Potential cures for writers block (And why they don't work)

If you are looking at this article then I am guessing that like me, you are suffering from writers block. As I couldn't be more frustrated or think of anything else to write about I am going to test out some things that could possibly help with it...so wish me luck. 

1. Listen to the entirety of Lady Gaga's ARTPOP. Twice. 

Not recommended. I forgot how to write an briefly became a professional dancer/entertainer. I now dream of a much more materialistic lifestyle than sitting behind a keyboard. It's a curse. 

2. Take a scenic stroll

It's cold outside so my walk lasted approximately 10 minutes. I have no dog or friends to walk with so that also stunted my thinking. My thoughts went something like, 'It's cold' 'Why can't I think' 'WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME' Yeah. 

3. Watch an inspirational film

Choosing to watch 'Boys Don't Cry' for the third time this month wasn't my best idea. I get angrier and angrier and I considered writing a huge piece about transphobia around the globe and mainly, well, Russia, but again. I just get even more angry. And if you haven't seen that film, jeez, get on Netflix. It'll change your life at least a little bit. (And probably make you a little angry.)

4. Ask a friend about their day

My best friend Molly is immediately contacted, hoping I would find some interesting story within her. She instead proceeds to talk about milk and cookies for a while. Sounds like she had a good day really. I don't think I can write about milk and cookies though. I'm not inspired. 

5. Have a drink. Or two.

My favourite suggestion, courtesy of Molly, again. Bottle of wine at the desk and I already feel better. I grab a pen and paper and make some notes. Another glass. Another... Oh. Maybe I should learn how to stick to 'just one glass'. I tried.

After all these failed attempts and a few days I have finally found the cure for writers block. Time. If you're naturally creative time away from the keyboard/pen/whatever you write with, will feel like torture. Who cares if you don't stick to your regular schedule. In a few hours, maybe even days, you'll be right back to it. Like it was a bad dream that never happened. 

Why Eurovision matters

Eurovision to some, may seem like the most trivial event of the year, however, in reality, for contestants like Conchita Wurst, Eurovisions 2014 winner, from Austria it is about much more than that.
A bearded drag queen, despite efforts from Russia, Belarus and Armenia, who protested to have Conchita removed from the broadcasts in their countries, still managed to win with a staggering 290 points from votes from the public all around Europe.
A resounding 12 points was rewarded from Greece, The Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Israel, Portugal, Ireland, Finland, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia, making Conchita the deserving winner. Surprisingly, even Georgia awarded Austria more points than Russia and I think despite the act itself being incredible, and the song ridiculously catchy, the votes, as always with Eurovision votes meant more than this. Hopefully a stance for LGBT rights, for everyone.
The rest of the votes for Austria varied and countries voted as follows;
10 points were cast by Malta, France, Iceland, Norway, Hungary, Lithuania and Georgia
8 points came from Denmark, Romania and also surprisingly, Ukraine.
That's an incredible 23 of the 37 countries voting Austria in their top three.
7 points was also awarded from Germany and Moldova, 6 from Lativa, 5 points from Albania and, maybe most shockingly of all Russia (Yes, some of Russia's population clearly want a LGBT drag act winner...almost a big 'Fuck You' to Russia, really).
Less impressively, 4 points came from Estonia, 3 from Macedonia, 2 from Montenegro and 1 point from Azerbaijan with a cheerful 0 points from Poland, San Marino, Armenia and Belarus. No surprise from the latter after the ridiculous protest they evoked to get Conchita off air.
I love Eurovision, however, as despite the politics of it all, it shows that to the root of it, as Iceland would say "No prejudice", hopefully someday as a full unity across Europe.
And yes Russia, you did deserve too be booed with that ironic song with those aryan race twins.