How a simple game of chess can break through stereotypes

PBS Newshour recently had a story on how chess breaks down racial barriers. The link is here: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/simple-game-chess-can-break-stereotypes/#

In my experience this is real, I have played chess against all ages, races, and genders. It helps connect and destroy stereotypes. This unique facet of chess is part of its appeal to me.

I would like to see us teach chess at all schools as it helps teach taking perspective and destroy the barriers between us. I saw this when I taught chess in clubs and schools.

What do you think?

Stretch

Yesterday, I attended an event on a new book from a Rice business school professor called Stretch.

There was a nice panel discussion that was also posted to Facebook live.

The panel featured:

Brené Brown (researcher, writer, and entrepreneur)
Lynn Laverty Elsenhans (Former Chairman and CEO Sunoco)
Mike Feinberg (co-founder of KIPP charter schools)
Mosheh Oinounou (Executive Producer, CBSN)
Brock Wagner (founder, Saint Arnold Brewing Company)

https://www.facebook.com/BusinessRice/videos/vb.263438305472/10158305723465473/?type=3&theater

I couldn't help but think how this applies to chess. On the board, do you think about using your maximum resources? Are you using you stretching yourself as a chess player? Or are you chasing others?

We often possess the necessary resources to improve at chess, but we fail to use them. For me, this would mean more time investment studying and strategically choosing tournaments. What does it mean for you? How can you improve your effectiveness?

Richard Branson & Chess

Richard Branson loves chess as way to stimulate his brain. I agree.

Cheers to Richard Branson!

Check out the link below.
https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/what-is-the-best-game-in-the-world

Do something creative everyday

I came across this article this week. It basically says that people are basically happier if they do something creative everyday.

Chess inherently has lots of creativity in it. I see every game as an exercise in improvisation. This is at least one place where I get my daily creativity via either online games or puzzles.

Take a look and think how you might apply this research to your own life.
http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/12/to-be-happier-do-one-creative-thing-every-day.html