Photo courtesy rushthecourt.net

They say that economics is a “dismal science,” that is, not truly correct or logical. There may be theories, and there may be favourable outcomes, but in many cases, one really doesn’t know what is to happen to our economy is Canada and elsewhere. This is exactly what defines March Madness.

Within the bracketology debates, the prognostication in Vegas and elsewhere, basketball fans become part-time analysts and take part in some of the most hectic forecast competitions all year. Like an economist, a fan uses every bit of data available to forecast the most unpredictable tournament known in sports.

And then there is the human error.

Like every economist keeping aware of shocks that could devastate a domestic economy, every fan has to beware the notion that besides all the stats and hype, we are merely witnessing the greatness of … kids. College athletes who have been thrust into the spotlight to cure our basketball fever. Some of these kids could excel under pressure. Some of them fold like a cheap suit.

Click here to view the embedded video.

There is nothing cut and dry about sports. The fact that fans partake in these bracket challenge is interesting because very few actually predict all the outcomes correctly. The amazing part of sports is that you can’t predict what is going to happen. Like they say, “this is why you play the games.” You never know. Whether or not bracketology is a necessary part of March Madness is certainly something to be debated.

So, before you even decide to take on the challenge of predicting the outcome of 64 games, I have a some tips for you:

1. Find reliable stats that you like, ones that can really help you predict outcomes. For me, I use head-to-head matchups used in the context of current team performance is very useful.

2. Consider intangible variables like where the game is played and time of day. Schools from California who are playing in Pennsylvania at noon could be a tipping point.

3. Use reliable sources of data! I find that some sports sites cite numbers without explanation. I also find many stats are not even fully explained to me. When the NCAA uses RPI to rank Division I schools, I still didn’t understand what that meant until I checked it up.

4. In the end, you have to use your gut. Numbers don’t lie, but they also don’t tell the truth. Make sure that when it comes down to the wire that you manage your selections appropriately.

But if you decide to forego the predictions, even the betting, I tell you: the games will be enough to keep you wired. I decided to leave it alone last year and probably never had more fun.

The brackets will be announced this Sunday. By then, the games will have already begun.

I just hope you fastened your seatbelt.

KiD CuDi released this new version of his hit single and life statement “Pursuit Of Happiness” to audiences that feature a mad-trip out, which seems just as perfectly fine as the first version of the track.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What are your thoughts?

Song: “Money Jane” (Featuring Sean Paul, Jully Black, & Kardinal Offishal)

Who DOESN’T remember the adventures of Money Jane? Because I SURE DO. This video is from back in the day when Sean Paul was even more unintelligible than he is now, and asses were all natural, with none of this silicon-Lola Luv, Beyonce ass padding junk. This video features the aforementioned Sean Paul and my favourite Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishal, plus Jully Black in the baaaack. I really don’t think the boys from BBSC say much in this song, but hey, if you’ve got the featured talent they did, I wouldn’t mess up their flow either.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I really don’t dislike anything about it. I’m a personal fan of black (its the simplest thing to wear). The subtle patterning on mini-skirts is easy on the eye and breaks up the smoothness of black fabric. Studs, shoulder pads, and silver glitz make it all pop in the right spots and bring a great “middle finger to the world” spirit to the clothes. This is definitely one of my favourite shows from the Milan Fashion Week.

“In the dark of the night, Sex City is in panic because of the terrible SPERMINATOR whose sole mission is to infect all citizens with various sexually transmitted infections. Who do you call? THE SEX SQUAD! An elite team of superheroes dedicated to keeping the citizens of Sex City safe from STI’s. It’s up to you to help the Sex Squad stop the Sperminator and save Sex City.”

The London Middlesex Health Unit presents Adventures in Sex City (click here to play the game). A cartoon video game on the internet allowing users to select one of four Sex Squad characters including: Captain Condom, Wonder Vag, Power Pap, and Willy the Kid. Upon selecting one of the characters, you attempt to answer safe sex questions correctly in order to defeat the evil Sperminator who’s goal is to infect the entire city. After answering each question, the Sperminator shoots infected sperm from his penis-shaped arms which either hit you if you were incorrect or are deflected off a shield hitting the Sperminator making him lose health.

Click HERE to check out the video by Randy Richmond at the London Free Press on this game.

As Randy Richmond says, “Health officials usually don’t want anything to go viral”. Apparently, the game is stirring up many international reactions and it has only been out for 3 weeks! London’s health unit is happy regarding the huge international exposure.

Here are the character bios as stated in the game:

“Wonder Vag is a virgin, believes in true love and promotes abstinence until marriage.”

“Willy the Kid was bullied as a child because he never grew taller then 4 feet, and is now sensitive to others who are different. He joined Sex Squad to prove size doesn’t matter.”

“Power Pap is sexually active and is a strong believer in getting tested regularly. After a close encounter with a horrible STI, she was treated and now dedicates her life to testing and pap tests.”

“Captain Condom was a scientist who constantly worked in his lab to create the perfect condom, due to a freak accident he is now half condom half man.  He spends his spare time handing out free condoms.”

Check out the game! Be sure to comment once you have played!

T.I. is back and out of jail after a year stemming from weapons charges (ironically, the same reason Lil’ Wayne headed to jail just recently), and made no hestitation to release “I’m Back”, declaring his ready-state-of-mind back to the hip-hop and real world.  This track is produced by Grand Hustle’s TrackSlayerz, from his seventh studio album that is yet to be titled, dropping tentatively August 24, 2010.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click HERE to preview/download “I’m Back”.

Lil’ Wayne gets Eminem on board for his latest video/single “Drop Tha World”, from his album Rebirth.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tom Gauld joined up with Diet Coke to provide three unique Diet Coke cans to support and expand The Heart Truth.  Only available in the USA as of now.

Vivienne Tam and Monster combine to provide you this stylish and chic collaboration, the Butterfly Headphones.  Click HERE to purchase.

Let me now remind you, that AFTER St. Patty’s Day, there is only 2 weeks left in March, then 2 weeks before exams start! AND, in my 5 years at Western, I’ve seen the majority of people put their life on hold to study – that means, they disregard their health (someone please write a blog about the correlation between eating healthy, working out, and being a more effective and productive studier!).

Then all of a sudden, exams are over, summer has begun, and you have the “post-exam pudge.” NOW WHAT? Go hit the treadmill for countless hours? ERRR, Cardio/Aerobics is Dead! High Intensity Workouts and SMART Eating Habits are more effective for losing weight and transforming your body.

“So GFS, what is MOST effective strategies for transforming my body into the best physical and aesthetic shape as possible, in the shortest amount of time?”

I have some theories, but I’m not an expert. HOWEVER, lucky for all of us Western Students, the Western Softball Team is hosting their 5th Annual Exercise, Nutrition, & Body Transformation Symposium.

On of the most interesting speakers for this symposium is John Berardi, PhD. John has been recognized as one of the top exercise nutrition experts in the world. Through his company, Precision Nutrition, Dr. Berardi has worked with over 50,000 clients in over 100 countries, helping them look better, feel better, and perform at their highest potential. These clients span the spectrum from recreational exercisers all the way up to the athletic elite, including: The Cleveland Browns, The Toronto Maple Leafs, The Texas Longhorns, Canada’s Olympic Ski Teams, Canada’s Olympic Bobsleigh and Skeleton Racers, World Champion UFC Fighters, Canada’s Olympic Speed Skaters, and more.

How do you get tickets?

1) Buy tickets online from this website: http://exercisenutritionsymposium.com/

OR

2) Contact Dr. Peter Lemon (Organizer, and Nutrition Professor here at Western) – plemon@uwo.ca

3) Go to Dr. Peter Lemon’s Office: 2212, 3M Centre

4) Contact me – grant.findlay.shirras@gmail.com – arrange to meet me on campus.

Check out the Schedule for the Symposium:

Remember,

All the proceeds from this symposium go towards the Western Softball Team! The softball team works diligently to raise money throughout the entire year to cover their expenses as a team, and to further develop the program. Their plan is to increase these dollars further so we can continue to develop our program. Current priorities include upgrading our practice field so we can play games on campus and building a batting cage for hitting practice.

HELP THE SOFTBALL TEAM OUT AND COME TO THE SYMPOSIUM!

To your health and wealth, and the time to enjoy it!

Take Care,

GFS