Finally it is MARCH MADNESS!!!!!. Who will be the Number One team this year? Who will be the CINDERELLA team? Could this be the year a 16 seed upsets a number 1 seed? Who will be the most upset minded team? Could we see a one Conference final game. Maybe even a one Conference FINAL FOUR. Will SOMEONE Come Up with a PERFECT PICK SHEET. WOW! Lots of possibilities waiting for us. Maybe your favorite School Will WIN First we have to have our 68 teams. So Knowing you can’t account for the NCAA’s Comittee, THEY have an altogether sometimes strange reasoning for their picks. One thing I really don’t like is this. The committee has decided to add 4 teams they would not have included in the original 64. They may take one of these teams to play into a 12 seed spot. They may have 2 of these teams play into the same SET OF 16. The way I see it they should have these teams play in by having them play the 16 seeds. That way you have one play in, in each block of 16. But; Going out on a limb. I have selected these 68 teams to play in the NCAA Tournament of 2013. In Alphabetical Order. [table]1st 16, 2nd 16,3rd 16,4th 16 1. Akron, 18. Hampton, 35. Memphis,52. St. Mary’s 2. Arizona, 19. Harvard, 36. Miami,53. San Diego St. 3. Belmont, 20. Illinois, 37. Michigan. ,54. S. Dakota 4. Boise St, 21. Indiana, 38. Michigan St. ,55. Southern 5. Bucknell, 22 Iona, 39. Minnesota. ,56. Stephen F. Austen 6 Butler, 23. Iowa St. , 40. Missouri. .,57. Syracuse 7. California, 24. James Madison.,41.Montana ,58. Temple 8. Cincinnati, 25 Kansas, 42. New Mexico ,59. Tennessee 9. Colorado, 26. Kansas St, 43. N.Carolina,60. UCLA 10. Colorado St., 27. Kentucky, 44. N. Carolina St.,61. UNLV 11. Creighton, 28 LaSalle, 45. Notre Dame,62. Valparaiso 12. Davidson, 29. Liberty, 46. Ohio St.,63. Va. Commonwealth 13. Duke, 30. Long Beach St., 47. Oklahoma, 64. Vermont 14. Florida, 31LIU Brooklyn., 48. Oklahoma St., 65. Villanova 15. Florida Gulf Coast, 32. Louisiana Tech., 49. Oregon,66. W. Kentucky 16. Georgetown, 33. Louisville, 50.Pittbursgh , 67. Witchita St. 17.Gonzaga,34. Marquette,51. St. Louis,68. Wisconsin [/table] Now my Picks for Number one seeds. (which will not happen due to the NCAA’s need to spread the wealth). The most deserving (as I see it) Indiana, Michigan St., Michigan, and Gonzaga. I Know a lot of you will wonder why I have 3 teams from the Big Ten. Simply because, The strength of the Big 10 this year. I think if any of these teams were in ANY other conference they would have been the number one team. That is the way I see it. Join me for our annual Picks un-contest SEE if you can beat me. I once again will have my picks using the upper ranked team, my personal picks, and the actual finishes. Views: 122
Category: Basketball
Baltimore Ravens Win !!!
Perhaps the L-O-N-G-E-S-T Super Bowl game in History. BALTIMORE’S RAVENS bested the SAN FRANCISCO FORTY-NINER’S by a score of 34-31. Last night Championship was extended by a power outage. I have read some say it was an external feed, and another report that it was snafu inside the arena; an equipment failure. Either way the side line announcers had the burden of filling in unexpected time. Another thing that made it seem longer to me was the half baked,…er time show. I know many of you are Beyonce fans. But I would like to have more entertainment than a bunch of women in their swimsuits jumping around and making noise. I actually switched over to watch bits of a COLUMBO re-run. Now to the game. Yes my Math and my Scientific methods both failed. Therefore I could claim the Ravens win to be a fluke. But that was not the case. In fact it came down to, (as I said), D-E-F-E-N-S-E. Baltimore brought their defense and San Francisco’s was running way late on it’s arrival. I believe both QB’s did an excellent job. I also believe had San Francisco got their defense together before the power failure. They would have won the game. But they didn’t, and they didn’t. The game hinged on the 108 yard return by Ravens’ Jacoby Jones. There is no way that return should have happened. The 49’ers defense left the whole field unprotected. No one stayed back. Just as in a high school game I watched this past season. The kicker rushed down and tackled the receiver 5 yards after the catch. But that was a mistake. Even though he was able to do that. His coach wasted no time in letting him know it was a mistake. The rest of the season he stayed back and saved many potential scores. Flacco was GIFTED the MVP. Yeah, he did a good job. WAS it a better job than Kaepernick. Not in my eyes. The true MVP was the Ravens DEFENSE. But how do you give MVP, (the “P” is singular) to a group. Thus you give it to a single person. Jacoby Jones would be a fair choice, it was his run back that won the game. But that was only one play. The DEFENSE on the other hand was on thier game most all night. So I suppose as the QB is often considered the leader an Spokesman for the team, Flacco would be give MVP, on behalf of the team. After all , as in any T-E-A-M SPORT, one person can not win the game by himself. Congratulations to the BALTIMORE RAVENS. And I want to compliment fans on both sides. I have not seen any reports of rioting or anything. This shows me their fans are (both Baltimore, and San Francisco), are CHAMPIONS too. Hope to see you NFL fans back here again next year. I have time to try to figure what I did wrong this year. I suppose the next big event is NASCAR SEASON. and for some the NBA All-Star game. I don’t care for the All-Star game. Because they don’t really have any BASKETBALL stars. Merely Media Darlings. I will go into my feelings about the NBA at a later time. I may have opinions to share about NASCAR later. Looking forward to NCAA Basketball tournament. will give my picks, updates and OPINION; just like i did last year. For now We close the book on: 2012 FOOTBALL,and the 2013 SUPER BOWL XLVII. One final note some of the commercials were good. Some not. But at least some got more exposure due to the 34 minute delay. My favorite was, again Budweiser, with the CLYDESDALE COLT. Thank you for indulging me. Views: 104
College Campus Basketball Games
Recently it was announced the Rivalry Between INDIANA UNIVERSITY, and their cross river Rival, the UNIVERSITY of KENTUCKY, will cease to be in the upcoming 2012-2013 Season. What? Say it isn’t so. ……But, alas it is. How did this happen? The way I understand it the University of Kentucky,( AKA, know as the minor league of the NBA), in it’s usual fashion of believing Basketball at UK is a business, only, situation. They see $$$$ ,(dollar signs), in this long enduring confrontation. Indiana University doesn’t. Yes folks, it all comes down to money, as so many things do. The University of Kentucky Wildcats, want to move the games from the home gyms, to an off Campus site which seats, more people, thus, more money to line the schools pockets. Indiana University, says, NO!!! The way the Hoosiers, of IU look at it is….This is a SCHOOL team. It should be played on the campuses, to allow all students the opportunity to watch and participate. By moving to an off Campus arena would require those students to drive or by some other means go arrive at the playing site, and thereby limiting overall school participation by those students who cannot travel. As for me I must take the Hurryin Hoosiers side on this. It is a school event and should therefore be played on campus. Yes the extra money would be nice…..but let us not lose sight of the fact. of which has been lost for some time in College, and some cases High School, SPORTS are intended merely to be an extension of the class room. There, believe it or not, are things that can only be learned in a sports setting. BUSINESS,or LEARNING experience? That Is How I See It What Do You Think? Take Our Poll [poll id=’1′] Views: 149
Then There Are TWO
The Final TWO. If I were a betting man I would pick the team that starts with a “K”. And that is my final prediction for tonight’s game.
My 2012 March Madness Picks
I rarely won our office pool. It usually was won by a woman (65 +). How? I don’t know her secret, she wouldn’t tell me. But she does love sports. I Still see her at our monthly get together of those of us who were at our place of employment for nearly 20 years until they shut the place down. Like I said, she loves sports. How many women in their mid 70’s (Shh. I didn’t tell you), still subscribes to SportsIllustrated. March 24,2012: How is your bracket looking now HOW MANY OF YOU STILL HAVE A TEAM LEFT IN THE WEST REGION? Any way here are my picks. No rhyme or reason. Just gut feeling. MY PICKS I know, I know. What are the odds of two teams from the same conference playing for the NCAA championship. But that is where the fun comes in. RESULTS UPSETS Good Luck everyone. Enjoy the games. That Is How I See It. As you know we experienced an on going down time from our old host server of in excess of 70 hours. Finally got access to allow us to recover our Database. It appears we were able salvage most everything. Thanks for your patience. Wayne Lawrence Views: 512
NCAA Tournament Picks Night Two
So, as I said yesterday, I will now give my picks for Wednesday’s games. But First let me say I didn’t do too well yesterday. Who would think a team could shoot 30%, have 28 turnovers and still win. Oh well, Isn’t that why it is called “March Madness” ? Anything can happen. WEDNESDAY MARCH 14,2012. 6:30 pm Tonight we begin with a game of basketball featuring LAMAR UNIVERSITY, CARDINALS. Representing the Southland (east) Conference. Out of Beaumont Texas. This will be Lanar University’s first appearance in March Madness since the year 2000. The Cardinals come into tournament play with a 23-11 record. A schedule that is stronger than weak but less than a medium toughness schedule. Lamar will meet Vermont. University of Vermont. The CATAMOUNTS from Burlington,Vermont, and representing the American East Conference. With a 23-11 record comes in with a similar schedule difficulty, similar to their opponent Lamar. This will be their first appearance since 2010. This is a difficult pick, two quite similar teams. My pick is…(drum roll) Vermont by 3 points or less. WEDNESDAY MARCH 14,2012 9 pm Our final play in game of the year brings us from the Pacific 12 Conference the University California, Berkley Golden Bears, from Berkley California. Entering with a 24-9 record, Had an impressive strong schedule this year. The Golden Bears will meet University South Florida, Bulls. The Bulls represent the Big East Conference with a 20-13 record. They too had a very strong schedule. This game I will have to give the edge to South Florida, by 2 points. Recap: Vermont moving on to the Midwest Region as a number 16 seed facing number 1 seed North Carolina. South Florida also enters the Midwest Region as a number 12 seed against number 3 seeded Marquette. That Is How I See It, Views: 451
My NCAA Picks Play In Games
Many of you play your office NCAA Pool. As I no longer have anyone but myself in my office, I’m just going to share my first four picks with you. So be this a short post here goes. TUESDAY MARCH 13, 2012 7 pm Mississippi Valley State, (20-12), Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Known as the “Delta Devils” The Southwestern Athletic Conference Champs. Take on the Western Kentucky “Hilltoppers” of Bowling Green Kentucky. Represent Sun Belt (East) Conference, made their last NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009 I see all the games as being close and highly competitive. But looking at the quality of schedule I will have to give the nod to Mississippi Valley State . Most likely by less than 5 points. UM!!! Can I rewrite this? Great game. Great comeback WKU. TUESDAY MARCH 13,2012 9 ish BYU (Brigham University), Cougars coming out of Provo Utah, appears to have a relatively weak schedule, (compared to the majority of schools in the tournament). Representing the West Coast Conference, and SWEET SIXTEEN appearance last year. Face off with Iona, “Gaels” from New Rochelle, New York. Representing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference also has a weak schedule. So this should make up an interesting match up. My pick Iona by 4 points or less. Good Luck to all four teams. To Recap I have: Mississippi Valley State moving on as 16 seed in the SOUTH Region to face Overall Number One seed Kentucky . Iona College to a 14 seed in the West Region facing Number 3 Marquette’ Tomorrow I will post my other two game picks. Then my entire tournament picks will before the first game of the 64 is played. I really need to rewrite this. That Is How I See It. Views: 283
NCAA Countdown Timer
This is going to be a short post. Some people question; “WHY is your timer different from all the others” “Your counter says the tournament starts at 7 pm Tuesday.” Well, like it or not the traditional field of 64 is now 72, Therefore the difference in the timers. My timer is a countdown to the actual start of the NCAA TOURNAMENT. As I said, like it or not we have and expanded field. Most people refuse to accept this as a part of MARCH MADNESS. Some claim these games don’t count. They are merely a preliminary to the tournament, a last chance qualifier, if you will. I feel it it weren’t part of the Tournament the NCAA Committee, would not be the group which selects them. They are however, if you are familiar with High School Wrestling Tournaments, call pig tail matches, with the winners advancing on in the Tournament. By doing this there is no need to alter the original bracket. For example the winner of the first game, will be considered as a number as the 16 seed in the SOUTH Bracket, facing ALL around number 1 Kentucky. The winner of the second game will move as a 14 seed in the WEST, and face number 3 Marquette. Third game winner will advance as a number 16 seed in the MIDWEST bracket and face number 1 North Carolina. The winner of the fourth game will move into the 12 th seed slot in the MIDWEST and play number 5 Temple. I look at it this way. Tne COMMITTEE could not decide who the two number 16 seed, The number 14 and 12 seed should be so this is how it will be decided. And if you look at the 12 and 14 seeding these team probably deserve to be in the Tournament more than the NCAA placed number 16 seeds. What I can’t understand is why does the MIDWEST have 2 pig tail matches and the EAST is the only bracket without a pig tail match. Well that explains why my countdown timer is different. The people who see the other timers will miss , most likely the four most evenly matched games of the tournament. That Is How I See It. Views: 157
Chink In The Armor
Chink In The Armor. This is just another example how our language has changed. I remember a time when GAY was a good thing. It meant we were having a real fun time. The GAY Nineties. Did that mean everyone in the 1890s were homosexuals. Our dictionaries gave this definition: having or showing a merry, lively mood: gay spirits; gay music. We at one time had an eatery called GAY DAN’s. It was a good place to eat, and fun place to visit friends. But alas due to the new connotation of GAY. They were forced to change their name to Mr.Dan’s. I assume they are out of business now, as I have not see one in many years. When we played Cowboys, and Indians, it was not that the INDIANS, were being mean evil or savage. It was just the same as if we were playing CIVIL WAR. The INDIANS were a group whose homeland was being invaded by outsiders. They were defending their land. Then all of a sudden the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), tells the colleges whose names include reference to our NATIVE Americans, they cannot host or display their names, or mascots.during an NCAA sponsored event. or even use their names while participating in NCAA sponsored events. They cite Native American’s concerns of the nicknames as casting dispersions upon the Native American. But like it or not, Sports is a battle, (not on a life or death scale) but it is the same thing, protecting their LAND; School grounds, their honor, if you will on an athletic or academic playing field. Just as the NATIVE American protected his land. Is it a shame to a group of people for others to want to be like them or their ancestors? Seems to me I would be proud if people wanted to take my name as a symbol of HEROICS. Now on the CHINK statement of the ESPN corespondent. As anyone who has ever been in the public spotlight, whether it be a reporter, politician, or a public speaker, YOU can only say what you mean, How others respond to what you say is in their understanding. Their UNDERSTANDING, is limited to their vocabulary. In some parts of our country we order a COKE. Some parts of the country we order a COLA, while in others we order a SODA. Get my drift? Dictionary meaning for CHINK is: A crack, cleft, or fissure: a chink in a wall. Or as we have all heard a chink in the armor. meaning Not perfect. The fired ESPN employee statement was… “Chink in the Armor” — after the Knicks lost to the New Orleans Hornets Friday night. Now considering the Knicks had not lost a game with Jeremy Lin. When they did lose, (although Lin still played an outstanding game, it proved they (Knicks were not perfect, even with Lin). Therefore a “chink”, a flaw in their game. Enough said. I think the people who think this is a slur, will find the only slur is in their mind. For it is in their minds “chink” is a slur. I know many people who are like this. In this usage it was not a slur. I don’t know all the terms of the English language. Just let me put it this way. Had the reporter stated “Jeremy Lin is a chink” (No disrespect here Mr. Lin. Merely making a point ). That would be a slur. But to say there is a.. “Chink in the Armor” while referring to the Knicks…can hardly be considered a slur. Perhaps indeed, Dan Fastenberg (AOL writer) during his report on the TV Show Undercover Boss (which I personally do not waste my time watching) stated the CEO of Checkers, and Rallys fast burger chain “… Silva’s time on “Undercover Boss” was a true chance to see the chinks in the armor of the fast food empire…” Using the same standards, should not Mr. Fastenberg be fired? Ah, how our language changes day to day. What will be next word that is to become a slur? That Is How I See It. Views: 125
Fair TAX???
As most sport fans know our professional sports players pay Federal Income Tax. They also pay State Tax. However did you know they pay the STATE TAX to the state they earn the money in. Not necessarily their home state. Let’s say a Eli Manning plays a game at Indianapolis. The money he earned for that game is taxed by the state of Indiana. (I can only assume local city, county, etc. taxes are also collected). Can you imagine the tax nightmare? Does he have to prepare a tax form for every state he earns money. Does this include personal appearances also? But here comes the rub. I recently read..Pius Heinz, a German poker player won $8,715,636.oo in the WORLD SERIES OF POKER, in Las Vegas TAX FREE !!!! Martin Stazko of the Czech Republic the second place finisher won $5,433,080.oo. Neither of these men will pay tax on any of this 14 million plus earnings. However third place winner, Ben Lamb a resident of the good old USA will have to pay approximately $1,524,011.oo on his $4,021039.oo Fourth place finisher Mark Gianetti, another USA Citizen won $3,012,700.oo but will have to surrender $1,524,642.oo to the Federal Government. Granted the 2 nd place winner will have to pay taxes in his native Czech Republic. Due to Germany’s tax exempt gambling law, Herr Heinz will pay NO TAXES. That is almost $14 million of U.S. Currency leaving the country, with no return to our treasury. Does anyone else see anything wrong with this? I sure do. This Is How I See It. Views: 893
