"This had to be done in a serial operation because they didn't want them all down at once," Mr. Penny said.

Mr. Penny also said he found it ominous that the season for northeasters seemed to be getting longer.

"People assume that my work takes a long time," Mr. Penny said.

Mr. Penny said expertise was essential to the success of a such a publication.

Mr. Penny, who was 53, told his story as a fall from grace.

Mr. Penny said a generally accepted figure for sea level rise over the past 100 years was six to eight inches.

Mr. Penny said he had already given some thought to running but had reached no decision.

But Mr. Penny wanted to play, so he sought other opinions.

They are starting to run out of their reserve fat, Mr. Penny said.

Some people say that Mr. Penny has gotten a little carried away.