Literally minutes after mentioning The Enlightened Bracketologist in yesterday’s post, the mailman dropped off an author copy of the book.  It’s a square, handsomely designed hardcover, which I wasn’t expecting.  Each 32-”team” bracket is a double-page spread, which means I probably had more room for commentary than I thought.  (Mine is one of the least wordy entries.)

Beyond its argument-resolving and -starting capabilities, Bracketologist also functions as a modern-day Book of Lists.  I really enjoyed the brackets of Long Songs (over 10 minutes: Television’s “Marquee Moon” wins), Signature Sportscaster Calls (“Do you believe in miracles?”) and Film Deaths (Psycho, duh).  I’m also flattered to see that a bracket idea I suggested (James Bond Gadgets) made the final cut, though written by someone else.  I got pushed back to the game-show ghetto despite my many brilliant suggestions.

Weirdest choice: “Train in the Distance” is apparently Paul Simon’s best song.  Go ahead, hum a few bars, I dare you.

Bracketologist goes on sale today.  I don’t get a penny in royalties, but it’s still a pretty fun little book.