Features the other press Barbara K. Adamski e opfeatures@netscape.net December 10, 2003 The Block Stops Here Barbara K. Adamski Features Editor We've all encountered it, I’m sure. Writer's block can attack anyone at any stage of the writing process. ITP Nelson defines writer's block as “a usually temporary psychological inability to begin or continue work on a piece of writing.” Usually temporary . . suring to a certain extent, but what if it isn’t temporary? What if. the next time you or I sit down to write and cannot come up with a sin- gle thing to say, we find ourselves in a perma- nenestate of “psychological inability?” Now, I suppose to someone who doesn't like to write, it would be a blessing—an excuse to never again write a letter to Aunt May to thank her for those hand-knitted toe socks she sends every Christmas. A phone call would have to suffice. But for those of us who want to write, who feel compelled to write, who are or want to be professional writers, permanent writer's block would be positively devastating. Imagine being a professional hockey player and having a “psychological inability” to lace up your skates. Imagine being an actor and suddenly becoming unable to face the camera. Fortunately, I rarely succumb to the evils of writer's block when it comes to writing class assignments, feature articles, even poetry. But those darned thank-you- for-the-hand-knitted-toe-socks-Aunt May letters will get me every time. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe thank . that’s reas- edit, and receive fairly instant gratification. If I hit a major slump—not a block—I could rework what I had already written and, by the time I was done, have a better idea of where I was headed with the piece. Further technological advancements have helped me even more. I can search for relevant facts, inter- esting trivia, pertinent quotes that can be either referred to in my work or used merely as a source of information—all while remaining at my desk. But what can be done with the letter to Aunt May? She doesn’t care that a Google search of “toe sock” brings up 14,000 listings, or the fact that the Toe Sock Addicts’ Club has 116 official members and one pending (I kid you not). She may, howev- er, wish to know that “separating your toes helps prevent bunions, corns, and aids athlete's foot” () because I’m sure it is something she has always suspected. And so, I go back to that handwritten note. “Dear Aunt May,” I write in my finest penman- ship. So far so good. “Thanks ever so much for the toe socks.” Not bad. “I honestly don’t know how you notes should be handwritten. And therein lies my od. problem. Handwriting destroys the writing process for me. When I was in university in the 80s, computers were for All that changed when I purchased my first computer. Writer's block became a thing of the past. Words flowed from my fingertips to the screen. I could write, read, and computer science students only. I wrote many essays by hand, but never aspired to be a writer. I never really aspired to write those essays either, for that matter. Writing just didn’t flow for me, unless it was exam time and I had no choice but to write for that three-hour peri- you find the time to knit such intricate items.” Good, maybe I can make it through this letter. But then I encounter The Block. Now what? I start to panic. But wait. Perhaps modern technology can help me overcome this writer’s block that attacks me only during handwritten letters: “You know, Aunt May, I read somewhere that toe socks can help prevent bunions and corns. Thank you so much for considering my health once again this Christmas season. All the best to you in the New Year. Love, Barb.” Can Your Dog Do That? Barbara K. Adamski Features Editor Okay, first off, I have a confes- sion to make: I dress my dog up for Halloween, tuck him in at night, and buy him Christmas presents. And I’m not alone. My neighbour's dogs wore costumes at Halloween and for my pooch’s first birthday, friends and several neighbours flocked to the house bearing tasty treats and good wishes. And no, these well wishers weren't invited to a birthday party for a dog—just how eccentric do you think I am? But our dog Hank is a part of the family, just like our ten-year- old daughter. In fact, the rela- tionship between our two “chil- dren” is very much like sibling relationships in a home with two young human siblings. If you're looking for a game to strengthen those bonds between the canines and humans in your household, you might be inter- ested in “My Dog Can Do That—The board game you play with your dog.” The premise of the game is simple: “To be the first team to finish the race to Hollywood and become Stunt Master—the most famous animal actor on the planet,” states the instruc- tion manual. Teams advance around the board by performing a series of tricks. The family dog is a “free agent,” playing along with every human and always ending up a winner. Additional dogs may play, but in that case, each dog stays with one particu- lar team, rather than moving among the players. Game cards are labelled “Beginner,” “Intermediate,” and “Advanced,” designating the level of difficulty of the chal- lenge on the card. If the player and dog successfully complete the challenge within 30 seconds, their game piece advances according to the number of spaces allotted that trick. An example of a “Beginner” trick is “Doggie Hand Stands,” whereby the dog must move into a stand position from a down position by following a hand signal. Successful completion allows the player to advance three spaces. An “Advanced” trick _ is “Puppy Time Out.” For twelve Rees Page 16 © http://www.otherpress.ca spaces, the dog must go to another room, lie down, and remain down for ten seconds. The human must stay in the original room. The tricks of the game are actually essential training com- mands. In fact, on each card is listed the real-life advantage to having your dog learn to per- form the specific stunt. Also included in the game is a Training Manual to help you master the tricks in a non-com- petitive environment. The game is high-energy, loud, and requires a fair bit of floor space—be prepared to jump around, giggle, and pant. Just make sure you have enough little nuggies on hand to reward good behaviour, and maybe treat everyone to a cold drink afterward. “My Dog Can Do That” is available at big dog little dog b a k ¢ r y in North Burnaby or at their booth in Metrotown Centre. Family fun for only $35.00—dog not included. see you next semester!