Merits of Improv

CRAP. Why did i study javascript, html, sql, java, citysearchML (hmm?), unix and a bunch of other crap in 1998? I should have been taking Improv instead.

When I worked three days and nights at washingtonpost.com in Nov 2000 (the hanging chad election) without sleep, I should have been studying the basic guidelines of Improv. I should have showered once or twice too.

Improv, I have recently learned, should be mandatory training for all companies with a staff greater than 3. The lessons are much more important, exponentially to a factor of 13, than the week long jibber jabber taught in "Facilitation and Change Management" in Menlo Park.

Improv is a way of thinking and coexisting that makes everything right. Often, it leads to pee-in-your-pants laughter. It improves your thinking skills, makes people more agile, and can lead to good hygiene. It also can cure yellow fever, hives and rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism and constipation. It is very similar to snake oil. The stuff works just about everywhere. In the home or office, on vacation or in prison, on automobiles and boats.

I am serious. Last week, a little piggie flew (h1n1) into our house. Improv killed it. Contrary to Lysol's claims, bacteria can be neutralized just be thinking happy thoughts.

I have taken 2 8 week courses at ColdTowne Conservatory. I have attended 4 workshops with folks that write for Stephen Colbert, MadTV, and SNL. I have learned techniques from graduates of Second City and IO.

I am blogging about it @ http://memesist.com/coldtowne/ I just started, but you'll get the jist.

My RIF from Sun 14 months ago was more than a blessing. Amongst other great things, I have learned the basics of Improv.