Mark's newest book is now at the printers! By this time next month you will be able to order a hard copy. Freedom From Fear Forever has a great Father/Son theme so stay tuned! Here's what one friend had to say:

“This book shows you how to release your brakes and unleashes your positive energies for success, happiness and high achievement.”

Brian Tracy - Author – CREATE YOUR OWN FUTURE
 

 Watch "The Road" Buddy!

Matteson Avenue has much to offer and it changes and grows all the time. Here are some of the places to visit and find out what's new:

Start reading the 100 Best Non-Fiction Books!

Sort out that "Rats Nest" of an office by starting here.

Super articles in "Gratis".

Some wonderful sites on the Links page.

 

Road Improvements

“A Day at the Races”

As a high school kid, I fell in love with the Marx Brothers. Groucho was an early mentor. Quick wit, clever one liners, a cad, a bit of a scoundrel, a survivor; a man after my own heart. He once said, “Time wounds all heels.” One of their funniest movies was A Day at the Races. It takes place at a racetrack with hilarious consequences.

Yesterday I went to the track in Baltimore, Maryland. Pimlico. It makes money one day a year. I attended Preakness. Man, were they making money. It is the second jewel in the Triple Crown, the world series of Horseracing. This particular racetrack has an extraordinary tradition dating back to the country’s first racing club in 1743. George Washington was a race fan. It must be seen to be appreciated. There are certain things you just HAVE to do. This is one of them.

Over 100,000 people show up beginning early in the morning. It’s a bit like a Luxury Liner. You have the entire spectrum of socio-economic pyramid from the Captain’s Table Luxury Boxes (where I was fortunate enough to sit eating crab cakes and prawns, sipping coffee with my pinky extended thusly) all the way to the Infield, like Steerage on that ship (a Woodstock/Mardi Gras/Spring Break like atmosphere filled with college students guzzling beer as if Prohibition were going to be enforced tomorrow!) and everything in between.

Wealthy women in hats, big hats, flowery hats, dressed to the nines, as if they were going to Easter Service. Like so many flowers in the garden. College kids with no shirts, covered in mud like weeds. I wasn’t certain who was having more fun.

There were basically three groups of people that made up the teeming masses:
1. Workers – You saw the cops on horses, the guy blowing the trumpet to start the races, the peanut vendors and of course thousands of security guards.
2. Wackos – These folks were easy to spot. They went from focused, intense students of the racing forms and television monitors that did not want to be interrupted, like college students 24 hours before finals. As each race began, they started to cheer. Yelling as if the horse, THEIR horse could hear them and that screaming would influence the outcome!?
3. Wanderers – People like me, first-timers, one-timers, new-bees, all just taking it all in, wandering around like a lost child.

Despite the Roman Coliseum like quality of this experience, it comes down to this…the profit comes primarily from two sources, high margin categories, as old as the bible…gambling and booze.

As I wandered the entire complex taking pictures and notes, I was struck by a single thought, “Something for everyone.” It’s an excuse to brag when you win and lie when you lose. It’s a chance to dress up like you’re going to church and get drunk as a skunk. It is not to be missed. It’s a big party.

In the end it’s just a horse race. An amazing race with the finest and fastest thoroughbreds in the world, a race nonetheless. But, it’s still just a competition. I did notice that the Wackos won, they said, “MY” horse won. When they lost, it was “THAT” damn horse, it was a dog!

Why is winning so important? Why is losing so painful? Answer? EGO, bragging rights. We are in love in this country with the “Zero Sum Game”. I win, you lost. We love to gloat, brag and strut. Gamblers are a bit like fisherman. When they win, it’s always a lot more than they actually did. When they lose, it’s either “I broke even” or “I’m down $250” (which usually means “I’m actually down $500 to $1,000 and don’t tell my wife!”) We downplay the losses and talk about everything else.

As this “Gawker” soaked in all in, the 75 degree weather, the magnificent animals and skilled jockeys, the sartorial splendor, I was grateful for the experience. It’s a bit like going to Egypt and not seeing the pyramids. It was amazing.

I made one bet. One of the more fascinating people I met was a bookie named Tom. I told him I had already chosen a horse by using a very scientific process…I liked the name. Malibu Moonshine, a 20-1 shot. He raised an eyebrow, smiled and suggested I put $5 to Win-Place-Show, a $15 dollar investment. I didn’t cheer, I didn’t yell at my nag to run faster…the dog came in 9th. The favorite won. The USA today picked it clearly. Now I remember why I don’t gamble. I suck.

Horseracing is a lot like being an entrepreneur. You better do your homework. You better hang around people that are smarter than you. Pay attention. Take good notes. Learn from every experience. Make new mistakes. Some races you are going to win, others you will lose. Don’t cry when you lose and don’t crow when you win. It’s not for the faint of heart.

I learned a lot yesterday. Did you know a Handicap is simply a weight that is put on a superior horse to give the other horses a chance to win!
I’ve got to find a way to shed some of these weights I’ve been carrying around. Say hand me that racing form….I’ve gotta study. Who do you like in the 5th race?

 

One for the road

This months must read "One for the Road" book is "How to Be a Gentleman" (and of course, by the same author, "How to Be a Lady") by John Bridges - 1998 Rutledge Hill Press

"A contemporary guide to common courtesy.  In a world of cellular phones, express lanes, political correctness and business lunches, being a gentleman (or lady) seems more and more complicated."  I really need this book.  Here is a sample, as noble and as macro as: "A gentleman never makes himself the center of attention. His goal is to make life easier not just for himself but for his friends, acquaintances and the world at large."  Or as simple and subtle as "A gentleman always puts the toilet seat down."  Good stuff.

 

The Boulevard

This months featured web site actually a couple of sites. First is Earl Hipp's site Human Resource Development and second is his site www.journeytomanhood.com. Earl is a professional speaker, trainer and writer. Earl's most important work is his site and book titled "Man-Making" - Men Helping Boys On Their Journey To Manhood. Just in time for Fathers Day. Check it out. Join in Earl's Mission.

 

End Construction

Again Thank You for your valuable time. We have more to come. If you enjoyed receiving E-Zine Street, Opt-in below by clicking on "Update Profile/Email Address" (to be sure we have your correct email address) You can also forward E-Zine Street to a friend by clicking "Forward Email" below.