Want to see the Enterprise's navigation panel?

Well, this isn't it - but it's close. It's a Transrectal Ultrasound Machine, and that white cable with the gun on the end of it, in the tray on the right of the keyboard, is the gadget that holds the needle that takes the little bites of tissue samples, while its built-in eye shows the doctor where to aim.

Actually, the anticipation (as in The Rocky Horror Picture Show) is much worse than the actual event itself. This is very much a case of mind-over-matter, and if you don't mind, then it don't matter. But this gadget strikes terror into the hearts of the bravest men, because it fires that needle into one of man's most treasured possessions. However, eventually even treasured possessions become a liability, especially if containing something that might speed you to the hereafter. So sooner or later - usually later - all of us guys will likely meet a machine that looks something like this older model ultrasound scanner. The newer ones have a one-piece console, with the screen right above the keyboard area, and maybe a few more keys. I tried to convince the Doc that we need a mirror on the wall beside the patient's bed, so that even facing away from the action, we could still get a look at what's on TV, but he didn't buy it.

And after starving to death for a day and a half beforehand (doctor's orders) you wouldn't believe how good a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich of medium cheddar on Chunky Cheese bread can taste. It's the simple things in life that really matter.