VeggieChessNess

This page lists acts of kindness, sportspersonship and generosity. The page was dedicated to the Veggies member, misslead, whose action is the first entry and inspired its creation.


In our fellow player we trust ...

It is not often that a situation like this occurs, even rarer the subsequent action. The clan game #240631 was into its 20th move, when misslead received a strange request. Her opponent wrote to her saying that his small son had made a move for him while he was out of the room. This move would cost him his queen and undoubtedly the game. Could she allow a 'takeback' in the form of her not taking his queen? Since misslead had already lost her queen, she would probably lose the game if she granted his request. On one hand, she didn't want to forfeit the game and the point for the clan in what was a very close match against the Czech team; on the other, she didn't want to win due to what wasn't a 'chess' blunder. 

Her team captain, mephisto2, told her that he was supportive of whatever choice she made and that the objective of the Veggies was not 'to score points at any cost', in other words, she should not feel she is letting the clan down if she granted the request. What misslead did was to accept her opponent's explanation and let the queen capture pass. Her trust in her fellow player shows that there is much beyond mere winning and losing: indeed, her 'victory' offers something for all of us.


So that all may play ...

Chris and Russ are the dynamic duo who made it possible for us to play on a great chess site, RedHotPawn. What many people don't know is that while they encourage people to be pawn stars, they allow anyone to play for free. They do not want to turn away those who cannot, for whatever reason, justify the membership fee (this may include students who can't afford the fee, kids whose don't have an allowance, or even occasional players who play so rarely they don't feel it appropriate to spend the money). Too often, rules are just blindly applied without taking special circumstances into account. Our acknowledgement to Chris and Russ not only for the constant hard work that goes into this site, but also for this inclusive spirit that brings the world a little closer together through chess.

Unfortunately, due to the ban on players under 13 that was implemented on September 23, 2004 VeggieChess will no longer support RedHotPawn financially by buying pawnstars or otherwise. We will always retain fond memories of what used to be our former home.


Generosity of ABE ...

On more than one occasion, this individual has put forth his/her money towards the site to help pay for expenses keeping membership fees low for the rest of us and allowing the site creators the opportunity to improve Red Hot Pawn rather than fundraise. Whoever you are, Anonymous Benefactor Extraordinaire, your identity remains hidden, but your gift is revealed, recognized and rejoiced in!


Committed to helping others ...

Schindler exemplifies the spirit of giving. A while ago he responded to a member's idea of mentorship between higher and lower ranked players to help the latter improve their game. Being one of the highest ranked members in the clan he offered his assistance. Imvegan took him up on his offer and right away he worked out a plan of learning with her. This plan he has been following through with despite his very severe time constraints: he was called upon to work 16 hour days, 7 days a week for 5 weeks! Yet he still gave a portion of his precious time to helping his mentee.


The way of kindness ...

Fjord is a strong chessplayer as well as a force to be reckoned with on the forums due to his extensive knowledge, life experience and eloquence. The stories he tells from his past have held many of us spellbound with their power and compassion. Behind these talents is a gentle being who sets a standard of strength and decency and fortunate is anyone who may cross his path on or off the chessboard.

Ever since joining Veggiechess he has fostered goodwill amongst our clan members and has initiated several activities to promote greater intraclan participation. Fjord's contributions run even deeper - he has brought his grandson, the dashing Orinlegolas, into our clan. And so our families, though separated by ocean and earth, merge through the spirit of kindness.


Storming the norm ...

Purclecow has charged onto the RHP battlefield! Whether it is upholding the equality for the sexes or righting a wrong, she is in the front lines! A highly skilled ship's navigator, she charts the course to steer clear of dogma and bigotry with tireless vigilance.

As the admirable founder of the RHP Angels, she not only draws respect, but inspires courage in others. She changes complacency into assertiveness and apathy into action!


The Spirit of RHP ...

It is rare to encounter a legend, but once in a while it does happen. Flash has been with RHP a long time. He is a moderator, one of those volunteers who gives up part of his life to make sure the forums are clean and safe for everyone to participate in. It is not a popular job, because there are often very ungrateful people who don't acknowledge the excellent work being done, but even oppose it actively.

Despite unjust public criticism, insults and harrassment, Flash dauntlessly did his job with courage and faith. Fearlessly and fairly, he solved problem after problem, so that we could have a forum of quality. Though he was often personally injured in this work, he never returned the injury. He always worked to create the inclusive and well-bonded community that Russ and Chrismo envisioned.