Samhain \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Thanksgiving Moon<\/p>\n
Watched two documentary type movies: \u00a0The Go Master and First Saturday in May. \u00a0The first about a Chinese go master who lived in Japan during the years of World War II. \u00a0The second about the Kentucky Derby.<\/p>\n
On the surface of course these movies were, quite literally, worlds apart. \u00a0The quiet, almost religious world of professional go, played in tatami matted rooms with exquisite stone gardens nearby. \u00a0Asian. \u00a0Filled with deferral. \u00a0Lots of tea. \u00a0On the other hand, the white steepled haunts of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. \u00a0The long brass horns of the race track. \u00a0The equally brassy trainers and owners. \u00a0Big hats, sweet tea and Jack Daniels. \u00a0And, horses. \u00a0Large, muscled, fast.<\/p>\n
Yes, those surface differences are there. \u00a0Surfaces matter of course, we all know they do. \u00a0Perception, as many political strategists say, is everything.<\/p>\n
Yet. \u00a0The thoroughbred straining at the starting gate and the kimono clad go master gathering his first stones in his hand are the same. \u00a0A single focus. \u00a0To win the contest. \u00a0Rituals and traditions that surround both activities, though different in length of historical precedence. The time to prepare for excellence cannot be shortened. \u00a0Both represent central aspects of their particular cultures.<\/p>\n
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Samhain \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Thanksgiving Moon Watched two documentary type movies: \u00a0The Go Master and First Saturday in May. \u00a0The first about a Chinese go master who lived in … Continue reading <\/span>