Tale of Two Halves Fairfield 62 American 50

The American Men's Basketball team has been like the schizophrenic guy that hangs out at Starbucks in Tenleytown the past three games; going crazy the first half with halftime leads of 17 and 11 respectively in the past two games, then sitting quietly sipping coffee for the second half letting the opponent take second half leads of 7 and 10.

After seeing the first home game for the men last night I left Bender both optimistic and worried for the remainder of the season. The two halves showed exactly why I was concerned as well as the scoring spread. Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer, like the first two games, provided 68 percent of the points and were the only two players in double digits. The men's team right now is very one dimensional. The game seems to consist of passing it around the perimeter till either garrison or derrick get a three bomb off. While this works when their shooting percentages are good like in the first half, 57% from behind the arch but kills them when their shooting percentage is low, like the second half with a dismal 14%. Until American's big men can wake up and catch the ball with two hands or grab some rebounds it will be a difficult season.

I was optimistic however because of the looks that both Bryce and Frank were getting. These are going to be two strong contributors once they adjust to the speed and physicality of competitive college basketball. They were taking shoots and getting great looks. Once these shots start to fall they will offer a mid range threat the team is currently lacking. Another positive was the enthusiastic and showy play that came from AU. The warm up consisted of an entire drill of the team dunking, a far cry from last years conservative fundamental based team. This will be good for fan attendance and momentum as displayed by the crowd's reaction to Brian Gilmore's great inside move he capped off with a strong two handed jam. This emotionally charged play will be sure to bring in more fans then last year. Till next game....

Self Fulfilling Cycle

Fed Chairman Says Economy Likely to Slow....

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/08/business/09fed-web.html?ei=5065&en=2d73b75dc3e556dd&ex=1195189200&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

This article highlights exactly why Wall Street keeps me up at night. Bernanke goes before the Senate to testify yesterday and begins to tell them that the next few months for both the economy and the stock market are going to slow noticeably. Meanwhile investors on the street listening to the hearing begin selling and they sold the market down over 200 points. The question now is this: Did Bernanke in effect drive this market decline by forecasting a decline? Many market analysts say these daily swings and gyrations of the market have no effect on the long term financial stability of markets, however i disagree for several reasons.

1. As an amateur investor statements like the one Bernanke gave yesterday will resonate in my mind for months whenever I look at my portfolio. Every potential decision I make regarding my investments will be made with his statement "slowing noticeably" still ringing in my ears. It will stop me from making I would estimate three investment decisions over the next quarter. Now detractors may say that I should not be making investments into an unstable economy regardless however I believe a great amount of the market instability that will be felt over the next three months is a result of squeamish people like myself scared that the market will decline.

2. Bernanke's statements yesterday were accompanied by a statement regarding the future of interest rates and the Fed's decisions. In this case Bernanke spoke out of both sides of his mouth. One one side he said that the financial markets will continue to decline in the coming quarter and economic growth will slow to a crawl. While saying this he alluded to the fact that interest rates will remain stable. Why with the economy declining, instability, and economic growth dropping 3% points below summer averages would he not offer the salvation of further interest rate drops. And if he could not commit to that at least leave the option on the table.

3. October November and December are a turbulent time for the market every year regardless of the market cycle due to tax implications. These statements only further unsettle investors in an already turbulent time of the year.

Yes Mr. Bernanke the U.S. Economy is very diversified however the difference in this decline is that it effects almost every American household's primary investment; their house itself. This will not be isolated to just the mortgage and housing industries because of it shakes the very foundations of nearly every families wealth which will have far reaching effects into every aspect of the economy.

AU Men's Basketball....Time to Shine

In the Patriot League Coach's preseason poll the AU Men's team was predicted to finish 5th for several reasons. 1. AU only returns one consistent starter, Derrik Mercer. 2. Rather then recruiting in the traditional manner of taking true freshman AU went out and brought in only 2 true freshman and 5 transfers from junior colleges. 3. Other teams in the Patriot League have been desimated by graduations except for Holy Cross who is picked to win.
My Take:

AU is going to exceed expectations! Nick Hendra, one of the two true freshman, is an outstanding player who once he finds his niche will be a strong producer for the Eagles. Derrick Mercer will shine like he never has before this season. Each year he has stepped it up improving his shooting from freshman to sophomore year along with his passing percentage. I expect him to come out of the gate with a multi faceted game. Frank Borden will be the strongest producing addition to the Eagles this year. His outside shooting is superb and he has a great sense of vision.

The only downfalls for the team will be coming together. In their first two exhibition games the Eagles have struggled with team unity and working together. When half the team is new it takes awhile to learn to play together. I feel they should peak just as they need to during the Patriot League games.

Check in soon for my take on each game when the season starts!

Why Blog?

When I started this blog I got from several people the question why? So I figure with my first post why not address it. First I'm a complex guy. There is a lot of stuff swirling up in my head that needs to come out. Second, I am constantly finding articles online at work that are either interesting, upsetting, or just cool that I want to share but always either forget about it by the time I get home or just feel like no one would care so now I will be able to put them on here with my lovely thoughts and if anyone is interested they can read them. Third, Ted Leonsis owner of the Capitals and Wizards has one of the coolest blogs (alright lets face it only blog I have ever seen) and because he is the man i wanna be like Ted. Lastly, I just get bored at work and thought it would be fun. Hope that answers your questions!