President Barack Obama is over halfway through his first 100 days in the White House, and his tenure has been eventful to say the least. He has signed legislation allowing federal funding for stem cell research, a troop withdrawal in Iraq and a massive infusion of money into the country's financial sector. There have been highs and lows, as is the case in any nascient presidency. This post will review a few of Obama's biggest hits and misses so far:
Hits
Campaign Promises: Like them or not, Obama has come through on many of the promises he was elected to enact. According to PolitiFact.com, he has come through on 19 promises, compared to only 3 broken. Included in this are significant decisions such as the Ledbetter law, stem cell research funding, and SCHIP. However, the site lists 44 others as being 'in the works' and it will be interesting to see how those come out.
Troop Withdrawal: Obama's decision to withdraw troops from Iraq received postitive reviews from many on both sides of the aisle. John McCain even came out in support of the move, despite being a harsh critic of Obama's on several other issues.
Retaining Robert Gates: As hard and effective as Obama has been at distancing himself from his predecessor, he did retain the Secretary of Defense. This has allowed some fears about national security to subside and has allowed the communication between those protecting our country to not suffer with a transition.
Misses
Personnel Appointments: The list of pesonnel decisions that have gone awry is long and embarrassing. Back taxes claimed Tom Daschle and very nearly cost embattled Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner his position before it began. Attorney General Eric Holder had questions surrounding him and Judd Gregg's decision to leave the role of Secretary of Commerce only days after accepting. All of these left a definite black eye on the on the administration.
Too Much, Too Soon: While Obama has moved swiftly to resolve the mounting financial crisis, he has also moved rapidly to revolutionize healthcare and investments in education. The $787-billion dollar stimulus package, coupled with the $410-billion omnibus bill and now his hotly contested $3+ trillion budget are all staggering amounts of money. The latest Congressional Budget Office projections also cast a mostly ominous shadow on the long-term effects of the projected budget, as well.
Going Forward
Whoever won the past election, either Obama or McCain, was going to be in for some rough times early in their presidency. Regardless of what John Boehner or Glenn Beck say, Obama truly did inherit the deficit and a woeful economic situation. And the era of so-called "big government" is in the eye of the beholder (i.e. the party making the accusations). After all, government spending increased a whopping 104% during Bush's presidency (Source: http://www.mercatus.org/PublicationDetails.aspx?id=26426). Despite what Rachel Maddow or Keith Olberman say, Obama will have to curtial the national debt at some point and the sooner the better. His administration has been spending at a lighting fast rate, and that is certainly reason for strong concern.
Most of Obama's biggest decisions are too early to rank as a win or loss. Closing Guantanamo Bay was promised by both McCain and Obama in their campaigns. How that situation is resolved will determine its effectiveness, such as what happens to the detainees and how are their cases reviewed?
The same goes for the stimulus plan. If unemployment levels off sooner than later and Americans return to work it will largely be viewed as a success. However if it fails to generate a response and another stimulus is deemed necessary by congress, public opinion will almost certainly sour.
Overall, his first 100 days have been a mixed bag. It is worth noting that while the early returns on the budget proposals are not optimistic, the proposed budget is in its infancy, and was never believed to be implemented exactly as introduced. However, it's hard to believe that their estimates could not foresee detrimental effects on the national debt with the proposed plans and record amounts of spending.
In a side note, while the current economic situation is indeed dire, it is premature to compare it to the Great Depression. The highest projected rate of unemployment for Americans during the current crisis is a little under 10% (Source:http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/02/18/afx6067181.html) . By comparison, during the Great Depression (1933), nearly a quarter of all Americans were unemployed (Source: http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/Timeline.htm). While this is only one statistical comparison, it is still noteworthy.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Michigan - 62 Clemson - 59; Next Year?
Clemson was defeated tonight (as I predicted, unfortunately) by Michigan, 62-59. As has been the story for much of the latter portion of the season, the halfcourt offense revolved around shooting bad shots and missing easy ones. Defensively, Manny Harris frequently had too much room to operate and his teammates' timely outside shooting helped Michigan narrowly escape with a victory. The low point of the game came when Terrence Oglesby, now a rising junior, was ejected after throwing an elbow - and connecting - on a Wolverine defender.
Head coach Oliver Purnell has yet to win a NCAA tournament game. He is 0-2 with Clemson and 0-5 overall in such games. Even though the 2009 tournament is in it's first day, it's now time to look forward to next season for Tiger fans. Which leaves us to ask the question:
What are the prospects for the Tigers next season? (Player class rankings - sophomore, junior, etc. - reflect what they will be next season.)
Coming off back-to-back NCAA tournament berths and three straight 20+ win season, this is a variable 'golden age' for Clemson basketball. Despite his postseason shortcomings, Purnell has unquestionably improved the program considerably in his 6 seasons at the helm. However, next year's team will not feature departing senior K.C. Rivers, who has been a catalyst for much of Purnell's progress. Besides undersized center Trevor Booker (15.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg in '08-'09), next year's team has no real proven commodities. The aforementioned Oglesby is a perennial variable. When he is playing well, he is a truly lethal shooter with a penchant for big shots. However, at his worst he is little more than a defensive liability with an itchy trigger finger.
Point guard is another position of concern entering the offseason. Junior Demontez Stitt is capable of playing well and has had success when he is aggressive. He also has bouts where he is a turnover machine that dribbles into trouble, and he is not a reliable offensive weapon. Sophomore Andre Young is diminutive but displays good range and was a prolific scorer during his prep career. He may have the brightest future at the position. Many Clemson fans hope he can become a Terrell McIntyre-type player, who was the pint-sized point guard who quarterbacked the Tigers during the program's last successful stint in the late 90s.
Booker, a senior, should be the focal point of next season's team. At only 6'7" he lead the ACC in rebounding in 2008-09 and became one of the best inside players in the league. He will most likely be joined down low by junior Jarai Grant, who may prove to be an upgrade over graduating senior Raymond Sykes. To Sykes's credit, he was a high energy player that did alot of the dirty work that does not show up in the stat sheet. Senior David Potter should see increased playing time and potentially start at small forward. He has the ability to hit the long range shot, but it is not his forte. He, like Sykes, is more of a hustle player that is at his best when he is limiting mistakes and taking care of the intangibles. Sophomore Tanner Smith will also log more minutes as a swingman. He is a hustler who is not an overwhelming athlete bit does have some fair offensive skills. He may become more of a weapon as he develops in the offseason.
The real unknown for next season will be the impact of highly-touted freshman Milton Jennings, the program's first McDonald's All-American since 1991. Jennings is 6'9" and should see immediate playing time. His impact could provide a viable scoring threat in the post alongside Booker, which could transform the offense dramatically. However he will be a true freshman and with the exception of Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, Carmello Anthony and, to a lesser extent, Tyreke Evans this season, most true freshmen take time to adjust. Another freshman to keep an eye on is Devon Booker, Trevor's younger brother, who will add depth to the frontcourt.
Purnell may not be the most popular man in Clemson tonight on the heels of his team's second consecutive first round exit from the NCAA Tournament, but he has excelled beyond the expectations of most optimistic Tiger fans. The 2009-10 season should be another good one for the Tigers. Wake Forest will most likely be gutted by the NBA Draft and North Carolina will lose Danny Green and Tyler Hansbrough, who are both seniors. They are also almost certain to lose guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington to the NBA as well.
The Tigers must find a reliable scorer from the backcourt before next season. Rivers was commonly the man who could create his own shot but no one on next year's team has shown that ability. Oglesby is the most likely candidate to fill that void, but he has been a long range marksman more than anything else thus far in his career. His catch-and-shoot style does not translate well to scoring off the dribble. Andre Young may be the best suited to this role, but that is certainly a concern. Also, Purnell will have to review his press defense. It became apparent that as the season wore on, opponents became less rattled by this strategy and actually turned it into mismatches and quick baskets.
My premature prediction for next year? Another 20-win season is a possibility and, barring injury to Booker or his unexpected (and unwise) decision to test his mettle in the NBA, very likely. Many of this past year's underclassmen - especially Stitt and Oglesby - will be expected to take more ownership in the team as upperclassmen, and that may pay dividends. A serious run at the ACC championship is probably out of their reach, but not an impossibility. Much of that probably depends on how much talent Wake Forest will return. No matter what year it is Tobacco Road holds the key to success in the ACC. With wins over Duke in their last two meetings the Tigers have the confidence to take on the Blue Devils. The Tar Heels are another story.
Right now, I would guess the Tigers will win aother 21-24 games and receive another invite to the "Big Dance". Success there relies on who their future opponent is but also how that team finishes the season. Purnell's teams have stumbled across the finish line and that has to change for any real success in March 2010.
Head coach Oliver Purnell has yet to win a NCAA tournament game. He is 0-2 with Clemson and 0-5 overall in such games. Even though the 2009 tournament is in it's first day, it's now time to look forward to next season for Tiger fans. Which leaves us to ask the question:
What are the prospects for the Tigers next season? (Player class rankings - sophomore, junior, etc. - reflect what they will be next season.)
Coming off back-to-back NCAA tournament berths and three straight 20+ win season, this is a variable 'golden age' for Clemson basketball. Despite his postseason shortcomings, Purnell has unquestionably improved the program considerably in his 6 seasons at the helm. However, next year's team will not feature departing senior K.C. Rivers, who has been a catalyst for much of Purnell's progress. Besides undersized center Trevor Booker (15.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg in '08-'09), next year's team has no real proven commodities. The aforementioned Oglesby is a perennial variable. When he is playing well, he is a truly lethal shooter with a penchant for big shots. However, at his worst he is little more than a defensive liability with an itchy trigger finger.
Point guard is another position of concern entering the offseason. Junior Demontez Stitt is capable of playing well and has had success when he is aggressive. He also has bouts where he is a turnover machine that dribbles into trouble, and he is not a reliable offensive weapon. Sophomore Andre Young is diminutive but displays good range and was a prolific scorer during his prep career. He may have the brightest future at the position. Many Clemson fans hope he can become a Terrell McIntyre-type player, who was the pint-sized point guard who quarterbacked the Tigers during the program's last successful stint in the late 90s.
Booker, a senior, should be the focal point of next season's team. At only 6'7" he lead the ACC in rebounding in 2008-09 and became one of the best inside players in the league. He will most likely be joined down low by junior Jarai Grant, who may prove to be an upgrade over graduating senior Raymond Sykes. To Sykes's credit, he was a high energy player that did alot of the dirty work that does not show up in the stat sheet. Senior David Potter should see increased playing time and potentially start at small forward. He has the ability to hit the long range shot, but it is not his forte. He, like Sykes, is more of a hustle player that is at his best when he is limiting mistakes and taking care of the intangibles. Sophomore Tanner Smith will also log more minutes as a swingman. He is a hustler who is not an overwhelming athlete bit does have some fair offensive skills. He may become more of a weapon as he develops in the offseason.
The real unknown for next season will be the impact of highly-touted freshman Milton Jennings, the program's first McDonald's All-American since 1991. Jennings is 6'9" and should see immediate playing time. His impact could provide a viable scoring threat in the post alongside Booker, which could transform the offense dramatically. However he will be a true freshman and with the exception of Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, Carmello Anthony and, to a lesser extent, Tyreke Evans this season, most true freshmen take time to adjust. Another freshman to keep an eye on is Devon Booker, Trevor's younger brother, who will add depth to the frontcourt.
Purnell may not be the most popular man in Clemson tonight on the heels of his team's second consecutive first round exit from the NCAA Tournament, but he has excelled beyond the expectations of most optimistic Tiger fans. The 2009-10 season should be another good one for the Tigers. Wake Forest will most likely be gutted by the NBA Draft and North Carolina will lose Danny Green and Tyler Hansbrough, who are both seniors. They are also almost certain to lose guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington to the NBA as well.
The Tigers must find a reliable scorer from the backcourt before next season. Rivers was commonly the man who could create his own shot but no one on next year's team has shown that ability. Oglesby is the most likely candidate to fill that void, but he has been a long range marksman more than anything else thus far in his career. His catch-and-shoot style does not translate well to scoring off the dribble. Andre Young may be the best suited to this role, but that is certainly a concern. Also, Purnell will have to review his press defense. It became apparent that as the season wore on, opponents became less rattled by this strategy and actually turned it into mismatches and quick baskets.
My premature prediction for next year? Another 20-win season is a possibility and, barring injury to Booker or his unexpected (and unwise) decision to test his mettle in the NBA, very likely. Many of this past year's underclassmen - especially Stitt and Oglesby - will be expected to take more ownership in the team as upperclassmen, and that may pay dividends. A serious run at the ACC championship is probably out of their reach, but not an impossibility. Much of that probably depends on how much talent Wake Forest will return. No matter what year it is Tobacco Road holds the key to success in the ACC. With wins over Duke in their last two meetings the Tigers have the confidence to take on the Blue Devils. The Tar Heels are another story.
Right now, I would guess the Tigers will win aother 21-24 games and receive another invite to the "Big Dance". Success there relies on who their future opponent is but also how that team finishes the season. Purnell's teams have stumbled across the finish line and that has to change for any real success in March 2010.
NCAA Tournament Tonight: (7) Clemson vs. (10) Michigan
Check out http://www.block-c.com for a preview and anything else you need to know about Clemson Tiger sports.
Clemson squares off against the University of Michigan Wolverines in a first-round NCAA Tournament game at 7:10 ET tonight in Kansas City, MO. The Tigers are the favorites but that hasn't meant much as of late. Michigan is led by a pair of explosive scorers in Manny Harris (16.8 ppg) and DeShawn Sims (15.7 ppg). They also have a quality head coach in John Beilein, who had an impressive tournament run in 2005 with an overachieving West Virginia team. Clemson and Michigan both notched victories over ACC Tournament champion Duke, which is the 2nd seed in the East Region. Clemson has struggled as of late, with the nadir coming in a loss to woeful Georgia Tech in their most recent contest. On paper, Clemson should advance. Unfortunately, the Tigers have not been smart with the ball while appearing lackadasical in their half-court defense recently. A turnover-prone offense coupled with a disinterested defense most likely spells a loss tonight against the Wolverines. Hopefully, coach Oliver Purnell will earn his first NCAA tournament victory tonight and the Tigers will advance.
Prediction: Michigan - 68 Clemson - 63
Unfortunately, I don't see Purnell getting over the hump tonight. Beilein has proven tournament success and Clemson has looked awful in their last handful of games. Unless Trevor Booker can get on track early and the Tigers can score inside-out, and not try to force threes, I see the Wolverines advancing.
Clemson squares off against the University of Michigan Wolverines in a first-round NCAA Tournament game at 7:10 ET tonight in Kansas City, MO. The Tigers are the favorites but that hasn't meant much as of late. Michigan is led by a pair of explosive scorers in Manny Harris (16.8 ppg) and DeShawn Sims (15.7 ppg). They also have a quality head coach in John Beilein, who had an impressive tournament run in 2005 with an overachieving West Virginia team. Clemson and Michigan both notched victories over ACC Tournament champion Duke, which is the 2nd seed in the East Region. Clemson has struggled as of late, with the nadir coming in a loss to woeful Georgia Tech in their most recent contest. On paper, Clemson should advance. Unfortunately, the Tigers have not been smart with the ball while appearing lackadasical in their half-court defense recently. A turnover-prone offense coupled with a disinterested defense most likely spells a loss tonight against the Wolverines. Hopefully, coach Oliver Purnell will earn his first NCAA tournament victory tonight and the Tigers will advance.
Prediction: Michigan - 68 Clemson - 63
Unfortunately, I don't see Purnell getting over the hump tonight. Beilein has proven tournament success and Clemson has looked awful in their last handful of games. Unless Trevor Booker can get on track early and the Tigers can score inside-out, and not try to force threes, I see the Wolverines advancing.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Exercise: Front Squat Research Shows Benefits Over Back Squats
New research from the National Strength and Conditioning Association show that the front squat may be better for the participants' knees than the traditional back squat. In addition, the muscle activation is higher for front squats in the ascending phase while the compression forces at the tibiofemoral joint were significantly less than the back squat. Unfortunately, compression forces for the patellofemoral joint were not studied. The abstract is posted below:
Gullett, JC, Tillman, MD, Gutierrez, GM, and Chow, JW. A biomechanical comparison of back and front squats in healthy trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 284-292, 2008-The strength and stability of the knee plays an integral role in athletics and activities of daily living. A better understanding of knee joint biomechanics while performing variations of the squat would be useful in rehabilitation and exercise prescription. We quantified and compared tibiofemoral joint kinetics as well as muscle activity while executing front and back squats. Because of the inherent change in the position of the center of mass of the bar between the front and back squat lifts, we hypothesized that the back squat would result in increased loads on the knee joint and that the front squat would result in increased knee extensor and decreased back extensor muscle activity. A crossover study design was used. To assess the net force and torque placed on the knee and muscle activation levels, a combination of video and force data, as well as surface electromyographic data, were collected from 15 healthy trained individuals. The back squat resulted in significantly higher compressive forces and knee extensor moments than the front squat. Shear forces at the knee were small in magnitude, posteriorly directed, and did not vary between the squat variations. Although bar position did not influence muscle activity, muscle activation during the ascending phase was significantly greater than during the descending phase. The front squat was as effective as the back squat in terms of overall muscle recruitment, with significantly less compressive forces and extensor moments. The results suggest that front squats may be advantageous compared with back squats for individuals with knee problems such as meniscus tears, and for long-term joint health.
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