Rock Chalk Talk - All PostsRock It. Chalk It. Talk It.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51531/rct-fav.png2024-03-18T07:48:01-05:00http://www.rockchalktalk.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T07:48:01-05:002024-03-18T07:48:01-05:00The Daily Mauling: 3.18.2024
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<img alt="Cincinnati v Kansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EMXdtPMkVQ99hVKxofgxG2BFEq4=/0x144:4261x2985/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214854/2074401759.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Oh, look, Homer, the I.R.S. Boo! Oh, boo yourself.</p> <h2 id="NRniUJ">The Rock Chalkboard</h2>
<p id="AVJSmJ"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/basketball-women/2024/mar/17/2024-ncaa-tournament-preview-eighth-seeded-ku-women-draw-michigan-to-open-tournament/">2024 NCAA Tournament Preview: Eighth-seeded KU women draw Michigan to open tournament - KU Sports</a><br>“Last year was devastating, because I think all indications were that we were going to get in, so I think it was really shocking,” head coach Brandon Schneider said. “Obviously this year we were much more comfortable. It was more of just an anticipation of who might our opponent be and where might we be going to play a game.”</p>
<p id="oS7Q5H"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/basketball-men/2024/mar/17/2024-ncaa-tournament-preview-midwest-region-includes-several-past-foes/">2024 NCAA Tournament Preview: Midwest Region includes several past foes - KU Sports</a><br>If Kansas can make it out of Salt Lake City and progress past the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament to get to Detroit, there are a few familiar faces from this season in Kansas’ quarter of the bracket.</p>
<p id="DQIABm"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/basketball-men/2024/mar/17/2024-ncaa-tournament-preview-ku-will-open-tournament-against-samford-bulldogs/">2024 NCAA Tournament Preview: KU will open tournament against Samford Bulldogs - KU Sports</a><br>“On paper, looking at it and not knowing all their personnel the way that we will here shortly, I’d say that it’s an extremely difficult matchup,” KU coach Bill Self said Sunday.</p>
<p id="UW9rQP"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/basketball-men/2024/mar/17/2024-ncaa-tournament-preview-reasons-why-ku-could-or-could-not-win-the-national-title/">2024 NCAA Tournament Preview: Reasons why KU could or could not win the national title - KU Sports</a><br>It’s harder to make a case for Kansas to win the NCAA Tournament than it is in most years, given some of the uncharacteristic losses it has sustained this season, but on the other hand few teams are clear-cut favorites this season and it’s hard to definitively dismiss the possibility of a long run by a Bill Self-coached team. Here’s a quick overview of some points for and against this year’s Jayhawks.</p>
<p id="bA7iOn"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/basketball-men/2024/mar/17/2024-ncaa-tournament-preview-venues-seeding-could-make-for-atypical-postseason-run/">2024 NCAA Tournament Preview: Venues, seeding could make for atypical postseason run - KU Sports</a><br>For much of the season Kansas looked set to play its first weekend of the NCAA Tournament at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, the site where it launched some of its most memorable postseasons, including the 2008 national championship run and now-vacated 2018 charge to the Final Four.</p>
<h2 id="smGdM1">Bits o Chalk</h2>
<p id="yZcZNh"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39754266/uconn-houston-purdue-north-carolina-secure-no-1-seeds">UConn, Houston, Purdue, North Carolina secure No. 1 seeds - ESPN</a><br>Defending national champion <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">UConn</a>, a day removed from winning the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-east-basketball-tournament">Big East tournament</a> and improving to 31-3, was chosen as the men's No. 1 overall seed Sunday during the NCAA tournament selection show.</p>
<p id="ruKuJB"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39755370/st-johns-providence-snubs-ncaa-tournament">St. John's, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh decline invites to NIT - ESPN</a><br>St. John's arguably had the biggest gripe of the three. It finished 20-13 overall, winning six games in a row -- four of them by at least 14 points -- before a loss to overall No. 1 seed UConn in the Big East semifinals on Friday.</p>
<p id="Ho3aUp"><a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/39755920/uconn-men-south-carolina-women-odds-ncaa-favorites">UConn men, South Carolina women favored to win NCAA - ESPN</a><br>UConn, which cruised through last season's men's bracket to win the national title, is the consensus betting favorite to repeat. The Huskies, the top overall seed, are +400 at ESPN BET, followed by fellow No. 1 seeds Houston (+550) and Purdue (+700). No. 2 seed Arizona is next with 11-1 odds, ahead of the fourth No. 1 seed, North Carolina (15-1). UConn is looking to become the fifth men's team to win consecutive men's national titles and first since the Florida Gators in 2007-08.</p>
<p id="55f1AR"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/page/FirstLookField-39723129/march-madness-2024-every-team-mens-ncaa-tournament-bracket-explained">March Madness 2024 bracket: Here are all 68 NCAA men's teams - ESPN</a><br>How we got here was a journey, too. The bubble collapsed over the weekend thanks to a handful of unexpected conference tournament runs (see: Oregon, <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a>, Duquesne, UAB). The top teams also had their challenges: 1-seeds Purdue and Houston failed to win their respective conference tournaments, while the likes of Arizona, Tennessee and North Carolina also fell.</p>
<h2 id="r0IuNV">Eraser Dust</h2>
<p id="4InRX0"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/17/europe/putin-wins-russia-presidential-election-intl/index.html">Russian presidential election 2024: Putin extends one-man rule after stage-managed election devoid of credible opposition | CNN</a><br>President Vladimir Putin has tightened his grip on the country he has ruled since the turn of the century, with results from Russia’s stage-managed election indicating a predictably large victory for the Kremlin leader in a result that was a foregone conclusion.</p>
<p id="dED6mX"><a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/17/biden-state-of-the-union-invitation-republicans">Exclusive: Top Republican calls for canceling future Biden SOTU speeches</a><br>WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) said GOP leadership should reconsider how they invite presidents to give the State of the Union address, citing President Biden's "divisive" speech.</p>
<p id="zH4FAd"><a href="https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/kalispell-man-in-custody-following-standoff-with-swat">Kalispell man in custody following standoff with SWAT</a><br>KALISPELL, Mont. — A Kalispell man is in custody after the Kalispell Police Department and SWAT were dispatched for a disturbance with a weapon in the west north area of Kalispell Sunday.</p>
<p id="ztH0S4"><a href="https://www.mashed.com/1536200/rachel-ray-tragic-life-story/">The Tragic Story Of Rachael Ray</a><br>Ray told People that, when she was working in Manhattan and living in Queens in the late 1990s, she was mugged by the same person twice in one week.</p>
<p id="ZL70tj"><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/18/1238939706/ultra-processed-food-junk-food-disease-cancer-anxiety-depression-diet">A diet high in ultra-processed food is linked to a greater risk of many diseases : Shots - Health News : NPR</a><br>A study published in the British Medical Journal finds people who consume high amounts of these foods have an increased risk of anxiety, depression, obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers including colorectal cancer and premature death.</p>
<p id="0Ua66g"><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/investors-are-about-to-find-out-whether-fed-still-expects-3-rate-cuts-in-2024-080006502.html">Investors are about to find out whether Fed still expects 3 rate cuts in 2024</a><br>Markets are on edge this week as Federal Reserve officials prepare to signal whether they still believe three interest rate cuts are likely in 2024.</p>
<p id="HXSAh1"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/17/us/evangelicals-christians-conservative-trump.html">Amid Trump-Era Conservatism, Some Embrace Raunchy Christianity - The New York Times</a><br>The “Conservative Dad’s Real Women of America” 2024 pinup calendar features old-school images of sexiness — bikinis, a red sports car, a bubble bath.</p>
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https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/18/24104706/notebook-kansas-to-open-ncaa-tournament-against-stamford-jayhawksfizzle4062024-03-17T20:02:44-05:002024-03-17T20:02:44-05:00Kansas draws Samford for opening round of tournament
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<img alt="Syndication: Journal-Courier" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/asJkycapdTIoE2--qt_2u1Aw9A4=/133x0:3241x2072/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214205/usa_today_21835108.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>What is a Samford, anyway? </p> <p id="eLACLS">The selection show has come and gone, meaning that the time for speculation about the brackets is over, and it's time to terrify ourselves as Kansas fans about how dangerous KU's first round opponent is. This year, it's the Samford Bulldogs out of Homewood, AL. </p>
<p id="EhUwcu">This will not be an in-depth preview of Samford. That will be available later this week. For now, it's just a good time to familiarize ourselves with an opponent who, in all likelihood, none of us have watched at all this season. </p>
<p id="Q1GruM">Samford made their way to the NCAA Tournament by winning the Southern Conference tournament after cruising to a regular season title as well. The Bulldogs went 15-3 in league play, finishing a full three games ahead of the 2nd place finishers. KenPom ranks them 81st in the country, with a better offense (69th) than defense (116th). </p>
<p id="e90t7t">Samford lost just five games all year, with early losses to Purdue (by 53 points!) in their season opener, followed by a road loss to VCU. Their non-conference schedule featured exactly zero other teams with a pulse, and Samford would reel off 17 straight wins and start 6-0 in league play before losing again. They would end up losing three conference games to Furman (KenPom 141st), Mercer (214th), and Wofford (193rd).</p>
<p id="fhM3xP">In their conference tournament, the Bulldogs beat up on Mercer, followed by seven point victories over Wofford and East Tennessee State. This is their third time making the NCAA Tournament field, following back to back appearances in 1999 and 2000.</p>
<p id="LdzLXF">Again, an in-depth breakdown of the team and its players will be on the way later this week. For now, it's time to fill out your brackets and, if you're anything like me, begin the process of convincing yourself that this 13-seed is an unstoppable machine that simply cannot be beaten. </p>
https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/17/24104428/kansas-draws-samford-for-opening-round-of-tournament-jayhawks-basketballDavid AZ2024-03-17T12:09:51-05:002024-03-17T12:09:51-05:00Selection Sunday Open Thread
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<img alt="Syndication: HawkCentral" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gg5csQIB4_qBViyR4GojZaN1UCY=/0x0:2150x1433/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213381/usa_today_20217459.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>come discuss all things college basketball while we wait to learn where KU is seeded in the bracket</p> <p id="LFPXTV">Jayhawk fans are spoiled enough that Selection Sunday rarely holds a lot of mystery. The sort of thing Kansas typically has on the line are questions like “will we get the overall 1 seed?” or “which of the two closest locations will we play in for the opening weekend?” This year is a little different.</p>
<p id="Hy1VRB">While Kansas doesn’t have to worry about being squeezed out of the bubble, there are big questions surrounding their seeding, which could ultimately play a role in how close to home the Selection Committee places the Jayhawks. The general consensus right now is that Kansas will be a 4 seed, but there’s room for the Committee to go rogue. Kansas largely fell apart down the stretch this season, losing their final two games by a combined 50 points. </p>
<p id="QfzyAl">The mystery lies in how the Committee chooses to view the fact that KU’s two 1st Team All-Big 12 players have been out. Hunter Dickinson was only recently hurt in the Houston game, but his absence from the Cincinnati game in Kansas City likely had a huge impact on the outcome. Kevin McCullar was also absent from the Cincinnati game, leaving a team already hindered by a lack of depth with no go-to players to step up. </p>
<p id="wGN5md">We saw earlier in the season just how good this Kansas team can be when fully healthy. They have a win over Connecticut, likely the overall 1 seed and defending champions, on their resume. They beat both Kentucky and Tennessee on neutral courts. They’re one of only a few teams to beat Houston. But without their leading scorer and “make things happen” guy in McCullar, they had some ugly losses down the stretch, and the team didn’t even look bubble-worthy in both players’ absence.</p>
<p id="irNuB2">Why does this matter for Selection Sunday? The Committee has openly acknowledged that they take injuries into account, to some degree, when seeding teams. When it looked like McCullar was on the mend, before Dickinson’s dislocated shoulder, it seemed like this could potentially work in KU’s favor. There was at least a chance that they would overlook a couple of rough losses in his absence. But McCullar’s knee once again took a turn for the worse, and Dickinson’s injury came just eight days ago. Now the concern is that the Committee will see Kansas as a wounded team, and drop them in the seedings accordingly. </p>
<p id="c4u9V2">It seems unlikely that KU would drop any further than a 5 - injuries aside, their resume is arguably good enough to get them a 3 seed compared to the other teams in that range - but a 5 seed would almost guarantee them a random placement anywhere in the country (research shows that teams placed closer to home do in fact tend to be more successful in the tournament), and at that point the opponent is more likely to be a legitimately threatening mid major with the quality to win a couple games in a single-elimination format.</p>
<p id="030hYC">My personal opinion is that a 3 seed is not entirely out of reach. If the Committee believes Self’s talk about the team being the healthiest it’s been in a long time after a full week of rest for McCullar and Dickinson, and they give less weight to the rough games down the stretch, particularly a 20 point loss to likely NIT-bound Cincinnati, KU legitimately has a resume that stacks up against other potential 3 seeds like Baylor or Creighton. If they don’t factor in the injuries one way or another, a 4 seed looks most likely. The worst-case scenario, again, is likely a 5 seed if the powers that be decide that they’re working with a badly wounded Jayhawks squad.</p>
<p id="GY2M8l">The Selection Sunday show starts at 5pm Jayhawk time, and will be aired on CBS. Until then, there are five conference finals today for those who just enjoy high-stakes basketball games, including intriguing matchups in the SEC and B1G, with a hot Florida team facing Auburn down south, and Wisconsin facing Illinois for the B1G trophy.</p>
<p id="Fjdd1g">How do you feel about the team and its health headed into tournament week? Where do you think the Jayhawk will land, and who do you want to avoid in potential first weekend matchups? Talk about it here as we wait to learn what path Kansas will face in an uncertain time for the Jayhawks.</p>
https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/17/24103940/selection-sunday-open-thread-kansas-jayhawks-basketballDavid AZ2024-03-16T10:00:14-05:002024-03-16T10:00:14-05:00The Weekend Mauling: 3.16.2024
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<img alt="Basketball Player, Gallaudet University, Washington DC, 1921" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ywmikYX1WJFtJeOnhUijA7uu-A4=/0x0:4622x3081/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211637/658411452.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Lousy “Smarch” weather.</p> <h2 id="oHBLlJ">The Rock Chalkboard</h2>
<p id="8neaW5"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/henry-huddle/2024/mar/15/one-player-to-watch-at-each-position-ahead-of-spring-practice/">One player to watch at each position ahead of spring practice - KU Sports</a><br>Some less heralded players will have a chance to make an impression this spring and summer, and so here’s one prospect in every position group to keep an eye on as KU returns to spring practice on Tuesday.</p>
<p id="ORy9Om"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/soccer-college/2024/mar/15/big-12s-announcement-moves-tournament-closer-to-home-for-ku-soccer/">Big 12’s announcement moves tournament closer to home for KU soccer - KU Sports</a><br>“We are in the soccer capital of America, or maybe 45 minutes down the road from it,” he said then. “And I don’t think that that is changing any time soon. If anything, it’s going to be more cemented as such.”</p>
<h2 id="3dIiW9">Bits o Chalk</h2>
<p id="uSLfR2"><a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2024-march-madness-men-field-predictions">NCAA Bracketology: 2024 March Madness men's field predictions</a><br><a href="https://www.bloggingthebracket.com">Bracketology</a> is in its 30th season on ESPN. From now until Selection Sunday on March 17, we'll keep you up to date on the postseason chances and projection of your favorite teams. We will culminate with daily updates throughout Champion Week, all with an eye toward the 2024 NCAA men's basketball tournament.</p>
<p id="FILHpq"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39741159/sources-bama-nate-oats-highest-paid-college-coaches">Sources -- Bama's Nate Oats to be among highest-paid college coaches - ESPN</a><br>"We are excited about the success of our men's basketball program and Nate's continued commitment to the University," Byrne said in his post. "We look forward to him leading our men's basketball program for many years to come."</p>
<p id="oJDtgz"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39739138/michigan-fires-coach-juwan-howard-8-24-season">Michigan fires coach Juwan Howard after 8-24 season - ESPN</a><br>"After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men's basketball coach," athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "Juwan is among the greatest Wolverines to ever be associated with our basketball program. I know how much it meant, to not only Juwan, but to all of us for him to return here to lead this program. Despite his love of his alma mater and the positive experience that our student-athletes had under his leadership, it was clear to me that the program was not living up to our expectations and not trending in the right direction. I am thankful for Juwan's dedication, passion and commitment to U-M and for all that he, and his legacy, will continue to mean to Michigan."</p>
<p id="Fkmg9D"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39740074/mississippi-st-stuns-5th-ranked-tennessee-sec-tournament">Mississippi St. stuns 5th-ranked Tennessee in SEC tournament - ESPN</a><br>This victory should push the Bulldogs (21-12) firmly off the bubble with their second win over the SEC's regular-season champions this season. They will play No. 12 Auburn, which beat 15th-ranked South Carolina 86-55, in the semifinals Saturday, their first semifinal since winning this event in 2009.</p>
<p id="81qEl7"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39744513/long-beach-state-eyes-ncaa-tourney-berth-coach-dismissal">Long Beach State eyes NCAA tourney bid after coach's dismissal - ESPN</a><br>"On behalf of the entire Long Beach State community, I would like to thank Coach Monson for his 17 seasons of service to Beach Athletics and his many contributions to our men's basketball program," LBSU athletic director Bobby Smitheran said in a statement. "As the all-time leader in career victories, he has positively impacted countless student-athletes to strive athletically and academically, and he leaves our program in great shape to continue our pursuit for championships."</p>
<h2 id="Fdooau">Eraser Dust</h2>
<p id="L10rXV"><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/crumbley-convictions-set-legal-precedent-parents-reach-shootings-rcna143571">Crumbley convictions set a legal precedent for parents that could reach beyond shootings</a><br>“I hope it leads to more prevention of gun violence,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “I hope it leads to people taking more responsibility. I don’t want a situation where a lot of prosecutors are charging people or parents for things that their children did, or are doing.”</p>
<p id="5t73tx"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/technology/tiktok-ban-bill-senate.html">TikTok Bill’s Progress Slows in the Senate - The New York Times</a><br>Legislation to force TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the app or have it banned in the United States sailed through the House, but the Senate has no plans to move hastily.</p>
<p id="1Q3eqc"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/15/world/kate-middleton-news-controversy-cec/index.html">Conspiracies around Catherine, Princess of Wales have reached a fever pitch | CNN</a><br>Droves of amateur detectives have crafted timelines and deep dives into the princess’ movements over the last few months, combining real concern with outlandish conspiracy. Regular people moonlighting as photo forensics specialists have suggested recent images of Kate are fabricated, spinning theories on where she actually is and who they think is trying to cover up the “truth.”</p>
<p id="pYNBWU"><a href="https://montanafreepress.org/2024/03/15/montana-supreme-court-rules-with-new-york-post-in-whitefish-venture-capitalists-defamation-case/">Montana Supreme Court rules with New York Post in Whitefish venture capitalist’s defamation case</a><br>The Montana Supreme Court this week determined that the broad privilege New York law affords journalists to report on public affairs supersedes Montana law in Whitefish venture capitalist Michael Goguen’s lawsuit against the New York Post.</p>
<p id="L95We6"><a href="https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/star-wars-fake-wedge.html">Star Wars Fixes Plot Hole By Wiping Out Fan-Favorite Hero | GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT</a><br>Originally, Colin Higgins was cast for the minor role of Wedge Antilles in A New Hope. Unfortunately, Higgins had trouble memorizing his lines and was fired after just one day of shooting. Actor Denis Lawson was brought in to replace him, and he did such a good job that he continued to play Wedge throughout the rest of the original trilogy.</p>
<p id="nHwnyc"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/15/economy/nar-realtor-commissions-settlement/index.html">The 6% commission on buying or selling a home is gone after Realtors association agrees to seismic settlement | CNN Business</a><br>The 6% commission, a standard in home purchase transactions, is no more.</p>
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<p id="btUbU1">In a sweeping move expected to dramatically reduce the cost of buying and selling a home, the National Association of Realtors announced Friday a settlement with groups of homesellers, agreeing to end landmark antitrust lawsuits by paying $418 million in damages and eliminating rules on commissions.</p>
<p id="RUcAfn"><a href="https://thetakeout.com/little-caesars-new-crazy-puffs-bite-size-pizza-review-1851336712">Are Little Caesars’ Crazy Puffs Crazy Delicious?</a><br>Little Caesars is always innovating, and this week the chain has released a new limited-time offering: Crazy Puffs. These little handheld bites of pizza dough, sauce, and cheese, drizzled in buttery garlic flavor and sprinkled with dry herbs, come in both a plain cheese and pepperoni variety, and a four-piece order is priced at $3.99. The press release promises “layers of complexity that will tantalize taste buds everywhere.”</p>
<p id="mJnnvL"><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/16/polls-trump-primary-november-00147438">Polls overestimated Trump in the primary. Don’t expect that to translate to November. - POLITICO</a><br>Former President Donald Trump didn’t quite live up to his polling numbers in the Republican primaries. Yes, he swept past his GOP opponents, but usually by smaller margins than the polls predicted.</p>
<p id="oeBNVA"><a href="https://www.kpax.com/news/crime-and-courts/whitefish-interior-designer-sentenced-to-prison-for-fraud-scheme">Whitefish interior designer sentenced to prison for fraud scheme</a><br>U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced that 45-year-old Jennifer Michele Helm, also known as Jennifer Michele, will serve over four years in prison and must repay over $930,000.</p>
<p id="BSh8Lj"><a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/15/curb-your-enthusiasm-susie-billboard-defaced-vandalized-penises-real-life/">'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Susie Billboard Defaced in Real-Life with Penises</a><br>Check out this defacement job that happened on a billboard on the corner of Centinela Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd. here in Los Angeles -- where an advertisement for Susie Essman's Caftan from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" went up sometime this past week in an homage to the show.</p>
<p id="4unA7o"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fopinion%2Fcolumnist%2F2024%2F03%2F13%2Fben-shapiro-retirement-trump-social-security-medicare-cuts%2F72947221007%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockchalktalk.com%2F2024%2F3%2F16%2F24103033%2Fthe-weekend-mauling-3-16-2024" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ben Shapiro calls retirement 'stupid' as GOP eyes Social Security cuts</a><br>He continued: “No one in the United States should be retiring at 65 years old. Frankly, I think retirement itself is a stupid idea unless you have some sort of health problem. Everybody that I know who is elderly, who has retired, is dead within five years.”</p>
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https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/16/24103033/the-weekend-mauling-3-16-2024fizzle4062024-03-15T08:37:54-05:002024-03-15T08:37:54-05:00The Daily Mauling: 3.15.2023
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<img alt="Cincinnati v Kansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nOPU-CJj5p2YUdeBpKTbr_IsdZg=/0x0:3141x2094/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73209208/2074402218.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Oh, Lord, my hot plate. I only had two payments left.</p> <h2 id="v4sTz3">The Rock Chalkboard</h2>
<p id="EAswan"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5340913%2F2024%2F03%2F14%2Fkansas-basketball-self-mccullar-dickinson%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockchalktalk.com%2F2024%2F3%2F15%2F24101758%2Fnotebook-kansas-hopes-to-regroup-in-tournament" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kansas basketball’s problems go beyond injuries to its stars - The Athletic</a><br>On Wednesday night after watching his team lose 72-52 against Cincinnati and shoot 3-of-20 from 3, four days after losing another game by 30 (!) when shooting 3-of-21 from 3, Bill Self compared the way his team is shooting the ball right now to shooting on those tiny rims at the county fair where the ball is almost too big to go in the basket.</p>
<p id="f7tUkN"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/henry-huddle/2024/mar/14/restoring-healthy-dickinson-and-mccullar-might-be-enough-for-jayhawks-to-get-a-swag-back/">Restoring healthy Dickinson and McCullar might be enough for Jayhawks to ‘get a swag back’ - KU Sports</a><br>Kansas City, Mo. — Kansas coach Bill Self has taken great pains to stress in recent weeks that his team just needs to become whole, to get healthy again, and then it can compete with anyone.</p>
<h2 id="dGh5mt">Eraser Dust</h2>
<p id="DhSxwh"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildlife-trafficking-giant-sheep-montana-texas-7afaa046c051287ba7f322b6732e31be">Montana man used animal tissue and testicles to breed 'giant' sheep for sale to hunting preserves | AP News</a><br>A Montana rancher illegally used tissue and testicles from wild sheep killed by hunters in central Asia and the U.S. to breed “giant” hybrid sheep for sale to private hunting preserves in Texas, according to court documents and federal prosecutors.</p>
<p id="w2jl97"><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/fani-willis-trump-georgia-rcna139810">Fulton County DA Fani Willis case against Trump can continue if she or special prosecutor Wade remove themselves, judge rules</a><br>ATLANTA — A Georgia judge ruled Friday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should not be disqualified from prosecuting the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and several co-defendants — with one major condition.</p>
<p id="0GwVJM"><a href="https://www.slashfilm.com/1539496/canceled-star-wars-rogue-squadron-movie-patty-jenkins-uncanceled/">A Canceled Star Wars Movie Just Got Uncanceled</a><br>"When I left 'Star Wars' to do 'Wonder Woman 3,' I thought maybe I'll come back to 'Star Wars' after 'Wonder Woman 3.' So we did a deal for that to happen, started a deal, but I thought I was doing 'Wonder Woman.' When that went away, Lucasfilm and I were like, 'Oh, we gotta finish this deal.' We finished the deal right as the strike was happening. So I now owe a draft of 'Star Wars' and so we will see what happens there."</p>
<p id="DfCW0T"><a href="https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/mar/13/helena-flats-principal-selected-for-ruder-elementary-position/">Helena Flats principal selected for Ruder Elementary position | Daily Inter Lake</a><br>The decision to select Hawes was unanimous at a Columbia Falls School District board meeting Monday. She was one of four finalists who interviewed for the position, including Tina Blair, who recently resigned as principal at West Valley School in Kalispell; Josh Gibbs, superintendent/principal of Seeley Lake Elementary, in Seeley Lake; and Henry Mack, principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Dickinson, North Dakota.</p>
<p id="ixJuql"><a href="https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/mar/14/man-arrested-for-attacking-deputies-at-kalispell-fast-food-joint-enters-guilty-plea/">Man arrested for attacking deputies at Kalispell fast food joint enters guilty plea | Daily Inter Lake</a><br>A Kalispell man who allegedly attacked fast food employees and deputies in June pleaded guilty to a single count of felony criminal endangerment in Flathead County District Court last month.</p>
<p id="Pyb6E2"><a href="https://gizmodo.com/jason-edmistion-star-wars-art-eyes-leia-stormtrooper-1851330135">You'll Love These New Star Wars Eyes, We Know</a><br>Much as she did in Jabba’s Palace, Princess Leia is here to break something important out of a deep freeze. When Funko fired the bulk of creatives from Mondo, several exciting projects died, including Jason Edmiston’s plan to release an ongoing series of Star Wars art. Now, that series is back, and Leia is leading the way.</p>
<p id="fa0Aqs"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmusic%2Fconcerts%2Fliam-gallagher-john-squire-glasgow-barrowland-review%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockchalktalk.com%2F2024%2F3%2F15%2F24101758%2Fnotebook-kansas-hopes-to-regroup-in-tournament" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Liam Gallagher and John Squire, Glasgow Barrowland: a dazzling evening of old-school charm</a><br>“It’s the best bits of Oasis with the best bits of the Stone Roses,” claimed a bullish Liam Gallagher of the collaborative self-titled album he released with the Roses’s John Squire two weeks ago...</p>
<p id="oeAdGq"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/15/bidens-billionaire-tax-hits-the-super-rich-can-a-wealth-tax-work.html">Biden’s billionaire tax hits the super-rich. Can a wealth tax work?</a><br>Outlining his 2025 budget proposals on Monday, Biden took aim at the uber-affluent and reiterated plans for a 25% tax on Americans with a wealth of more than $100 million.</p>
<p id="6Nkyhs"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thestreet.com%2Frestaurants%2Ftaco-bell-new-chicken-cantina-menu-items&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockchalktalk.com%2F2024%2F3%2F15%2F24101758%2Fnotebook-kansas-hopes-to-regroup-in-tournament" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Taco Bell invests in a single ingredient with massive menu change - TheStreet</a><br>Back in February, Yum! Brands (YUM) -owned Taco Bell took advantage of <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> buzz to announce a major menu overhaul bringing items such as chicken nuggets, a Cheez-It Crunchwrap and Baja Blast gelato to its in-store menus.</p>
<p id="FioIJp"><a href="https://montanafreepress.org/2024/03/14/montana-abortion-initiative-could-see-death-by-process/">Montana abortion initiative could see ‘death by process’</a><br>Proponents and opponents are keenly anticipating a Montana Supreme Court ruling about whether a proposed constitutional amendment to protect abortion access in Montana passes legal muster to appear on the 2024 ballot. But after nearly two months of litigation, backers of the initiative say they’re running out of time to clear myriad other hurdles required to put the proposal before voters, including collecting upwards of 60,000 signatures across dozens of state House districts.</p>
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https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/15/24101758/notebook-kansas-hopes-to-regroup-in-tournamentfizzle4062024-03-14T08:01:25-05:002024-03-14T08:01:25-05:00The Daily Mauling: 3.14.2024
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big 12 Conference Tournament Second Round- Kansas vs Cincinnati" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1KTTFJp42ESw9lqmVtvGRBwFpZM=/0x3:7031x4690/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73206416/usa_today_22767647.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Man, this is crazy. I hope I didn’t brain my damage.</p> <h2 id="nr7a2b">The Rock Chalkboard</h2>
<p id="Jn9xdP"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/basketball-men/2024/mar/13/undermanned-jayhawks-knocked-out-of-big-12-tournament-by-cincinnati-key-takeaways-from-the-loss/">Undermanned Jayhawks knocked out of Big 12 tournament by Cincinnati — key takeaways from the loss - KU Sports</a><br>“I thought the kids tried,” Self said. “Obviously we were bad offensively, and didn’t make shots, didn’t make any shots, and tonight would have been a night where things would have had to go a lot better for us shooting the basketball to have a chance.</p>
<p id="oVNKtb"><a href="https://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/henry-huddle/2024/mar/14/cincinnati-loss-provides-defining-example-of-kus-shooting-woes/">Cincinnati loss provides defining example of KU’s shooting woes - KU Sports</a><br>“But, you know, the bottom line is we need to be able to make six or seven 3s,” Self said; those numbers would put them between 219th and 307th in the nation. “When you get outscored (by) 15 to 30 points every game from beyond the arc, that’s a lot of 2s and you don’t have enough opportunities to make those up.”</p>
<h2 id="gdd8LG">Eraser Dust</h2>
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<p id="xSTL87"><a href="https://montanafreepress.org/2024/03/13/lawmakers-chastise-superintendent-arntzen-over-alleged-delays-inefficiencies-at-montanas-k-12-education-agency/">Lawmakers chastise Superintendent Arntzen over alleged delays, inefficiencies at Montana’s K-12 education agency</a><br>“This is a political persecution,” Arntzen wrote. “I am being attacked because I am a conservative. I stood up for limited bureaucracy, fought the radical transgender agenda, opposed woke-ism, promoted good government, and delivered results for our children, parents, and schools.”</p>
<p id="4nN49Q"><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/princess-kate-middleton-missing-mystery-18925802.php">I know what happened to Kate Middleton</a><br>The internet abhors a vacuum, especially when it comes to news about famous people. Apparently, no one told England’s royal family about this, because the Princess of Wales, nee Kate Middleton, hasn’t been seen in public since Christmas of last year. What little information “The Firm” has given in the wake of Kate’s vanishing act has been either scant or downright misleading, as evidenced by this photo sent out by the Princess’s X account two days ago:</p>
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<p id="j3oHsu"><a href="https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2024/mar/13/whitefish-hotelier-plans-vendor-space-on-vacant-ce/">Whitefish hotelier plans 'food truck park' on vacant Central Avenue lot | Daily Inter Lake</a><br>A Whitefish hotelier is seeking permission to create an outdoor food truck park and event space on a prominent vacant lot downtown.</p>
<p id="TYS7Bt"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/13/nearly-half-of-young-adults-have-money-dysmorphia-survey-finds.html">Nearly half of young adults have 'money dysmorphia,' survey finds</a><br>A new term, “money dysmorphia,” aims to describe the distorted view of one’s finances that nearly one-third, or 29%, of Americans say they now experience, according to a recent report by Credit Karma, often from comparing their financial situation to others’ and feeling inadequate.</p>
<p id="GMO5bQ"><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4528573-how-bucks-early-retirement-is-a-problem-for-boebert/">How Buck’s early retirement is a problem for Boebert | The Hill</a><br>Boebert currently represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District on the opposite end of the state from Buck’s district. That district includes the Western Slope and much of southern Colorado.</p>
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https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/14/24100621/notebook-kansas-participates-against-cincinnati-jayhawksfizzle4062024-03-13T20:23:46-05:002024-03-13T20:23:46-05:00Kansas vs Cincinnati: Open Game Thread
<figure>
<img alt="Two men with plates of food at the Skyline Chili Restaurant." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JoMxsLPMW6sxuPZh9f5GU7SDszs=/0x0:3504x2336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73205687/677580448.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Rock chalk </p> <p id="GSTbuP">Let’s get it boys!</p>
https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/13/24100251/kansas-vs-cincinnati-open-game-threadfizzle4062024-03-13T14:00:00-05:002024-03-13T14:00:00-05:00How to Watch: Kansas vs Cincinnati
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Womens Basketball: Big 12 Conference Tournament Quarterfinal - Texas vs Kansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pUXxJFtXN8LSzkmsJiz9wa1c3IU=/10x0:5236x3484/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73204721/usa_today_22738298.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s gonna be a weird month.</p> <p id="HHlBVw">Kansas heads to Kansas City to face Cincinnati in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament. The Jayhawks enter the contest with a ranking of #16 by the AP, while the Bearcats come in unranked. KenPom has KU at #18 and Cincinnati at #43.</p>
<p id="gJMRhS">KU owns a 5-3 all-time record versus Cincinatti. The most recent meeting came back in January, and was a 74-69 KU victory in Lawrence.</p>
<p id="WAyK2P">The Jayhawks are coming off a 76-46 road loss at Houston to end the regular season, while Cincinnati comes in off a 90-85 win over West Virginia in the first round of the conference tournament.</p>
<p id="MM9NOY"><a href="https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/13/24099097/big-12-tournament-preview-cincinnati-kansas-jayhawks-basketball-bearcats-t-mobile-center-kansas-city"><strong>Click here for a more in-depth look at the matchup between Cincinnati and Kansas</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="OqlZFI">Here are the essentials:</p>
<h1 id="mJxqG1">The Numbers</h1>
<p id="qtVGXX"><strong>(16) Kansas:</strong> 22-9, 10-8 Big 12</p>
<p id="5CCZAF"><strong>(NR) Cincinnati:</strong> 19-13, 7-11 Big 12</p>
<p id="UmfkQU"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/odds/"><strong>Line</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Cincinnati -2.5</p>
<h1 id="LSTSJD">How to Watch</h1>
<h2 id="UVfDbR">Wednesday, March 13, 8:30 p.m. CDT</h2>
<p id="WJMMsp">Kansas City, MO: T-Mobile Center (17,763)</p>
<p id="VAAtfG"><strong>TV: ESPN2</strong></p>
<p id="OIbpr7">- Jon Sciambi (Play-by-Play), Fran Fraschilla (Analyst), Kris Budden (Reporter)</p>
<p id="2qSlJK"><strong>Radio: </strong><a href="https://kuathletics.com/jayhawk-sports-network/"><strong>Jayhawk Radio Network</strong></a></p>
<p id="TT3nhI">- Brian Hanni (Play-by-Play), Greg Gurley (Analyst)</p>
<p id="zJ2TcZ"><strong>Online Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch"><strong>www.espn.com</strong></a> or the ESPN app (subscription required)</p>
<h2 id="jGByAt">Fun Facts</h2>
<p id="euQ2aX">Kansas has won eleven Big 12 Tournament titles (since 1996-97), with an overall record of 49-13 in the B12 Tournament. Iowa State is second with five tournament titles.</p>
<p id="47UNoj">Despite Iowa State’s five titles, only Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma have winning records in the Big 12 Tournament.</p>
<p id="qMcAf9">This year’s 6-seed is the lowest KU has had in the history of the Big 12 Tournament. The only other time KU was lower than a top-4 seed was in 2000 when KU had a 5-seed.</p>
<p id="s3hXQt">KU is 4-1 in neutral site games so far this season, but just 7-8 overall in games away from Allen Fieldhouse.</p>
<p id="jWfG6i">KU is 46-11 all-time at T-Mobile Center.</p>
https://www.rockchalktalk.com/2024/3/13/24099757/how-to-watch-big-12-tournament-kansas-jayhawks-vs-cincinnati-bearcats-tv-radio-streamingmikevilleKS1