Java MySQL SQL Tip Comparing Timestamp in Column to Current DateTime

There are many ways to skin a cat. I have a database table where I have to compare a column timestamp with the current date/time as well as adding hours and minutes. I realize that there is an SQL NOW function, but I also need the now time converted to calendar to be able to add and subtract calendar units, and I construct the SQL statement in Java.

Here is the syntax of the snippet in Java for comparison to the current datetime:

java.util.Date utilDate = new java.util.Date();

java.sql.Timestamp sqlDate = new java.sql.Timestamp(utilDate.getTime());

try {

stmt = conn.createStatement();

String myQueryString = "SELECT * FROM sale_table where saleStart < {ts '" + sqlDate.toString() + "' }";