By one unique metric, we could approach technological singularity by the end of this decade, if not sooner. A translation company developed a metric, Time to Edit (TTE), to calculate the time it takes for professional human editors to fix AI-generated translations compared to human ones. This may help quantify the speed toward singularity. An AI that can translate spas well as a human could change society. In the world of artificial intelligence, the idea of “singularity” looms large. This slippery concept describes the moment AI exceeds beyond human control and rapidly transforms society. The tricky thing about AI singularity (and why it borrows terminology from black hole physics) is that it’s enormously difficult to predict where it begins and nearly impossible to know what’s beyond this technological “event horizon.”
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ChessbrotherJon Nov 30, 2024
The Aztec death whistle, a skull-shaped ancient instrument, has intrigued both researchers and enthusiasts for years. Recent neuroscience research highlights its profound psychological effects. The whistle's scream-like sound, a result of its unique design, can induce unsettling reactions in the human brain. The Aztecs employed these whistles during rituals, especially those linked to death and the underworld, to instill fear and spiritual awe, possibly preparing sacrifices for their descent to Mictlan, the Aztec afterlife. Contemporary studies reveal that the whistle's sound can provoke intense emotional reactions by activating brain areas related to fear and meaning. If you're interested in experiencing the Aztec death whistle's sound, which dates back to 1250–1521 CE and is renowned for its haunting, scream-like noise, recordings are available online. This sound played a pivotal role in Aztec ceremonies tied to death, the underworld, and the afterlife, aiming to evoke fear and spiritual reverence. It represents a compelling intersection of history, culture, and neuroscience.
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ChessbrotherJon Nov 21, 2024
Civil-liberties lawyers alarmed by President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to launch mass deportations of undocumented immigrants sued the federal government Monday for information about how authorities might quickly remove people from the United States. The federal lawsuit alleges that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has failed to respond to requests for basic information about its existing contracts with private airline companies that make up “ICE Air,” as well as ground transportation services, airfields and policies governing deportation flights, including those carrying children.  Lawyers said the information is urgent because of Trump’s election victory this month and his upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20. Advocates for immigrants have accused ICE and its contractors of treating migrants harshly and holding them in inhumane conditions.  “Despite the critical role these flights play in the removal system—in many instances, serving as the mechanism for deportation—ICE Air remains shrouded in secrecy,” said the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles by the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California. “This secrecy has masked responsibility for serious abuses and danger on ICE Air flights.”  During his campaign, Trump promised to increase deportations starting on “day one” of his administration, though he has provided few details about how he would execute that plan. The comments sent advocates for immigrants scrambling for details about the existing state of the deportation system so that they could protect immigrants and inform U.S. taxpayers about its cost.
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ChessbrotherJon Nov 18, 2024
Reducing the number of chess games you play can lend credence to the idea that playing fewer games improves the effectiveness of each move. By focusing on playing better chess, you aim to increase your current rating of 972. You have decided to reduce your active games from 68 to below 30. This raises the question: does playing fewer games lead to increased accuracy and, consequently, an improvement in your rating, which has decreased from 1200 to 972? 
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ChessbrotherJon Nov 18, 2024
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in several countries, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which also occur on the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.  
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ChessbrotherJon Nov 11, 2024
Forget what you learned in elementary school — The Earth doesn’t have seven continents after all. From a young age, we're taught that the world consists of Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America. However, new research suggests that this isn't the caseA recent study published in the journal Gondwana Research proposes that we actually have six continents. This extraordinary claim results from detailed research into the geological processes behind the breakup of Europe and North America and how these landmasses have evolved over time Dr. Jordan Phethean, the study’s lead author from the University of Derby, explained that his team’s findings indicate, “the North America and Eurasian tectonic plates have not yet actually broken apart, as is traditionally thought to have happened 52 million years ago.” Instead, these plates are continuing to stretch and are still in the process of breaking apart, rather than being wholly separate entities. In other words, North America and Europe could be considered a single continent rather than two distinct ones.  
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 22, 2024
There a reason fighting is compared to chess. It takes real smarts to succeed - street smarts, book smarts, and self-awareness. And both are a lot like life. “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War  Sam Sheridan is a Harvard grad and a writer. Sam Sheridan is also a fighter. He has a muay Thai fight under his belt, which he wrote about in his well-known 2007 book, A Fighter’s Heart. It’s a great read and nails the essence of why we fight, what it takes physically to do so, and what we fight for – love. Sheridan points out that we fight for those we love, for respect, and more than anything for the love of the fight itself. A Fighter’s Heart is a largely a glimpse (through Sheridan’s own journey) of what it takes to train like a fighter. While the book does a brilliant job in breaking down what it takes to be a fighter day in and day out, A Fighter’s Heart is more about the will or heart of a fighter rather than the mind of a fighter. In order to dig deeper into the mind of a fighter, Sheridan followed up his first book with A Fighter’s Mind in 2010. This book is fascinating because many don’t think of fighting as a thinking man’s sport, but in reality, it’s the ultimate thinking man’s sport. Sheridan himself embodies this paradox in fighting – the willingness to display brutal and savage physicality coupled with the ultimate mental challenge – facing our enemy as well as ourselves. Typically, we tend to think of fighting as a physical action, broken down into physical bits and pieces. I’ve written extensively on the physicality of fighting, discussing topics such as how to throw the best jab, or how you execute a great roundhouse kick. Indeed the physicality of the martial arts is the nuts and bolts of fighting. To craft the best weapon and armor we should spend much of our time perfecting these physical tools. However, how and when to deploy our weapons and armor is largely a function of the mind. We see this in every arena of sport. The greatest champions are those who possess the sweet spot of mental toughness coupled with athleticism and physical tenacity. In fighting, this combination is even more pronounced because the stakes are higher (your life might actually be on the line). It takes both a smart and introspective individual to look at all of the variables and think strategically in a fight. The physicality and tactics used in fighting are nothing without the strategy behind it. As Sun Zu said, “Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.” One of the often-used analogies to the fight game is that of chess. It’s a bit ironic given that chess has long been associated with society’s elite and upper crust, whereas fighting sports like boxing are often identified with the poorest parts of the inner city. Boxers literally fight their way out of the slums in some cases. There are rare exceptions to this generality, like former UFC lightweight champ BJ Penn, who came from a well-to-do upbringing. The general rule of thumb however is that fighters tend to come from disadvantaged and poor socio-economic backgrounds. There aren’t a lot of Harvard grads or (chess prodigies for that matter) in and around the boxing gyms and MMA schools.       
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 18, 2024
Jesus' time on earth may have been short, but His shared teachings hold immense significance. One of the key lessons that remains relevant today is the transformative power of prayer. He demonstrated numerous ways that prayer serves as a source of strength, comfort, and direction.  As Christians, we are encouraged to "pray like Jesus." To embrace this calling, let's explore 15 impactful prayer lessons from Him to help us nurture a deeper relationship with God, strengthen our faith, and approach life's challenges with assurance and grace. Jesus wholeheartedly believed in the transformative power of prayer. He exemplified this in numerous instances, guiding His followers to have faith in the impact of their prayers. From calming storms to healing the sick, His actions showed that prayer was not merely a ritual; it served as a direct connection to God's purpose.  This steadfast belief inspires us to approach our own prayers with similar assurance, reminding us that when we pray, we engage with something much larger than ourselves. It's about trusting that our concerns, desires, and aspirations are acknowledged. Some might think that prayer invites a passive stance, but Jesus proved otherwise. His life was a beautiful blend of prayer and action. It showed us that prayer fuels our ability to make an impact in the world. He didn't just retreat to pray; He followed those moments with bold actions that transformed lives.  This shows us that prayer should inspire our actions instead of replacing them. Engaging in prayer helps us prepare to act thoughtfully and purposefully, enabling the wisdom we receive during prayer to direct our choices and motivate our subsequent actions. A significant element of Jesus' prayer life was His dedication to solitude. He frequently retreated to peaceful and quiet places to pray, highlighting the value of creating time for personal reflection and building a relationship with God. These moments of solitude enabled Him to recharge and regain focus, reminding us that we occasionally need to distance ourselves from life's chaos to genuinely listen and connect.  Carving out time for solitude in our hectic lives can enhance our prayer experience. It provides space for us to reflect on our thoughts, gain clarity, and strengthen our relationship with God. Though solitude is important, Jesus also emphasized the value of praying together in a community. He frequently met with His disciples and demonstrated the power of shared prayers and united faith. Praying together encourages one another and strengthens our voices before God. This feeling of community can be immensely uplifting. It reminds us that we share our struggles and joys.  Participating in group prayer can deepen our connections with others and create a stronger sense of belonging within our faith communities. Jesus modeled the importance of giving thanks before meals, a straightforward yet impactful habit that invites God into our everyday lives. By taking a moment to pray, He encouraged us to acknowledge and value the blessings we might otherwise overlook. This practice beautifully highlights that every meal offers a chance for gratitude and reflection.  Praying before eating is a way to recognize God's generosity and cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that can resonate throughout our daily experiences and interactions with others. During His ministry, Jesus demonstrated the significance of expressing gratitude in prayer. He frequently took moments to give thanks. He emphasized gratitude and encouraged us to nurture a thankful spirit. It reminds us that prayer serves not just as a way to make requests but also as an opportunity to celebrate the blessings we enjoy.  Expressing our gratitude through prayer can change our perspective by showing a greater appreciation for the gifts that fill our lives each day. esus didn't just pray; He sang, too! Music has always played a significant role in worship, and Jesus beautifully embraced this aspect. By including song in His prayers, He showed how music can enhance the emotional richness of our dialogues with God.  Singing our prayers can lift our spirits. It provides a means to convey our joy, sorrow, and gratitude. Through this, our prayers become genuine anthems that resonate within us and invite God's presence into our lives. Before making significant decisions, Jesus frequently sought prayer for insight and wisdom. He recognized the importance of looking to God for guidance, which was crucial for gaining clarity and direction. This practice is a strong reminder for us to approach our own life choices with thoughtful prayer.  When we seek wisdom through prayer, we open ourselves to divine insight that can help light our way. Just as Jesus depended on prayer to handle challenges, we can trust that asking for God's guidance will help us make choices in line with His will. Jesus showed compassion in His prayer life by always praying for others. He spent time praying for His disciples, asking God to help them through tough times. This shows us how important it is to support the people around us by praying for them.  When we pray for others, we show them love and assure them that they're not alone. Praying for others doesn't just bring us closer to the community - it also brings our hearts closer to what God wants for us. Jesus' example of persistent prayer illustrates the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journeys. He consistently returned to prayer, which shows that some requests require unwavering faith. This dedication inspires us to remain committed to our prayers, even when they're not immediately answered.  Our persistence reinforces our faith. Keep presenting your needs to God, and in turn, you can cultivate a greater trust in His timing and intentions. For Jesus, prayer was more than just a choice; it was necessary. He consistently found time to pray despite His busy ministry. Connecting with God was vital for His spiritual health. This view serves as a reminder that prayer should be a core element of our daily routines, much like eating and sleeping.  By prioritizing prayer, we foster a deeper relationship with God and draw strength from His presence. It becomes a lifeline that supports us through difficulties and enhances our spiritual journeys. Jesus endured immense suffering during His time on earth, and He consistently turned to prayer for comfort. His moments of deep distress in the Garden of Gethsemane remind us that prayer can serve as a refuge during our own hardships.  Don't hide your difficult emotions. Instead, bring your pain and struggles to God through prayer. This act of openness can be healing, enabling us to process our feelings and discover comfort in His presence. Jesus prayed without reservation. His prayers were raw, honest, and deeply personal. We, too, should approach God as our true selves. There's no need for pretense, for God values our authenticity in prayer. This openness encourages us to express our joys, fears and struggles freely.  Let go of the need to be perfect and embrace vulnerability. He welcomes our honest prayers, meeting us in our current state and supporting our growth in faith. Jesus' prayer life is marked by His unwavering faith. He engaged in prayer with confidence in God's power and goodness. This faith encourages us to believe that our prayers are meaningful and can lead to transformation. Praying with faith shows that we are receptive to God's guidance. It's not the eloquence of our words that matters, but the genuineness of our hearts. Jesus showed how important it is to trust God's timing in His work. He often stopped to wait for the right time to act, showing that being patient is key when praying. This helps us let go of our own timelines and expectations. When we believe in His timing, we feel more at peace when things are unclear.  This perspective reminds us that while we might want quick answers, God's timing is always perfect, leading us to better results than we could have imagined. Following Jesus' prayer lessons can enrich our spiritual lives. Jesus didn't just tell us how to pray; He exemplified it. He proved that prayer is alive. It changes us and brings us closer to God and each other. As we try to pray like Jesus, we should remember that every prayer is a chance to grow, heal, and gain strength 
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 17, 2024
Solar Flare Warning as Earth in Crosshairs of Explosive New Sunspot A new sunspot forming on the surface of the sun might be about to fling solar flares in our direction. The sunspot, named 3856, is facing Earth and has developed a volatile type of magnetic field known as a "beta-gamma-delta" field, meaning that it has a greater chance of releasing powerful solar flares  According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts, there is an 80 percent chance of the sunspot producing an M-class solar flare on October 17 and a 20 percent chance of an X-class flare. On October 18, there is a 75 percent chance of M-class flares and a 15 percent chance of X-class flares. "Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high due to occasional M-class flares (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) on 17-18 Oct, dropping to likely on 19 Oct. There is a slight chance for X-class flares (R3, Strong) through 18 Oct," NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said in a three-day forecast.  According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts, there is an 80 percent chance of the sunspot producing an M-class solar flare on October 17 and a 20 percent chance of an X-class flare. On October 18, there is a 75 percent chance of M-class flares and a 15 percent chance of X-class flares. "Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high due to occasional M-class flares (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) on 17-18 Oct, dropping to likely on 19 Oct. There is a slight chance for X-class flares (R3, Strong) through 18 Oct," NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said in a three-day forecast. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts, there is an 80 percent chance of the sunspot producing an M-class solar flare on October 17 and a 20 percent chance of an X-class flare. On October 18, there is a 75 percent chance of M-class flares and a 15 percent chance of X-class flares. "Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high due to occasional M-class flares (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) on 17-18 Oct, dropping to likely on 19 Oct. There is a slight chance for X-class flares (R3, Strong) through 18 Oct," NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said in a three-day forecast. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts, there is an 80 percent chance of the sunspot producing an M-class solar flare on October 17 and a 20 percent chance of an X-class flare. On October 18, there is a 75 percent chance of M-class flares and a 15 percent chance of X-class flares. "Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high due to occasional M-class flares (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) on 17-18 Oct, dropping to likely on 19 Oct. There is a slight chance for X-class flares (R3, Strong) through 18 Oct," NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said in a three-day forecast. Solar flares are flashes of ultraviolet and X-ray radiation released from active areas of the sun's surface, usually sunspots. They are classed by power on a scale of A, B, C, M, and X-class, where X is the most powerful. X-class flares are 10 times stronger than M-class flares, and M-class is 10 times stronger than C-class.
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 17, 2024
In regions like Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Nicoya, Costa Rica, people consistently live longer, healthier lives. Dan Buettner attributes this to a unique set of shared characteristics. “It is this interconnected web of characteristics that keep people doing the right things for long enough, and avoiding the wrong things,” Buettner said. Central to their lifestyle is a largely plant-based diet rich in beans, nuts, and cruciferous vegetables. Buettner explores these dietary habits in his book, The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer.
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 16, 2024
 Stats chicken gangsters In Progress: 0 Total Points: 0 Matches Won: 0% Average Rating: 559 Today’s Rank: (3%) The Chess Champs In Progress: 4 Total Points: 810 Matches Won: 22% Average Rating: 1303 Today’s Rank: (99.2
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 8, 2024
I don’t know what I’m gonna do tomorrow, maybe play some golf,” Caitlin Clark said when the Connecticut Sun had ousted the Indiana Fever in round one of the playoffs. Seemingly in a daze, all CC wanted was to take a break from basketball after a happening rookie year. And she’s going to do it on the greens. “That’s what I’m gonna do until it becomes too cold in Indiana. So I got that. I’ll become a professional golfer.” And the LPGA is on board!
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 7, 2024
This passage beautifully captures the essence of chess as a game that transcends social boundaries, admired by both kings and commoners. It highlights the rich history of chess and the legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the game.        https://youtu.be/CnQnJEj-Yxo?si=G5aoKx-OSjpSqOR8 Bobby Fischer (1972 – 1975) Anatoly Karpov (1975 – 1985) Garry Kasparov (1985 – 2000) Vladimir Kramnik (2000 – 2007) Viswanathan Anand (2007-2013) Magnus Carlsen (2013 – Current) Jose Raul Capablanca (1921 – 1927) Alexander Alekhine (1927-1935, 1937-1946) Max Euwe (1935-1937) Mikhail Botvinnik (1948-1957, 1958-1960, 1961-1963) Mikhail Tal (1960 – 1961) Tigran Petrosian (1963 – 1969) Boris Spassky (1969 – 1972)
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ChessbrotherJon Oct 2, 2024
The Indiana Fever head into Wednesday night with their season on the line. To keep their playoff hopes alive and bring a game back to Indianapolis, they must secure a road victory and make significant improvements from Game 1, where they lost 93-69 to the Connecticut Sun. Rookie superstar Caitlin Clark had a tough outing, hitting only four of her 17 shot attempts for 11 points. If Clark can find her rhythm and players like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston step up, the Fever have the potential to beat any team in the league. However, as a young team, their lack of experience and consistency has been a noticeable challenge when they struggle during games. Nevertheless, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever understand the stakes and have made a candid acknowledgment of the situation. This marks the Fever's first playoff appearance since 2016, and securing a home playoff game would be monumental for the organization, the players, and Fever fans alike. However, that’s the last thing the Sun want to see happen.  Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell brushed off rumors that a “disconnect” between her and rookie Caitlin Clark was to blame for their team’s blowout loss to begin the WNBA playoffs. On Sunday, the Connecticut Sun made quick work of the Fever in the opening game of Round 1, comfortably defeating Indiana 93-69 at Mohegan Sun Arena. Clark failed to find much of any success shooting the ball during the contest, recording just 11 points on 4-of-17 shots from the field and 2-of-11 from behind the arc. She additionally registered eight assists, four rebounds and three steals.  On the heels of the Fever’s lackluster 2024 postseason debut, Mitchell was asked if she felt as though there was a lack of connection in the backcourt with Clark. "I don't think there's a disconnect,” the 28-year-old said. “I think that we were learning what it was like to play in a playoff game. I just think that's the reality. There's no way around that. I’ve never been here. She's never been here. I think most of us have never been here. You got to see a disconnection throughout the course of our organization. ”With the Fever staring down elimination in a pivotal Game 2 against the Sun, Mitchell asserted that she and Clark were “locked in” heading into the contest. "The good thing is that you can look at Wednesday and say, hey, see how much you can learn and take... so I'm proud of that improvement. I'm proud of that growth,” Mitchell added. e Fever posted "40 minutes to get it done." while Caitlin Clark said, "Every game means a lot. Coming out with the same intensity, just leave it all out there. 40 minutes, that's all we're guaranteed." 
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ChessbrotherJon Sep 25, 2024
First of all, we should explain that the light-speed limit that relativity imposes on objects within the universe doesn't apply to the universe itself. In fact, we can't refer to an absolute expansion speed of the universe because we can't measure it in reference to anything external. We can only gauge the "speeds" of distant galaxies that are receding from us relative to our own position. Apart from those that are gravitationally bound (such as, say, the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies), all galaxies appear to be moving away from each other as the space-time in which they're embedded expands. The more distant the galaxy, the faster its recession velocity, as noted by the Hubble Law. As a consequence of this expansion, a galaxy's location changes considerably during the period of time that its light requires to travel to Us.
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ChessbrotherJon Sep 24, 2024
1980 - Bob Marley Bob Marley collapsed on stage during a concert at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Marley had collapsed in New York's Central Park while jogging, two days before and was told to immediately cancel the US leg, but flew to Pittsburgh to perform one final performance. This was the last time Marley ever appeared on stage performing, Marley died of cancer on in May 1981. 1995 - Shaggy Jamaican Ragga singer Shaggy scored his second No.1 UK single when 'Boombastic' went to the top of the charts for one week. Also a US No.1. 1989 - Milli Vanilli Milli Vanilli started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Girl I'm Gonna Miss You', the duo's second US No.1 a No.2 hit in the UK. Also today the duo went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Girl You Know It's True'.  2002 - Sting Musical winners at this years Oscars included, Sting who won Best Musical Performance for 'Sting In Tuscany...All This Time' and the Best Reality TV Show went to The Osbournes.  2004 - Lil' Kim A bodyguard for rapper Lil' Kim was sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting firing at least 20 times in a shoot-out with a rival gang. The judge sentencing Suif Jackson, said society needed protection from a gun-toting man with five convictions. The shooting took place when the entourages of Lil' Kim and Capone-N-Noreaga crossed at a New York radio station. 2004 - Corey Taylor Slipknot's Corey Taylor issued a statement denying he was dead. Rumours started after a shock jock in Des Moines broadcast the announcement that the singer had died of a drug overdose, which then became a fatal car crash. 2009 - Cargo Studios A Blue Plaque was unveiled on the building where Cargo Studios used to be on Kenion Street in Rochdale, England. The plaque was to recognise the part the building played in the British music scene between 1978 and 2000. In the early years as a home to Cargo Studios and Tractor Music then later Suite 16 Studios. Factory producer Martin Hannett spent a great deal of time in Cargo recording Joy Division, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Durutti Column, Section 25 and Nico amongst others. 2006 - Neil Young Neil Young was named artist of the year at the Americana Honors and Awards at the fifth annual event in Nashville, Tennessee. The 60-year-old singer-songwriter released the protest album Living With War this year.  2019 - Robert Hunter Robert Hunter, Grateful Dead lyricist died age 78. He provided the Grateful Dead with many of their vivid and enduring lyrics for some of the band’s signature songs, including 'Uncle John’s Band', 'Scarlet Begonias' and 'Dark Star.' 2016 - Music Playlists According to the Music Business Association, playlists were now a more popular way to listen to music than albums. The report said playlists accounted for 31% of listening time across all demographics, while albums lagged behind on 22%. But single tracks remained the dominant format, according to the study, accounting for 46% of music played. 2013 - Paul McCartney Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California was shut down for a 15-song set by Paul McCartney on the roof of the El Capitan Theatre. An estimated crowd of 10,000 listened from the street. The show followed his appearance on TV's Jimmy Kimmel Live show.
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ChessbrotherJon Sep 24, 2024
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been playing arguably the best basketball of her WNBA career since returning from the Olympic break. Entering Sunday's game against the Dallas Wings, Clark was averaging 24.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds since the WNBA schedule resumed.  More important than Clark's individual numbers has been Indiana's team success during this stretch. The Fever entered Sunday's game winners of four-straight and five of their last six. Building off this recent success with a strong first half showing against Dallas, Clark made WNBA history again. Tallying 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds in 17 first half minutes, Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to reach 600 points and 250 assists in a single season (via Basketball Reference's StatHead). As StatMamba on X pointed out, just the 600 points Clark has tallied this season puts her in exclusive company. When adding the assist numbers Clark stands alone as the only player in WNBA history with her combination of points and assists. While Clark is the first rookie to reach 600 points and 250 assists in a season, she is also just the third player in league history to do it. Per Basketball Reference's StatHead, Clark joins Chelsea Gray (2023) and Alyssa Thomas (2023) as the only other player to reach these totals in a season.     Continue reading
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ChessbrotherJon Sep 16, 2024
The 3,000 mile journey of the monarch butterfly From August, monarch butterfly migration begins in the Western United States and Western Canada, meaning that these spectacular pollinators can be observed in many states as they journey southwards to Mexico. 'Monarchs begin their fall migration in late summer, triggered by declining daylight and cooler evening temperatures,' says Lorraine Johnson, wildlife expert and writer based in California. In cooler, northerly US hardiness zones, such as in Washington or Oregon, the monarch butterfly migration will happen much sooner than southerly locations, such as California, where the migration will commence slightly later in the year. The 3,000-mile migration of the monarch butterfly is about to begin – here's how you can help this native species  Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, are perhaps the most iconic and recognizable of all North and Central American pollinators. These striking butterflies are famed for their orange and black wings, making them easy to spot as they fly and feed in the backyard. When backlit by the sun, I think the markings appear almost like the stained-glass windows found in an old chapel. Quite a sight to behold. Each year, monarch butterflies migrate from North America to overwinter in Mexico, seeking some heat and sunshine in the south, and who can blame them? This 3,000-mile journey is one of the great marvels of the natural world, that something so small and weighing so little can travel quite so far. In some regions, the monarch butterfly is known by another nickname, the wanderer, which seems fitting, I think, for this remarkable migrant. Sadly, monarch butterflies are fighting for survival, and the recorded number of monarchs overwintering in Mexico declined by 84% from 1996 to 2014. Rural and urban gardeners have a part to play in helping the monarch butterfly migration by providing food and habitat. So, if you are keen to attract butterflies or you are looking for wildlife garden ideas this year, there are some easy and quick actions you can take that will have a big impact.
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ChessbrotherJon Aug 31, 2024
ChessbrotherJon vs. DrB127 | Analysis - Chess.com by move 13 out position was had Us even. c5 is good 0.00 That's fine. g4 is a blunder -2.08 You allowed the opponent to eventually win a pawn.  g8 is a mistake +0.31 The king can no longer castle safely after move 19.    f6 is a mistake +2.88 The game was close to equal, but now White has the advantage. 2 is a miss +0.38 You ignored an opportunity to win a pawn.   move 31 at move e2 is a great move -3.74 This is the way to win a bishop.  move 45.  b6 is a great move -2.05 This is the only move that works! This attacks a queen, winning a tempo when it moves away.  xe1+ is best -M1 This continues down the road to checkmate. That was a free knight.
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ChessbrotherJon Aug 30, 2024
It’s human nature to try and explain what we see around us. Many religious teachings came to be as a way to explain the unexplainable. yes the centuries passed and our scientific understanding of the world and the wider universe developed, new scientific theories rendered some of these religious ideas obsolete. There are, though, still some areas where science simply cannot produce an explanation  Let’s start with a big one — the existence of the universe. Scientific understanding of the universe and how it came to be has come a long way from the Biblical notion of God creating existence with a few words. But there’s still a lot that science doesn’t have an answer for. Scientific opinion has shifted from the universe being infinite to it having a beginning point. If it has a beginning, then something outside of the universe brought it into existence. Perhaps something divine.  ‘Goldilocks Universe The universe is also finely tuned, with conditions being “just right” to allow for the existence of life on Earth. Any sort of change one way or the other, and life could not exist. The nature of the fundamental physical laws of the cosmos is very precise. Some feel that they’re too precise to have occurred by accident and instead point to some sort of intelligent design.  Science is, fundamentally, the pursuit of answers. Just because science cannot explain something yet, that doesn't mean that scientists relent and accept something as inexplicable. 
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ChessbrotherJon Aug 20, 2024

We agree to Use the Golden rule of life.

We are here to share our passion for chess and in discussions on current events.

We respect each other and only edify each other.  

  

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