Dealing with the Big “C”
I lost my beloved Grandmother to cancer several years ago. My father beat mouth cancer just about two years ago. Unfortunately, my wife's best friend lost her father to cancer just this morning.
Cancer is indiscriminate, comes in many forms, and is beatable. You just have to catch it in time and find the best Doctor. That's the one thing no one wants to discuss in the battle with Cancer. Your choice in your Doctor can save your life. Just because there's an "M.D." after the name of your Doctor doesn't mean that the person is a genius. Remember the person who got a "D-" in medical school can still go on to be a Doctor, too.
This is one place the Internet has really prevailed. There are numerous places online that you can get advice from other families dealing with this disease. One thing that you'll find is usually these familes know more than the Doctors. And, this is no time to skimp on being passive in a situation.
I have told my wife that if I ever am diagnosed with Cancer, do not waste any time. I want her to learn everything she can and then get me as soon as possible to the best in the world with the specific disease - regardless of cost or where it is. Two great places to start are the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center in Durham, NC or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houtson, TX. These two institutions are at the forefront of Cancer research and knowledge.
My wish is that we find a cure and one day have a vaccine for cancer. Lance Armstrong's "LiveStrong" campaign is a great way to help a little bit at a time.
Carson W.
May 8, 2007
Little Messages Come in the Strangest Places
Today's Leo Horoscope:
You won't be able to fake enthusiasm today, so don't even try. If your heart just isn't in something (or someone), you shouldn't pretend. It's important to recognize the difference between a harmless little white lie and a potentially hurtful lie -- and remember that frank honesty can be a sign of respect. If you have to deliver some news that someone doesn't want to hear, just be tactful and gentle. Deal with the repercussions, and be proud that you were honest.
I am not an evangelist of horiscopes, astrology, religion or any other thing of that nature. But, I do believe that we get inspiration from so many different places. It's just up to me to look, listen and learn. Sometimes it's things we're looking for or wanting to hear. Sometimes, it's things we don't want to hear, but need to.
A Step Back in Time
I was reminded about one of the best summers of my life when recently I saw an old friend in the movie "For Love of the Game" with Kevin Costner. That friend was Mike Papajohn who played the adversarial Yankee, "Sam Tuttle" in that movie. But, on to the point.
It was the summer of 1986 and I was in the 8th grade at University High School in Baton Rouge, LA. My father was a big booster for the LSU baseball program and baseball was my love. My Dad's participation afforded me access to the inner circle of the team. So, that summer I got to help out at practice, travel with the team and become friends with many of the players. All in all, I missed just 3 games total that year - it was a home series with the University of Kentucky, all because I was sick that weekend.
There were several amazing things about that '86 LSU team - one was that it was legendary Coach Skip Bertman's first LSU team to go to the College World Series. He later went on to win five College World Series titles in the '90's. Another cool fact about that team was that there were six (maybe seven) future Major League players on the roster. They include: Albert Belle, Jeff Reboulet, Mark Guthrie, Barry Manuel, Jack Voight and Jim Bowie. Others on that team included Papajohn, numerous Minor Leaguers, current baseball scouts and coaches.
One thing I'll always remember about that team was during the lead up to the season, the LSU 2nd baseman, Andy Galy, always wore a headband with the phrase "OMAHA" on it. It was his way of always keeping their goal for that year on his mind.
It seems that every kid has one special summer in their life - if they're lucky, several. I often find myself thinking back on those times, hoping that my kids can one day enjoy a summer they remember for the rest of their lives.
So to Jim Bowie, Andy Galy, Jeff Reboulet, Jeff Yurtin, Mike Papajohn, Albert "Joey" Belle, Rob Leary, Mark Guthrie, Stan Loewer, Barry Manuel, Gregg Patterson, Greg Fontenot and the others who I can't remember - thanks!
Do You Know “The Secret”?
I was introduced to this incredible sensation about a week ago. It seems like the whole web is catching on to this and now I understand why. It is incredibly powerful, simple and life-changing.
"The Secret" is something that I have used in my life and interactions, but without ever knowing what "it" was. Check it out and see for yourself.
I Love Simple Solutions to Complex Problems
I heard about this on the radio the other day. It's the Nothing But Nets campaign that's being spearheaded by Rick Reily, the fabulous and hilarious sports columnist for Sports Illustrated.
How many times do you get the chance to save a live with a $10 spot? Give something back.
Always trust your gut
My Daily Career Horoscope:
Intuition will be as helpful as education today. Choices are easier when you have a gut instinct about which route is correct, and in the end it may not matter which strategy you chose as long as the decision was swift.

