Simian Farmer: Honey, where's my super suit?

The world needs more super heroes. And not necessarily heroes with supernatural powers beyond those of us mere mortals; which is a good thing, they're pretty hard to find. People to whom we can look up and see an example that we're willing to follow. An example that you'd feel somewhat chagrined NOT to follow.

You know what I think? Just go out and do it yourself.

The problem with this is that most folks, myself included, lack a certain initiative to get us started on the road to super hero-hood. That's where the super suit comes in. It has absolutely no redeeming qualities in and of itself other than the fact that it shows off every single contour of your body. Other than nudity, that's the best inspiration for getting a super hero physique that I can think of offhand.

But the super suit sets you apart physically from those around you, and you then feel like you can conquer Doc Ock, Magneto or some other reprehensible representative of evil. I know. I've felt it.

I remember being on vacation somewhere there was a beach. I don't recall if it was here in Alberta or some other part of Canada, but I was young, on a holiday, and there was sand and water about. It was a beautiful, sunny day and there was much lounging going on, interspersed with bouts of aquatic frolicking.

Near to where the car was parked was a concrete wharf jutting out int Pocket_fisherman o the water. (I just had an image of a concrete Worf in my head as I typed that and it made me snicker...) Somebody I was with, I have no idea who, suggested going fishing off the end. I was a little underwhelmed at the idea, but decided to follow along. We traipsed back a ways from the beach to where the vehicle was parked. Inside the vehicle were a couple pocket fishermen. You know, those stubby plastic fishing apparatus that fold in half and extend to about two feet in total length? Great fun. My underwhelmedness continued, unabated.

That is, until I was struck by what, at that time in my life, was a rare bit of inspiration. When we had got what we needed from the vehicle, I realised I had brought my beach towel with me. Not at all unlike that wielded by Ford Prefect on his rounds through the galaxy, this seemingly innocuous bit of woven cloth can be immensely useful. I laid down my pocket fisherman. I grabbed the towel with both hands and snapped it out to its full length. I flung it behind me and let it drape down my back as I tied two ends firmly around my neck. I bent down reverently and retrieved my lance from where it lay waiting at my feet. Brandishing my weapon high aloft in one hand, I started to sprint towards the wharf with one ululating cry of, "CHARGE!" Woe be unto those evil-doers I was going to face this day, let me tell you.

I have no recollection of any of the events that transpired before or after that particular scenario, but this one scene from my life has been etched indelibly in my psyche. I probably wouldn't have cared if I caught any fish after that.

So go out, tie a towel around your neck and do something mildly heroic today. The world will follow.