March Madness Picks: The Wisdom of Math? Or a Cat?
From: New Hampshire Public Radio
Length: 00:06:30
University of Illinois computer scientist Sheldon Jacobson has created a computer model which helps to improve your odds of winning your office March Madness pool by making bracket picks based on a statistical model. New York lawer Chiemi has created a system based on the preferences of her cat.
In this sound-rich piece, both systems are explored, and as it turns out, the math guy says the cat lady isn't all that crazy.
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Piece Description
University of Illinois computer scientist Sheldon Jacobson has created a computer model which helps to improve your odds of winning your office March Madness pool by making bracket picks based on a statistical model. New York lawer Chiemi has created a system based on the preferences of her cat.
In this sound-rich piece, both systems are explored, and as it turns out, the math guy says the cat lady isn't all that crazy.
Broadcast History
Aired on NHPR's Word of Mouth on 3/16/11
Timing and Cues
IC: music "We're playing basketball..."
OC: SOC "...this is Rebecca Lavoie." + bed until 6:30
Intro and Outro
INTRO:It's March, and that means only one thing besides waiting for warm weather … March Madness. That’s the term used to describe the frenzy surrounding the NCAA division one basketball championship. And you don’t have to be a big college basketball fan to get swept up in the craziness…usually, all it takes is working any place there’s an office pool.
If you find yourself without a clue as to how to make your picks, there is hope… New Hampshire Public Radio producer Rebecca Lavoie (la-VOY) discovered there may be ways to increase your odds of taking home the kitty.
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