A major new class action settlement has opened for families whose children used YouTube. Parents across the United States may now file a claim in the $30 million YouTube Children’s Privacy Settlement, even without providing proof.
Details of the YouTube Children’s Privacy Settlement...
If your child was under 13 years old and watched child-directed videos on YouTube between:July 1, 2013 – April 1, 2020 (United States) you may qualify to receive compensation from this settlement.
The lawsuit claims that Google and YouTube collected personal information from children without parental consent, violating federal children’s privacy protection laws.
Allegedly affected content includes:
Nursery rhymes
Animated shorts
Kids’ music videos
Children’s cartoons
Other videos clearly directed toward kids
The settlement does not require Google or YouTube to admit wrongdoing. They deny the allegations but chose to resolve the case to avoid the cost and burden of prolonged litigation.
File a Claim
You qualify if:
Your child was under 13,
Used YouTube to watch kid-focused content,
During the covered dates.
You can still file even if you don’t remember the exact videos - the settlement does not require proof like screenshots, timestamps, or account details. Visit the claim portal: https://youtubeprivacysettlement.com/
Complete a short online form and submit it before January 21, 2026.
Comments: This settlement covers millions of families whose kids watched YouTube videos over the past decade. It may be worth 10 minutes to file a claim to protect the rights of your child(ren).
Reference:
$30M YouTube Privacy Class Action Settlement Open to Claims, Oct. 23, 2025 - Open Class Actions
Not Affiliated with YouTube, Google or Any Publisher in this Blog! FreeStuffinder is for Informational Use Only!
When an opposing player misses two consecutive free‐throws in the 4th quarter of a NBA Wizards home game, fans in the DC Metro area “score a Free Chick-fil-A Sandwich in the Chick-fil-A App” the next day.
Check your Chick-fil-A App after the game (or next morning) to claim your tasty reward! Fans have one day to claim the offer, and 5 days to redeem at participating locations.
Thanks for Supporting the Washington Wizards!
Steps to Claim Your Reward
Download and open the Chick-fil-A App.
Enable location permissions to confirm you're in Metro DC extended area - from LaVale and Frederick, MD, to Fredericksburg, VA, and California, MD.
Once an opposing player misses two consecutive free‐throws in the 4th quarter of a Wizards home game, the promotion appears in the app.
2025 - 2026 NBA Washington Wizards Fans Home Game Reward Tracker
Here are some of the home games during the 2025 - 2026 NBA Washington Wizards Basketball Season at the Capital One Arena that may trigger the reward...
Dumb Stuff #1– Driving with your brake warning light "ON" for extended periods. The “brake warning light" is a RED light found on the dash that illuminates when the ignition is turned ON to start the engine. It turns "OFF" as soon as the engine starts and remains off while the engine is running unless there is...
Loss of hydraulic pressure
Low brake fluid level.
It's pure lunacy to think that you'll live a full life ignoring this critical warning system. Dumb Stuff #2 – On older vehicles, engaging the starter motor while the engine is running. For instance, if you change drivers during a trip - it's a good idea to pull-over and place the vehicle in PARK and turn OFF the engine. If the vehicle is left running, the natural tendency is to start the engine. This can lead to a loud grinding noise and damage your starter and flywheel. If you make this mistake too often, you’re set for a major repair job.
Thankfully, newer vehicles have push-button starters with “built-in” protection to prevent damage of the starter motor when the engine is running.
Dumb Stuff #3 – Shifting into DRIVE while the vehicle is still moving in REVERSE on automatic transmissions. This maneuver causes "overlapping of gears" and can lead to clutch slippage and premature failure of the transmission.
Use a Transmission Cooler when Towing.
Repair Transmission Leaks Immediately.
Do not Ride the Clutch on Cars with Standard Transmissions.
Dumb Stuff #4 - Hitting the curb or tire stop when parking. This is the #1 cause of front-end damage and steering system problems. Many customers feel the need to hit the curb with their tires to ensure their vehicle is properly parked. This can also lead to damage of the undercarriage, bumper and front-end covers.
Dumb Stuff #5 – Attempting to make the next highway exit when the engine is running hot. If your car runs hot – pull over immediately, turn OFF the engine and let the engine cool down. Continued driving may cause a blown head gasket. It's better to use your phone and call for help than destroy your engine. If no one is available to help you, keep pulling over and turning OFF the engine until you reach help. Accepting help from strangers may not be a good idea.
Dumb Stuff #6 – Cranking the engine continuously - even though the engine fail to start. If your engine does not start, crank the engine in 3 seconds intervals followed by a 6 second cool down. Prolonged grinding on the starter can cause the starter to overheat, battery to explode, and battery cables to melt - leading to an under hood fire. Newer vehicles with push-button ignition offer some protection to prevent overheating the starter motor.
Dumb Stuff #7 – Failure to keep a close check of your oil level. Taping or knocking sounds from the engine while driving should be checked immediately – pull over and call for help to prevent engine damage.
Dumb Stuff #8 – Continuously driving with warped rotors. If you car shakes violently when the brakes are applied, you have warped rotors. Defective rotors should be “turned” or replaced to prevent damage to suspension system components.
Dumb Stuff #9 – Failure to follow routine oil changes and filter replacement.
Dumb Stuff #10 – Ignoring coolant and oil leaks from your engine. This could be fatal to your engine and wallet. Like a crying baby, all leaks require immediate attention!
Dumb Stuff #11 – Failure to keep tires properly inflated.
Too little air can cause...
Vehicle to wander
Excessive tire wear
Burn excessive fuel
Tires to run flat
Too much air can lead to "blow out."
Balance tires if you feel steering wheel shimmy or shaking.
Replace worn or leaky shock absorbers and struts. Excessive bouncing of the vehicle and popping sounds over bumps is a sure sign of shock absorber or strut failure.
Dumb Stuff #12 – Neglecting to change your air filter, fuel filter, breather element and PCV valve at regular intervals. Keep the fuel tank full during winter months to prevent condensation and fuel tank rusting.
Dumb Stuff #13 – Ignoring sounds coming from your brakes. If you hear a scrapping sound coming from your brakes when they are applied, this may be the wear indicator alerting you of the need for new brakes. Get your brakes checked immediately before rotor damage occurs. Grinding noise indicates metal-to-metal contact and is a sure sign of brake damage. You’ll need new rotors along with new brake pads and/or brake shoes if you hear metal-to-metal sounds coming from your brakes.
Cheap and excessively worn brake pads may produce a squealing sound when brakes are applied. Avoid low budget brake pads and keep oily hands and grease off the brake liners and rotors.
Dumb Stuff #14 – Never flushing your cooling system or replacing the coolant. Adding only water to the cooling system is not recommended. Your coolant contains rust inhibitors, water pump lubricants, antifreeze chemicals, and other ingredients to protect your radiator, block, seals, and hoses.
Always check the condition of the belts and hoses when servicing the cooling system.
Dumb Stuff #15 – Failure to check your coolant level. Check engine coolant only when the engine is cold. Do not remove the pressure cap on a hot engine – the hot water and steam can scald you.
Dumb Stuff #16 - Leaning over an engine with a necktie, long hair, or dangling chains. These items can get caught in the fan or rotating belts. Remember to remove all jewelry, rings and watches when working on a vehicle. These can cause electrical shorts, sparks and severe burns if they contact the battery or electrical terminals.
Dumb Stuff #17 – Driving with your “Check Engine” light ON. This indicates a problem with the computerized engine control system and can damage your catalytic converter.
Dumb Stuff #18 – Not knowing the location of your jack, spare tire, and tire tools. Before you have a flat, every vehicle owner should practice changing their tire using the procedures found in the owner’s manual. Get someone to help you if you do not feel comfortable or safe changing a tire.
Dumb Stuff #19 - Attempting to service an A/C system without proper training. If raw refrigerant contacts your skin, it will burn and cause “frost bite.” Always wear goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Do not weld around A/C lines. Do not carry refrigerant inside your vehicle – ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause the pressurized can to explode.
Use prescribed A/C service tools and equipment to prevent injury, component damage, or contaminating the atmosphere.
Dumb Stuff #20 – Driving a vehicle that is “pulling to one side.”A strong pull on the steering wheel while driving could indicate bent or worn steering components, low tire pressure, worn wheel bearings, or alignment problems. Get this checked immediately.
Dumb Stuff #21 – Shifting into park to stop your car. Most cars traveling at high speed will not allow the transmission to lock gears. The parking paw is a steel metal lever designed to physically lock the parking gear inside the transmission. If it is engaged while driving, it's like trying to stop a ceiling fan with your hand. All you'll hear is a grinding noise that will eventually destroy your transmission and drivetrain components. This is very damaging to your transmission and should never be attempted. Besides, it doesn't work.
Dumb Stuff #22 – Holding the clutch partially engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill. This could lead to premature wear on the clutch disk on a standard transmission vehicle. Learning to take-off on a hill in a standard transmission requires practice. This driving skill should be mastered well before attempting a hill.
Dumb Stuff #23 – Driving on empty for prolonged periods of time can destroy your electric fuel pump. Most car manufacturers build fuel tanks with a two-gallon reserve capacity. The low fuel light illuminates to warn drivers to add fuel to the vehicle before fuel in reserve is depleted. This distance could range from 25 to 50 miles before your car dies or runs out of gas. The fuel in your gas tank keeps the electric pump lubricated and cool. Continuous driving with low fuel level and/or "fuel warning light" ON can lead to premature failure of the fuel pump.
Dumb Stuff #24 – Texting while driving is among the top cause of car crashes and death for teen drivers. Hands-free devices are required when operating a motor vehicle in most states. Legislation in most states require drivers to us hands-free devices. These devices are now standard equipment on today's vehicles.
Dumb Stuff #25 – Allowing kids to climb on your car, friends to sit on your car, or using your car as an outdoor car bench. Avoid eating in your car. Avoid smoking in your car. Avoid using your car as a truck or overloading your suspension system.
Dumb Stuff #26 - Driving too fast in curves causing excessive tire wear. Slow down during hard cornering, this will prolong the life of your tires. Avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel at high speeds on vehicles that are top heavy (such as SUVs and Crossovers) - this can easily cause the vehicle to flip-over.
Dumb Stuff #27 - Hitting your brakes after crossing a police speed trap. If you are traveling 85 mph on interstate highway with a speed limit of 70 mph and you enter a speed trap - your first instinct is to hit the brakes to rapidly reduce your speed. If the police see your brake lights ON after crossing their speed trap, this is an admission of guilt. They always get the vehicle with the brake lights ON.
Dumb Stuff #28 – Don't leave kids or pets inside a running vehicle while you take a quick dash inside the store for snacks. Matter-of-fact, don't leave anyone inside the vehicle if you leave the car. Slow down, "hot car syndrome" can kill your kids, pets, or any living thing left inside the car on a hot summer day.
Don't put things on the roof of your vehicle while you open the door to get in. Chances are, you'll forget it!
Certainly, no one would forget and leave their baby inside a crib on top of their vehicle!
Dumb Stuff #29 – Stopping in the merge lane and waiting for the traffic to clear before pulling on the highway.
Blinding oncoming drivers with bright lights.
Tailgating.
Driving slowly in the passing lane.
Constantly hitting your brakes or following vehicles too close.
Failure to merge or merging at the last second before safety cones block your lane.
Signaling too soon or too late.
Driving with no brake lights or tail lights.
Driving at night with no headlights.
Driving in water that is too deep.
Driving in weather that is too rough, windy or rainy.
Stopping on the left shoulder to fix a flat.
If you're sleepy, pull over and rest. Get something to eat or drink. Turn on some music. Let-in some fresh air.
Dumb Stuff #30 – Accepting help from strangers. If your vehicle stalls late at night, your best bet is to call a family member to help you or "cash-in" the roadside emergency services through your insurance company. Accepting help from strangers is risky. If a police approaches - keep your hands on the steering wheel. If a passerby approaches, tell them help has been called. If your tire is flat and you do not have a spare tire, pull to the right-side of the road and flop slowly until you reach a safe stopping point.
If your engine is running HOT, pull-over and shut-off the engine until it cools down - now inch your way home. You may have to repeat this step numerous times before reaching a safe stopping point. If the engine stalls, turn on your emergenscy flashers immediately to alert oncoming drivers that you are having problems.
If your transmission forward gears fail - put your car in reverse and back-up to a safe stopping point for help. Be careful and reduce your speed. Your car is harder to control when driving backward because wheel alignment angles are set for forward motion. The steering wheel is harder to hold in a straight ahead position while backing - creating a whipping effect.
Dumb Stuff #31 – Know the difference between a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), mild hybrid, and electric vehicle(EV).
The HEV uses a gasoline engine + electric engine - all power is generated on board, and no plugging-in required
The HEV has a fuel tank, requires spark plug replacement and requires oil changes
The HEV helps boost engine performance by switching between electrical power, gas, and combination of both as needed for fuel savings and emission control
The electric vehicle (EV) has NO GASOLINE ENGINE and NO GASOLINE TANK or exhaust pipe..
The EV requires recharging by plugging-in to an electrical outlet or charging station
The EV does not require an oil change or spark plug replacement.
The EV saves gasoline, maintenance costs, and keep the environment clean.
A mild hybrid vehicle is a cross between HEV and EV.
Mild hybrid vehicles use a motor-generator and small low voltage battery (around 40 volts) to assist in powering the engine at cruising speed and during START-STOP operation.
Mild hybrids do not offer all-electric propulsion.
Types of Electric Vehicles, Explained CAR TECH April 10, 2018 By Justin Pritchard
Dumb Stuff #32 - Do not park your vehicle behind another vehicle without letting them know you are behind them. When backing from a garage or parking lot that you use daily, your mind tends to react from habit knowing that nothing is behind you - so you stop looking back and assume “ALL IS CLEAR!” Even though the big yellow school bus is behind you (so to speak), you cannot see it because habit is blinding you.
Dumb Stuff #33 - One of the quickest ways to destroy a perfectly good vehicle is the jack it up in the wrong spot. All vehicles have lift points. The location varies between models and manufacturers - so find the exact lifting points for your vehicle.
When using a floor jack, do not make the mistake of lifting the vehicle by the oil pan, or radiator support. Also, do not jack up a vehicle by the floor board or gas tank. For your own safety, when using a jack – always support the weight of the vehicle on safety stands. Remember to apply the park brake or chalk the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling off the jack.
Safety stand should be placed according to manufacturer's specifications – this is usually on the frame, cross-member, body seam, cradle, axle housing, or secure body/frame mount.
Dumb Stuff #34 - No eating, drinking, or smoking in my vehicle. I do not smoke, therefore I do not allow anyone to smoke in my vehicle. I do not drink alcoholic beverages, nor do I allow anyone to drink in my vehicle.
Wait until you get home or back to work before taking a bite of that taco or chicken sandwich. Spilled soda and baked-on catsup, mayo, and taco sauce can stain plastic panels, carpeting, vinyl, and leather seats. Maybe one or two fries before you pull away from the drive-thru may be allowed, but no catsup.
Watch over your rear-right shoulder to allow traffic to pass when pulling away from the drive-thru. You do not want to wreck your vehicle at the drive-thru.
Dumb Stuff #35 - Your vehicle will last a long time if you keep it maintained. However, letting it sat idle for long periods of time can cause your vehicle to self-destruct..
Tires will go flat and develop flat spots
Battery will become weak and go dead
Corrosion builds on battery terminals
Seals may leak (transmission, water pump, or power steering)
Condensation forms inside of gas tanks and engines and causes rusting and corrosion
Rotors become rusty and contaminate brake pads
Dirt and pollen builds on painted surfaces and can scratch your vehicle's paint
Contamination builds inside the cooling system if the mixture is weak or dirty.
Dumb Stuff #36 - Develop a habit of driving your vehicle weekly to maintain peak performance. If you choose not to drive the vehicle, at least start the engine weekly and let it reach operating temperature (this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes).
Avoid driving through water after a flash flood. According to weather.gov Flood Safety Rules, “as little as one foot of water can move most cars off the road.” To prevent personal harm and property damage to your vehicle, do not drive through flowing water. Most flood-related deaths occur at night when drivers cannot gauge the depth of water. Follow this simple rule, “WHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T!
Dumb Stuff #37 - Make sure your vehicle is in PARK before exiting the vehicle. Take 2 or 3 second to look twice to ensure you are in PARK. Many vehicles are ruined and lives lost because of damage from not placing the vehicle in park. Develop a practice of setting the park brake as a back-up especially if you are in a hurry.
If for some freaky reason your vehicle accelerates out of control, make sure your foot is NOT on the ACCELERATOR pedal. Then press firmly on the BRAKE pedal. If your brakes will not stop the vehicle - press the PARK brake button on newer vehicle or use hand/foot brake on older vehicles to slow your vehicle to a stop. You can also use the engine brake by shifting to a lower gear (L3, L2, or L1) or down shift with the paddle shift on the steering wheel (–) LEVER once and then twice for more braking. If you have a key ignition, you can turn the key to OFF position, but do not lock the steering wheel. On push button start vehicles, hold the START-STOP button for 3 seconds and the ignition system will switch OFF.
Dumb Stuff #38 - Be careful when pulling into oncoming traffic – “Look Left and Look Right” should be replaced with the phrase “Look Left and Scan Right.” If you do not scan for traffic, you will miss traffic in your “MIDDLE” vision and this could be dangerous. The faster the speed of traffic at an intersection, the more time you should allow for traffic scan. Untold number of deaths occur each year at intersections because drive did not see the BIG TRUCK stuck in their MIDDLE frame of vision.
Dumb Stuff #39 - Pushing the START-STOP button while driving. You'd be surprised at the number of people that push the ignition START-STOP button thinking they are turning their radio ON. This is dangerous because it will shut the engine off and lead to a loss of power steering, power brakes, and no power from the engine. If this happens, do not panic! Coast to the side of the road and bring your vehicle to a stop. Put your foot on the brake and move the gearshift to PARK. Now, restart the engine and get on your merry way!
Dumb Stuff #40 - Before pulling into a gasoline station, know the location of your gasoline filler door. Is it on the right side of the vehicle? Left side? Rear? Find out before pulling into the gasoline station. Nothing is more unsafe or embarrassing than trying to figure out which side of your vehicle matches the fuel pump you are using. Do not pull the gasoline hoses across top of your vehicle to reach the fuel filler neck.
Turn the vehicle off and extinguish all flammable products like cigars, cigarettes, or vape devices. Check height restrictions when driving or towing trailers, mobile homes, or heavy-duty trucks. Swing out on turns and do not cut corners, especially on vehicles with long wheel bases. Do not become distracted and drive off with the fuel pump hose and handle still in your fuel tank.
Ford Raptor Jumps 90 Feet...
Hit the jump at 60 mph and over shoots the landing. This truck is destroyed and the occupants needs medical attention - CRAZY!
In this blog, you will be introduced to an intriguing museum in Washington, DC that houses the largest collection of spy artifacts to the public. The International Spy Museum, an independent nonprofit organization opened in 2002 in Washington, DC. Since this time, they have expanded into a new complex at L'Enfant Plaza in 2019. This is not a free museum like other museums in DC because they accepts donations and purchases are used to support the museum.
The spy museum highlights the life of espionage agents through spy exhibits, gadgets, and secret spycraft activities. This museum provides 17 interactive spy skill challenges ranging from code cracking and lock picking to analyzing secret information to gain intelligence... https://www.spymuseum.org/
Preview of the New Spy Museum in DC by Andy Feliciotti
The International Spy Museum opens daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Museum and store hours on Saturdays are from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM and on Sundays: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. During peak seasons, the museum hours may be extended and may vary on a weekly basis. Plan to spend 2-3 hours at the Spy Museum during each visit.
The museum is designed primarily for guests who are 9 years of age and older, whereas younger children requires more supervision to make interactive and displays more meaningful. Any guest under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Read museum policies prior to attending... https://www.spymuseum.org/visit/know-before-you-go/faq/
SPY MUSEUM TICKETS, PARKING AND DISCOUNTS
Free Admission for children 6 years and under. Regular adult admission (13-64 years) is $30.69 each. Youth admission (7-12 years) is $20,09 each. Special discounts are available for senior 65+, military personnel, and college for $27.51 each as of 12/15/2024. A college and military ID is required for discounted tickets.The museum uses timed ticketing to set limits on the number of visitors in the building... https://tickets.spymuseum.org/
Same day admission tickets can be purchased at the museum counter. However, be forewarned that you may be asked to return at a later time during peak season. The last ticket is sold one hour before closing. It is BEST to pre-purchase tickets for museum entrance. Dates can be set up to 45 days in advance.
The International Spy Museum is located in downtown Washington, DC near L'Enfant Plaza. It is therefore recommended that you use L'Enlfant Plaza Metro Station for your arrival and departure. Familiarize yourself with using the Metro prior to attending the Spy Museum. If you must drive, use Spot Hero to find parking in the vicinity of L'Enfant Plaza SW near D St SW just south of Independence Ave SW... https://freetoursbyfoot.com/international-spy-museum-tickets/
LEVELS OF FUN AT THE SPY MUSEUM Learn about exhibits and activities on each level of the museum...
5TH FLOOR - UNDERCOVER MISSION Start here. Enter the Briefing Theater where you are introduced to your spy mission. Get your radio frequency identification (RFID) cover badge and test your spy skills. Preview the Undercover Missionvideo.
GALLERY OF STEALING SECRETS Discover the science of spying and gadget engineering. Build your own spy gadget. Examine hundreds of inventions used to steal secrets.
GALLERY OF MAKING SENSE OF SECRETS Discover how intelligence is gathered. Learn about master cryptologists and codemakers. Crack a coded massage. Learn how the CIA keep our country safe.
GALLERY OF COVERT ACTION Discover how world events are influenced by spy activity - ranging from sabotage and deception to lethal action and deadly plots. These exhibit show covert activities during WWII to fake news propaganda during US presidential elections.
4TH FLOOR - SPYING THAT SHAPED HISTORY Spying from the American Revolution to 21st century cyber warfare.
AN UNCERTAIN WORLD Learn how spies are used to protect against threats at home.
Early voting started 10/21/2024 in Pope County Arkansas from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday – Friday) through Monday prior to the November 5, 2024 Presidential Election.
Caution: Please read your ballot carefully and double-check your marking on each Issue. You are not voting “YES” or “NO” rather, you are voting “FOR” or “AGAINST” the Constitutional Amendment...
There are 3 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS on Pope County Arkansas Ballot...
ISSUE NO. 1 - A Constitutional Amendment allowing lottery proceeds to fund scholarships and grants for Arkansans enrolled in Vocational-Technical Schools... Read more
ISSUE NO. 2 - A Constitutional Amendment requiring
local voter approval for new casino
licenses and repealing authority to issue a casino license in Pope County,
Arkansas.
A FOR vote means you are in favor of removing Pope
County casino gaming license from the Arkansas Constitution... Read more
An AGAINST vote means you are not in favor of
removing Pope County casino gaming license and that it would remain in the
Arkansas Constitution, and any future casino licenses be approved by... voters in the county... Read more
ISSUE NO. 3 - A Constitutional Amendment expanding
access to medical marijuana by qualified patients under the Arkansas Medical
Marijuana Amendment of 2016... Read more
Here's a problem I encountered when voting for ISSUE NO. 1, ISSUE NO. 2 and ISSUE NO. 3
Do not mistakenly check the "NO" box for this ISSUE, thinking it's “FOR ISSUE NO. 1” Remember, you are voting FOR or
AGAINST the ISSUE. The NO. in NO. 1, NO. 2 and NO. 3 is causing problems for some voters. The ballot would be less confusing if it spelled-out the word and numbers rather than abbreviate them…
"How Chess Concepts Can Help Improve Your Finances, Social Contacts and Interactions at School, Work or With Anyone You Meet!"
Introduction to Chess: Get Started Early My daughter was introduced to chess in her early years in grade school. Through competitive events, she quickly learned the game and improved her skills to the point where she was beating her teachers and classmates in nearly every match. While in the third grade, she won first place trophies beating players from other schools in our district.
Later, she advanced to the state chess championship and won the third place trophy for the third grade division. "Not bad," I said to her. But this was not good enough. After the tournament ended, the father of the first place winner came over and congratulated her on finishing third place.
What happened next was life changing and is the reason I am writing this blog...
The first place winner's dad said, "I was watching you play and you are an excellent player, but you need to learn some winning moves." He then told her to roll out her chessboard and he showed her one strategy on how to win in the shortest number of moves. The session lasted about 15 minutes and we never saw him again until the next year at the fourth grade state tournament - where both of our daughters were competing again.
My daughter, beat his daughter in the fourth round of competition and to our amazement, she had to play his son for the final match of the tournament. Yes, he had two children in the tournament! My daughter won the first place trophy by beating both his son and his daughter to become the fourth grade state chess champion.
Sometimes, one good MOVE is all you need to win!
5 Winning Moves to Help You Get Ahead in Life...
1. Look Ahead - Raise your head up and look down the road to see what is coming. This gives you time to think, plan and decide what moves to make. Avoid rushed decisions and acting on impulse. Impulsive decisions can be devastating because they offer no clear path for victory and can bring the game to an abrupt end.
Looking ahead enables you to avoid dangerous situations and obstacles in your path. Be decisive and confident in your abilities to anticipate the moves of others and avoid capture. Stay calm and make your decisions quickly. Keep control of the game and you will win!
2. Speak First - This cleaver first move momentarily makes you the center of attention when you enter a room. If you speak first, you capture the attention of everyone that hears your voice. This means you will be mingling, greeting and introducing yourself to those in the room. It is an aggressive move because it shows your confidence and willingness to "open-up" and meet people.
Keep your conversations short and "find your spot." Keep moving toward the center of the room where the power and influence resides. Don't overdo it or you will be perceived as a "loudmouth" or "show-off" and people will avoid you.
3. Fix Your Face - Smiles and laughter are natural ways to relax and relieve stress. A friendly smile can electrify a room and make people around you feel comfortable. Avoid starring, cringing or rolling your eyes at others. All of the above makes people feel uneasy and are signs of disrespect. Take a genuine interest in people and it will brighten their countenance and fill their heart with joy.
Always acknowledge the presence of others with a simple nod, wave of the hand or tip of the hat. Recognize everyone you meet and never forget the children. Bluffing and fake smiles are best left to professional chess players. Besides, the guys and girls at the office who know you may see this as nervous energy and question your ability to perform under pressure.
4. Don't Follow Others to the Gutter - Do not be baited into criticizing your boss, teammates, church members, friends or even spouse. When others engage in negative talk, cancel them out with something positive and unique. If you can't think of something good to say about them, then "turn-up" the music or bring an appetizer to the table. Better still, take a restroom break and excuse yourself from their presence.
Avoid messy conversations and never sacrifice your livelyhood, marriage or integrity for a moment with "so called friends" who care nothing about your success. Taking risks is an acceptable norm among chess players, however gambling with the lives of your loved ones to achieve success is foolish. This may be the right time to take a stand and accept a loss.
5. Volunteer and Take the Lead - Volunteer for assignments and take advantage of opportunities to gain experience in leadership roles and managing people. Do not hesitate to step forward and take charge of situations that requires your expertise. Be responsible for your actions and do not complain about your circumstances. Solicit the ideas of others to improve your situation. Keep a humble spirit and ask people to help you, rather than order them around.
Resist the tendency to take a back seat in life. Never began a speech with an apology - especially if you are selected at the last minute to fill-in for someone. Be confident in your abilities to get the job done and sit down. People are more understanding than you may realize.
Summary / Conclusions about Playing Chess
Some of the greatest lessons my daughter learned from playing chess are: 1. How to plan ahead 2. How to anticipate the actions of others 3. How to develop a winning strategy to defeat your opponent
Set your heights and make bold moves. Defend your dreams and become a professional in a chosen career field - such as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, scientist, politician, actor, singer, preacher, professor, architect, technician, nurse or whatever skill or profession you want to pursue.
Remember, one bold move can make you a winner and one frivolous move can shatter your dreams. So stand firm and defend your dreams.The clock is ticking...
That's the game of chess!
Update since 4th grade (now 10/16/2024):
This little girl is now a Havard graduate working in Dallas, Texas as a physician (MD and MPH). In the 3rd grade, she told her mom and I her college plans and that we would not pay $1 toward her college education. Amazingly, her undergraduate and graduate education were covered with scholarships - including stipends after graduation to jump-start her career. Praise the Lord everybody!
