Dealing With Stupid People [Monday, May 14, 2nd period]

[professor-lyman.livejournal.com]

Josh was obviously uncomfortable with the whole "being outside" thing as he perched on a picnic bench and smiled at the students as they assembled.

"Okay, one of the most annoying things you will encounter in your life will be other people," he began, rolling his eyes. "Most of us -- in my universe, anyway, some of you might have other experiences -- can't kill them by using our brains, so we have to come up with different coping methods. We'll get to the more advanced techniques -- sarcasm, the strategic use of an eye roll -- later, but today we'll start out with something that gives you a lot of chance to practice before you send out the final product."

He pulled out a sheaf of papers and dropped it onto the table. "Writing back to stupid people!" he said triumphantly. "In this exercise you need to reply to these obviously deranged letters in a polite way without asking if they've thought to seek professional help for their delusions. There are five different letters so pair up with a partner -- it's better to double check your language against someone else, at least at the beginning -- and write back to these completely insane people."

Josh grinned. "Questions? Problems? I don't really care, but ask anyway."

Comments

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

Johnny's grin was sublime, "Yes, I imagine I will." He wouldn't comment on what he has already accomplished with his talents, just like he assumed Ronan wouldn't as well unless asked specifically. Which Johnny in a roundabout way did, "What is your strength, Ronan?"

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

Ronan opened his mouth to reply, but then hesitated. Finally, he said, "... I'm not sure anymore. I had a specialty for combat wizardries, but... specialties change. I think mine's changing, but I'm not yet sure into what."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

(*dies from icon love*)

"That's...interesting. Is this accepting to you, or is it more a bother? Nothing has changed with me." So far. And Johnny pretty much hoped it stayed that way. He wasn't keen on change.

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

(Aha, thanks. I'm quite fond of most of yours.)

Ronan shrugged. "Specialties change. A friend of mine has had hers change, and she's only been a wizard for a little over a year." He took a breath. "And my... circumstances have changed, so it's unsurprising that my specialty would change, too." The unobservant might not pick up on the "ZOMG I DO NOT WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS" vibe emanating from that last sentence.

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

(then I'll give you a pretty..hee)

In this case as it is, Johnny was, however, observant.

"What do you do for fun, Ronan? I hear there is this zombie band in town at a bar that caters to minors. You hear of it yet?"

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

(Aaha, I love that photoshoot so hardcore.)

Ronan nodded. "I've heard about the bar. Not the zombies, though. The mother of one of my cabinmates bartends there on Saturdays, I think. I'll probably check it out on the weekend."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

(I know it. I couldn't wait to get him in here to use them.)

"I've got a date tonight so we're headed there. I hope I just don't lose my cool over boggling at the zombies." He smirked. "Part of me believes it, part of me is going to have to see it first."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

Ronan grinned. "I'm ready to believe just about anything. Mind, zombies aren't much weirder than some of my off-planet friends."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

All right, there was a lot more to this Ronan, Johnny realized, that he had at first thought.

"Maybe we can swap stories one night over a few beers. Or soda, or whatever if you don't drink."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

"That sounds like fun." He paused. "Is it hard to find Guiness here in the US?"

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

Johnny shrugged, "I don't drink it, so I don't know. But I would imagine with being where we are? Caritas caters to almost everything. It's what I'm guessing anyways."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

"You're probably right," Ronan said. "We'll definitely have to do that, then. And I can tell you about the race of walking, talking Christmas trees because my fandom brings the CRACK."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

"...right. And I can tell you all about The Thing Ben. He's a rock." Johnny chuckled.

"If you're free this upcoming weekend, give me a call. We'll hook up at Caritas and check things out."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

Ronan laughed. "Yeah, I definitely want to hear about him. What cabin are you in? I'm in Jackalope."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

"I'm in Basilisk." Johnny answered, looking forward to another Caritas trip.

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[not_in_the_book]

"Hey, cool, I'm pretty sure that's right next to Jackalope. I guess I'll definitely be seeing more you around. Outside of the workshop, I mean."

Re: Write to Stupid People: Letter #5

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

Johnny grinned, "That'd be great, Ronan. So far I tend to hang out around the campfire a good deal. Thinking of making up some s'mores next time."