I was born in 1949 and raised in the mountains of western Pennsylvania. I graduated from Lock Haven University (PA) in Jan. 1975 with a B.S. Ed. in Math and Physics. For the next 10 years I pursued a short but productive career as computer programmer and systems analyst. My best accomplishment being the design and programming of the Naval Intelligence Processing System (1982-84). For the last 30 yrs. since, I have little used my computer and technical talents preferring labor using my hands doing various construction and restoration work and even some farm work.

In June of this year (2010), I was given the first computer of my own by Free Geek Penn of Ephrata, Pa. for recycling service work I did for them. After getting hooked up with the Internet I found this wonderful site at chess.com.

I started playing chess when I was 12 and have enjoyed playing the game for about 50 years. I can't get the hang of these fast timed games though and often I get interrupted by life's demands so I will stay with the on-line version for now. Most of the the chess I have played over the years has been with friends and acquaintances where we could enjoy each others company for awhile over a game of chess.

I hope you find my games challenging, insightful, and fun. See ya.

ClarkDMerrifield