Junior Achievement

I have a new respect for elementary school teachers after spending 45 minutes teaching Junior Achievement to 24 third grade students. The kids are so full of energy - generally focused in a positive manner.

The teacher was my daughter who is in her third year of teaching. She runs an excellent classroom (not that I'm biased) and was a big help to getting control of the classroom a couple of times. I'll spend the next four Fridays with the class teaching them about "The City".

There are lots of fun activities and the Junior Achievement program provides all of the needed materials. So if you are looking for a rewarding experience and want to help shape the leaders of tomorrow (but don't want to be a full time teacher) then Junior Achievement might just be the ticket for you. They are always looking for volunteer classroom mentors.

Warren Buffet Quote

I read an Op-Ed piece by Warren Buffet, one of the richest men in the world, from today's New York Times. There is a quote from him that is very appropriate for the current turbulent and volatile stock market.

"A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful."

I'd say that right now a lot of people are fearful so it's time to get greedy. Historically, the stock market goes up over long periods of time. In fact, there has never been a ten year period of time when the stock market is down! So if you are a long term investor (as most should be) Warren is telling us that now is a buying opportunity. That is exactly what he is doing and so am I.

My recommendation is to look for well managed, high quality companies with excellent prospects for the future where price has been beaten down. Buy them now if you have 5 to 10 years as an investing horizon.

Some drivers are dangerous

Yesterday, while running with Melodie, on a bright, sunny day we were almost hit by a car. As we approached an intersection I made eye contact, so I thought, with the driver getting ready to cross the intersection. He waited (while actually he was lost in his own world) so we proceeded across the intersection. Right about the time we reached the center of the road he started across the intersection. I stopped running and yelled, WAIT, WAIT, hoping to stop Melodie before she was hit by the car. Instead of stopping she ran faster and got across the intersection.

The driver continued forward and when he passed by me we were only 2 feet apart. The startled expression on his face when he passed and finally saw me was... well what do I say - priceless. I yelled a couple of choice expression at him and continued on my way.

Please, pay attention when you drive.

Good Run

On September 21st I ran my 3d half marathon (13.1 miles). I was sick for the entire week beforehand but was still able to put in a PB (personal best) time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. I had been hoping for something less than 2 hours.

My running partner, Melodie Dugenske, and I have decided to do easy runs between now and January 2009 when we will start training for the Cellcom Green Bay Half Marathon. Our easy runs are going to consist of 3-5 mile runs at a pace that allows us to talk and enjoy.

So today I ran by myself because Melodie has a cold. I really enjoyed running in the cooler temperatures for the 2.9 miles. The pace was 8 minute 37 second miles which is excellent for me. More importantly I had energy when done and could have run a faster pace.