I am originally from Bellingham, Washington and currently live near Seattle. I first learned to play chess at about age 13, but hadn't played regularly for more than 35 years before finding this web site. I am retired as of 1 Sep 2011 :-). However, I'm told that I flunked retirement since I once returned as a contractor. BTW, if you message me and I don't answer, it is because I didn't notice the text. Please try again. You will no doubt observe that same inattention to detail in my chess moves.