Sunday

Today's the day. There's the matter of a few conference tournaments to be settled, but we're down to the last couple of at-large bids, and the seeding. Ultimately, there really aren't that many teams who can actually win the tournament. Those last few teams who get in are just saving their coaches' jobs.

My pal Pete and I were at a regional final in San Antonio at the Alamo Dome about 10 years ago when Iowa State had one of their last really good teams. Anybody remember Dedric Willoughby? They got beat by UCLA in OT. The downtown Riverwalk was (and I think still is) a good place to party.

Uncle Phil has posted the Clan's pool on ESPN.com. See his email. Beware of The Oracle.

1 advises me that she and 1.1 are headed to Arizona on Wednesday for a little Spring Break getaway. I'm envious. She's required to give us some daily reports here.

My pal Roy and I did breakfast this AM at the new Maidrite over by the Devils Glen Hy Vee. The problem that occurs in these new places for old establishments is that it's never the same. I maintain that the fried rice at the new Hy Vee tastes different than that made by the same cooks at the old store. And the tenderloins at the new 11th Street Precinct in the Village definitely have lost their edge now that they're working with a new "stove".

Lot's of observations in today's papers over the Spitzer affair. Very little insight. The most common lament is that his wife made the media appearances with him in some statement of support. I think Roy is probably right on this one: Econ 101 would suggest that she's just solidifying her claim to his wealth.

The bigger news out of NY at week's end was the action taken by the Fed to shore up (bail out?) Bear Stearns, suggesting that more government action may be likely to combat the slowing (recessionary?) economy. It's hard to say what may be the next shoe to drop. A new term that was discussed in the NYT business section this AM was/is Alt-A mortgages. Alt-A borrowers were/are those with good credit scores, but without the documentation to make them prime clients. As more nervousness sets in, investors might decide that they want even safer instruments, and the Alt-A securities are the next to face the veritable "run on the bank". Stay tuned.

I'm breaking for a while. More later today.

BCOT

Late evening addition...

Great day for sports. The picks are ready for pickin'. Tiger wins another in dramatic fashion. And NASCAR turning left.

A little FFF with 2 and 4 for pizza at Harris'.

Looks like Monday will be a very interesting day in the market. Lots of action already and the uncertainty will scare people.

Hope everyone has a good week.

BCOT