Random thoughts while wondering what ever happened to Chris Snopek:

Bracket Buster Dept.: On the eve of the NCAA tournament,here is my official 2007 Bracket.  Please note: I am absolutely terrible at this and usually am eliminated from competition after the second round.  That's why I don't gamble.

Here is a breakdown of teams by mascot.  Not a whole lot of value in making your picks, but great water cooler or lunchtime talk.

Here's a story about two really great guys who have finally arrived on the NCAA stage.  I've mentioned them individually, but the story talks about them collectively.  I know both Belmont's Rick Byrd and Tony Cross very well from my four years in Nashville and they deserve what ever media love they can get.  In this case, the media is supplied by another outstanding individual, Theresa Walker of the Associated Press.  I bring these things up because in my book character counts and these are all people of character.

Back in the NCAA tournament this year is Tim Floyd of USC.  Here's a guy left for dead on the scrapheap of the NBA after failures in Chicago and New Orleans.  It's not that Floyd is a bad coach, it's that he worked for the wrong people.  Sometimes people need a second (and in Floyd's case) third chance in a different environment for them to reach their full potential.  Future employers, please take note.

Texas Tech and Nevada won't be meeting in the NCAA Tournament (they'd have to meet in the final four and given the fact that they are both mid seeds that's highly unlikely.)  The post game festivities from this potential game would be probably more entertaining than the game itself.  Wonder what Myles Brand must be thinking.  And, notice how SI uses a picture of Mark Fox being angry just to compliment their point.  This is how reputations get started and legends are born.


It appears the Duke Blue Devils of the early nineties are turning into the '72 Dolphins.

Senator John McCain shows his fun side by posting his bracket on-line.  Hillary Clinton has posted her bracket but she only filled out the left side.

Get Over It Dept.: Bears linebacker Lance Briggs needs a big cup of shut the hell up.  His selfish behavior isn't winning him any friends.  His radio and print comments about wanting to go somewhere so he can be "the man" border on asinine.  How are other players on a different team going to feel about Briggs when he arrives and announces that he is there to deliver them into salvation?  Dude, you sound like T.O.

Taking the 5th Dept.: The White Sox search for a fifth starter is about as fruitful as 2004 when it was done by committee.  Gavin Floyd blew a four run lead (he appears to be a head case) John Danks was okay and Charlie Haegar continues to impress.

Isn't there someone like Tomo Ohkha the Sox could rent for a year to get through this so they could actually compete for a championship rather than hope that one of Kenny Williams' longshots will finish in the money?

Fingered Dept.: I don't know what the big deal about Andrew Bogut giving the crowd in Toronto the finger is.  After all, the owners have been doing that to the fans for years.

Stay at Home Dept.: Congratulations, Gary Bettman.  For the first time in 15 years, you actually did something good for your sport.

We look forward to hearing from you again around 2022.

Head Case Dept.: Islander fans, the time to jump out the window may be now.  Without Rick DiPietro they are a very mortal team.

BTW, great game last night on Versus between Buffalo and Pittsburgh (besides the fact that Jack Edwards had the PBP.)  Pittsburgh had a 4-3 lead before Buffalo tied it with seven seconds left.  The game was tied after overtime, so minor league rules prevailed and the Pens won.

I think the Pens are a nice team, but I think their goal tending is a bit weak.  Marc-Andre Flurey does not really impress me that much, although he made some nice saves in the shootout.  Not to be Captain Obvious, but in the east, I think your best goalies are Martin Brodeur, Rick DiPietro and Ryan Miller.  In the west, it's pick 'em, but there are three teams with outstanding goalie tandems (Nashville, Minnesota and San Jose) which will really help them in the playoffs.

Deja Vous Dept.: Bernie Bickerstaff will not coach the Charlotte Bobcats next year.  Will Charlotte GM Michael Jordan think the third time is the charm for old buddy Doug Collins?

Right Stuff Dept.: Hazelton, PA is going after employers who hire illegal immigrants.  It is a strategy designed to go after the enablers and it should be an example of how to effectively deal with the problem and get the employers to document workers and pay the taxes they owe on them.

For the companies who try to cut costs by hiring undocumented workers at below minimum wage and paying them in cash, your day in court could be coming.  Unless of course the Hispanic groups, who these laws are supposed to protect, get it struck down.

Mug Shot Dept.: New York City has launched a manhunt for a diabolical criminal.  No doubt, if Law & Order survives until next year, this one gets ripped from the headlines.  OJ Simpson allegedly on the case searching for "the real muggers."

Mountains of Joy Dept.: Get ready sixty year old men: Your heartthrob is back.  I guess Ann Margaret wasn't available.