Yes, Chess Is a Sport—-And a Good One At That

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Chess is a classic strategy game challenging the brightest minds in the world. Despite being recognized by the Olympic Committee and over 100 countries as a sport, many still disregard it as a valid sport.

As with other sports, the objective of a game of chess is to win, and victory requires persistence. It’s possible that there is no other sport where two players are locked in a competitive struggle of such intensity for a sustained period of time. With one lapse in concentration, a good position can spiral into eventual loss.

Image source: pixabay.com 

The sport is well established and has been organized since 1886. Competitions for the sport are organized at every level such as in schools, universities, counties, cities, leagues, juniors, seniors, nationals, and internationals. While most people think physical fitness isn’t a requirement for the sport, they’re mistaken. As the game progresses, with tension and stress building up, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates are likely to pose problems. Professional players need to be in good physical shape, so they also employ fitness coaches and nutritionists.

Chess develops memory and improves concentration. It is also a good way to build logical thinking in young minds. Each game is a chance for a player to be creative and imaginative with their moves, while still abiding by the rules of the sport.

Ron Ozer graduated from the MIT, finishing his studies in three years. Chess is one of his interests, along with guitars, traveling, playing poker, and snowboarding. Read similar articles by subscribing to this blog.

Where Does 4:44 Rank On Jay-Z’s Discography?

4:44 is Jay-Z’s 13th solo album, an auspicious number for the rap superstar and culture influencer. But there’s nothing ominous or career-detrimental about this new outing. The album is arguably one of his best yet. Where does it rank among his other 12 albums, though?

Rap critics have lauded this 2017 album for its earnestness, which is very telling of Jay-Z’s real life as a husband, with all his shortcomings and failures. At certain segments the album is brutally honest, self-deprecating, and chronicling various disarrays Jay-Z himself has created.

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In this middle-age-rapper album, Jay-Z proceeds to talk about having stabbed somebody, his encounters with a therapist, raising kids, and infidelity. Critics claim that this is the 48-year-old’s way of putting his house in order, which of course means his legacy, too. He hasn’t lost any of his vaunted rapping bars, wordplay, and wit, and the 10 songs echo with class and melodic structure. 4:44 is surely one of Jay-Z’s best and should cement his legacy as one of the best rappers to have ever existed.

Still, there are much better Jay-Z outputs out there, both in terms of musicality and ambition. Albums that immediately come to mind include 2001’s The Blueprint, considered by many to be the rapper’s magnum opus. Here he addressed, among other things, his beef with the other New York rap superstar, Nas.

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Other notable Jay-Z albums are Reasonable Doubt in 1996, Life and Times of S. Carter in 1999, and The Black Album in 2003. All in all, we can say that the appeal of 4:44 is in its sincerity and maturity. It’s a parent’s album, and as such very aware of things like regret and remorse. But for many, this honest and poised album won’t be possible without a rich rap discography that showed so much more grit.

Ron Ozer graduated from MIT after finishing his studies in just three years. Jay-Z is his favorite musician. Visit this blog for related articles.

Best snowboarding spots in New York

New York is a great place to spend winter in because of the many activities both adults and children can enjoy; an example is snowboarding. Not only are there numerous sublime spots to ride downhill on, but Amtrak also allows commuters to bring with them snowboard gear and equipment. Those going snowboarding can then have the option to either drive or board the train to reach ski and snowboard resorts.

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Here are some of the best places to head out to: 

Kissing Bridge

Glenwood, which is a half-hour away from Buffalo, is home to one of the most visited ski and snowboard resorts in New York. There are 39 trails, with many of them apt for beginners or children. Almost all the trails are also lit for night skiing or snowboarding. 

Hunter Mountain 

Families and thrill-seekers love visiting this four-season resort because of the variety of winter activities that can be done there. For snowboarders, 58 trails offer varying difficulties: huge learning areas for beginners, cruisers for intermediates, and steep and bumpy trails for the experienced ones.

Gore Mountain

The largest ski resort in New York, North Creek’s Gore Mountain also provides numerous choices of trails for snowboarders. There is also a snow sports school where any skier and snowboarder of all ages and ability levels are given lessons on how to ride the slopes. 

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World traveler and New Yorker Ron Ozer is always in search of the next adventure. Read more about one of his hobbies, snowboarding, by subscribing to this blog.

Top places to visit in Israel

A visit to the Holy Land of Israel is any devout Christian’s dream, a way of witnessing and experiencing the world Jesus grew up in during his stay on Earth. Of course, aside from the country’s given appeal to the Christian world, Israel is a great travel destination that’s rich in history, heritage, and stunning natural wonders. Here are our best places to see when in Israel.

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Nazareth

Nazareth is where Jesus was brought up and where the angel Gabriel informed Mary that she was carrying the child of God. Apart from its religious importance, this area located in lower Galilee offers interesting cultural and historical architecture, as well as archaeological remnants that provide a different take on what Middle-Eastern charm means.

The Sea of Galilee

Called the Kinneret by the locals, this “sea” is really the largest freshwater lake in Israel and the country’s main source of water. The Bible says that many of the miracles performed by Jesus occurred here, including his walk on the water.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, located 417 meters below sea level. It is also the saltiest water source on earth since more water evaporates than flows into it. While in the area, make sure to visit Masada for its amazing views and Ein Gedi, a water oasis located in the desert.

Jerusalem

The holiest city in the world houses the three biggest religions. A visit to the Old City allows visitors to marvel at the Western Wall, the Al Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Tourists who venture outside the Old City should check out Yad Vashem, the World Center for Holocaust Research.

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Ron Ozer is a travel enthusiast and considers Israel as his favorite place to visit. For more on Ron’s hobbies and interest, drop by this blog.

Cautionary reminders while on a trip

Very few things are more exciting than traveling. Traveling for leisure is one of the favorite endeavors of people in general. But even though traveling is such a fun thing to do, people have to be careful because they’re usually in new territory. Sometimes, traveling can also be complicated with several destinations in a single country and an oft-overloaded itinerary that tries to cram everything within the allotted time frame.

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It’s a good thing though that seasoned travelers have compiled a list of dos and don’ts while on holiday. One of the things they’re most cautious about is the price of food. It’s best to steer clear of food establishments near famous tourist spots. Not only is the food mediocre at best at these places, but the prices are sky-high as well. The best and most affordable meals are usually found miles away from tourist hotspots. 

As far as money changers go, tourists usually recommend changing money before going on a trip. Money changers abroad, especially ones that are found in airports have the worst rates anywhere. Also, as important as changing currency is obtaining a travel insurance, which greatly reduces costs should a medical emergency arise in a foreign land. 

And one of the most important things to remember is to familiarize oneself with the public transport system. Learn about buses and trains in the area because taxis more often than not cost double, if not more. 

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Ron Ozer loves to travel. His favorite destination is Israel. To learn more about Ron, visit this website.