Paralysis, in legs or the government, is not a good thing. That's why it's important we have lecture series aimed at combating paralysis. Mostly about combating paralysis in the government, but who knows? These lecturers are smart people.  The first of three "conversations" in Tacoma's 2011 lecture series kicks off Thursday at the University of Washington Tacoma's Carwein Auditorium. The talk, featuring former Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma and others, is titled "Policy, Politics & Paralysis: How to Turn Ideas into Action." Action, of course, being the opposite of paralysis.

[Carwein Auditorium, 6:30 p.m., $7.50-$10, 1900 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.383.3084]