Hope you're having an excellent summer. This issue we have more game reviews, the concluding article in the Stalin's Tanks, variant series (not soon enough for some of you I'm sure!), and a bio of Kirk Douglas. We also have a slew (or perhaps a slaw?) of website and game reviews, to say nothing of the CHESS VARIANTS.

Overall Society membership stands at 138, its hi ' ghest point in years, and Treasurer Phillies reports that we have had a 100% renewal rate - which means that we are picking up more new people than ever before.

Now, I don't know if it's my baleful influence or what, but lately the SGS has had a real sur-e in its Canadian membership. At the beginning of 2000, there were only five (with two just joined). In the last six months, one former member has rejoined and four new ones have signed up, bringing us to TEN! Yippee! Maple syrup and back bacon for everybody!