Christmas Booty

First of all, thanks for the thoughts over the holidays. More on that in my journal.

Second, man, I didn't realize how long it had really been since I'd updated these things.

Third, man, I can't believe how hard it's been for me to sit down and update these things, especially since I've got a lot to say and know what I want to start with.

Christmas booty. Christmas isn't about the gifts. I'll say it and say it and say it some more. But they are nice, aren't they? And I got a nice little stash. I thought I'd hit a few high spots over a handful of entries in the next week or so.

I got Chessmaster 9000, which is a solid chess program. One of the best available, in my opinion, especially for the price. I'd gotten interested in chess again after reading Tilson's blog entries about his chess club.

I quickly discovered I still suck at chess. I'm even worse, if that's possible. My problem is I just don't think far enough ahead. And I don't give my opponent enough credit when predicting his next move. Somehow I never factor in that he's not going to ignore what I'm obviously trying to do.

Anyway, it's something I'm determined to work on, if I can make the time. I'm spending way too much time on the computer nowadays, and that's without playing chess. I'm working through the kiddie school on Chessmaster 9000, and the chump players, at that. But it's a good move for me. About time I learned the game correctly. It's been somewhat rewarding, as I'm starting to think about moves with a little more depth. The chump players tend to end up doing something grossly incompetent, which kind of spoils the games, but I just move up a notch after each win. Soon I'll reach a level where there's more consistent skill, but still geared at my level. One day, I might be ready to challenge one of you over on Yahoo Games.