Can you come back against lung cancer?

Afflicted with lung cancer, this gentleman was given six months to live -- 45 years ago.

How did he come back against it?  We heard his story on the BBC and found it neatly laid out here at the NY Times.

Please read

Al Gore x 150

A dozen years ago, presidential candidate Al Gore was defeated, crestfallen.  He did a multi-media show called The Inconvenient Truth, became a road warrior, and showed it all over the place. 

He did a lot more, too.  Since then, he turned his fortunes around.

Literally.

He multiplied his $2 million net worth about 150 times --- into a $300 million fortune.  So says the current TIME magazine.  And more on his financial prowess at Forbes.

Whatever your politics, and how the money was made (he sold his cable TV property to Al Jazeera), you have to call this one amazing comeback.

But not everything along the way was glory to glory.  Remember the famous "kiss" with his dutiful spouse with the spunky name, Tipper?  At the 2000 Democratic National Convention?

Well, he and wife Tipper went separate ways in June 2010;  the media called it a "civilized split."  Tipper is about as far away from Washington, D.C. as you can get and still be in the continental 48.  Reports have it that she is dating a photographer.

Against all odds

Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. However, for him, it's no problem. Lee Cowan reports on how Vujicic was able to overcome incredible odds to live a relatively normal, and at times extraordinary, life.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50138905n

Modern Day Pagliacci, the clown who cried -- no more

Can the outward clown be inwardly tortured  - laughing to hide the tears, like Pagliacci?

We recently learned that none other than David Letterman, 65, late night jokester to the world, himself fought depression for 20+ years.  In 2003, when beset by a bout of shingles, he finally capitulated, took medication for the depression as well.  He said it was like seeing 20/20.  He fessed up on the Dec. 20 CBS This Morning.

Sometimes making a comeback is as simple ---- or as difficult ---- as accepting the need for medication.

A jazzy comeback

When Dave Brubeck went to music school at the College of the Pacific, his inability to read music was found out.  A teacher ran to turn him in, the dean hit the roof, and they agreed on the only course of action:  to flunk him out.  But a bevy of teachers intervened, said STOP!  ‘this guy has talent.’

The dean relented  on this condition:  that Brubeck agree never to teach piano.  He did agree, and instead, went on to become something that affected millions vs. hundreds:  Dave Brubeck became a jazz icon.

The pianist passed away nearly one month ago, on December 5, 2012, one day short of being 92 years young.

What better quote for a new day, a new month, a new year

“The great virtue of man lies in his ability to correct his mistakes and continually make a new man of himself.”—Wang Yang-Ming

We wish you the very best in everything 2013 can offer.....and an extraordinary comeback whenever you need one......

Loses Job, Finds a Calling

Peter Lipsey used to live in Deerfield, Illinois, but drove north daily some 90 miles to work at a radio station in Milwaukee.

That got old.  He decided to relocate.

He moved on a Friday, found a place to live, and signed a one-year lease.  The next day the station went off the air.  No job, a year's commitment to a real estate company, what to do?

He started bartending at a comedy club.  Something told him, 'hey, I could do that.'  One day he screwed up his courage, walked up on stage, and tried his hand.

That was 23 years ago.  He's been at it ever since, making lots of people laugh.  More at:  peterlipsey.com

Hey, Peter, what is the punchline?

Clients Include:
McKenzie School Auction
Village of Wilmette Illinois
University of Minnesota
Southern California Rock Products Association
ERA Real Estate
Prince of Peace School Fundraiser
Eagle Concrete
Illinois Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association
IBC Corporation
Ball State University
Quinn, Johnston, Henderson & Pretorius--Law Firm
Ukes Harley Davidson Dealership
Wisconsin Propane Gas Association & The LaCrosse Area Builder's Association
The Great Southwestern Illinois Assoc.
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Mechanical Contractors
University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point
SOMC LIFE Center
Dakota Asphalt Pavement Association
Transpac USA
Big Wave Productions


This endeavor led to another career in real estate.  One door closes, another opens.

A setback is a set-up for a comeback, as author and motivational speaker and friend Willie Jolley once said.




We found Peter's story in  The North Shore Weekend