Bods, baseball, and steroids

Now that "Book of Shadows" is out, I will say my piece. Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Sheff, etc. all robbed us of baseball's glory. Part of the allure of baseball is the long standing records that allow you to compare different eras (not totally). Now we have the steroids era which is a total fraud. You can't compare these numbers because they are totally bogus. We all know they used, and anyone who refuses to believe it is just lying to themselves.

I sincerely believe that all their records should be wiped from the books. They cheated, pure and simple and it disgusts me. When all this was going on, I had a chance to play some pro ball, and instead I chose grad school. I am so happy I did. It would have sickened me to watch these idiots do this all while I was trying to make it on my own merit. As far as Bonds, it is sad. He was a surefire Hall of Famer even if he didn't take anything. If he had stayed clean and continued to hit the 30-40 homers a year, imagine how good he would look now. It makes me sick!

Sweet 16 and more

It is about time for all the major conferences to shut their trap about more mid-major teams getting bids. Some coaches really need to stop complaining (Gary Williams especially). I think the MVC getting 4 bids was fair, and they probably should have had more. Two teams in the sweet 16, as many as the ACC. The big 10 is a no show. While a lot of people think this may change with the new NBA rule, I am not so sure. One or two freshmen are not going to change the dynamic. They are still freshmen afterall, and just see UNC yesterday for an example. 'Melo was an aberration and there are many more examples of one year wonders disappearing in the tournament. Now if these kids stay another couple years, then it will likely change. Until then, forget it.

As it is my bracket blows, and I will never join another pool unless it is free. In the next 10 years, a 16 will be a 1, and we will see a few more 15s winning. Not only that, but a team from a non-power conference will win the whole friggin thing.

sNOw fun

Not much snow last night. Even the Sierra have been getting hosed the last couple nights. It is very difficult to forecast spring storms as the models have trouble with the transition seasons. We should see them get better around May, but for the next two months, look out. Despite the models showing amazing consistency amongst themselves and run-to-run, the changes occur less than 48 hours out which only makes it more frustrating. The point being, don't be too quick to jump on things this time of year (and also Sept/Oct) unless you are other worldly confident. I learned my lesson again. It just goes to show you that once you think you know how the weather will behave, it throws you are curve. My biggest busts come when I am overconfident.

That being said, this weekend looks cold and snowy. Very cold for mid-March actually, and this looks like a good bet. As to how snowy, it remains to be seen, but at least scattered snow showers. One thing to watch for will be the possibility of lake-effect snow showers off Lake Tahoe if the upper low does drop this far south. Of course, that will be localized and it looks to be most focused on the northern and eastern shores of the lake. If the bands hit the north hard enough, perhaps we make get some snow here in Cold Springs (along US 395 just before the CA border) like last week where we were the hardest hit in the Reno area. I know my kids are hoping that happens.