Comments on: Let them eat cake…

By: Marion

Marion — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:31:37 +0000

Jess, I am glad you can eat something and not feel guilty, but I DO NOT know how you can eat cake for breakfast!! That would be enough to make me feel nauseous at the best of times.
Love Marion

By: Lavinia

Lavinia — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:48:03 +0000

Can I also add, with regard to the particular brain function I mentioned, that some people devote too much time and energy to the pursuit of that ideal state of performance (not just in chess), and that there’s so many amazing things in this life, that everyone should do as you have done (leading by example) and just get out there and live life to the fullest, love to the fullest, give and care to the fullest and learn all that we can, emotionally, culturally, scientifically, and spiritually. Now I shall get off this computer, get out there and follow my own advice.
Have a great week, Jess!

By: Lavinia

Lavinia — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:38:38 +0000

Hiya Jess!
Thanks for your post, as there are in fact many more people than you may realise watching and hoping for you; that you will keep living life to the full, and that you will stay with us for us much precious time as we are privileged to have you here in this world.

GREAT wedding photos. You look really really beautiful and princess-ly.

Now, as for the chess:
Chess is simply a game with potential pitfalls on every move, a balancing act if you will, and to play it well with minimal error requires a combination of clearheadedness, ruthlessness, and above all, sustained concentration. Therefore, for anyone to not understand that it’s truly a triumph of spirit and determination that you are simply playing a bit, given what you’re dealing with, would be to show a severe lack of social intelligence.

Of course it sucks, and hurts the brain’s pride when unfortunate `meltdowns’ occur, but let me assure you that it is very important that NOONE links chess results with OVERALL brain function. Rather, good chess performance, in my experience, is all about the functioning of a PARTICULAR part of brain function; a part for which only the right combination of energy, nerves, and sense of enjoyment combined with constant vigilance can yield the desired results.

So, it is natural to sometimes be a bit upset when the brain `misfires’, and it happens to every person on this planet from time-to-time, regardless of health or current life pressures. So Jess, let me finish by just saying that I’m so proud of you just trying to play a game, especially at this time, that many, many people find too hard to play at the level that you can. If I was there I would have a few sharp words to say to any who speak of your past performances relative to now, in such a way as you described.

So DON’T WORRY, and only play when you want to, just for the sheer pleasure of solving problems and creating plans, and to heck with the results and to any ignorant people!

Love from those in Japan that know you and know of you,
Nik

By: Sharyn

Sharyn — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:56:30 +0000

Hi Jess.
If it would make you feel any better, please come over for a game of chess. You are on a sure winner to beat me!! Who cares what people thought. So what! Go back quickly for another game and I bet they line up someone easy for you. On a serious note, you could lose 90% of your intelligence and still be smarter than most people.(Maybe you should move to Caboolture, every day will be a smart day!) Plus,we’ll all still be here when you forget our names but we’ll never forget yours. Your wedding photo’s are beautiful! I know, cause I have just looked through both albums! Glad you hear you have the sexist legs in town!! Love the pic! From Sharyn
p.s. Shoes (and shirts) are optional at the shopping centre here. Come as you are!