19. As was alluded to by toadman in an earlier comment, one of the things I've done in my life of which I am not proud is to attempt to win people into the fundamentalist, Pentecostal sect of the Christian religion by subjecting them to bad pantomime. I made two trips to Paraguay as a teen, a
two-week trip with a my church youth group between my junior and senior years of high school, and six month trip alone immediately after high school graduation. During the second trip, I worked as a guide of sorts for groups from the United States. Some of those groups were like the small group I had been in the previous year, the group with which I had performed "clown ministry" (I am reminded of a friend who is fond of asking at random and inappropriate moments the question, "What the fuck is clown ministry?") Working as their guide, I got to be a spectator for the pantomime spectacle. I got to hear the Paraguayan men ask, "What the hell is wrong with you people? Do you think we are heathens? Why do you paint your faces like this? What are you trying to hide?" and so forth. It occurred to me then, "This is not a school play, where people are forced to pretend to enjoy bad theatre. This is the real life of these people. They don't want to see pantomime." It was eye-opening.
20. I am a good average chess player, but I am a terrible good chess player. Among average chess players, I am good. I suppose this makes me above average. Among good chess players, I am terrible. I suppose this makes me less than good. I have noticed, by observing and playing chess, that intelligence is not so much a factor as is experience. People who play a lot and pay attention while they play are good. It also takes a certain type of analytical thinking, but this does not always translate into useful intelligence for living. I will admit, however, that my opinion might be skewed by having played chess primarily with homeless guys.
Hello, friends. Ever done anything you would never do today? Please, share your shame.
Later. Love.
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