Daily Intent

As a marathon coach one learns the art of getting through a marathon isn’t solely based on the number of miles a runner / walker has completed in training.  Nor is it solely based on their diet and supposed “in-shapeness”.

Success on marathon day has another key component that many fail to mention when blogging or writing on-line schedules for the masses to follow.

In the late 1970s, LA Dodger, Glenn Burke, popularized the act as he congratulated teammate Dusty Baker after hitting a homerun.  Each year on the third Thursday of April, we celebrate its greatness. Technological advancements leave us capable of carrying out this act virtually.

The HIGH FIVE.

“A celebratory gesture made by two people, each raising one hand to slap the raised hand of the other.” -Wikipedia.com

A psychological shift.  A mood changer.   An act of encouragement.  A reminder that “we’re in this together.”

A marathon is full of psychological and physical challenges.  Those that finish strongest, happiest and often most successful are those with positive attitudes.

The high five is the perfect act to carry out when times are tough, your mind gets lazy, unfocused, or distressed.  It reboots the system.  It sends a new pulse to the brain.  It creates a split second of elation and camaraderie.  You don’t even need to know the person.  And it works time after time.

Our jobs can often emulate a marathon.  Times get stressful.  Times get tough.  So when the tough gets going the going gets High Fiving…then bears down and focuses.

Buzzword: Ankle Biter
“Stock issues with a market capitalization of less than $500 million.

These issues can appear to be more speculative than stocks with high market capitalization. However, smaller issues often have great growth potential and tend to outperform larger market capitalization stocks. Small cap stocks are often biting at the ankles of the larger cap stocks and will one day - through capitalization growth - move up into the larger market capitalizations, as a child grows into adulthood.”
-Investopedia.com

I don’t make this stuff up.

  Four Points to Ponder:

   1. GM declared bankruptcy Monday, will sell Hummer to Chinese company.  Toyota and Honda see May sales plummet 40%  from May of ‘08.
   2. Markets took some nice leaps upward. The Dow undulates at 8657, S&P 500 at 932 (15.5 times companies earnings) and the Nasdaq at 1820.  Oil is up to $67/bbl.
   3. A half million private sector jobs were lost in May, though a future slowdown of layoffs looks brighter.  Mortgage applications dropped last week as interest rates rose nearly .5%.
   4. Sports guy, Lucas Herrera, has qualified for the Boston Marathon with a blazing 3hrs 9min marathon.  That’s NBA Finals.  The battle grounds are set.  Superman and his Magic warriors will stand strong against Sir Kobe and the fierce Lakers.

Positives:

    * You, the American taxpayer, will become 60% owner in GM.  Through Chapter 11 GM is expected to shed $38 Billion in debt.  14 under performing plants will be closed with 3 others put on hold.  A new, slimmer GM will emerge 60 to 90 days from now.
    * Future company plans for layoffs are at 8 month lows.  How long this will take to work through the system, is yet to be determined as layoffs in large numbers continue to worry millions. 
    * 3hr 9min marathon equals out to 7min 14sec miles for 26.2miles!  Nice work Luke.  Who’s coming to Boston in 2010?!
    * The Lakers should consider borrowing Nate Robinson’s kryptonite.  Thursday night, game 1.

Negatives:

    * GM will be cutting 20,000 jobs.
    * Oil prices fighting upward as supplies are lowered and greater optimism becomes pervasive in the market place, means higher prices at the pump.
    * Interest rates heading upward makes it tougher for those looking to refinance and/or buy homes.  We still have many more families to take care of.  Rates rising pinches off the spicket hurting many and prolonging the recovery.
    * The Magic beat the Lakers during both meetings of the regular season.  They are a tough team to match-up against.

Local:

“Behind the Lines.  Fighting a Wildland Fire.”  Jesusita Fire Benefit
Where: Samy’s Camera
When: Saturday, June 6th.  7:30pm
Cost: $5 donation
Why:  It is the world premier and benefits Jesusita fire victims.  Outdoor movie!  Bring blankets and chairs.

Live and Be Well,

Jeff Bochsler