Wednesday, November 9, 2011
John Brown, A Legend of Las Vegas Chess
Sunday, May 1, 2011
My Rant on Belief Systems and Politics
I would like to give some personal thoughts on what I think about debates and possibly even religion/belief systems in general. I might even briefly go into some politics. Like usual, I start with absolutely no plan or idea what to write about so I’ll just start typing and we’ll see what comes out. Please excuse me if I “jump around” from time to time.
It came to my attention that Miss Atheist is or has been suffering with a serious health issue. It’s something that I was totally unaware of. Many faiths/religions preach the need to be compassionate and considerate for those who suffer. Should we not practice what we preach? I suppose that’s beside the point. You don’t need religion to treat people fairly and to show compassion. The definition of the word compassion as a noun is: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Let’s put religion aside for a moment. Let me start with a rhetorical question. Is it fair to enter a contest with a person in ill health? In 2005 I beat a very strong Russian chess player, but he was practically dying at the board. He had an oxygen tank nearby and was struggling to breathe. I beat him in under 20 moves. I did not celebrate or feel good about it. I felt bad about the situation but that’s who I was paired against. I knew and he knew that if he was in good health that I would have lost in 20 moves. If I was a wrestler what joy would it bring me to beat a man with one arm. I can answer that---absolutely no joy at all. I suppose if both sides agree then it’s okay. But what if it gets to the point where it becomes unhealthy to continue. Should we continue on with the attack until the opponent is absolutely defeated? Or should we do the right thing and understand that a person’s health is more important than a silly debate?
To be a scientific debate it seems the word God keeps coming up from time to time.
In my opinion, Evolution was a belief created in the 1800s. Like many other beliefs or theories it continues to grow with little or no scientific evidence to back it up. It’s time to dump that belief along with the age-old belief of a flat earth.
Saying that, I think it’s time for real spirituality. Like Evolution, Christianity has served it’s purpose and to some degree it still does. But there’s something wrong with it and the way it’s practiced. The American people are starting to figure this out. Look at the attendance figures in church and decide for yourself. God still works miracles if the price is right!
The Crusades ended in 1291 AD. Or did it really end? If you ask me it’s still continuing to this day. If I truly believe God to be so powerful and in control, then why would you feel the need to pick up a sword to defend him? Does God need a lawyer? I hope not! People really get turned off to religion when people try to shove it down their throats. Is it any wonder why many of the churches are sitting empty around the country? Maybe I should say as compared to 35 years ago.
We could also talk about religion and politics—a scary thing the Right is guilty of in this country. Mixing religion and politics is like combining fire and gasoline. It was only a few years the rabid, Former President Bush put the biggest con job on the American people in decades—using religion as a means to kick start his attack on the world. Upon taking office he (like many other presidents) became very religious. Amazing, isn’t it! He used the 9/11 tragedy as a cover for entering Iraq and Afghanistan.
Of course there are some very legitimate questions as to whether the 9/11 attack was carried out by certain elements of our government. If you doubt it then please explain how can a building that was not struck (building 7) and free fall to the ground. It happens every day doesn’t it? Yeah right! If you can solve that mystery then I’ll respond to your comments. If not then don’t waste my time.
So, basically I’m suggesting that Bush and others took advantage of the American people by appealing to their religious beliefs in an effort to gain support for his war. I really should not say “his war” as there are clearly others behind that disaster to include Rumsfeld and Cheney to only name a few. Bush even mentioned the word “Crusade” most likely in an attempt to fire up the Muslim world. They even used fear which is the greatest mass manipulation tool yet devised. They talked of the “barbarians at the gate” and suggested that if you vote Republican then Republicans would keep the barbarians out. But the greatest lie of all was that if we continue attacking that America and the world would be a safer place to be. I might add that Hitler would have been proud of the way this was carried out. It’s several years later and I’m still waiting on the barbarians. Strangely silent isn’t it. I know some will say it’s safe because we’re taking the war to the enemy. Well, keep on believing it if it provides comfort. I don’t believe it for a second. Politics are played at a much higher level than that. There’s banking interests, power and oil to only mention a few driving forces behind these crazy ventures.
It’s okay to have beliefs as we all do. But we must guard against those people who would manipulate us to meet their own agenda.
Yesterday I met a man near my apartment complex originally from New Orleans. That doesn’t surprise me as New Orleans is full of “different'” people. He told me that he was Satanist who “graduated” at the highest levels of his craft. The scary thing is he told me some personal things about myself that only I knew. Things that I kept private and only I knew. It freaked me out, but I don’t want to steer too far off from the discussion. He previously worked as a broadcaster. That might bother a few Christians if they heard the daily news was provided by a Satanist. I have to admit that Satanism freaks me out, but this guy probably has more compassion than most Christians that I know. For instance, I know of two instances where he defended people who were attacked with racial slurs. I think he would make for an interesting debate? That would be interesting. I’m not sure how the debate would go though. If he chose to do so he could penetrate the opponent’s very soul and possibly reveal some private details. It can get ugly when you have to face your own personal demons. There is one concern. He is also suffering with poor health and I’m not sure it would be good to do that to him. I might ask him if there is enough interest out there. What you would get here is real. There’s no way I could make this up.
I sincerest apologies to Miss Atheist for I had absolutely no idea she was struggling with her health.
I plan on deleting the posts on 5 May unless a majority of the readers decide against it.
So let me end with, “God****it! Have you had enough? I certainly have.”
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Some Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
I started drinking Apple Cider Vinegar in late February 2011 because I heard it was very good for your health. I mix two tablespoons of vinegar with water along with a little honey and drink a small glass after lunch and dinner.
A week or so ago I noticed that my allergies were almost non-existent this season. This time of year is really bad for me as the allergies act up for about six weeks. I attributed the lack of allergies to the honey and it may play a part, but I also heard reports from several people who say apple cider vinegar can help with the allergies. Many people say it brings a glow to your face.
The arthritis and gout attacks have all but disappeared and this might be due to my change in diet, but I think the apple cider vinegar plays a role.
Last week the dentist told me my blood pressure was excellent. It was only a few years ago that I was unable to take a fitness test because my heart rate was out of control and that was two hours after I washed my car!
I believe it’s something you should try. I recommend getting a bottle of organic (unpasteurized) apple cider vinegar. It only costs around $2.00 dollars and will last for close to a month.
Try it and please feel free to tell me what you think.
cheers
Paul
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Round Robin Blitz, Monday, 18 April
No. Name St Rate Pts
1 Heinrich, Paul G. NV 2274 11.0
2 Salazar, Earl P NV 2022 11.0
3 Phillips, Ryan NV 2000 10.0
4 Ayers, Mark CA 1872 9.0
5 Thurber, Michael NV 1847 8.0
6 Burns, Daniel G. NV 1500 7.0
7 Galima, Tim NV 1754 7.0
8 Concepcion, Ruzlan NV 1600 5.0
9 Quinones, Daniel NV 1660 4.5
10 Watson, Rockford M NV 1310 4.5
11 Ulbrich, Karl NV 1092 4.0
12 Mojica, Andrew NV 793 2.0
13 Salazar, Matthew NV 1.0
14 LeRoy, Randy NV 1350 0.0
We all expect the higher-rated players to perform well. That's a given. Now for the underdog/Cinderalla story of the night. It belongs to Rocky "Balboa" Watson who duck, weaved, danced and punched his way to a breakthrough score of 4.5 points! As he moved from board to board it reminded me of a tornada leaving a path of destruction in a southern forest. Why do people sometimes, seemingly out of the blue, have the performance of their life? Could the full moom last night be responsible for it? I can only speculate. It could have been some form of planetary alignment or a UFO hovering over UMC last night. Rocky played a spectacular rook sacrifice versus Tim Galima and I think he had a win, but failed to keep the initiative as he let his guard down and turned towards the TD. At that moment Galima let loose with a wild right hook that put Rocky to sleep. At that moment I glanced out the window and saw a UFO darting across the sky as Bigfoot lept across Charleston Blvd. Something must have spooked them, and with them Rocky's mojo also left at a time he needed it most. Shortly afterwards the beam from a nearby hovering UFO shot through the window and aimed at Rocky's forehead. Moments later Rocky drew his game with Earl Salazar, who would tie for the tournament lead with 11.0 points. Balboa on fire last night and only one person could stop him and that's himself!
Last night I witnessed Rocky play tactics never before seen on the chessboard. His games looked like a "hot knife cutting through butter." I don't have the slightest idea what that means, but it sounds impressive!
Will he ever be able to repeat this performance? I doubt it, but anything is possible. It's very difficult if not impossible to have a performance of your life two weeks in a row. There's many many one-hit wonders in the music business because they are incapable of coping with the pressure of doing a follow-up hit.
Watch out for this guy or you will pay a dear price. I'm predicting BIG things for Rocky. I predict he'll score a whopping 6.0 points next time out! His next huge leap will be over the 1400 mark and my the end of the year will will top 1600! Have I ever been wrong on my blog? The unequivocal answer is, "No!" Anyone who doubts me will do so in peril over the chessboard against Rocky. His last words of the night were: "Yo Adrian, we did it. We did it!"
You might be asking yourself why I devoted so many paragraphs to one person. Well, you could also ask yourself, "Why did God create so many books in the bible?" Hey, he's God isn't he? He could have written a small paperback an left it at that. Or you could ask yourself, "What is the meaning of life?" See, there's really a deep philosophical reasoning behind it all. I'm not sure what it is. The thought goes so deep into esoteric thinking that only a 33 degree mason could understand it. Did I answer the question or did I confuse you even more? I'm confused.
We also had a high-1800 rated player, Mark Avery, from California stop by and play. His play was very impressive. He's the first person I saw keep score in blitz and still find a way to win--not a feat I recommend trying.
Ruzlan Conception played also. He's a good, solid player. We were glad to have him.
The quote of the night belongs to Randy LeRoy. Shortly after losing to Danny Quinones, he withdrew from the tournament. He shook my hand and said, "This is not chess!" A person could only make such a comment by looking over at Thurber's board! My hand hurt for about ten minutes after his handshake. Why did he leave? Rumor has it that shortly before the game began Danny said, "Good luck and God bless you". Could it be that internal questions such as: Is there life after death and thoughts on the evolution debate flooded Randy's mind, rendering him unable to concentrate as Danny had his way over the chess board? I don't know guys, but it could possibly be another case of divine intervention. Simply put, I'm suggesting the possibility that God short-circuited his play, proving God works in mysterious ways. I do recall seeing this "burning bush" in his eyes as he shook my hand.
I also know from personal experience that it's not easy to sit across the board from "The Great Debater" aka Quinones--a guy who plays with ideas and logic while I am unable to use some of my best tools to include "name calling", unfortunately because chess is a quiet game. It leaves me at a distinct disadvantage. That's why his record is so good against me. Wait! Everyone has a good record against me with the exception of "The Lion Killer" Debesai!
Thanks to everyone for coming out!
Beware of the Rock!
Paul
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Want to Confuse Your Opponents: Play 1. b4!
I’m probably the only player in the local club who occasionally plays 1. b4. The opening has several names: Sokolsky, Polish Opening, Orangutan and 1. b4.
The first time I saw the opening played was in Germany. I played a team blitz tournament with my German friends. One of my teammates, Sven, played it with amazing results.
Several years later I decided to give it a try. I’ve had some excellent results with it. Most people, even the higher-rated players don’t know how to deal with it. The ideas are easy to learn.
Here’s a game where I beat a higher-rated player on ICC in a 5 min game. I was very lucky because my opponent missed 14…Nd3+ after which I would have resigned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Bh1M60R1I&feature=player_embedded
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Gallegos vs Bidari, Round 5, Rosati's 2
Gallegos would have to face Bidari with 2.5 points--no easy task--in the final round. He found a way to win in an exciting game. Reyes and Heinrich would face each other and draw. Ryan Phillips won against Thurber. Gallegos would squeeze out victory with 4.5 points as the overall winner with Reyes and Phillips on his tail with 4.0 points apiece.
Here's the game:
You can also go here to see a larger version: http://chesspo.st/G8J
Congratulations to Jeff for his tournament win.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Rosati’s 2 Tournament, Wednesday, April 6
Last week fifteen players participated in the Rosati’s 2 Chess Tournament.
It was the strongest local rapid play tournament in recent history in Las Vegas. The average rapid play rating of the top five places was 2038.5. Places six through ten had an average rating of 1837. That’s pretty impressive for Las Vegas!
Here’s a brief bio of the participants:
Jeffery Gallegos: The winner of the event and master of the Philidor Defence; like most Philidor Players he likes to maneuver his pieces on the back rank and wait until the moment is right to strike. He plays the Philidor with white and black. Jeffrey likes to do analysis on his own and “patches up” weak points in his opening. Because of his style, he’s a difficult opponent; however, I think his opponent’s will soon figure out his style. Will that be enough to neutralize him? We’ll have to wait till next tournament to find out. I love it when players like Jeffery play the ole “rope-a-dope” style. I do like George Foreman did against Ali in Zaire. I wind up and swing and hit hard. That is, until I run out of steam and get hammered by a right cross before hitting the canvas!
Jose Reyes: Second place. An impressive player of his own right and master of fast play. The following day he would win the Pawndemonium Knockout tournament. He’s just getting warmed up. There’s many more victories awaiting him.
Ryan Phillips: Third place. Ryan’s place has been impressive lately and he continues to improve. Last month he finished third place in a Chesscube event I sponsored that consisted of 245 players! Very impressive! He also beat Earl Salazar in their matchup at Rosati’s 2, not an easy feat.
Paul Heinrich: Fourth Place. A “monster” at rapid play. Paul lead for most of the tournament and I thought he was going to win it. He slowed down a bit in the final two rounds, but still finished with an impressive score considering the field.
Earl Salazar: Fifth Place. One of the best fast play players in the city. He has an off night, but his off night would be my best night. He’ll be back. I predict he’ll finish no lower than second place in his next tournament.
Juan Juaregui: Sixth Place. Juan entered the tournament in Round 2 and still did very well. He recently came in second place in the Pawndemonium Knockout tournament.
Glenn Bidari: Seventh Place: One of the best players in the club. This is a surprise. I expected Glenn to place in the top three. He’s probably in a slump and should return to form soon.
Todd Imada: Eighth Place. Todd recently came in third place in the Pawndemonium Knockout tournament. He seemed to be a little disappointed at his result, but it’s still pretty good considering the field. He’s a dangerous player who cannot be taken lightly.
Michael Thurber: Ninth Place. One of the most dangerous attacking players in the city; that is until I beat him in a few 1. b4 games. After months of psychological counseling from those defeats, he is finally returning to form….just kidding! This guy can play chess and when Mike is on nobody and I mean nobody can play like him!
Danny Quinones (AKA Mr. Believer): Tenth Place. This guy knows a lot about chess. Someday soon Danny will have his breakthrough tournament.
Chris Reynolds: A good player who just doesn’t realize it. If he plays more slow games combined with study, he’ll easily step up to the next class.
Jon Trivett: Jon’s a good player who I think sometimes pushes too hard to win all his games. If he settles down and let’s his experience and intuition guide him then his results will vastly improve. Jon is capable of beating any player in the club if he applies himself.
Royce Pereira: Royce’s performance in this tournament has propelled his rating to 1500. It’ll soon go much higher. His play is enjoyable to watch because of his fighting spirit.
Vivian Liu: Vivian is improving and will continue to improve. I’m sure Chris is helping her to improve. I’m happy to see women participating in the game.
Matthew Salazar: Matthew might not have won a game, but I can see a noticeable improvement in his play recently. In last Monday night’s blitz tournament he crushed me. I think he has potential and there’s many years ahead for him to improve.
It was fun and I enjoyed it. I hope we can keep up the momentum! It looks like I might have to come out of semi-retirement to lay down some WWE Smackdown chess moves on some folks!
http://blog.lvchess.com/2011/04/08/showdown-at-rosatis-2--results.aspx