Calzone
Gear Whore #1
DU,
Here in the U.S. about 2/3rds of Americans don’t have enough money saved to retire. Social Security is hardly enough.
I feel very lucky to have a sustainable path and life. Been living below my means for decades, and that is why I have a retirement. Never owned a new car, and somehow I see all these new cars around me that are likely leases.
People buy large homes here, mine is small.
Also our government does not promote public health and sponsors and subsidizes health care which is a big business.
I have the blessing and the curse of longevity. My dad who was poor, illiterate, and had a crappy life lived till 94, and by one longevity test it is predicted I will live to 111. This is based on family history, income, education, medical history…
It actually takes a lot of money to live long. A killer is stress, and this makes me worry about “Maggie” who basically creates hot messes, frenzies, and stress. I think this book publication is a turning point for her, but now she has arthritis, needs physical therapy, and needs to take better care of herself.
Pretty much I don’t need much to be happy. Kinda low maintenance, but Maggie is another story.
I finally convinced her that this year we need to grow more vegetables to have an even better diet. I do a lot of sweat equity for value added. Also I do almost all the cooking. I realize I need to cut down on bread and carbs, especially in the winter.
I figure I an a walking “Blue-Zone” destine to live past 100, Maggie’s mom also lived to 94, but she died from dementia. Both my parents died from heart disease. Maggie’s lifespan is predicted to be 106.
I could end up being the oldest man alive at some point. Could happen, but then again the way the world is I could be beaten to death, murdered, or killed by someone texting or using a cell phone while driving. You are kinda right: anything could happen.
I’m anxious to see how much muscle memory will occur after a long lay off from biking. I’m not so worried about me. I’m more concerned about Maggie. She is 4 years older than me, but much more unsettled.
Retirement is not an easy transition.
Cal
Here in the U.S. about 2/3rds of Americans don’t have enough money saved to retire. Social Security is hardly enough.
I feel very lucky to have a sustainable path and life. Been living below my means for decades, and that is why I have a retirement. Never owned a new car, and somehow I see all these new cars around me that are likely leases.
People buy large homes here, mine is small.
Also our government does not promote public health and sponsors and subsidizes health care which is a big business.
I have the blessing and the curse of longevity. My dad who was poor, illiterate, and had a crappy life lived till 94, and by one longevity test it is predicted I will live to 111. This is based on family history, income, education, medical history…
It actually takes a lot of money to live long. A killer is stress, and this makes me worry about “Maggie” who basically creates hot messes, frenzies, and stress. I think this book publication is a turning point for her, but now she has arthritis, needs physical therapy, and needs to take better care of herself.
Pretty much I don’t need much to be happy. Kinda low maintenance, but Maggie is another story.
I finally convinced her that this year we need to grow more vegetables to have an even better diet. I do a lot of sweat equity for value added. Also I do almost all the cooking. I realize I need to cut down on bread and carbs, especially in the winter.
I figure I an a walking “Blue-Zone” destine to live past 100, Maggie’s mom also lived to 94, but she died from dementia. Both my parents died from heart disease. Maggie’s lifespan is predicted to be 106.
I could end up being the oldest man alive at some point. Could happen, but then again the way the world is I could be beaten to death, murdered, or killed by someone texting or using a cell phone while driving. You are kinda right: anything could happen.
I’m anxious to see how much muscle memory will occur after a long lay off from biking. I’m not so worried about me. I’m more concerned about Maggie. She is 4 years older than me, but much more unsettled.
Retirement is not an easy transition.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
“Maggie” is sick with a stomach flu that has swept through the grand kids, then the mother and father of the kids.
So far I seem to be immune, but Maggie has been throwing up this morning and suffers chills.
I’m hoping I don’t catch this bug now from Maggie. My day begins with the grand daughter’s arrival around 6:15 AM.
I feel like I just got a fresh boob job because my chest is swollen and puffed up from yesterday’s strength training. Today’s workout will be doing other exercises and using other muscle groups. I try to vary things, but I try to do something every day.
So far my strength has advanced more than my cardio fitness.
Cal
So far I seem to be immune, but Maggie has been throwing up this morning and suffers chills.
I’m hoping I don’t catch this bug now from Maggie. My day begins with the grand daughter’s arrival around 6:15 AM.
I feel like I just got a fresh boob job because my chest is swollen and puffed up from yesterday’s strength training. Today’s workout will be doing other exercises and using other muscle groups. I try to vary things, but I try to do something every day.
So far my strength has advanced more than my cardio fitness.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Gold is making higher highs.
If this continues I suspect prices on other hard assets will follow like vintage guitars, old tube amps, and vintage cameras.
Central banks are stockpiling gold. This is the “smart money.”
I expect a breakout of sorts coming once a threshold is broken through. Perhaps in the $2.2K-$2.3 per ounce range.
One analyst suggests gold will go to $3.1K. Paper/Fiat currencies are not being expected to hold value when you think about the expected turmoil that will escalate the value of gold.
It also means the banksters are getting ready for future turmoil and volatility. Hold on…
This election year does not bold well for a bright future. Heads we loose: Tails we loose. A bit of a death spiral… A more crazy world built upon credit and debt. Debt is a very serious problem both here and abroad. BTW one way to get rid of debt or reduce it is inflation.
My debt load is small. A less than 3% 30 year mortgage and a student loan that is at 2.125% interest that is a record breaking low.
Cal
If this continues I suspect prices on other hard assets will follow like vintage guitars, old tube amps, and vintage cameras.
Central banks are stockpiling gold. This is the “smart money.”
I expect a breakout of sorts coming once a threshold is broken through. Perhaps in the $2.2K-$2.3 per ounce range.
One analyst suggests gold will go to $3.1K. Paper/Fiat currencies are not being expected to hold value when you think about the expected turmoil that will escalate the value of gold.
It also means the banksters are getting ready for future turmoil and volatility. Hold on…
This election year does not bold well for a bright future. Heads we loose: Tails we loose. A bit of a death spiral… A more crazy world built upon credit and debt. Debt is a very serious problem both here and abroad. BTW one way to get rid of debt or reduce it is inflation.
My debt load is small. A less than 3% 30 year mortgage and a student loan that is at 2.125% interest that is a record breaking low.
Cal
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
My oil furnace is getting serviced today.
I inquired about the durability of my system and the Crown furnace it is built around. Because it gets serviced every year it seems it is good ad new. No soot buildup. The lined chimney helps to have an efficient burn due to an improved draft.
The coils for the tankless hot water is a vulnerability, but the gasket usually goes south before the coils. When the gasket goes generally it is wise to also replace the coils.
Pretty much my heating system is a “one and done.” The manifold for my radiators I was told is a bit of a lost art.
I kinda love the cast iron radiators. They store a lot of heat and cycle less than baseboard heating. Reminds me that we live in an old house.
Anyways we don’t have a cheap heating system. Good to know that our heating system has legs.
Murph our oil service guy use to race circle track. He is 78 and still works because he likes it. He reports that they fell behind because they are short staffed with qualified workers.
It makes me think of how the economy is booming or really is it? Not sure quality of work is good, and how productive we can be during a tight labor market and a worker shortage. Somewhere there seems to be a false narrative.
I have heard this also elsewhere.
Cal
I inquired about the durability of my system and the Crown furnace it is built around. Because it gets serviced every year it seems it is good ad new. No soot buildup. The lined chimney helps to have an efficient burn due to an improved draft.
The coils for the tankless hot water is a vulnerability, but the gasket usually goes south before the coils. When the gasket goes generally it is wise to also replace the coils.
Pretty much my heating system is a “one and done.” The manifold for my radiators I was told is a bit of a lost art.
I kinda love the cast iron radiators. They store a lot of heat and cycle less than baseboard heating. Reminds me that we live in an old house.
Anyways we don’t have a cheap heating system. Good to know that our heating system has legs.
Murph our oil service guy use to race circle track. He is 78 and still works because he likes it. He reports that they fell behind because they are short staffed with qualified workers.
It makes me think of how the economy is booming or really is it? Not sure quality of work is good, and how productive we can be during a tight labor market and a worker shortage. Somewhere there seems to be a false narrative.
I have heard this also elsewhere.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I was checking the pricing on 1966 C-10’s and found a “survivor” like mine that was a barn find. A set of new tires to allow rolling around. Price $15K. This truck was being sold as not running.
I also found a Santa Cruz all mahogany Model “F” like my “HOG.” My hog has a more expensive Snakewood bindings. Bothe guitars are with 1929 appointments. The current one advertised is for sale has a price more than 50% more than I paid.
I bought the truck and the guitar about 2 years ago. Some of this is inflation, but some of this was buying a bargain.
Cal
I also found a Santa Cruz all mahogany Model “F” like my “HOG.” My hog has a more expensive Snakewood bindings. Bothe guitars are with 1929 appointments. The current one advertised is for sale has a price more than 50% more than I paid.
I bought the truck and the guitar about 2 years ago. Some of this is inflation, but some of this was buying a bargain.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The “turnkey” SP383 EFI crate engine with a T56 Super Magnum 6-speed is $21,420.85 at Karl Kustom. Free shipping, but a $120.00 fee for a lift-gate charge for a residential delivery.
Add in a Currie Ford 9 inch axel with 31 splines good for 600 HP for $3558.00 with free shipping and basically an entire brand new drivetrain for about $25K.
The turnkey package includes the engine tranny, EFI, engine computer, single belt accessory drive that also includes a compressor for A/C. Kinda plug and play.
The Ford 9 inch rear includes rear disc brakes and is a bolt into the factory mounts.
The engine has a 24 month or 50K mile warranty from Chevy. 450HP at 5.8K RPM and 436 foot pounds of torque at 4.8K RPM.
Kinda crazy what you can build, especially when compared to the price of a “bloated” new truck.
The T56 is a close ratio 4-speed with two overdrives. The overdrives are a 0.80 and a 0.63 so a rear axel would have perhaps a 4:11 rear for the close ratio 4-speed. This tranny is good for 700 HP.
All this is cost feasible. About half the price of any truck with any options. Basically about $40K which allows for $5K of upgrades or extras like perhaps the rest of the A/C, a new bench seat, and misc.
Cal
Add in a Currie Ford 9 inch axel with 31 splines good for 600 HP for $3558.00 with free shipping and basically an entire brand new drivetrain for about $25K.
The turnkey package includes the engine tranny, EFI, engine computer, single belt accessory drive that also includes a compressor for A/C. Kinda plug and play.
The Ford 9 inch rear includes rear disc brakes and is a bolt into the factory mounts.
The engine has a 24 month or 50K mile warranty from Chevy. 450HP at 5.8K RPM and 436 foot pounds of torque at 4.8K RPM.
Kinda crazy what you can build, especially when compared to the price of a “bloated” new truck.
The T56 is a close ratio 4-speed with two overdrives. The overdrives are a 0.80 and a 0.63 so a rear axel would have perhaps a 4:11 rear for the close ratio 4-speed. This tranny is good for 700 HP.
All this is cost feasible. About half the price of any truck with any options. Basically about $40K which allows for $5K of upgrades or extras like perhaps the rest of the A/C, a new bench seat, and misc.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Gold is making higher highs.
Something is brewing…
Cal
Something is brewing…
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Another higher high for gold in the pre-market.
Gold continues to ratchet upwards.
I saw the Valco/National amp I bought being offered at Rudy’s in Scarsdale for crazy money. All original from 1964 which are hard to find in that condition. Many-many have blown speakers that are now non original because owners “dime” the amp which eventually kills the speaker.
Pretty much this small amp now is a hard asset. At this point an all original is rare and hard to find. Consider that I bought this small amp just last year. The pricing is crazy, yet firm in this market.
A guitar dealer taught me a valuable lesson. When I tried to negotiate a better price on my behalf, Gary would say, “If you can find a cleaner example or one in the same condition at a lower price, I suggest you buy it.”
The point taken is the added value of good condition or originality ends up being worth the premium. The 1966 C-10 has that value, so really it is the best interest to keep it original as a “survivor.” Survivors and barn finds are rare.
The smart thing is to buy a repo speaker to beat up and enjoy the amp, then keep the original speaker separate for the collector’s Value. The speaker is a small Jenson that is available as a re-issue. No big deal f it eventually gets blown.
These old Valco’s are simple amps and are great to get that early Jimmy Page sound on Led Zeppelin 1. Heavy-heavy raw distortion from a class “A” amp being overdriven.
What I like about these small class “A” amps is the touch sensitivity and the dynamics. Know that you don’t have to “dime” the amp to get what I need. Dimeing only thickens the distortion.
When I get around to doing the head and getting the truck into daily driver condition on the road, I say the truck is worth $20K to the right buyer. This would include a new wood bed (about $1.5K in a kit in oak). With a good waxing it would be a good looking truck that shouts “SURVIVOR.”
It would be the kinda truck that gets notes left under the windshield wipers, “If you want to sell…” along with a phone number. This happened to my 1984 Jeep Scrambler a lot.
Hope “Maggie” is feeling better. It was reported that the nausea only lasts a day, then there is a headache. Let’s see. So far I seem immune.
Cal
Gold continues to ratchet upwards.
I saw the Valco/National amp I bought being offered at Rudy’s in Scarsdale for crazy money. All original from 1964 which are hard to find in that condition. Many-many have blown speakers that are now non original because owners “dime” the amp which eventually kills the speaker.
Pretty much this small amp now is a hard asset. At this point an all original is rare and hard to find. Consider that I bought this small amp just last year. The pricing is crazy, yet firm in this market.
A guitar dealer taught me a valuable lesson. When I tried to negotiate a better price on my behalf, Gary would say, “If you can find a cleaner example or one in the same condition at a lower price, I suggest you buy it.”
The point taken is the added value of good condition or originality ends up being worth the premium. The 1966 C-10 has that value, so really it is the best interest to keep it original as a “survivor.” Survivors and barn finds are rare.
The smart thing is to buy a repo speaker to beat up and enjoy the amp, then keep the original speaker separate for the collector’s Value. The speaker is a small Jenson that is available as a re-issue. No big deal f it eventually gets blown.
These old Valco’s are simple amps and are great to get that early Jimmy Page sound on Led Zeppelin 1. Heavy-heavy raw distortion from a class “A” amp being overdriven.
What I like about these small class “A” amps is the touch sensitivity and the dynamics. Know that you don’t have to “dime” the amp to get what I need. Dimeing only thickens the distortion.
When I get around to doing the head and getting the truck into daily driver condition on the road, I say the truck is worth $20K to the right buyer. This would include a new wood bed (about $1.5K in a kit in oak). With a good waxing it would be a good looking truck that shouts “SURVIVOR.”
It would be the kinda truck that gets notes left under the windshield wipers, “If you want to sell…” along with a phone number. This happened to my 1984 Jeep Scrambler a lot.
Hope “Maggie” is feeling better. It was reported that the nausea only lasts a day, then there is a headache. Let’s see. So far I seem immune.
Cal
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I checked EBAY pricing on my National 1210 amp and it seems that the crazy Rudy’s price is actually the going rate for original amps.
I decided to keep my amp with the original 2-prong cord, instead of upgrading to a grounded three-prong.
I bought my amp 33% below what they are going for now.
How much is this is inflation, and how much is collectibility?
Understand that Valco in Chicago made a Supro, Gretsch, Airline, Valco, and National amps using the same circuit, but with different cabinets for branding. Back in the day these were cheap amps.
A Fender Champ is a similar 5 watt Class “A” amp that now sells for many thousands. Know that the album by Derek and the Dominos “Layla An Other Love Songs” used this simple 5 watt amp in a recording studio to create that sound.
I speculate that these cheaper amps are now catching up. From a supply side there seems to be many that are still original, some have had the 3-prong cord mod.
Eventually this supply will dry up and prices will escalate even higher. Understand that the Fender Champ is better made.
Cal
I decided to keep my amp with the original 2-prong cord, instead of upgrading to a grounded three-prong.
I bought my amp 33% below what they are going for now.
How much is this is inflation, and how much is collectibility?
Understand that Valco in Chicago made a Supro, Gretsch, Airline, Valco, and National amps using the same circuit, but with different cabinets for branding. Back in the day these were cheap amps.
A Fender Champ is a similar 5 watt Class “A” amp that now sells for many thousands. Know that the album by Derek and the Dominos “Layla An Other Love Songs” used this simple 5 watt amp in a recording studio to create that sound.
I speculate that these cheaper amps are now catching up. From a supply side there seems to be many that are still original, some have had the 3-prong cord mod.
Eventually this supply will dry up and prices will escalate even higher. Understand that the Fender Champ is better made.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
“Maggie” is better but has a headache.
She has to rest this weekend. The fitting tomorrow needs to be canceled.
Today she will struggle through some interviews.
Cal
She has to rest this weekend. The fitting tomorrow needs to be canceled.
Today she will struggle through some interviews.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
A replacement Jenson 8 inch speaker is $114.99. They have a higher power rating now of 25 watts.
Hmmm…
Cal
Hmmm…
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
Devil Cal,
In Japan in 2017 the Hasselblad CFV16 Digital Back was introduced, for just a bit north of 15K. I pounced on mine recently, it was 2.5K. Glad I did cause Blad Collector/Users SNAP these up. So a good investment that came along after over a decades worth scanning on my radar. People seem to buy these, and then they keep them! Hmmm. And it gets me into a whole new realm of photography. Looks great too on my numbered and signed Dr. Hasselblad Anniversary version. Not something that comes up often. Keep building up and trim what you feel you can let go. Exercise the equipment. LOL
In Japan in 2017 the Hasselblad CFV16 Digital Back was introduced, for just a bit north of 15K. I pounced on mine recently, it was 2.5K. Glad I did cause Blad Collector/Users SNAP these up. So a good investment that came along after over a decades worth scanning on my radar. People seem to buy these, and then they keep them! Hmmm. And it gets me into a whole new realm of photography. Looks great too on my numbered and signed Dr. Hasselblad Anniversary version. Not something that comes up often. Keep building up and trim what you feel you can let go. Exercise the equipment. LOL
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
You did well. Those pixels are huge.
A friend Daryl taught me that the size of the pixel matters more than how many.
My old Leica Monochrom is still a great camera. I think it will have a cult following because it is the digital Leica that is most like a film camera, and also because it has a unique rendering. Pretty much it is a crude basic camera, and that it is why it so resembles shooting a film camera.
In my book a classic. Your Blad back is a cult classic for sure.
So here comes another one of my rants. LOL.
I’m not so sure “Maggie” is happy in the sich-E-A-tion she is in. Writing and publishing a book has its moments of glory, but they are not lasting, and then there is an expectation to continue this road or you kinda fade out and away.
Lot’s of disappointment, stress, and frenzies happen along the way. To me clearly not the road to happiness, but who am I to judge.
So over the past 3 years, I can be proud of the work I accomplished, even though technically I’m retired. Maggie seems to be in a rush, but that is not where I am. I want to do a good job, be thoughtful, and most of all be practical. When I say practical, I mean thinking long term, spending my money only once, not wasting money, and also saving money.
The work gets done in my own time, but I recognize the fruits of my labor that pays more attention to details and has a sense of refinement that at least I know is there. This work also is my work and enables me to save money which allows me to do more.
In the end I have something tangable, something that I accomplished alone without outside help or assistance. After three years the house displays this accomplishment, even though we had contractors to do the heavy lifting or because I did not have the necessary skills.
In the end there is a tangible gain, a value added, and a display of sorts that is highly visible. There is a clear path of results that are a permanent display, not a moment of glory.
This being a public figure is kinda fraught, a hamster wheel of sorts, that of course involves social media. Publishing a book involves a team of people and this leads to complications…
So now I realize that I am likely more happy than Maggie who is unsettled and remains so. For her there is all these outside pressures that dictate and impact her life. Me on the other hand is kinda free.
I think I am becoming more and more hill-billy. A guy with a simple life that is happy-happy.
Replacing an entire drivetrain in a truck I did once before in the 84 Jeep Scrambler. Not so different than what could be done to the 1966 C-10. Pretty much not so hard to do, but it takes time to do a good job, and of course there are details.
I’m also cool with living within my means and having a small basement darkroom and an attic studio that is small. I’m also cool with keeping the C-10 a survivor that remains close to OEM factory original for a prolonged period.
Even though Maggie is still sick she just had a telephone interview, and now has a podcast. Later we have hair appointments. My life is fine, but hers gets messy pretty fast. Today will be messy for her.
This search for glory and accomplishment to me is kinda worthless. I know because I had my moments of fame and glory, but they were not life changing at all. People speculate that with fame comes rewards like money. People think it is easy, it is not.
Also DU has it right that this world of publishing is crazy and will make you crazy.
Maggie can’t wait till things settle down, but can she stop and be happy?
Cal
You did well. Those pixels are huge.
A friend Daryl taught me that the size of the pixel matters more than how many.
My old Leica Monochrom is still a great camera. I think it will have a cult following because it is the digital Leica that is most like a film camera, and also because it has a unique rendering. Pretty much it is a crude basic camera, and that it is why it so resembles shooting a film camera.
In my book a classic. Your Blad back is a cult classic for sure.
So here comes another one of my rants. LOL.
I’m not so sure “Maggie” is happy in the sich-E-A-tion she is in. Writing and publishing a book has its moments of glory, but they are not lasting, and then there is an expectation to continue this road or you kinda fade out and away.
Lot’s of disappointment, stress, and frenzies happen along the way. To me clearly not the road to happiness, but who am I to judge.
So over the past 3 years, I can be proud of the work I accomplished, even though technically I’m retired. Maggie seems to be in a rush, but that is not where I am. I want to do a good job, be thoughtful, and most of all be practical. When I say practical, I mean thinking long term, spending my money only once, not wasting money, and also saving money.
The work gets done in my own time, but I recognize the fruits of my labor that pays more attention to details and has a sense of refinement that at least I know is there. This work also is my work and enables me to save money which allows me to do more.
In the end I have something tangable, something that I accomplished alone without outside help or assistance. After three years the house displays this accomplishment, even though we had contractors to do the heavy lifting or because I did not have the necessary skills.
In the end there is a tangible gain, a value added, and a display of sorts that is highly visible. There is a clear path of results that are a permanent display, not a moment of glory.
This being a public figure is kinda fraught, a hamster wheel of sorts, that of course involves social media. Publishing a book involves a team of people and this leads to complications…
So now I realize that I am likely more happy than Maggie who is unsettled and remains so. For her there is all these outside pressures that dictate and impact her life. Me on the other hand is kinda free.
I think I am becoming more and more hill-billy. A guy with a simple life that is happy-happy.
Replacing an entire drivetrain in a truck I did once before in the 84 Jeep Scrambler. Not so different than what could be done to the 1966 C-10. Pretty much not so hard to do, but it takes time to do a good job, and of course there are details.
I’m also cool with living within my means and having a small basement darkroom and an attic studio that is small. I’m also cool with keeping the C-10 a survivor that remains close to OEM factory original for a prolonged period.
Even though Maggie is still sick she just had a telephone interview, and now has a podcast. Later we have hair appointments. My life is fine, but hers gets messy pretty fast. Today will be messy for her.
This search for glory and accomplishment to me is kinda worthless. I know because I had my moments of fame and glory, but they were not life changing at all. People speculate that with fame comes rewards like money. People think it is easy, it is not.
Also DU has it right that this world of publishing is crazy and will make you crazy.
Maggie can’t wait till things settle down, but can she stop and be happy?
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Gold hit $2192 and ounce in the pre-market.
A higher high today already, and pretty close to breaking $2200.00.
Then $2300.00…
Then the prediction of $3100.00…
Of course this will effect other prices like the right vintage cameras. I’m mucho glad I already have a stockpile.
Cal
A higher high today already, and pretty close to breaking $2200.00.
Then $2300.00…
Then the prediction of $3100.00…
Of course this will effect other prices like the right vintage cameras. I’m mucho glad I already have a stockpile.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
My hair is still mighty long, about 5 1/2 to 6 inches removed. I look less feral.
Gold did set a new intraday high over $2200.00 ($2203.00) but closed at $2186.39. The trend I recognized is still going on.
Something is brewing but I don’t know what.
“Maggie” still is sick with a headache. Four more days till the book launch.
Cal
Gold did set a new intraday high over $2200.00 ($2203.00) but closed at $2186.39. The trend I recognized is still going on.
Something is brewing but I don’t know what.
“Maggie” still is sick with a headache. Four more days till the book launch.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The Eva Cassidy CD was with a full band. I was a bit disappointed because there is an effect of just the artist performing solo that is so captivating.
The “Over The Rainbow” also was a live performance. Somehow the solo live performance is more intimate and has a deep impact.
All I can say is the CD is a “production.”
I guess this contrasts to “Maggie” just writing and performing her writing, verses the “production” of publishing a book. What a horror and ordeal.
Anyways there are things I am doing that promote being a solo artist. My books that are one offs promote intimacy and are the best way to present my work.
Then on guitar I advanced to heavy strings for a richer fuller tone that kills some speed, but I emulate an acoustic piano. I play 12’s even on electric guitars and this limits string bending. My style is across the neck and up and down the neck. My bends are limited to 1/2 steps and full steps.
******************
I noticed that eggs at TRADER JOE’S are now $2.49 a dozen instead of $1.49. Pretty much a loss leader to draw you into the store, and I have to check at Shop Rite or Stop And Shop where I suspect they are priced about $5.00 a dozen.
I looked at how inflation is impacting some of my hard assets. That black-face 1965 Fender Pro Reverb amp I found on 92d Street being thrown out has a price inflation of about 33%.
Doing other research Rollieflexes, Texas Leica, and my Tower 5L are stagnating, but the high end stuff seems to be getting inflated big time. Eventually the overlooked will catch up I figure.
Also seeing some stuff being sold for no money by people just starting an EBAY account that have zero feedback. I suspect stolen goods, like Noct-Nikkor AIS for $700.00 BIN. Likely some crackhead…
Inflation makes everyone poorer.
*******************
“Maggie” is still sick but feeling better. Went to Trader Joe’s to stock up on food. Looked at a 24 inch bow saw at Lowes, but I want a bigger saw because the logs are mucho thick. Some are about 24 inches in diameter. I want to exploit a long stroke and momentum.
Seems like pull-up strength fades fast. After laying off only 6 today, but I’ll do two other max sets to build up again. Muscle memory means I should get back to 8-9 rapidly. 10-12 pullups in asset is mighty strong. 15 makes me into an animal. In my youth I got into the 10-12 range.
The spring peepers have started their orgy. Lots of noise coming from the frog pond in the marsh. It was quiet this morning, but as the day wears on and it gets warmer they start their frolic and mating.
Daylight Savings Time is a big deal for me.
Cal
The “Over The Rainbow” also was a live performance. Somehow the solo live performance is more intimate and has a deep impact.
All I can say is the CD is a “production.”
I guess this contrasts to “Maggie” just writing and performing her writing, verses the “production” of publishing a book. What a horror and ordeal.
Anyways there are things I am doing that promote being a solo artist. My books that are one offs promote intimacy and are the best way to present my work.
Then on guitar I advanced to heavy strings for a richer fuller tone that kills some speed, but I emulate an acoustic piano. I play 12’s even on electric guitars and this limits string bending. My style is across the neck and up and down the neck. My bends are limited to 1/2 steps and full steps.
******************
I noticed that eggs at TRADER JOE’S are now $2.49 a dozen instead of $1.49. Pretty much a loss leader to draw you into the store, and I have to check at Shop Rite or Stop And Shop where I suspect they are priced about $5.00 a dozen.
I looked at how inflation is impacting some of my hard assets. That black-face 1965 Fender Pro Reverb amp I found on 92d Street being thrown out has a price inflation of about 33%.
Doing other research Rollieflexes, Texas Leica, and my Tower 5L are stagnating, but the high end stuff seems to be getting inflated big time. Eventually the overlooked will catch up I figure.
Also seeing some stuff being sold for no money by people just starting an EBAY account that have zero feedback. I suspect stolen goods, like Noct-Nikkor AIS for $700.00 BIN. Likely some crackhead…
Inflation makes everyone poorer.
*******************
“Maggie” is still sick but feeling better. Went to Trader Joe’s to stock up on food. Looked at a 24 inch bow saw at Lowes, but I want a bigger saw because the logs are mucho thick. Some are about 24 inches in diameter. I want to exploit a long stroke and momentum.
Seems like pull-up strength fades fast. After laying off only 6 today, but I’ll do two other max sets to build up again. Muscle memory means I should get back to 8-9 rapidly. 10-12 pullups in asset is mighty strong. 15 makes me into an animal. In my youth I got into the 10-12 range.
The spring peepers have started their orgy. Lots of noise coming from the frog pond in the marsh. It was quiet this morning, but as the day wears on and it gets warmer they start their frolic and mating.
Daylight Savings Time is a big deal for me.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Walked into the downtown. First stopped by Dain’s Lumber to see if they had a large bow saw. Had no luck, but the idea was to get out and get some exercise and fresh air.
Also stopped by Division Street Guitars to get more heavy 2.0 and 3.0 thick picks. Theses are not so easy to find so I kinda loaded up the th ruck.
Been a while since I put on my walking shoes, so the walk seemed long and kinda took off the edge.
My late lunch will be good. I got drizzled on and it is good to be home. Will likely row and do some strength training. Then the guitar…
I will stop by AJ’s. He built me a disc brake front wheel for the Rock Shox SID Race fork I secured. The Yo Eddy advanced me into V-Brakes. It id a 1997 bike. I figure a mechanical disc brake on the Ti IBIS would be mucho cool.
Snarky Joe told me a story where he overheated a wheel and it basically folded on him from the heat generated by a long downhill with rim brakes. On some of the hills by me pretty easy to hit terminal velocity which is about 50 MPH. Drag actually sets this limit.
At that speed also some crazy things can happen like resonance could make your bike wiggle and become unstable. Mike the Skinny Hipster was locked onto his pedals on a downhill on Route 9W When this happened to him. Somehow he avoided becoming a red sponge. Kinda crazy, but also fun.
I’m thinking of going with Paul Components Klamper mechanical disc brake.
Cal
Also stopped by Division Street Guitars to get more heavy 2.0 and 3.0 thick picks. Theses are not so easy to find so I kinda loaded up the th ruck.
Been a while since I put on my walking shoes, so the walk seemed long and kinda took off the edge.
My late lunch will be good. I got drizzled on and it is good to be home. Will likely row and do some strength training. Then the guitar…
I will stop by AJ’s. He built me a disc brake front wheel for the Rock Shox SID Race fork I secured. The Yo Eddy advanced me into V-Brakes. It id a 1997 bike. I figure a mechanical disc brake on the Ti IBIS would be mucho cool.
Snarky Joe told me a story where he overheated a wheel and it basically folded on him from the heat generated by a long downhill with rim brakes. On some of the hills by me pretty easy to hit terminal velocity which is about 50 MPH. Drag actually sets this limit.
At that speed also some crazy things can happen like resonance could make your bike wiggle and become unstable. Mike the Skinny Hipster was locked onto his pedals on a downhill on Route 9W When this happened to him. Somehow he avoided becoming a red sponge. Kinda crazy, but also fun.
I’m thinking of going with Paul Components Klamper mechanical disc brake.
Cal
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
AJ built me a wheel using a NOS Hope hub that allowed for a retro quick release. A black Sun Ringle Ryhno Lite welded rim was used with machined sidewalls. Straight 16 gauge spokes.
A bomb proof wheel good for likely the rest of my life unless I get pancaked by a car. Strong enough for a dirt jumper or pump track.
While I was hanging out a young girl popped in. The girl recognized me and said, “The Accidental Icon is your wife.”
The girl was AJ’s daughter.
Cal
A bomb proof wheel good for likely the rest of my life unless I get pancaked by a car. Strong enough for a dirt jumper or pump track.
While I was hanging out a young girl popped in. The girl recognized me and said, “The Accidental Icon is your wife.”
The girl was AJ’s daughter.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
“Maggie” tells me there is an excerpt from her book published in People Magazine.
Don’t know if its online or print.
The ground swell continues…
Cal
Don’t know if its online or print.
The ground swell continues…
Cal
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Been a while since I chimed in with an update.
I passed my exam for licensure as well as the National Certified Counselor credential. Just waiting on bureaucracy now.
We reluctantly signed another year lease here in Philly even though we are committed to move; wouldn't you know, the following week, Bethanne got accepted to SUNY Purchase for the MFA program. We can't afford the move right now anyway but we'll be looking for a place either just north of the City or across the state line in CT.
Rudge Clubman is completely torn down and ready to move on. What took its place is a 1952 R.O. Harrison frameset. This is a Madison Club frame, so it has room and eyelets for mudguards, but also has track fork ends for actual track racing. It is sublime to ride. Unlike many bikes I've owned and tried to make work, this one actually fits me. It currently has the wheelset, bar, stem, calipers and levers from the Clubman but eventually it will get wheels built using early 50s Airlite hubs with red anodized high flanges laced to Mavic MA2 rims. Those are the closest "modern" rims to the original Dunlop lightweights or Constrictor Conloys that the bike would have been built with.
The Raleigh Competition GS which I previously referred to as "Herb Brooks" has put in good duty but I have found that riding it feels like riding through mud. Something about that frame just drags, so it's going to a new home and being replaced by a freebie Raleigh Super Course which I hope works out better. A fellow bike head out in Illinois is giving me a Miyata 912 which is going to become a full on racing bike but still keep to the mid-80s aesthetic. This will be a complete Suntour Superbe Pro bike with the only exception being a Cyclone GT rear derailleur to take up the slack between the 53/38 crankset and the 32-13 (maybe 32-12) freewheel I'll be running. The 912 frame is straight but old and has a bit of imperfection. I may have it stripped and repainted but that's not usually my style. I love the original deep orange paint and I'm going to try to keep it. I love sleepers.
Last week I went out on the ROH and joined the back end of a paceline crossing Falls Bridge over the Schuylkill. I took a wide line making the left onto West River Drive but the group spread out and one guy flattened the turn so much he wound up behind me. So there I was, 6th in a group of 8 roadies, mostly riding carbon whiz bangs all kitted up in lycra. Here I am holding pace with them riding a 1952 track bike and spinning about 105 cadence for a mile until the leapfrog rotation finally got me to the back and I slowed down then peeled off to the slower path. None of them expected me to hang for that long since I was wearing a sweater, rolled up pants, and riding in toe clips. I feel like I've still got it, as far as ability to hang with a racing crowd. Just need to get my endurance and strength up more.
I'll get some photos up soon.
If anyone has any recommendations for places to look at to live (no apartments or condos, maybe a duplex) within easy commuting distance of SUNY, I'd be super appreciative. We're thinking Peekskill all the way down to the Bronx and all the way east to Greenwich.
Phil
I passed my exam for licensure as well as the National Certified Counselor credential. Just waiting on bureaucracy now.
We reluctantly signed another year lease here in Philly even though we are committed to move; wouldn't you know, the following week, Bethanne got accepted to SUNY Purchase for the MFA program. We can't afford the move right now anyway but we'll be looking for a place either just north of the City or across the state line in CT.
Rudge Clubman is completely torn down and ready to move on. What took its place is a 1952 R.O. Harrison frameset. This is a Madison Club frame, so it has room and eyelets for mudguards, but also has track fork ends for actual track racing. It is sublime to ride. Unlike many bikes I've owned and tried to make work, this one actually fits me. It currently has the wheelset, bar, stem, calipers and levers from the Clubman but eventually it will get wheels built using early 50s Airlite hubs with red anodized high flanges laced to Mavic MA2 rims. Those are the closest "modern" rims to the original Dunlop lightweights or Constrictor Conloys that the bike would have been built with.
The Raleigh Competition GS which I previously referred to as "Herb Brooks" has put in good duty but I have found that riding it feels like riding through mud. Something about that frame just drags, so it's going to a new home and being replaced by a freebie Raleigh Super Course which I hope works out better. A fellow bike head out in Illinois is giving me a Miyata 912 which is going to become a full on racing bike but still keep to the mid-80s aesthetic. This will be a complete Suntour Superbe Pro bike with the only exception being a Cyclone GT rear derailleur to take up the slack between the 53/38 crankset and the 32-13 (maybe 32-12) freewheel I'll be running. The 912 frame is straight but old and has a bit of imperfection. I may have it stripped and repainted but that's not usually my style. I love the original deep orange paint and I'm going to try to keep it. I love sleepers.
Last week I went out on the ROH and joined the back end of a paceline crossing Falls Bridge over the Schuylkill. I took a wide line making the left onto West River Drive but the group spread out and one guy flattened the turn so much he wound up behind me. So there I was, 6th in a group of 8 roadies, mostly riding carbon whiz bangs all kitted up in lycra. Here I am holding pace with them riding a 1952 track bike and spinning about 105 cadence for a mile until the leapfrog rotation finally got me to the back and I slowed down then peeled off to the slower path. None of them expected me to hang for that long since I was wearing a sweater, rolled up pants, and riding in toe clips. I feel like I've still got it, as far as ability to hang with a racing crowd. Just need to get my endurance and strength up more.
I'll get some photos up soon.
If anyone has any recommendations for places to look at to live (no apartments or condos, maybe a duplex) within easy commuting distance of SUNY, I'd be super appreciative. We're thinking Peekskill all the way down to the Bronx and all the way east to Greenwich.
Phil