So I will change gears (as if I am posting much anyway...) to write about one of my passions - chess. Currently the top 10 Armenian players are in Macedonia (of all places) at the European individual championship. Chess culture is strong throughout Armenia (see my website www.armenianknight.com for details/stories etc.) and Armenia is a truly a chess haven for any fan of the game. Just ask my friend Joe (non-Armenian from Boston) who is here for the 2nd consecutive summer to study with a local grandmaster. The Euro Championship is a crucial event as the top 46 places qualify for the World Championship. Armenian chess accomplishments are a source of pride for Armenians here (and rightfully so!) and any examples of such excellence should be acknowledged by us all. It is a real thrill to go to the Chess Club in the center of the city and see children sitting, playing, analyzing, watching, running to or from a game, all aspiring to be the next Tigran Petrosian.