I was drawn into chess by the Fischer-Spassky match in 1972. I was 42 years old then and figured out that with maybe six months of study I would be able to strut my stuff in OTB and postal tournaments.

<Pause here for reality check.>

I pushed wood for 12 years to reach the pinnacle of my chess career: an Elo of 1400 and a 1500 postal rating. That is where I stayed . . . and stayed.

I quit chess when my eyes quit seeing what they were supposed to see: like a black pawn sitting in front of a black bishop, or a bishop hiding under the queen's skirts. (Don't ask.)

I can't remember how many years it has been that I eyeballed a printed book. Now I earball my books.

<I can read Web text> with the bells and whistles Microsoft put into Vista to help visually-impaired users. A 24-inch monitor helps, too. And a mouse with a built-in magnifier helps, too.

So what thell am I doing on CG.com if I don't play chess anymore? A fair question.

<I like the company of smart people.> My CG friends are from everywhere: Australia, Ireland, India, The Netherlands. And many "No bio" friends. I have room enough for everybody.