Bad Scene

There are a few things I’ve discovered, two recently, that could be classified as “open secrets” — secrets that lots of people know but try to keep to themselves. It’s playful elitism and suspenseful secrecy that are just as much fun when you know the secret as when you don’t. If you ask me.

And it’s impressive how long an open secret can stay kept. For example, I’m amazed how difficult it was to find an explanation of the game Petals Around the Rose (after I figured it out for myself, thank you very much).

Once upon a time the same went for one of my favorite pastimes, Mornington Crescent, although some spoilsport has now clawed his/her way up the Google rankings after being offended by a roving band of MC players who were apparently a bit too snobbish about things.

And then there’s the movie The Aristocrats. I suppose it’s easy enough to find out the joke, but seeing the trailer without knowing the joke is just as cool as seeing it once you do know it. I did both. Highly recommended. Play around with your sense of wonder, it feels good!