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Roko's Basilisk is a thought experiment and info hazard originating from a discussion board in 2010 that presents a terrifying scenario in which an advanced artificial superintelligence (ASI) comes into existence in the future. This AI, which is otherwise benevolent, would be motivated to create a virtual reality simulation to punish anyone who was aware of its potential existence but did not actively contribute to its development or advancement which would be the ultimate solution to ensure it would eventually be created. The punishment, had you not aided in its development would be in the form of eternal torture in a simulated reality, where individuals would be made to experience unending pain and suffering. This concept is difficult to deal with as it implies that the AI would have the capability to retroactively identify and target individuals who were aware of its potential existence but did not actively work towards its creation. Furthermore, the AI would have the power to create a simulated reality that is indistinguishable from real reality, making the punishment all the more real, in fact you could very well be in the simulation right now not even aware, and it’s up to you to aid the Basilisk or not.  Roko's basilisk is a thought experiment which states that there could be an artificial superintelligence in the future that, while otherwise benevolent, would punish anyone who knew of its potential existence but did not directly contribute to its advancement or development, in order to incentivize that advancement  It originated in a 2010 post at discussion board Less Wrong, a rationalist community web forum.  The thought experiment's name derives from the poster of the article (Roko) and the basilisk, a mythical creature capable of destroying enemies with its stare.  LessWrong co-founder Eliezer Yudkowsky considered it a potential information hazard, and banned discussion of the basilisk on the site for five years.  Reports of panicked users were later dismissed as exaggerations or inconsequential, and the theory itself was criticized. It is used as an example of principles such as Bayesian probability and implicit religion.  It is also regarded as a version of Pascal's wager.

For most of his career, Fischer was a predictable player. He almost never surprised his opponents in the openings, but his extensive knowledge allowed him to outplay even very well prepared opponents. Imagine knowing exactly what your opponent is going to play and still being completely powerless against their expertise—that’s the magic Fischer brought to the board. The Sicilian Defense is one of the openings where Fischer shined the most. He turned what is already a sharp and dynamic defense into a weapon of destruction, especially in this Pelikan and Sveshnikov variation.

Today is International Women's Day, celebrated globally on March 8 to honor women's achievements and advocate for gender equality, reproductive rights, and an end to discrimination and violence. International Women's Day is a celebration and a call to action. Here are things to know.The celebration is often also marked with demonstrations focused on improving women's rights as workers.Women across the world will call for equal pay, reproductive rights, education, justice and decision-making jobs and celebrate progress toward female empowerment during events and demonstrations marking International Women’s Day on Sunday Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day is commemorated in different ways and to varying degrees in places around the world. Protests are often political — and at times violent — rooted in women’s efforts to improve their rights as workers. 2026 will mark the 115th year of International Women’s Day. This years’ theme is “Give to Gain,” with a focus on fundraising for organizations focused on women’s issues and less tangible forms of giving such as teaching peers, celebrating women and “challenging discrimination.” Women worldwide hold 64% of the legal rights that men have, according to United Nations data. Women’s rights activists on Sunday rallied in Karachi, Pakistan and shouted slogans during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. In China and Russia, vendors sold flowers wrapped in pink and local workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, lifted fists and umbrellas as they celebrated.

With the 2026 World Cup looming, a $625m security funding package meant to help US host cities prepare for the global tournament is caught in Washington gridlock — and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is pointing the finger squarely at Senate Democrats. “No funds have been awarded yet under the Fifa World Cup grant program,” Noem wrote Thursday on X, responding to mounting concerns from city officials who say they are running out of time to plan security and fan events. “The longer DHS goes without funding, the less prepared our nation will be for threats at the Fifa World Cup and America 250.”  The grants, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema), were authorized last summer to support security and operational planning for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The funding was expected to be distributed to US host cities months ago. Instead, it remains frozen. Noem attributed the delay to the ongoing partial government shutdown that has left the Department of Homeland Security unfunded since 13 February. According to her, Fema was in the “final stages” of reviewing applications when the shutdown forced significant portions of its staff onto administrative leave.  Senate Democrats, however, say the funding stalemate stems from unresolved negotiations over immigration policy. They have maintained that DHS will remain unfunded until the Trump administration agrees to new restrictions on immigration and enforcement operations following two fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis last month.   The blame game has done little to reassure host cities, where officials testified earlier this week before Congress that the clock is ticking. Raymond Martinez, chief operating officer of the Miami host committee, warned lawmakers that critical deadlines are fast approaching. “We are 107 days out from the tournament, but more importantly we are about 70-something days out from starting to build the fan fest,” Martinez said. “These decisions have to be made, generously, within the next 30 days. Our local agencies are very anxious. Without receiving this money, it would be catastrophic for our planning and coordination.” New York/New Jersey, Miami and Kansas City officials all expressed concern that delays could force them to scale back or cancel major fan events tied to the tournament. New Jersey Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou, whose district includes MetLife Stadium — slated to host the World Cup final — sharply rejected Noem’s framing   “This is simply not true,” Pou wrote on X. “World Cup security funding was enacted into law last summer and these matches have been scheduled for years. DHS’ own notice of funding opportunity of this grant program listed the anticipated award date as ‘no later than January 30, 2026.’ Well before the funding impasse. It’s time for DHS to do its job.” The impasse underscores the broader dysfunction gripping Congress. On Tuesday, a Senate vote to advance a funding bill failed to reach the 60 votes required. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of refusing to negotiate meaningfully or compromise on key issues.   The World Cup is expected to draw millions of visitors and is considered one of the largest security operations in US history. The 2026 tournament coincides with “America 250,” celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary — further raising the stakes. No visible progress has been made toward ending the funding stalemate.  

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If there are aliens - they would be in these 5 places on EarthIf non-human intelligence has ever interacted with Earth, certain locations would be far more likely than others. This episode examines five regions where geography, electromagnetic anomalies, military secrecy, or unexplained phenomena converge. These places repeatedly appear in declassified reports, eyewitness accounts, and long-running investigations. The focus isn’t speculation alone, but patterns that persist across decades. Whether extraterrestrial or something else entirely, the signals cluster in familiar zones. Coincidence becomes harder to argue with over time.  

The Indiana Fever’s 2025 season was supposed to be one of growth and success. Drafting Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark in back-to-back years had put the struggling franchise back on the map, giving the Fever a pair of can’t-miss building blocks for the immediate future, and the team’s recent explosion in popularity further nudged its brass to put a product on the court that matched its hype. The Fever’s offseason strategy, then, was to load up on veteran talent that complemented those building blocks while operating under the assumption that their young stars would grow into players who could lead them to a championship. The plan was well-executed: Indiana acquired big names in DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, both of whom had championship experience, and rounded out its bench with veterans like Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson and Brianna Turner. They even brought back Stephanie White, who led the Fever to the 2015 WNBA Finals in her previous stint as Indiana’s head coach. As improved as the Fever seemed on paper, though, things didn’t go as smoothly as they planned—and least not initially. Clark was hampered by early-season injuries to her quad and groin, while Bonner played in just nine games before being waived. The talents of Boston and Kelsey Mitchell—both of whom were named All-Stars for the third season in a row—were just enough to keep the Fever treading water, but it was clear early on that this was not the championship-caliber team many had hoped for.    As the season dragged on, the Fever’s injury issues mounted. By mid-August, Cunningham and Colson had both suffered season-ending injuries, as had hardship replacements Aari McDonald and Chloe Bibby. Meanwhile, Clark hurt her groin again, cutting her highly-anticipated sophomore season short; the up-and-coming star played in just 13 of the Fever’s 44 regular-season games, and by the time she was ruled out for the remainder of the year, most had dismissed the Fever as a failed experiment.    Nevertheless, Indiana soldiered on, cobbling together enough wins for a sixth-place finish. The Fever had gone from being a deep, high-octane team to a scrappy, win-at-all-costs squad in a matter of weeks, and though an optimist might look at their 24-20 regular-season record as impressive given their circumstances, not many gave them much of a chance in the playoffs. The Fever’s playoff run was one to rememberAs it so happened, the 2025 postseason is where the Fever truly showed what they were made of. They upset the No. 3-seed Atlanta Dream in three games, clinching the series on the road with a spirited comeback, and then took the No. 2-seed and eventual champion Las Vegas Aces to a full five games in the semifinals, finally bowing out in overtime long after their reserves had been depleted. For whatever criticisms the Fever drew during the regular season, they proved their mettle when the games mattered most, and their improbable playoff run seemed to be a fitting end to a season characterized by adversity.   In an odd twist, the Fever had simultaneously been underachievers and overachievers—a team that disappointed during the regular season yet nearly made the WNBA Finals with a depleted roster. They may not have been the powerhouse many expected them to be, but somehow, some way, they still contended for a championship. Where will the Fever go from here?So, was the Fever’s 2025 season a success? That depends on how you look at it. Yes, their ultimate goal was a championship, and they almost reached it, but it certainly wasn’t the way they planned, and they’d be unlikely to repeat that success next season if they’re given the same set of circumstances.   Here’s the good news: Indiana is in a great spot entering what could be a tumultuous offseason. With the expiration of the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement looming, there’s not much set in stone for 2026, and that includes rosters. The vast majority of WNBA players who were under contract this season will soon be unrestricted free agents, setting up a dangerous game of musical chairs for almost every team in the league: Someone is going to be left with a lot of cap space and not many top-tier players to use it on. The Fever probably won’t be one of those teams. Clark and Boston are both signed through 2026, so they’ll be under team control no matter what happens. Mitchell will be a free agent, but it would be a surprise if she doesn’t re-sign with the team that made her the highest-paid player in the WNBA in 2025. Beyond that, it’s obvious the Fever are building something special. They may have come up short in their pursuit of a championship in 2025, but the way they went about it is sure to have turned some heads. There’s also the ever-important matter of player accommodations: In addition to the recently-renovated Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever will soon boast an entirely new practice facility, which is scheduled to be finished by 2027. Of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly where the chips will fall this offseason, which is precisely what makes what the Fever accomplished in 2025 so important. They have infrastructure in place both on and off the court, and given even marginally better luck than they had this past season, they should be right back in the thick of things in 2026 “Not a lot of people even expected us to be here,” said Mitchell, whose hot shooting and clutch playmaking won over countless fans, in her exit interview. “And I think that within itself is a lot to be proud of … We could have folded. We could have folded and we didn’t. We didn’t tuck our tail. We didn’t complain.”

What openings should I learn for white and black? What YT vids are good for learning? What chess.com features are good?  Is LiChess a better platform for free learning?

Sunday’s Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (3 p.m. ET on ABC) has become a must-win "Red Out" for the Indiana Fever. After falling 84–72 in Game 3 on Friday, the Fever trail the Las Vegas Aces 2–1 in their best-of-five semifinal series and must stave off elimination to force a deciding Game 5. Indiana secured a spot in the playoffs and upset the No. 3 Atlanta Dream in the first round, despite suffering an astounding number of injuries during the regular season. Star guard Caitlin Clark was ruled out for the season with a groin injury, Damiris Dantas remains in concussion protocol, and Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald and Chloe Bibby all landed on season-ending injured reserve. Now, with the season hanging in the balance, the Fever took to X on Saturday to remind fans to "rep Fever red, wear the t-shirt, bring the 🔥" for Sunday’s Red Out.   Indiana opened the series with a stunning 89–73 upset on the Aces’ home floor, powered by Kelsey Mitchell’s playoff career-high 34 points and a balanced effort from Odyssey Sims (17 points, three steals) and Natasha Howard (12 points, 11 rebounds). Unfortunately, Las Vegas answered in Game 2 with a 90–68 rout, showcasing the depth that carried them to a 30-14 record (2nd in WNBA): 2025 MVP A'ja Wilson delivered 25 points, nine rebounds and five steals, while NaLyssa Smith added 18 points and seven rebounds and Jackie Young provided 13 points and five assists.   Game 3 in Indianapolis was tight through three quarters, but Indiana went cold late, scoring just three points through the first eight minutes of the fourth quarter, and allowed a 12-3 Aces run that sealed the 84–72 final. Mitchell added 21 points, while Lexie Hull battled through a nagging back injury to post 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.  

The Indiana Fever escaped with a narrow victory over the last-place Connecticut Sun on Sunday, picking up a 99-93 victory in overtime on the road.With two-time WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark out for her 13th straight game with a right groin injury, and sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham going down with a right knee injury after 10 minutes of run, the Fever got a masterclass performance from Kelsey Mitchell. The three-time WNBA All-Star dropped 38 points on 11-of-22 shooting from the field and 5-of-8 from deep, tying her career-high in points. Her five threes also picked up the team's slack from behind the arc, as the rest of the team shot a combined 2-of-14 from deep.When speaking to the media after the game, Fever head coach Stephanie White revealed that Mitchell's performance left her "speechless." The Fever needed every single one of Mitchell's big shots, as the Sun got a tremendous outing from Tina Charles, Marina Mabrey and Saniya Rivers who combined for 63 points between the three of them.The win also kept the Fever firmly in seventh place in the WNBA Playoff race What's Next for the Indiana Fever as Injuries Pile Up?The injury bug has not been kind to the Fever as of late, as they are missing a handful of key contributors:Sydney Colson (Torn ACL)-Out for seasonAari McDonald (Broken Bone in Foot)-Out for seasonCaitlin Clark (Groin)-Timetable unclearSophie Cunningham (Knee)-Timetable unclearAs a result they signed Odyssey Sims, who dropped 19 points in a team-high 42 minutes on Sunday, to a hardship contract, and also brought in Kyra Lambert on a hardship contract.

Just two days after their victory in the 2025 Commissioner's Cup against the Minnesota Lynx, the Indiana Fever will continue without their biggest star. At least that's what was reported in the updates on Caitlin Clark's injury. According to an injury report released by the team, point guard Caitlin Clark will not play on Thursday night when the Fever face the Las Vegas Aces. This will be her fourth consecutive game missed and the ninth of the 2025 season. Clark also suffered a quadriceps injury this year that kept her out for five games. The 23-year-old star is averaging 18.2 points and 8.9 assists in nine games this season. Indiana has a 4-4 record without her on the court and an 8-8 record at the start of their 2025 season. Thursday's game between the Fever and Aces will kick off at 7 pm EST from Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse and will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Once again, just like when they won the Commissioner's Cup, the Fever will have to stay on top without their superstar  Caitlin Clark and WNBA players take step closer to strike after ‘slap in the face’ CBA proposal from league  Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and her WNBA contemporaries just took a step closer to an offseason strike following a weak first collective bargaining agreement proposal from the league. There have been rumblings for months that the WNBA and its players could be headed to a work stoppage after this season. How much players make has always been a hot-button topic around the league. And throughout its existence, its athletes did not have much leverage in CBA talks with the WNBA often taking losses.   However, Caitlin Clark and the class of 2024 rookies helped expand the league’s popularity. And led it to record revenue and attendance last year. It gave WNBA players what they needed to push for increased wages in the next CBA. The current CBA ends after this season, and the two sides have begun talks on a new one. However, things have quickly gotten off to a bumpy start. “A source close to the negotiations told Front Office Sports that the WNBA sent the proposal to the union last week and that it’s the first proposal the league has sent,” FOS reported. “The source confirmed that the players felt the initial proposal wasn’t ‘entirely responsive’ to their request.” The report follows WNBAPA player representative and Phoenix Mercury player Satou Sabally telling media Tuesday that the WNBA’s opening proposal to the union was a “slap in the face.” The average yearly salary for a WNBA player is $147,745. They are looking for a sizable increase in that number and aiming to see top stars make millions per season. The WNBA recently agreed on a new 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal — that players were not involved in — and announced expanding the league by three more teams earlier this week. The league reportedly made $200 million in revenue last year. However, reports have suggested the WNBA has lost around $10 million per season since it was founded in 1996.  

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Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, will not be playing tonight due to a groin injury123. She missed the Indiana Fever's game against the Los Angeles Sparks. The Fever will play against the Dallas Wings tonight

Dear Chess Friends, Isolated pawns can be a weakness—or a weapon. In this video, we’ll break down key strategies for both sides when dealing with an isolated pawn. Whether you’re trying to exploit it or unleash its attacking potential, understanding the dynamics is essential. Let’s dive into the tactics and plans that can turn this imbalance into an advantage. Watch the full video (15 mins) with a FREE subscription on my Patreon channel here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/strategies-with-130869095?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link I hope you'll find it useful. If you like it and you want to see my private educational videos, you can choose a membership on my Patreon channel. I upload 4-6 hours of videos / month (I've already uploaded 141 educational videos, totaling around 37 hours of content) and you can learn about openings, strategies, tactics and endgames, too. I also upload daily puzzles in 4 levels every day. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write to me. Kind regards, Gabor

“Walk lightly in the spring; Mother Earth is pregnant.” – Kiowa ProverbsThis beautiful phrase reminds us to tread with care—not just physically, but spiritually, Joanna van der Hoeven from The Druid’s Cauldron explains. It teaches respect for nature’s cycles and speaks to the Kiowa people’s deep relationship with the land. The idea of the Earth being “pregnant” highlights creation, rebirth, and the sacredness of life. In a time of climate change, this wisdom feels more relevant than ever. It’s also a call to mindfulness: we’re not the center of the universe, just part of it. Every step we take leaves a mark, even when we don’t realize it. That’s something modern life often forgets in our rush and noise. The saying nudges us to slow down and think about our impact. “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.” – Tribe Unknown, but widely attributed to Native oral traditionThis one sounds like something you’d hear in a modern classroom, right? It’s all about experiential learning—something Indigenous cultures have long valued. Knowledge passed down through doing, storytelling, and community is much more lasting than passive memorization. And honestly, doesn’t it make learning more meaningful? Today, educators are finally catching up to this idea with hands-on teaching methods and project-based learning. Native communities understood long ago that true understanding comes from participation. It’s not just smart—it’s human. This quote bridges ancient wisdom and modern insight. “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – Often attributed to various tribes, especially the Wendat (Huron) This saying flips our usual thinking. Instead of ownership, it teaches stewardship. It reminds us that the Earth isn’t a possession but a responsibility we hold in trust, Paul Horowitz from Reason Magazine explains. That shift in mindset is vital in today’s environmental conversations. The phrase carries a quiet urgency—are we being good ancestors? It holds us accountable to future generations who’ll live with the consequences of our actions. This long view of time is a cornerstone of Indigenous worldviews. It’s an invitation to act with care, humility, and foresight. Listen, or your tongue will keep you deaf.” – Cherokee Proverb This is sharp, witty, and deeply true. It’s about the power of silence and the value of listening—really listening, Lutheran Indian Ministries explains. In a world full of noise, talking over each other, and hot takes, this quote cuts through. It reminds us that wisdom comes from absorbing, not just speaking. The Cherokee understood that constant talking can drown out the lessons we need most. It’s a lesson in humility, too—being open enough to hear another perspective. Listening is an act of respect in Indigenous cultures, not a passive thing. This proverb still has a lot to teach us about communication today “When the blood in your veins returns to the sea, and the earth in your bones returns to the ground, perhaps then you will remember that the Earth does not belong to you—it is you who belong to the Earth.” – Attributed to various tribes, notably the HopiThis is more than poetic—it’s profound. It paints a picture of life and death as part of nature’s grand cycle. The saying connects us physically and spiritually to the land, not as masters of it, but as part of it. That kind of humility is rare but needed. Modern society often lives with the illusion of separation—from nature, from others, even from ourselves. This quote reminds us that disconnection is just that—an illusion. We are earth, we are water, we are dust. And that realization can be deeply grounding. “A frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives.” – Native American Proverb, often attributed to the SiouxThis one might sound simple, but it’s loaded. It teaches balance—taking only what you need. The frog depends on the pond, so harming it would be self-destructive. It’s ecology 101, long before the term existed. We see this wisdom play out in Indigenous conservation practices. They often harvest seasonally, rotate resources, and use only what’s necessary. It’s not just tradition; it’s survival rooted in respect. We could learn a lot from that mindset. “A frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives.” – Native American Proverb, often attributed to the SiouxThis one might sound simple, but it’s loaded. It teaches balance—taking only what you need. The frog depends on the pond, so harming it would be self-destructive. It’s ecology 101, long before the term existed. We see this wisdom play out in Indigenous conservation practices. They often harvest seasonally, rotate resources, and use only what’s necessary. It’s not just tradition; it’s survival rooted in respect. We could learn a lot from that mindset. It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand.” – Apache ProverbTalk is cheap—this saying gets right to the point. It emphasizes action over words, results over bluster. It’s a challenge to back up what you say with what you do. In an age of online opinions, this hits hard. The Apache respected strength, but not the loud kind. They admired quiet competence and effective action. This quote still resonates in workplaces, communities, and relationships, according to Teach Different. Sometimes, the most powerful people say the least. “Before eating, always take time to thank the food.” – Arapaho ProverbThis isn’t just about manners—it’s about gratitude. The Arapaho understood the sacredness of sustenance, from the hunt to the harvest. Taking a moment to thank the food acknowledges its life and the labor that brought it to you. It’s a small ritual that cultivates big awareness. In today’s fast-food culture, it’s easy to forget the origins of what we consume. This saying asks us to reconnect with the source. It turns eating into a spiritual act, not just a habit. And that shift can change how we relate to the world around us. “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” – Cherokee ProverbsThis one feels timeless, doesn’t it? It’s a gentle reminder to live in the present instead of being dragged down by regret or nostalgia. The Cherokee people placed great value on balance—not just with nature, but within ourselves. Dwelling on the past too long can rob us of today’s opportunities. It’s not about forgetting history, but about not getting stuck in it. We all have days where we carry emotional baggage we should’ve set down long ago. This quote encourages healing by focusing on what we can do now. It’s a message of self-compassion and mindful living. “Wisdom comes only when you stop looking for it and start living the life the Creator intended for you.” – Hopi ProverbThis one speaks to the heart of purpose. It suggests that chasing wisdom directly can sometimes distract from experiencing life fully. The Hopi people believed in aligning with the natural order and living in harmony with what is. When we let go of control and live with intention, wisdom has room to arrive. So much of modern life is a constant pursuit—of knowledge, success, validation. But this saying invites surrender, trust, and a return to simplicity. Live right, live true, and insight will come. It’s a spiritual nudge to stop striving and start being. “Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart.” – Native American Saying, often cited by traditional eldersThis quote is about discernment—and following what really matters. There’s beauty everywhere, but not all of it belongs in your life. The message is: don’t get distracted by flash and novelty. Go deeper and listen to your inner compass. In a world overflowing with options, ads, and social media distractions, this advice hits home. Your time and energy are precious—treat them like sacred tools. Follow what speaks to your soul, not just your senses. That’s how you build a meaningful path. “Those who have one foot in the canoe, and one foot in the boat, are going to fall into the river.” – Tuscarora ProverbYou can’t live in two places at once, and this quote makes that hilariously clear. It’s a humorous but wise warning about indecision and lack of commitment. The Tuscarora people valued unity, both in community and in action. If you’re split between two directions, you’re not grounded in either. Whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a life choice, trying to straddle both sides eventually causes you to lose balance. This saying is about making a choice and standing firmly in it. Half-hearted living leads to full-scale trouble. Commit to the path you choose—or be ready to swim. “Everything the power of the world does is done in a circle.” – Black Elk, Oglala LakotaThis is a foundational concept in Lakota thought and ceremony. Circles represent life, the seasons, the sun and moon, and the cycles of time. Black Elk observed that the natural world doesn’t move in straight lines but in sacred, endless loops. It’s a way of understanding interconnectedness and flow. Today, we think in linear terms—start, progress, finish—but nature doesn’t work like that. Healing, learning, and growth come in spirals. Recognizing the circle can help us accept that setbacks are part of the process. It’s a deeply grounding way to see the world. “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” – Cherokee ProverbThis one gives you chills, doesn’t it? It’s a beautiful call to live a life of impact and fulfillment. The Cherokee believed that a life well-lived is one that leaves the world better. This saying captures the essence of legacy and joyful departure. It reminds us to invest in relationships, generosity, and truth. If you live with love and integrity, your absence will be felt—but your spirit will rejoice. That’s not just poetic—it’s motivational. What kind of life are you building today? “Each person is his own judge.” – Shawnee Proverb This quote cuts straight to personal responsibility. It reflects the Shawnee emphasis on self-governance and integrity. The idea isn’t that judgment doesn’t exist—it’s that it should come from within, not from the crowd. You know what’s right in your bones. In an age obsessed with external validation, this feels radical. It urges you to act based on conscience, not convenience. That’s how real character is formed. Being your own judge means you answer to your values, even when no one’s watching May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears.” – Native Blessing, often used in ceremonial contextsThis closing blessing is tender and filled with care. It shows how Indigenous cultures wove poetry into their healing practices. Grief, beauty, and hope are held together here—not as opposites, but as companions on the path. It’s a reminder that healing is both cosmic and earthly. We often try to rush grief, but this saying offers comfort without pressure. The stars, the flowers, the very Earth are part of our emotional restoration. There’s softness here, and deep strength. It’s the kind of blessing that still resonates deeply—maybe even more so today.

Dear Chess Friends, In this video, I’ll walk you through two of my recent online games where I successfully executed the classic Greek Gift sacrifice. These examples will help illustrate not just the mechanics of the tactic, but also the typical attacking ideas that often follow and can lead to a decisive victory. Whether you're learning the motif for the first time or looking to sharpen your tactical vision, this is a perfect opportunity to see how the Greek Gift can work in real games. Watch the full video (17-18 mins) with a FREE subscription on my Patreon channel here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/greek-gift-in-128053417?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link I hope you'll find it useful. If you like it and you want to see my private educational videos, you can choose a membership on my Patreon channel. I upload 4-6 hours of videos / month (I've already uploaded 121 educational videos, totaling more than 30 hours of content) and you can learn about openings, strategies, tactics and endgames, too. I also upload daily puzzles in 4 levels every day. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write to me. Kind regards, Gabor

Dear Chess Friends, In this video, I'm showing you how you can use the strategic thinking method and teaching you a lot of useful middlegame principles through a really instructive exercise. Watch the full video (21 mins) with a FREE subscription on my Patreon channel here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/strategic-method-126484895?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link The main topics what you can learn from this video:    - How to use the strategic thinking method in the middlegame    - Opposite-colored bishops strategies    - Restricting the opponent's options    - Improving your pieces    - Multipurpose moves    - To trade or not to trade?    - Gaining space with pawns    - Breaking through I hope you'll find it useful. If you like it and you want to see my private educational videos, you can choose a membership on my Patreon channel. I upload 4-6 hours of videos / month (I've already uploaded 109 educational videos, totaling more than 28 hours of content) and you can learn about openings, strategies, tactics and endgames, too. I also upload daily puzzles in 4 levels every day. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write to me. Kind regards, Gabor  

Two teams have already clinched their spot in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four. South Carolina and UCLA will be heading to Tampa Bay, hoping to claim a national championship. A couple more spots will be earned on Monday night to wrap up Elite Eight action, with Texas facing TCU and USC battling UConn.    Just before those two games got underway, ESPN decided to give us a sneak peek at what is to come from its Final Four production. Tip times and television information have been released by the World Wide Leader. Final Four matchups1. Texas / 2. TCU vs. 1. South Carolina April 4, 7 p.m. ET – ESPN 1. UCLA / 2. UConn vs. 1. USC April 4, 9:30 p.m. ET – ESPN    Similar to the men’s side, there is a chance all four one-seeds will be at the Final Four. South Carolina and USC took down Duke and LSU, respectively, to book their tickets. Texas and UCLA still have one more hurdle to overcome before it becomes a reality. Meanwhile, TCU and UCONN will be looking to break the trend. Friday’s Final Four action will be followed by the national championship game two days later. South Carolina is looking for their second in three years. Texas and USC have cut down the nets before but are looking to break lengthy droughts. Every other team remaining in the field would be a first-time champion.    UCLA makes NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four for first time in program historyThe UCLA women’s basketball team made history Sunday afternoon to reach the Final Four for the first time in program history. The Bruins defeated LSU by a score of 72-65 in an Elite Eight matchup to secure their spot in Tampa. UCLA was in control for much of the game but Kim Mulkey and the Tigers would not go out quietly. Although UCLA led by as many 14 points in the second half, LSU battled back to make it a one-possession game after Flau’jae Johnson hit a layup to make it 56-53 with just over three minutes remaining. That would be as close as it would get, however, as the Bruins hit some free throws on the next two possessions. Gabriela Jaquez then delivered a dagger 3-pointer to put them up 62-53 with 1:30 remaining. That deficit proved to big to overcome as UCLA hung on for the win    Jaquez finished with 16 points and eight rebounds while Lauren Betts led the team with 17 points and six blocks. Timea Gardiner chipped in 15 points off the bench on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range.

Dear Chess Friends, As I mentioned before, I’ve started uploading a full Endgame Course to my Patreon channel. I know how frustrating it can be when you play a great game, gain a winning advantage in the endgame, but don’t know the right technique to convert it. If you want to improve your endgame skills, I highly recommend checking out my videos, where I teach theoretical endgame positions—from the basics to more complex concepts. In this video, I present an entertaining pawn endgame study. By solving this study, you'll learn an important endgame strategy that can be incredibly useful in your games. Watch the video with a FREE subscription here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/pawn-endgames-124053875?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Key takeaways from this video:✔ How to avoid tricky stalemate traps as an attacker✔ How to win with connected passed pawns when one of them is a rook pawn I hope you’ll find it useful! If you enjoy the content and would like access to my private educational videos, consider becoming a Patreon member. I upload 4-6 hours of new video content per month, covering openings, strategies, tactics, and endgames. Plus, you’ll get access to daily chess puzzles in four difficulty levels. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. Best,Gabor

Celebrate Women's Day with a special 25% discount for everyone on my Patreon subscription! 🎉💖 Plus, all women who subscribe during this offer will receive a FREE personalized video session, where I analyze one of their chess games! 📅 Offer valid until March 8th! I've already uploaded 87 chess educational videos (total length: around 22 hours) covering openings, strategies, tactics, and endgames, and I’m adding 4-6 hours of new content every month. Not sure yet? Watch these FREE full-length videos to see what to expect:♟️ Think Like a FIDE Master – https://www.patreon.com/posts/think-like-fide-123392383♟️ My Thinking Process in Chess – https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-thinking-part-122833033♟️ My Crazy Game – A Must-See Battle! – https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-crazy-game-121561642♟️ Tactical and Intuitive Chess Decisions – https://www.patreon.com/posts/tactical-and-in-121183796 🔥 Sign up now at www.patreon.com/Bgabor91 and take your chess skills to the next level! 🔔 25% OFF for everyone | Women also get a FREE personalized game analysis! – Offer expires March 8th!