Today: The Semi-Finals. Tomorrow: The World!

What can I say, Ogilvy? I'm simply following your blueprint, and it's all going swimmingly. Damn, you're good.

I received word yesterday that I was chosen as one of up to fifteen "potential finalists" that will be whittled down to three actual finalists. And those finalists will be flown to Cannes so we can fight to the death for the title of World's Greatest Salesperson. They say we'll be "pitching on-stage to the world's most influential ad men and women," but I think we all know what that means: steel cage match. I'll be the fighter in the brick-patterned Luchador mask. You may call me "El Vaquero Ladrillo."

But back to the point: Ogilvy, you are the wind beneath my wings. See, I paid close attention to your announcement video, and specifically the part about "turning no into maybe, and maybe into yes." And respecting that process has brought real results. If you asked me 24 hours ago if I could say with absolute certainty I'd be going to Cannes next month, I'd have to say "no" (but I'd still have said "yes."). Ask me today, and I can say "maybe." And I'm confident that once we meet face to face and I dazzle you with amazing feats of World's Greatest Salespersonry, I'll turn that maybe into a "yes." It's a beautiful thing.

Well, got to go now. Between preparing for the interview and pumping up for the impending rumble in Cannes, I've got my work cut out for me. I look forward to meeting you in person soon, Ogilvy.