Summer time

Summer time and the living is …

Well, not exactly easy. Now settled into new office in Laguna Woods, almost. A last minute quick trip back and forth to Tucson after the cross country jaunt is now behind me. Gas prices are a lot cheaper in Arizona then here in California – taxes must make up the big difference. Research and writing going slow but onward we go.

Back home, back to writing

Safely back in Laguna. Now the task of reorganizing the new office and back to writing Down But Never Out.

Back to Laguna

I’m leaving Ocean City, New Jersey today and the cool waters of the Atlantic for the even colder waters of the Pacific. The drive will take five days if I hustle. Finished my interviews here and wrote important chapter for Down But Never Out titled: The Dreaded Diagnosis.

Off to Philly (New Jersey)

Leaving Tucson for Philly today via I-40 most of the way. Will watch for rough weather now along my path through Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Moved and moving

Moved my Laguna Woods office today. Huff, huff, and puff. Had professional movers and lots of help, but still required my lifting and reorganizing . Plan driving to Tucson and Philadelphia late next week. Finishing interviews with the Giardellos and Carman's former teachers and employers.

Norfolk Island Pines

I marvel every day at the symmetrical Norfolk Island Pines that thrive on the many lawns here in Laguna Woods. I like order in the Universe -- don't you?

"Drain the Swamp II"

Back in January I learned that Chris Matthews of MSNBC's Hardball 'dissed' former middleweight champ, Joey Giardello. So I send him a positive point every day. Here's the first twelve. Not all related to boxing:
1. Joey Giardello won 101 bouts.
2. Joey Giardello won 101 bouts, 33 by KO
3. Joey Giardello won 101 bouts including wins over Dick Tiger (middleweight title), Rubin Hurricane Carter, and Sugar Ray Robinson.
4. Joey Giardello’s win over Henry Hanks 1/30/62 was Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year.
5. Joey Giardello beat Universal Studios in 2001.
6. Boxing historian Mike Casey states: “ …Joey Giardello was a genuinely great boxer fighter.”
7. Joey Giardello member International Boxing Hall of Fame
8. Joey Giardello member Pennsylvania and New Jersey Boxing Halls of Fame
9. Appointed to President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports
10.In 1969 and 1972 gathered boxers Rocky Graziano, Jake LaMotta, Willie Pep, Sandy Saddler, Chico Vejar, Carmen Basillio and others to raise money for charity. Refs included (the ’72 bouts) Jersey Joe Walcott, Jack Dempsey and James Braddock.
11.Middleweight champ, Joey Giardello fought Gil Diaz, April 23, 1965 and gave all the proceeds to charity. He hurt his elbow in the fight causing him to cancel his next bout in Puerto Rico.
12. Joey Giardello volunteered as a working coach at the first ever Special Olympics held in Chicago, 1968.