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.