Now THIS is interesting: Just came across a family that has BYPASSED the organized chess structure altogether and is allowing their twin 9 year-old *prodigies* to train with computers and NOTHING ELSE!! They have played against each other, their computer programs, and that's it. They appear to be playing around a 2400 strength already. Sign of the times.

I read in Frank Brady's book that Bobby Fischer used to live in the YMCA for a while. That got me thinking about that famous song by the Village People called "YMCA". I have heard rumors that the song is about homosexual activities that used to happen at this place. Was this the reason why Bobby decided to stay at the Y M C A ?

"I have two weapons, my legs, my arms, and my brain." Mike Vick, Atlanta Falcons

I think all of his opening books are wonderful. They clearly explain the plans and the ideas behind the openings. I have read 2 of his opening books and now going over a third. Reading them make me feel like a grandmaster.

From USCF press release 2003 #32 Kalev Pehme, the new Editor of Chess Life, will hold an informal meeting on Sunday, October 19th to address contributors and potential contributors to Chess Life. Also in attendance will be USCF Interim Executive Director, Grant Perks and USCF Executive Board Member, Dr. Frank Brady. The meeting will take place in the Great Hall at the Marshall Chess Club, 23...

This is simple: Why should I pay $20 in travel expenses, $10 in food, and a $20 entry fee to "win" $50 in a quad (at 3-2 odds) against weak players when I can stay home and build my game much more efficiently against a computer? Once my rating is improved, and I want to test it over the board, I can do that in a long-round open swiss (like G-30 for 10 rounds), but the fact is, that unless I'm...

Now is the time to go fill your prescription. Obviously, it has run out and you definitely need it. Best Regards, Bruce

There's a Chicago Cubs fan who might want to consider entering the witness protection plan. If the Cubs lose tomorrow, never before might a fan's interference with a catchable fly ball prove to be so disastrous for a baseball team. I feel sorry for the fan to be perfectly honest. I'm certain that his/her picture will be all over the world by tomorrow morning, and knowing the rabid nature of...

Can the EB take bids on outsourcing the entire federation? LOL CJ the Brick

After reading about the near 40% staff cut, it seems to me that the USCF is truly doomed... There is no way that they can maintain old members, get new members, while at the same time trying to manage a difficult transference of responsibilities to a smaller staff, much less an almost totally new staff across the country, when they move to Crossville. I am a member since 1973, but I do not...

SECRECY IS ENDEMIC By Larry Parr Maybe the message is getting through to the new board which is now dealing with a dismal situation after decades of mismanagement. One reader recently asked why GM Larry Evans is loved by many players but hated by many chess politicos (including wannabees like John Fernandez). One reason goes back to an 8-page article he wrote for NEW IN CHESS (1987 #5). Here...

They are planing something in TURIN. They don't list a country. Do they mean Italy? Russell Miller, Chelan WA

MR. EADE STILL HAS TIME ON HIS HANDS By Larry Parr Parr I get, but Evans still mystifies me. He always wrote of the chess world as "tinytown" but he resists efforts to make it mainstream. It doesn't add up. -- Jim Eade Jim Eade has time on his hands. Which is why he is here at rgcp. Earlier, he informed us that he had far better things to do, given his

Out of curiosity, what are the credentials of Tim Hanke, Beatriz Marinello, Don Schultz, Steve Shutt, Frank Brady, Frank Camaratta or John McCrary? What do they do for a living? I read somewhere that Tim Hanke is in charge of outsourcing the B&E. Does he have any financial experience to make a multimillion-dollar decision that can make or break the organization? What is the story with...

Well, either it's curses foiled again, if you're a Cubs or a Red Sox fan, or it's everything seems normal and a-okay if you're not. What a great game 7 tonight well worth staying up late for. Winners: Boone-A Bucky Dent kind of redemption for Boone who wins it all in the 11th with a homer. Seems like a really nice guy who had been struggling the whole series at the plate. Baseball always...

Here's the situation: I call up the CCA and ask if I can play in the "Premier" section of the National Chess Congress, which is open to players rated 2000 and up, or Juniors under 18 who are 1800 and over. My current rating is 1900, but my peak rating was 2000, which means I have a "P" after my name that qualifies me for *most* "master/expert" tournaments. I felt like the Premier section would...

Hi, I was wondering how I can apply for a job to be a model in the USCF catalog. I think it would be cool to be paid to hold chess equipment and have a big smile on my face too.

Considering all the abuse EJ got about this I am surprised no one has commented on the fact (as reported on the Chessbase website) that Ponomariov was disqualified when his mobile phone rang during a recent game at the European Team Championships. I have no problems with such a policy. James B. Shearer

Oct. 15, 2003 Dear Chess Players, I am proud to be working with the United States Chess Federation to provide a weekly electronic newsletter to the chess playing public. The target objectives of the newsletter a 1. to provide broad advertising of the United States Chess Federation and its mission

Dear Relatives, Friends and Associates in the World of Chess: Heil Dubya! Today is 8 October and I must appear in court on 15 October, so I am sending a reminder to everyone in my AOL "Address Book", except the three persons who were disturbed at the "impertinence" of my original message. I also am posting this "letter" to a number of usenet bbses that I frequent. My purpose in this is...