Chess:
In 1966, I was ill and home from school for awhile. My mom brought me home a
chess book to pass the time. From then I became very active in chess, entering
tournaments, with some degree of success. At my best, in 1988, I achieved a
rating of 2100, which is one level below master. I've had some great games,
both wins and losses, and am very glad to have participated in the chess culture.
In recent years I gave up the tourney scene. Too grueling, and also, I couldn't
perform at the level that I wanted to. Age is a bitch!!!
Here are 2 games from my past that I am proud to have been a part of..
My best game at 17 years old My last BIG tournament
Volleyball replaces chess:
I always enjoyed watching volleyball on TV. However, no one in the school
system taught it properly in my time... In 1987, I attended the adult ed course
at Kingsborough Comm College. From there, I learned the correct way to play,
and met several great
volleyball people.
Though I can't jump too well (a definite liability), I have the reputation
for being a good passer and defensive player, and an adequate setter. Anyway,
at my age, I'm glad to be on the same court with these young guns!!! I just
love to play, indoors, beach, 2's, 4's, 6's, I don't care...
Guitar Playing (See Youtube videos below)
I played violin in junior high. Hated the instrumental. But bless the late
Mr. Inferara, who forced me to continue it. Later on, in 1974, I began learning
classical guitar on my own, and the violin experience helped. I have
enjoyed playing since then. Since I don't really like classical music,
I make my own arrangements of old rock songs instead.
I'm not really that good,hardly anyone has ever heard me play (well, with YouTube and Facebook
that may not be true anymore), but I
really enjoy playing. My black cat was my best audience until she passed away in 2008...
Other assorted hobbies, weird and otherwise:
Military history; cult and lousy b-movies; mathematics; programming;
cats;assassination theories; the beach; jogging; working out.
Big turn-offs
People who brag; people who think they have class because of their material possessions;
Brussel Sprouts; the food in all company cafeterias;
People who live in Brooklyn a long time, then insult it the moment they move out;
The politicians that waste my money;
Billy Crystal and Alan Alda (though Alda has gotten better lately);
