More firsts in October

Technically, this first thing isn't something I started in October, but most of my encounters were in October. I have been taking chess classes on Wednesday night with former U.S. Grand Master John Grefe. These classes are an excercise in feeling colossally stupid. John talks about chess faster than I can think about it. It has been enlightening me about all the things I don't know and will never know about chess. Still, John reminds me of the Chris Cooper character in Adaptation, so attening class is great for entertainment value. (Sigh.) In a few minutes, I'll be off to let's-feel-stupid class again.

On our way to Gold Country last week, we had to stop for reading materials at the chain bookstore that was closest to being on our way out of town. I had left the book I was currently reading at home by my bed -- not that I was the only one in our group with a reading fixation. In a fit of thinking I might actually study chess, I bought a couple of chess books. I was discouraged over the course of my Gold Rush trip because I spent a couple hours playing games with the Radio Shack "Talking e-Chess" game my dad bought me last year. After losing miserably, I realized I had it set to the hardest setting. Even though I have since set it to mid-range difficulty, I haven't tried playing again.

I just looked up John on Google and I see that he has authored a couple books. Perhaps I should order them and get signatures. Another guy who hangs out, Francisco someone, just had a chess book published. too. These guys are so way out of my league that I never stay around afterwards to play a game. Well, at least not tonight.