We got smoked!

We lost all four of our games. It was a very tough evening!

On a positive note, I got to see one of my buddy's band play at Memory Lanes! It was great hearing some late night punk rock!

Round Four of TCCL tonight

After winning last month's round 3-1, Tal Tales has a 2-1 record going into tonight's match against the 3M64 team. It should be a tough and interesting round, as we will be playing higher rated players on each board. I'm excited to play!

...but life has lightened up considerably.

Last week when I posted the video, I was really stressed and down. With the Mumbai massacre and some other deaths closer to friends and family, I felt worn out.

Fortunately, I recharged after getting some major work completed with school and a little fresh perspective, energy, and humor.

I started a new blog over here. Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

Life has been heavy lately...

One of my favorite coffee shops composts now!

I'm sitting in Fireroast Mountain Cafe to do a little work on my thesis, and they have fliers advertising that they are composting their waste! They, along with some other Twin Cities restaurants, are featured at Eureka Recycling. Check it out and support your local businesses that are taking a next step!

On Thomas Friedman, global warming, et al

Over the last few days, my attention has been more focused on issues of global warming and the future of our planet. What helped spur that focus was that my mother-in-law sent me Thomas Friedman's newest book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America. Since it came in the mail Friday, I've been reading it as often as I am able.

I just noticed that I've paid more attention to the home thermostat, turned off more lights at home and work when they're not needed, and started going more paperless with bills. I consider global warming an urgent problem, one that I as a father, an intellectual, and a trained scientist, cannot leave alone.

I've thought more about global warming and how it is tied into other issues after reading one of his recent pieces, How to Fix a Flat, regarding the Big Three automobile manufacturers, and by watching him on Meet the Press this past Sunday.

Consider picking up his book if you want a well-thought analytical study of where we are at and how we can improve our chances in the future!

Close Guantanamo Bay!

Music and your health

I'm listening to this interesting story on NPR--Science Friday--about how listening to music that brings you joy can improve your cardiovascular health.

Thank you, Vets!!!

I honor your service to this country. Thank you!

"Keep the Camera Alive"

I took the title from Skinny Puppy's "Tin Omen." Although the song is about Kent State, I thought it appropriate to keep the world's eyes on Myanmar. The New York Times reports that the Myanmar government has sentenced 14 democracy reporters. Horrible!

Thank you, Matt and Trey!

I think laughter is one key to a healthy life. Last night, as part of detoxing from too much politics, we watched South Park's newest episode, About Last Night...

It dealt with the election and politics, but only tangentially. I recommend this if you are in the need of a good laugh, regardless of who you voted for!

Vote!

It was nice to get a reminder from Bob Weir this morning in my email!

Edit: And I got a recorded message from Bob Weir on my cell phone Monday morning reminding me to vote!!!

Happy Halloween

John Perry Barlow had this to say about the last debate...

The author of "Looks Like Rain," our wedding song, had this to say about the last debate (on Aiko Annie's blog). Not for the faint of heart!

I just had to respond

Local columnist Katherine Kersten wrote another of her off the deep end screeds for the Star Tribune today. I just needed to respond...

Tal Tales beat Metro Chess 3-1 in round two

Our team, Tal Tales, beat Metro Chess 3-1 last night at the Roseville Skating Oval. The results of the round will be posted shortly. Well played, team!

We are 1-1. I'm happy to report I'm 1.5 out of 2 points, a great way to start this year!

Round Two of the TCCL tomorrow

We will be meeting at the Roseville Oval tomorrow for the second round of the Twin Cities Chess League. We will have a full team this time!

My round one game in the TCCL

Here is my round one game against John. I erred early getting a Pawn behind, but I played accurate defense the rest of the game to get the draw.

Tal Tales had a great first round!

We were short a player for the first round, but Tal Tales had an excellent first round. I would like to welcome Luke Robson and Matt Henderson to the team. Luke is our new board one, as Kelly Perleberg has moved up to the round robin section of the TCCL. I am the third board, but I moved up to board two for the evening. Matt played board three.

I got a draw against John Thomson as Black. In what looked like a drawn position, Luke pulled out a great endgame win against Jeff Higgins. Matt lost against Steven Kravik.

However, I am gratified we got 1.5 for the three games we played, especially against two very strong players. Jeff and John had an average rating of just shy of 1900, while Luke and I averaged roughly 1460.

Twin Cities Chess League tonight, but in other odd and exciting news...

...The Flaming Lips movie, Christmas on Mars, was just shown in NYC today. I hope it comes to Minneapolis or St. Paul!

Here's the trailer...