In Year 1, this chat was conducted from a love seat in the master bedroom in front of a vintage TV. In Year 2, it began in a room at the Milwaukee Hyatt but sustained a change of venue to the Major Goolsby sports bar across the street because the Milwaukee Hyatt didn't offer room service for lunch. (Still can't believe that one.) In Year 3, it began and ended in a room at the Charlotte downtown Marriott, which did offer room service. In Year 4, it came to you live from what our realtor described as "the great room" but what we Bradleys call "the living room,"and as a backdrop we had a rather newer television.

Today we're coming to you again from the old homestead, with this twist -- I don't plan to turn on a television of any sort. Last year I got hooked on the NCAA tournament via the iPad app, and I see no reason to change in 2013. For one thing, I don't have to remember where truTV is on the cable box. (Until TBS bought the rights to the Big Dance, I had no idea truTV existed, let alone where it was, digitally speaking.) The only downside is that I have to fix my own chili.

Some traditions, however, simply cannot be broken, which is why you're getting the fifth consecutive establishing shot (as they say in Hollywood) of the propped-up MB feet. And with that essential information imparted, we're ready to go.

The trusty tablet informs me that the early game this afternoon is Michigan State against Valparaiso. (Or Valpo, as my former neighbor back in Maysville who went there invariably called it.) Next is Butler-Bucknell, which should be quite good. Then comes Wichita State-Pitt, which could be the best Round 1 matchup on the board.

My plan is to hold forth here until at least 3 p.m., and I'd appreciate the company. Join the festivities from work or home or even a hotel (though I hope for your sake it's not the Milwaukee Hyatt), and we'll share that American tradition of putting everything else on hold while we sit around watching the first full day of NCAA play. And I thank you, as ever, in advance.