Monday, December 31, 2012

Time to Make Wishes

Image credit: charlottehappening.com
Breathing heavily, the old year is preparing to depart. It has always excited me to turn a page into a new year. I am always looking forward to it like a child to birthday presents. "The way you celebrate New Year's Eve, that's what the year will be like," Russians say, and it works for me. That's why I try to leave no unfinished business in the old year.

And one of my favorite things to do is to write a list of wishes for New Year in order to look back at it when the year is over and see how much progress I have made. The truth is, sometimes we do not realize how much we have actually accomplished. The list helps to make things clear.

But of course, out of ten or so items, there's a lot left undone in the end of the year, and I do not get upset about those things. Everything has its time. The unaccomplished goals will remain on the list for the following year. As long as there is a direction and sort of a plan, everything will work out just fine.

To tell the truth, even though this was not the greatest year of all, with hurricane Sandy, the end of the world prognosis and many other bad news the TV was boasting of, I am very proud of myself looking back at 2012. I have published my first short story in an online magazine and came back to blogging. I have continued the quest for my dreams at Hunter College, and what a fruitful semester that was! I have also learned how to dance salsa and taken a few writing classes, not because I had to, but because they brought me joy and satisfaction.

I like to think of New Year as of moving to another apartment: bringing the best of my belongings with me, leaving the junk behind and making a list for the future. That's exactly what I am planning to do in the next 24 hours. Time to make wishes, ladies and gentlemen!

Friday, December 28, 2012

A Taste for Writing

image credit:
www.the-blueprints.com
There finally is a book about writing fiction that does not only teach the readers the tricks of fiction craft through writing assignments they can try when they have free time, but also tells a story of a teacher, who is struggling with her family situation and writer's block at the same time. The book is The Fiction Class by Susan Breen, and it is a pleasant and inspiring read for those who likes reading and writing stories.

The action takes place within ten weeks of Arabella Hicks' fiction writing class in New York City, over the course of which she teaches her students about plot, character, voice, etc. Every week there are in-class and take-home assignments, some of which the students share with each other. The reader feels that he or she is also present in the class learning the writing craft, contemplating the assignments and hearing the discussions.

At the same time, the book is built around Arabella's story. She is a single woman in her late thirties, whose mother is ill and resides in a nursing home. Arabella's relationship with her mother is distant; she visits her mother every Wednesday, which happened to be the day of her writing class this time. As Arabella tells her mother, Vera, about the class, she realizes that Vera herself always wanted to be a writer, and she discusses the exercises with her, wondering what her mother would make of them.

One great thing about the book is the variety of characters, the mysteries unraveled in front of the reader as the class progresses. They have their own joys and tragedies they share as they become more comfortable with the teacher and their classmates. Every one of them has different reasons for taking the fiction class, and many are wondering if they have talent for writing, to which Arabella responds that it is often not the talent but determination that makes a writer.

Of course, the most complex and vivid character is the protagonist, Arabella. She has a few flaws and a few virtues. She has not been a remarkable writer and she has never published a novel. In the beginning of the novel we are wondering if she is qualified to teach the fiction class. Whether or not she is a good daughter is also questionable. At the same time, she is very observant and not judgmental, as every writer should be.

What keeps the reader's attention throughout the book is the variety of themes the author explores. We are dealing not only with writing, but also with family, relationships, romance, calling, as well as life and death. Observing her students, Arabella often makes assumptions about them, which are sometimes right and sometimes wrong, and we see that people are so multi-dimensional that we can never be sure what to make of them.

And last but not least, the novel is well-composed and rich in descriptions, which again makes the reader feel like a part of the class. There is always a new lesson and a new visit to Vera, which we are anticipating with every page, and there is also Arabella's personal tragedy, her loneliness and helplessness that make her doubt herself from time to time, which makes it hard for a reader to close the book before the last page is read. It is definitely a novel one who is passionate about writing will appreciate.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Rate Your Professors: Your Voice Does Matter

image credit:
http://blog.schoox.com/?p=492
HURRAY! There is this moment you have been waiting for, and for a few weeks: the day after the last exam! You don't know yet how you did, but at this point, it does not matter. There will be another semester in about a month (if you are not taking winter classes, of course), but for now, it's time to do as many fun things as possible.

However, I don't recommend you to forget about school completely. A good thing to do is, before you forget all about your classes and professors, to go to Rate My Professors and leave your comments, in addition to the official evaluations your school has already asked you to fill in.

Why should you bother? Well, there are other students making their schedule right now, and they would like to know what professor they should take. School is expensive, and no one wants to waste their time with the professor they would hate. Therefore, it is important that you leave detailed comments to let others know what to expect from the professor and the course.

I have never been a fan of professors' ratings, and never bothered to read them, but this Fall semester (my first semester at Hunter College), I went online and checked the ratings of the professors I was going to take. I must admit that it helped me a lot because I knew what to expect. Most comments were truthful and helpful.

What I like best about Rate My Professors is that there is a variety of comments on the basis of which I can come to certain conclusions. There are students who use those websites to put the professors down because they did not get the grade they expected, and you can see that. If you read with attention, you can distinguish real feedback from made-up complaints. For example, "too much writing" in a writing intensive section is not a valid reason for complaining.

Thanks to the website, I managed to pick very good classes and very good professors, and I will definitely leave my rating there for the future generations of students, so that they will also have an idea about what the class will be if they sign up for it. And I definitely recommend you to have your voice heard by others as well.

Click here to get Rate My Professors iPhone App.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Running into a Story


image credit: thebrandweavers.blogspot.com
What I love the most about New York City is the fact that one doesn't have to travel the world if he or she is in New York: the world travels around him or her instead. Tonight Joyce Carol Oates, the distinguished, award-winning American writer and the guest speaker at Hunter College, appeared on my horizon as a solemn moon evoking the thoughts of creativity and inspiration. She spoke to the audience about literary inspiration, beginning with authors like Katherine Mansfield and Hermann Melville, and also sharing some of her own, for example, she admitted that looking at a picture of Marilyn Monroe in her teens moved her to do some research and resulted in her novel, Blonde. The author also mentioned that to some writers, inspiration comes in a dream (which as she confessed, has never happened to her), or through the first line that pops up out of nowhere and might make no sense at first. We all have our own ways of running into a story, or even sometimes let the story run into us, in the most unexpected ways.

There are stories that begin with a character: a real person that fascinates us, or an imaginary one, sort of a sweater to be knitted, with no hole to be left somewhere in the middle. There are also plot-driven stories where the action is more important than those who take part in it; these can be compared to a beautiful mansion we admire when passing by without having a clue to whom it belongs. And finally, some stories are erupted out of a single line, and idea that yearns for development, a sound rebellion against an empty page, and at the same time, a forest trail that might lead to a beautiful lake, or to a wolf hungry for some fresh meat. We will never know until we start running along the trail, hoping for a happy ending, hopefully a publication, or at least, some recognition of our creativity.

When I walk around New York, I seldom pay attention to faces around me. Paying attention to faces is often punished: people immediately start a conversation, or ask for some change. But at the same time, as a writer, I always try to catch a glimpse of life, of human happiness and misery, and to reflect what I saw on the pages of word documents spread around the screen of my laptop like stars on the midnight sky. Last week one of the tiny stars appeared on The Rusty Nail magazine's web page, which makes me proud and happy: at least, now there is something besides my passport that bears my name.

"Is it about you?" a few people asked me.

The thing is, sometimes we run into a story on a hideous street corner, and it bumps into us like a rude stranger strolling right through, and it is really up to us how much truth we let it keep, and how much input our imagination will provide. Let the readers create their own myths. Admit to it or deny it - all that matters is whether your story outlives you, or vanishes like a bird song into thin air before you do. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Why Buying Insurance for Your Smartphone Is a Must


Image credit: pcmag.com
During the five years I have been living in New York, I dealt with all major phone service providers except for Verizon, and from my own experience, I know that you always need to examine your bill for charges that should not be there, or go to the T-mobile store rather than to an authorized dealer like Ameritel. But the most important thing is to get insurance for your smartphone. Here is a story I wish someone told me before I got myself into all this hassle.

I became a T-mobile customer for the first time in April 2010. My boyfriend and I got a family plan for two years and received two Blackberry Bolds (both of them worked well for almost two years). In September 2011 my boyfriend decided to get the new Bold, with keyboard and touch screen, and he bought it from an authorized T-Mobile store for full price. Three months later he decided to get an iPhone and gave me his new Bold. I canceled his line and registered the new phone with my line. Our contract was to expire in 6-7 months, and I only paid half of the cancelation fee; however, to keep my line running, they made me renew my contract for another two years. I didn't understand why I had to do that, but I just got a new phone, and I was happy to stay with the company for another term, since I liked the service and I had never had any problems with T-mobile.

In March 2012, my Blackberry Bold did not turn on. I did not drop or put water on it, and it looked brand new. For some unknown reason, the software stopped working without a warning. I went to the T-mobile store, and since I didn't have insurance, they gave me a cold shoulder. They said the phone had been purchased for another line (both lines were in MY name anyway, so what's the difference), so basically, according to them, I didn't have the right to claim warranty on it. To make matters worse, I couldn't find the receipt to prove the purchase, and neither could the store where the purchase was made in September. The best suggestion of the store's clerk was to take advantage of my upcoming upgrade (meaning to buy a new smartphone and forget about the old one, for which my boyfriend and I paid over $600).

I was outraged by the treatment and the refusal to honor my warranty. I even called RIM, and I told them that the phone came out 6 months ago, and that there has to be some kind of a warranty for up to a year. I was told that they agreed with service providers like T-Mobile that the providers would be responsible for the warranty. The bottom line was, no matter what I did and whom I called, my problem was not solved.

As a result, I went to AT&T store and purchased an iPhone 4S (which cost me $200, compared to $300 for a Samsung Galaxy T-Mobile offered me WITH UPGRADE). When I called customer service to cancel my contract, they miraculously "found" my Blackberry Bold purchase and were willing to work with me (when I called or inquired in different stores, they claimed they didn't see the purchase in their computers as though it had never happened). This was after three days of me having no phone, calling the Customer Care, and going back and forth to various T-Mobile stores.

It was tempting to agree to their conditions and get a new Blackberry Bold, but at the same time, I felt nauseous thinking that I would have to deal with T-Mobile customer service again if something happens. With a sigh of sadness (money lost on Blackberry) and relief (no more T-Mobile), I said, "No, thanks," and went on to exploring my new iPhone.

And by the way, because I canceled my T-Mobile contract, I was hit with a $200 cancelation fee, which would not apply to me had they not prolonged my contract for two years at the time I canceled my boyfriend's line for a known-only-to-them reason.

As of now, I have been an iPhone user and an AT&T customer for over 6 months. Four months after I got the phone, the speakers stopped working. I did have Apple Care, and I contacted the company. Polite and helpful representatives attempted to solve my problem over the phone on Sunday evening, and when it didn't help, they made an appointment for me to visit a store for a possibility of repair or even phone replacement. The following day I went to the SoHo Apple Store, and my speakers were replaced within an hour. "You don't have to pay anything; it is covered by the warranty," I was told. I didn't have to go around with a poorly functioning phone longer than 24 hours, as I had to with T-Mobile.

So it all comes to this: if you know you're dealing with T-Mobile (for example, if their prices are more appealing than AT&T's), you need to get insurance. Otherwise, if something happens to your smartphone, you're in a sinking boat in the middle of the Atlantic. 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

When a Loop Does Not Close

Image credit: screeninvasion.com

An exciting time travel tale, "Looper," directed by Rian Johnson ("Brick," "The Brothers Bloom") is a movie that, given its plot split in the middle, still manages to hold the viewers' attention till the end. Its complicated subject might leave you perplexed at times, but never bored, and even if you feel lost or annoyed towards the end, the final scene will make it up to you, and you will leave the movie theater convinced that "Looper" was indeed a film worth watching.

One of the first things you appreciate about the movie is that the science fiction terms and concepts are clearly explained to you right off the bat. You immediately learn that a looper is a hit man, whose job is to assassinate people thrown into his time from the future. Time travel is kept in secret, and once a looper has done his job for a certain amount of time, and if he is still alive, the administration might decide to "close his loop," that is to send the looper an older version of himself, which the looper must kill. After that, the looper gets a large sum of money and is free to go wherever he pleases. He has, however, only 30 years to live till the secret service picks him up and delivers him to the younger version of himself who, in turn, must kill him.

Quite an odd circle, as you see.

But what happens when your "loop," the older version of yourself, refuses to be killed and fights back? This is what Joe (Joseph Gordon Lewitt, "The Dark Knight Rises,""(500) Days of Summer,"), the protagonist of "Looper," is dealing with throughout the film.

The main concept of the film - time travel  - which had appeared in such movies as for instance, "Back to the Future," and "Hot Tub Time Machine," is already a well-developed topic. As it often happens, by means of traveling in time, a character is able to change his or someone else's future, and this is exactly what Joe's loop (Bruce Willis) is trying to do. Imagine how uncomfortable it is when your future is your own antagonist, who shows up out of the blue and does everything possible to change your present, and how much fun it is to watch.

Speaking of concept, it must be said that despite its science fiction nature, the movie is still believable. For the most part, you have no doubts that all of this could happen some time in the future. The only exception is when "the loop" knocks Joe down with nothing but a golden plate (and that's after not dying from a wound caused by a weapon that looks a shorter and fatter version of bazooka).

In terms of composition, the story develops in circles. The characters keep coming back to the same places, for example, a diner, or Joe's apartment. This structure is the illustration of the idea that since the future of the main character is predetermined, it will always be the same thing all over again, and that a radical twist, not just a modification is needed to break the circle. By the end of the movie, we realize it together with Joe, and therefore, the ending for us is cathartic rather than sad.

With all its sophistication and tragedy, the movie is also somewhat humorous, which is achieved through Kid Blue (Noah Segan, "All About Evil," "Undocumented"), a character who tries to do his job well, but instead, since he is a bad shooter and often comes up with the worst ideas, he causes more trouble every time he attempts to correct his past mistakes. The character makes us laugh at him and sympathize with him at the same time, and he is truly the most colorful image in this tangled and sinister story.

And finally, even though the plot of the movie is built around hit men, this film is not overly bloody. Most of the atrocities we need to know of are hinted at, and quite tastefully, so that we understand what is there, but don't see anything specific. Thus, the viewers who are especially sensitive to bloody scenes, can relax and enjoy the show.

To sum it all up, if you're still thinking whether to watch "Looper" or not to watch it, don't wait any longer. It is a well-done film that will leave you with a lot to think of and nothing to regret about.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

NaNoWriMo: The Magic Spell of a Deadline

Thanks to NaNoWriMo
for the widget and the opportunity
Struggling with my writer's block, for over a year, I have been longing for a way to overcome it. Therefore, when I learned about NaNoWriMo, a voice in my head whispered, "This is your chance. You must do it." And here I am, on the day 7, in just the beginning of my journey with almost 7900 words written so far and plenty of ideas about how my plot will develop.

Due to the fact that I had been looking forward to the challenge since the middle of October, I was anxious to begin, and during the first day alone I wrote over 2400 words, which is probably the most I've written so far of one novel in a day. It's amazing how magical a deadline is for me. For those who have no clue what NaNoWriMo is, I have to explain that it stands for National Novel Writing Month, and the point of the challenge is to write a complete novel of 50 000 words or more in the month of November. The ones who manage to do it in a month or less will receive a certificate confirming that they have done it. It is really not a big deal. There is no reward, but for those who, like I, are stuck on page 27 of a novel constantly editing the same page over and over, the challenge is liberating. Whenever I have time, I sit down and write everything that comes to mind, and as I'm done for the day, the voice in my head whispers, "What you wrote sucks. You have to go back and edit it." But because I have a deadline, I tell the voice to shut up; otherwise I would never finish on time.

Surprisingly, the voice listens, and next time I start where I finished off, not in the least worried about whether the scenes are well-developed or not.

The truth is, if nothing is written, there is nothing to edit. It is especially true for those who are, like I, don't outline. You can't edit an unfinished story; you will worry about that when you have a manuscript - a completed one - in front of you. For now, just write. And as far as I'm concerned, I find this insane flow of inspiration in "just writing," and I feel like I'm finally breathing in life to the full capacity of my lungs.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

A Nap for the City That Never Sleeps

Never say never.

Who would think that a city like New York would stop all of its activity for a day. We are so used to being able to ride subways day and night and buy groceries any time we want. Still, being locked up in one's house is not as bad as, for example, losing power - something I dreaded the most. I didn't buy extra food or extra water, but I did charge all of my electronic devices.

Luckily for me, even though the lights blinked throughout all of Monday evening, the power stood up to the challenge, which made me appreciate the place where I live even more.

And not only that. It is amazing that nowadays people are able to predict natural disasters and get ready for them. Imagine what would happen to the people residing in zones A, B and C if they didn't know they needed to evacuate (I'm sure there are still some who didn't) and to the subways, still covered in water. Sandy did caused a few deaths, but had we not been ready for it, there would be many more casualties. Modern technology is something we are used to and often don't appreciate. Yes, in most cases it's just a matter of convenience, but when there is a natural disaster, knowing saves lives.

Of course, knowing freaks us out as well. Had we not known, we would probably sleep better, not worrying about what would happen. We would not have to reassure ourselves and others that "it's just going to be a lot of wind and rain." We would just relax and go on with our lives until it hit us.

Personally for me, since I live outside of all danger zones, the hurricane turned out to be nothing more but the wind that fiercely knocked at my door all night and the rain that locked me up in my house for two days, Monday and Tuesday. It was scary, but it did give me an extra day to sleep and study indoors. Having no desire to observe the natural disaster outdoors, I didn't even think of coming out. The whole city is closed down - where does anyone want to go?

The subway system is still out, but the buses resumed the service; therefore, the city gradually awakens from its short nap. It will take time to repair the damage, but time and hard work will heal the wounds. What we need to remember, though, is that as New Yorkers, we almost never see time stopping and the city sleeping. We often feel that the guy with a bicycle is going down the subway stairs too slowly and it's because of him we miss the upcoming train. In reality, however, life happens, and we don't need to get upset and annoyed. Instead, we must always make the best out of every day. Life goes by so quickly that it's not as important to miss the train as it is devastating to rush through the life and miss the best of it.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Counting Crows in Port Chester

Adam Duritz
Counting Crows in Port Chester, NY
Touring the country and giving the fans a chance to hear and see them live, an American alternative rock band, Counting Crows, made an appearance last night at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. The formula of a successful performance usually consists of three components: a lively crowd, dedicated musicians and a comfortable venue, and this Tuesday, October 23, all three played in unison.

Walking into the Capitol Theatre, one noticed right away that the venue was enormous, and the ceilings were high, and the sound was loud enough to make talking to friends or bartenders problematic. At the same time, it did not overwhelm anyone's ears or leave people temporarily deafened. It was, indeed, a perfect venue for the concert, since the bars and the restrooms were conveniently located close to the main area with the stage, so, even if one got distracted from the performance to get a beer or a cocktail, he or she could still hear the band, and did not miss anything.

The bands that started the evening played alternative rock as well, but the crowd was just getting into the mood, more enthusiastic about buying drinks, or getting a "21+ bracelet," for that reason. The venue even felt half-empty because people spread around, chatting, and many, probably, were still on the way. On the contrary, when Counting Crows appeared on stage (with about 10-15 minutes delay, which made the crowd boil with anticipation even more), everyone gathered in front of the stage, ready for a great show.


The Capitol Theatre stage
And a great show it definitely was. The lead singer, Adam Duritz, was singing his soul out, constantly moving around and interacting with the audience. The rest of the band was also all-in; one could feel that they loved being there and playing for the crowd. The concert began with newer songs that not many people knew, and there was less applause as compared to the end of the night when almost everyone was singing along and clapping their hands (amongst absolute favorites of the evening was, for example, the song "Friend of the Devil"). There was a lot of screaming to the point of voice loss, and plenty of pictures and videos were taken using the newest technology smartphones. The love for the band united the crowd, and everyone was friendly and polite towards others (that is, if you closed your eyes on beer cans, plastic cups and other garbage left on the floor after the show).

As the evening progressed, in addition to the light effects that would go from illuminating the stage to covering it in darkness, there were also shades on the ceiling. In the beginning of the concert, the shades looked like gentle orchids that moved clockwise, and towards the end the shades appeared in the colors of sunset, followed by screen-saver-like blue bubbles. The audience was torn between taking pictures of the band and observing the ceiling light play - so beautiful it was.

And last but not least, the staff of the venue was nice and sweet, giving the crowd a warm welcome at the door and politely showing them around inside the venue. Their "Have a nice evening" and "Thanks for coming" sounded sincere and professional at the same time. A nice good-bye is often the reason for another visit. After all, the ambiance is always one-third of the success of any performance.

Overall, the Counting Crows concert in Port Chester turned out to be a memorable night, one of those that inspire a non-fan, or a not-quite-fan to research the band online or even buy an album. Needless to say, those who already loved the band were happy to see them in the area and enjoyed the concert with a few hundreds of people who gathered there for the same reason.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Chord of Two Cultures

image credit:
freewebs.com
This Monday, October 15, the Mid-Manhattan branch of New York Public Library hosted a poetry reading, organized by non-profit NYC-based CAUSA ARTIUM and the Debut Prize Foundation (Debut is a literary competition of beginning Russian writers under 35). During the event, both Russian and American poets had a chance to read their poems and converse with each other. The three Russian poets, Dina Gatina, Alla Gorbunova and Lev Oborin, were the Debut Prize winners at various times. The event was moderated by David Lehman, an NYC-based editor, literary critic and poet, who was upbeat and positive throughout the evening as he introduced each poet and read extracts from their works.

The reading was quite fast-paced. Every poet was given 12 minutes (3-4 poems, on average). The Russians were reading their poems in their native language, and translation was provided for each poem by John William Narins, the executive director of CAUSA ARTIUM. Therefore, understanding Russian was a plus, but not a must. Surprisingly, even for those fluent in both languages the translation was helpful, since modern poetry is generally hard to listen to. The last means of organization - rhyme - is no longer crucial, and it was at times really difficult to stay tuned. When the translation was provided, however, the audience was given a second chance to dive into the meaning of each poem and think it through one more time.

The first poet to take the stage was Dina Gatina, a young and well-known in Russian literary circles poet, who spoke only in Russian, and her interaction with the audience always included the translator. Her poetry was built on repetitions, often in the most unexpected places, and she let them speak for themselves providing no explanation at all. Her poetry reflected on her surroundings and showed how she perceived the world. When interacting with the audience, she seemed shy and uncomfortable, but at the same time, she was confident in her word choices and statements.

Gatina was followed by a Poet Laureate of Brooklyn 2010 and a poetry professor, Tina Chang, who was born in Oklahoma and raised in New York City. In contrast to Gatina, Chang gave a foreword for her every poem. She spoke about how a wolf in her poem was tied to her childhood fears and her being a mom, and she also shared her interest in Chinese culture and literature and her fascination with the Chinese Empress Dowager, who appeared in one of her poems. Chang's performance started the wave of the poet-audience interaction that other readers continued.

The next poet up was Alla Gorbunova, who is not only a poet, but also a translator, reviewer, journalist and a university teacher. She addressed the audience directly, with a mixture of Russian and British accent, and she talked a little bit about her poems. They were quite short and sophisticated with reflection on life and the world around us. The images of nature also played an important role in many of Gorbunova's poems. When she chatted with the audience, her voice was weak and trembling, whereas when she read her poetry, it was loud and vibrant. Russian poets, in general, seemed to stay within their own shell, while the Americans smiled wider and talked more eagerly.

After Gorbunova another American poet, Heather Christle, the winner of the 2012 Believer Poetry Award, took the stage. She was sweet and talkative, and she mentioned her fascination with Russian poetry in addition to giving a preface to some of her poems. She held the audience's attention, and her images, for example, "a small husband," were creative and simple at the same time. Christle stole the audience's hearts, and received a great amount of applause when she finished her last poem - the shout out to a Russian poet, Vladimir Mayakovskii.

When the women poets had shared their work with the audience, it was the men's turn to keep the evening going. The next poet after Christle was Lev Oborin, the youngest of all the poets who attended the reading. At the age of 25, Oborin is already an accomplished figure as a poet, critic, literary translator from English and Polish and an editor of the Russian edition of Rolling Stones. Oborin was the only poet who used rhymes more or less consistently at the end of his lines, and Narins did a marvelous job of recreating them in his translations, for which the author thanked him during the reading. The most memorable Oborin's image was the ducks getting sucked in by the softness of the bread people threw at them.

And last but not least, there was Matthew Yeager, whose longest poem, as announced by the moderator, David Lehman, took up 12 pages. Yeager is a successful poet and award-winning short film maker, who also won the 2009 Barthelme Prize in Short Proze and two McDowell fellowships. He read only two poems of his, but the first one, "You Are Henry Hudson," was a very long one, of which he warned the audience beforehand. Yeager was the most confident speaker, and he didn't feel shy to use a strong word in his poems. Despite the length of the poem and constant repetitions, the poet managed to hold the listeners' attention till the end and received a round of applause for his reading.

The evening ended with a conversation between the two cultures. The poets got a chance to ask questions and exchange ideas. Amazingly enough, even if we live on different sides of the world and are fascinated with dissimilar historical figures, we are contemporaries, and we have similar experiences, and it is very well reflected in our creative work. Given the language barrier and the cultural gap, the poets sounded in unison, related to each other and happily shared what was meaningful to them. As the world is becoming global, and as New York continues to be the capital of the world, let us hope that there will be more intercultural art lovers meetings during which we can get acquainted with each other and learn from each other.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Why Are We So Sensitive to Curse Words?

Image credit:
dailyapple.blogspot.com
"Brooklyn is the shit," said Rachel and Tamara, two acquaintances of mine, addressing their friend who had just arrived from Italy.

"Why do you say Brooklyn is shit?" he asked, perplexed.

"Not shit. The shit. The difference is, you see, the shit is really-really good, and shit is really-really bad. Do you understand?"

I smiled listening to it. Curse words never have a good answer for "why." You just learn what they mean and use them when you're angry or upset. But, being just words, why do they insult us so much and why we often feel uneasy when hearing them?

I personally noticed that obscene words of another language do not insult me as much as the foul speech of my own language, and I don't like teaching people bad Russian words. Not that I don't know them or don't ever use them. I just feel that they are reserved for certain situations and should not be dropped around in vain. Therefore, the first reason why curse words are so disturbing is because they create the effect of shock on people who hear them. However, if used often enough, they lose their "magic power."

Second of all, it is the purpose of using the words that shakes us most. People swear when they hate or disrespect someone, or when their patience reaches its limits. Think about it: if you're really angry at your parents or your teachers, you are not likely to curse them out because you feel their authority and do not want to show disrespect, whereas when talking to your friends or acquaintances, you feel more comfortable and might use a word or two. It used to be considered impolite to swear in front of "a lady" (any woman, basically), and I still appreciate when people apologize to me if they said something inappropriate.

Third of all, if we look into the nature of many "bad words," we can see that many deal with religion. God damn, for instance, or hell. If we look into the origin of the word profanity, we can see that it is literally translated from Latin profanus as 'before (outside) the temple,' meaning 'desecrating what is holy,' according to Wikipedia. In other words, they first appeared as the expression of blasphemy - the words that were unacceptable to use. And even though we no longer make that connection, we still feel that there's something wrong with using them.

And finally, the society has strong associations, stereotypes, if you wish, with people using curse words in their everyday life. We don't expect a professor to use foul language, while a truck driver is almost expected to drop "an f-bomb" here and there. We think that it has something to do with education and the way the person is brought up, or with his or her politeness. Thus, when we hear a nasty word, we right away make an assumption that the person who said the word lacks culture.

And nevertheless, profane words are just words, and they are an important part of our language. It is not accidental that people create euphemisms to replace "bad words" - we need them to express the boiling point of our emotions. However, we must always remember that there are other people around us, and that by using inappropriate language we might offend them or leave an impression contrary to the one we would like to leave.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

What Makes a Great Zumba Instructor

image credit:
sangwann.olx.com.mt
and other wonderful  instructors

Born as improvisation of a traditional aerobics class, Zumba dancing is practiced to a fun mix of Latin and international music. The concept of Zumba is to turn your workout into a party, and dance off your extra calories while having the time of your life. There is a variety of movements that you need to repeat after the instructor, but what you're really aiming at is to keep dancing and burning calories, even if you can't do it right at first.

The concept is wonderful; however, after I have taken different Zumba classes all over the city, I must say that not every class drew me in. Of course, a whole lot depends on the location and price, but most importantly, it is the instructor who makes us come back week after week for more, and in my opinion, the perfect Zumba instructor is someone who:

1. Is easy to follow. Zumba is very fast and intense, and at first, it's hard to keep up with an instructor, especially if it's all new to you. It is frustrating when you feel like you are always dragging behind the class. While everybody is jumping up and down, you're still getting your footwork right, and all you want to do is to never come back to the class. Therefore, it is awesome when the instructor constantly reminds you of what you're supposed to do and shows beforehand what the next dance will be like, or - even better - slows down at first and speeds up by the end of the song. This is crucial for the beginners, and is often the reason why they stay motivated throughout the class.

2. Is "all there." It is important to feel the positive energy and see that it is not only you who sweats the extra weight out. It helps when the instructor is also working it and is excited about the music and the moves. On the contrary, if the instructor plays with her hair putting it up and down throughout the whole class, starts the class late, or lets the class go early all the time, you feel that she (or he) is not fully there with you.

3. Doesn't encourage long pauses. You are always allowed to drink water or take breaks whenever you wish if you feel that the workout is too much for you; however, you don't want to be left hanging while the instructor is searching for the next single. It breaks down the workout for those who are not new and want to push themselves even harder. It is even worse when you're asked, "What are you guys want to do next?" Most people come to Zumba to do what they are showed to do, and questions like these frustrate people, and not only the new ones.

4. Is in tune with everyone. Sometimes when there are lots of people in the class, it becomes difficult to see the instructor and to perform well. It is amazing when the instructor catches that and moves around to help people get back on track. Sometimes there's only one person, who is totally lost, and if it's you, you definitely appreciate when the instructor comes around and assists you.

5. Keeps it simple. Some people are better dancers than others, so if the choreography is too difficult, those who have two left feet are likely to give up on Zumba and never come back to the class. If one song is more difficult than the other, that's fine, as long as the whole class doesn't feel like a ballet rehearsal to the newbies.

6. Leaves you with sore muscles. When you work out and don't feel sore, you probably didn't push yourself hard enough. Zumba is a very intense kind of exercise, and it should leave you with some minor muscle pain, and good instructors will make sure that your whole body is working.

7.And finally, you know you had a great instructor if the last song came as a surprise. You don't want to suffer through the class and long for it to end. You want to have fun and make the best of it, so if it feels like an hour lasts a week, you should probably look for another class.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Fiction Writing Develops Like a Love Affair

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Is there a story you would like to tell the world? Many people admit that they would love to write a book one day; however, not everyone ends up writing one. If you are one of those people who are eager to turn their aspirations into a short story or novel, you might find it useful to learn what goes into the writing process, or an affair with your book, metaphorically. Here are a few stages you are likely to go through:

1. Brainstorming, or "falling in love." You come up with an idea, and soon enough you become obsessed with it. You feel it's going to be a great story, but you are unsure how to approach the subject of you passion, i.e. how to write the story you have in mind. This stage might be short or long, depending on you. Some people like to outline, while others prefer to think it through and then sit down and get straight to writing.

2. The first draft, or "the fist date." This is the time when you are not worried about a long-term relationship. You just get it all out on paper; you are not concerned about grammar, or character development. All you need to know at this point is what your story will be, in a rough draft. Will it be a short fiction piece, or a few years' work? This is the best, most romantic stage because you can bring out the best of your creative abilities without any restraints.

3. Revising and editing, or "the commitment stage." As no relationship goes without arguments and compromises, no first draft is final unless you give up on your book whatsoever. Even though revising and editing are parts of the same process, there is a significant difference between the two. When you revise, you build up the story by means of inserting stronger scenes, or developing characters making them better-rounded and more fascinating to the reader. As soon as you know you've written the best story you could, you can move to editing - polishing your grammar and syntax, as well as finding better words to express your ideas. This is the most difficult and labor-intensive stage. The more effort you put into your"relationship," the better your book will be.

4. Submitting your work to publishers, or "the engagement period." At this point, you know that you want to get your book to print, and you need to find an agent in order to achieve your goal. Similar to the preparation for a wedding, a lot of research is going into submitting your work to publishers. You have to know who might be interested in what you've written and find the best way to present it to them. During the process, you might encounter lots of refusals, but don't get discouraged. Luckily, there are plenty of publishers, and there will be someone who would love to publish your book. When you get refusals, pay attention to what the reasons were. Maybe you need to tighten up your writing, or maybe they are looking for a different kind of stories. "Engagement period" is always stressful, but also rewarding - when it's over, your book will finally see the world.

5. Post-publishing period, or "the honeymoon." This is the sweetest time of all. Your goal is achieved, and your book is now on Barnes and Nobles bookshelves, or on Amazon. You might be going to book signings and promote your novel/story through all your social networks. Enjoy; you worked hard for it, and in the meantime, decide what your next book will be about, and start the process all over again.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

9 Ideas for Stress Relief

image credit:
FreeDigitalPhotos.net



The economy is tough. Prices go up, and salaries remain the same. In addition, many people, not only in the US, but all over the world live in constant fear of being laid off. There's so much stress in our everyday lives that we just need to let it go and treat ourselves every so often. Here are some good ways to help yourself and let the steam out:

1. Get a massage. It is great for relaxing tight spots on your back and letting your mind go.  Yeah, it might be expensive, especially if you are a deep tissue massage lover, and your motto is, "If it doesn't hurt, it doesn't work." However, don't forget that there are Living Social and Groupon deals that might help you out.

2. Spend a day in a bathhouse. When you catch an occasional cold, your fever helps to sweat the infection out. Using a sauna creates artificial fever that works just as well. Switch back and forth between sauna and cold shower until you are exhausted, peel off a great deal of dead skin cells, and feel like a totally new person.

3. Sleep well. Modern world is fast-paced, and we often have to get more than one job to be able to pay for everything we need. However, never cut back on sleep. When you doze off, your body relaxes and restores its power. If your cell phone battery is drained, you can't make a phone call. Similarly, if you don't get enough rest, your body crashes, and you get sick. Therefore, cut back on watching TV and surfing the web if you have to, and make it a nice zzzz time.

4. Always get at least one day off a week. Everyone needs a no-obligation day. You would think that it's better having no days off and work eight hours as opposed to toiling for fifteen hours and have that one day to yourself. You are wrong if you think that. Not only do you have to tend to various chores like laundry and housekeeping, but you also need to let your mind forget about the job and everything that goes with it, and enjoy something you love doing (sometimes it is sleeping, which is totally fine).

5. Get together with old friends. People who love you unconditionally and make you laugh will always make your day brighter. If you're feeling stressed out, it often helps to talk to someone who can give you a piece of advice, or support you with kind words. Don't keep it all to yourself. Share with someone who cares. Sometimes talking about your problems is a relief in itself.

6. Try a new hobby. Learning occupies your mind and leaves less time for worrying. Maybe it's time to take weaving classes, or start dancing. Whatever it is you have always wanted to try, go for it. As a bonus, you will make new friends and might even create meaningful connections. It all depends on what your goals are.

7. Get a pet. Caring for someone uses up the energy you would normally devote to stressing yourself out. Walking a dog is not only picking up its poop; it is also admiring the beauty of a park in the autumn at 5 am. A purring kitty warms up your lap like no blanket ever will. Animals are good listeners and devoted friends, so if you don't have one, you should adopt one and see how rewarding it is.

8. Exercise. "Here we go again," you might say. But working out is crucial. It pushes your body to burn calories, speeds up your metabolism, tightens up your muscles and makes you feel good. Our bodies are intended to be active. Run if you like, walk, or take a yoga class. Don't turn it into a routine. Instead, experiment and keep it interesting. Doing the same thing over and over will eventually bore you, and you will give up on that gym, no matter how close to your house, or work, or school it is.

9. And finally, don't let the stress demons possess you. Show who's the boss and be the master of your own fortune. It is your choice whether to sit there and whine how miserable your life is, or to make a move and do something good for yourself and others. 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Teaching a Child Manners

image crédit:
etiquetteoutreach.com
Living in a metropolis like New York City, many of us have to commute to work, school or other places of interest, and a train ride often lasts for an hour or even longer. There are smelly foods eaten by those who haven't had time for a proper lunch, loud music piercing through someone's headphones, and two ladies (often Chinese) screaming at each other from the opposite sides of the car. What can make it worse? A yelling nine year old riding the train with his/her parents, who say nothing to the brat as though wailing into another passenger's ear is an absolutely normal thing to do.

If you are one of those parents, please, do the community and yourself a favor; educate them before it's too late. Note: education is not yelling and beating, but rather teaching the child to be aware and considerate of people around, which one day along the road will include you as well.

Here is what you can do to teach your youngster some manners:

1. Explain what is rude and disrespectful, for example kicking people or staring at them. They would not want someone do that to them, so they shouldn't do it either.

2. Channel their attention. Make sure they are occupied at all times. A book or some cartoons will do. If they are entertained and busy, they won't have time for screaming.

3. Persuade them to behave like adults. Children love to be treated as equals, and they hate to be called "cry babies," so use this to your advantage.

4. Pay attention to the child's needs. Why is he/she screaming? Is it hunger or desire to be noticed? Listening to your children helps understand and correct the behavior.

5. And finally, let them know that what they are doing is wrong and it upsets you. You need to teach them to respect and please you, so why not start doing it now?

And remember: children are not born naughty or obedient. Everything depends on you, from their first lesson in manners to their bright future you definitely want them to have.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

How to Build Up Your Credit History and Not Go Broke

Image credit:
blog.studentloannetwork.com

Looking back at the summer of 2007 when I just moved to New York City, I remember my first disappointment: I couldn't get a plan with AT&T. I was denied because my credit history was not established, and I was offered to pay a deposit of $500 in order to get a two-year contract with the company. The money was supposed to be returned a year after, but it seemed like a lot to pay compared to Sprint and T-Mobile, and I walked out of the store promising myself that I would work on establishing my credit history.

Easier said than done. I tried applying for credit cards at Macy's, Sleepy's, Century 21 and online, and I was denied again and again. Sometimes I'd just fill up an application knowing in advance that there would be a letter in the mail to inform me that there was "insufficient information" on me, or something of the kind. People consoled me saying that no credit history is better than bad credit history, but I knew there had to be something I could do to start building up my credit, and thus my research began.

What I learned was that building up your credit is actually not so difficult once you get your foot in the door, which in itself is not easy. One of the things you can do if you are in the same boat I was is to go to your bank and ask if they can give you a secured credit card meaning that you will have to deposit a few hundreds and they will use the money as your credit limit for a few months. As soon as you start paying back and they see that you are trustworthy, your credit history will boost, and you will get lots of offers in the mail.

In the meantime, keep applying for the credit cards you receive offers for. As I was ready to request a secured credit card, I got an offer from Capital One and - wow - they said yes!

A few months after I paid each of my bills on time, my mailbox was loaded with other offers. When it happens to you, see what annual percentage rates (APRs) are better than the one you already have. You want to aim for 10-12%, while your first offer might be around 25%, for the lack of a better proposal. There usually are cards from banks like Credit One that charge you twice as much interest compared to more established banks, plus high annual and maintenance fees. Avoid those at all cost. Believe me, there are better deals. Keep looking.

Be careful, though: that first credit card will supply you with some "free" money you can spend on anything you wish. The "free" is actually not free; you will have to pay it back eventually, so use it wisely. As your credit history boosts, your credit limit will become bigger and bigger, and there will be more temptations. When the desire to buy something is unbearable, always remember that if you don't pay back, you will get hit by high interest, and if you only pay the minimum amount every month, it might take you over a year to pay back the debt; therefore, it might be a good idea to evaluate how much you can pay every month without having to starve or limit yourself in other ways.

And by the way, you should never use up all the credit limit. You are usually given 25-28 days to pay your balance, and if you don't, you will be charged interest, depending on the amount you owe and the APR, which takes from your credit limit as well. In addition, we all have unplanned expenses we use the credit card for, so it's a good idea to have some extra money just in case the car breaks down and the repair is time-sensitive.

Finally, when you credit history is good enough and you have a few accounts, always monitor the cards even if you don't use them. Make sure there are no fraudulent charges on any of them. If you see something suspicious on your statement, go to your bank and make matters clear. It is very important that you know how much you spend and what charges you or other authorized users are responsible for, and which ones you had nothing to do with.

If you do everything right and always pay on time, you will earn a good credit score, and a lot of doors will open in front of you. In the end of 2011 I finally got an I-phone with AT&T, deposit-free, and I received a few offers for car loans, and let me tell you something: good credit score is much better than no credit score, so there is no reason for you not to start establishing your credibility and enjoy things you can't pay in cash for.






Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Cool Apple Products for a Writer to Have

Image credit: true-color-of-mind.blogspot.com
The wave of new computer technology swept away the generation of PCs and enchanted our contemporaries with its user-friendliness. The series of commercials, "I'm Mac, and I'm a PC," fails to leave no smile on your face no matter how hard you try. The only people who are not happy are those who produce the old generation computers that still catch viruses and make you feel like a computer genius when you find the Control Panel. If you still own an antique computer, it's time to go "Apple picking" - the happiest purchase you can ever make, especially if you use your computer a lot. 

Read: if you're a writer and you need to spend hours typing your brilliant ideas into a laptop.


But yes, I hear your concerns. Apple computers are usually two times more 

expensive than an average PC, but they are super fast, easy to use and save your information, and last but not least, they look great, with new Macbook Pro's all-aluminium unibody. If you're looking for a lighter and cheaper option, you can try Macbook Air, as small as 11-inch screen, great for those who carry their laptops around a lot. Macbook Air does not come with a CD reader, however, so if you feel like you need one eventually, you can buy it separately any time later. 

As we are becoming more mobile and need the technology to make our everyday load lighter, Apple comes up with iPads, elegant tablets, simple substitutes for a laptop. You can't burn or read CDs or use Flash players on those, but iPads, which come in 3G and Wi-Fi, are great for surfing the web on the go, storing your photos and music, reading books and newspapers and many other great things. There are lots of free and inexpensive applications like Maps, Facebook, various games and now iTunes U (which you can use to take online classes on World Literature or Creative Writing absolutely free from anywhere you are). You can even get an application that allows you to create and edit documents on your iPad, and you also able to keep up with your e-mail and see whether the publisher is ready to send you on your way to the bookshelves.


If an iPad is too big and expensive for you, then you should opt for an iPod touch, a smaller version of an iPad, which is just as functional. Of course, you don't get the big display and the 3G option of an iPad, but you can still use the Internet at a place where Wi-Fi is available and use the applications that don't require a wireless connection. You can even text and call free to different countries provided that the person you're calling has the same application through Pinger, Whats App, Viber and other applications, so you can stay in touch with many writers abroad.


And finally, there is the fastest and most convenient smartphone ever, iPhone 4S, with Siri as its hottest feature. If someone told you five years ago that you would be able to talk to a phone and get a response, you would think they were crazy. Now you can ask Siri for directions or information, as well as order it to send a text message or set up a reminder. This way you can spend more time writing you next bestseller and not worrying about everyday chores.


And don't forget the wonderful Time Capsule, which functions as a wireless router and at the same time saves all of your drafts through the Time Machine. Instead of keeping a pile of papers under your desk, enter your Time Machine from you Macbook Pro and restore any draft you composed before. You can even keep both drafts and compare them, and you can be absolutely sure than nothing you write will get lost if you hit the delete button by mistake.


Not only it is amazing how much you can do on one of those Apple devices, it is also great that if your phone or iPod touch has technical problems, Apple will always be there to help you out. Unlike RIM, who don't take responsibility for defects of their Blackberries, Apple geniuses are polite and willing to help you over the phone or in an Apple store in your area. They always take care of your problem in a timely manner and will give you a new device if they can't fix the problem with the old one. 


Therefore, if you're still convinced that Apple products would break your budget, think about how much easier and more pleasant they would make your everyday writing life. It's almost like unnatural in size Red Delicious versus organic Macintosh apples: when you taste the real thing, you will know the difference right away and will never go back to the old ways. Technology is advancing forward, so why should you stump in place?












Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Living Social in New York: The Benefits of Salsa Dancing

image credit:
salsa-dancing-addict.com
If you were to walk around New York City asking random people, "Do you salsa dance?" you would be surprised how many people would say yes to the question. Here are a few reasons why you should try it, too:

1. Great exercise. Learning cuban motion, you will end up loosening up your body and work out most, if not all, your lower body muscles.

2. It's fun. Two hours of working out your abs, gluts and inner and outer hips have never been so pleasant. The music is great, the movements are simple, and the better you become at spinning around and performing various steps, the more exciting it becomes.

3. New hobby. If you have trouble occupying your free time, this might be a wonderful option. There is no limit to salsa perfection: you can always learn new moves, and you will never stop developing. At the same time, you might only master basic steps and never go beyond your classroom, or shine at a local nightclub. It's all up to you, wherever you would like to take it.

4. Meeting people. Bouncing between work and home, it is always hard to make new connections, so it is awesome to attend classes and social dance parties at your school or any other school. You will practice your steps and get a chance to meet lots of people at the same time, whether you're looking for love or just new friends.

5. Access to classes. Living in any of the New York City boroughs, you will always be able to find a conveniently located school. There are lots of dance schools in Park Slope-Bay Ridge area and also in Midtown Manhattan, but there are also schools in Astoria, Corona and other neighborhoods. Find one you will have no problem getting to by car, train, or bus, and go there to check out the ambiance and teachers. You have lots of choices, so make sure you're making the best you can.

6. Price range. Depending on your goals, you can always stay within your budget. Schools usually offer both private classes for those who want to improve quicker, and group classes, which are much cheaper and more affordable. And of course, thanks to Living Social and Groupon deals, you can now get a month of unlimited classes for as little as $30 to see if this is really your cup of tea, which is fantastic considering that most schools charge about $60/month for one class.

7. Skill that you will never lose. It's almost like riding a bicycle. You might need some time to feel comfortable if you take a long break, but in general, your body will always go with the rhythm. Therefore, if you have salsa danced before, you should definitely find some time to get back into it.

As you see, there are lots of pluses that come with signing up for that first class, so if you feel like this is the time, go ahead and google salsa classes in your area and see for yourself what everyone in the city is so crazy about.


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

6 Worst Pick Up Lines

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Wandering the streets of New York City, we can't help bumping into one another. Sometimes a guy would see a girl of his dreams, and his palms would be sweaty with nervousness, while his brain tissue would warm up producing a good pick up line, after which her heart would supposedly melt like strawberry ice-cream and would belong to him forever. However, there are certain pick up lines that often turn your love-at-first-sight's back at you. Here are some examples of what NOT to say to a girl you want to break the ice with:

"You look gorgeous! Have you had plastic surgeries?" Hello, it is NOT a compliment to tell someone that they look like someone who had a nose job or a face lift. It's always her natural beauty, even when it's really not natural, that a woman likes to be praised for.

"You must be 25 (26, 27, 30, 45 etc.)" NEVER ask a woman about her age: if she is younger than you guessed, you will be her mortal enemy. Even 25 year olds want to look 17, and they are often mistaken for 30 year olds. Save yourself the trouble and let her age be her secret. If you like her looks, isn't that all that matters?

"You're exotic!" This sounds racist and not flattering at all. You can't risk to be offensive when you're trying to earn a girl's attention.

"Hi. You wanna hang out?" Hanging out is an indefinite offer, and a girl will often not know what exactly you mean, and you will most likely get a "no" for an answer if she doesn't run away as soon as she hears what you said.

"You have a boyfriend? Do you need another one?" If she has a boyfriend, be respectful and leave her alone. If she doesn't, don't rush to be one. You saw the girl for the first time, and your goal at this point is to get her number and get to know her. Rushing into a relationship shows that you're not taking commitment seriously, and girls don't like that.

"I love you." Too strong of a promise from the first sight. She won't believe you, and she won't like that you say these important words so easily.


Click here or here for some more examples of bad pick up lines, this time from a man's perspective, which you can check out if you want to improve your ice-breaking skills.


The list will be growing every day. When we are nervous, we tend to say something stupid, and the more experience you have with girls, the easier it is for you to start a conversation. Be mindful, and always show her respect. After all, actions speak louder than words, and it doesn't always matter what you say.




Thursday, August 9, 2012

Playing a Game, Thinking of Life

image credit
"Unblock Me" is a game for Android, iPod touch, iPhone and iPad that makes one think logically; however, as far as I'm concerned, when playing it, I'm thinking philosophically. In a strange way, the game reminds me of life itself, with its difficulties, doubts and surprises.

If you have never played this game yourself, I must tell you that the objective of "Unblock Me" is to get the red block across the field by means of removing obstacles (other blocks of different lengths). Horizontal blocks, like the red one, can be only moved horizontally, and vertical - vertically. Simple, isn't it?

Simple as life itself. We often know what the objective is, and on the way to achieving our goals, we encounter lots of obstacles. It happens a lot that in order to remove an obstacle we have to modify or get rid of other ones, which we don't always know how to do. There is a block somewhere that doesn't let us move forward, and it is only more annoying if the goal we set is about to be achieved. When we think about it, playing around with other blocks, moving them back and forth, we finally find a solution, and it seems so easy that it astonishes us that we could not figure it out earlier.

I'm only on the beginner level of the game, and still, I occasionally get stuck with the same problem. It seems like the puzzle is unsolvable. What I like to do on those occasions is to put the puzzle aside and come back to it later. When I do so, it often happens that I solve it easily, just by looking at it anew, and then it is not unsolvable anymore. Similarly, if something worries me and I can't decide what to do, I sometimes let it sit, "sleep on it," and a new day often brings relief.

There are also moments when the solution is right there; the red one is unblocked and is waiting to be sent through, but I keep playing with the obstacles, not seeing that here it is, the puzzle is solved, and I should make the last move and go on to another puzzle. Some are easier than others, and they might take less time and effort on the way to "unblocking;"however, the hardest puzzles bring more satisfaction when they are resolved, and they often turn into learning experiences we can use for other puzzles we struggle with in the future.

And the most important thing is to remember that it is nothing but a game. Giving up is not an option; that's for the weak, so keep trying, let yourself rest as needed and don't let the obstacles outwit you. It's you who's playing the game and not the other way around.


Get "Unblock Me Free" for Apple products or Android and start working on your own philosophy!