Writing The Land is a poetry project collaboration between poets and protected lands. I received an invite to participate in this project to write poems in support of environmental conservancy. I was paired with the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve -- a protected range of the Blue Ridge mountains between Aldie and Broad [...]
Great news to share: I have resumed chess teaching and organizing on a weekly basis in the Shenandoah Valley. I am also completing a master's degree in organizational leadership at Shenandoah University. Being part of the SU community has been amazing, and with the much support from faculty and friends, I am glad to [...]
Since 2013 I have played and facilitated chess activities on very active scale. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has put much on hold. I tremendously miss teaching, and I look forward to organizing chess meetings again when it is safe to do so. The Shenandoah Valley Chess Club is in solid financial standing and has [...]
The Power of Pawns What you don't know about pawns can hurt you There are many misconceptions about pawns. A most common myth is that pawns are worthless because they are numerous and small. Such misinformation can lead to rash decisions with poor outcomes. For example, undervalued pawns are often mishandled as though [...]
Yes, in 1966 the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (commonly known as FIDE or World Chess Federation) designated July 20 as a day of international celebration for the Royal Game. Last week, I was flipping through an old chess book of mine when I found a handwritten paper containing some general thoughts on chess. I [...]
