I have to say the spoken genre is my favorite. I feel ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-Update-298316099 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-Update-298316099 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:47:58 PDT Contest Update nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
2. No prizes yet, although I have a good idea what needs to be done. I need to get a bunch of points and give out some extra publicity to those who win. I've got time: hopefully people will chip in and these prizes will be awesome.

3. If you were referred to this contest by someone, tell me who it was. I need to know so I can start determining the winner of the "promoted this contest most" award.

4. A bunch of you have contributed work. I mean, I am amazed at the rapidity I have had submissions. So I think it's time to promote all of you to each other and th ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Short-Poem-Contest-298197797 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Short-Poem-Contest-298197797 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:15:55 PDT Short Poem Contest! nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
Announcing Ashok's "Short Poem Contest." The idea is to get people to write really short poems if they haven't already. Can you make every word - maybe even syllable - count? I hope those of you who haven't tried poetry at all will try something for the contest.

Rules

30 words maximum per entry; no set form. Only one original entry per contestant (don't recycle old material, please). Theme is "music" - you can do whatever you want with that, including base your poem on a song lyric (perhaps use the lyric as an epigraph?) Poems must be in English.

The contest will end in 14 days: deadline is May 8th. Just write anything, and w ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/We-all-lose-297623294 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/We-all-lose-297623294 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:05:45 PDT We all lose... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Help-me-amp-jane-beata-297381507 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Help-me-amp-jane-beata-297381507 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:32:15 PDT Help me & jane-beata nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
And please do consider going over to my website and reading the critique there. I've promoted that critique on reddit, stumbleupon, tumblr and facebook so far. Your "likes" and "shares" are appreciated. :iconjane-beata:'s work is awesome and speaks for itself. But I want to show it is a pleasure to respond appropriately to incredible work. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Meet-the-Lost-Love-Poets-297279590 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Meet-the-Lost-Love-Poets-297279590 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:06:35 PDT Meet the Lost-Love Poets nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
All of you are up-and-coming poets. My own poetry needs a lot of work. Some of you have written much better stuff than I'll ever write. I'm really admiring of all of you because you tried. You're not scared to publish, you're not scared to have people tell you things you don't want to hear.

I want dA to know who you are, and I'd like it if you supported each other. You've all got great personalities and it was fun ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/dA-great-Still-need-help-297260289 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/dA-great-Still-need-help-297260289 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:56:55 PDT dA = great. Still need help. nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I hope you will give facebook likes for the main blog if you haven't already. Quite a few of you have already, and I'm very grateful.

And if you want to read a really great poem (not by me) of the "see how it's done" sort, take a look at "At the Un-National Monument Along the Canadian Border". I would love it if that went viral: the poem is awesome and I did a lot of thinking to try and pick out its deeper, not-so-obvious themes.

There will be plenty of promotion shortly. I ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Still-trying-to-win-a-contest-294954635 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Still-trying-to-win-a-contest-294954635 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:41:00 PDT Still trying to win a contest... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I'd still like more help winning that contest. Do comment if you join and say I referred you.

Also: I was given some wonderful attention through :devlive-love-write:. I submitted something for a prompt, and while a few of you have seen it, here it is (with :iconthefinalhikari:'s comment) for the rest: "Unwanted Endings" prompt results

Please ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Trying-to-win-a-contest-294399440 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Trying-to-win-a-contest-294399440 Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:56:21 PDT Trying to win a contest... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
Also, while we're at it, there's a bunch more of you to promote to each other. I hope you'll watch everyone on the list. While everyone can use more watchers, these deviants really dese ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/quot-Lost-Loves-quot-lit-competiton-294041027 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/quot-Lost-Loves-quot-lit-competiton-294041027 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:44:56 PDT "Lost Loves" lit competiton nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I am helping judge the competition, along with :iconhirakuplz:. I'm pretty much judging poetry (I know. You didn't see that one coming). Please make my job hard and submit stuff and get others involved. The point is to meet people and get everyone more exposure. You'll notice the prizes are pretty much exposure-related.

Again, if you're wondering what my credentials are to jud ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Please-follow-and-help-promote-ChristyReserva-293915337 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Please-follow-and-help-promote-ChristyReserva-293915337 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:38:05 PDT Please follow and help promote ChristyReserva nonadult journals/culture/features akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
To say this is ridiculous would be the understatement of the year. You can take a look at her painting "The Flower Island" - it is very good. "Story without End" is probably my favorite of hers. It's an awesome bit of illustration.

I'd really appreciate it if we got her a bunch more watchers, favorites, comments. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Want-help-getting-a-Facebook-audience-293310075 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Want-help-getting-a-Facebook-audience-293310075 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 11:46:45 PDT Want help getting a Facebook audience? nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
I could get on there and promote each of you, but at some point the problem with a fan page is that if it's me talking at people, it sucks. My audience is very appreciative and thoughtful, but their patience has limits. They don't want to hear me preaching at them all the time.

So what I was thinking was this - message me if you think my audience might be interested in your work. Have a introduction to what you do written, something brief and personable. I'll give the okay and let you know when you can post on my fan page.

I know 140 i ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Promoting-more-deviants-292622283 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Promoting-more-deviants-292622283 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:12:49 PDT Promoting more deviants nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
1. :iconmrs-freestar-bul: - very nice, very responsive, eager to encourage.

2. :iconchidlin: - hasn't been using dA much recently, but will do soon. One of the nicest people I've met here.

3. :iconlintu47: - can't be praised enough for what she does for other artists. Incredible amounts of time and effort. Her work isn't bad, either.

4. :iconcarpenoctem410: - she likes poetry. Enough said. Also, her digital art is amazing but don't forget to check out her more traditional work.

5. :iconlewanut: - a really talented writer. Do say hi!

6. :iconpixiecold: - gets a lot of attent ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/More-deviants-you-should-know-amp-a-request-291663646 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/More-deviants-you-should-know-amp-a-request-291663646 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 01:49:12 PDT More deviants you should know & a request nonadult journals/culture/tributes akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
1. :iconwolfrun0: - super nice and always appreciative of comments and favorites. Please visit her promptly; her art is wonderful.

2. :iconpunkslutriot: - again, super nice. Huge anime fan who promoted my writings on Cowboy Bebop once upon a time and brought me a ton of readers. I still owe her huge for that; her drawings are seriously fun, too.

3. :icondramiratyrual: - really, really sweet. A ton of fun to talk to and she can definitely write.

4. :icon135711cal: - treating me really well and deserving of a bunch more attention.

5. :iconmonsterkookies: - makes fantastic stuff and has a gr ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Highlighting-some-awesome-deviants-291329696 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Highlighting-some-awesome-deviants-291329696 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 02:09:02 PDT Highlighting some awesome deviants nonadult journals/culture/tributes akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
Here are some of the people making my dA experience worthwhile:

1. :iconcjwilde: - if you're not following CJ Wilde, you're missing out on one of the best people I've ever met online. She's treated me so well since I asked her for help using dA well. She's read what nonsense I've written and commented and helped promote me. I can't say thank you enough. All I can is that I'd be ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Requesting-Facebook-likes-for-Mandelstam-290625828 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Requesting-Facebook-likes-for-Mandelstam-290625828 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:56:46 PDT Requesting Facebook likes for Mandelstam nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
"Your image, tormenting and elusive"

It's a short poem which is particularly intense.

I'm asking for facebook likes or help getting the word out about the poem on dA. I'm proud of this being a short introduction. I'd be prouder if more people actually got introduced to it. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Introducing-W-H-Auden-290291181 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Introducing-W-H-Auden-290291181 Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:27:54 PDT Introducing W.H. Auden nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
"Are You There?" - an amazing poem about the loneliness within love itself. Also one of the earliest commentaries I ever wrote and one of the best. You really want to read this, if nothing else.

"Ganymede" - a thinking through how wisdom and the origin of violence relate.

"The Fall of Rome" - how do you know when things are falling apart?

"First Things First" - Auden's speaker wonders about first principles, in the Thomistic sense. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Poetry-of-Osip-Mandelstam-290093080 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Poetry-of-Osip-Mandelstam-290093080 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:05:38 PDT Poetry of Osip Mandelstam nonadult journals/art/literature akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra you slipped out of the half-darkened hall -
we disturbed no one,
we did not wake the sleeping servants…

- Osip Mandelstam, "Suddenly in a light shawl"

Been thinking a lot about Mandelstam recently. Love and tyranny are not far from my mind for some reason. Another poem of his I covered: "Your image, tormenting and elusive" ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Musings-on-Skyrim-289811220 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Musings-on-Skyrim-289811220 Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:55:22 PDT Musings on Skyrim nonadult journals/fun/videogames akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
What I've learned from Skyrim so far - about my first character, a mage who died a lot but did a few pretty awesome things.

Skyrim and Political Philosophy - it doesn't get the mythos right. There's too much for me to know. But it definitely hones in on relevant themes: I'm really proud of this post.

Ashok's Skyrim Adventures - me bragging about my latest character, a level 20 two-handed heavy armored barbarian thug. To what degree does he reflect something larger? ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Quotable-289712151 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Quotable-289712151 Sat, 10 Mar 2012 22:38:11 PST Quotable nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
- comment on a portrait by Anthony Jacobus ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Need-to-reintroduce-myself-to-dA-so-here-goes-289511286 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Need-to-reintroduce-myself-to-dA-so-here-goes-289511286 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:25:35 PST Need to reintroduce myself to dA, so here goes nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2012-2013 *akarra
If you're paying attention to me, I hope you know I'm a writer. I mean, I'm working to be a professor, but writing is really important to me. And I don't put my stuff on dA. Not because I think this place is bad - it isn't - but because it is very important I'm identified with my work. I got a website a long time ago and I don't plan on wasti ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Not-often-I-produce-a-poem-245751978 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Not-often-I-produce-a-poem-245751978 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 22:13:31 PDT Not often I produce a poem... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2011-2013 *akarra
Rachmaninov, "Hail Mary"

Listened to the music about 10000 times, and then decided I wanted to elaborate on the tension it seemed to encompass.

Also, if you're willing, do take a look at the Facebook page for my blog. I'm trying to get a ton more likes and fast:

Rethink fan page ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Writer-Seeks-Audience-225856021 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Writer-Seeks-Audience-225856021 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:30:02 PDT Writer Seeks Audience... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
Comment on Cowboy Bebop, Session 10, "Ganymede Elegy" - I don't think this is as good as my comment on Session 6, "Sympathy for the Devil," but this covers the messy topics of relationships and maturity.

Carol Snow, "Tour" - a very lovely, very short poem that demands one imagine the various possibilities its ambiguity suggests. Take a look, and see how much you can see. I don't think I've exhausted this thing by a longshot.

Online Culture and Mike Judge's "Idiocracy" - a future where the President is a professional wrestler is not so hard to imagine, partly because of h ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/If-you-guys-wanna-help-me-out-226221272 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/If-you-guys-wanna-help-me-out-226221272 Sun, 30 May 2010 01:32:06 PDT If you guys wanna help me out... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
Anyway, without further ado:

On how the lyrics for Miley Cyrus' "Can't be Tamed" have resulted in brain damage for me

On "Cowboy Bebop," Session 6, "Sympathy for the Devil" - spoilers galore ahead

A lot of guys who ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/On-Emily-Dickinson-amp-Xenophon-228162071 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/On-Emily-Dickinson-amp-Xenophon-228162071 Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:46:08 PST On Emily Dickinson & Xenophon nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
On Xenophon's "Art of Horsemanship"

In case you're hungry for poetry (I know, don't all run over me at once), there's this very short poem by Dickinson I'm still thinking about:

Emily Dickinson, "Apology for Me"

And yeah, I could care less about Valentine's Day. I want to be somewhere in the world - being loved is wonderful, but success would be nice too. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Been-quiet-here-sort-of-active-at-the-blog-228372668 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Been-quiet-here-sort-of-active-at-the-blog-228372668 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:40:41 PST Been quiet here, sort of active at the blog... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
A few things I've written on over at my blog that I think are worth a look:

Dorianne Laux, "Break" - about parents' attitudes during the teenage years.
Emily Dickinson,"Be Mine the Doom" - a very beautiful poem, only 11 words long.

And from a little while ago:

Amy King, "The Always Song" - about growing up and intellectual independence generally.

Let me know if you want something reviewed or you want help with promotion - always happy to help, wish you guys would be a bit more friendly and talkative. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Deviants-worth-watching-214217203 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Deviants-worth-watching-214217203 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:27:39 PST Deviants worth watching nonadult journals/culture/features akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
Roz Smith - she's working hard on her photography, and has a few photos that are simply stunning. I'm really fond of the above; those fiery golds and that metallic red don't make this look like a Christmas present decoration hanging on a doorknob at all. It's imaginative, with a warm and really beautiful feeling. Go give her some comments and thank her for her work, please.

:thumb98090314:

rozetta - her sculptures are the heart of her collection, but everything she does is well-designed, to say the least. I'm hard pressed to see anything "sloppy" in her work. I love the above because I think it can serve as a clever commen ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Those-of-you-into-poetry-228608270 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Those-of-you-into-poetry-228608270 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:27:33 PST Those of you into poetry... nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
Katia Kapovich, "Painting a Room"

I encourage all of you to at least take a look at the poem. I not only think you'll enjoy it, but I know the theme is something a few of you are wondering about. The theme of the poem is "freedom" after a period of failure. Packing up and moving on as if nothing ever happened except losing years of one's life.

Again, I really encourage you to take a look. Some things are better said by others. Let me know what you think either on the blog, or in this journal's comments. Thank you for listening. ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/5-Deviants-Worth-Watching-214217027 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/5-Deviants-Worth-Watching-214217027 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:58:16 PST 5 Deviants Worth Watching nonadult journals/culture/features akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
Chidlin - a really talented young photographer from the UK. As you can tell from the above, she can "paint" with the camera; the use of color is remarkable.

:thumb150700764:

Maria - lots of solid work, but her series with "Elise" is something special. Check out "must mean something in the end."

:thumb148877915:

VeraAda - I like the above portrait; I've said that the background almost looks like a painting and is all the more beautiful as a result. But I don't know that what I've posted is representative of her very large body of work. I think you need to pay attention to the photos where it looks like - or just feels - y ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Is-taking-lots-of-self-pics-good-thing-214216947 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Is-taking-lots-of-self-pics-good-thing-214216947 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:52:05 PST Is taking lots of self-pics good thing? nonadult journals/culture/editorials akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
It kinda made sense people would do that on LJ; the site is a collection of diaries. It makes sense people would do the same on Myspace or Facebook, too - a "profile" page there is dedicated to introducing oneself.

But it is a little strange on dA, to say the least. I'm not against tons of self-pics necessarily. I think a lot people uploading them actually have some awesome self-portraits, and I would hate to miss out on them.

But I do ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/5-Deviants-You-Should-Know-214216804 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/5-Deviants-You-Should-Know-214216804 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:55:07 PST 5 Deviants You Should Know nonadult journals/culture/features akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
wolfrun0 - as you can see from the chibi above, she does avatar art, and if you explore her account, you'll find all sorts of examples of other art that's just as good. Still, don't discount the avi art: a good look at the above shows she knows what she's doing with color and composition. That orange on the hair looks fiery, shaped as it is. And yet the only other colors are silver gray and brown.

:thumb150070393:

winerla - his paintings and photography are spectacular. The above is nothing short of masterful. He not only captured a winter sky in its coldness, but the bustle of a city trying to enjoy itself at night, with ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/A-few-deviants-worth-watching-214216584 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/A-few-deviants-worth-watching-214216584 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:46:10 PST A few deviants worth watching nonadult journals/culture/features akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
kittin - entering her world is entering a place where beauty alone exists, it seems. Yeah, you think I'm exaggerating, but check out "katja is," which is, despite how talented most DA members are, one of the most original illustrations/portraits I've ever seen. Her portrait "Sia" shouldn't be discounted either: it's powerful and glamorous in a way few portraits are.

steen182 - consistently excellent; I think she does animation for a living, but my goodness her drawing skills are second-to-none ]]> http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Highlighting-Highlights-228744479 http://akarra.deviantart.com/journal/Highlighting-Highlights-228744479 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:24:31 PST Highlighting Highlights nonadult journals/personal akarra http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/k/akarra.jpg?1 Copyright 2010-2013 *akarra
oreogasm - she's a friend and a very, very talented artist. She works hard on her photography but in my (poor, uninformed) opinion her drawing skills are some of the best I've seen, and I'd really like to see her get into drawing and painting and give someone like, I dunno, "Rembrandt" a run for his money. A good example of her drawing skills is here (entitled "piramidglow ]]>