Mon Aug 10, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

"Lance" - John Wilcockson
Why does someone, a multimillionaire approaching the age of 38 and a cancer survivor besides, come out of three years' retirement to try to win the world's most demanding sports contest? The "someone" is, of course, Lance Armstrong. "Ah well, he's having fun," answered Christian Vande Velde, a former teammate of Armstrong's and now a rival, in a chat this spring. Some fun. Looking determined, if sometimes strained, Armstrong has ridden through rain, cold, and long climbs to remain, if improbably, within striking distance of victory in the Tour de France. It would be his eighth, three more than anybody else in the 105-year-old history of the race. And if that's not enough, he said Tuesday that he would be back again next year. Another answer, fully documented, wide-ranging and reasoned, is provided by John Wilcockson, a veteran Tour watcher (he received an award for 40 years' fidelity to the race this month) in his book, "Lance".

Steve Gradman EXPO Global Marketing
By definition, a teacher is extraordinary. But EXPO®, maker of dry erase markers, boards and accessories, is launching a new multi-channel marketing campaign to recognize teachers who go the extra mile, including one special "EXPO Extraordinary Educator" who has made all the difference. The campaign, which launches this week with TV ads in select NBC markets, is EXPO's way of saying thanks to America's best educators while also helping offset the money teachers spend each year out of their own pockets on school supplies. According to a 2001 study by the National Education Association, on average, teachers in large and medium school systems spent $523 and $465 respectively of their own money to meet the needs of their students. EXPO's new TV ads feature Kyle Chandler, who stars as Coach Eric Taylor on the popular NBC TV series "Friday Night Lights." His message in the new spots is clear: Teachers deserve a break, and EXPO is here to help.

Robert Franek, VP / Publisher, The Princeton Review
Robert Franek, VP / Publisher, The Princeton Review and author of "The Best 371 Colleges," or one of the book's senior editors can discuss: the rankings of specific colleges; the two honor roll lists: Financial Aid and "Green;" and how and why Princeton Review annually surveys students about the quality of life on their campuses.

Edge of Forever - Jeff Chimenti
Despite his busy Houston practice, Jeff Chimenti, board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat physician and surgeon has found time to write not just one book but two: The Edge of Forever and the upcoming sequel, The Edge of Forever: Brink of Extinction. Both books draw on Chimenti's scientific background that brings scary realism to his action packed stories

Strange But True - Rock History
The St. Louis white R&B revue Bob Kuban and the In-Men had one big hit to their name: their 1966 single 'The Cheater.' A catchy, horn-driven blast of blue-eyed-soulish pop that made it to No. 12 on the charts, it featured the gruff, powerhouse lead vocals of Walter Scott, who in the band's cautionary tale warns listeners to "Look out for The Cheater/He's gonna build you up just to let you down." Little did Scott suspect that a couple of real-life cheaters, including one he shared a bed with, would be instrumental in letting him down -- into the cold, damp ground.