there are experts all around. i only have to pick up the paper or turn on the TV. often i don't need to make make even that much effort. i can hear voices of consummate confidence just by listening to the friends who have an opinion about everything or the family members who know it all. how lucky i am to be surrounded by such clever characters. and what about me? am i an expert too? do i know a thing or two? does my own experience count for anything?