NYC Journal

[Calzone]

Looks like the storm alert begins at 4:00 PM today till 6:00 PM tomorrow. 4-8 inches expected in the Tri-State area. Let’s see what happens in the Lower Hudson Valley. We have our own separate micro climate here.

Seems like we have time to do one of our daily hikes. The downhills really tighten up the quads, and of course the rocks and roots utilize balance skills.

Yesterday I found a twisty trail that made a nice loop. It must be a new trail that someone made that meanders. Not too steep, rooty or eroded. Pretty much just what I need and ideal.

My goal to spend mucho time in the saddle to pump a lot of blood gets compromised by the “Maggie” maintenance I do with her. Realistically this girl friend maintenance burns time and is only a warmup for me.

There are some tricks like riding a bike without a saddle, where you ride standing to develop strength. This is an old mountain biking trick that some racers are said to use. Perhaps this could work for me. Then I could just do a single speed as a disadvantage.

When I went crazy thinking about buying AJ’s Cannondale Scalpel with the Fox 34 step-cast fork, in talking with Maggie she understood how I need some rigor to my workouts for my personal fitness. I thought we could come home from the Empire State Trailway, and then I could go hammer at Blue Mountain. I ended up negotiating perhaps one or two times a week where I can go off on my own.

She indicated and pointed to the Empire State Trailway, and she does not like the idea of mountain biking. Hmmm… Long rides that could be 6-7 hours, might great. Just what I need. Might I be able to do two rides a week longer than a century on railroad grades? Actually nice and safe, and not so hard.

While heading into the woods on a hot day with high humidity is kinda dumb, pretty much I have the body type that is built for the tropics. I sweat profusely, but I’m really resistant to heat exhaustion. Basically I have a small thin body. In winters the cold slows me down, and my energy levels drop. I get cold easily, and in winter I suffer.

My identity as a bike bum who lives to ride is emerging. Pretty much my riding will be the highlight of my day. I love to feel relaxed and feel the afterglow of endorphins. Pretty much it is said to be kinda like a Heroin high.

Pretty much I am built for climbing, where I have a high strength to weight ratio. I do well with intervals and can really accelerate rapidly and suddenly in a violent manner. Genetically I have mucho fast twitch muscles that are designed for speed.

My body size also is built for endurance and long rides. I do well in sustained efforts that are long.

A 1x11 with bigger jumps between gears with less gearing is also a way to make efforts harder. Kinda funny how disadvantages can be harnessed to make an advantage.

My friend Dan, who was a dancer who was mentored by Bob Fosey, told me that Bob Fosey made his disadvantage into his strength, which is a powerful lesson.

In my guitar playing being steady and keeping rhythm is my weakness. Perhaps I should learn to play drums is an idea. Jaco Pastoris initially was a drummer before being a bass player. The Piano player who made “Compare To What” a classic Jazz Accident initially was a drummer.

Anyways it seems like a great idea to make your weakness your strength. BTW sprinters have very big powerful builds. They require brute strength and power like a drag race car. That is not me. I am a skinny bitch built for a different kind of speed. Pretty much I have perhaps the ideal body to do epic rides that are mucho long.

I can see me doing a bit of a time trial, a race against the clock, where I ride from Yorktown by my house on the Empire State Trailway and ride about 60 miles north as an out and back for a 120 mile ride. If I gauge the distance I think it will take me across the Hudson Walkway across the river above Poughkeepsie.

Every week the goal would be to do the long out and back in less time as a kinda race against myself. A sustained effort of sorts racing against myself and a clock. This is my style of riding. The endorphins high is mighty pleasant.

What an ideal life…

I think I will set up my Ti Basso Road bike with my racing wheels. I have it set up with 8-speed first generation XTR mountain bike shifters on a Ti straight bar. The rest of the drivetrain is Dura-Ace. This bike perhaps only weighs 16 pounds. The old XTR shifters are overbuilt, mucho strong, and a bit porky, but they shift so nice.

This bike pretty much has the cockpit set up as if a mountain bike instead of a drop bar. This suits me well because I tended to just ride the hoods on a drop bar anyways. The long leaning forward position suits me fine.

Anyways, I live in my daydreams, but pretty much my dreams come true because I’m retired. I have no time for BS.

Know that “Maggie” suffers from bouts of depression. Anxiety partially is the problem, but I wonder if writing also is a compounding factor. Pretty much sitting too much is unhealthy, and I know exercise not only moderates mood swings and quells anxiety, it also has some very serious health benefits, prevents a lot of risks related to aging and the aging process itself.

There is a pragmatic logic to my thinking. My obsessive thinking and behaviors are based on science, fact and statistics. I’m not kidding myself when saying I want quality of life. This is not just wishful thinking…

Biking once saved my life before when I was an anxious mess. I kid you not that my friend Iron Mike saved my life. I was a crazy, scary mess, on a self destructive path at the age of 32. I was so crazy that I got mistakenly diagnosed as a Manic-Depressive. I was such a mess that I could not even sleep.

I was a “scary” guy back then. Mucho crazy… Pretty ill…

Cal

 

[Calzone]

It would be an interesting journal to document my fitness journey with just a web site. I learned from my fitness journals that a journal keeps you steady and is a great feedback loop for progress.

I learned from “Maggie” that these platforms that are part of social media require lots of interaction and end up spiraling out of control. A web site can moderate a level of maintenance, time constraints, and commitment. Pretty much a much lower profile.

I think just presenting my OCD behaviors though my bikes could be a point of interest.

Photographing and even doing video’s could be done getting me involved in the visual arts again. Also know that since I’m a drama queen I could really make my fitness routine very performative. Sex sells, so I can promote my genes and my skinny bitch body.

I have said that pretty much I want to be remembered. I’m cool with promoting being a bit crazy. “Crazy is good,” I say, and it is better than being “extra-medium” or worse boring. No mediocrity for me. Of course this is the “Calzone” projection of identity that of course has the elements of over-the-top behavior.

Pretty much not a bad way to create a legacy. I think I easily could become at least a local legend. That part of me seems to be innate. I stand out in a crowd easily, and pretty much I get remembered. Why not harness this notability as an asset?

Of course I would avoid monetizing my work. I don’t want to live on a hamster wheel and get caught up with being a “Digital Influencer.” I’m cool with being an unpaid fitness model who is just promoting well being and not marketing anything. I don’t need the money.

Also know that the best situation is to just be yourself and protect just staying authentic. I don’t need any mass audience, and pretty much it is much better to have and maintain a “cult-following.”

As an artist pretty much I will present my body as a sculpture. I can use my writing skills, and basically I want to put my work out there. I think Snarky Joe is right, I basically can do anything well. Pretty much the only things I will be promoting is my lifestyle: bikes, guitars, visual arts, performance via persona; and promoting my new found retirement identity of recreating myself for perhaps optimistically the next 40-50 years.

Yes, I know that the odds are against me. I am a man, and statistically men have shorter lifespans than women, but then again I am a skinny bitch. I know that all the people who reside in the Blue Zones basically are lazy slackers in a way that don’t get swept into wasting time on BS. They are physically and socially active, and have a sense of place and purpose.

Realistically I could be alive 50 years from now. Anyways, it might be a bit judgemental, but I see so many people without purpose or meaning in their lives. Very sad. I don’t want to live in a world of mediocrity.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Today only 8 pull-ups.

”Maggie” says she needs structure in her life. She binge watches shows on Net Flic and often reads into the night in bed. Bedtimes for her are not regular at all.

I tend to go to bed at a regular time that only varies slightly, but pretty much I almost always get up at 6:00 AM. Science indicates that irregular sleeping habits are unhealthy, but try to tell or teach a woman with a PhD that. In fact sleep deprivation and irregular sleeping can be used as a form of torture.

Pretty much I get up with a sunrise in the summer, and in the winter I tend to go to bed earlier and sleep more, but I still get up at 6:00 AM every morning. No alarm clock needed/required.

I recognize the need for structure is right. Doing regular exercise daily is important, but I’m cool if I don’t do three sets of at least push ups or pullups. One set of each and I’m fine Just for maintenance.

It is interesting how regular I am, and perhaps how the chaos that is Maggie’s” life spills over into an irregularity in her everyday life.

I guess I also have to recognize that I am a bit of a news hound or news junkie. I forgot that I have a Masters in TV Broadcast Journalism and was trained as a TV journalist. This kinda fits well into what I do here, or have done here for over a decade and a half. This should also serve me well in doing a fitness journal online as a web site.

With a web site I can choose not interact with an audience. I’d rather be riding my bike and live with my personal challenges.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

I figure on the days I can’t do 9 pull-ups that I will do three maxed sets. Only could do 8 today, but yesterday did 9. Already did a second set of 7, and next I should be able to do another six.

Pretty much it is cold out, and “Maggie” decided to walk into the downtown which is a 2 mile walk each way. She says the climbing, especially the downhills, when hiking, tightens up things a bit much and level ground would be a better alternative. Meanwhile I need to pump some blood.

Decided to borrow Maggie’s yoga mat to protect the hallway carpet from my sweat. I moved the Concept 2 rowing machine into the hallway. The front porch is enclosed but cold. The ERG makes me sweat a lot, can be a strength workout, but today I need time just pumping blood and burning calories.

If I want to do at least one ride in excess of 100 miles per week when the weather turns milder, I need to have some cardio base. The ERG uses a squirrel fan to make progressive resistance. I can cruise along, or I can do intervals. With an ERG the harder you pull, the more the resistance. There is a opening damper that has ten stages of resistance. I’ll set it at 5, but will work towards 6 and then 7.

The thing with rowing is that it not only uses large muscle groups, it also uses most of your bodies muscles. Also gentle on the joints. My Concept 2 I bought from a researcher PhD through a Tri-Instatutional advertisement. Pretty much this guy spent over $1K on the machine, didn’t use it, and sold it to me for $300.00. It was basically new and unused when I got it.

This was the same rowing machine that the U.S. Olympic Team uses to train on. The newer version is the same mechanically, but the electronics are set up for competing and racing using the Internet. Pretty much a feature I will never use or need.

An interesting story is that 13 years ago I gave it away because our luxury apartment in Madhattan had a gym. John, “Maggie’s” brother ended up giving it away to the younger sister who is a licensed professional trainer, then I asked for it back. Figure that it might be 20 years ago that I bought the Concept 2 for $300.00.

Pretty much had to oil the motorcycle like chain, put in a fresh battery, and resecure the seat. The battery compartment somehow was lost, but when I contacted Concept 2 about buying a replacement cover, they simply sent me a new one.

This ERG is good to go for many more decades. I like playing a CD when I row. 40 minutes to an hour means lots of calories burned, lots of blood pumping, and mucho sweating. Pretty much a good soak In my own sweat. I need the yoga mat to protect the carpet.

I’ll do the third set of 6 more pull-ups, then wait for Maggie to head to the downtown so I can play a CD and work out. Likely will have to moderate with the intensity to get a long enough time in.

Pretty sure my strength exercising will benefit. Good cardio means and translates into a faster recovery. I want to be ready for long rides in the spring. Maybe I could do more than one long ride in excess of 100 miles a week. Also pretty much this will ensure higher speeds than say a sustained 15 MPH by myself. Remember the Empire State Trailway is a series of converted railroad grades. Any incline is rather gradual…

Rowing will certainly make me more fit, faster, and stronger. A great way to build endurance. Know that I kinda identify as an endurance athlete, rather than a racer. Just using what I already own and have. I did wise by buying quality that has durability and legs.

BTW AJ thinks I’m kinda ripped already. That’s just muscle tone and bulk. I’m not really fit at all.

Moving forward in my dream… Getting serious…

Cal

 

[Calzone]

A surprise was that in my 3rd set of pull-ups I was able to do another 8. Pretty much better technic and harnessing the momentum of the initial pull upwards. Hmmm.

I did a short 20 minute row. Another surprise is my average time for each 1500 meter was 233.9 which is kinda agressive. Know that generally I like to keep a pace just under 2:30 for a 1500 time average, so my pace was not so far off. To give a gauge of effort I burned 211 calories in those 20 minutes, and if I sustained that pace for an hour I would have burned over 611 calories according to the ERG’s computer.

600 calories an hour on a bike would be kinda fast.

So photographically related, the mind wanders with the increased blood flow. The song ”Compared To What” has been used a lot in Hip-Hop, and our friend Ignacio, not only is part of that culture in the Bronx, but also has mucho digital files of documenting Hip-Hop.

The idea would be to collaborate and edit a book. I would make a small limited edition. Iggy really captured the history there, and it is mucho important. Here is the thing. Iggy shot in JPEG’s so the file size is limiting on print size. I guess big files were a no-no because Ignacio shot mucho shots, so file size had to be limited.

I’m cool with doing and promoting an artist’s work, especially when I see the value. Editing of course will be nightmarish, but then again I love challenges, even if impossible. Anyways an inspiring thought that kinda jumps the shark because I don’t know if and when I’ll get my digital studio up and running again, but this would be a great project. I really take pride in being a good fine art B&W printer, and my book making skills also.

I think the work Ignacio did is mucho important, especially since he is also a DJ, making himself an insider. A pretty significant body of work here that pretty much is under the radar.

I’m eating a smoked salmon sandwich on toast. I need the protien. Will make another one. Had 4 eggs with only one yoke in a fried motza with scallion for breakfast.

The 20 minute row was just a warm up. I’ll see if I can do a second 20 minutes (likely) or even a 40 minute non-stop row. Pretty much not too much effort, but it would be nice to burn more than 600 calories in an hour.

The universe I live in is pretty nice. The 2024 planner I bought yesterday serves as a training journal. I’m already seeing great results. The thing with rowing is that the seat is hard plastic and takes a few sessions to get used to. The sweating is not so bad because the house is cool, but even from the 20 minutes of rowing I see the tone getting cut deeper in my torso. More motivation…

Time for that second sandwich and another row.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

The second row only was for another 20 minutes, slightly slower, but enough to burn 198 calories.

I feel kinda “zoned” out. Feeling really relaxed and there is some muscle tightening I feel and can visually see.

Why have I ignored the Concept 2? Unlike biking you really can’t coast to rest. A tough workout for sure, but that is what I need.

My nose is running, and I’m cohosted. Time for another Covid test.

Seems unlikely for snow to happen in Peekskill today. The low is expected to be 34 degrees. Freezing weather is expected Sunday though. Let’s see.

This year we bought the Farmer’s Almanac. Lots of insight and information. An interesting POV anyways.

The Almanac surely will enable some of my speculations. I hope for a long growing season.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

My second Covid test is negative.

The humidity in my Baby-Victorian is only 35%. Dry air irritation from rowing I figure.

Made some sauce with sausage and ground beef that was the remainder of frozen excess from my pre-Christmas cooking. Making baked Ziti.

Part of and perhaps the reason for fitness is eating good.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Snow is accumulating. The temperature must be colder than reported by the weather. So far just about an inch.

I discovered that my friend Craig, the tree surgeon, went to high school with “Maggie” and her family.

Like I say, “The world is not that big.”

I found out because Maggie’s brother called from North Carolina for happy birthday wishes. In conversation I mention Craig, and Maggie’s brother asked about his last name, and it was a friend he competed against in cross country racing in high school. Craig evidently almost married Maggie’s best friend from high school.

Did a set of pushups just to finish the day. I know I’ll sleep good tonight.

Tomorrow is a snow bound day. I’ll do more rowing, and see what I can do.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

About 4 inches of snow, later expected rain. The snow appears to be wet and heavy. Just enough snow to be pretty.

My neighbor used his snow blower to do my 20x24 foot driveway. Technically I could manage owning 4 cars: two in the driveway; and two in the garage. The City of Peekskill does not allow street parking where I live between December 1st to April 1st.

Some stiffness and even soreness from yesterday. All that was needed was a bit of heating pad on the lower back and I’m good to do more work. With the rowing I extended my stroke before settling in. I stretched and utilized muscles that lay dormant. Good to use various exercises to be rounded out.

I’ll see what I can do today. I feel and look younger in my body, but I have the almost all grey chin beard, creases, and jowling of an old man.

I’m already with spring fever.

Rain expected later in the week.

Cal

 

[Nokton48]

New 8x10 Kodak Basket Line Installed 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Devil Cal,

Here I have loaded my four 8x10 Kodak Tanks into my Kreonite Plate Making Sink. I ran extra 2x4's under the sink to support the extra heavy weight of the filled tanks. On the right front, you can see my washing tank, fully filled and overflow running. I think I will filter that line. FINALLY after long long searching, I just acquired a third 8x10 Kodak Floating Lid. Question: Do you have the Kodak Tank Lid Covers? I will use heavy Saran Wrap on mine until I can find some. Going to mix up 17 liters of Stock Straight D23, which I will Replenish with (I think) D25 Replenisher. Stop is a no brainer, what about fix? Well I ordered this morning 2 Gallons of TF-4 from B&H, free shipping. That will make 8 gallons of stock TF-4. Photo Flo I will do in an 8x10 tray with distilled from the Grocery. D23 is classic deep tank dev, cheapo as u can get. I do have a Kodak Bullet Safelight suspended from ceiling, modded by me, red Lowes LED 3W inside, Kodak OC Deep Red means -double safe- safelight for Ortho film inspection.

You got lids? Is so U are LUCKY dog. Happy New Year


Devil Dan

 

[Calzone]

Devil Dan,

I am a lucky dog. Rough-ruff.

Three out of 4 tanks have lids, and I believe one has the floater also for the developer.

The bad is one 3 gallon hard rubber tank has holes drilled to be a wash tank. Oh-well

I still need another tank if I want to dip and dunk using Diafine.

You are wise to reinforce that sink. Those Kodak hard rubber tanks are brutally heavy. Very deceiving, and pretty much like a full sized car battery. Even heavy empty.

The D-23 sounds like the way to go. When I worked at the hospital they basically were going to demo a 10-12 story research building full of labs. I “recycled” and “liberated” mucho equipment that would of ended up in a landfill. I even have a small glovebox to mix my developer, triple beam scale, ultrasonic tank, magnetic stirring hot plates, and of course mucho beakers and lab glassware like a few 2 liter graduated cylinders. Think Fisher Scientific Catalog…

My darkroom will resemble a research lab. I wonder why? LOL.

Then I have three “Doctor’s” stools. This should help with the lack of ceiling height that you enjoy.

I think I will build my darkroom as free standing. I have an idea of laminating rigid foam with plywood to make insulated Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s) that would be a homebrew. I would stagger the plywood long edge for overlap.

Our friend Landrew gave me a really great viewing booth. He gifted me, but this thing is crazy expensive. Now I can’t live without it. Pretty much has “You suck factor.”

Three years of storage in my basement is a long time. I have darkroom fever. You are no help. LOL.

I also have warehoused in the basement enough ELFA modular shelving to equip a Container Store display.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

”Maggie” says an article in the Washington Post should be coming out today about senior Digital Influencers. She was interviewed and will be featured. Her spin is how it really isn’t what people think.

She also brought to the attention of the journalist of how a African American Digital Influencer friend of hers got some of the same gigs as her, but was paid less. Pretty much brought out the income inequity, and gave the journalist her friend’s contact information, who then also was interviewed.

Maggie also is critical of journalists who basically seem lazy and ask pretty much for research and studies that offer support. Basically almost like, “Can you do my job for me?” Mucho lame. How lazy is that?

Not picking on just one, but a few journalists that roll this way. WTF? Again lame. The other journalist Maggie complains about works for the New York Times. ”Am-MITT-ture hour,” I say.

Seems like the weather broke early. The storming is done. Going for a walk, but not in the woods.

Cal

 

[MrFujicaman]

Happy Birthday Cal..I almost forgot !

 

[pyeh]

Yes, Happy Birthday Cal!

 

[Calzone]

Many thanks.

On our walk today we ran into Craig. This was after “Maggie” learned that she went to high school with Craig. Today was a face to face introduction. Evidently Craig back in the day was pretty crazy. LOL.

He will be coming over to our house Thursday. Chris, Maggie’s old high school friend, will be stopping by. Chris and Craig back in high school were expected to get married.

Did you know that both Elvis and Jesus were both Capricorns like me?

I’m mixing up my fitness routine. Yesterday was kinda full body workout, and today a mild day of a walk/hike. We went into the woods a bit.

Roasting a half chicken on the grill, cooking chic peas to roast. I think spinach on the side. Perhaps some fried peas if I have some in the freezer. A lite dinner.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

BTW being a Capricorn your birthday often gets forgotten. At this point no big deal.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

“Kirkus” is some big deal book reviewer that libraries, book buyers, and book stores use.

“Maggie” says it is the most important and the “Premier” reviewer that has the most credibility. In the review that was published today, I was flattered by the remark about the photography.

The book also received a great review. This should encourage book orders, and pretty much the Book Launch is March 12th at the New York Public Library.

On March 14th the U.K. Edition gets released.

On March 13th a 20 minute interview is scheduled for NBC news in NYC.

Last week on Amazon Maggie’s book was rated number one in the category of “Gerontology” (aging) and something like 186th in Memoir. The number one raking in Gerontology still stands, but now in Memoir she got bumped to number 80. Her goal was to move into the top 100, and that only took a week.

It is still early, but it is not an exaggeration that “How To Be Old” could be or might be a best seller. At this point Maggie dismisses the possibility. I know better, I feel the ground swell. I expect the unintended consequences of a frenzied, frenetic, and chaotic life this spring. This is not the life I want.

An interesting pitch would be a follow up book of photography that spans basically the decade of Accidental Icon. “I was just minding my own business,” I say. Pretty much the collaboration between Maggie and I, I do not really consider my work. I consider myself the “Incidental Photographer.” BTW I don’t consider myself a fashion photographer.

Maggie also says that I have no style, but I say “no-style” is my style, and no matter what I wear “I look cool,” I say. How cool is that?

BTW because I’m cool enough to wear anything, including rags, this annoys Maggie to a great degree. Mucho annoying.

Last night in my neighborhood there was an emergency. We saw a fire truck, an ambulance, and the Fire Chief’s SUV at my diagonal neighbor’s house.

This morning we learned that Ed had an ear infection right before he got Covid from his one year old son who is in daycare. The worry last night was that it was a stroke. Know that Ed is a big guy. Pretty much the dizziness and other symptoms were due to loss of equilibrium, and not a stroke. Ed is in his late 30’s.

I pulled out a frozen tray of Lasagna with layers of sausage as a gift of comfort to my dear neighbor and his family. What a scare. Pretty much just sharing love, but know I still have one frozen tray left. I also made two trays of baked Ziti with a gallon bag of cooked, simmered in sauce sausages, to serve on the side. Mucho tender sausages.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

“Maggie” and I are wondering about doing a book proposal. A possible title is “New/Old.”

Pretty much about our lifestyle change, what we do, and why we do things.

Pretty much she has a huge big-time literary agent, so the “Gate-Keeping” I experienced in the past will no longer exist. Finally the MFA in Creative Writing I got in 2005 at the New School might get fully utilized.

Anyways, perhaps a bit more than a passing thought. Still a bit early, because I expect a busy spring because of Maggie’s book launch.

First things first.

Next week a recording studio for 3-days to do an audio book. Nice thing is we don’t have to venture into NYC. The producer accommodated us by asking about a location, and pretty much not far away in Rockland county.

I decided to pull out the rowing machine for today. My goal is a long row of at least an hour. Might have to slow down a bit, but that is the key to going fast and hard: long-slow distance. Just really want to pump blood for a sustained period. This does the most good.

I love my boring life.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

So far just a 20 minute row. Started slower, but then stepped into my pace. Ended up even doing a 30 second interval all out for strength at the 17 minute mark. Used the last 2 1/2 minutes as a cool down.

The strength training I have performed via pushups and pull-ups displayed a remarkable 1500 average meter speed, but only sustained for 30 seconds. Kinda mucho crazy. More power than I expected, and I’m only started.

Might try to do another 20 minutes…

Might throw around the 30 pound dumbbells and the kettlebell. I‘m finding that it is best to vary my routine and do something different every day.

Bad news is I had a pretty high income last year. I spent a lot of money, a lot of it going into house improvements and infrastructure like tools. Spent about $10K on just the two sheds. Then there was the upstairs bathroom, new fixtures…

Here is the thing: my Medicare premiums jumped up big time to bite me in the butt. This will cost me thousands. This year looks like a bit of austerity just because of my Medicare premiums. I’m talking about a monthly bill that is in the realm of a lease payment on a $100K car. Know that Medicare Premiums are based on a sliding scale based on income.

Ouch, and how rude. Next year they will come down to earth.

Anyways, I don’t have any remorse because I bought good stuff that is durable, and pretty much I was aware I was on a binge. A lot of heavy lifting got done, and I’m glad and happy with the results. I did not have a calculator to predict the big increase.

BTW I’m good with austerity.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

According o Lee, a publicist “Maggie” hired, Kirkus is known to be stingy with good reviews, and also they can be very harsh.

To get a good review is very good, but to get a flattering review is mucho special and exceptional.

Maggie says she is surprised the book was not sold to a publisher in Japan, but when I asked she mention that selling the book in Japan still could happen.

Still a lot of time. 65 more days till the book launch. A lot can happen…

Now Maggie thinks having a literary agent in CAA is a situation where she is the smallest fish in the pond. Privately, I don’t think that is so bad. It holds and brings a lot of clout, but understand that you don’t get the attention of the brighter bigger stars.

My belief is that everyone will be surprised. I think people in the publishing industry don’t really understand how even young people are afraid of aging and remaining relevant. The book is about growth, changing identity, and recreation.

If you go to a Barnes and Nobel and visit the memoir section, almost all the books are from celebrities. Many I suspect are ghost written. Something about someone ordinary and humble having an authentic voice: someone people can relate to that is like them.

I decided to concentrate on the kettlebell. Mine weighs 30 pounds, and I do this behind the head two arm press. A set is a count of 40. I still have to do my third set. When I can I need to get a heavier kettlebell. For strength I need more weight, perhaps 40-45 pounds. This press brings out the fingers under the pecks and cuts the shoulders.

With the rowing, I will try to extend the time, but it is always good to end with an all out sprint. If I can extend the time to almost 2 minutes to about 1:45 perhaps I could complete 1500 meters in a sprint.

I can tell I am strong just by the bulk of muscle and how it is cut, but as far as fitness goes I’m not good at all. No base, no capacity, and once I use my strength, I’m done. Not really an endurance athlete.

Not being harsh: being honest; yet humble.

Cal