Monday Coffee
Coffee is one of modern man’s primary sources of antioxidants, according to a study from the University of Scranton. Plus, a growing body of research suggests that quaffing a few cups a day can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even prostate cancer. LINK The bad news (there is always bad news…) that most authorities (whether they be WADA related or health experts) just love to preach is that coffee can be highly addictive and might damage your heart, amongst other organs. And if you like to compete in sports, it might even be unethical to drink more than a couple of cups before you go out and do your best…
I say forget all that shit! It is your LIFE and no matter what you do you are going to be subject to arbitrary criticism, scare-tactics, and a hell of a lot more than you deserve: make your own choices! What you put into your own mouth is one thing, so be certain to be reasonable; BUT what nonsense others try to fill your head is an entirely different animal.
You might want to investigate this book review HERE Thx, Mike!
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Just got back from the traditional San Sebastian Open, one of Spain’s most popular and long-running chess traditions. I have lost track how many times I have played (the first time was in 1999) but neither the allure of the excellently run tournament nor the city charm has faded…UNFORTUNATELY, this blog has been somewhat neglected in recent days. This week I hope to catch up!
I finished with 7 points from 9 games (5 wins, 4 draws), just a half point shy of Cuban grandmaster Renier Vazquez (above on the right). Tied for 2nd to 6th.
I have already put on a few tactics from this event, and I will check out the games’ database later to see if I can find something else that you might like. So stay tuned…in the meantime, I have played a grand total of 30 official games so far this year (my objective is 80 before the end of the year). I feel that I am getting very close to being what we can call being ”in form”. With a bit of luck, I should be up to 2600 before the end of the year.
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A pic is worth a 1,000 words
PROMOTING CHESS IN CANADA
Canadian star Hansen giving a simul in Ottawa last week. LINK Apparently Eric and his second van Kampen have been in Canada preparing for upcoming tournaments. Best of luck to both!
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CANADIANS PROMOTING CHESS IN BUDAPEST
Ashley (chess girl) and Michael Yip in Hungary. Michael has been living there for a number of years now, while Ashley goes there regularly to train. Both are excellent ambassadors for Canadian chess. (photo courtesy of chessbase)
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The photogenic Alexandra Kosteniuk at the Women’s Grand Prix that finishes today . Alexandra is currently in 3rd place, while the Chinese star Hou Yifan is running away with the event, two whole points ahead of the crowd. Congrats! And good luck to Alexandra today (she faces Hou Yifan!)
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2014 FIDE ELECTION
WHY ALL THE SILENCE?
With the exception of January’s flareup involving leaked documents and denials of impropriety on both sides, this year’s FIDE election is being characterized by SILENCE, behind the scenes negotiating and both candidates putting in tens of thousands of kilometers of travel to win votes.
Gary Kasparov announced his candidacy late last year, running with a solid team behind him and putting emphasis on chess in schools. He has avoided directly attacking Kirsan, preferring to argue that it is time for change. Most remarkable in his campaign has been Kasparov’s disciplined visiting country after country, meeting with federations and political figures. Whether this will translate into votes is another matter all together (time will show), as Kasparov’s controvertial reputation inside the chess world is very different to his celebrity status. Kasparov has virtually no support amongst the world’s top players, as just one example.
In the meantime, Kirsan has been doing what he has been very successful at doing since he was first elected some 18 years ago: travelling extensively and arguing FIDE’s raison d’etre. His campaign website is far superior to Kasparov’s site (link above), and one designed to show the STABILITY that he has created in the chess world since Kasparov’s (and Short) split with FIDE in the mid 1990’s and the resulting chaos and anarchy that almost brought the chess world to a grinding halt.
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Ofcourse, you can still find some controversy if you search hard enough (and see this Link as well ) but Ignatius Leung has a long record for short-lived scandals. Most remarkable has been Kirsan’s success in reeling in Ignatius’ political binges and getting him to cooperate with FIDE for as long as he has. Perhaps this time around Kirsan will do a house cleaning and get rid of the man for good. Time will tell if Leung is a positive investment/gamble of Kasparov’s time and money…IN ANY CASE, expect to see Kasparov be appointed FIDE’s good will ambassador and chess-in-schools CEO should Kirsan win yet one more term. (And Kasparov accept!)
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