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Showing posts from June, 2010

Ned Landin - Flathead "Ordinary Man"

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I like Ned and his music. I knew him as Flathead from when he played outside Coffman Memorial Union at the University of Minnesota back in 1986-7. Then, almost by coincidence, I saw him perform Astor Place in NYC a few years later and Harvard Square a few years after that, only to catch up with him one night in the 90's in Santa Monica, where the above clip, I think, is from. Ned's music, in particular his guitar playing and thoughtful singing, owes a ton to Cat Stevens and Ritchie Havens, but for countless students, more of whom who should see this video and check out his website ...it's that we owe Ned for his music and for being a voice of our student years. I got a chance to hang out with Ned over lo mein in Chinatown NYC after he opened for Michelle Shocked one night. He was a nice, quiet guy. I know I said it already in person, but Thank you, Flathead. Link to Flatworld.net

Jabulani + Mourinho Tactics = Boring World Cup

I wish I could conclude differently. I agree with Rob Smyth . The ball is off. And the tactics are over defensive in this World Cup so far. Too many passes and shots are off target. Too many hard passes hit the recipients' foot and balloon up out of control. Too many great players have no touch and howlers outbalance successful executions of finesse. On top of which, it seems every manager has studied Barcelona vs. Inter Milan and have put not just "men behind the ball" but disciplined formations organized to meet and thwart all attacks a la Mourinho. And, given the Adidas Jabulani ball, there's no easy way to unlock the bus that's parked, more often than not, in front of the goal. With this ball so far, there's no real threat from shots and free kicks from long distance and crosses often sail over the intended targets. The teams I'm enjoying watching pass the ball on the ground and run incessantly in the attack. Ivory Coast, South Africa, for two, have be