Why I like New York #1: I can walk from my apartment to the shop where I get my cello repaired. Just nine minutes. Mike, the repairman, and I shot the breeze for a while. He came to New York City from New Mexico many years ago to play jazz bass. Still does (Dixieland) at Arthur’s Tavern at 57 Grove Street.

My cello will be OK. is suffering from low humidity – part of the face came unglued from the sides — apparently a common ailment this time of year.

zipTimer: an iPod/iPhone app for pacing piano practice, cooking, workouts, you name it.