A Year Full

Story Direction and First Rule of Improv

There was a humor blog I used to read religiously (it was a religious humor blog) that had a few in-house characters developed by the creator of the site. Many times a certain follower would try and change the direction of the storyline by denying what the author had stated.

   Examples:

   Author - "Well, I hate to report this, but Sonny Day has died by spontaneous combustion. He was a great jokester. Last time I saw him, he was on fire."
   Follower -  "No, he didn't die. I saw him two minutes ago at Starbucks!"

   Author - "Our friend, Dorky LaMancha, has been kidnapped! Give me some time to do some of my famous detective work and I'll keep everyone informed of my progress. Don't worry, we'll find him!"
   Follower (commenting as Dorky) - "Hey! It's okay! I escaped and I'm back at home!"

   Keep in mind that the creator of the blog had already planned, in both senarios, to progress through a plot that would keep the readers on a certain track. He may have even pre-posted the entire story a month in advance. The follower, not knowing better, actually sabotaged the storyline.
   To avoid this kind of thing from happening, use the "Yes, and..." rule of improv. It will, not only carry the story along but gives the author freedom to continue his direction unabated.

   Examples:

   Author - "Well, I hate to report this, but Sonny Day has died by spontaneous combustion. He was a great jokester. Last time I saw him, he was on fire."
   Follower -  "Yes, he was. I saw that same act. He was smokin' hot!"

   Author - "Our friend, Dorky LaMancha, has been kidnapped! Give me some time to do some of my famous detective work and I'll keep everyone informed of my progress. Don't worry, we'll find him!"
   Follower  - "Oh, man! I hope you find him! He has my Pipi Longstocking DVD!"

    Here is a very short video that will illustrate the first rule of improv. 

   The reason I post this is because I am concerned that I may have offended one of my CC members. At this time, I am pre-posted up until the end of October. My direction is deliberate. One of the comments was written as Benny Finney when I announced his death by SCUD missile, stating that he was still alive.

   Please don't take it personal. For my storyline arc to be successful and continue with the pre-posted and pre-planned events, I was forced to delete the comment. 

   I absolutely treasure each and every comment made on CC and would love to see many more. I have said this before...comments are like putting tips in a tip jar or money in a hat of a street entertainer. I really appreciate it.

   FYI, when I was taking an improv class many years ago, the first thing I did when I got on stage was to deny what someone had stated. I didn't realize what I was doing. The instructor stopped everything and educated me on the spot. I have never forgotten that lesson...nor the fact that he still has my Pipi Longstocking DVD. 

A Gift for Faivash

Needful Things

FREE Book that's Loser Friendly!

"A sympathetic exploration that to me felt like an expansion of the excerpt about Solomon from Matt Chandler's "Explicit Gospel". (perhaps in the reverse). The book acknowledges what our church culture in the west seems to avoid - walking as a disciple doesn't equate to "your best life now" and no spiritual gymnastics will ensure you or your family a "lake woebegone" life experience. What impressed me most was that Daniel wrote with honesty and diplomacy. While I found myself wincing as I read about his circumstances that led to the book, my heart response was prayer, repentance and a nudge towards submission. Significance - as pointed out by the author - comes from being part of the Kingdom and in God's story. This isn't an in depth theological study and it isn't triumphalist (except that God can do anything to advance His kingdom with any vessel He wants and He seems to choose a lot of broken ones)."   by Lynn Comp

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Arminian Antics #140

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What in tarnation is he talking about?

Provide an answer in the comments below.

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FREE! Not Joshin' ya.

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Old Arminian Magazine

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Victorian Gospel Cards

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Because of the tragic accident involving the termination of Sola Bootstrapa, I have decided to post Monsters of the Deep cards instead. Click on each to better read its scientific contents. Thank you.

By the way, the last entry, the Whale Shark, could very well be the kind of fish (even called a "whale" but isn't) that swallowed Jonah. National Geographic had an issue on this giant and stated it could easily swallow two men. The article even mentioned Jonah.

By Popular Demand

Use these cards freely. I included a blank one so youse guys can

cut and paste your own avatar or icon in. My gift to youse.

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This definitely needs a caption! She's playing with a Ouija board! Yikes!

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I'll be attending a memorial today for Benny Finney, Elvis Wesley and Nigel Pettibone. This card came in handy. The service will be held at the Arminian Bait and Tackle Shop in Dubai. I should be back tomorrow and the blogging will continue.

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Crime fighting, like defending the faith, can sometimes be exhausting.

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For more info click on: Sola Sisters

Start Early

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This is a major catastrophe for Arminians everywhere!

I can hardly believe it myself! I will keep you readers informed as I find out the facts.

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Dummies on album covers are always an oddity. And did you know that ventriloquism isn't hard at all when performed on a recording? 

Fan Photo from Fifi Flatoymen

Thank Fifi! This photo was shot from her iPhone and sent to our offices in Kuwait. This picture shows Benny Finney, Nigel Pettibone and Elvis Wesley heading back to their heading back to their headquarters after three months of vacation. 

9/11

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Make the humor Bibline. There's got to be something theological going on!

Found on the Internet Today

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Want to know what Kuwait is like?

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Click on pic to enlarge...go on...I dares ya!

Arminian Antics #139 (Hot Shot Version)

FREE Be from Wiersbe

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Just for Laughs #325

Got any ideas? Write 'em in the comments.

NIgel Speaks #1

Even though this post originally appeared in the Warminian Weekly, I will allow Nigel Pettibone to respond to any comments made about his column. Warning: expect to be insulted. - Eddie