Tuesday Open Thread ~~ Just for Fun


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silly mona lisa.jpg

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What we play is life ~~~ Louis Armstrong
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Good Morning Fellow Caucusers!

A big hearty welcome to all of you. It gives me great pleasure to host Tuesday Morning's Open Thread and I thank you for stopping by.

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For my inaugural post, I thought I'd kick it off with something fun. Fun, you say? Sure! For those of you who may have forgotten what that is (and who can blame you during these trying times), just ask any kid and they'll act it out for you almost immediately. It's an instinctive part of who they are. Yet as we grow older, we become a little more inhibited and prone to disconnect from that playful side of ourselves.

Fret not; I'm sure that inner child is still inside you ready to jump out when the time is right. Be on the lookout though because sometimes that can happen in an instant. Which is exactly what happened to me and my fellow crew members when the general manager of our store decided we should have a little fun. And you know what? We did.

Jumping into something fun is a lot easier than writing about it. Strike the wrong tone and you risk leaving the topic perched foolishly on your knee. High seriousness about silliness brings to mind a lovable literary character who made the ill advised attempt to describe a smile scientifically. My inner PG Wodehouse aside, I will attempt to put my thoughts into words and hope you will allow me a little wiggle room to be serious about the benefits of silliness.

The National Institute for Play (NIP) (Yes, that organization actually exists) believes that play is:

"the gateway to vitality and is directly linked to our sense of optimism. Play also fosters good health by boosting our immune system and can dramatically transform our relationships by promoting empathy and a sense of belonging and community".

This may not be news to many of you. After all, most of us know we need to take a break from work and enjoy a bit of recreation. But when was the last time you did something silly or new? When was the last time you went to the park and got on a swing and sang a song? Most of us have such busy lives that making time to play often gets squeezed out of our hectic schedules . But what if I told you that the opposite of play is not work. The opposite of play is depression.

New York in The 1960's - 70's (2).jpg

Play may actually help keep you feeling younger, happier and healthier. In fact studies show that the absence of play puts people at a greater risk for stress-related diseases, mental health issues, addiction and violence. By nature play is uniquely and intrinsically rewarding. It seeks out novelty and re-charges adult relationships. My Sister and Brother-in-law are a wonderful example of how play can revitalize a relationship. After 20 years of marriage, and a recent cancer scare, they began making time to play. Whether it's going to dinner theater, ice skating, or exploring new places together, there is an energy and appreciation between the two of them that has them laughing at each other's jokes and enjoying each other's company like they did when they were first married.

Playing is also an important part of society. Yet how we define that in a larger role can sometimes be tricky. This is especially true when discussing how we use public places for play. When Central Park first opened in 1857 it was essentially a park for the wealthy. Luxurious carriages with well dressed women out for their daily ride filled the park pathways. Sunday afternoons elegant men and women congregated for musical concerts or for quiet walks in the rose gardens. Playing in the park was seen by the wealthy as a contemplative pursuit where the spirit was lifted by the beauty of ones surroundings.

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As Central Park expanded so did the conflict over how the park would be used. The conservationists argued that the park "was intended as a countryside escape for urban dwellers" while working class New Yorkers saw the park as a place for children's playgrounds and somewhere to play sports. Eventually the debate gave way to New York's growing population and the needs of the people. By the early part of the twentieth century, Central Park became less an oasis for the wealthy and instead represented a place where everyone could play as the city began adding playgrounds, baseball fields, and tennis courts.

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As a student of elementary education, I would often go to Central Park between classes and watch kids at play. Observing how they played; who were the leaders; how they used their surroundings; and what ideas they came up with, was not only useful for my own studies in child development, but fascinating entirely on it's own. It was like a road map of who they were both socially and cognitively.

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play
than in a year of conversation ~~ Plato.

I found the same to be true of adults. Back in the day when I was working for the product development team at Coach Leatherware, we always seemed to be at odds with the business management team. Finally, the Director of our department called an Industrial Psychologist who specialized in working with improv techniques to come in and work with us. In the afternoon I spent playing games and putting on performances, I learned more about the people I worked with than I had in the previous two years.

We are biologically hard wired to play:

Neuroscientists, developmental biologists, psychologists, social scientists, and researchers from every point of the scientific compass now know that play is a profound biological process. It has evolved over eons in many animal species to promote survival. It shapes the brain and makes animals smarter and more adaptable. In higher animals, it fosters empathy and makes possible complex social groups.

Of all animal species, humans are the biggest players of all. We are built to play and built through play. When we play, we are engaged in the purest expression of our humanity, the truest expression of our individuality. Is it any wonder that often the times we feel most alive, those that make up our best memories, are moments of play?

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Girls People just wanna have fun!

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On a more personal note, my Sister and I are going to do something we haven't done since we were kids. We're going to sit down in front of a blank canvas and play with colors and shapes. Taking an art class is something I've wanted to try for awhile but never felt "artistic" enough to do it. No more. We found a class specifically geared for people like us who want to dabble a little in watercolors but not feel the pressure of actually being good at it. Pinot's Palette offers a relaxed artistic experience where you can paint along with the guidance of a teacher while you drink wine. Oh yeah, I'm gonna ride that wave all the way to the end. Kowabunga Baby!

Now it's your turn. You know what to do. Jump on in. The water's fine. Smile

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mhagle's picture

"I needed that!"

Yes, I need more fun.

Fun was how I survived as a public school teacher. Always out of the norm. As a music teacher we sang "Born to be Wild." As a HS computer graphics teacher we put our heads on other bodies (using the Gimp of course). Here is one example:

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Marilyn

"Make dirt, not war." eyo

mhagle's picture

@mhagle

George W. Bush, Pope John Paul II, Dolly Parton, and some guy convicted for a money crime. All of this back 10 years ago. So fun. And the kids did a great job. Putting their heads on nuns and cheerleaders, etc. Fun in school.

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Marilyn

"Make dirt, not war." eyo

Deja's picture

@mhagle
Sounds like you were a great teacher!

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mhagle's picture

@Deja

I was pretty much a misfit, but I think the kids had a good time. Sadly, for the most part, classes I taught do not exist anymore - at least in rural Texas areas. Those things got axed after they cut the budget by 5 billion in 2011 and 11,000 teaching jobs.

Actually, having fun with kids is one of the most important things in school IMO.

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Marilyn

"Make dirt, not war." eyo

lotlizard's picture

@mhagle  
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6RzSckwBmE]
(Kinderen voor Kinderen 13VARA, 1992)

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Anja Geitz's picture

@mhagle

Your dear words make my heart sing. Thank you for that, and thank you for sharing your teaching stories. One day we will have to have a conversation and exchange our most memorable ones Smile

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Daenerys's picture

Great OT topic. I haven't been able to play as much as I would like to these days, mostly due to crappy weather but that should be changing soon. I feel like TPTB are making their best effort to keep people too busy and misinformed so as to stifle their play and creativity, but the comments here show that it can never be completely squashed. You guys give me hope. Cheers!

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This shit is bananas.

Anja Geitz's picture

@Daenerys

Yeah, the weather makes it a little more difficult to get out there and play, but I sure am glad you decided to play with all of us here today!

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

wendy davis's picture

while this may be true in the main: 'Of all animal species, humans are the biggest players of all', i sincerely love watching critters at play. otters build slides in the mud into rivers and ponds, and take turns sliding down them; beavers have a hella lot of fun foolin' around with dogs swimming with them; fawns cavort together and race one another...well you get my gist.

wish i could play more now, but i do what i can these days.

and see: i almost forgot today was tuesday!

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Anja Geitz's picture

@wendy davis

You remembered!!! Lovely to see you Smile

How's this for animals playing? Not quite what you had in mind???

dogs in car.jpg

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

WaterLily's picture

@wendy davis You reminded me of my favorite type of critter play: baby goats!

Impossible to watch them without an LOL or two.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh2hhEJ3gaw]

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Anja Geitz's picture

@WaterLily

Are pretty dang cute. Who knew they jumped so much?

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

magiamma's picture

yes, more fun, the more the merrier, good times.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc6izYdLhNE]

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Anja Geitz's picture

@magiamma

I'm tapping my toes right now....

Thanks for stopping by Smile

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Actually, I kinda expected to find this thread filled with rafts of wacky animals-at-play youtube videos.

The best one I ever saw -- and I don't know what happened to it, but I can't find it -- was one of musk oxen playing on ice. I swear to god, they were taking turns running up to a frozen lake and then out onto the ice, where their legs would splay out under them and they'd slide for yards. I mean, it was pretty much musk oxen slip and slide. Unreal. (You get a surprising number of hits if you search for "musk ox playing" or suchlike. They seem to be rather giddy creatures.)

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The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.

janis b's picture

@UntimelyRippd

and also love circle games. While driving through Yellowstone once, I noticed a large group of oxen forming a perfect circle. I stopped, and over the next so long watched their children weaving in and out and around, through each individual adult in a game of pure fun. I doubt it was a game where there was one winner, but simply one where each enjoyed the pleasure equally.

Thank you for another spellbinding image of oxen as giddy.

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Anja Geitz's picture

@UntimelyRippd

Here ya go!

[video:https://youtu.be/3QDYbQIS8cQ]

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

up
0 users have voted.

The earth is a multibillion-year-old sphere.
The Nazis killed millions of Jews.
On 9/11/01 a Boeing 757 (AA77) flew into the Pentagon.
AGCC is happening.
If you cannot accept these facts, I cannot fake an interest in any of your opinions.

Deja's picture

@UntimelyRippd
I especially like the human space invaders part, and the elevator one. Very cool!

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Anja Geitz's picture

@UntimelyRippd

I vote for the elevator too!

Creativity and Play, Hurrah!!

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Pluto's Republic's picture

...to a great open thread, which I am savoring. Wow! More like this, Zoe. You picked an engaging topic where individual personalities have come into focus in a lovely way. Bravo on your OT debut.

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____________________

The political system is what it is because the People are who they are. — Plato
Anja Geitz's picture

@Pluto's Republic

I'll do my best. lol. Good to see you!

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

travelerxxx's picture

Sooooo ... the fun I had today was reading this wonderful OT! Yeah, I'm checking in early AM Wednesday .... but I started reading Tuesday, so it counts!

Thank-you Zoe and commenters! From owls to parks to Marx Bros - loved it all!

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Anja Geitz's picture

@travelerxxx

Thanks for joining!

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

janis b's picture

All these memories relived here by everyone are so sweet and smile inducing to read. I’m glad there are so many playful (and serious ; ) people here.

The schooling of children has long neglected the value of play. Play and creativity are so important to building a more stable and inspired future. Instead children are subjected to a more academic curriculum from such early ages. So it’s always good to be reminded to sprinkle some fun into the serious.

I hope it's okay with Centaurea to post the music video s/he posted in el's essay, here. It's very joyful.

Thanks again, zoe.

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Anja Geitz's picture

@janis b

and thank you so much for sharing that marvelous video. What a wonderful metaphor for the joy we can create when we play together. Got a big smile on my face right now.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Anja Geitz's picture

Thank you so much. It wouldn't have been half as fun without you! Loved every minute Smile

Want to also give a shout out to JtC who helped me get the bubblewrap video prepped so I could embed it here, along with the many questions I had about getting this thread up and ready to go.

I'd like to also thank QMS who encouraged me to do this and who walked me through a coded template that looked completely alien to me.

And last but not least, I'd like to thank CStMS who also gave me a little push to be creative and gave me ideas about how to structure my topics.

You are all awesome!!!!

Now that the baptism is complete, I look forward to seeing you again on March 26th.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

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