The Pivot Questionnaire

Originally created by Bernard Pivot, host of "Bouillon de Culture", as a formula that may express the true nature of whomever answers with honesty... this 10 question template has garnered recent fame as being administered by James Lipton at the end of every episode of "Inside the Actor's Studio" to his guest of honor. I invite everyone who reads this to answer the questionnaire for yourself. You must explain the reasoning behind your answers as well. Perhaps in my comment section of this post?


1. What is your favorite word?
Slurpee --- What other word means something that everyone enjoys, is just flat out fun to say, is not dirty even though it kinda sounds like it ought to be, and the only possible way it is associated with negativity is if it‘s being used to cheer someone up? A slurpee is the most simple of treats and is cheap enough for pretty much everyone to have at least one in their lifetime.

2. What is your least favorite word?
Handicapable --- Only able-bodied people are offended by the terms “handicapped” and “disabled”

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Expectation --- I always get very excited when people ask for my opinion. The feeling of being relied on and trusted is very rewarding. The most important thing in life is to feel that you have a purpose. When someone has sought you out for your knowledge, expertise, and is depending on your help… that pressure pushes me to do my best and I try to always aim to surpass their expectations. That satisfaction is intoxicating.

4. What turns you off?
Certainty --- If someone clearly screws something up but defends their actions. If someone is trying to convince others to believe in a religion or other divine truth because that person proclaims to be an expert authority. If you mention you’re occupation to someone and they start giving you advice on that topic because they read one book about it 6 years ago. I can’t deal with someone else’s opinion of certainty. The only exception is the love for one’s spouse, otherwise no. Being absolutely certain of something means that your mind is closed, cannot be changed, and you are unwilling to learn new information. To “not want to learn” is a waste of purpose.

5. What is your favorite curse word?
Shit --- It’s so versatile and can mean so many things, both good and bad… much like “fuck”. However, I feel that “fuck” has lost most of its punch as an insult due to overuse. And I also feel that when you want to use it as an insult, “shit” matches up with non-curse words much better that “fuck” does. For example… “You stupid dumb fuck!” could just as easily be used to rib one of your friends for missing a pass while playing frisbee… “You pathetic little shit” on the other hand can only have one inflection. “Shit” is also the original religious curse word and is best suited with use in the animal world.

6. What sound or noise do you love?
A perfect harmony to the melody of a song being performed live by a male acappella group.

7. What sound or noise do you hate?
Power tools in a hospital operating room.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Military Officer --- I’ve always dreamed of having the honor to serve in the military like my dad did. An officer’s uniform is so poignant and powerful. The disciple and respect that a soldier carries is something I’ve always envied. Plus, the heroism and glory in war movies has always gotten to me as I am a huge history buff.

9. What profession would you not like to do?
Social Worker --- I’ve never been able to tolerate hearing people complain about their lives when they don’t want to help themselves or their own continued decisions are what had screwed them up to begin with. Of course, there are the people that get put in bad situations that they are not in control of such as domestic abuse and whatnot… but if I had to deal with the former and the latter groups for every single day of my career, then I would never have a upbeat day. You’re always dealing with the most depressing situations of social human existence. There would be nothing rewarding for me to get out of bed for each morning. And what if I’m having a bad day to begin with? How could I possibly be expected to help someone else with their problems? So my hat is off to anyone that has to do that day in and day out. It’s just not for me.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“Who do you want to hang out with first?”