One of our exercises made me think of how we've been trying to stay productive, constructive and positive in our communications and dialogue here. The game is called Yes, And. Two volunteers start - they are given a location by someone in the audience. One participant takes the initiative and starts talking. The other player responds "Yes, and...", continuing the train of thought. The first player continues "Yes, and..." and it keeps on going until either it's played its course or the instructor moves it along.

Tammy and I were together for one; someone suggested a hair salon for our location. Tammy said the first line:

T: Okay sir, have a seat and we'll get started. First we need to shampoo your hair.

M: Yes, and be sure to use the Industrial Shampoo, this is my first shower all year!

T:Yesss, and I'll just put these gloves on first. [Her change in tone was allowable, she still said the obligatory "Yes, and..."]

M: Yes, and you'll want to be gentle, my hair's been falling out by the handful these past few months.

T: Yes, and I think I'll get the broom ready before we start.

M: Yes, and you'll want a big wastebin.

Now of course in an Improv setting it's going to get silly, perhaps exaggerated, but when the instructor explained that the purpose of "Yes, and..." was for affirmation and moving it along I realized it could be sound advice for Olyblog.

Nutrition Tips from Body Builders

Plant Based Protein Sources

I've attended this a few times in the past year with my kids and we've always had a blast. It's one of my favorite things in Olympia.

 Family Dance Night in downtown Olympia at Fusion the Integrated Body 302 Columbia St. (across Olympia Ave. from the Olympia Center) fully wheelchair accessible Saturday March 15th 2008 6-8pm

This wonderful event full of laughter, movement, friendship, and play happens every other month. It’s two hours of music and dance activities that are inclusive of all ages and abilities. Grandparents and infants, schoolchildren and even some teens come together for the joy of dancing. Activities like shape museum where your dance takes you to interlocking shapes with others, rivers and rocks and bridges, dancing with scarves, in costumes or riding on a pull cloth, make it interactive and playful. The evening flows between structured dance activities and free dancing. A variety of music; old and contemporary, in many styles, changes the mood and gives everyone a chance to do their kind of dance. Cost for the whole family what ever size and configuration is $5 to $10 sliding scale (but please join us regardless of your ability to pay).

JT, I apologize for my comment. I won't let it happen again.

This thread took some ugly turns. I think some of the comments were confrontational. I'm not going to point fingers, or spread blame, I do have a suggestion though.

Now the suggestion may not work, but I think it may be worth a try. Rather than call someone (I'm thinking specifically docents, who seem to be targeted with the bias argument, but it could apply to anyone) out in the middle of the thread, maybe we can keep the admonishing to PM's?

Now, I in no way think that responses are always going to be better. There should be less confrontation though, because it's no longer a public beratement. It hopefully will stop the seeming domino effect that happens when some of us feel the need to throw a trump card and/or puff out our chest. PLUS, again this is a hope, it will keep a dozen people from doing the, "I agree, what's the deal with this?" and all the juming around and such.

I think it is worth a shot anyway, and I know it has happend in the past. I'm sure it wasn't always successful but maybe it will catch on at this point, particularly if everyone is aware of what the procedure is now. Personally, I prefer a, "hey, tone it down a litte, you seem excited" rather than a public, "What are you really adding to this conversation? Are you trying to be an ass?". Ask Rick, I respond much better to the former.

Norm