Random Tuesday morning thoughts

• We've gotten more snow and they're describing it as the heart attack stuff. Be careful shoveling, I guess. Actually it's quite pretty. Those few days of spring we had last week helped out immeasurably. New snowfalls feel temporary.
• Meant to post this over the weekend but the WSJ has a fascinating article on NCAA brackets and how to get an edge with your picks. They've taken years of data and looked for what types of things gave teams an edge. As a hint, playing far away from home really does sap a team. They also look at specific teams to see who tends to outplay their expected performances.
• And since I mentioned it, I'm bearish on the Pac-10 this year. They were arguably the best conference in basketball but there are very few games on the West Coast. Don't know if it's the luck of the draw or if the planning committees really screwed them but they'll have tons of travel.
• I'm down on UCLA but for a different reason. In the last few weeks they've been just barely getting by. At least two of their wins were hugely referee assisted. They just look like they're ready to stumble. I'm picking them as the first #1 to get bounced this year.
• That's it!