I recently got a funny programming project request that deals with connecting 2 computers for data transfer over a secure network connection. The program has to be written in PHP. It is strange because by today’s standard there are ready made hardware and software solutions for that particular task. In essence it’s like connecting two rooms with a telephone line. Easily done and you can even pay a contractor for that. However, the client requires a custom solution which means building the connecting programs from ground up. The result is analogous to using 2 tin can phones to communicate between two rooms. Primitive but workable.
I’ve taken up the job as the pay is equivalent to a month’s salary for me (with advance payment on acceptance). For 2-3 days work, that’s good pay. Also, easy ad-hoc programming projects like these are rare. I am also very lucky the project has been passed around to others for around 6 months but no one could complete it. I am confident of finishing it as the solution is technical but simple. Something like checkmating with Knight and Bishop.
I have to sacrifice though. I’ll have to give a miss to the Cheras Challengers (FIDE rated) tourney starting tomorrow. Was looking forward to that. 
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I wouldn’t have done so if I was afraid of losing ELO points.
)
It so happen that the object of my anger was also a participant in the tournament and the very next round I was paired against him. I wanted my revenge so bad I could taste it. After shaking hands at the start of the game, it took a tremendous amount of restraint to avoid lunging forward, wrapping my hands around his neck and strangling him. That satiated me somewhat – just strangling him in my mind, that is. 
Back then I was young and I had the energy to play exciting chess. My point is that it is the same for all teenagers. Probably from the age of 8-16 is their best formative chess years. They play chess with fantastic energy and most of the important fundamentals of chess is formed during these years. After 16, if they have not picked up the essential chess strength then, it would be difficult for them to make significant gains from the game. They can still improve of course, but not at the same rate as when they were younger.
Contrary to what many think, my main job is not as a chess blogger. I cannot survive just from blogging 
It is very tiring playing 2 days of classical chess. I’ve not done anything today except rest the whole day. Now, I slightly regret my decision to play in the DATCC weekender as this means I not only missed the Jeram Open but will also miss the coming Excel 2 day tourney this weekend. Anyway, the good thing is that it got me interested in digging up books and videos preparing games against some opponents. I’ve never been more interested in reading or watching the chess videos. Half the time, opening preparations don’t work but there is great deal to learn from the mistakes. I’m expecting to lose some ELO rating but I’ve accepted that as I’m slightly over rated anyway.
