One Week After New Chess Business Opens, Original Charlotte Chess Club Has Record Turnout!!
by NM Leland Fuerstman

A few days ago, when I checked the USCF database for events which had been submitted by the Charlotte Chess Center and Scholastic Academy, apparently their application had not been processed and the responsible affiliate was listed as the Queen City Chess Association? Now, a few days later, that has been changed to the "Charlotte Chess Center?" What happened to "Scholastic Academy?" So now, we have 2 CCC's?? (Damn copycats?!)

In America, we all have a right to own and operate a business. A new restaurant, dry cleaners or gas station has a perfect right to open their doors across the street from their competitor; but they have NO right to use the same name?! Many "original" CCC members see this as an "immature and disrespectful act to intentionally cause confusion..." But, regardless of their motivation, the attitude which is emanating from the "other" CCC camp is certainly not a friendly one. In fact, it was just reported by Giannatos that they will "most likely" conduct rated 30 minute games on Wednesday evening?! --- Look, I know, the Charlotte Chess Club does not own Wednesday, but I was born in this community... and, I was taught a friendly way of doing things. Take "darts" or "pool" for example. In order to be "fair," every pool hall or bar in Charlotte that has organized competitions, makes sure that their night does NOT conflict with all of the others. Conversely, the other CCC seems to have the desire to intentionally conflict? Regardless, our CCC currently has 70 members; and if everyone of them were to show up at the Skyland Family Restaurant, (though we do have room) we could have a slight problem... (in fact, last night, we overflowed into the other area!!)

In a recent message (Msg542), I reported about the ineffectiveness of the NCCA Clearinghouse. Though the "hundred mile rule" does not come into effect for Charlotte for the upcoming "?" Ron Simpson Memorial in Cary organized by Gary Newsom and his benevolent partner, the magnitude of the event will surely detract some players from participating in the Knights Templar. In one popular chess pundit's opinion, "since the Big Enchilada" was nixed this year, at the last minute, they decided to jam this event in ..." and, of course, they needed to come up with a "name." I mean, "Spring Open" lacks punch!  But, considering the popularity of the late, great FM Ron Simpson, using his name would surely guarantee success! Yet, some are confused about the use of his name at all? According to the record, FM Ron Simpson passed away in September, 2013. Though every organizer in North Carolina showed their respect by referring to their next event as the FM Ron Simpson Memorial, one would naturally assume that an event organized specifically for his commemoration would take place approximately one year after his death!? Yet, incredibly, the news of his demise 6 months ago is actually still posted on the NCCA website's front page?? (How embarrassing??) The implication is, since this is apparently the "official" Ron Simpson Memorial (Shouldn't that be "FM" Ron Simpson, especially since there is another well known Ron Simpson in North Carolina chess?!) will the proceeds of this event be transferred to a special "college" fund set up for the Simpson family? There is absolutely no mention of that in their advertising. Otherwise, using the man's name simply to make a profit from a chess tournament seems to be a bit inappropriate... (Now, you may begin to understand why I am giving away $100 bills at the club... it's a lesson in deception.)