Some years ago, I was walking around a fair of some sort and I came upon a fellow doing the shell game, surrounded by a sizable audience. As he manipulated the three shells, he started saying "Eenie, meanie, chili beanie, the spirits are about to speak!" Well, right on cue I said "Are they friendly spirits?"

Complete silence. No one seemed to pick up on the reference - including the shell game operator!

Of course, in his defense, my piping up with that line may have interrupted his concentration, so he may have decided to ignore me in hopes that I would go away.

Don