march madness

research

Betting on March Madness Lessens the Fun

Most of you — 84 percent — said that March Madness betting is all in good fun, in a recent poll.

Most of you — 84 percent — said that March Madness betting is all in good fun, in a recent poll. But did you know that the enjoyment you get while watching the college basketball games will be reduced if you're betting on the outcome? In fact, it even "ruins it for many people," says Stephen Nowlis, professor of marketing at Washington University. Fortune cites Nowlis:

It's basic psychology, he says: lay down a bet for a team to win, and you'll feel jittery and anxious as you watch. We are our own worst enemies.

Everyone may have conflicting opinions about Nowlis's theory. Those who participate (but aren't in it to win) in a betting pool can probably laugh off their losses more easily than those who take it seriously. If you have money on the line, seeing your favored team losing will probably hit you more negatively. What do you think — does betting take the fun away from March Madness?

Poll

What Do You Think of March Madness Betting?

It's currently the month when America's top college basketball teams start competing for the national title aka March Madness time!

It's currently the month when America's top college basketball teams start competing for the national title aka March Madness time! I don't think there is anything wrong with placing small bets and having a friendly competition with your pals, but some of you may disagree with me. A good rule of thumb for gambling is to only put forward an amount you're willing to lose and to not assume that you're going to make money off of it. Hey, $5 bets are fun when you're competing with your friends! So what do you think of March Madness betting — is it harmless fun?

News

Speed Read! Duke Win Ends March Madness

Duke barely beats Butler for national championship; how did your bracket do?

  • Duke barely beats Butler for national championship; how did your bracket do? — ESPN
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  • Obama limits when US can destroy the world with nuclear arms — New York Times
  • Time's poll for most influential has Snooki close behind First Lady — New York mag
  • Lesbian teen sent to "fake" prom, other students party at secret location — Advocate
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Basketball

Who Let the Dogs Out? March Madness Goes Out With a Woof

March Madness ends this week (I know, it's April already) but the final men's college basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and the Blue Devils of Duke tips off later on today.

March Madness ends this week (I know, it's April already) but the final men's college basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and the Blue Devils of Duke tips off later on today. I'm tipping you off on some b-ball themed posts we've had in the past so let this get you pumped, or clue you in, for the sport craze.


Name That College Dog

2010 Sweet Sixteen Mascot Quiz

Do You Know Your Wild Mascots?

Go Ahead, Slam Dunk It, Kitty!

Best Basketball Toys For Dogs

Teach Your Goldfish How to Score a Goal
Shopping

Basketball Toys For Dogs Make a Slam Dunk!

Well, if you don't care about the sporty March Madness, I bet you dog owners know all about games!

Well, if you don't care about the sporty March Madness, I bet you dog owners know all about games! I know my pooch loves any game involving him . . . and a ball to chase, catch, or chew! Even though tennis seems to be the most common style of choice, I rounded up some other round balls to get your dogs off the bench and into the backyard.

Even if you think your pet's better at drooling than dribbling, from flat to stuffed, see the top b-ball toys to make my list. If you're lucky, your pooch will invite you onto his "Dream Team" or at least let you get an assist in a pickup (and toss back) game, too.

Poll

Do You Want Your Kids to Go to Your Alma Mater?

There's a lot of excitement about which basketballers are going to the final four this year!

There's a lot of excitement about which basketballers are going to the final four this year! Fans around the country are cheering for their favorite teams. Many of those caught up in the March Madness are college alums who now have families of their own. It's hard not to get a bit nostalgic about your younger days while watching the game with your kids. At birth, some moms and dads start buying school gear for their baby. Do you care if your child follows in your academic footsteps?

College

March Madness: Sweet Sixteen Mascot Quiz

If you're not following the college basketball tourney (or are opting for March Manness instead), here's a chance to redeem yourself sportswise and get set for the sweet sixteen round.

If you're not following the college basketball tourney (or are opting for March Manness instead), here's a chance to redeem yourself sportswise and get set for the sweet sixteen round. I've gathered facts about the remaining teams so get physical and start this quiz.

Take the Quiz
Appetizers

Name That Dish!

This popular finger food would be delicious alongside chili cheese dip at a March Madness party.
This popular finger food would be delicious alongside chili cheese dip at a March Madness party. Do you know what these bites are called?

Guess the Dish 2010-03-18 16:15:37

Poll

Are You Participating in Office March Madness?

You don't have to be a basketball fan to enter March Madness pools.

You don't have to be a basketball fan to enter March Madness pools. Between the 45 percent of office workers who participate in their office pools, I'm betting not everyone is a die-hard fan, and this time of year, it's pretty common to join in on the fun — so much so that not even employers are caught off guard by the event.

If past years are any indication, March Madness isn't exactly a work-productivity booster. This year, there may be an estimated $1.8 billion in employee losses when pools in the office can mean about 20 minutes of employee time lost on basketball, i.e. not working. Still, there are employers out there who embrace the time, touting it as "a powerful social process [that] builds relationships and rituals within the group. Everyone is included." In short, the kind of team-building effect that a company might "pay an expert" for, but "March Madness does it for free." What's the take on March Madness at your office? Are you getting in on the action?

Appetizers

This Chili Cheese Dip Is Bomb.Com

Although March Madness doesn't start for another 10 days, it's not too early to start thinking about what you are going to make.

Although March Madness doesn't start for another 10 days, it's not too early to start thinking about what you are going to make. Might I recommend this amazingly easy and sinfully delicious chili cheese dip? Seriously, this dip is so good I've made it twice and served it at two different parties.

Now if you know me, you'll know that I never make the same thing twice. I would also never serve a dish at one party and then serve it at another one with the same guests. However, this dip is just so good I had to make an exception for it. It comes together quickly and is a real crowd-pleaser. Both times I put it together the night before and reheated it in the oven right before the event. There's really nothing more to say except make it! Here's the recipe.