Something, perhaps, to file away for the future. Martin O'Neill, the coach of Randy Lerner's Other Team, resigned on Monday. Only 5 days before the start of the English football season.

There are some things that jump out right away. First of all, Aston Villa lost 43 million pounds last year. That is a bushel of money. Additionally, they have started selling off some players, and that's always a source of problems between the Chairman and the Manager. Last year, Villa sold Gareth Barry (28 when he left) to Manchester City and did the same this year with 24-year old James Milner.

That seems to be the issue as Milner's transfer fee (30 million pounds) was not available to O'Neill to grab someone else for the team. Rumors abound that 25-year old Ashley Young will also be moving on, over to Tottenham, for another 18 million pounds. O'Neill was vehemently against that move. And, of course, it's very Tribe-like when you keep dumping good, young players.

As far as coaches coming and going in England, this is nothing new. O'Neill is booked as a favorite to pick up another coaching gig soon, as there are already a couple of coaches on the hotseat. Most notably, Roberto Mancini at Man City.

Lerner is on record as saying he wants a new coach named by August 22. Very interesting names are considered, it seems. Bob Bradley, the current USA coach. Sven-Goran Erikkson, the former England coach who coached Ivory Coast in the latest World Cup. He got a raw deal at Man City a couple of years ago. And Jurgen Klinsmann, although I think he's eventually gonna get the USA job.

So, there is evidence of money woes at Villa. We'll have to see if any of these issues surface with the Browns.

Meal of Links

Niche airlines! Pet Airways and Erotic Airways are still in business.

The New Yorker has an interesting article in the print version. Whatever happened to John Lurie? He was not fishing.

Who knew? Johnny Carson was a philanthropist.

I heard this song the other day, for the first time in a while. Still holds up 14 years later.

"Overground, watch this space
I'm open to falling from grace."

"Six Underground"/Sneaker Pimps



I've decided to watch "Rubicon" on AMC. Lots of people are into "Mad Men" or "Breaking Bad". But I hope something, anything, starts soon on "Rubicon". Better be a big payoff and not some goofy shit. Sledge Hammer is in it, as well as Clay Davis from "the Wire".

Well, we've waited a long time for it. Townes Van Zandt. Finally! You can watch the doc on Townes, "Be Here to Love Me", on Hulu.

Robert Gibbs condemns "the professional left". Oops!

Exercise Yard

How's that NASCAR Hall of Fame working out? Not so good? Built for $200 million with promises of 800,000 visitors, they are projecting half that total. But it's really been too hot to do anything, right?

Dan Gilbert should take notice with his gambling estimates.

Visitor

8 Across: Robbins's partner (6 letters) Answer: Baskin