I pretty much always learn things the hard way, consoling myself with the hope that this time I’ll really remember the lesson. Since, statistically speaking, I’m older than the average blog reader I thought I’d pass along some of this hard-earned wisdom.
Today’s lesson is to remember and try to Always Ask The Right Question.
I’ve discovered that this is much harder than you might suppose.
Many years ago Leslie and I were in a remote town in Australia. It only had one restaurant, and that was the local pub. We checked it out when we arrived, and asked if they served food tonight. “Yes”, was the answer. Did the pub get crowded and would we need to get there early. “No” was the answer.
So we said, “OK, we’ll see you later.”
Remoter Even Than Australia
We came back later, and sure enough the place was empty, so we asked for a beer and a table for food. But no dice. The same person very politely told us that there was a wedding party coming later and it would take up the entire pub.
So in retrospect, the question we should have asked was “Can we eat dinner in this pub tonight?”
The take-away is that when we ask questions, we have a better chance of asking the correct one if we just ask for what we want.
Getting fancy and being too smart by half usually doesn’t work.
Be stupid.
Not A Mystery 
You mean like: what the hell did you really mean by “change”?
Posted by Sal | November 20, 2009, 1:40 amNow Sal, I’m not sure you mean that as a question.
A Bob Gelber Blog http://www.notamystery.com
Posted by Bob Gelber | November 20, 2009, 6:13 amReminds me of the old ‘Does your dog bite?” routine from the Pink Panther movies:
“Does your dog bite?”
“No. My dog does not bite?”
Than the dog bites.
“I thought you said your dog does not bite?”
“That is not my dog.”
Of course Cleuseau said dog using two syllables like doo awg. I guess you should see the movie.
Posted by Bob | November 20, 2009, 9:21 pmPerfect.
A Bob Gelber Blog http://www.notamystery.com
Posted by Bob Gelber | November 20, 2009, 9:49 pm