Chasing Tricycle Motors

I suppose that the writer of the "Destroying Angels" blog should not be stunned by the capabilities of a three year old. And yet...my nephew's miraculous run continues to astound. Thanks to my "brilliant" idea of granting an "Upset Special" bonus for the first round, we are still chasing a tricycle motor to glory.

Beckett managed to pull ten out of sixteen games, which is one less than his first day efforts but is still respectable enough for him to start wearing a plaid sports coat while appearing on ESPN "the Ocho" in commercials encouraging viewers to "Call my number right now to get my patented 'Diamond plated, five star, iron-clad' lock of the week! Only $29.99 a minute!"

I, myself had a better than respectable day, going 13 for 16. You can add the Pac 10 to the list of things I hate about the tourney. Two wins for a conference that sucked out loud during the season? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!!Thanks a heap Cal and Washington. My flier on Sienna also cost me, but none of them beyond the next round.

Didn't matter though, as the bonus points relegated my view to only the back of Beckett's curly head. I cut his lead over me from 24 to 13, but the kid has a gift and we'll all be lucky to catch him. I'm really sweating my BYU pick this morning.

At least the "Upset" bonus is off.

Brian Beebe had perhaps the best day of anyone, going from 9 picks and 47 points to 23 correct for 129 points. That's 14 out of 16 correct for a Beckett-like 82 points. 14 out of 16? Really? Are you sure you didn't let your son make your picks?

Puzilla's method of straight underdogs paid off handsomely in the first round. Even though only 10 of 32 games were won by 'dogs, the bonus points blasted her into a tie for fifth.

Squizzle, on the other hand, stuck to the favorites and got a hefty 22 correct (not bad for a kid who drools and can only say "numm!"), but his complete lack of bonus points relegated him to the middle of the pack. He's tied for 14th.

It will be very interesting to see how the lack of bonus points and the usual trend for fewer upsets in the later rounds will affect these two in the standings.

A quick shout to my sister-in-law, who continues to shine in a very respectable fifth place, despite her amateur standing. And to my cousin Holly. She may be in 25th place, but she is still killing her bum brothers by a whopping 17 correct picks. Way to go Holly! Tell them they can expect a "visit" from Vince and Jerry at any time.

Speaking of Vince and Jerry...Corbin, Jason, and Jess; you are all still getting whooped by your significant others. I would not be pandering to my target demographic if I didn't call you out for some public humiliation (insert smiley face here). Perhaps we can offer a pair of cards good for free combo meals at the golden arches for any wife who drops a hammer on her hubby? We can call it "The Boss Bonus". I'll put up a poll.

Here's the full rundown of the first two days.

Standings after the First Round

R Team Points Correct
1 Dawnell Moon (2) 150 21
2 Fatdaddy 137 24
3 Brian Beebe 129 23
4 Moe 120 23
5 Jil Bircher (1) 119 18
5 Puzey 119 10
7 Mandy Kelly 118 22
8 Jason Anderson 116 22
9 Anne Taylor 115 22
9 Jen Clark 115 22
11 Jil Bircher (3) 112 20
12 Peff 110 16
13 Dawnell Moon (1) 108 22
14 Kevin Kelly (2) 105 21
14 Squizzles 105 22
16 Corbin Taylor 104 21
17 The Boss 103 20
18 Jil Bircher (2) 102 19
18 Kevin Kelly (1) 102 20
18 Kevin Kelly (3) 102 21
21 Jess Clark 100 20
22 Haggis 97 18
23 Mike Kelly 94 20
24 Tim kelly 85 18
25 Hollie Downs 82 17

Good luck to everyone for today, and Go Cougars!!!