#Chess and brain development

[chesstrainer24]

Online chess training for kids boosts focus, strategy, and critical thinking-making learning fun, engaging, and convenient from the comfort of home.

Do Visit: https://chesstrainer.com/why-online-chess-training-is-perfect-for-kids-young-learners/

[borngeniusworld]

🧠 Ready to Think Smarter? Master These 7 Critical Thinking Exercises!

Saarthi For Success 🔍 A Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpen Your Critical Thinking SkillsCritical thinking is like a muscle—the more you use it, the sharper it gets! 🧠 Here’s a practical roadmap to boost your ability to evaluate arguments, spot logical flaws, and make better decisions.🛠️ Step 1: What is Critical Thinking?Ever tried defining it yourself?Exercise: Write your own definition.Identify…

[shopiio]

Chain Triangle Chess Triggle Rubber Band Peg Game

This chain triangle board game promotes brain development by stimulating logical thinking and strengthens relationships between family members and friends through engaging gameplay. Features: Featuring a chain triangle chess board, which combines traditional chess elements with a modern twist, providing a fun challenge for everyone. Providing hours of fun while helping develop logical thinking and focus, engaging players in strategic challenges, and bolstering overall development. Suitable for 2-4 people, this interactive game fosters communication and teamwork among families and friends, creating memorable moments and enhancing relationships. Made of ABS with neatly cut edges for safe use, it provides a durable, long-lasting entertainment experience. Perfect for family gatherings, leisure time, camping, picnics, and parties, adding a cheerful touch to any occasion.

Get it now from Here.

[adaminischool-blog]

Checkmate to Success: Unraveling the Chessboard of Advantages and Future Scope

Introduction

Chess, often dubbed as the “Game of Kings,” is a timeless strategy game that has captured the minds and hearts of enthusiasts for centuries. Beyond its recreational value, chess holds profound advantages and an exciting future scope that extends far beyond the 64 squares on its board. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the multifaceted world of chess, from its rich history to its promising future, uncovering the strategic advantages it offers to individuals of all ages.

Advantages of Chess

Chess is more than just a game; it’s a mental exercise that brings forth a multitude of advantages:

1. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Engaging in chess sharpens cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and pattern recognition. It’s like a mental gym for the brain.

2. Improved Concentration: Chess requires intense focus and concentration, helping individuals cultivate the ability to stay attentive and avoid distractions.

3. Strategic Planning: Chess teaches the art of strategic planning and thinking ahead, skills that can be applied in various aspects of life, from career choices to personal decision-making.

4. Checkmate to Success: Unraveling the Chessboard of Advantages and Future Scope”**: Chess instills patience and resilience as players learn to bounce back from losses and remain composed in high-pressure situations.

5. Enhanced Memory: Memorizing chess openings, tactics, and endgames enhances memory and recall abilities.

The Future of Chess

The future of chess looks exceptionally bright, with several exciting trends and developments on the horizon:

1. Online Chess: The digital age has brought chess to the fingertips of millions, making it more accessible than ever. Online platforms, apps, and streaming services have transformed the way people play and learn chess.

2. AI and Chess: Artificial Intelligence, particularly neural networks, has revolutionized chess. Chess engines like Stockfish and AlphaZero have set new standards for play and are invaluable tools for both amateurs and professionals.

3. Chess Education: The demand for chess education is soaring. Chess academies, online courses, and coaching are experiencing a surge in popularity, providing new opportunities for chess enthusiasts.

4. Esports and Chess: Chess is entering the world of esports, with competitive online tournaments, streaming, and sponsorship opportunities, making it a viable career option for talented players.

5. Global Appeal: Chess is transcending borders and cultures, attracting players and fans from all corners of the world. It’s becoming a universal language of strategy.

Scope of Chess in Modern Life

Chess has a significant scope in modern life, influencing diverse areas:

1. Education: Chess is integrated into educational curricula worldwide, promoting cognitive development and critical thinking among students.

2. Professional Chess: Professional chess players compete in international tournaments, earn sponsorships, and make a living from their passion.

3. Mental Health: Chess is recognized for its therapeutic benefits, aiding in managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

4. AI and Technology: Chess continues to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence and technology, influencing advancements in algorithms and computational thinking.

5. Entertainment: Chess-themed movies, books, and online content cater to chess enthusiasts and serve as a source of entertainment for a broader audience.

Conclusion

Chess, with its rich history, enduring advantages, and promising future, is not merely a game but a strategic pursuit that transcends generations. It cultivates mental acuity, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence while offering numerous opportunities in education, professional competition, and personal development.

To stay updated on the fascinating world of chess and its evolving landscape, follow Achievers Destination Academy. For more insights and resources, visit our website at www.adaminischool.com

Author:

Aditi

[argumate]

a lot of people don't like AI and that leads them to claim that it can't possibly work, which is silly as they don't have any good reason to believe that and we know for a fact that human-level intelligence is possible because we've seen humans do it.

technically we don't know that superhuman intelligence is possible as we've never seen that before (although we have seen it in specialised domains, like chess, go, general recall and so on), but I have a hunch that there are machines that can think better than humans can as they aren't subject to the same design constraints, can be built from alternative materials, don't need to eat, their brain doesn't need to fit through a human pelvis, etc.

however even if we can only make a machine as smart as Einstein then that would still be pretty cool, I mean Einstein couldn't figure out quantum mechanics but it would be neat to have an Einstein available on demand to tutor you at school or handle your customer service requests or whatever it is you needed.

people who don't like AI also claim that it will destroy the environment, which is unlikely, not least because we know that AI doesn't need to consume more resources than people do and probably a lot less: you should be able to run a couple of Einsteins on your laptop and you're already using that now for sillier things.

another claim is that the companies currently pushing AI will lose money, and that's more plausible as companies lose money on big projects all the time; but it seems like a good outcome for everyone else? let overly optimistic investors fund the research and development of AI while we all get the benefit, that's great!

of course the ultimate fear is that AI works too well and the people who own it now end up owning everything else too, the smug bastards, but wealth disparity is a problem unrelated to AI and one that we should already be trying to fix right now.

it's important not to base your political activism on false claims as they can discredit your platform; the best reason for doing something is ideally true.

we have had ample warning that human-level machine intelligence is coming -- it was inevitable as soon as electronic switches were developed, and Turing's famous paper on the subject turns 75 this year -- but people have resisted the idea in the same way that they resist the implications of humans being assemblages of molecules that can be analysed mechanistically, a resistance that compromises their comprehension of the world and their ability to shape it.

[pricegotmedickmatized]

may request some Nikolai?

imagine if Nikolai, methodical and calculating to a T, met someone who's forgetful, chaotic, and just fully disorganised at a coffee shop or something when they tripped on their own foot and spilled their overly sweet (thankfully cold) drink on his clothes and they're so flustered and embarrassed and he's jyst thinking "aww, poor thing needs me"

ANYWAY NO PRESSURE BYEE

UM YES ABSOLUTELY I LOVE (also sorry this took me literally forever to get to, i had to exorcise graves from my brain first haha)

lets break this down, shall we?

nikolai has one true vice. sure he smokes, and he fucks, and he drinks, but he doesn't treat any of those like vices, like things that if he were denied he'd tear apart entire countries for. no. his vice is control. and he controls everything around him. and he can't understand, doesn't even bother to pretend to understand, why other people don't get the same satisfaction out of it he does.

nikolai is careful. he's smart and he's careful and he uses both of those things like weapons, because in his business if you're not careful and smart you're dead. it's second nature to him now, the methodical sweeps of all rooms he enters (only after he's researched the building it's blueprints and history and ownership etc the night before), the triple checking of intricate locks (that he made with his own hands or under his supervision because there's no such thing as too careful), all of it.

nikolai has every moment of his life planned out, every year, every month, every day, every minute. and he likes it like that. he's got built in failsafes for when those plans get shot to smithereens, especially as situations develop and blow up in his or the 141's faces. but that's only to be expected, in his line of work. he prepares for multiple possible shit shows, he's got plans for a hundred different types of apocalypses, the man views life as a chess game, one that he is indisputably winning.

nikolai loves a routine, and especially he loves his new morning routines when he turns into his coffee shop and finds a new face tucked away in the corner of the shop at four forty each morning, studying on a lilac ipad with matching headphones and an external keyboard. she's fascinating, because it just took one morning for him to realize she was his exact opposite. the papers she pulls out from her bag are crunkled and crumpled and disorganized. her pretty hair is always slipping out of the haphazard knot she's stuck it in on top of her head. and she's clumsy. she got up to ask for a refill the first morning he noticed her. it wasn't a tiny shop, and there were just the two of them in there, if he hadn't known better to pay attention to her hands he would've thought she was just a pickpocketer when she tripped over nothing and landed hard against his chest.

nikolai might have a new vice. because it's plain to see, watching her shuffle anxiously through her papers and try to find hastily scrawled sticky notes she's left for herself (the one she's looking for at the moment is stuck to the bottom of her shoe), that she needs some order in her life. that she needs discipline. and nikolai is going to give it to her. going to fill her life with structure, not to suffocate her, sweet little chaotic whirlwind that she is, but to give her the proper environment to truly blossom. to ease that tearful panic in her face when she realizes she can't find the note, that vanishes into a blinding smile when he offers it to her between his fingers after a careful extraction.

nikolai definitely has a new vice. because she likes to fight his changes to her life. his being in it permanently, for one, was something she tried to fight, though it lasted an amusing six minutes before he had her cumming on his fingers. she's a stubborn, willful thing, but that just makes it so much sweeter, so much prettier when he can get her to bend to his will. and he always, always gets her to bend. at least when it's important. the other things, like whether or not she can keep her own apartment after they're married, he lets her have free rein over. it makes her happy, and it's not like she's going to be spending any time there anyways. not when he's got her addicted to the taste of his praise on her tongue as he forces her tight pussy to take his fat cock for the third time in a row.

[theambitiouswoman]

Hobby Ideas 🎨💻🎵🧁🪴

💰 Hobbies to Make Money:

Freelance Writing

Photography

Graphic Design

Web Development

Online Selling (e.g., Etsy, Amazon, eBay, Shopify)

Blogging

Stock Trading

Real Estate Investing

Affiliate Marketing

Freelance Consulting

💪 Fitness Hobbies:

Running

Yoga

Weightlifting

Cycling

Swimming

Martial Arts

CrossFit

Hiking

Rock Climbing

Dance (e.g., Zumba, Hip-hop)

☀️ Outdoor Hobbies:

Camping

Fishing

Birdwatching

Gardening

Geocaching

Kayaking

Mountain Biking

Backpacking

Stargazing

Horseback Riding

💻 Technology Hobbies:

Programming

Robotics

3D Printing

Virtual Reality (VR) Gaming

Home Automation

Drone Flying

Cybersecurity

App Development

Electronics DIY

PC Building

🎵 Music Hobbies:

Playing an Instrument (e.g., Guitar, Piano)

Singing

DJing

Music Production

Songwriting

Music Recording

Karaoke

Music Theory

Joining a Band or Choir

Vinyl Collecting

📚 Brainy Hobbies:

Chess

Sudoku

Crossword Puzzles

Board Games

Reading

Learning a New Language

Brain Teasers

Logic Puzzles

Math and Mathematical Puzzles

Astronomy

✨ Other Hobbies:

Cooking and Baking

Painting and Drawing

Pottery and Ceramics

Woodworking

Knitting or Crocheting

DIY Home Improvement

Model Building (e.g., model trains, airplanes)

Collecting (e.g., stamps, coins, vintage items)

Volunteer Work

Meditation and Mindfulness

[skimmingmilk]

Summary: When in the position to do Tails a small favor, Shadow finds himself immediately regretting it when Sonic shows up and goads him into what should have been a simple game of chess. But things are never simple when Sonic the Hedgehog is involved. Shadow should really know better at this point than to ever involve himself in the shenanigans of Sonic and Tails; they know all too well how exactly to get under his skin.

A/N: Since this is Shadow's big movie debut week, I wanted to post a little something in his honor! Congratulations, Shadow!

This was inspired by combining one of the answers from the most recent Sonic Twitter Takeover (for Sonic x Shadow Generations) with my own headcanon regarding Sonic, Tails, and chess :3

Please enjoy!

Fried Liver with a Side of Emotional Indigestion

Shadow didn't make a habit of stopping by any of Tails's workshops. In fact, he could confidently say—barring the times where Central City's had been used as the headquarters for the Resistance—he'd never once stepped inside. It might've been a mild jog from his apartment, but there was never a reason to go out of his way.

Except Tails had called him, asking for a favor. He wanted to study the design of Shadow's air shoes and get his feedback on a prototype he'd been developing for himself. Something more shock resistant to high falls with a quick recovery time that would lessen the fatigue on his tails.

"I haven't seen anything of a similar size that can utilize the power and intensity of five jets without overheating in a matter of minutes. And I'm curious to see how they manage their intake to avoid compressor stall in the turbocharger despite the rapid throttle changes when you move at high speeds. They're a mechanical wonder, as much as it pains me to say that about something the late Dr. Robotnik created… aside from you, of course! Obviously, heh…"

"The professor didn't design them."

"Oh?" Tails's voice cracked as it jumped up an octave, his surprise audible. 

"He oversaw their construction, but their initial conception was… someone else's."

"Of course. I should've known better than to assume. There were a lot of scientists aboard the ARK, weren't there? Distribution of assets amongst the team was likely instrumental for a quick turnaround," Tails chuckled to himself. "Well, whoever did design them was a true visionary! I'd love to pick their brain about any of their other ideas for improving aerospace technology—"

"That's impossible," Shadow interrupted.

"Right… sorry. I didn't mean—I just wanted to give them credit where credit's due." Tails paused to clear his throat, but it didn't quite clear the awkwardness in the airwaves between them. "But even though I can't discuss their design choices with them, getting to see their thought process by studying their design would be the closest to a conversation we could have. I completely understand if you'd rather leave the past in the past, though. It's your call, Shadow."

Shadow could've said no. He'd certainly thought about it.

And yet he showed up on the doorstep of the Central City workshop two days later, looking just as put out about it as he possibly could.

[Continue at AO3]

[chesstrainer24]

Why Online Chess Training is Perfect for Kids & Young Learners

In today’s fast-paced digital age, parents are constantly looking for meaningful and enriching ways to engage their children. While video games and social media may dominate screen time, there’s a growing trend that’s not only fun but also incredibly educational-online chess training for kids.

Whether your child is a complete beginner or already showing sparks of strategy, chess coaching for young learners has emerged as a powerful tool for building critical life skills. From improving concentration to enhancing problem-solving abilities, the game of kings is now transforming the minds of young players across the globe-and it’s all happening from the comfort of their homes.

With expert guidance from professionals like FIDE Instructor Dhanesh Shrikhande, many children are experiencing how virtual chess classes for beginners can lay the foundation for lifelong success. So, let’s explore why online chess training for kids is more than just a trend-it’s a smart investment in your child’s future.

The Rise of Online Chess Training for Kids

Thanks to technology, the world of chess is no longer confined to traditional clubs or expensive coaching centers. Online chess training for kids is accessible, flexible, and incredibly effective. Today’s platforms offer fun and interactive chess lessons designed specifically to keep children engaged, entertained, and constantly learning. Moreover, with platforms now offering affordable online chess training for young learners, families across different regions can provide quality chess education to their kids without financial strain.

1. Why Chess Coaching for Young Learners Matters

There’s a common misconception that chess is too complex for children. But research says otherwise. In fact, chess coaching for young learners helps build a structured approach to thinking-something that benefits them far beyond the 64 squares.

Here’s how it helps:

Develops patience and persistence

Enhances cognitive flexibility

Improves academic performance

Strengthens memory and retention

With coaches like FIDE Instructor Dhanesh Shrikhande, kids don’t just learn the game-they absorb its underlying philosophies that shape sharp thinkers and strategic decision-makers.

2. Benefits of Chess for Children: More Than Just a Game

The benefits of chess for children go far beyond knowing how to checkmate an opponent. Studies have shown that children who play chess regularly demonstrate:

Stronger math and reading skills

Better problem-solving capabilities

Higher levels of concentration and discipline

3. Virtual Chess Classes for Beginners: Learning Made Easy

One of the biggest advantages of virtual chess classes for beginners is the ease of learning at one’s own pace. Children can:

Re-watch recorded lessons

Practice with AI-powered tools

Engage in real-time matches with peers

Receive instant feedback from coaches

This format ensures that no child is left behind and every student gets personalized attention-especially when guided by experts like FIDE Instructor Dhanesh Shrikhande.

4. Chess and Brain Development in Young Learners

Chess is like a gym for the brain. Regular participation in online chess training for kids can significantly improve brain function. Some neuroscience-backed benefits include:

Enhanced spatial reasoning

Improved memory retention

Better planning and foresight

Strengthened analytical thinking

Yes, chess and brain development go hand-in-hand and starting young amplifies these effects.

5. How Chess Improves Critical Thinking in Kids

Every move in chess requires evaluation, planning, and strategy. Through chess coaching for young learners, children develop the ability to:

Anticipate consequences

Think several steps ahead

Analyze multiple possibilities

Make logical decisions under pressure

This is why how chess improves critical thinking in kids is a key topic discussed in educational psychology today.

Continue Reading: https://chesstrainer.com/why-online-chess-training-is-perfect-for-kids-young-learners/

[jcmarchi]

PRISM Launches as the World’s First Non-Profit Dedicated to Researching Sentient AI

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/prism-launches-as-the-worlds-first-non-profit-dedicated-to-researching-sentient-ai/

PRISM Launches as the World’s First Non-Profit Dedicated to Researching Sentient AI

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, a new organization has emerged to address one of the most profound and complex questions of our time: Can machines become sentient?

The Partnership for Research Into Sentient Machines (PRISM) officially launched on March 17, 2025 as the world’s first non-profit organization dedicated to investigating and understanding AI consciousness. PRISM aims to foster global collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure a coordinated approach to studying sentient AI, ensuring its safe and ethical development.

What Are Sentient Machines?

The term sentient machines refers to AI systems that exhibit characteristics traditionally associated with human consciousness, including:

Self-awareness – The ability to perceive one’s own existence and state of being.

Emotional understanding – A capacity to recognize and potentially experience emotions.

Autonomous reasoning – The ability to make independent decisions beyond predefined programming.

While no AI today is definitively conscious, some researchers believe that advanced neural networks, neuromorphic computing, deep reinforcement learning (DRL), and large language models (LLMs) could lead to AI systems that at least simulate self-awareness. If such AI were to emerge, it would raise profound ethical, philosophical, and regulatory questions, which PRISM seeks to address.

Deep Reinforcement Learning, Large Language Models, and AI Consciousness

One of the most promising pathways toward developing more autonomous and potentially sentient AI is deep reinforcement learning (DRL). This branch of machine learning enables AI systems to make decisions by interacting with environments and learning from trial and error, much like how humans and animals learn through experience. DRL has already been instrumental in:

Mastering complex games – AI systems like AlphaGo and OpenAI Five use DRL to defeat human champions in strategy-based games.

Adaptive problem-solving – AI systems can develop solutions to dynamic, real-world problems, such as robotic control, self-driving cars, and financial trading.

Emergent behaviors – Through reinforcement learning, AI agents sometimes exhibit unexpected behaviors, hinting at rudimentary decision-making and adaptive reasoning.

PRISM is exploring how DRL could contribute to AI systems exhibiting the hallmarks of self-directed learning, abstract reasoning, and even goal-setting, which are all traits of human-like cognition. The challenge is ensuring that any advances in these areas are guided by ethical research and safety measures.

In parallel, large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s LLaMA have shown remarkable progress in simulating human-like reasoning, responding coherently to complex prompts, and even exhibiting behaviors that some researchers argue resemble cognitive processes. LLMs work by processing vast amounts of data and generating context-aware responses, making them useful for:

Natural language understanding and communication – Enabling AI to interpret, analyze, and generate human-like text.

Pattern recognition and contextual learning – Identifying trends and adapting responses based on prior knowledge.

Creative and problem-solving capabilities – Producing original content, answering complex queries, and assisting in technical and creative tasks.

While LLMs are not truly conscious, they raise questions about the threshold between advanced pattern recognition and true cognitive awareness. PRISM is keen to examine how these models can contribute to research on machine consciousness, ethical AI, and the risks of developing AI systems that mimic sentience without true understanding.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and AI Consciousness

The development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—an AI system capable of performing any intellectual task a human can—could potentially lead to AI consciousness. Unlike narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks such as playing chess or autonomous driving, AGI would exhibit generalized reasoning, problem-solving, and self-learning across multiple domains.

As AGI advances, it may develop an internal representation of its own existence, enabling it to adapt dynamically, reflect on its decision-making processes, and form a continuous sense of identity. If AGI reaches a point where it can autonomously modify its objectives, recognize its own cognitive limitations, and engage in self-improvement without human intervention, it could be a step toward machine consciousness. However, this possibility raises profound ethical, philosophical, and societal challenges, which PRISM is dedicated to addressing through responsible research and global collaboration.

PRISM’s Mission: Understanding AI Consciousness

PRISM was created to bridge the gap between technological advancement and responsible oversight.

PRISM is committed to fostering global collaboration on AI consciousness by bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government. The organization aims to coordinate research efforts to explore the potential for AI to achieve consciousness while ensuring that developments align with human values. By working with policymakers, PRISM seeks to establish ethical guidelines and frameworks that promote responsible AI research and development.

A critical aspect of PRISM’s mission is promoting safe and aligned AI development. The organization will advocate for AI technologies that prioritize human safety and societal well-being, ensuring that AI advancements do not lead to unintended consequences. By implementing safety standards and ethical oversight, PRISM strives to mitigate risks associated with AI consciousness research and development.

Additionally, PRISM is dedicated to educating and engaging the public about the potential risks and opportunities presented by conscious AI. The organization aims to provide transparent insights into AI consciousness research, making this information accessible to policymakers, businesses, and the general public. Through outreach initiatives and knowledge-sharing efforts, PRISM hopes to foster informed discussions about the future of AI and its implications for society

Backed by Leading AI Experts and Organizations

PRISM’s initial funding comes from Conscium, a commercial AI research lab dedicated to studying conscious AI. Conscium is at the forefront of neuromorphic computing, developing AI systems that mimic biological brains.

Leadership and Key Figures

PRISM is led by CEO Will Millership, a veteran in AI governance and policy. His past work includes leading the General AI Challenge, working with GoodAI, and helping shape Scotland’s National AI Strategy.

The organization’s Non-Executive Chair, Radhika Chadwick, brings extensive leadership experience from her roles at McKinsey and EY, where she led global AI and data initiatives in government.

Additionally, PRISM’s founding partners include prominent AI figures such as:

Dr. Daniel Hulme – CEO & Co-Founder of Conscium, CEO of Satalia, and Chief AI Officer at WPP.

Calum Chace – AI researcher, keynote speaker, and best-selling author on AI and consciousness.

Ed Charvet – COO of Conscium, with extensive experience in commercial AI development.

PRISM’s First Major Initiative: The Open Letter on Conscious AI

To guide responsible research, PRISM has collaborated with Oxford University’s Patrick Butlin to establish five principles for organizations developing AI systems with the potential for consciousness. They are inviting researchers and industry leaders to sign an open letter supporting these principles.

The Road Ahead: Why PRISM Matters

With AI breakthroughs accelerating, the conversation about sentient AI is no longer science fiction—it is a real challenge that society must prepare for. If machines ever achieve self-awareness or human-like emotions, it could reshape industries, economies, and even our understanding of consciousness itself.

PRISM is stepping up at a critical moment to ensure that AI consciousness research is handled responsibly, balancing innovation with ethics, safety, and transparency.

[borngeniusworld]

🧠 Ready to Think Smarter? Master These 7 Critical Thinking Exercises!

Saarthi For Success 🔍 A Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpen Your Critical Thinking SkillsCritical thinking is like a muscle—the more you use it, the sharper it gets! 🧠 Here’s a practical roadmap to boost your ability to evaluate arguments, spot logical flaws, and make better decisions.🛠️ Step 1: What is Critical Thinking?Ever tried defining it yourself?Exercise: Write your own definition.Identify…

[radioactive-yuri]

personal mildly funny interpretation of jonah i have is that he takes on some of the characteristics of the people he possesses because technically he's just inserting his own conciousness inside their already developed brains. he possesses richard mendelson and all of a sudden he's really into chess. he possesses james wright and all of a sudden he has weirdly specific opinions on coffee. he possesses elias bouchard and all of a sudden he knows how to roll a joint

[schmergo]

If you think I was a kid who loved to read, you’d be right, but that doesn’t just mean I was reading, like, Newbery Award nominated prestigious children’s novels. Because in my experience, most kids who love to read are more gourmand than gourmet. I was also reading:

* Class rosters. I begged my teachers for these. I wanted to try to memorize everyone’s middle names.

* Similarly, old yearbooks. I liked judging whether people’s names matched their faces and making up different names for them if they did. I also loved reading baby name books and making lists of names I liked.

.* The personals section of the newspaper. I liked picturing the people as they described themselves and imagining which combination of people on the page might like each other.

* The ingredients of food packages. Not even for any real informational reason, I just really liked certain fantasy-sounding words like thiamine and riboflavin.

* An old World Book Encyclopedia from the 1970s. I would sneak out of bed to read it because the bookshelf was near my bedroom door and I could crawl to it without making the floor creak. My favorite entries were the ones about Hawaii and tigers. I kinda developed a ritual of rereading the Hawaii article when I had read a scary book before bed and needed to calm my brain down.

* My dad’s Dave Barry and Woody Allen humor books and also transcripts of all of the Monty Python’s Flying Circus episodes. This is probably why my sense of humor has been so weird from such a young age.

* The part of the church hymnal with ceremonies for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. I liked to imagine them.

* Wine catalogs at friends’ houses. The descriptions of the wines seemed so poetic and abstract. I also liked when they said “fruit on the nose” because I pictured a dog balancing a whole piece of fruit on its nose.

* My parents’ parenting books. I liked to see if I was exhibiting developmentally appropriate behavior. I am not 100% sure if doing that is, in fact, developmentally appropriate behavior.

* Those little brochures advertising various roadside attractions and tourist activities at rest shops. I would grab as many as possible when we stopped to use the bathroom on a road trip. Also, travel guides in general.

* I checked out the entire “unexplained” section of the library over the course of third grade. (Dewey decimal 001.9.) Ask little me about Project Blue Book, I guess.

* I LOVED party planning books, especially ones with highly specific themed parties that seemed impractical to put on in real life like a whole chess-themed party culminating in a game of human chess, complete with lemon chess pie for dessert.

* Seed packets. I find the writing style of these very endearing. It always sounds so affectionate toward the plants.

* My grandma’s Reader’s Digest magazines, which felt like Russian roulette because they sometimes published disturbing articles that gave me nightmares. (Reader’s Indigestion?) I especially vividly remember a feature on adopted kids who need to wear Ilizarov apparatuses to straighten their limbs because they became malformed due to severe neglect at orphanages.

* For some reason, I loved reading restaurant menus and imagining what kind of food different fictional characters would order from there.

* And last but certainly not least, because I think this is a relatable one: the AMERICAN GIRL CATALOG! No, I never had an American Girl doll, but getting the catalog was a source of much excitement.

[bubuslutty]

I swear I developed a competence kink because of John Price. 

Something in me (my pussy) tells me that this man can do so many things. Like he's good at so many things it's fucking stupid.

John can play chess, Sudoku, pool ball, knows the names of so many birds and plane models, has impeccable spelling, can fix a sink, a door, a car. He can cook good meals, is efficient at cleaning, an amazing driver, good at handling many things at the same time, like booking appointments, always being on time, making time to exercise, indulge in his hobbies, hang out with friends, do paperwork, cook and cleans, all done in a day. like so easily. And he remembers birthdays and important days, buys gifts or makes gifts. 

I don't know, but he does all of this so calmly. Take care of business when needed. And if he happens to be unsure about something he'll do meticulous research before solving whatever needs to be solved and taken care of.

Im obsessed with the idea of him taking care of reader. it doesn't matter if reader is smart and independent and strong. It doesn't matter if reader has a degree, or is studying for it, or is already working a full time job. John makes sure that when he's around. His sweetheart gets to let go of everything n just be his little sweet darling. 

They don't really have to think abt anything because he's already got it sorted. all they have to do is trust him and do as he says. 

It's also sweet in a way. John gets to see his strong baby turn into a ball of softness and sunshine around him, turning off their brain and letting him do all the heavy lifting. 

And now we just somehow ended up in subspace. 

welp. 

John Price is the awakening of so many kinks in this blog. 

[il-predestinato]

Charles just doesn't rate Carlos at all. It's so funny. I remember that Ferrari challenge where it was mentioned sainz was better at sports and charles just goes yes, except for racing. I would have died on the spot!

Genuinely one of the most poignantly true videos to ever exist on the internet:

Carlos: "Golf, chess, padel, tennis... say any sport, I'm better." Charles: [laughs] "Not racing." ...💀

I must say, the funniest thing about the Sainz camp and their endless media mind games - from lying in interviews pretending he had the same brake problems as Charles, to his parents and friends endlessly slandering Charles in social media - and on top of that, no matter how much a bunch of incompetent journalists big up his performance when what he did in Bahrain was literally the BARE minimum - so yeah, after all of that, the funniest thing is that Charles just can't be bothered with that man. Like - AT. ALL.

It's legit hilarious just how much Sainz doesn't even register on his brain. Charles straight up can't be bothered to give a fuck about him.

Take post-race in Bahrain, for example, both Charles and Vasseur felt they did not show their car's full potential (like helloooo, one of your cars was perfectly functional while driving a full race distance). To them, it's like if Charles didn't get an opportunity to show the true pace of the car, then the true pace was never shown. All Charles cares about is developing the car to catch up to Red Bull. Even today, he's thinking about Max and where he is relative to Max. Sainz and his party of yes men and the brainless media are all over the place doing the PR equivalent of waving neon flags and blasting foghorns, and still - Charles just doesn't even register him. I mean they had to straight up ask Charles a direct question to force him to even dispute Sainz's lies (Sainz claimed they had the 'same' issue with brakes overheating in dirty air, which wildly inaccurate).

Don't get me wrong. Charles is friendly and professional and is always keen to give credit and praise to Carlos, but he genuinely just doesn't rate him at all. That's just simply not the bar that Charles cares to compare himself to. That bar is so, so much higher.

[queerlyvictorian]

I don’t know how often Brennan brings up this analogy, since despite the amount of Lee Mulligan content I feel I’ve consumed, I’ve only recently dived into Dimension 20, but in Episode 4 of Adventuring Party for A Crown of Candy at 01:04:12, Brennan mentions a thing he learned about chess recently and related it to DMing and I was like, “Wait, I’ve heard him say this, and recently.” It’s the exact analogy he threw out as a taunt in the most recent Fireside Chat for Episode 22 of The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One on the Worlds Beyond Number Patreon, about how so much of his “planning” as a DM is just developing enough material to move aspects of the narrative into the good positions to be used later-

These two talkbacks are nearly four years apart in their release date, and I coincidentally listened to them less than four days apart from each other. It just goes to show, I think, how deeply Brennan thinks about DMing and his philosophy towards the art form and practice of it. He pulled the same reference out of his brain years after he learned it, and expressed it in a totally different tone and context. He really is so good at this game.

The understatement of the century, I know, but I just think it’s neat.