"As they passed the rows of houses they saw through the open doors that men were sweeping and dusting and washing dishes, while the women sat around in groups, gossiping and laughing.
"What has happened?" the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was wheeling a baby-carriage along the sidewalk.
"Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty -- as you ought to know very well," replied the man; "and since you went away the women have been running things to suit themselves. I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order, for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man in the Emerald City."
"Hm!" said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. "If it is such hard work as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?"
"I really do not know," replied the man, with a deep sigh. "Perhaps the women are made of cast-iron.""
- L. Frank Baum, "The Land of Oz"
Saturday, July 12, 2008
For a chess fanboy like me, this is great ...
The three American hostages recently freed from Colombian rebels carved chessmen while in captivity and played the game on a board made of cardboard.
"When you are doing that you are free. Your mind is engaged, you are not a prisoner. That's the gain, that's the victory."
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Comments on "The Freedom Of Chess":
2. slumberjack
- 07/12/2008 11:47 pm CDT
I saw part of the interview they did with Robin (her last name is Mead..or whatever) and loved when they spoke of being "free" while playing chess! Chess certainly may be absorbing...
I have allways wanted to carve my own chess set, but have never been able to bring myself to actually do it. I hope I will not find myself in a hostage situation to find the motivation.
The story these men have to tell is indeed great and I hope they will gain more exposeure.
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Man, that's awesome