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january, 2001 |
it's sticky! it's chessy! it's stickychess!
Long-time Denizens may remember me writing about my adventures on the Slamamerica Bus Tour. Not the least of these adventures was getting to see my buddy Paul, who's one of those into-everything fellows. If I may brag, he's an Emmy-winning television sports editor, filmmaker, and now he fancies himself an inventor. Go, Paul! For years, Paul has recognized a very particular need among travellers. You've packed your toothbrush and clean undies, and yet there's a void in the suitcase. Hmm , you think. My trip seems somewhat meaningless . As you cup your chin in your hand, Paul knocks down the door in his superhero cape, holding a groovy red doodad in his hand. It's StickyChess, and it's neato! Let's face it--when you're travelling, why waste time making small talk about the weather and current events when you can crush others in a game of chess? It's a great way to make...uh...friends, or something. The problem with conventional travel games is that they're electronic (requiring batteries and sometimes difficult to see at night), or they're comprised of small plastic pieces that won't stay in place if you bump the board. Airline turbulence can really wreck a good game, you know? StickyChess (and Checkers, and even Backgammon!) is the answer for all competitive travellers. Made entirely of cloth (sturdy nylon-based stuff with lots of velcro), you can cram it into all but the tiniest of satchels. What's even better is that you can stop a game for lunch and continue it later! Smart Paul's gamepieces are plastic squares, backed by velcro. So once you've made a move, it stays until you're sure you want to make another. A few years ago, I became something of a chess addict at a local coffeehouse. I'm not very good, but it became a great way for me to spend time, make some smart friends, and give my little noggin a workout. Now that I've got my own StickyChess board, I can completely avoid boring conversations when necessary and get straight to the business of head-scratching and forehead-scrunching. You, too, can join in the fun by simply visiting the StickyChess website and ordering your own. It's most reasonable, with prices ranging from about 13-16 American dollars. Also makes a groovy gift for your fellow checkmates, who simply must grin when you give the gift of gaming.
Stickychess |
