dispatches from a library basement

Not all floors are created equal. It's true. The tenderfoot library-studying student would discount this observation as a trivial nuance; or may not notice at all. But as experience and exploration testify, each floor has its own atmosphere, patronage and character.

Want to study in a busy, open and well-lit area? Try the first floor - through the double doors and immediately to your right. You'll rarely be alone, and there's plenty of breathing room. Maybe you're hungry? You'll find the cafeteria has some bargains, and often you might overhear law students arguing over their interpretations of dicta from their latest tort case. It's a nice place to people-watch, one of my pass-times.

Maybe you want something a little quieter? Try going up a few floors. On the 4th and 5th floors you'll usually see the same people. Sometimes they're graduate students, sometimes greeks. But if you see somebody at one table, chances are you'll see them there again. These floors are slightly more quiet, but you still have the occasional disturbance of a librarian squeaking around with her cart full of books, or a bewildered student trying to figure out what happened to the GH135.13 section; you'll notice him circle the floor about three time, then possibly return with somebody from the help desk (if he's hasn't just given up). The mid-level floors sometimes have nice windows. And although the glare from outside light can make laptop use difficult, the view is amazing(ly distracting). Most of the tables are out in the open; don't sit next to a bathroom! But if you snoop around a bit you might just find a random table hidden among the rows and rows of books. (Look along the walls).

The 7th floor is a whole different animal. In my opinion, this is where the cool, artsy people study. The video archives are here, and I think some fashion design publications. Generally a higher art-content area than other floors. There's one hidden wing that can be a good area to study, but usually there are already people here.

Pretense Explained

Today I decided that my newly-elected favorite word could easily be overused. It's a popular word in my vocabulary, but over-dependence on it word makes one guilty (or at least liable for accusation) of, well, pretense. So I turned to my trusty thesaurus, which I impulsively purchased last year while reading about law schools. Anyway, you can read the accolades at Meltzer's website, read the theory behind the book at the publishers website, and reader's reviews at Amazon.

Anyway, back to pretentious. It's that word I want to use all the time, but can't because I've already used it recently. Probably we critical people who enjoy disparaging others like it more than the average person. So I decided to diversify my literary arsenal. Here's the fruit of my labour...

Pretentious
(as in pompous) adj: flatulent
(speech or writing) adj: fustian
(person on issues of grammar) n: grammaticaster
(self-important person or official) n: high muck-a-muck; hoity-toity; panjandrum
(esp. regarding speaking or writing style) adj: magniloquent, orotund
(pretentious but superficial knowledge of a subject) n: sciolism

Narrative of the Negotiating Table

White: I believe I'd like to have this center area; its very strategic and the view is great.
Black: No, no you don't. You'd better let me settle here. My long term prospects are stronger if I can control this area. I'll be right across from you here, at E5; so you don't get any foolish ideas and try to come closer.
White: Suit yourself, we'll compromise for that part. But I'm going to send somebody there to D4 to support my associates, just in case you get out of hand.
Black: Your proposal is entertaining White. You realize you are very vulnerable from there? I could cross over there and take you down.
White: Yes, but you know what would happen. There's no way you'd make that sacrifice this early. There's nothing for you to gain. Besides, a weakness in your formation will appear.
Black: We should trade on my terms.
White: Hmmm, okay I'll accept. Don't you know that I'm giving you an advantage here? This is a really good deal for you.
Black: Yes its very tempting. But I prefer the Sicilian, so I'm going to have proceed otherwise.
White: You're no working very hard. It's okay though, I'm just going to advance to this spot up here by B5. You're at an impasse now. Suppose you're going to have to go ahead and make a concession over there on B7.
Black: Mr. White you're always so quick to make demands. Don't you realize this is, by my calculations, a zero-sum scenario. There's no way I would accommodate your ploy. I'm going to have to put you in check for saying that!

From my forthcoming book, If Pawns Could Speak.
Just kidding.

Memphis Basketball

The NCAA Championship was played just a few nights back, and as far as I'm concerned the Tigers won. Maybe they didn't win on the scoreboard, but they played their hearts out, and won ours. In a compelling bid for the national title, they captured our emotions and took us for an unforgettable (though we try) ride, culminating in a horrifying, cataclysmic ending. But who cares about that score? CDR showed character and heart, playing with humble prowess and his "little ole man tricks." Dozier played hard and had impact. Anderson nailed some beautiful 3's. Derrick Rose displayed graceful control, wooing the nation with his uncanny raw talent. Even Joey Dorsey was smiling; out there to have fun, but with dominating intensity. And who can forget that electrifying steal when he blazed past Alrich to finish with a dunk?

Despite the treacherous ending, we still love those guys. I didn't watch OT (It would have been too painful). But let's be honest, it was an exhilarating game. They showed talent and heart, and proved Memphis can compete at any level. The Tigers are no longer strangers to the NCAA tournament, they're hardened veterans, and they'll be back.

Implicit Egotism

An interesting article plopped its way down on the front page of today's NYTimes. Explaining the phenomenon called Googlegangers (google twins), the article explains how people are using google to find others who share their name. Fascinating interactions have been possible through this new way to "find yourself." Stephanie Rosembloom explained what impels us to be interested in others who share out name. One explanation comes from social science. She explains, "A psychological theory called the name-letter effect maintains that people like the letters in their own names better than other letters in the alphabet." Hmmm. Dr. Brett Pelham calls it implicit egotism. "We've shown time and time again that people are attracted to people, places and things that resemble their names, without a doubt," he explained. To me its an ironic little finding, and it resonates here, that we "human beings are unconsciously attracted to things that remind us of ourselves. "

Queen's Pawn Game

So here I am again. It's a little past 1am, and I'm torn between an array of potential activities. My bed should not be vacant right now - I should be curled up there snoring away. But no, I poured a cup of caffeine around 11:30 tonight, hoping to finish my evening's adventures in cost accounting. The email to cancel class arrived just about an hour into my studies. I've been reviewing a few chess openings, as if this could help. My favorite so far is the Colle System, seems like a variation of the queen's pawn game. Also interesting is the king's gambit, but I think it opens the board too much for my likings. It's too abrupt and forced, rather than a more calculated opening. Now I just sit here despairing over an old Journey song, thinking about how painful waking up tomorrow will be.

The Chess Fad

Here are two books I have recently acquired and hope to delve into soon. The King's Gambit has the most enthralling opening chapter, and promises to be a rewarding read. Bobby Fisher has also been of deep interest of late, I find his obsession with chess to be quite intriguing. Even his statement "chess is life" warrants some attention. Apparently he was an outspoken anti-Semite, but I can't help but pity Fisher. Clearly there were issues in his head, but they were likely perpetuated by his being plunged into the dark world of competitive chess.

So Hoffman's King's Gambit might explain how chess affects people, how deeply chess captures people, and the Bobby Fisher book provides an in-depth case study to solidify the resounding consensus - that chess players are of an entirely different species.