A little grossness follows… bodily functions and the like. But maybe it’ll save someone’s life.

A little more than 15 years ago, my mom had colon cancer. Looking back at it, it really should have not been a surprise - this definitely ran in her family. However, my mom, like most people, never got checked for it.

The reason nobody gets checked for it is a colonoscopy (and the prep for it) isn’t the most pleasant thing to think about. And yes, a “colonoscopy” is exactly what you think it is. And since the view needs to be clear, the day before your procedure you can’t eat anything (save for broth and Jello… and I despise Jello). And, besides not eating, you have to drink this stuff that… yea.

Basically, I’m saying it’s not fun at all. Because I’m going through it right now - my last food was a Peanut Butter (JIF Creamy) and Jelly sandwich last night at midnight… it’s now 4:14pm as I type (and I’m an hour into drinking the “purging stuff”). I go in at 7am tomorrow. Let me tell you - there isn’t much worse than this. But I’m doing it. In fact, I do it every five years, because the doctors say since my mom had it, her kids are prime candidates. I’m 42, and this is my third one.

So, why am I telling you this? Because colon cancer is easily one of the most detectable forms of cancer out there. Early detection almost ensures not just survival, but a fairly simple removal (my mom survived, but it was a hell of a year in doing such - happily, she’s now 67 and healthy as a horse… ummm… the healthy kind of horse…. just saying I never got that expression.) 

In fact, if you get the test, they can snip out whatever “polyps” they find, which could prevent you from ever getting the cancer in the first place.

So again, I’m mentioning this because maybe someone says “hey, if somebody as cool and awesome as Dan isn’t afraid to get this test (and publically say so), maybe I won’t be either”. At least that’s what I think they’ll say.

Now, not everyone who’s 42 needs to get this test - they say most people should get it around 50 - but if there’s family history (like mine), you should get it earlier. It’s a day of hell, but I’d rather go through that than what my mom went through.

Ok, I’d say “I gotta go”, but that’s a really bad pun. So I’ll just say “later” instead.

Ok, children of the 80’s… here’s one of those cheesy 80’s videos (Total Eclipse of the Heart) with the literal translation of what is happening in the video.

And it’s absolutely hilarious - one of the funnier things I’ve seen online.

Like last time, this has nothing to do with business - but so what…

I’m a fan of Garrison Keillor.

If you don’t know who he is, he’s a radio guy/writer, and the creator (and essentially the star/emcee) of A Prairie Home Companion, which can be heard on NPR stations nationwide on Saturday nights. Maryellen and I often listen to this show while we’re doing our Saturday Night deck thing (which is basically hanging out on our deck, having a drink, and enjoying the peaceful calm of our backyard… it’s a really nice place.) In a world of noisy mass-media, the simple, homespun variety show Keillor puts on is like a breath of fresh air. And being on the radio makes it even more-so.

You can also hear Keillor weekday mornings on NPR doing his “writer’s almanac”, which is a five minute piece of… civility is the best word I can use to describe it. He talks about what happened on this date in relation to writing / famous authors and the like, and he always recites a poem towards the end. Then he signs off with that odd voice of his saying “be well, do good work, and keep in touch”… 

I mention Keillor, because as I listened to “Writer’s Almanac” yesterday (and recalled many PHC shows), a thought popped into my head - this man is doing exactly what he should be doing with his professional life.

It struck me as comforting - I really like it when people take their talent (or their calling) and succeed.

I can think of many people who are doing that - most of your writers, artists, sports stars, actors… these people are generally doing what their talents and skills dictate they should do. But it goes beyond that - I know a few tradespeople - plumbers, a builder, etc who are also doing exactly what they should be doing with their life. And how about a top chef? I would bet he or she is doing what they should be doing. Heck, many stay at home moms were meant to be moms, and it’s something they do extremely well. What I’m saying is, you need not be rich or famous to fall into this category.

But for as many people that I can think of who are doing this, I can think of millions more who are not. People who are just… doing whatever it is they do, with no real direction or reason save a paycheck. I mean, does anyone really want to be a middle manager? Or a cashier? Or a receptionist? Or work as a low level schlub in the marketing department?

Probably not.

Now I don’t disparage anyone who does these kinds of jobs - sometimes finding “your thing” takes time. I worked many a shit job until I finally figured out what I “should” be doing, and started doing it. In fact, I personally feel that I’m only 70%-75% there. I still have a little further to go - there’s more consulting/speaking type things to do (I think); and a “bigger” book or three to write. But I’m definitely on the road I need to be on.

So where are you in your journey? Are you pointed in the right direction? Are you doing (or moving towards) what you should be doing?

And if not, then what are you doing?

A group of TV advertisers are resorting to pretty slimy form of trickery with their advertising and sales pitch.

The advertisers in question are the slicer / dicer / cleaner / handy dandy gadget type advertisers. They usually have a hype-filled one-minute commercial, and then, at the end say “and you can get yours for only 19.99…. BUT WAIT…. Call now, and we’ll throw in a SECOND one for free. That’s TWO slug trail removers for only $19.99″

Obviously, I made the product up, but my point should be clear. They throw in a second one for free. Ok, that’s not so bad. So what’s the slimy trick?

The trick comes in when you order. A computer recording takes your order, and asks you how many you are ordering… they fail to mention they want to know how many SETS OF TWO you are ordering.

So the commercial says 2 slicer dicers for $19.99. The computer voice asks how many you want. You say “two”, thinking one, plus the free one. 

They then send you TWO ORDERS OF TWO.

They basically get a double order from almost everyone. And, it’s such a pain in the ass to send something back via mail, most people say “oh well, I’ll just give one away”.

Pretty slimy, huh?

Anyone need a magic slicer?