Change Of Marathons?

There is a good chance that Vermont will be replaced by Philadelphia. Joel and Dan, two marathon newbies, are pretty adamant that we run in a race with lots of spectators. I can't say that I blame them. It was great in San Diego to have that constant support. Based on pictures of Vermont, we could be isolated for miles. This gives us an extra month to get ready, too. So for now, it's Philly here we come....

Gold Cup Recap

After yesterday, I'm back on the US soccer bandwagon. The second half effort against Mexico deserves great applause, and so does the strategy employed by coach Bradley. The all out attack philosophy put Mexico on their heels after they took the game to the US in the first half. Onyewu looks as if he has regained his confidence, Bocanegra appears to be a solid choice for captain, Tim Howard made a giant save late in the match, and the Beasley/Donovan combo ran their socks off. And what a goal by Benny Feilhaber. Goodness, that's a great strike.

Let's hope this continues. I like the decision by Bradley to rest the star players in the Copa America. The other nations have done the same, so there is no sense in risking injuries. I'm sure the clubs are pleased as well.

But, what about the mess at the end of the semifinal vs. Canada. Here is a decent recap of the match and here is some video of the "non" goal. I've heard that the linesman thought the last touch came off of a Canadian player. If that's the case, why didn't the referee speak to him? Get it sorted out. It was really a shame.

Me In Reverse

I'll start back at the softball debacle from last Wednesday. Quickly. Our office teams haven't fared well over the past 9 months. We suffered a winless season in basketball, and our lone victory in softball came as the result of a forfeit. So, that really doesn't count, does it?

Last Wednesday may have brought us the best weather of the year. Facing the east at the plate was difficult though as the sun was right in the batters' faces. No excuse, as the conditions were the same for both teams. They fared better.

Needless to say, the game was virtually over by the time my own personal nightmare began in left field. My only true attribute in the outfield is speed and it came to haunt me on a short pop fly. I overran it, and the ball jumped past me. Gave up a double and a run. Ouch. On the very next pitch, here comes a towering fly ball back out to left field. With my mind still on the last play, the ball popped off the top of my glove and a humiliating two run homer followed. It was painful. Thankfully, it didn't cost us the game. Let's see if I'm back out in left in our next encounter. Just gotta shake it off.

Catching Up

When you don't want to lug around a laptop during evening plans, blogging becomes difficult. Tuesday was the "I just don't want to bring this thing home" day. Wednesday was softball (more on that later), and last night was the US v Canada match (more on that later, too).

I'm continuing to enjoy the Travis album. It's a very close second to me from 'The Man Who.'

The Planet Earth specials on Discovery HD are absolutely insane (I'm really teeing myself up for some weekend writing).

Off to The Slip show at Bowery tonight. But, first, I'm meeting my friends Shanly and George at Loreley. Ah, sausage and beer. What can possibly be better? An outside table, but I'm not pressing my luck.

Red Hook Riding

Rachel and I spent a large part of yesterday afternoon enjoying the little known streets of Red Hook. After pigging out on delicious Central American cuisine and watching an afternoon football match at the Red Hook Rec Area, we continued on to the waterfront area. For a good idea of what we saw, check this informative pictorial on Red Hook and other 'forgotten' areas of the city. What a great spot to ride a bike on a sunny afternoon. Plus, we may have discovered the best view of the Statue of Liberty the city has to offer.

Travis album

I'm a big fan of the newest Travis album. Titled 'The Boy With No Name,' it's reminding everyone of the '99 release 'The Man Who.' They've gotten back to working with Nigel Godrich, the producer who crafted Radiohead when they really made music.

New Features

So, I spent some time this morning actually learning about HTML code, the functionality of blogger, and what I can include on this site. I found out some cool things. As I've mentioned before, I find Fred Wilson's blog to be fascinating. Not only for his knowledge of new, relevant technology, but for his ability to translate it clearly into his entries and visually on his page. He's a smart cookie.

Anyway, as you'll see on the right hand side, I've added several links, a Last.fm widget, and a new Voki (had a lot of fun creating that). Fred uses these features and many more. So, in essence, I'm ripping him off and have no problem with it. I'm sure there will be more to come for me, too. It's super simple to add these things. Copying code into blogger is a seamless process.

Great Success

I'm happy to report that pseudo official day one of marathon training was a smashing success. My friend Rachel and I took an adventurous route through the park and ended up running about four miles. Feel great, plenty of stretching, and a nice hearty meal to top it all off.

Beautiful day, too. A very comfortable temperature. Tons of kids playing softball, soccer, and other real or made up games. Prospect Park on a weekend summer day is a great place to be. Can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

Cool things from co-workers

A couple links today about two of my co-workers and their out of office creative outlets.

Jonathan Pytell, tech wizard, and pianist. He has a steady gig at F.illi Ponte, in Tribeca Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Tom Von Lahndorff aka 'Tom VL' pushes his web expertise out of the confines of 1515 Broadway and into his own blog. Check it out here.

Ironic Title

Although I won't be running in the NYC marathon this year, I'm keeping the above url. The intent and thought was there when the blog began, so no need to change it now. It's still a marathon. Just a different one.

I'm pegging tomorrow as the first official training day. Prospect Park - late morning. 126 days until Green Mountain.....

IVAW

Our friend Rachel invited us to a party/fundraiser/info session tonight in Brooklyn. Members of the IVAW (Iraq Veterans Against the War) introduced their organization, showed a 'street theater' video shot in NYC, and fielded questions from the guests. Check out profiles on Jen and Jose, the members we met tonight.

Merideth's summer stuff

For continuing updates on what Merideth is doing, go here. Lots of cool pictures, too.

From now until mid August, she'll be in Kansas City working on a show at the American Heartland Theatre. The show is "8 Track," a review of 1970's hits.

Then, it's off to San Diego for a show at the North Coast Rep Theatre. She's playing a familiar role in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival transplanted "Honky Tonk Angels." Very funny and great harmonies from the three lead women.

Enjoy!

Transfer market hysteria

I'm really trying not to get too caught up in it. Trying being the key word. I can't help it. It's fun. Keeps the offseason interesting, especially in a non World Cup or Euro Cup summer. Who's coming to Anfield with this supposed war chest of American cash? Eto'o? Malouda? Villa? Simao? Today it's Benayoun (who I like - he torched the Reds in the 2006 FA Cup final. Tireless worker)

I trust Rafa has a well crafted wishlist. As it's been two seasons running though, the chance to win the title was lost with poor early away form. Last season: Sheffield United (draw), Chelsea (loss), Everton (loss), Bolton (loss), Man Utd (loss), Arsenal (loss), Boro (draw), Wigan (win - finally on Dec. 2nd). There's no way that results in a title contender. Man Utd and Chelsea only lost 3 away matches last season. Liverpool lost 9. Even with Anfield acting as a fortress (fluke Man U game being the only loss), it's impossible to make up that difference. Depth in the squad is important, and rotation is essential for late season strength, but players need to be in the hunt from the start to keep that hunger. Stevie G says the league is the most important competition going forward. Well, let's see some new players that won't accept losing points to bottom feeders at a nasty ground.

Added rights for FSC

For EPL nerds like myself, Fox Soccer Channel has been a godsend. Multiple live matches each weekend. Replays almost every weeknight. And quirky Canadians to provide cliched commentary. What more do you want?

Well, now you can actually get more. They've added valuable rights to their existing tv menu. Exclusive mobile and video content through 2010. Any chance that I can get more Max Bretos, I'll take it. Did anyone else know he does wrestling commentary now? All the better.

Also, the 07-08 fixture list came out today. Ned, Merideth and I are already targeting the Merseyside derby on March 29th as this year's trip to Anfield.

Last.fm

Being a loyal CBS servant, I'm thrilled that Last.fm has become part of our company. The guys in London have done things the right way and truly respect the passion people have for music and community. I'll be linking a lot to their site. Looks like they're hiring, too.

I love following the trends of my listening. I'm going to figure out how to add charts on here through the last.fm widgets. More to follow....

Music thoughts...

I'm planning on seeing The Slip at Bowery Ballroom next Friday, the 22nd. Should be cool. My friend Shanly mentioned them a few months back, and it's certainly time to see some live music. Boston peeps, they're playing a day later, the 23rd, at Middle East. Down the road is the great Chris Cornell. Going to see him in late July at the Beacon. I don't think that one will be as fuzzy as the last time seeing him live. He was still fronting Soundgarden back at the old Omni in Atlanta, circa spring 1997. Great show.

One other recent gem is Magnet. Such a pleasant surprise on every track. I'm digging it at the moment.

Shut Out

Well, as Ricky Gervais tends to say, "it's all bollocks" today. Joel and I were both denied numbers for the NYC marathon. As I wrote to Joel earlier, it seems odd. Joel's coming from out of town and I'm a former member of the New York Road Runners. Oh, well. Vermont will be beautiful in late October.

Speaking of Gervais, his co-star, Karl Pilkington, continues to be one of the funniest characters in recent times. This clip is outrageous.

Blogging live sports

A big controversy has emerged after a Courier Journal reporter was kicked out of the super regional baseball game on Sunday for blogging updates. Here's continuing fallout today.

Another Louisville article

The once reviled Pat Forde has put a nice piece together on espn.com about Louisville. It highlights the university's athletic turnaround over the last ten years. I can't believe how greatly my opinion of Forde has turned in the last five years. Once the local Louisville journalist trying everything to run Denny Crum out of town, Forde has become a constant advocate of UofL on a national level with espn.

Louisville going to Omaha!

The Cards are off to Omaha for the college World Series. That's just insanity for a basketball and recently football town. I love it. I'll be DVRing those games for sure.

Fantasia at the Tony's

Prior to the Tony's last night, I had read several excellent reviews about Fantasia in The Color Purple. Since I've come into the American Idol madness pretty late in the game, I missed her when she won the competition a couple years back. Wow! She tore the place down last night. Check it out here.

Girl Robot

For those who haven't seen Girl Robot yet, check it out here on YouTube and here on MySpace. Episode 3 not far away......

Welcome

I'm pretty damn excited to begin blogging. Today seemed like a good a day as any to start. After frequently reading my friend Bill's blog, and New York venture capitalist Fred Wilson's blog, one that has increased my knowledge of the tech world immensely, the fever has come over me. I'm gonna give it a shot myself. Who knows how it's gonna turn out or what sort of topics are gonna come up, but it should be fun. Countless entries, comments, links, and other windows into the random nature of one's personality. I heard something or saw something today that affected me? Well, throw it up on the blog. Talk about it, share it, discuss it, debate it. I've never been a journal person, but this is a modern world journal type format that I think I can get into.

So, what do you do when your wife/best friend/love of your life and general inspirational figure goes away for the summer? You need to keep yourself as busy as possible. Merideth safely arrived in Kansas City this morning to begin rehearsal for a show at the American Heartland Theater. The show is titled 8-Track and highlights sounds of the 1970's. Can't wait to hear Mer wailing out some Carole King classics when I visit in a couple weeks.

One thing that certainly keeps you busy is some good ol' marathon training. Three years ago, my friend Ned and I completed the San Diego Rock N Roll marathon. I would certainly qualify it as one of the most difficult achievements of my life. Taxing, grueling, mentally draining. You end the race and you're a mess. So, I'm here in New York, living alone for the summer. What do I decide to put myself through? How about the NYC marathon? Why not. Here's all the official info on the race.

About a month ago, my high school friend Joel and I talked about running a marathon together. I found one that fit the fall timetable near Lake Champlain, the Green Mountain Marathon. It looked like it would be a spectacular setting. I pushed it on Joel, but he was pretty adamant about running New York. Didn't take much to convince me. We find out on Friday whether or not we landed a number in the lottery. Fingers crossed. If not, we'll make the trek north and enjoy the beautiful Vermont country in late October.