"Hey man, you have a great body, let's talk!" This would never work for me, but you always pull it off Cal.
New York August NYC Meet-Up 2021
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"Hey man, you have a great body, let's talk!" This would never work for me, but you always pull it off Cal.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
John,
Remember how we would walk into Adorama and I would get escorted to the used department and get the VIP treatment?
It was kinda funny how rudely you and Prom-Mone were treated (like lepors). LOL.
My grand daughter, "Creature Junior," gets away with a lot because she is mighty cute. I never outgrew that it seems, and I get away with a lot.
It is really crazy the amount of freedom I now have.
I'm sure I will get mucho fit starting in December. I plan on beginning a training routine.
I'm probably around 140 pounds today and still skinnier than the last time you saw me.
Cal
Range-rover
Veteran
I was in B&H yesterday and it's a lot better than Adorama. I saw the to guy's in the buying dept in used, they were happy to see me.
My friend Chris was off on Thursday but I saw Lou in the sales counter he looked good but he lost half his basement because of the flooding.
John and Prom-mone they should'nt feel to bad I never felt any warm feelings from Adorama either.
Took some test shots with the 35mm F3.5 Summaron on the Sony A7 and have to say it's really a great lens at 5.6 it's sharp.
One thing I had my camera set to Neutral and the colors look a bit muted set to vivid or standard it was better, on the newer
lenses like a Tamron the colors where a bit to much, maybe the glass in this old lens is better tan the new stuff.
My friend Chris was off on Thursday but I saw Lou in the sales counter he looked good but he lost half his basement because of the flooding.
John and Prom-mone they should'nt feel to bad I never felt any warm feelings from Adorama either.
Took some test shots with the 35mm F3.5 Summaron on the Sony A7 and have to say it's really a great lens at 5.6 it's sharp.
One thing I had my camera set to Neutral and the colors look a bit muted set to vivid or standard it was better, on the newer
lenses like a Tamron the colors where a bit to much, maybe the glass in this old lens is better tan the new stuff.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Bob,
That old glass on the Summaron is likely only single coated, and this is likely why the colors look muted and desaturated. It really is great that you have a workaround.
At B&H Chris would direct me to stand to the side so he could help other customers as for some unknown reason I would draw a crowd and be a person of interest. It seems that I would conduct on the fly somewhat a micro NYC Meet-Up at the used counter in B&H. First it would be just one person and the herd mentality set in and I would have a group in short order.
"I was just minding my own business," I say. LOL.
At one point one of the salesmen compared me to Louis Mendez, and I quiped that while Louis had his haunt outside I had mine inside. LOL.
At one of these micro-meet-ups I met a guy who was friends with Joel Meyerwitz, said I reminded him of him.
At Adorama I was also being harassed and shamed by a manager who scolded me about all the gear I returned. Then I ripped into him how the used cameras are sold without batteries and there is no way to check out equipment in the store, and it is only at home that I would learn that the camera was basically junk. Then I ripped into him about all the money I spent and all the gear I kept. Then I threatened to get really loud and crazy, and that the drama would live beyond the scene and that basically he would regret messing with me.
"Are you going to give me a refund or not?" I guess he saw the potential for crazy and I had my way. Now I no longer shop at Adorama unless I have to. MY money is welcomed elsewhere.
Oh-well. No one likes to fight with a crazy. I should win an Academy Award for my roles as playing crazy and for scaring people.
My friends say I am worse than a woman when I get pissed off. LOL
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I had lunch with a co-worker in my "Core." Eva and I use to run back to Brooklyn after work and I have known her for 17 years.
I find out that there might not be any retirement party because of Covid restrictions imposed by HR.
I'm cool with that because Eva and I are the last two standing from the old group, and all the new people that comprise today's Core are all new people that I don't really know.
It was good catching up with the good, the bad, and the ugly smut that went on behind the scenes that I was not aware of because I have been working remotely off campus at a second institution for 20 years.
It ends up being perfect timing for my retirement. It seems that things are now very politically run over on the other side and this too is where things get nasty.
Cal
I find out that there might not be any retirement party because of Covid restrictions imposed by HR.
I'm cool with that because Eva and I are the last two standing from the old group, and all the new people that comprise today's Core are all new people that I don't really know.
It was good catching up with the good, the bad, and the ugly smut that went on behind the scenes that I was not aware of because I have been working remotely off campus at a second institution for 20 years.
It ends up being perfect timing for my retirement. It seems that things are now very politically run over on the other side and this too is where things get nasty.
Cal
Range-rover
Veteran
I have the lens on my Yashica YF now I have film in it and it's works good, I went yesterday to the new Penn Station and it's
looks great I love the look of the ceiling with the glass and girders, it has the look of the old Penn Station that they tore down
which I think and many other's was a big mistake.
looks great I love the look of the ceiling with the glass and girders, it has the look of the old Penn Station that they tore down
which I think and many other's was a big mistake.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Today is "Day-11" of my retirement countdown. Tomorrow I'll be off to make this a 4-day workweek, and next week will be another 4-day workweek with the added bonus of a three-day weekend.
It feels great being a lazy slacker. Today the Cyclotron is down. I did some testing and maybe this thin carbon foil that is like a flack of soot which is old went south. When I shut a valve to isolate part of the machine, oh-well it didn't seal and I lost high vacuum. My high vacuum uses cryopumps and liquid helium, so now I have to go through a whole process of warming up the pump and then initiating a cooling. So today basically is a day of waiting and perhaps Wednesday I might know if I fixed the machine.
Oh-well...
I also figured out that artists generally are in no rush to get work done, and generally we like to take our time, think a lot, and even wonder about things more.
The point I'm eluding to is that this pergola was described as a weekend job, but it has been delayed by a building permit that took about a month to get, the footings, and then "Maggie's" decisions to paint the garage and then the pergola. The way I'm painting is to seal the end grain so this Cedar pergola has an extended life. Could last 3 decades because of the height of my footings and the drainage I built in.
So this pergola has been dragged out into a two month project instead of a weekend...
Also "Maggie" is thinking more of a flower garden around the patio because vegtables tend to get overgrown looking at the end of summer. I think growing food would be better served in the back-backyard because it has better light, but I'm only a photographer... LOL.
I took a masonary chisel to the ceramic tiles in the kitchen to see how difficult it would be to get rid of that layer of flooring. It seems like only a few screws were used in laying down a quarter inch of plywood over two layers of linoleum. I bought a Super Sawzall and scrapper blade that will take up the linoleum pretty fast and easy. At this point I believe I can rescue the original Heart Pine floor underneath.
I should be getting a free turkey for Thanksgiving, and I have a huge turkey breast in the freezer I got for free at Shop-Rite, so I will definately be making some turkey stock and maybe even a turkey gumbo.
Saturday we drove up to Newburg, went up 9W and came back on 9D. The Audi loves these open roads. Fall just north of Peekskill seems to be at peak.
I think I will buy this Milwaukee pruner which is effectively a 6 inch chainsaw. One way to kill Knotweed is to "cut-cut-cut" which eventually depletes the energy stored in the rhyzome. "No mercy," I say.
I'm looking forward to not commuting into NYC. Getting up early (4;30 AM) is kinda unnatural for me. Generally I get up around 6:00, so I kinda rise with the sun. I sleep more in the winter... and in the warm weather I have so much more energy.
Cal
It feels great being a lazy slacker. Today the Cyclotron is down. I did some testing and maybe this thin carbon foil that is like a flack of soot which is old went south. When I shut a valve to isolate part of the machine, oh-well it didn't seal and I lost high vacuum. My high vacuum uses cryopumps and liquid helium, so now I have to go through a whole process of warming up the pump and then initiating a cooling. So today basically is a day of waiting and perhaps Wednesday I might know if I fixed the machine.
Oh-well...
I also figured out that artists generally are in no rush to get work done, and generally we like to take our time, think a lot, and even wonder about things more.
The point I'm eluding to is that this pergola was described as a weekend job, but it has been delayed by a building permit that took about a month to get, the footings, and then "Maggie's" decisions to paint the garage and then the pergola. The way I'm painting is to seal the end grain so this Cedar pergola has an extended life. Could last 3 decades because of the height of my footings and the drainage I built in.
So this pergola has been dragged out into a two month project instead of a weekend...
Also "Maggie" is thinking more of a flower garden around the patio because vegtables tend to get overgrown looking at the end of summer. I think growing food would be better served in the back-backyard because it has better light, but I'm only a photographer... LOL.
I took a masonary chisel to the ceramic tiles in the kitchen to see how difficult it would be to get rid of that layer of flooring. It seems like only a few screws were used in laying down a quarter inch of plywood over two layers of linoleum. I bought a Super Sawzall and scrapper blade that will take up the linoleum pretty fast and easy. At this point I believe I can rescue the original Heart Pine floor underneath.
I should be getting a free turkey for Thanksgiving, and I have a huge turkey breast in the freezer I got for free at Shop-Rite, so I will definately be making some turkey stock and maybe even a turkey gumbo.
Saturday we drove up to Newburg, went up 9W and came back on 9D. The Audi loves these open roads. Fall just north of Peekskill seems to be at peak.
I think I will buy this Milwaukee pruner which is effectively a 6 inch chainsaw. One way to kill Knotweed is to "cut-cut-cut" which eventually depletes the energy stored in the rhyzome. "No mercy," I say.
I'm looking forward to not commuting into NYC. Getting up early (4;30 AM) is kinda unnatural for me. Generally I get up around 6:00, so I kinda rise with the sun. I sleep more in the winter... and in the warm weather I have so much more energy.
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
Morning Devil Cal,
Been having some fun here. Looking through a 790mm F14 Rodenstock Apo Ronar on 5x7 Norma. On my right wall is a framed print of Avedon with his 8x10 Norma. Things that make you go hmmm
Enjoy your upcoming freedom. Liberation awaits
Been having some fun here. Looking through a 790mm F14 Rodenstock Apo Ronar on 5x7 Norma. On my right wall is a framed print of Avedon with his 8x10 Norma. Things that make you go hmmm
Enjoy your upcoming freedom. Liberation awaits
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Morning Devil Cal,
Been having some fun here. Looking through a 760mm F14 Rodenstock Apo Ronar on 5x7 Norma. On my right wall is a framed print of Avedon with his 8x10 Norma. Things that make you go hmmm
Enjoy your upcoming freedom. Liberation awaits
Devil Dan,
You need a bigger studio. LOL. Kinda over-the-top.
I'm trying to do the opposite and I'm trying to keep things small and uncluttered, but I still have a disaster at hand.
Today is "Day-10" of work. I replaced a carbon foil that is on the extractor, and now I have the machine operational again. Its not easy being a lazy-slacker, so all I have to do today is re-tune the machine and go home early. On Monday I stayed an hour and 15 minutes later and I will flex out the time today.
They say the "Devil's work is never done,"and I have Devil Christian's expertise helping me plan out the garage/studio rebuild a long with the "Conservatory" addition.
Con Ed sent us some flier about subsidized insultion and weather proofing the house. My friend Quientin from the Peekskill train station did this a few years back to his house and they did a really good job blowing in insulation. I'm going to look into this, especially since going solar did not work out.
The pergola is finally fully erected and looks awesome. Now we have a lovely outdoor space in the front-backyard. This project got dragged out because of the complicated footings, and the distraction of painting the garage three times due to "Woman-Factor." Just like in the story of Goldilocks and the three bears finally the color is just right. There is enough paint on the garage now that I say it is almost like a fresh layer of stucco. A lot of cracks from decades of neglect are now filled and smoothed in, but instead of with cement-paint.
The tiny house is looking mighty cute and the curb appeal is huge.
I'm feeling a bit constrained with so little space, but I don't want to kill the view in my back-backyard. The Conservatory will be one work-space, but in my "clean-room" (studio/garage) will be my digital printing, print storage, My 300B tube stereo (300B), my music gear (guitars and amps), and my Concept 2 rowing machine along with some free weights.
I'm thinking I could buy a trailer and park it in my driveway to hold/store my woodworking equipment, and I could use the garage proper, the half of the garage where I park the Audi as my woodworking shop.
"Don't tell Maggie."
2022 will be a year where a lot of work will get done by contractors. First the kitchen and kitchen bath, then a new driveway, garage floor, a new garage roof, and hopefully the Conservatory addition if I have enough funds, otherwise a phased in plan along with a Heat Pump HVAC.
I forgot also an 18KW natural gas generator for backup power.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
"Day-9" of my countdown to retirement. Today I explored some subsidy that involves insulating, sealing, and upgrading HVAC that is fostered, sponsored, and promoted by Con Ed.
I did this survey and found out I might be eligible for a $2K weatherproofing incentive, $6K for a heat pump heating system, and a possible $6.5K incentive for insulation and smart upgrade.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about how to deal with inflation. I came up with: stockpiling/hoarding; buying commodities; using real estate as a hedge; going small and self sufficient, growing my own food, utilizing my hoarded stockpiles of shoes, clothes, cameras, film..., avoid discresionary spending, buy hard assets like gold, and avoid imported goods that have inflated prices due to shipping bottlenecks.
I also forgot buy stuff only when on sale to get the benefit of lowered prices.
So today's idea is to use government subsidies to pay for valuable cost savings on energy costs by taking advantage of incentives and subsidies. Meanwile I add value to my real estate and save money on energy costs.
Anyways my 1912 home basically has little or no insulation, and is pretty drafty, so the savings over time is a great investment.
My idea is to get my oil heating system as my back-up/secondary heating system, and to have Mini-Splits as my primary heating system. It seems my old Baby-Victorian is a huge waster of energy and pretty much while it can never be as efficient as a newer home, it certainly can be made much more efficient.
The Bankster blood in me makes me want to game the situation, and unlike the stock markets I can see my gains as being sustainable and enduring especially over time. My friend Quentin took advantage of this same program, and he says they did a really great job.
Cal
I did this survey and found out I might be eligible for a $2K weatherproofing incentive, $6K for a heat pump heating system, and a possible $6.5K incentive for insulation and smart upgrade.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about how to deal with inflation. I came up with: stockpiling/hoarding; buying commodities; using real estate as a hedge; going small and self sufficient, growing my own food, utilizing my hoarded stockpiles of shoes, clothes, cameras, film..., avoid discresionary spending, buy hard assets like gold, and avoid imported goods that have inflated prices due to shipping bottlenecks.
I also forgot buy stuff only when on sale to get the benefit of lowered prices.
So today's idea is to use government subsidies to pay for valuable cost savings on energy costs by taking advantage of incentives and subsidies. Meanwile I add value to my real estate and save money on energy costs.
Anyways my 1912 home basically has little or no insulation, and is pretty drafty, so the savings over time is a great investment.
My idea is to get my oil heating system as my back-up/secondary heating system, and to have Mini-Splits as my primary heating system. It seems my old Baby-Victorian is a huge waster of energy and pretty much while it can never be as efficient as a newer home, it certainly can be made much more efficient.
The Bankster blood in me makes me want to game the situation, and unlike the stock markets I can see my gains as being sustainable and enduring especially over time. My friend Quentin took advantage of this same program, and he says they did a really great job.
Cal
MrFujicaman
Well-known
Cal, you'll be amazed how much warmer the house will be after you have the insulation added. Dad added insulation to the Big House here and had insulation added to the attic-(it'd never had any). It made a big difference.
While you check on this kind of stuff, see if they have a program for new windows or storm windows.
I can relate to the stockpiles of shoes, etc. The sole of the Herman work boots I've been wearing nearly daily for 3.5 years just tore off Monday. I went to the closet and got a pair of Herman's Survivors that I bought at Walmart for half price about 3 years ago to replace them. My theory is that with inflation, if it's on sale and you're sure you'll need it in a while-buy it. I've got 2 more pairs of work boots up on the shelf, 3 pairs of my fav steel-toed sneakers. I stockpile stuff like toothpaste and bath soap and shaving creme and toilet paper much like you do.
Oh, on getting the flooring up in the kitchen-you might want to look into getting an oscillating multi-tool from Home Depot or Harbor Freight for getting into tight spaces
While you check on this kind of stuff, see if they have a program for new windows or storm windows.
I can relate to the stockpiles of shoes, etc. The sole of the Herman work boots I've been wearing nearly daily for 3.5 years just tore off Monday. I went to the closet and got a pair of Herman's Survivors that I bought at Walmart for half price about 3 years ago to replace them. My theory is that with inflation, if it's on sale and you're sure you'll need it in a while-buy it. I've got 2 more pairs of work boots up on the shelf, 3 pairs of my fav steel-toed sneakers. I stockpile stuff like toothpaste and bath soap and shaving creme and toilet paper much like you do.
Oh, on getting the flooring up in the kitchen-you might want to look into getting an oscillating multi-tool from Home Depot or Harbor Freight for getting into tight spaces
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
MFM,
I looked into blowing insulation into the walls and this could be fraught if they use celulose which could promote mold, especially since my old house has no vapor barrier. Also the sprayed in foam could push out siding and cause cracks in plaster.
Seems like insulating the walls properly with a vapor barrier means tearing down the interior walls.
The house came updated with thermopane insulated glass windows, one of the good things that were performed.
Because this house has 40 windows I'm grateful, but the enclosed front porch windows are 1950's vintage Jello-C windows that are now dated and need to be replaced. Also the basement windows (6) are all single pane that I need also to replace.
I think I will do rock wool in the attic because it is a better insulator and also because it deals with moisture better than fiberglass. This is something I can do myself and save on labor.
I expect a call later today from a rep of this weatherproofing incentive.
In my basement I have two 38 gallon totes that were filled with shoes boots and sneakers. I have an evil heal strike and can wear out a pair of sneakers in a month with the amount of walking I do. I depleted the sneaker section, but now I have shoes and boots. I developed this stockpile buying mostly from the DSW discount rack using closeouts and coupons. Some are my expensive dress shoes for when I need to be mistaken as "An Asian version of James Bond" as one smokey eyed hot girl once described me who attended FIT.
In retirement mode I'll start expending the stockpile of shoes and boots from DSW, but I'll keep the expensive ones for fancy events. I have a couple of years worth of shoes and boots to wear out.
Looking forward to using the Milwaukee Super Sawzall with the scrapper attachment to attack the two layers of linolium, but first I have to remove the ceramic tiles and 1/4 inch plywood base. The u-tube videos show how easy the linolium gets stripped. I was thinking of getting the Milwaukee "Multitool" for the fine work.
My mark of poverty makes me hoard and stockpile. With the pandemic "Maggie" swore that she would not make fun of my hoarding ever again.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
"Day-8" in my countdown to retirement. Lately with Day-Light Savings Time I have been sleeping more and getting a full 8 hours sleep. I never have regularly slept 8 hours a night, and generally only slept 6-7 hours during the workweek and then caught up a bit on Friday nights.
So now I'm really taking care of myself and going to bed early. I can read a book and not fall asleep within 5-10 minutes...
Unfortunately "Maggie" is still a crazy woman multitasking and getting overwelmed by being so busy.
Yesterday I accepted that I need to curb spending to deal with the inflation we are experiencing, but it looks like GAS was meant to be filled with a new guitar from Santa Cruz that will be a custom order using old growth woods and delicious wood bindings made of Snakewood.
Don't tell Maggie, but this is somewhat an investment because the commodity of this old growth wood is diminishing that meets Santa Cruz standards is limited. At this point I don't know if a neck blank is available in the old growth wood, and know that since this guitar has a carved back that the wood has to be a lot thicker than on a flat-top acoustic. I figure that at some time in the future the wood I need (old growth) won't be available at some point in the future, and already it is scarce.
In short I am getting a custom guitar built from a limited commodity that sometime in the future will be unobtainable, or if available will be even more costly like an appreciating asset.
Build time is about a year or so, but also I suspect that I can wiggle my guitar as being displayed at the next NAMM show in the Santa Cruz booth because it will be a rather opulent guitar spec'ed out in a trophy like manner as an object of desire.
What a way to fight inflation. My home improvements also are a good place to park money. Value added to the house is a good investment.
BTW did you see the move that gold made yesterday?
Cal
So now I'm really taking care of myself and going to bed early. I can read a book and not fall asleep within 5-10 minutes...
Unfortunately "Maggie" is still a crazy woman multitasking and getting overwelmed by being so busy.
Yesterday I accepted that I need to curb spending to deal with the inflation we are experiencing, but it looks like GAS was meant to be filled with a new guitar from Santa Cruz that will be a custom order using old growth woods and delicious wood bindings made of Snakewood.
Don't tell Maggie, but this is somewhat an investment because the commodity of this old growth wood is diminishing that meets Santa Cruz standards is limited. At this point I don't know if a neck blank is available in the old growth wood, and know that since this guitar has a carved back that the wood has to be a lot thicker than on a flat-top acoustic. I figure that at some time in the future the wood I need (old growth) won't be available at some point in the future, and already it is scarce.
In short I am getting a custom guitar built from a limited commodity that sometime in the future will be unobtainable, or if available will be even more costly like an appreciating asset.
Build time is about a year or so, but also I suspect that I can wiggle my guitar as being displayed at the next NAMM show in the Santa Cruz booth because it will be a rather opulent guitar spec'ed out in a trophy like manner as an object of desire.
What a way to fight inflation. My home improvements also are a good place to park money. Value added to the house is a good investment.
BTW did you see the move that gold made yesterday?
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Today is "Day-7" of my countdown to retirement.
These are the final days, and it seems like a bit of a dream.
I own a Santa Cruz OM made with old growth Brazilian rosewood and an Adirondack spruce top that was built in 1996. This guitar is stiffly built and has taken a very long time to open up, but recently open up it has. Less bright with more overtones, and there is a lot more warmth and resonance going on. The wait was worth the wait. Interesting to note how the guitar "wakes-up" and opens up every day when I pick it up and begin to play.
This guy Dan came into my friend's guitar shop with some old growth Brazilian to be re-sawn. It was rather heavy and dense, but the tap tone was very metalic and deep. Dan is a finger style player so the guitar that was built was not well suited for Dan's style of playing.
I tend to dig in and play a guitar like a piano and horn so this guitar is well suited for me. Now I can't live without it. I know this guitar when it was just planks of wood that needed to be "bookmatched." Now this guitar is 25 years old and Dan did not own it long before I tracked it down and acquired it. Pretty sure that back in 1996 that Santa Cruz did not have a 1934-OM model like the do now. The upcharge for old growth Brazilian is $10K alone.
So it seems my speculation on old growth wood is correct. If I want to pay the premium for old growth wood that the wood for a carved back guitar is not presently available, so now I'm looking into a same size guitar that is basically a flat-top without a carved back like a jazz guitar. Anyways pretty much I'm designing a custom guitar that will be an heirloom.
I'm speculating on a rather limited supply of old growth wood.
My playing every day seems to be paying off. I'm advancing at a nice pace... Concepts that were beyond my grasp are now being intergrated and understood.
Cal
These are the final days, and it seems like a bit of a dream.
I own a Santa Cruz OM made with old growth Brazilian rosewood and an Adirondack spruce top that was built in 1996. This guitar is stiffly built and has taken a very long time to open up, but recently open up it has. Less bright with more overtones, and there is a lot more warmth and resonance going on. The wait was worth the wait. Interesting to note how the guitar "wakes-up" and opens up every day when I pick it up and begin to play.
This guy Dan came into my friend's guitar shop with some old growth Brazilian to be re-sawn. It was rather heavy and dense, but the tap tone was very metalic and deep. Dan is a finger style player so the guitar that was built was not well suited for Dan's style of playing.
I tend to dig in and play a guitar like a piano and horn so this guitar is well suited for me. Now I can't live without it. I know this guitar when it was just planks of wood that needed to be "bookmatched." Now this guitar is 25 years old and Dan did not own it long before I tracked it down and acquired it. Pretty sure that back in 1996 that Santa Cruz did not have a 1934-OM model like the do now. The upcharge for old growth Brazilian is $10K alone.
So it seems my speculation on old growth wood is correct. If I want to pay the premium for old growth wood that the wood for a carved back guitar is not presently available, so now I'm looking into a same size guitar that is basically a flat-top without a carved back like a jazz guitar. Anyways pretty much I'm designing a custom guitar that will be an heirloom.
I'm speculating on a rather limited supply of old growth wood.
My playing every day seems to be paying off. I'm advancing at a nice pace... Concepts that were beyond my grasp are now being intergrated and understood.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I started packing up some equipment and supplies that will go back to the main campus. Lots of high dollar precision valves, Swagelock fittings, stainless steel hardware, and hand tools. As I leave not much is getting left behind.
After the afternoon run I will turn off a Cryo pump, let it warm up for hours, and then turn it back on before I leave so it will be operational tomorrow. A slacker's job that requires me to stay late today, but leave early Thursday and or Friday.
I learned that as we age eventually we will all eventually get Cat-R-acts. "Maggie's proceedures cost about $10K more than what Medicare will pay (Laser, special lenses, getting rid of an astigmatism...). Good thing I have that money set aside in a Heath Spending Account already. The health inssurance being offered to me in retirement from my employer is one of those high deductible plans that allows for a HSA which is built with tax differed money.
"No one ever got rich by paying taxes," they say.
Cal
After the afternoon run I will turn off a Cryo pump, let it warm up for hours, and then turn it back on before I leave so it will be operational tomorrow. A slacker's job that requires me to stay late today, but leave early Thursday and or Friday.
I learned that as we age eventually we will all eventually get Cat-R-acts. "Maggie's proceedures cost about $10K more than what Medicare will pay (Laser, special lenses, getting rid of an astigmatism...). Good thing I have that money set aside in a Heath Spending Account already. The health inssurance being offered to me in retirement from my employer is one of those high deductible plans that allows for a HSA which is built with tax differed money.
"No one ever got rich by paying taxes," they say.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Today is "Day 6" of the countdown.
I was just minding my own business when my friend Dan the dancer from the Peekskill train station sends me a casting call for two staged staged reading at the Paramount Theater before Christmas.
Devil Christian says he can see me on the stage. He also says the way I shoot on the street is kinda performative.
I say, "Just because I'm a character, does not translate into me being an actor." But I know I'm a Drama Queen...
I'm kinda with Woody Allen, think Anne Hall when he gets all sick before a TV appearance, the best part of performing is when it is over. The blinding spotlights, the crowds, and all that anxiety makes me sick. Just what I need is another job, LOL.
Problem is that trying to be a lazy-slacker is a hard job. All these people try to manipulate me and make me do things I don't really want to do.
"Maggie" got the book contract from the publisher. It is going through her literary agent's legal department now. A surprise is that some publisher bought the four-N rights for digital, audio, and print in Russia.
Snarky Joe says that I have the potential to be successful in anything I do, and all I want to do is be a successful lazy-slacker.
Cal
I was just minding my own business when my friend Dan the dancer from the Peekskill train station sends me a casting call for two staged staged reading at the Paramount Theater before Christmas.
Devil Christian says he can see me on the stage. He also says the way I shoot on the street is kinda performative.
I say, "Just because I'm a character, does not translate into me being an actor." But I know I'm a Drama Queen...
I'm kinda with Woody Allen, think Anne Hall when he gets all sick before a TV appearance, the best part of performing is when it is over. The blinding spotlights, the crowds, and all that anxiety makes me sick. Just what I need is another job, LOL.
Problem is that trying to be a lazy-slacker is a hard job. All these people try to manipulate me and make me do things I don't really want to do.
"Maggie" got the book contract from the publisher. It is going through her literary agent's legal department now. A surprise is that some publisher bought the four-N rights for digital, audio, and print in Russia.
Snarky Joe says that I have the potential to be successful in anything I do, and all I want to do is be a successful lazy-slacker.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Today is "Day-3" in my retirement countdown.
It is really dawning on me how the commute into the city has worn me down over the past year. The time went fast, but then again much of my time was consumed by work and my commute.
Now suddenly that will all change by Thanksgiving, and I will have all that time for myself and "Maggie."
Currently Maggie is experiencing chills and sweats because yesterday at 5:00 PM she got a Moderna booster.
Everyone is different but other than a sore shoulder I had no side effects from the Phiser vaccine and booster.
So I just bought a used Santa Cruz Model "F" that was built in 2011. It is spec out as a 1929 version that has mahogany back, sides and top. Mahogany has a throaty voice and a Model F is considered a "mini-jumbo" with tapered bracing for a balance sound. This guitar is very well suited for "fingerstyle" playing without a flat pick, and this seems to be where I'm going with my playing. Pretty much my ambition is to be a solo player/performer.
Interesting to note that although this guitar has the spart-N 1929 spec that basically is a very un-ornate working man's guitar, that basically it is built by the "Leica" of flat-top guitars Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz builds about 600 guitars a year and there is no compromise in quality. They even use old growth wood, but this gets mucho costly...
I am pleased that my 1929 Model F has figured mahogany a $1.2K upgrade on the body, a $400.00 upgrade on the top, and features flamed Koa bindings on the body that is a $550.00 upgrade.
So call me a flashy guy, and of course this is an unusual guitar of a model they began producing in 1979, but it seems like the price I'm getting it at that basically I'm getting all the upgrades for free. If I ordered this guitar today I would have to wait a year for it to be built, and the price today would be more than double the price I paid. Also know that this "F" not only was once a custom order, but it is also the same guitar and upgrades I would order. Somehow I saved thousands of dollars.
How did that happen? Divine intervention?
Know that Santa Cruz since 1979 has built only 8 Model F's built to 1929 spec's. Evidently this one was custom ordered with some expensive upgrades. Generally the 1929 spec is utilized on smaller guitars like: 000, 00, and 0. The 0 and 00 (double O) are considered "parlor-guitars" that were the rage back in the Victorian era. The 000 was considered a concert size, and the 0, 00, and 000 were all 12-fret guitars, whil my "F" is a 14 fret guitar.
Kinda funny that I bought this as my retirement present. Unselfishly I have to get the house done before I can print and engage myself into photography again. In fact I have to build out my studio and darkroom, so the guitar is a con-cell-ation prize of sorts to pursue in the meantime.
This purchase mirrors me buying the 2015 Audi A4 with 15K miles on it. I got what I needed at a bargain price used. The Baby-Victorian was another find. In the end I both saved and made money. Evidently no added value was made for all the custom upgrades.
So an very interesting transition is underway. Calvin-August, the Lazy-Slacker, is emerging.
Calvin-August
It is really dawning on me how the commute into the city has worn me down over the past year. The time went fast, but then again much of my time was consumed by work and my commute.
Now suddenly that will all change by Thanksgiving, and I will have all that time for myself and "Maggie."
Currently Maggie is experiencing chills and sweats because yesterday at 5:00 PM she got a Moderna booster.
Everyone is different but other than a sore shoulder I had no side effects from the Phiser vaccine and booster.
So I just bought a used Santa Cruz Model "F" that was built in 2011. It is spec out as a 1929 version that has mahogany back, sides and top. Mahogany has a throaty voice and a Model F is considered a "mini-jumbo" with tapered bracing for a balance sound. This guitar is very well suited for "fingerstyle" playing without a flat pick, and this seems to be where I'm going with my playing. Pretty much my ambition is to be a solo player/performer.
Interesting to note that although this guitar has the spart-N 1929 spec that basically is a very un-ornate working man's guitar, that basically it is built by the "Leica" of flat-top guitars Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz builds about 600 guitars a year and there is no compromise in quality. They even use old growth wood, but this gets mucho costly...
I am pleased that my 1929 Model F has figured mahogany a $1.2K upgrade on the body, a $400.00 upgrade on the top, and features flamed Koa bindings on the body that is a $550.00 upgrade.
So call me a flashy guy, and of course this is an unusual guitar of a model they began producing in 1979, but it seems like the price I'm getting it at that basically I'm getting all the upgrades for free. If I ordered this guitar today I would have to wait a year for it to be built, and the price today would be more than double the price I paid. Also know that this "F" not only was once a custom order, but it is also the same guitar and upgrades I would order. Somehow I saved thousands of dollars.
How did that happen? Divine intervention?
Know that Santa Cruz since 1979 has built only 8 Model F's built to 1929 spec's. Evidently this one was custom ordered with some expensive upgrades. Generally the 1929 spec is utilized on smaller guitars like: 000, 00, and 0. The 0 and 00 (double O) are considered "parlor-guitars" that were the rage back in the Victorian era. The 000 was considered a concert size, and the 0, 00, and 000 were all 12-fret guitars, whil my "F" is a 14 fret guitar.
Kinda funny that I bought this as my retirement present. Unselfishly I have to get the house done before I can print and engage myself into photography again. In fact I have to build out my studio and darkroom, so the guitar is a con-cell-ation prize of sorts to pursue in the meantime.
This purchase mirrors me buying the 2015 Audi A4 with 15K miles on it. I got what I needed at a bargain price used. The Baby-Victorian was another find. In the end I both saved and made money. Evidently no added value was made for all the custom upgrades.
So an very interesting transition is underway. Calvin-August, the Lazy-Slacker, is emerging.
Calvin-August
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
My new Santa Cruz Model F has been shipped. Mucho excited. In the 1929 style spec the braces are hot glued for a glassy hard connection that adds in some articulation and brightnes, but the braces are also scalloped. Normally a F has "tapered braces" but the video of some finger picking playing suggests that scalloped braces were utilized because the guitar is so responsive.
I'll see...
"Don't tell Maggie."
Cal
I'll see...
"Don't tell Maggie."
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Today is "Day-2" on my retirement countdown.
I'm excited about the expected Friday delivery of the "Big-Hog" Santa Cruz Model "F" with ma-HOG-any body, top, and neck.
I'm still trying to see if I can get an old growth mahogany neck blank so I can get yet another flat-top acoustic made of all old growth woods. Not sure if I want an OM grand or another Model F...
I figure we now have begun to live in the "age of shortages."
In conversation with Devil Christian I mentioned how we have around 7 billion people in the world, and how there is not enough resources to sustain our population; then Devil Christian makes the point that there actually enough resources to be sustainable, but not at a western developed country manner. Basically there are not enough resources that everyone on the planet can elevate themselves to western standards.
With Christian's point well taken I had mentioned that some futurists have predicted a population adjustment, and the predictable outcomes are: World War; Pandemic; Genocide; Famine; and Destruction of Habitat.
A few years ago Photoville framed and tied things together visually where they connected the dots in a powerful way; where global warming and climate change caused famine that led to civil wars, then to a refugee crisis. Part of this turmoil was starvation and genocide.
As I reach my retirement (estimated that two thirds of Americans don't have enough money/resources to retire) in this week right before Thanksgiving I am made acutely aware that I have a lot to be thankful for, and sadly we live in a divide world where some benefit while others suffer.
You should know that I now eat red meat only occasionally and pretty much of my diet is plant based. I do my best to recycle, and I'm certainly an enviormentalist.
Anyways I know I don't need more guitars, but then again where can I store wealth, and my view has made guitars a commodity. Certainly getting another old growth guitar made for me has a envelope of time and opportunity. Then again I'm looking at the long-long term and sustainability. Precious resources will only become more costly. Glad I have hoarded a stockpile of cameras and glass.
Sadly I see clearly into the future. The age of scarcity has begun. BTW Globalism and "the age of disinflation" is over. Understand that shortages mean an under-supply and inflation. They are now predicting shortages well into 2022, but I say the shortages will persist well beyond that.
Cal
I'm excited about the expected Friday delivery of the "Big-Hog" Santa Cruz Model "F" with ma-HOG-any body, top, and neck.
I'm still trying to see if I can get an old growth mahogany neck blank so I can get yet another flat-top acoustic made of all old growth woods. Not sure if I want an OM grand or another Model F...
I figure we now have begun to live in the "age of shortages."
In conversation with Devil Christian I mentioned how we have around 7 billion people in the world, and how there is not enough resources to sustain our population; then Devil Christian makes the point that there actually enough resources to be sustainable, but not at a western developed country manner. Basically there are not enough resources that everyone on the planet can elevate themselves to western standards.
With Christian's point well taken I had mentioned that some futurists have predicted a population adjustment, and the predictable outcomes are: World War; Pandemic; Genocide; Famine; and Destruction of Habitat.
A few years ago Photoville framed and tied things together visually where they connected the dots in a powerful way; where global warming and climate change caused famine that led to civil wars, then to a refugee crisis. Part of this turmoil was starvation and genocide.
As I reach my retirement (estimated that two thirds of Americans don't have enough money/resources to retire) in this week right before Thanksgiving I am made acutely aware that I have a lot to be thankful for, and sadly we live in a divide world where some benefit while others suffer.
You should know that I now eat red meat only occasionally and pretty much of my diet is plant based. I do my best to recycle, and I'm certainly an enviormentalist.
Anyways I know I don't need more guitars, but then again where can I store wealth, and my view has made guitars a commodity. Certainly getting another old growth guitar made for me has a envelope of time and opportunity. Then again I'm looking at the long-long term and sustainability. Precious resources will only become more costly. Glad I have hoarded a stockpile of cameras and glass.
Sadly I see clearly into the future. The age of scarcity has begun. BTW Globalism and "the age of disinflation" is over. Understand that shortages mean an under-supply and inflation. They are now predicting shortages well into 2022, but I say the shortages will persist well beyond that.
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
Cal,
Agree where the planet is headed and some adjustments may indeed come about. Also agree about gathering up items you want cheaply and keeping them. Something you might find interesting as a Technika/Kardon Color Guy, I just pulled the trigger for a 500mm Schneider Tele-Xenar. Many use this on the 5x7 Technikas. This one will go on one of my 5x7 Sinar Normas. It might fit the 4x5 Technikas.....
When I retired a friend of mine out in Vancouver told me "Go Full Sail". I'm quite sure you will be doing so, but he's right. Crazy is Good. Over The Top, Well Yes, Exactly. Stay in touch and enjoy your newfound freedom
-Devil Dan
Agree where the planet is headed and some adjustments may indeed come about. Also agree about gathering up items you want cheaply and keeping them. Something you might find interesting as a Technika/Kardon Color Guy, I just pulled the trigger for a 500mm Schneider Tele-Xenar. Many use this on the 5x7 Technikas. This one will go on one of my 5x7 Sinar Normas. It might fit the 4x5 Technikas.....
When I retired a friend of mine out in Vancouver told me "Go Full Sail". I'm quite sure you will be doing so, but he's right. Crazy is Good. Over The Top, Well Yes, Exactly. Stay in touch and enjoy your newfound freedom
-Devil Dan