I read that on the news yesterday and couldn't believe this stupidity! Chess? Really? Reminds me of the hours and hours and hours I spent growing up copying chapters out of books and learning "cursive" writing ... what a completely ridiculous waste of time that was. ... and now they are going to waste the kids' time with this? At least in the defense of my teachers, they didn't know at the time that computers would be a lot better at copying chapters, writing, and even "cursive" than we humans. But teaching kids Chess? Why? What is our obsession with this game? Don't get me wrong though .. I think Chess is a great extra curricular activity and hobby. And sure, even competitive chess can have its advantages. But there are many other things that can help these kids in life instead of forcing them into chess.