Below is MY perceived 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness 68-team bracket summary along with why these contenders are projected where they are and who the last four in might be. With clear sections and some bracket context based on multiple bracketology sources and current standings. 🏀 2026 NCAA March Madness – Perceived Bracket & Summary Top Seeds (Projected No. 1s) No. 1 Seeds: Duke, Michigan, Arizona, UConn These are the teams currently leading polls and bracket projections: Duke has taken over the AP No. 1 spot after a signature win over Michigan, Michigan and Arizona remain elite in NET and poll rankings, and UConn is dominating the Big East. 🏆 Projected Bracket — Top Regions (This is a field combining multiple bracketology projections through February) No. 1 Seeds Duke – ACC powerhouse with top metrics and high Quad-1 win totals. AP News Michigan – Elite resume, strong analytics profile across KenPom & NET. Arizona – Undefeated and dominant in Big 12 play. UConn – Big East leader and consistent NET top10 team. �table 2–4 Seeds (Consensus among projections): Purdue – Listed as a 2-seed and inside the top 10 NET as well. Illinois, Houston, Iowa State, Gonzaga – All regularly projected as 2–3 seeds due to strong resumes and Quad-1 victories. Texas Tech, North Carolina, Florida – Frequently slotted in the 4–5 range. 🔥 Bubble & At-Large Favorites These teams are frequently projected in the middle seed range (6–10) and are viewed as strong bubble contenders: Wisconsin – Now considered a lock with a solid Quad-1 profile. Bucky’s 5th Quarter NC State, Villanova, Utah State – Often seen as swing seeds (7–9). Tennessee, Alabama, Iowa, Louisville – Held inside projected field in most bracketology lists. 📉 Perceived Bubble & Tiering Likely In (just inside): NC State, UCLA, Auburn, Missouri, USC, SMU � Traditional Bubble (needs wins to secure): Butler, Creighton, Seton Hall, UCF, San Diego State � 🏟️ Last Four In (Play-In Candidates) According to recent projections such as Sporting News’ field of 68 and other bracketology builds: 📌 Projected Last Four In Texas Ohio State Texas A&M New Mexico These teams typically show up just inside the 68-team range but with resume gaps that could easily drop them on Selection Sunday. ❌ First Four Out (Near-Misses) Teams often crack the bracket: Just outside the field, meaning they’d need late resume boosts to USC Santa Clara Virginia Tech Missouri These programs hover near the cut line due to inconsistent Quad-1 wins or fewer signature victories. 🧠 Why These Projections Make Sense 📊 Standings & Metrics The teams near the top of the NET and AP polls (Duke, Michigan, Arizona, UConn) also have strong strength of schedule and Quad-1 win totals — key components the Selection Committee values. NCAA.com+ 📍 Conference Strength Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and SEC teams are well-represented due to conference depth and quality wins. The Big Ten alone has numerous projected bids. Bucky’s 5th Quarter 📉 Strong Mid-Majors Gonzaga and Utah State often appear in the field due to excellent records, strong conference performance, and Quad-1/Quad-2 victories. The Slipper Still Fits Views: 2
Category: Old Cars
🧰 Snap-On vs. Harbor Freight: The Real-World Tool Buyer’s Dilemma
🧰 Compare Snap-On tool truck prices vs. Harbor Freight’s affordable “buy two” strategy. Learn which tools give you better value, faster warranty service, and less downtime on the job. Snap-On tools, Harbor Freight, tool truck prices, lifetime warranty, mechanic tools, Icon tools, tool comparison, Snap-On vs Harbor Freight 🛻 Tool Truck Tradition: Snap-On as the Example Snap-On, Matco, Mac, and Cornwell trucks have been fixtures in shops for decades. They bring professional-grade tools directly to your workplace—but that convenience comes with a hefty price tag. 🔩 Pros of Tool Truck Brands Top-tier quality: Premium steel, smooth finishes, tight tolerances. Weekly service: The truck comes to your bay—no trip to the store. Prestige: Owning Snap-On tools is a badge of professionalism. Financing available: Buy now, pay weekly (but beware of interest). ⚠️ Cons of Tool Truck Brands High cost: A single ratchet may run $100–150. Warranty wait: If a tool breaks, you wait for the truck’s next visit. Financing pitfalls: Interest and weekly payments can add up fast. 🧰 Harbor Freight: The Two-for-One Strategy Harbor Freight’s Icon, Quinn, and Pittsburgh Pro tools have stepped up in quality—many rivaling mid-tier professional tools at a fraction of the price. The smart mechanic’s move: buy two of every tool. Use one daily, keep the second as backup. When one breaks, grab the spare and replace the broken one immediately under Harbor Freight’s lifetime warranty—NO DOWNTIME, no waiting for a truck. ✅ Pros of the Harbor Freight Double-Up Method Massive savings: Even with two sets, costs are under half of Snap-On’s. Instant replacement: Walk in, swap it out, get back to work. Debt-free: Pay cash—no weekly payments or interest. Always ready: You’ll never be without a tool mid-job. ⚙️ Cons of the Harbor Freight Method Quality variation: Lower lines (like Pittsburgh) may not match Icon’s durability. Less polish: Slightly rougher machining and tolerances. No truck service: You lose that rolling convenience and community. 💵 Price Comparison Chart Tool Type Snap-On Price Harbor Freight (Icon) Buy Two (Backup Plan) Savings 3/8” Drive Ratchet $120 $30 $60 $60 saved 10mm Socket $25 $5 $10 $15 saved Wrench Set (Metric 10–19mm) $250 $60 $120 $130 saved Total for Basic Set $395 $95 $190 $205 saved Even doubling up Harbor Freight’s best line, you still save more than 50%—and always have a working backup. ⚖️ Warranty Turnaround Comparison Factor Snap-On Harbor Freight Claim Process Wait for tool truck In-store replacement Turnaround Time 3–7 days 5–10 minutes (This can be done during off time) Proof Needed Sometimes Rarely Availability Truck visits weekly 7 days a week 🚗 Real-World Verdict If you’re a career mechanic who depends on precision tools daily, Snap-On still shines for its flawless balance, comfort, and craftsmanship—especially for specialty tools and torque instruments. But for most techs, DIYers, and startup shops, Harbor Freight’s double-set method wins on cost, convenience, and uptime. 💬 Bottom Line ” Snap-On tools make you look professional. Harbor Freight tools keep you working professional. Views: 3
THE CONS of TRAFFIC CIRCLES
‘[adrotate group=”1″] Traffic circles, also known as roundabouts or rotaries, are circular intersections that are designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and congestion by eliminating traffic lights and allowing vehicles to flow continuously in one direction. However, traffic circles are not without their drawbacks. In this post, we will explore some of the cons of traffic circles and why they are not always the best solution for traffic management. Confusion and Fear One of the main disadvantages of traffic circles is that they can cause confusion and fear among drivers, especially those who are unfamiliar with them or encounter them infrequently. Traffic circles ,than conventional intersections, such as yielding to the traffic already in the circle, choosing the correct lane, and exiting at the right time. These rules can vary depending on the size, design, and location of the traffic circle, adding to the complexity and uncertainty. Some drivers may not know how to navigate a traffic circle properly, leading to mistakes, hesitation, or aggression. Other drivers may avoid traffic circles altogether, preferring to take longer or less convenient routes. Space and Cost Another disadvantage of traffic circles is that they can take up more space and cost more money than conventional intersections. Traffic circles typically require a larger footprint than traffic lights, which can be a problem in urban areas where space is limited or valuable. Traffic circles may also require additional land acquisition, road widening, or relocation of utilities, which can increase the cost and complexity of the project. Moreover, traffic circles may not be compatible with existing road geometry, traffic patterns, or environmental conditions, requiring additional modifications or adaptations. Safety and Efficiency A third disadvantage of traffic circles is that they may not always improve safety and efficiency as intended. While traffic circles can reduce the severity and frequency of crashes by eliminating right-angle and head-on collisions, they can also increase the risk of rear-end and sideswipe collisions by forcing drivers to merge, change lanes, and exit at high speeds. Furthermore, traffic circles may not be able to handle large volumes of traffic or accommodate large vehicles, such as buses, trucks, or emergency vehicles, resulting in congestion*, delays, or conflicts. Additionally, traffic circles may pose challenges for pedestrians, bicyclists, and visually impaired people, who may have difficulty crossing the road or finding their way around the circle. *I can attest to not handling large volumes of traffic. An intersection I frequently used, (with a stop sign would mean a short stop and go). With the roundabout it took over a half hour to cross that intersection. I was going North, the East-West traffic was so congested because of roundabouts further down the road causing a steady flow of people going East and West to and from work. There was traffic backed up as far as the eye could see. Now you go back to the other roundabouts and you can imagine the North-South traffic was backed up at each one. As if the backup wasn’t bad enough imagine the problems caused by the people backed up. Either trying to cross the street or entering the street we were on, and at the other roundabout traffic circles. Just accidents, ROAD RAGE, etc. I came to the conclusion the real gains were made by the TOW TRUCK operators. I am sure they must have a party everytime a new roundabout is built. (Not really a party, BUT knowing their profits will rise). Conclusion Traffic circles are not a one-size-fits-all solution for traffic management. They have their pros and cons, and their effectiveness depends on various factors, such as the design, location, and context of the traffic circle. Therefore, traffic engineers and planners should carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of traffic circles before implementing them, and consider alternative or complementary measures, such as traffic signals, signs, markings, or education, to enhance the safety and efficiency of traffic circles. ‘[adrotate group=”1″] Views: 135
The Native American Mascot GENOCIDE !!
GENOCIDE The DELIBERATE and SYSTEMATIC EXTERMINATION of a National, Political, Racial, or CULTURAL GROUP. It appears to me the “MEDIA”, has triggered a movement to eradicate the MEMORY, of our Native American Culture. We now see few movies featuring the “INDIAN”. Westerns we all watched, most of the time, featured the Indian in a fashion that could be interpreted in a bad light. The Massacre of Custer’s troops. Attacking wagon trains, etc. etc. Then we also had the ones which showed the other side the “Indians” who worked as Scouts for the Calvary. SACAGAWEA, Who was instrumental in the movement to push the boundaries of the United States to the Pacific Ocean. Without her, the USA may have ended at the Mississippi River. Let’s not forget the “INDIANS” who befriended the first SETTLERS, and saved their live by teaching them how to grow keeps in this “Untamed Land”. We had Tonto, faithful companion to The Lone Ranger, NOT just a companion, BUT actually his life saver. And many more. In reality many of us wanted to be the “INDIAN” when we played Cowboys and “INDIANS”. We admired the family values, they depicted. We appreciated their courage. Their tenacity to hold on to their Land and way of LIFE. WHO? Among us would not FIGHT to defend our LAND, OUR WAY OF LIFE. We took away their Land, Food, and most likely their dignity. We moved them around, for our convenience. Put them on little parcels of land called RESERVATIONS. Before we came this whole country was theirs. They welcomed us with open arms, and we treated them badly. Now the NCAA and PRO Sports, even our Primary Schools, are wanting to abolish the use of any reference of the “INDIAN”. I know of a small town about 20 miles from where I live, began as an “INDIAN” village. The school there taught them our ways, and took their name as the school’s nickname. Thanks to school consolidation, the town has only an elementary school, but still carries the “INDIAN” name. The meaning has several interpretations today, from the native name of a type of TREE, to what they called EELS. HISTORY LOST. But ask any of the alumni, or any of the townspeople. They are proud of the that name regardless of what it means. By removing the last remnants, the team NICKNAMES, and MASCOTS; the GENOCIDE, of our Native Americans will move closer to being nothing more than a footnote in history. These Mascots, (even if not exactly accurate), remind of the American Heritage. There were many Tribes. Few of us know more than a handful of their names. But with the Colleges, Pro, and Primary Schools, we find our last tributes, to the brave native people who settled here long before “”AMERICANS”‘, thought of coming here. What people are missing is this. The names were given with respect and admiration. Whether, like the nickname of the school previously mentioned, (remember the tree, or eel, or whatever it meant). Or a local tribe, or chief, or warrior. They remain as a reminder, lest we forget… If you have noticed I used quotation marks each time I wrote “INDIAN”. American should be used. The word “INDIAN” came about because Chris Columbus thought he was in INDIA. In conclusion, I think removing these last few reminders, of the REAL American, would be an absolute tragedy. That Is How I See It. Views: 124
Unmarked Police Cars
Just a short post I just watched a video on YAHOO.com. I found extremely informative, and thought provoking. The video was of a man pulling over a Washington state police officer. Citing a State law which prohibits the use of UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLES being used as patrol cars. Stating that unmarked cars are usable in undercover investigations. The point that was brought up is…A citizen cannot know if he is being pulled over by an authorized police officer, or a stalker, or a serial killer. (to go from one comparison point to another). In the state i live in we have had numerous incidences, ( specially unescorted women), being pulled over by a predator, or cop want to be, by cars MARKED as police cars. Now you throw in the UNMARKED car issue. So how do you know if you should pull over. Just because a car has the lights, which can be bought by it seems anyone. You have seen them in movies, car shows,etc., doesn’t mean there is a rel reason, or a real cop behind the wheel. Yet if you don’t stop then you are accused of resisting a police officer. Pull over in a well lit public spot? I have been on roads where I might travel 30-40 miles before I find a spot like this. You know by this time if the cop is real he is going to have an army of fellow officers after me. I will be charged with fleeing law enforcement. We know we do have officers, though few in the overall number of police officers, who would fall in this category of predatory behavior. I do recall the times when a Town Clown, (town cop), would camp outside someones home and wait for them to leave so they could stop them for loud muffler violations. I know of a man who did drink too much, BUT city cops would wait about a block from the bar he visited and wait for him to leave. I knew they were waiting and told him to stay his regular time, but only drink Coke. He did. They pulled him over almost as soon as he pulled out of his parking spot. Ha! Ha! Joke was on them. Another time a friend of mine was 5 minutes from his house when pulled over. They gave him a breath test, and he passed it. They held him there for 20 minutes, by then the alcohol had apparently entered his blood stream and he failed. Off to jail. in our state we had a ,I think state police officer, who was convicted of murder 2 times. (Same Murder). Yet he was granted a 3rd trial, with the stipulation that the convicting evidence in the first 2 rials could not be used. Like I said these are hopefully few and far between. In closing I would like to go record as being a proponent for discontinuing use of unmarked patrol cars for police use. This I do in the name of Citizen Safety. That Is How I See It. Below is a link to the video. Whether it will still be up when you check it… I don’t know. I know they usually only have these things up for a short period of time. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/citizen-pulls-over-police-officer-193834583.html Views: 112
GM CEO Asks For $1 Gas Tax Hike
You may recall an article I wrote about how people in our area who drive GM products do not seem to be in touch with rules of the road, WELL how about this. General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said he would favor a $1 dollar hike in gasoline tax, including a 50 cent immediate hike… are you ready for this “To take advantage of the recent DECLINE in gas prices.” Did I miss this DECLINE?? According to Akerson this would put people in the position of buying more fuel efficient cars and lessen the burden on the auto industry to meet future mileage goals. I know I can’t afford a new car period let alone one of those HIGH-Priced hybrids and the like. I’m sure I’m not alone here. Heck it’s getting to the point I could not afford a USED car as those prices have gone up so much. A friend who sells used cars told me used cars are getting harder to buy. New car dealers who once brought the cars to auction are now selling them on their lots. I once had a New car dealer tell me he would not keep a car on the lot if it had 50,00o miles or more on it. Now I see he has cars with 150,000 miles with a price of $5,000,oo (or more). A friend traded off his 2000 Oldsmobile for a new car and was only offered $1000.00 trade in. Later the dealer had it on his lot with a $5,900.oo price tag. There is gold in them thar used cars. Now, I know the CEO of GM can afford the tax increase. Heck, he probably doesn’t even buy gas, as evidenced in his statement about the decline in gas prices. I’m sure he doesn’t buy his cars as they are most likely part of his compensation package. In other words he isn’t among the core people of our country. He hasn’t a clue about what he is saying. He is only looking at saving his company money so he can get a bigger bonus. Before I close this entry. Greg Martin, Gm’s Washington spokesperson confirmed Akerson’s statement reflects Gm’s VIEW. But GM will not actively pursue the passage of such a tax, as it would be very difficult to get enacted. I suppose that is how GM drivers feel too. After all they are supporting the company by buying GM products. That Is How I See It. Views: 186
Drivers Beware In Gary Indiana
We all have believed Cops have had quotas for traffic stops. After all they have to bring some money in to help pay their salaries. Finally a City which is not ashamed to admit their police officers, have quotas. they have not stated what the consequence is if you don’t meet the quota. ” What is the quota?” you ask. The quota is at least one “1” traffic arrest an hour. Gary’s Traffic Commander, mothy Tatum said this quota will remain in effect as long as he is “COMMANDER” . His actual edict says 10 traffic arrests per officer assigned to his traffic division per shift per day. Good Luck holding your job Timothy. I understand the prosecutors are already protesting your quota. They can always decide to NOT PROSECUTE. The voters probably will not appreciate your move. I’m not sure one cop can write 1o citations a day. I’m thinking what you are creating is an aura of “I have to meet my quota, so I’ll write up this poor guy driving the old car. He can’t afford to protest the stop, and pursue it in court”. Or “I’ll stop this guy, he’s from out of our area, and will just pay the fine.” Then, of course, there is the wealthy who will pay just because it is such a trifling amount it is not worth the time to go to court. Kind of sounds like everyone could be a victim of this QUOTA. I hope the traffic officers have enough pride in themselves to not make up violations to meet their quota. Or that an unreasonable stop does not end with injury to the cop or citizen. I know I will do my best to avoid Gary Indiana, and there goes my money I may have spent there. After all I’m sure they don’t need my money in this haven of high employment, and economy. It seems to me the “Quota” would be a valid defense, in court. But I’m not a Lawyer, or Judge. Hats off to Gary for admitting they have a traffic citation quota. Most places would not. That Is How I See It. UPDATE: UPDATE: Just in. Gary Mayor Rudy Clay Says Quota’s are over. Police Administration says never existed. Don’t know if Gary’s Traffic Commander, Timothy Tatum, is still Commander they have Views: 101
Driving Lessons Anyone
I’m not sure if it is just in the Midwest, or all over the United States, but there is a lot of people driving that need to learn to drive. Especially those driving GM products. After many years driving all over the Midwest, I have come to fear people driving GMs. Don’t get me wrong there are some who drive Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, etc. that do the same things. Just seems more prone to GM drivers. I am so wary of them I pay real close attention to them, and take extra precautions. Things I have noticed. 1. I sit behind them at stop lights, because they refuse to advance to the middle of the intersection so they can proceed when it clears. Sometimes they just sit through a turn light. 2, When approaching a 4 way stop they tend to either not stop, or my favorite, follow the car ahead of them through. 3. I usually travel about 4-5 miles over the speed limit, but they pass me like I’m going in reverse. Then, as with all makes you are going to have the pokeys that run about 10 mph below the speed limit, then speed up if you try to pass, or come to a passing zone. 4. Parking lots. They take up at least 2 spaces, sometimes more. I have a friend who drove Chrysler products. He usually put about 60,00 miles a year on his car. A pretty good driver. Last year, for some reason he bought a Chevrolet. Now I am afraid to ride with him. He hugs the dividing line, and YES he now takes up 2 spots in parking lots. COINCIDENCE???? I’m not saying this true with all GM drivers, just the majority I see in the Midwest. That Is How I see It. It just seems like GM people (in the Midwest) do not think the rules of the road apply to them. Views: 139
New Car or Old Car
My newest vehicle, other than my motorcycle, and project sports car. My daily driver is a 1995 Ford Explorer. I don’t know how many miles it has on it. The odometer doesn’t work. It had 150,000 miles on it when I bought it 3 years ago. I know I average 20 miles a gallon with it. I chase my kids and their kids in sports. I bought the Explorer 3 years ago, and have put about 75,000 miles on it. I paid $1500.00 for it then. I pay the minimum in my state for license. We have an excise tax added to plate cost each year, until the vehicle is X years old or bottoms out on value. I pay only for Liability Insurance. The insured value would be less than I paid for it. I don’t count in the usual expected expenses for maintenance. Tires, Oil Change, etc. These things come whether you have a new car or old. I was fortunate that that the Explorer had been taken care of and had no rust, or excessive wear on the interior. I subscribe to these beliefs as far as vehicles are concerned. A vehicle is to get me from point A to point B. Do I need a new car for this? NO! If I were to buy a new car, (and I have had a couple. Three to be Exact. the last one I had one year, before I got laid off, seems my vehicle had already lost 50% of what I paid for it. I was able to keep it with the help of my brother. Do I want to take that kind of loss again. No way. If I were to buy a new vehicle payments would run, probably between $250-$350 a month. that would be a minimum of $3,000.00 a year in payments. for about 5 or 6 years. So I figure if I can keep my Explorer on the road for $2000.00 a year I am ahead of the game. Knock on wood I have had to spend $0, beyond the usual maintenance costs for the these 3 years. So at $500 a year ($1500 divided by 3 years equals $500 a year). Well as you can see I have thus far save $2500.00 a year on payments alone. That is $7,500.00 I have saved. I know most of you think you have to have a new car for appearance sake, or mistakenly think you will spend more for maintenance. Think of it this way If you had an older vehicle YOU would still have put more money in your pocket. I had a cousin who only bought a new car every ten years. But he could afford it. By buying only every ten years he was able to pay cash. Pretending to make payments.(putting the money aside), he was able to take his family on many fulfilled vacations with the extra money. Why Buy a New Car when an Older one is just as good at getting you from Point A to Point B, at a huge savings. That Is How I See It, Views: 312
