I Called It

Everyone prepare to be amazed at my analytical skills. I called Michigan State for not only a Final Four appearance, but to play in tonight's big game. I know, you're impressed (unless, of course, you picked MSU as well.) Thats right. I placed $10 of my money on the line with the assumption that Michigan State would finish #2.

What I'm not telling you is that I had Pitt winning it all, and Purdue beating UConn for the Final Four. Let bygones be bygones, and we shall continue. 

So, if MSU can pull an upset tonight I have a chance at winning one of my brackets. This comes despite some of the worst calls ever in Bracketology (reference Purdue Final Four, see above.) Its because, as in most things, you only have to be mostly right.

Life is about conjecture. All bets would have said Louisville should have won the entire tournament, let alone make it to the Final Four. All bets also were on a market pulling out a post 9/11 slump and putting every American into a home just a few years ago. 

People make a living making bold assertions (see also B.S.) and selling it to others. A lasting image of pure failure is the bold Mission Accomplished call Bush toted before we experienced the vast majority of American casualties in Iraq. Fail.

Today's tidbit of over-hyped conjecture comes from Jim "Stewart-lovin' " Cramer who has proudly declared "the Depression OVER!!!!!!"

We did it! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

If only. You see, we topple a statue of Saddam, or see the DOW pop its head just over 8000 and we're wont to break out the champaign. Is it because we like quick results? Maybe.

I think more realistically its because we like to put problems behind us. Take a partial victory and say its done. Kill the chicken after its laid a single egg. The point is, there is still a lot left to be done. Optimism is welcome, however. People still need to buy stuff (see Econ 002-004). 

Am I an Economic analyst? No. In fact I am probably dropping Econ 004 on Friday (yes. I know. Its easy. Yes, I know, there's plenty of extra credit. No, I don't care). But, at this point I may be as, if not more, qualified to make conjecture about the future of our Economy as someone like Cramer (Buy AIG. Trust me). We simply still do not know until we know. 

So before you claim the Phils to be the NL East Champs on day 2, just sit back and watch. Because, sometimes when you declare victory, you have yet to see the majority of your losses. Cramer, meet a man named George W. Bush. 

And until then, Go Spartans!