http://www.chess.com/members/view/erik

Has anyone else wondered about it? I mean, I've been looking at this doodad for a couple of months now, and I still can't figure out what the heck it is. I'll admit I'm not the trendiest guy on the planet, so maybe it's some chic new Nairobi tribal headgear or an ancient Mayan headdress or something.

But I think it makes him look like a pawn.

 Agreed.

Maybe someday Erik the pawn will eventually turn into a queen. Seriously though, I think it's Erik just trying to be 40-50 years younger. Maybe 60-70 years younger - not precisely sure how incredibly old the old fart is. Not even sure how he heard of the Internet, what with his broken hearing aid and 3 pound wooden glasses, the glass of which is broken (which he takes off when he poses for photographs). Maybe that "cap" is just Erik's white hair, which comes from old age. His stylist is probably drunk, though. But then again, Erik is an alien - I guess it all comes down to that. Except he doesn't come in peace.

I've always wondered about that hat too.  It looks like the kind I sometimes where for cold nights, a cotton pull down, very soft and it covers your ears.  Never wore a white one though.  I could care less about style and how I look too, dress more for comfort and function.  When I wear one like that it keeps you very warm on a cold night.  And usually get comments or laughs which I laugh with.

But that pic is very small and it is straight on shot.  So it could be a baseball style cap with a brim.  And which covers his ears.  Hard to tell.

Erik is considered old by some?  OMG they must consider me ancient (doubt many even notice me though).

Let's see now isn't this the Fun topic?  Then "heh heh, hey bud, let's party!"  Anybody naming the movie that quote is from gets the prize show below.

Who said erik is an alien?  I'll show you an alien 

And something they travel in 

Cool accesory!  We all strive for our own individuality!  Freedom in fashion!  And in chess and life!  All the best! 

When I first saw it I assumed he was humorously playing to the site's demographics. Yo wazzup nerds 'n nerdettes!

1. It's his thinking cap.

2. He uses it to block out complaints from users.

3. He really lives in the Arctic and has to wear it constantly or freeze to death.

i need a new picture - i know :)

Ill be seeing Erk in Reno this week...ill ask him and get the real story.  Now if he is an alien and i dont return....RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then again if he does one of those Jedi mind tricks and or some Vulcan mind meld thing i wont even know i met him and wont be able to let anyone else know.

 wow..

 its a hat...

 I think its sick.. but obviously your from the 60s

 That style of hat is from the 40's so obviously being from the 60's helps.

I'm sorry. I can't help it.

THE HAT IS A LIE!

Again, very sorry.

That picture was taken before Erik arrived to Earth, where is warmer than his planet.

OK, is that "sick" good or "sick" bad? (you're right, I am from the 60s).

Tonydal, that hat remind me of BJ and Hawkeye of M*A*S*H 4077th, when they come out of their surgrey and they are still wearing their hats similar to erik ?

Yeah, I was thinking that too! (like one of those ER things).

All staff members wear some kind of headgear as part of their uniform.  Jay gets a black headband with a miner's light on the front, so he can debug the site even during a blackout.  Baseballfan wears the Roman Colisseum on his head.  Kohai has recently been promoted to wearing an hourglass.  And the head honcho gets to wear a shower cap as a sign of his great power and influence.

But it is sort of like the emperor with no clothes.  You aren't supposed to talk about it.

I call it sick good.  Sometimes good ole C.c is so dry the Sahara Desert is like swamp land in comparison.  I'm glad to see at least someone trying to liven the place up a bit.

And what's wrong with the 60s?  Today's world is so full of over sensitive, let's not hurt anyone's feelings, politically correct nonsense I just have to gag at times.  Where has all the light hearted humor gone to?  People need to chill out in today's world and forget their troubles at times.  I, for one, give my thumbs up to Tony for giving us a little change of pace humor.  

Thank you, Karl. Yes, things have gotten rather sepulchral of late...and just remember to be alert (the world needs more lerts). :)