…with Gary Moss

My grandmother and grandfather used the term ‘greenhorn’. Today it would most likely be considered an offensive term and reside on the ‘Poo List’. It referred to those immigrants, like themselves, who came to the United States from Eastern Europe without a knowledge of the English language, a thick accent, and without an understanding of the day-to-day customs in America.’

That must have been very difficult. And there are still many people who experience that same set of experiences today.

My grandfather, Louis Freedman, learned English quickly in order to survive. He opened a dry cleaners and tailoring shop on Hamilton Road in Detroit. Learning the language was essential in order for him to serve the public. My grandmother, Ida, learned slowly, but it was not a priority. Her first language was Yiddish and it served her well among family and friends. She figured out ways to make herself understood when she went out shopping.

There are parallels when comparing their experience with that of new scrabble players who come to clubs and tournaments.

Winning at scrabble requires its own language. Newbies confirm that every time they visit and inquire whether those are all real words on the boards. I remember when I played at a club in Livonia, Michigan as a newbie. I had the letters: A E I L N O S and I played ‘SEALION’. It made sense to me. Whenever I visited the Detroit Zoological Park I always enjoyed feeding sardines to the ‘SEALIONS’. They players snickered under their breath. My opponent challenged my play and the director announced, “That is not acceptable.” Later I learned that the scrabble dictionary committee considers the ‘SEA LION’ is two words. Then one of my new friends at the club shared that when you have that combination the word in the mix is ‘ANISOLE’. I asked my friend what ‘anisole’ meant and she said that she didn’t know but it was good. Later I learned that ‘anisole’ is a chemical compound; but what is more important. . . I learned that sealion = anisole. I’ve never forgotten.

Most club players won’t laugh at others who just don’t know. And they will be helpful to teach other the little tricks . . . as soon as the game has ended. Be clear that most players will want to win and will not give others an advantage as long as the clock is running.

It behooves wannabes to be like my grandfather, Louis. Jump in and learn everything that you need to know in order to be the success that you are capable of becoming.

Yesterday I received a call from a business friend who asked me to upload a blog onto a site that I had never used before. I found myself asking him for a list of steps: 1, 2, 3, . . . to get me through the process. Before he called me back with the steps I went forward and tackled the job on my own. I found that I was able to complete the task by using my general knowledge about compute sites and blogs. For an instant I was feeling ‘GREEN’ and when I proved to myself that I could prevail I felt ‘GOLDEN’ and ‘Platinum’.

For all of you who have been green at some time, CLICK HERE and enjoy.