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Our contractor’s workers just finished installin

Our contractor’s workers just finished installing insulation under our house. This is what they left behind. A little creepy!

Passionfruit blossom

Passionfruit blossom

How to watch the Giants: listen to our home announ

How to watch the Giants: listen to our home announcers (Kruk and Kuip, Jon and Dave) on KNBR, while watching the TV feed on TBS

Ferris Bueller’s got a day off!

Ferris Bueller’s got a day off!

Playoffs tonight! Beat LA! Here’s a ballpark mem

Playoffs tonight! Beat LA! Here’s a ballpark memory from two years ago. Go Gigantics!

Pfizer vaccine booster shots yesterday to combat t

Pfizer vaccine booster shots yesterday to combat the COVID virus. Thank you, CVS.
24 hours later, no side effects!
If you haven’t been vaccinated, please do so. For your own health, and the well-being of everyone around you.

AUDIOBOOK NOW ON SALE — Finding George Washingto

AUDIOBOOK NOW ON SALE — Finding George Washington: A Time Travel Tale.
I am thrilled to hear my words come to life!
When I close my eyes and listen to David Boyll’s dramatic reading, I can see all the scenes in my mind’s eye, the closest thing to a movie version of my story. David has done a fantastic job narrating the book and acting out all the parts.
BUY from AUDIBLE — bit.ly/FGWaudioaudible
BUY from AMAZON — bit.ly/FGWaudioamazon

https://findinggeorgewashington.com/audiobook/

It’s Vote-NO-on-the-Stupid-Waste-of-Money-Recall

It’s Vote-NO-on-the-Stupid-Waste-of-Money-Recall-Election Day! Vote in person OR mail your ballot OR drop it in an official drop box. But do it today!

My old friend Carlee Savage just sent me these won

My old friend Carlee Savage just sent me these wonderful, monogrammed glasses formerly owned by her dad, Barney Zalkind! I’m thrilled to have personalized BZ glasses, though I told her they might be better going to Bob Zagone or Barry Zito!

Here I am, "directing" David Boyll on Zoom, as he

Here I am, "directing" David Boyll on Zoom, as he reads and records the Audiobook of my debut novel, Finding George Washington: A Time Travel Tale, in his home studio. Mostly David directed himself, deftly acting out the story, playing all the parts with skillful accents and characterizations.
We're planning to release the Audiobook this month. Standby for the announcement!

👉 Buy the book: https://bit.ly/3wVh5ix & https://amzn.to/3t7Pj1J

All e-book editions of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON:

All e-book editions of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE are ON SALE NOW for 99 cents through Friday, September 10th!
Order now at this deeply discounted price.
Kindle: http://bit.ly/FGWkindle
Nook: http://bit.ly/FGWnook
Kobo: http://bit.ly/FGWkobo
Apple: http://bit.ly/FGWapple
FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY
findinggeorgewashington.com
findinggeorgewashington.com/blog

Exciting! My debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTO

Exciting! My debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE, won SILVER in the Fiction / Sports category in this year's Readers' Favorite Awards!
👉 Buy the book: https://bit.ly/3wVh5ix & https://amzn.to/3t7Pj1J
Heartfelt thanks to Matthew Félix, who edited, designed, and published the book. Thanks also to Larry Habegger, who mentored early versions, and thanks to David Boyll, who has just finished reading and recording the Audiobook version of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON, coming soon!
“Fun…with big themes and solid research…will please readers of science fiction, spy thrillers, or popular history.” - IndieReader
📚One night in 1778, General George Washington vanishes, only to reappear in the San Francisco Bay Area—in the summer of 2014. Accompanied by two new friends, Washington is catapulted on a race across America to find a way back to 1778. FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON is equal parts time-travel tale, thriller, and baseball saga, a gripping, humorous look at what happens when past and present collide.

No hot water at home, so I hopped on the hood of m

No hot water at home, so I hopped on the hood of my van at the car wash. Im so clean now!

One week after surgery for nasal blockage: It was

One week after surgery for nasal blockage:

It wasn’t a nose job, but an operation to correct my deviated septum & remove polyps. All changes were structural and internal. Doc assures me I still look just the same. What do you think?

Seriously, on Monday I saw the surgeon for a follow-up office visit and a thorough clean-out of “debris.” Now, perhaps for the first time, I am starting to be able to breathe air through my nose! My dad—who always teased me about being a mouth breather—would definitely be amazed, though probably unrepentant.

To all the family and friends who expressed their love and support before, during and after the surgery, thank you. To my friends who told me about their own breathing problems, if you have a healthcare plan, PLEASE get checked out and consider getting some kind of treatment. This surgery is relatively uncomplicated and can yield life-changing results.

If you think you might have sleep apnea, as I do, know that you are probably starving your brain of the oxygen it needs.

Throughout this process I have felt SO well cared for. Thanks to all the kind, dedicated professionals who had a part in this, going out of their way to make me feel at ease, every step of the way. We love Kaiser!

I only wish all Americans—not just the lucky, privileged ones—had access to such quality care. My heart goes out to the millions who are stuck without a health plan.

❤️ Oxytocin and Eye Contact (and Molly) 😍

❤️ Oxytocin and Eye Contact (and Molly) 😍

Unlike porcupines, dogs are a relatively hands-on (actually, paws-on) species, both with one another and with us. YouTube has numerous videos of dogs essentially saying, “Just keep petting me, please. Yes, that’s it…more.”

But this relationship is not one-sided. Many studies find that positive interactions between people and dogs can be beneficial for both species. Increases in β-endorphin (beta-endorphin), oxytocin and dopamine—neurochemicals associated with positive feelings and bonding—have been observed in both dogs and people after enjoyable interactions like petting, play and talking. Essentially, interacting with a dog, particularly a known dog, can have some of the same psychophysiological markers as when two emotionally attached people spend time together.

But do certain types of interactions have an outsized impact? Dogs are incredibly attentive to human faces and, in some cases, even specific facial expressions. This seemingly routine, benign behavior—your dog turning to gaze on your beautiful face as you do his or hers—could actually hold a very important piece of the puzzle in our relationship with dogs, suggests a study published this week in Science.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-the-gaze-from-those-big-puppy-eyes-the-look-of-your-doggie-s-love/

The best physical/mental therapy: watching my SF G

The best physical/mental therapy: watching my SF Gigantics shut out the Fodgers yesterday with Molly!

A friend gave me this book recently, in light of m

A friend gave me this book recently, in light of my recent surgery to relieve nasal blockage. Looking forward to being able to breathe through my nose! The book is pretty good, though clearly what I would call pop science.

What are you reading? Are you enjoying it? Why or why not?

I’m pleased to report that my nasal surgery was

I’m pleased to report that my nasal surgery was successful!
In an email this morning, the surgeon told me:
“Everything went well during your surgery yesterday. We were able to straighten your septum, open up all of your sinuses and remove the polyps and inflammation.”
So I’m pretty excited right now!
I felt woozy for quite a while yesterday, and I had pain in the back of my neck and on top of my head that lasted for most of the evening. I used the prescription painkiller and Tylenol, and eventually added Ibuprofen and an ice pack, and by the time I went to bed very late, I felt like myself again … AND pain-free!
I opted not to use my CPAP last night, since I've had some (normal) seepage. I still had a good night, slept fairly well, and woke up with virtually NO PAIN. How about that!
Thanks to all of you for your loving support! I really appreciate your posts and comments and texts and emails, both pre- and post-op. It made such a difference to know I had folks out there rooting for me and sharing their (positive) experiences.
I’m also very grateful for all the caring Kaiser doctors and nurses who made it a point to introduce themselves, chat in a warm, friendly way, and make me feel comfortable and at ease with the procedure. In particular, the nurse anesthetist, a guy named Ricardo, succeeded in making a connection and distracting me during our pre-op visit.
One sobering thought:
Because I’m one of those “rich” people who have health insurance, at no time during this process did I have to think about the cost of the procedure or consider not doing it because of financial burden. How terrible that so many millions of Americans must postpone health care, or miss out on it entirely, because of the criminally negligent “system” we’re stuck with! Yes, we have the Affordable Care Act, but it misses many and is under constant attack by folks who don’t think everyone deserves good health and decent medical care.
Next step for me: a post-op visit with the surgeon next Monday. Onward!

Nosey My prominent proboscis has never been an eff

Nosey
My prominent proboscis has never been an efficient appliance. So I’m having nasal surgery. Today.

I’ve always been a mouth breather. I’ve never gotten much air through my nose. My dad used to make fun of me: “Close your mouth. You’ll catch flies.” Several yoga teachers have told me I breathe all wrong and have had no patience for my telling them I don’t get enough air through my nose to sustain life.

I pretty much lost my sense of smell a few years ago. Also, I have seasonal allergies, which usually add another layer of congestion. This spring I was totally stuffed up for months — no air in or out — and sounded like I had a clothespin over my nose. Awful. I went through rounds of nasal sprays and sinus rinses with my doctor, and finally he referred me to ENT.

After examination, CT Scan and consultation with the surgeon, here’s the upshot: I have nasal polyps and a deviated septum. They can correct it in a few hours in the OR, through the nostrils, no external cutting. General anesthesia, outpatient, home the same day. I’m excited about doing it and looking forward to being able to breathe through my nose, the goal in all this!

It’s a little scary. I’ve never had anesthesia or any kind of operation (or even broken a bone), but I’ve been inspired by recent successful surgeries among my family and friends. And I’m not afraid of hospitals, after spending many working hours shooting patients and procedures in ORs and ICUs and other medical facilities.

Ironically, as I’ve gone through the process to date, diligent use of the sprays and rinses has opened up a bit more airway than usual, so I don’t sound as nasal, and, amazingly, my sense of smell returned in the past, with a vengeance. Some things, like coffee, smell very pungent and burnt right now. But I know I still need the surgery, because I still don’t get enough air through my nose to sustain life.

Wish me luck.

Oh, and one more thing: if you have medical or surgical horror stories you want to share, please DON’T. I don’t wanna hear ‘em. Thanks.

ON SALE NOW For a limited time, all e-book editio

ON SALE NOW

For a limited time, all e-book editions of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE are on sale for 99 cents! If you want to read it but haven't gotten around to ordering, do so now at this deeply discounted price.

Kindle: https://bit.ly/FGWkindle

Nook: https://bit.ly/FGWnook

Kobo: https://bit.ly/FGWkobo

Apple: https://bit.ly/FGWapple

FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY

https://findinggeorgewashington.com/
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/blog/

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge

In Praise of Research When I was a kid, I used to

In Praise of Research
When I was a kid, I used to challenge myself: how would I explain the workings of modern technology to George Washington, if he were suddenly to appear?
When I finally decided to try my hand at fiction, I wondered if that old idea about George could be the basis for a charming, funny, perhaps exciting novel. Maybe a goofy, fish-out-of-water story.
Only one problem: I knew very little about Washington. Of course, I knew the broad strokes: Revolutionary War General, first president, married to Martha, lived at Mount Vernon.
But what else? I recalled old stories of George as a lad chopping down a cherry tree (but confessing his guilt to his father) and throwing a dollar coin across the Potomac. And didn’t he have wooden teeth?
READ MORE — New blog:
https://bit.ly/FGWresearch
I realized I needed extensive research.

What are you reading? I am enjoying Barack Obama‘s book, The Promised Land. Right now, I am in his back pocket, as he takes us through his first presidential campaign. Great reading! What are you reading? Are you enjoying it? Why or why not?

"Overcoming Obstacles to Publishing" I consulted a

"Overcoming Obstacles to Publishing"
I consulted a good friend who works in the publishing business, to find out if anyone was still publishing books during the pandemic. The conversation went something like this:
“I’m fed up with querying agents, who rarely write back and don’t seem at all interested. Would it make sense for me to abandon that approach and, instead, start approaching independent publishing houses directly?”
“Why? How many agents have you written to?”
“Over 100. Actually, over 120.”
“And how many have asked to see the full manuscript?”
“None.”
“Oh. Well, Bill, there’s a fine line between persistence and delusion.”
READ MORE — New blog:
https://bit.ly/FGWobstacles

Dog walk photos: Rose, street watchers, Gazania.

Dog walk photos:
Rose, street watchers, Gazania.

Big podcast fun — talking about the San Francisc

Big podcast fun — talking about the San Francisco Giants and my debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE, with Daniel Zarchy and Thomas Todd, proprietors of Giantspod, aka "Two Guys, a Glove, and a Coke Bottle."

The podcast is audio only, but we grabbed this quick photo as we got started. In the early part of the show, we hash over the Giants in this 2021 season. Book talk starts about 39:20. Check it out!

Click here to listen: http://bit.ly/FGWgiantspod

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington#timetravel #timetravelstories#speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction#revolutionarywar #warofindependence#baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants#worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge

ONLINE BOOK CHAT THURSDAY! Thursday, June 10, at 5

ONLINE BOOK CHAT THURSDAY!
Thursday, June 10, at 5 pm Pacific / 8 pm Eastern
Register now for this week's online author talk — about my debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE.
👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/3fNTlHh
👉 Buy the book: https://bit.ly/3wVh5ix
Co-sponsored by SAUSALITO BOOKS by the BAY in Sausalito, California. We truly appreciate their support!
I’ll be in conversation with fellow writer Matthew Félix, who edited and published the book.
Celebrating our 1000th book sold!
COMING THIS SUMMER: the Audiobook!

When I decided to publish FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTO

When I decided to publish FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON last fall, I thought that selling 1000 copies in a year would be an amazing goal. This week, about 6 1/2 months after publication, someone bought the 1000th copy and we're approaching 100 online reviews. That's not a best seller, by any means, but it is a lot of eyeballs! Thanks to all those readers and reviewers, as well as to everyone else who encouraged me about this story over the years. I am so grateful for your support!
ONLINE BOOK CHAT THIS WEEK!
Thursday, June 10, at 5 pm Pacific / 8 pm Eastern
Register now for this week's online author talk — about my debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE.
👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/3fNTlHh
👉 Buy the book: https://bit.ly/3wVh5ix
Co-sponsored by SAUSALITO BOOKS by the BAY in Sausalito, California. We truly appreciate their support!
I’ll be in conversation with fellow writer Matthew Félix, who edited and published the book.

Poppy, bud, hibiscus

Poppy, bud, hibiscus

It’s not an easy story to characterize. Genre: a

It’s not an easy story to characterize. Genre: a fine sci-fi blend, with notes of history, baseball saga, and action thriller. But I had lived with it long enough to have some images in mind for the cover of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE.

I knew I wanted to feature a picture of George. Not the old marble-faced George on the dollar bill, but a younger version, Revolutionary War George, in uniform. George at 45, his age in my story. The one who disappears from his own time and shows up in 2014 on the shores of San Francisco Bay.

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/FGWcover

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

What are you reading? I have just started Messenge

What are you reading? I have just started Messenger of Truth, by Jacqueline Winspear, the fourth book in her Maisie Dobbs mystery series. What are you reading? How do you like it, and why?

Why The 'Axe' Bat Is Taking Over Major League Base

Why The 'Axe' Bat Is Taking Over Major League Baseball
Baseball has always been an old-school game, but the fact that many players are still swinging bats designed 150 years ago is pretty crazy. Luckily, bat designers no longer have to be limited by the production capabilities of the lathe.
(Article from 9/19)

https://www.stack.com/a/a-new-type-of-baseball-bat-is-propelling-dustin-pedroia-carlos-correa-and-other-mlb-players-to-career-years

Another reader enchanted by Finding George Washing

Another reader enchanted by Finding George Washington!

Find out how to win a free copy:
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/album/
FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY
#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

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