This time of year there is nothing hotter than the college basketball tournament. I do not pay close attention to the regular season, but I am glued to the television as soon as the tournament starts. It is one of the only times in sports when you are nearly guaranteed to see a little guy beat up on a giant and shock everyone. It would be nice if I had better luck in predicting the upsets, but then that would take away part of the fun of watching.

The complete lack of any moisture this winter in Denver and other parts of the state. My lawn has turned into a more of a short straw field and the evergreen trees are turning yellow around the bottom. I am not asking for a downpour, just a few days of snow with a nice and slow melt to add some moisture before the spring warm up hits.

If you are talking about fashion style, I would say it is nearly laughable. I call "suit and tie or bust." I do pretty well in terms of dressing for work in business attire, but my casual wardrobe is a complete train wreck. It consists of a combination of old t-shirts, worn out jeans, and beat up sneakers. I am sure that I could use a casual wardrobe makeover, but it is not on my list of priorities.

I shop exclusively online. Whether I am shopping for books, shoes, gifts, furniture, or music, I turn to the Web first. I like that the Internet allows you to research, compare, and order products all from the convenience of home. You just can't beat it.

I have played electric bass for many years. As a result, I am fortunate to have been exposed to a wide variety of styles and genres of music. There are a few that stick out as favorites that are always in my iPod. First, I can listen to funk all day. The J.B's, Galactic, Parliament, and James Brown are all heavy in my rotation. Second, I also like to listen to newer dance music played by live bands like The New Deal, Pnuma, and others. Finally, when I just want background music, I enjoy the down-tempo styles of groups like Thievery Corporation, Tosca, and St. Germain.

I am currently finishing up the final project required of me to complete my [master's]. My project is focused on state-level fiscal policy during periods of recession, which could not be more timely and relevant given the current economic downturn. It is interesting research, but I would be lying if I said anything other than that I am ready for it to come to a close. I probably will not know what to do with myself when May comes and I have finished by project and the legislature is out for the year, though.

I will make a few random predictions. I think a case could be made that my predictions are based more on what I hope for than actual facts, so take them with a grain of salt. The state and national economies will begin to show signs of life in the Fall, there will be some sort of ballot measure in the Fall that will be the talk of the town, the Penn State football team will capture its second straight Big Ten title, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will complete the regular season undefeated.