[Event "Standard Chess League - Season Eight"]
[Site "SchemingMind.com"]
[Date "2013.11.17"]
[Round "-"]
[White "SwirlingEddie"]
[Black "white bishop"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "C45p"]
[WhiteCountry "USA"]
[BlackCountry "PHI"]
[WhiteElo "2260"]
[WhiteRD "108"]
[BlackElo "2256"]
[BlackRD "80"]
[GameID "341807"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
{
white bishop: Hi, which state are you located in? I hope you don't mind my asking. It adds to my knowledge of US geography.
}
3. d4
{
SwirlingEddie: I'm in Vermont, part of New England.  Are you in the Phillipines?  I hope the typhoon has not caused great distress for you or your family.
}
3... exd4
{
white bishop: I've played with 2 others from Vermont before, so you're the 3rd one. From where I live, the typhoon didn't affect us much here in Metro Manila, but the islands it hit as it passed through the Visayas, it was devastating! Thousands have died and more became homeless, but thanks to the US, other governments, and the Red Cross, there are now ongoing relief efforts there in the provinces affected.
}
{
white bishop: So aside from playing chess online, how do you occupy your time?
}
{
white bishop: Just curious, why do you call yourself "SwirlingEddie"? Are you fond of dancing?
}
4. Nxd4
{
SwirlingEddie: The name is a play on words.  An 'eddy' is small whirlpool of water, flowing in a circular or 'swirling' motion.  It was the name of a band that I picked up as a username and use on various sites.  Eddie isn't even my real name!

Glad you're doing well.  Unfortunately the US has had a lot of experience lately in disaster recovery, but glad we are able to help.
}
4... Bc5
{
white bishop: Is it snowing there in Vermont by now? And do you have a lot of ski resorts there? As you know, we don't have snow here in Philippines, but you can skate in one of the 2 SM Malls that have a skating rink?
}
{
white bishop: The first time I've seen fresh snow was in New Zealand, when I accompanied an aunt (my mom's eldest sister) on an Australia-New Zealand package tour a long time ago.
}
5. Nb3
{
SwirlingEddie: Yes, we have some snow now with more coming on Wednesday.  Skiing is very popular - many schools and clubs have free skiing for children once a week and both my kids have been skiing for years now.  A few ski areas are open now.  They can manufacture snow in the cold weather even if nature doesn't provide its own.
}
5... Bb6
{
white bishop: How young are your kids? I have 2 daughters who are adolescents, ages 17 and 15. The eldest is a freshman at the university, while the youngest one is in Grade 9 (High School).
}
{
white bishop: Is your wife working, or is she a stay-at-home mom? 
}
6. Nc3
{
SwirlingEddie: My son is 16 and daughter 14.  Sounds like we are both dealing with teenagers!  They were both born in Korea and we adopted them when they were infants.  What do you do for a living?
}
6... Nf6
{
white bishop: My last job was with a reinsurance brokerage firm, in w/c I stayed for more than 15 years. With changes in government regulations and market conditions, the company I worked for decided that it is no longer feasible to continue its operations.  They are currently on run-off, and since July this year I've joined the ranks of the unemployed. Since I also look after my elderly parents, I thought that it might be difficult for me to work full-time considering the time and attention I put in to bring them to a doctor, dentist, attend to their errands and other needs. Since I love to cook, I also cook for them. In July, I thought of growing some veggies and herbs around the house, so I can use the produce instead of having to buy them from wet markets or groceries. I grow tomatoes, eggplant, okra, thyme, sweet basil and another herb given by a friend. My malunggay and bok choy plants died, so I'm thinking whether I should replant them again, or continue to grow the veggies and herbs that are more promising.
}
{
white bishop: I'm a part-time graduate student. I earned my Graduate Diploma and have joined in graduation ceremonies in March this year. I'm now working towards my MA.
}
{
white bishop: How about you, what do you do for a living? Your 2 children are very fortunate to be adopted by you and your wife. Were you stationed in Korea before? How did you know those kids? Does your son and daughter have the same or different biological parents?
}
7. Qe2
{
SwirlingEddie: I am a banker, approaching thirty years in the industry now.  I work mostly on the retail side (not investment banking) for community-sized banks (branch management, bank cards, etc).

My children had different biological parents.  My wife and I have never been to Korea but hope to do so some day.  At the time we were adopting, Korea was a popular option for parents considering international adoption.  The programs had been in place since the Korean War and were very reliable.

I wish you well with your family.  We just returned from a visit with my wife's parents.  My wife has been helping take care of her mother the past few weeks also.  It has been very hard for her father to do so on his own.  It is hard work but also it is what we do for our families.
}
7... O-O
{
white bishop: My first job right after I graduated from the university was with a commercial bank. I stayed there 6 years and when I left, I was already an Asst Section Chief. After that I worked briefly in Hong Kong with a trading company, then when I came back, I worked for a development bank, and joined another commercial bank before I ended up in a reinsurance brokerage firm.                                                                 
}
{
white bishop: I was wondering why you and your wife didn't consider local adoption, so your kids will also be Caucasians, like you and your wife. Though I've never been to Vermont, I think that the majority of the population there are Whites, as well as in the rest of the New England states.  
}
{
white bishop: I wish your wife's parents well! How old are they? Both my parents are in their 80's. I know what it's like to take care and look after the elderly. Just advise your wife to have lots of patience! My dad is very appreciative for the little things I offer to do for him. It's only my mom who's very noisy--  complains and criticizes a lot! She never appreciates the things I do for her, like bringing her to the doctor, buying her medicines and supplements prescribed by her doctor, and occasionally making her soup with Chinese herbs for her health, etc. It can be frustrating and irritating at times, you know! It's as though she never thinks first before speaking. 
}
{
white bishop: I would recommend the book "Your Aging Parents" by Allison Greene, an American author, who wrote of her experiences. I found that book from our school library. The title caught my attention, so I borrowed it. The book may probably be out of print and out of circulation already, but I don't know if Amazon.com carries stocks of it, or if you can secure a copy of it 2nd hand from other sources. 
}
{
white bishop: How about you? Are both your parents still around?
}
8. Be3
{
SwirlingEddie: Yes, I have the good fortune of having both parents alive and in good health.  They live about 3-4 hours away so we get to visit from time to time.
}
8... h6 9. O-O-O Re8 10. f3 d6
{
white bishop: How old are your parents? Do they live with any of your siblings?
}
{
white bishop:  Are both your kids in high school? If they are studying in the school where my youngest daughter presently studies, based on their ages, they would be in Grade 10 (for your son) and Grade 8 (for your daughter). Here, it used to be that Grades 1-6 is primary education (elementary school), & Grades 7-10 is secondary education or high school. However, based on the government's K-12 program which took effect last school year, they are adding 2 add'l years, so we would be the same as schools all over the world, wherein children spend a total of 12 years for their primary + secondary education.
}
11. g4
{
SwirlingEddie: Interesting.  My kids are in grades 9 and 11; high school education goes through grade 12.  My son is exploring a military career after graduation next year.  My daughter doesn't know yet what she wants to do (that's OK).  She will likely go on to college/university for additional education.
}
11... Be6 12. Kb1 Nd7
{
white bishop: I think young men there have been enticed to join the military due to the benefits it offers, in addition to the opportunity of travel. Basically, the marketable skills one gains from one's training (whether in the army, navy, air force, or marines) could be extremely useful when one seeks a career in the private sector. Besides, employers give a preference for someone who's had a past military career or training when they screen their prospective employees.
}
13. h4
{
SwirlingEddie: Is military service compulsory in the Philippines, or do you have a voluntary service?
}
13... Re7
{
white bishop: For males who are Filipino citizens, Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is compulsory during the first two years of college or university, but for females who are Filipino citizens, service is voluntary, not compulsory. When my brother graduated from high school many years ago, a friend of his had learned of ways in which they can be exempted from ROTC in the university, and one of it is if the grade of your nearsightedness is extremely high. They have to be tested and verified by military personnel, so when they are asked to read letters shown on a wall like the ones in an optometrist's clinic, they intentionally read the letters wrong. They both got their exemptions. Nobody is keen to undergo ROTC, because it is indeed very difficult. 
}
{
white bishop: During the time when I was in my final year in high school, all Filipino citizens, whether male or female, must undergo Citizens Army Training (CAT). 
}
{
white bishop: Have you ever joined the military or had any training when you were young?
}
14. Bxb6
{
SwirlingEddie: No one in my immediate family has any military experience which is contributing to our discomfort with my son's choice, but we understand it is his choice and we will fully support him in that.  My great uncle was a highly decorated marine in the Pacific (Guadalcanal, New Britain and Pelelieu) and we are proud of that, but our unfamiliarity with the service makes us nervous.
}
14... Nxb6
{
white bishop: Nowadays kids have their own line of thinking. If we as parents interfere with their plans, they won't be happy. I remember my own personal experience and struggles. I grew up in a Chinese family with overprotective parents. My parents had the belief and attitude that as parents, they are more experienced in life and know better and much more than you, so they should be the ones to make major decisions for you and run your life, which is to their satisfaction. And you, as the son or daughter, must obey your parents, otherwise your parents won't be happy at having a disobedient son or daughter. During my grandmother's time, parents of both parties (hers and my grandfather's) already agreed on the decision to betroth their son and daughter, because they were usually good friends and want to continue the relationship to the next generation. Oftentimes, these agreement between the parents of both parties were already decided upon even when their children are still quite young, or not even born.   
}
{
white bishop: I remember my late grandmother told me before when I asked her how she met my grandfather, her reply was that she met my grandfather for the first time on their wedding day.
}
{
white bishop: Normally, the marriageable age during their time is the ages of our children now. Yes, they were married while still teenagers, to the satisfaction of parents of both parties. During my parents' time, that practice has changed. My dad and mom was introduced to each other, so they had time to get to know each other and make the decision themselves on whether they are suited for each other as husband and wife.
}
{
white bishop: I believe in other parts of Asia, they have this practice of pre-arranged marriages before. As people now become more educated, they would prefer to make that choice of a life partner themselves, as during a generation ago, women have begun to join the labor force.  
}
15. f4
{
SwirlingEddie: There are definitely cultures, particularly in Asia, more elder focused than ours.  I know a few Indian couples for example from arranged marriages.  The United States character is of course much more individualized and self-determined.  As such a young nation and culture we can't say "well, it's worked this way for a thousand years so its OK for you too!"  I'm OK with it, even as the parent, but only time will tell if the American model persists as other cultures have for millennia.
}
15... a5 16. g5 a4 17. Nd4 Nxd4
{
white bishop: Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you and your family, Christopher! :)
}
18. Rxd4
{
SwirlingEddie: Thank you, to you as well.
}
18... c5
{
white bishop: During your children's growing up years, I was wondering if any of them ever asked you why they looked different from dad and mom?
}
19. Rd1
{
SwirlingEddie: We were very open with our children about their adoptions from the beginning.  Of course, given the differences in our appearances it would have been difficult to pretend otherwise!  They have expressed some interest and curiosity about their Korean heritage from time to time over the years but not as much as I expected.  That may change again as they become adults too.
}
19... Bc4
{
white bishop: That is a good policy you have with your children. Are they from North or South Korea?
}
{
white bishop: Since you and your wife have reared, nurtured and loved them ever since you had them as infants, as well as given them great opportunities to reach their potential, I think you don't have to fear losing them to their biological parents. Every time they think of family, it will be you and your wife they think of, rather than their biological parents. Of course, as they grow older, they may have the curiosity to find out who their biological parents are and why they gave them away. That is just natural. They both will love you and your wife in return.
}
20. Qg4
{
SwirlingEddie: Both were born in Seoul.  They are thrilled to have a "snow day" today.  This when school is cancelled because of excess snow and winter weather.  We are expecting a foot of snow today followed by sub-zero (F) temperatures tomorrow.  Hope your weather is much better!
}
20... h5
{
white bishop: Over here, since we don't have snow, our country is often visited by typhoons, which number less than 20 annually. We do have a public storm signal warning system here. Whenever the storm signal is raised to "2", automatically classes from high school to levels below in the affected areas will be suspended. When it reaches "3", classes in the universities to levels below in the affected areas will automatically be suspended. My kids are very happy when there are no classes as a result of the typhoons.
}
{
white bishop: It used to be that the public storm signals are up to Signal "3" only, being the maximum strength of the typhoon. However, with the onslaught of Haiyan (Local Name: Yolanda) last November, the storm signal was raised to "4" at that time.
}
21. Qxh5
{
SwirlingEddie: Have you met or played Wesley So?
}
21... Bxf1
{
white bishop: I have never met nor played with Wesley So. He's the top-seeded player in the Philippines. With a current rating of 2719, he ranks #1 in the Philippines. He is currently a freshman student at Webster University in the US.
}
22. Rhxf1
{
SwirlingEddie: I didn't know So was now at Webster.  My sister was a Musical Theater student there a number of years ago.  Has he done much for chess in the Philippines?
}
22... g6
{
white bishop: Yes, he still represents the Philippines in international events. He's still young. He turned 20 only last year. A very promising lad! By the way, he's in Susan Polgar's SPICE program.
}
23. Qf3 d5 24. Rxd5 Nxd5 25. Nxd5 Rd7 26. Nf6+ Kf8 27. Nxd7+ Qxd7 28. h5 Ra6 29. f5 gxf5 30. exf5 Qd8 31. g6 Qf6 32. h6 Rb6
33. c3 Rd6 34. h7 Rd8 35. gxf7 b6 36. Rg1 Qh4
{
white bishop: I'm almost done in this game. Hi, I wonder if you can help me with part of my academic requirements. I'm presently taking a graduate education course entitled "Media and Technology Application in Education." I need to make a survey of internet use from a diversified group of school children in the 10-17 age group. Your 2 children fit into the age group. Can I email a copy of the survey form to you? You can email or print a copy each for your kids and ask them both to fill up the survey forms, then you can email the completed forms back to me. Is it okay with you?
}
37. Rh1
{
SwirlingEddie: You can send it to me and I'll look it over.  egility @ yahoo.com
}
37... Qxh1+
{
white bishop: Ok. Thanks!
}
38. Qxh1
{
white bishop: Congratulations!
}
1-0

