James Doohan

This post may not appear directly related to the game of Go but read on.

I was really very saddened to hear of the passing of James Doohan, better known as Scotty to all of us Trekkers. I haven't watched a Star Trek episode (original or spin-off series) for several years but I always liked the character of Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott and felt that Jimmy did a marvelous job of portraying him.

In his final years, Jimmy battled Alzheimer's Disease. Research suggests that playing Go might reduce your risk of contracting this form of dementia.

James Doohan may not have been an engineer in real life (although he was given an honorary degree by the Milwaukee School of Engineering), but he was very much responsible for bringing to life a persona that inspired many of us to pursue challenging (and often technical) vocations, encouraged creative thinking, and made us believe that wit, intelligence and perseverance just might always allow us to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

And for those three gifts and his wonderful life, I hoist one in thanks and in sincere admiration for Jimmy!

Here's to ye, lad!!