If you want better outputs, use better/new inputs.
So I’m just beginning to read Atlas Shrugged. Why? I’m actually developing an interest in governance, particularly as it pertains to economic issues. This week I watched on CSPAN a plenary session of a Federalist Society meeting that featured a panel of two law-school professors, Steve Forbes and a labor union representative. (Did I really just write that sentence?) It was really interesting, particularly as it highlighted the fact that two smart people can look at the same historical events and pick exact opposite reasons as the causal factors. Anyway I am trying to shrug off the most shrill and sensational voices in politics and instead gain a real understanding of conservative economic philosophy. Atlas Shrugged checks in at an intimidating 1000+ pages of small type, but I keep telling myself I’ve plowed through Shogun 10 times, so I can do it.
On the chess front, I’ve lucked* onto a squad for February’s US Amateur Team East that could compete on the top boards. So I better get my books on. To that end I’ve ordered an endgame book and an opening book, and constructed a study/practice plan to be in top shape by the time I hit Parsippany. Good inputs + hard work = better play.
*Actually it’s not luck. The key is to know Boston Blitz assistant manager Matt Phelps.
You are lucky to know me.
“The Shmelov Money”: Denys Shmelov 2470, Charles Riordan 2411, some schmuck blogger 2132, Matt Phelps 1686. Average rating 2174.75
Not too shabby.
I’m doing tactics and endings. Hopefully I can bamboozle people enough to last to an endgame, then weasel out a draw.
I suppose I should play in a tournament or two before then also.
It’s gonna be fun.
-Matt
For a good conservative economic resource, try: http://mises.org/
Enjoy :-)
++harfvey
Anyway I am trying to shrug off the most shrill and sensational voices in politics
10% is the over/under on the percentage of Americans who believe the following statement: “Obama wants Iran to get nuclear weapons.”
LEP: Eep. I guess I am also trying to shrug off the second- and third-most shrill voices.
Harvey: I recall from http://reassembler.wordpress.com/2007/10/14/dismally-yours/
Matt: Ever so lucky. If we aren’t behind the ropes for more than one round, we’ll know we dorked it up.
Dude – good recall – I guess that’s why you are an editor — LOL!
With that loaded squad, you may very well be behind the ropes for 6 rounds!
As long as I don’t play Jesse Nicholas I might be okay.
Uh oh.
And I don’t have to play Zaroug Jaleel :(
Actually, not a bad game for my first one in four months against someone rated 350 points higher.
-Matt