I Love the... What decade?

My best friend recently posed an interesting question to me. What decade is it that you really associate with? At first thought, he believed he associated with the 80's the most, as did I, but after further discussion, we had to agree it was the 90's. Whether or not this decision was made with the influence of copious amounts of adult beverages is up to you to decide, but, nevertheless, a decision was made.

And, so, the question goes out, what decade do you identify yourself with most? I pose this to all 14 of my followers (and I do know that there are more out there). I'm also happy to say that my following, albeit small, spans many different decades, not to call anyone out specifically.

Are you a child of the 60's, where everyone loved everything, yet turmoil in the country ran rampant? Many people think of the 1960's as a time of freedom and perhaps rightfully so. The continent of Africa alone had 32 different countries gain independence from their European colonial rulers during that timeframe. At the same time, not everything was so lovely. The Vietnam War was raging and we saw the deaths of some of the most influential people in history - John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X just to name a few.

Perhaps you identify with the Decade of Disco, the 1970's. Now I was born in that decade. Let's run down a bit of history from the 1970's. The United States witnessed the resignation of a President. There were three popes in 1978 alone, with the last becoming the first non-Italian pope since 1523. Yes, you read that correctly, 1523. Both towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were completed and became an American landmark. Little did we know that the falling of those towers would also become a landmark a few decades later.

Here come the 1980's with the Huxtables leading the way. During this time period, I was more concerned about who was going to be the one to hook up with Kelly Kapowski - Zack Morris or A.C. Slater. And I was more concerned with that than anything having to do with school. Adolescence will do that to you. But I also lost my innocence because for the first time that I can remember, I realized how precious life was during this decade with the Challenger tragedy. It hit home to me because there was a teacher on board.

The 80's also saw the advent of quite possibly the worst acronym in recent human history. And with the unknown, there is always fear and blame. Luckily, there have been many strides in thirty years and although there is not yet a cure for AIDS, we are getting closer.

That brings us to the 90's, the decade that I identify with the most. The Giants won the first Super Bowl played in the decade, the Yankees won three World Championships and Brandon Walsh was ruling the zip code of 90210. Stone Cold Steve Austin continually beat The Rock in championship matches and I learned what a woman was. The funny thing is, if I hear a song from the 90's, I can pinpoint a place and time that I heard that song growing up no matter how big or small the event was in my life.

And I think that's what really defines what decade you identify with. If you can hear a song from a particular decade and remember some event, whether it be extreme or mundane, silly or serious, than that's your decade. And there's No Bonz About It!

Superheroes

Before I begin this blog, I have to thank a few people...

First off, my wife because I've been working a lot and haven't been around the past few days to help much. She keeps the machine rolling at Castle 1416 and for that I'm forever grateful. Secondly, my children because no matter what time I am home or what phone calls I get, I look at them and they make me smile. I also have to thank my mother, father and brother because without them, I would not be anywhere near where I am today. To all my extended family and friends, I thank you for the laughs, advice and general counseling you give me on a day to day basis. Thanks to my mother and father in-law for all of their love and understanding.

I also have to thank Brian, the reason that number 18 is so important to me because he is the epitome of courage, love and faith. When Jen and Timmy look up the word "Superhero" in the dictionary, they will see #18.

Finally, I have to thank the God, His Son and the Holy Spirit because without any of them, none of this would be possible.

In all honesty, the list could go on and on and although this sounds like the typical Oscar/Grammy acceptance speech (although I haven't won anything), these people are so important in my life that I would like to publicly give them credit.

Superheroes - something that is questioned every day, whether it be in sports, entertainment, at the office or in day to day life. The question is, what makes a real Superhero?

Is it the costume that makes the Superhero? Does one need to where an "S" on their chest to be a Superhero? Or does the real Superhero do everything she needs to do to take care of their children as a single mom?

Perhaps the Superhero saves the day. But, at the same token, what qualifies as "Saving the Day"? Does saving the day mean stopping crime or does it mean praying for those that commit those crimes? In my estimation, I believe it's both.

As a child, I've always read and seen about the comic book Superheroes that received all of the adoration and praise, but does a real Superhero need that? Or does the real Superhero go on about their day to day business not needing the recognition?

Does the real Superhero try to gain the following of others through public relations, marketing and power tactics or does the real Superhero do what they need to do and gain the respect of others?

Maybe the real Superhero sticks with their opinions. But does the real Superhero stick to their thoughts without hearing the opinions of others? Is a Superhero never wrong or does the real Superhero accept that they are human and make amends for mistakes that they have made?

At the end of the day, we all have our own Superheroes, whether they are sports figures, movie stars or your neighbor across the street. And if you have the opportunity to do so thank them for inspiring you.

And at the end of the day, if you have the opportunity to thank people in the beginning of a simple blog that you hope some people enjoy reading, then they are the real Superheroes... And there's No Bonz About It!