C.E. Grundler's Blog, page 19

Here we go again…

This in no way relates to the other 'big' announcement I will be posting in the coming days, but we're preparing for the next big phase of leak elimination, this one from above.

Shown below is the frame built to duplicate the actual dimensions and shape of the area we well be replacing, with 3 layers of marine plywood clamped down to 'shape' them into the proper curve. The ply will be laminated together with epoxy resin, supported by stringers that duplicate the originals and glassed in from above and below. This laminate will be transported to the boat by laying it, frame and all, across the truck's bed and driving it down to the boatyard, where it will be lifted by the Wiggins forklift to the proper height and guided into place. Should be interesting.

Then the frame will serve as the template to make a foam-cored hardtop for the bridge itself. And finally the frame will be 'roofed', given walls and a concrete foundation and serve as a uniquely shaped utility shed behind the house.

Excited!

I haven't been posting much over the last week and I'm not going to go into details at this point, other than to say I've been exceptionally busy and some exciting things are in the works. I love when the planets align and everything I've worked towards seems to be coming together!

Less cryptic posts to follow in the coming day. Stay tuned!

What Exit???

It seems Last Exit In New Jersey is all over the internet this morning. A while back I set my web-browser's home page to display the Google results for any mentions of "Last Exit In New Jersey" within the last 24 hours. It gives me a handy snapshot of my online presence and alerts me if anyone is mentioning my book, as well as providing directions to local events and a certain funeral home in Fort Lee, but that's what I get for using a prominent New Jersey road-sign as my book's title. And as I went online this morning there it was:

"Last Exit in New Jersey: book explores the literary possibilities of the state"

Apparently NorthJersey.com was running an article about MY BOOK! They were running it in the Arts & Entertainment section.  Even better, this same article was being posted on some other Jersey related sites, such as The Sopranos.Com and New Jersey Gambling News.

Wow. Someone did an article about my book and I didn't even know it. As Annabel would say, "How cool is that?" Pretty cool, indeed. But… wait a minute. That's not my book.

The article is, in fact, about a book edited by Joe Vallese and Alicia A. Beale, entitled What's Your Exit? A Literary Detour Through New Jersey. The book is a collection of contemporary fiction, poetry, and essays from forty-nine writers inspired by the Garden State.

Hmmm. Let's see. I think I see the confusion here. Both books do have the words "Exit" and "New Jersey" in the title. Both are Jersey-centric, and both would likely appeal to similar audiences. But What's Your Exit is an anthology celebrating the fine contemporary literature of our state, while Last Exit is a modern thriller done in a classic, hard-boiled noir style. Clearly two entirely different books.

So, for those of you who may be trying looking to find What's Your Exit, they are located here on Amazon and they have an interesting blog as well at: http://nj.wordriot.org/ And if you are looking for the Last Exit In New Jersey, you can find it HERE.

I should hope that the above links will help sort out any confusion between my book and What's Your Exit. I can only imagine how I'd feel having an article run about my book with a headline that makes it sound like an entirely different but similar title. Who knows? Maybe the papers will do an article about Last Exit In New Jersey, and they can even title it "What's Your Exit?" That only seems fair.

http://cegrundler.wordpress.com/last-...

From the Archives: 1958 43′ Wheeler Sport Fisherman "Boma"

I came across this advertisement for this magnificent 43′ Wheeler a little while back. The copy reads:

Boma is the roomy, seaworthy 43' Wheeler Gulfstream Sport Fisherman built by the Wheeler Yacht Co. for Alberto Adura of Havana. She has fast, clean lines. Her low freeboard aft is ideal for fishing. Below: Her spacious teak cockpit, flying bridge and wide side decks are evident. The semi-enclosed salon has three section aft drop curtain with zippers and plastic inserts, convertible dinette, wide hinged settee and cabinets for Hi-Fi and radiotelephone. The boat is powered by two 4-71 GM turbo diesels.

*BOMA* A Wheeler 43' Sport Fisherman

Latest addition to the fleet of seaworthy, modern boats built by the Wheeler Yacht Co. of Clason Point, New York 72 N.Y., is his 43-foot Wheeler Gulfstream Sport Fisherman owned by Alberto Adura of Havana, Cuba. She is powered by two 4-71 GM turbo-diesels, draws 3' of water and has a 13'3" beam.

In accommodations the boat has crew quarters for two and a private stateroom with bath. The cabin is air condition. Convenience is enhanced by the large closets and stainless galley.

In fact, comfort was kept uppermost throughout the boat. The dual control flying bridge has a swivel steering seat. In the spacious teak cockpit there are two fishing seats with reversible back rests. In addition, two Rockaway sail fish chairs are provided.

Flush fish tanks and live well have been installed. Other fishing accessories include outriggers, gin pole, belly rail and fishing mast with lookout seats.

Special equipment includes electric refrigeration with "hold over" plates, Monel fuel and water tanks, 65 watt Ray Jefferson radiotelephone, Kelvin and White compass, Bendix automatic steering, Onan auxiliary generator, Surrette batteries, Hi-Fi, Sperry engine contro.s, Bendix depth recorder, engine alarms, Groco bilge and auxiliary pumps and a La Marche Constavolt.

All I can say is they just don't build 'em like they used to.

Easy No-Sew Padded DIY Kindle Cover Tutorial

Shown here is one of the easiest, prettiest DIY Kindle Covers I've designed to date. The project as shown is a perfect fit for the Kindle 2, but would also fit a Kindle 3. This design is nicely padded both inside and out, and works very well with most common clip-on book lights. Not only is it pretty, but it is very simple to make. The entire project can cost under $11, can be done in 7 easy steps, and from start to finish takes less than a half-hour. Not feeling that crafty? See details at the end of the post on how you can win this cover. (Kindle and cat not included.)

MATERIALS:

- One Quilted placemat measuring over 13 X 18 inches – $4.99 at Kmart

- Two 6 X 8 inch artist canvas – Sold in 3 packs at Michaels and most other craft suppliers for $2.99.

- Two pieces of ribbon approx 10" – (scrap bin) $.99 At most craft suppliers

- Velcro – (junk drawer) $1.99 at most supermarkets, craft stores, or hardware stores

(Disregard black folder in photo – I thought I might use is but in the end I didn't.)



TOOLS:

- Scissors

- Ruler

- Marker

- Glue gun (Please be careful using a glue gun. They can cause serious burns.)

1.) We start this cover by making the closure. On fabric side of canvas measure along the 8 inch side (the longer side) and make a mark at the half-way point as shown. This is your reference point for attaching the ribbon.

2.) Run a bead of hot glue along the marker line and attach approximately 2 inches of ribbon along that glue. Press it down and let it set. Repeat on the other canvas.

3.) Now its time to attach the canvases to the placemat. Please note that if your placemat has different designs on the front and back, you must choose one to be seen. Lay the placemat on a flat surface (if it has a different designs on both sides, place whatever side you want to be seen down so that you are looking at the side you wish to cover. Apply glue in the center of one canvas then quickly position it on the corner edge of the placemat with the ribbon facing outward and extending beyond the edge of the placement. As shown, glue down the other canvas so that it mirrors the first; this should leave approximately an inch or so of space between the two canvases. This will be the covers 'spine'. Once this step is completed your placemat should look like the one shown, with the two canvases covering the majority of one half of the placemat.

4.) Now that the canvases are correctly positioned you can proceed with securing them further with more hot glue. This is easiest to do if you flip the whole placement, with canvases attached, over onto the other side. Delicately lift small sections of the placement away from the each canvas individually and dispense hot glue in the areas between the canvas and mat. Make sure to firmly press down each time as to better adhere the two together. There is no need to glue completely to the edges as those will be secured in a later step.

5.) Once the canvases are completely glued to the placemat, flip it back so that the side with the canvases glued to it is facing up. Fold the placemat in half over the canvases making sure that the edges of the placemat align with each other, as shown. The best way to proceed with gluing is to start at the top fold and working your way downward in increments until the placemat is securely attached to the canvases on both sides.

6.) Now that the placemat is full glued down, the only thing left to do is to VERY CAREFULLY run a very narrow bead of glue along the edge of the canvas as shown, pressing the inner and outer placemat edges together as you go. Be careful, this requires very little glue: if you use too much glue not only will it look messy and squeeze out all over the cover you have just created, it will also most likely burn your fingers.

7.) Finally we will use the Velcro squares to give the kindle a way to secure into its pretty new case. Be careful as once the Velcro is adhered down, it will be very hard to make adjustments. As shown, place adhesive Velcro squares down onto the placemat, corresponding to the corners of your Kindle. The easiest way to position them is to first place the 'fuzzy' Velcro squares onto the back of your Kindle, then attach the 'hook' squares to the fuzzy ones. Remove the plastic covering the adhesive Velcro which will be sticking to the cover, position the Kindle to one side of the placemat, and VERY gently press down. It doesn't require much force to make the adhesive stick to the fabric. The Velcro allows you to switch your Kindle between multiple covers if you so chose. (Before using this cover I recommend you let it set overnight without the Kindle but with a Kindle-sized book tucked in the middle and a few larger books stacked on the outside to press it into shape. Think of it like breaking in a pair of shoes: it will just fit better if you take that step.)

(Please pardon my assistant, who you may recognize from previous tutorials. She's certain my digital camera was created solely to photograph her.)

As easy as this cover is to make, it's even easier to WIN! Yes, you read right. I'm giving this lovely cover away (cat not included.) Just "Friend" me (C.E. Grundler) on Facebook and post a link to this tutorial on your wall and you're entered. Or purchase a copy of Last Exit In New Jersey and forward the Amazon confirmation to cegrundler(at)gmail.com. For a mere $.99 not only are you entered to win this lovely one-of-a-kind cover, you'll also get the book that Red Adept Reviews named one of the top 3 mysteries of 2010. Friend me AND purchase Last Exit In New Jersey, you'll be given not two but three chances to win! All contestants will be contacted with their entry number, and at 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 9th I will select a number through Random.org and announce the winner.

What is Last Exit In New Jersey?

Ruggedizing a notebook – the Jersey way!

WTF??? Ah, just me, up to my usual again.

Once upon a time I had a wonderful little Toshiba Portege. It was a lovely little ultra-portable notebook computer, lightweight and tough as hell. Constructed entirely of titanium, it could withstand all sorts of day-to-day rigors, including being thrown in an unpadded messenger bag, getting dragged to and from various boats, and frequently supporting 16 pound cats who thought it was an ideal heating pad when the cover was closed. Sadly it had limited memory and ran Windows 98 (I told you it was years ago!) and though after eight years of relentless use it ran perfectly, it could no longer meet the demands of newer programs.

Every notebook I've owned since that Toshiba has seemed flimsy in comparison and none have survived nearly as long. I'm not abusive to my computers, but they do lead active lives. I realize there are there are true ruggedized notebooks, but they are excessively expensive. The only other computers built as well as that old Toshiba are the Apples, which are lovely indeed, but even if I was remotely familiar with the Apple OS they're not exactly cheap. And after repeated cat-applied pressure caused the demise of the display on my latest notebook I needed a computer and I needed one fast. Fortunately I had an old HP running Windows XP that I used aboard the boat for running a single GPS-linked chart-plotter program. Being that navigation is presently low on my boating priorities I borrowed that computer. However, I was concerned that it too might succumb to the same oversized-cat induced damage, and since keeping the cats off has never worked, I decided some ruggedizing was in order.

The old Toshiba's strength was in its metal case. And while I tossed around the idea of grabbing some sheet-metal and the welding tools to build the HP an armor case, I glanced around for a faster, simpler solution. And there it was, hanging on the garage wall… an old license plate. I traced the cover's width with a sharpie, then placed the plate in the vise along the marked line. A few taps with a rubber mallet, flip, repeat, and I had a perfectly fitted, lightweight but rigid laptop protector. It's attached with a few 3M Command strips so it is removable if necessary. It can now withstand the sustained pressures of snoozing cats and has turned an unremarkable old notebook into a distinct and amusing conversation piece wherever it's seen.

Funds for Japan – stats…

I would like to thank everyone who participated in my fundraiser for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I realize many readers may have purchased Last Exit In New Jersey without knowledge of the fundraiser, though over the last week I definitely saw an increase in sales. I would also like to thank any bloggers, tweeters and Facebook friends who took the time to share the information, both for myself and other authors participating.

So here is a breakdown of the sales totals for the month of March:

Seller                               # sold                 royalties

Amazon U.S.                     100                  $35.00

Amazon U.K.                           6                       2.10

Barnes & Noble                       6                       2.40

Smashwords                             1                          .56

Total sales                             113                 $40.06

As I previously stated, though I announced the fund-raiser March 13, I am including the sales from March 1st through March 20, 2011.

And below is a portion of the information from I received from the American Red Cross for this donation:

Gift Amount: $40.06

Tax-deductible Amount: $40.06

This organization's tax ID is: 53-0196605

Tracking Code: 1555-8047-1-4559293-******

This letter serves as the tax receipt for your gift. Under the United States Internal Revenue Code, The American Red Cross is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Please see Internal Revenue Service Publications 526 and 1771 for official Federal government information on charitable contributions. Our tax identification number is 53-0196605. For reference purposes, you did not receive anything of value from the Red Cross in return for this donation. If you have any questions about your donation, please contact us at redcross.org/contactusdonor or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

(I am not posting a screen shot as that also contains confidential personal information.)

Again, I would like to thank all involved. While this donation alone might not be much, combined with the donations from individuals, other authors and groups, they all add up to make a difference.

Raising funds for Japan – calling all other Indie authors…

The following is a repost from author JH Sked from London, England:

Raising funds for Japan – calling all other Indie authors

The images from Japan are heartbreaking. For all the problems we might have, the majority of us still have homes, clothing, and access to food, water and medical supplies as needed. Despite being one of the most resilient nations on the planet, Japan is going to need a lot of help over the next couple of months, if not years. Being cash poor, I can't afford to donate money. What I can do, though, is donate every sale from WolfSong for the next week (maybe longer if I raise some decent funds) to the Red Cross fund.

So that's every cent of author profit from the sale of the e-book (tree version is still way off, I'm afraid), from every site it's on, once the sites have taken their cut. If you're an author and you'd like to join in, please do. It doesn't matter if it's for a couple of hours, days, or the full week – every little bit will help. Give me a shout in the comments or the join the twitter feed #write4japan.

I'll post the stats and amount raised here next Sunday – let's get the ball rolling a bit. I'm keeping the price as is, simply because there are a lot of people in the same financial situation – unable to donate the amounts you want to, but able to fork out between under a dollar (0.99c) or pound (0.71p) a pop.

________________________

— Me again. I was unable to copy the links to the sales sites of each sales outlet for WolfSong. Simply link to the author's blog and you will find them all. And I would am pledging the same. In addition to the coming week I will be donating the royalties from my sales so far this month, and will post the amount raised.

Rex, Post-shearing…

And here we have the much lighter, much sleeker, now sheared Rex. The groomer says it's a shame I couldn't sell his fur by the pound.

And for anyone wondering, our vet's best guess is he's half German Shepherd, half Basset Hound. He weighs in at over 50 pounds, can run like a rocket on those short little legs, jumps over 3 foot obstacles with ease and swims like a duck. An odd dog indeed.

Rex – pre-Spring shearing…

It's March. Mud season. Shedding season. And warm enough for Rex to swim in the pond season. Which is why March is also Annual 'Shear the Dog' month.

Here we have a collection of hair with a dog somewhere underneath. This photo does not do justice to just how plush and dense this fur is. During the winter this dog is in heaven and lounges in snow drifts. But as the temperature rises he is less comfortable and begins to drop tumble-weeds of fur that roll across the kitchen floor. Daily brushings do nothing to aid the situation… so it's time for it to come off.

Next post… Rex after shearing!