A quick plug for the efforts of my father-in-law in setting up a gym for the mind...
Condensed from a recent e-mail...
I have worked diligently with disparate group of long-time chess players and parents for close to a year to rejuvenate the local Minneapolis chess scene, with the linchpin to be located in a new (to be announced) site devoted to chess at various levels. The site will open Oct. 1, and will be active almost every night and most weekends with casual nights, rated tournaments, kids’ events, etc.
Among the first events will be a fundraiser for Minneapolis Chess, a non-profit with the mission of getting kids, especially inner city kids, involved in chess as a disciplined learning experience. The event will feature young kids playing blitz (5’ and 3’) games, testimonials from some inner city kids whose lives have been changed through chess, a chess trivia contest (very easy non-technical questions such as “what move in the famous 1878 St. Petersburg match inspired the fans to hurl gold coins onto the stage?, with breathtaking prizes, a slide show from the world of chess, and perhaps even a simultaneous match (in which a kid takes on multiple challengers at once).
Very cool stuff. I will post again on this as I learn of more events and dates.
Condensed from a recent e-mail...
I have worked diligently with disparate group of long-time chess players and parents for close to a year to rejuvenate the local Minneapolis chess scene, with the linchpin to be located in a new (to be announced) site devoted to chess at various levels. The site will open Oct. 1, and will be active almost every night and most weekends with casual nights, rated tournaments, kids’ events, etc.
Among the first events will be a fundraiser for Minneapolis Chess, a non-profit with the mission of getting kids, especially inner city kids, involved in chess as a disciplined learning experience. The event will feature young kids playing blitz (5’ and 3’) games, testimonials from some inner city kids whose lives have been changed through chess, a chess trivia contest (very easy non-technical questions such as “what move in the famous 1878 St. Petersburg match inspired the fans to hurl gold coins onto the stage?, with breathtaking prizes, a slide show from the world of chess, and perhaps even a simultaneous match (in which a kid takes on multiple challengers at once).
Very cool stuff. I will post again on this as I learn of more events and dates.
Two weekends ago I completed two sprint triathlons, The 
As you reach full arm extension, drive the foot of your bent leg into the floor and use your non lifting arm to prop yourself into a semi-seated position. Your finish should look like a baseball slide. Hold the finish for "One Mississippi" and then slowly descend to the floor, starting with a slow back curl and ending with the negative press.
Have sidekick sit cross legged and stand behind him.
Keep your eyes up as you drag sidekick through your legs. This will help keep your back in a neutral position.
Have sidekick pull against your hands as he passes through your legs. This will allow him to keep his balance and avoid falling backward.
Lie on your back with your legs at a 90 degree bend. Hold sidekick above you with your hands on either side of his abdomen. His body should be parallel to yours.
Involve sidekick in the movement by having him push off the floor on either side. Carry sidekick’s momentum in a slow and controlled arc.
Have sidekick push against your wrists to cushion the impact of your hands on his belly.