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Odd hair; clothes and perhaps tattoos do make a person stand out. Most definitely. But that is all window dressing. The true nature of a person is when you sit down and talk. That’s where the interest starts as you see the love for rare music or comics from someone who appears nothing more then a wall flower. A hard nose biker who enjoys the works of Adam Sandler. The grieving sadness of a stranger for another stranger. Or the insight of God from a waitress working a diner that serves vegetarian tacos. My point is that the beauty of a person is the passion within. The definition lies beyond the window dressing. We can see so much by just talking and listening. A pretty penny in a bucket of nickels we forget to check because it’s too hard to check with the eyes when the heart and soul can do the work if we let it. The individual is key. All the details must be thought to see a clear picture. Amplifying a quality ignoring the rest gives only a faded outline. Tossing one into a pile of millions as 'A FILL IN THE BLANK' with no apparent desire to know more is a disservice allowing segregation of sorts to grow even deeper. Everybody in different groups sure the other is an enemy never seeing anything that connects us just what makes us different. Solo islands sink because no one can do everything unless your title is CHRIST then go ahead. Otherwise talk to each other. Starts with a person not a massive power wash to make change. Always risky of a water blast missing parts or destroying stuff too. We should stand together not behind cause each of us is like no one else after the title counting is done. Like a chain. What else is there to do but get old and perhaps rust, talk.

‘Batman: Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ by Green Day ‘Spider-Man: Here Without You’ by 3 Doors Down ‘Wonder Woman: Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by Bonnie Tyler ‘Bill and Ted: Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand’ by Primitive Radio Gods 'Doctor Who: Time After Time' by Cyndi Lauper 'Back To The Future: Not Enough Time' by INXS ‘Superman: It’s Not Easy’ by Five For Fighting’ ' The Shining: 'No More Mister Nice Guy' by Alice Cooper ‘The Flash: Running Down A Dream’ by Tom Petty ‘The Crow: Send Me An Angel’ by Scorpions 'Ghost Rider: Angels' by Sofie B. Hawkins ‘Swamp Thing: Secret Garden’ by Bruce Springsteen ‘Highlander: Who Wants To Live Forever’ by Queen ‘The Hulk: Beast of Burden’ by Mick Jagger ‘Green Lantern: There Is A Light’ by Nick Cave ‘Blade Runner: More Human Than Human’ by Rob Zombie ‘Secret Garden: Somewhere Only We Know’ by Keane ‘Back to the Future: She Blinded Me By Science’ Thomas Dolby ‘James Bond: Almost Heard You Sigh’ by Rolling Stones 'Top Gun: Danger Zone' by Kenny Loggins 'Hellboy: Dirty Deeds' by AC/DC ‘Titanic: My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion ‘The Mask: Unwell’ by Matchbox Twenty ‘Alice in Wonderland: I’m Going Slightly Mad’ by Queen 'Superman: Kryptonite' by Five For Fighting ‘Ghost: My Immortal’ by Evanessence ‘Beauty and the Beast: Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran ‘Aquaman: Drowning’ by Backstreet Boys ‘Frankenstein: Lightning Crashes’ by Live ‘Venom: Back in Black’ by AC/DC ‘Werewolf: Bad Moon Rising’ by Credence Clearwater Revival ‘Captain America: End of the Innocence’ by Don Henley

We have been together for over 24 years therefore there bound to be stuff I am going to discover due to the presence of my one and only. Probably could do a bigger list but then it wouldn't be ironic. 24. Kelly understands my geek habits better than I would of thought. She guessed early on that Animal is my favorite muppet; clumsy is my favorite smurf; Optimus Prime is my favorite transformer; grumpy is my favorite care bear and she has figured out mysteries of Doctor Who plots before revealed on TV. None of this is of interest to her by the way. 23. Movie Popcorn is the best of all popcorn but must be found at an actual home style movie theater. We go to Century 21 Theater in Deer Park and the snacks are very good. Most notably is the popcorn. Perfect amount of all important ingredients. Kelly is usually up for a movie realizing that though the movie might be not great, that the popcorn will. 22. I can't keep broccoli on a fork. On July 3rd, 2001, I had my first date with Kelly, and I had fish with vegetables. I could not for the life of me keep the broccoli on my fork. Fell off three times. Finally, Kelly just said that it was fine if I wanted to eat it with my hands. That is what I did. As it turned out the broccoli was waterlogged and Kelly has been quite kind, since then, to remind me where the best broccoli is when we eat out. It is steamed, I eat on a fork. If it is waterlogged, I use my hands or get carrots. Life changing stuff here. 21. The Fifty Shades Film Trilogy is pretty good. I never read the books and Kelly had. She watched the first movie and thought I would like it. It was different in many ways from the book. I was reluctant. Not because it was a chick flick, I have watched many of those in my time enjoying them all to a point. I just figured that there was not going to be much of a story, but Kelly liked them. She is a good judge of those things. Besides, she would not have raved about a movie if it was all just about sex. There was actually a good story there. We watched all three together and I found that there was a redemption arc for Christian Grey. He needed the right person who could break through to him that he was worth loving. Surprisingly compelling. 20. Coffee is actually very good when dressed up. Was not a coffee person before Kelly. I went to coffee shops but usually did not get coffee. Much more of a tea type of fellow and a nice donut too. Early on in our relationship, we went to a Gloria Jeans at a mall. I went to the restroom and when I came back Kelly had gotten me a frozen coffee drink. Never tried one and suddenly regretted all the years I wasted not trying one. Kelly has this way of convincing me of trying things because I trust her. I know she will not try to trick or talk me into something foolish or lethal. Anyway, who can say no to that smile? 19. Kelly is my best friend. She has been shortly after we met. I can talk to her about anything and she is honest with me. I like spending time with her even if it just walking a mall or hanging at a bookstore. 18. I do not like arguing with Kelly. Even if I feel justified at the moment I regret it not because of what Kelly says but because I do not like to argue with her. It goes back to not wanting to let down. Disappointed; offend or fail her. 17. Kelly knows when I am exaggerating. I am not good at lying but I do like telling a good story. Kelly can tell when I am adding details because my voice gets loud and squeaky. 16. I can find food and bathrooms no matter where we are. No matter where we go, whether we have been there before or not, I can find food and where food eventually goes. Didn’t know I could do this until we took my Grandmother out shopping to a new store. I went ahead to get the door and minutes later I came back telling Kelly where all the bathrooms and vending machines were. As it turned out both were in the same place. It was a reflex which Kelly has used on many occasions since. 15. I cannot match to save my life. Dress pants and T-shirts before we met. After we jeans and T-shirts and even dress shirts and jeans. Either way, jeans. 14. Contemporary Christian and Country Music isn’t bad. Wasn't a fan before I met Kelly simply because I did not listen to any before. I was much more into 80's music and found that some is very good. 13. I have saved us greeting card money. After Kelly discovered I could try we just started buying card stock for birthdays and holidays. People actually like my cards better then the store bought ones. Kelly is very good at seeing these things. 12. Appreciating homemade meals. Kelly is a great cook. Plain and simple is her formula for cooking. Who needs fancy? She can stitch together an awesome meal with flavor and taste with few ingredients and little time. Never have I skipped a meal since we have been together. 11. Its best to let go of anger because it is poison. I tend to get a bit upset when someone hurts or offends someone close to me or someone's action affects someone close to me. I am quite protective that way. Sometimes, Kelly literally needs to get in my face and tell me, 'It's okay. We are okay. Let it go.' Very easy to get wrapped up in that moment which then takes forever to calm down which now has totally ruined your mood accomplishing the goal of the offender. No good in the end. Best revenge is to shake it off. Easier said then done sometimes. 10. Soda is better cold. I used to drink warm soda. Yes, I admit it. Did not think it mattered since I drink diet and the flavor stays constant, what’s the hurt? Then I met Kelly, who likes ninety percent ice in her drinks and found she wasn’t off on this. I only put 10 percent of ice in my drinks or shove them in the fridge. Kelly likes fast freezes so in you go into the Freezer for about ten minutes. You got a lovely icicle to lick until thawing. Ha. 9. Kelly can always outwit me. Always quick with a line that can always out do one of mine. 8. Dancing in the rain is fun. Yeah, it was raining outside and we danced. Great time. 7. Kelly found me my job. 2003, I needed a job and Kelly found an ad for a job at Roosevelt University's bookstore in Schaumburg. Meant to last for three weeks which went on for a year. During that time I got a job as a Security Guard at Roosevelt and am still here as of 2021. Not bad for a three week job. By the way, ironically, I received two degrees from Roosevelt University before I met Kelly. 6. Add a comedy track into a serious award; movie; reality or news show is fun. Kelly and I love to add our own dialogue to such Television masterpieces. Makes it all so much more enjoyable. Why else waster time with boredom if you can't improvise. 5. Chocolate is wonderful stress reliever. I prefer dark chocolate but still it has a great calming effect. 4. Our Daughter, Katy, does not hate me. Back in 2005, I was pretty sure that our newborn daughter was not going to like me. As time went on, she would give me this look as to say, ‘Hello, Not Mom. Where is Mom? When is she coming back? She is coming back, right? Kelly insisted that Katy had to get to know me first. She already knew my voice because Kelly encouraged me to talk to her during the pregnancy. Minutes after she was born, Katy took a swing at one of the techs because she was pissed that her fist was removed from her mouth. She was having a good chew and was disturbed. I said, ‘Kate’ and Katy stopped because the voice was familiar. Kelly also encouraged me to sing to Katy, which was a rich collection of 80’s rock songs. I love the 80’s and not good at lullabies. Katy and I have a great relationship because Kelly would not allow me to doubt myself. 3. Laughing makes things a whole lot better. Enough said on this one if it is appropriate timing. Don’t want to be laughing at a funeral or crime scene. Just poor taste. 2. Live today. Yesterday is over and tomorrow is being worked on. Best just to follow the road there instead of jumping. 1. God is. Kelly helped me find my faith again. I went through a crisis before her and with her support, I have grown my faith in God. Learned to lean on God better than before. I see things clearer now.

Well, it's a quick fix as a band aid perhaps. Make one feel better for a really short time leaving doubt in the mind. Maybe even wanting more. A fix as in a rush, but nothing more as it is a chemical burst hiding out lowdown among the everyday. It's tempting because you have a hurt that can't heal. Brooding the fear behind it that you remain broken. Justice for the wrong that has been made against you. The tears and the broken heart. You want it to go away yesterday but it extends it's stay as long as it can be tolerated and tormenting. Want to hand it to someone else to carry so you lash out at the person who hurt you. An eye for eye to balance the scales. The stole your joy or maybe a nearby lash out at a proxy just so it's gone and more convenient. Who care who is innocent or made mistake. Forgiveness doesn't work, right. Cheated and robbed. Here is a grand example to show how I am feeling right now. Tuesday August 26th, 2025 1:50pm: my wife, Kelly, and I were in a serious car accident right near Roosevelt University in Schaumburg. Kelly was going to drop me off at work and didn't get there. We were T-boned by a car that didn't stop at a red light. The car is totaled, and we are bruised up, but nothing broken. God was with us in so many ways. Help arrived quickly. Bystanders showed up out of nowhere to help us. Calling 911 and making sure we were conscious, ready to pry those doors off if they needed. God was with us. The air bags worked, and the car did its job kept us safe. Our daughter,Katy, was not with us; she was to meet Kelly at Roosevelt via lyft. She was safe. The insurance company got us a loaner and people at my work and Kelly’s work have been nothing but kind covering our shifts. Medics: police and ER staff were also understanding and kind. We are shaken but God never left us. It hurts to walk right now but it will get better. Got wait to see how much we will get to replace the car but we are okay. God is faithful and will never fail us. Why am I writing this? I am trying not to want revenge. Some of my friends think that we should sue the driver for pain and suffering. Yes the car is gone and no we got the headache of going through the insurance to replace. We have medical bills waiting to arrive. We got other bills such as Katy's college. We do not completely know what comes next? The bruises will heal and fear will subside but I want it fixed now. I am jittery right now with cars as the crash happened on my side of the car. I have to lean on God for the strengthen to overcome this. Only God can show me the way. God is the only one who knows how to piece it all together. We are not God as God knows the burden, carrying it to help us. I cannot lean on God if I hold on to my anger. Be angry but let it go. It is toxic. God is not toxic. God lives through this world and I am very grateful. God can fix us if we ask him to because otherwise ignore Him and not see the healing. Why? Cause we want others to suffer sometimes. We are human. And God is God. I hope others will see that who may be going through a rough patch to know vengeance rots your soul. So tempting as to me the person who hit us seems to walked off fine. The Insurance company said we are not at fault and I already knew that. A part of me wants to make this person hurt for the pain she caused us. Then I remember that this was an accident. It was done to do no harm. It happened and vengeance becomes too easy to live for. Gets through a moment and then you want more. Turns your heart numb and ruins the perception of life in general. Steals your joy therefore you can no longer feel the sun on your face or the wind through the fingers because you are always expecting bad stuff to happen. Power is power. Power is fleeting. No one should want that. Trust God and He will fix. Listen to God and we can forgive. We can love or try to do so.

Most of you probably know the Mike and the Mechanics song, " In the Living Years". That song is a personal favorite of mind. It tells of the relationship of a father and son and how their differences effect them. Especially as loss is the hardest burden then unsaid words. It has significance because it says volumes about me, my dad and his dad. My dad and Grandfather had a difficult relationship at times. In 1975, my Grandfather passed a few months before I was born. Dad wasn't there when he lost his dad. Thought he had more time to talk things out. As the song says, "I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away. I didn't get to tell him all the things I had to say. I think I caught his spirit later that same year. I'm sure I heard his echoes in my baby's new born tears. I just wish I could of told him in the Living years." I like to think I helped him deal with that loss. A new life to raise but I think dad never really grieved the loss of his dad. Buried the pain. I hope they have finally had that talk but maybe it doesn't matter now. A lasting peace. I try to hold the good and let go of the hurt but not always easy. Dad always said he did not accomplish much but to me he did. The good outweighed the bad. I know there was so much left to tell him but there would never been enough time. Dad passed away in 2018 and still he is remembered and missed a great deal. We didn’t always understand each other but understanding can only take you so far as love can get you the rest of the way.

I really dislike them. Not at all comfortable. I feel like I am being hanged when wearing one. Yes, I do own a few out of necessity but you will never see me cry over not needed one. I have five all together. My favorite, if possible, is my Spider-Man tie. Looks awesome with Spidey climbing down a wall with a black background, brilliant. Two are work related in the colors of green and yellow. Not the most appealing of duos, but it’s work, not meant to be fashionable only functional. The other two, a black strip and a red stripe. are typical style for a night out, funeral or wedding. Don’t think ties are needed to go to the comic shop, if so then I have been very under dressed. They do look lovely because my wife, Kelly, picked them out because I cannot match to save my life. I have always looked presentable thanks to Kelly. She knows how to make me look human (ish). I have worn all four of these ties. The fifth one on the other hand is a different story. It is long and tan color which I will never wear because I do not own it to wear. I own it for a memory. The tie belonged to my father, Dean, he was always more comfortable in a suit and tie. He was color blind so many of his shirts were white; trousers black and ties a mix of black, blue, grey, brown and dark red. Went well with his black socks, black belt and black shoes. He wore clothes like a well fitted uniform even weekend attire. Anyway, why the tan tie? That was his board meeting tie. Later in life his job became business casual, to his dismay, so the only time he got to wear ties were for board meetings; presentations or formal conference dinners. The tan tie was used for board meetings and went with anything. On a particular day in Wednesday November 3oth, 2005, dad had two important morning meetings to attend but postponed both later in the day. They were his meeting therefore he felt he could make that call. When asked by one of his co-workers as to why, he replied, ‘I need to meet someone.’ And that was true, dad did have someone to meet. He wanted to meet his first granddaughter, Kathryn Ann Lewis, my daughter. He always called Kathy, no one else did. That was his name for her. They had a great relationship and understood each other well. Both like explaining things to each other, dad was more technical as Katy was is more abstract like me. She never understood why dad pulled Oreos apart but accepted that. It hit us all hard when dad passed away in 2018, but it took a while for me and Kelly to see just how it affected Katy. She was too busy worrying about everyone else to show it. Dad lives on in her memories in the little things that he gave her over the years. A little angel on a string he got her the day she was born; musical toy flowers for her first birthday and so many other things. So I keep a tie in a drawer that will never be used because it reminds me that dad put family before work. Didn’t see how significant to those who knew him. He felt that he missed a lot of our childhoods due to work but I always felt that he was there for the important moments. On November 30th 2005, he proved I was right. Love you, dad.

Now I know what some of you are thinking. Why are some of these songs on the list and how are they inspirational. Easy. I find meaning in them. Deeper than just ‘I Love You’. Philosophical in some ways. Absolutely direct in others. 30. ‘You Are Not Alone’ – Michael Jackson 29. ‘Try’ - Pink 28. ‘Kiss from A Rose’- Seal 27. ‘I Live My Life for You’ - Firehouse 26. ‘House of Stone and Light’ – Martin Paige 25. ‘Healing Hands’ – Elton John 24. ‘In Your Eyes’ – Peter Gabriel 23. ‘Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For’ – U2 22. ‘Kyria’ -Mr. Mister 21. ‘If You Could See What I See’ – Geoff Moore and The Distance 20. ‘Keeper of the Flame’ – Martin Paige 19. ‘One’ – U2 18. ‘Here I Go Again’ – White Snake 17. ‘Let It Go’ - Newzboys 16. ‘Forever Young’ – Rod Stewart 15. ‘My Father’s Eyes’ – Eric Clapton 14. ‘Until The End of Time’ - Foreigner 13. ‘Let It Be’ - The Beatles 12. ‘Like A Prayer’ - Madonna 11. ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ - Foreigner 10. ‘I Still Believe’- Jeremy Camp 9. ‘Goodness of God’- Hillsong 8. ‘I'll Take You Back’ – Jeremy Camp 7. ‘I Will Not Say Goodbye’- Danny Gokey 5. Time After Time’ – Cyndi Lauper 4. ‘Show Must Go On’ - Queen 3. ‘Trial by Fire’ - Journey 2. ‘Send Me an Angel’ – The Scorpions 1. ‘More Than You Think I Am’- Danny Gokey

I’m a pro wrestling fan. Duh, big shock I know. Love Battle Royals. Get anywhere from 10 to 40 wrestlers in a ring with one rule, throw everyone out of ring over the top rope and be the last one in the ring. Unpredictable. Monster mayhem. People beating up each other. Tossing bodies through the air. Crazy rivalries starting or ending. Chaos overload. Dangerous but fun to watch. I love the weird finishes when the big hero wins overcoming the obstacles or the villain wins due to cheating somehow. Booing and cheering mixed in the crowd.  But an ending I like is when the top hero and top villain are the last two in match. Going toe to toe, leaving blood, sweat and tears on the mat. Ego driven. Both go out together so no one wins, right? In the far corner you see one person caught in the ropes. Tangled and forgotten. First tossed over but he held on making sure both legs did not touch the floor. Therefore not eliminated. He was underestimated. Didn’t expect this guy. Struggled to free himself holding on. Finally stumbles back in the ring grateful to be free. Guess what? We are stunned and grateful for the moment to see something shockingly wonderful. This guy is happy not pride or ego but that this means something. The hurt; the rejection is replaced by joy. Surviving is the first step to living and living means we win in more ways than we thought.

40. "Suicide Is Painless" - M*A*S*H 39. "Without Us" - Family Ties 38. "Those Were The Days" - All In The Family 37. "The Lonely Man" (Closing theme) - The Incredible Hulk 36. "Cleveland Rocks" - Drew Carey Show 35. "Brand New Life" - Whose The Boss 34. "Perry Mason Theme" 33. "Star Trek Original Theme" 32. "Good Ol' Boys" - Dukes of Hazzard 31. "Air Wolf" - Air Wolf (Original Series) 30. "As Long We Got Each Other" - Growing Pains ​29." Equalizing" - The Equalizer (original series) ​28. "Twilight Zone Theme"- Twilight Zone 27. "Live The Good Life Yet"- Mister Belvedere 26. "Simon and Simon Theme" 25. "Bewitched Theme" 24. "Mork and Mindy Theme" 23. "Gimme A Break Theme" 22. "Love Boat Theme" 21. "Love and Marriage" - Married With Children ​20. "The Munsters Theme" 19. "Addams Family Theme" 18. "Mystery Science Theatre 3000" (season 17. "Saint Elsewhere Theme" 16. The Adam West "Batman" Series 15. "Battlestar Galactica Theme" ​14. "Alfred Hitchcock Presents Theme" ​13. "Night Court Theme" 12. "The Unknown Stuntman" - Fall Guy ​11. "Macgyver Theme" 10. "Knight Rider Theme" 9. "Mixture" - Franklin and Bash ​8. "Princes of the Universe" - Highlander the series 7. "A-Team Theme" 6. "Law & Order Theme" ​5. "All Started With A Big Bang" - Big Bang Theory 4 "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" - Cheers 3 "Believe It or Not" - Greatest American Hero 2 "Princes of the Universe" - Highlander the series 1 "Doctor Who Theme" - Doctor Who (Eighth Doctor theme)

I have read a lot of comics in my life. I still love the genre as I reach fifty. There is so much that can be done with ease in comic books that is not so easy to achieve in any other form whether that is animation or live action. I have read many titles and enjoyed most, but these ten are one's I return to often because each offers so much freedom with few limitation. In spite of change in creative, the concept holds together where something good will most often come through even if not all stories are awesome. A steady gamble in other words. Fun fact, each on my list originated as a comic book character. Origins; backstories; supporting characters and style started here. This was the template for all the relaunches; reworks and reboots. Steady evolution of the character with little change from the beginning. Get confused by a show or movie, check the comics, good direction finder. These Universes are complete and whole. They have rules of how things operate. You can relate to these people. Of course most of these titles have been published by various publishers but I am looking at where many started from and many remained. I am looking at you Marvel and DC. You know, the ones that never throw away anything. Shelved, yes. Get of rid, no. 13. Madman (Darkhorse) 1990 - Frank Einstein Born Zane Townsend, an agent of the Tri-Eye Agency, who died in a car accident. Stitched back together and brought to life by Dr. Egon Boiffard and Dr. Gillespie Flem. Given the name Frank, Frank SInatra, and Einstein, Albert Einstein, by Boifferd, as this was a new beginning for the subject. The procedure left Frank an amnesic amplified physical capabilities with superhuman agility and reflexes and a slight precognitive  and empathi c power. Evey story deals with weird tales of alien invasion; mad scientists; time travel and everything in between. 12. The Phantom (King Feature Syndicate) 1936 - Kit Walker A line of crime-fighters which began in 1536, where a ship wrecked survivor witnessed the death of his family and crew by pirates. Swearing an oath on the skull of his father's murderer to fight evil, Christopher began a legacy of the Phantom  which would pass from father to child, usually handed to the son. And in the case of the son, the name Kit is always passed down and for the daughter, Heloise. The character has no superpowers, he relies on his strength, intelligence, skill at firearms and the myth of his immortality to fight evil. 11. The Maxx (Image) 1993 - A Street Vagrant A purple clad hero of two worlds: our world and the Outback. In the real world, Maxx is a vagrant , while in the Outback, a fantasy reality, he is the powerful protector of the Leopard Queen. The Outback is full of fantastically imagery mirroring the world we know. In our reality, the Queen exists as Julie Winters, a freelance social worker . She usually bails Maxx out of jail but is unaware of the Outback. Is the Maxx insane? Or does he have an insight that is shred by no one else? 10. Hellboy (Dark Horse) - Anung Un Rama ('And Upon His Brow Is Set A Crown Of Flame') A literal spawn of the devil, a baby demon was liberated in the closing days of World War II in Europe. Summoned to aid Hitler in victory, the baby was raise at Area 51 to become a defender of the humans he was meant to destroy. Hellboy denounce his heritage by sawing off his horns fighting the occult and aliens with a very mismatchexd make shift family. 9. Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse) 1984 - Usagi Yojimbo The Edo period  of Japanese history  and features a rabbit   rōnin , Miyamoto Usagi , wanders the land on a  (warrior's pilgrimage ), occasionally selling his services as a bodyguard and taking up crusades he feels obligated to do. Everyone is an animal sort with human qualities. The style is traditional cartoon with serious take on honor and loyalty. Yojimbo means bodyguard. 8. Spider-Girl (Marvel) 1998 - May Day Parker Daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson-Parker, May had inherited her father's Spider powers and his sense of moral responsibility. She is a interesting mix of both parents. A genius; popular and an athlete with a more laid back attitude in many ways. This was the next generation of The Marvel Universe. We see what happened to the original cast of Spider characters and new ones 7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Mirage Comics) 1984 Michelangelo; Leonardo; Donatello; Raphael - Four brothers raise in the sewers by a rat. They are taught the ways of the ninja while forming a family as typical as anyone you could find. They fought mutants; space aliens; gangsters; the supernatural and discrimination. Nothing was off the table. Did I mention they were named after Italian artists and are mutated turtle. Just a a fun ride. 6. Wonder Woman (DC Comics) 1941 - Princess Diana Raised amaong a race of Amazon warriors from the island, Themiscara, Diana, chooses to enter the world of Man, forsaking the gods, to fight for justice. She is naive; couragous; powerful; fearless; compassionate and fully a woman but also a full warrior. Also quite a beautiful woman who can snap your neck or love you. 5. Superman (DC Comics) 1938 - Clark Kent The sole survivor of the destruction of the planet, Krypton, Clark Kent was raised by Jonathon and Martha Kent. The Earth's sun grants Clark enhanced powers and his upbringing gave him a sense of morality which made him Earth's protector. He is the definition of a stranger in a strange land though he knows no other life but the one on Earth. He is human as he chooses to be human though he technically is not. 4. Green Lantern (DC Comics) 1993 - Kyle Rayner The Green Lantern Corp has been destroyed b7y Hal Jordan. The last guardian of OA, grants the last Green Lantern ring to human/artist Kyle Rayner making him the last Green Lantern. Though this story would later be retconned, it lasted over ten years. Rayner was the DC universes' answer to Peter Parker. Trails and struggles to ultimately triumph but without loss. His ability an artist opened new avenues to his ability to create new constructs never seen before. A descent guy who tries to see the world/Universe with an open mind while doing the right thing. Always tested but does surrender. 3. Doctor Who (BBC) 1964 - The Doctor The adventures of a time traveler know simply as 'The Doctor'. A renegade Time Lord meddling in time and space breaking the first rule of non interference of his people. Capable of cheating death at least twelve times through regeneration. An he travels in a time machine, The TARDIS, that is very old looking like a 20th century Blue Police Box. This was a continuation of the TV series with no limitations as to where the series could go in terms of effects and themes. 2. Batman (DC Comics) 1939 - Bruce Wayne A young child witnessed the death of both his parents in an alley. Dedicated his life to fight evil so no one would have to endure what he had, Trained himself both physically and mentally to the breaking so to launch his war on crime. Taking on the identity of a bat as evil are superstitious fearing such creatures. The series tends to deal with mysteries; noir stories and the supernatural as Batman must out think his foes when he has no superpowers. 1. Spider-Man (Marvel Comics) 1962 - Peter Parker Bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker learned with great power comes great responsibility as an error judgement led to the death of his Uncle Ben. Spider-Man was born of tragedy. He is relatable as he struggles but triumphs putting the neads of others above his own.

I grew up in a Christian house hold and I am very thankful for that. It was not shoved down my or my brother and sister's throats. It was a way of life, everyday a understanding that God is present and that God is love. The world is imperfect and therefore we are but God forgives and we follow cause God knows the way. God is perfect. That following and understanding part was not always easy, but was confronting to know that God was on your side no matter who you were or what you were doing. It was as typical as changing your socks. To this day, I am a Christian, a work in progress. And the three of us also went to Catholic school which had its ups and downs but mainly good memories. I liked religion class, same reason as I enjoyed history and English, because I enjoyed the stories. I love stories, especially if they are beyond my imagination. I have a really good imagination and could go on for hours on my favorite types of stories which tend to be science fiction and fantasy. History was cool because it really happened but was based on everyday types things with a little extra something in those moments. English was good because we read fiction which may have been based in reality was loosely. Religion was a different animal, because see the Bible speaks of historically sound places and events while also paving the way with intellectual principles. I.E., faith alone saves us and to embrace all people as Christ does, with understanding and love. There is a Israel and there is evidence of Jesus Christ, so I liked Religion a lot knowing that it was full of fantastical moments but was real.Think about it, everyday life is full of moments that can not be logically explained but happened none the less. People survive terrible accidents without logical reason, are cured of disease without logical reason, and being capable of performing super human feats like lifting a car off of others in times of crisis. Miracles that occur many times without being noticed. Everything is a pattern, everything is a plan, and everyone has a choice. Don't agree, that is okay. I enjoyed the new testament better then the old testament because New chronicled Christ, who I saw as a kind of a real life super hero. He came to bring peace, right the wrongs, and save everyone through self sacrifice, and never asked for anything but faith. More powerful then Superman, not angry like Batman but vigilant and more motivated by selfless acts then Spider-man. By the way, Spider-man, Batman and Superman, are awesome. Anyway, back to Catholic school, namely First Grade! I have fond memories of my teacher telling us of the miracles that Christ performed during his ministry. Remarkable to hear of how Christ walked on water, turned water into wine, raised the dead, rose from the dead himself and how he cured the leopards. Yes, you heard that last part correctly. Jesus Christ cured the leopards, or at least that is what six year old me thought he heard. I was very impressed by how Christ cured the leopards of their spots ridding them of their affliction. I had no idea that he was a cat person? Made sense, I guess, since he made them, he probably had a fondness for cats but since Christ is God and God made all things, it must of been pretty difficult to have a favorite. I was so excited about this idea of Christ being able to remove spots for leopards that I went home and told my mom. Mom was a little confused after I told her " Jesus is a really good guy, Mom. He cured the leopards!" "What?, she replied and which time I explained. Mom, by the way, Moms know everything in case you did not know this. She replied, "Kurt, Jesus cured the lepers. Not the leopards. Both had spots but quite different reasons." As it turned out lepers had a plague which caused disfigurement unlike the decorative spots of leopards. Fashion vs. Disease. I was a bit disappointed that Jesus did not cure the leopards because I thought perhaps the leopards may not like having spots. Mom said that God gave them spots for a reason and that God knows best. I asked Mom a few times, just to be sure, that we were now on the same page. I was hoping the curing of the leopards ship had not sailed, but it did.Oh, well. I then asked why did lepers have spots and Mom said that was a mystery but God still knew best because he cured them as a sign that God frees us of our infections which may be mental, spiritual, emotional and physical. All we need to do is seek Him in all things. Goes back to that whole idea of purpose and direction to follow to find the tools and answers we need. Mom could be really deep. So one bunch liked having spots and the other wanted them gone. One bunch walk all four and are technically naked and the other bunch are human most likely waling on two legs. Got it! Mom made the mistake of mentioning watching clean. That Jesus washed away disease. Making one new. Yo u are seeing where this is going, right? Yep, I thought of bath time. Again should this not work for a leopard? Surely those spots would wash off unless that was not by a sharpie. I have experience in that matter. Took a while to fade after many scrubbing in the tub. Still did go away but time was slow. Why can't leopards just change their coats? Must have a zipper and closet. Variety is the spice of life. I realized that it was good that Christ cured the lepers but it did not stop me from thinking how cool it would of been if a leopard, now spotless, came back and said, "Thank you, Jesus! I appreciate that." Not a bad thing to remember.Mind you, I pretty much envisioned leopards that walk on two legs and have thumbs. I mean how else is one going to shake hands with God? Come on. Recently I told a friend of mine this story. His reply was, "Hey, Jesus was the first animal rightest. Got to love it." Ha! ​

I’m on an insulin pump. Been on one since 2013 for my type 1 diabetes. Quite handy little device. Adjusts my dose as needed to keep me balanced, ha. Been up and down with this little oddball but the good outweighs the bad. This past Friday, August 8 th , 2025, I and my family went to The Rod Stewart/Cheap Trick Concert in Tinley Park Amphitheater and had a great time. Honestly, the concert was fantastic. Everyone brought their A game. Anyway, an insulin pump can carry three hundred units and needs changed about every three days give or take. I thought I had enough to carry me through, I did not. We live in Palatine, Illinois and were about an hour away when we got to the venue and I saw I had thirty units left. If we went back, we would have missed the concert. I didn’t want to panic anyone as I already feel a burden at times. Had to say a lot of apologies over the years because of my behavior gets messed up when I too high or low in the blood sugar department. Paranoia or drunkenness behavior, which to choose? Sometimes, neither happened depend on my attitude. I dialed up for dinner and it was compensating for my present level with some still active. This is how I knew what was happening. Easy to get use to this stuff as it a life time road.  Perfect moment for chaos. Honestly, I live with this disease but it doesn’t play fair. Never a repeat of end results in spite of the same set up.   I had nothing left in the reservoir because it all was actively working through me. This gave me hope, but I was definitely sweating this out. I was trying to stay calm; breathe and was seeking God’s help. The mind was working and my patience was cruising.  Kelly knew because Kelly can read me like a TV guide. My level was going up past three hundred but I was still hopeful that it would work out. I should of listen to my wife, Kelly, and brought extra insulin but I thought I was okay. It can be hard sometimes to gage when you start off with 55 units and it drops down 25 units in the process with no change in your demeanor. The concert started and something happened. Between the singing along; laughing with friends and family and perhaps the heavy odor of marijuana in the air, my level regulated. Still a little high, due to eating earlier, but was low two hundreds. Could of be so much higher than that which could have caused some nasty side effects. It only began to rise when we pulled in to home for the night. Many factors played in this but I do believe God was the originator of everything going well without a need for an ambulance or panic. I trusted God would show me the answer and he did. Next time, I’m going to bring more insulin. Don’t play with disaster and if you stumble into it, look for help without losing your hope. God will steer the ship if you let him. HE has the map.