Wow! The San Diego Comic Convention was filled to the gills
with social heroes. There were armies of volunteers doing so
many different things, it was mind boggling.

Needless to say, the Comic-Con volunteers who collected
tickets, controlled crowds, manned the registration booths,
delivered water and babysat the comic industry stars,
writers, artists and publishers were real heroes. It would
take an entire day to detail all the great services of the
volunteers.

Most went unnoticed by the attendees...just as it should be.
Any awesome event is distinguished by how smooth it runs and
how much enjoyment attendees experience. A flawless event is
a tribute to all the dedicated Comic-Con volunteers.

True heroes are always helping others in the background.
Most people don't even realize the secret heroes are there,
in their midst, serving others quietly, unassumingly. They
don't crave publicity or rewards.

Social heroes are just happy to help others. They realize
the true joy of living is doing something special for
others.

These random acts of kindness make the world a much better
place for everyone. These are the heroes that should be
recognized. They, along with the fictional characters we all
know and love, should be emulated by young people.

"Rise up heroes and heroines! The world needs you now."
Captain Biorhythm

One group of volunteers I specifically wanted to honor are
those who participated in the annual "Robert A. Heinlein
Blood Drive. In 2005, the Comic-Con was the second largest
donating organization in San Diego. Only the San Diego
Chargers blood drive harvested a greater quantity of blood.

Captain Biorhythm decided to be a real hero and donate some
much needed blood. There were so many people donating it was
staggering. Since the Marriott Hotel and Marina provided a
much larger space than in 2005, there is no doubt the Comic-
Con will beat all records and become number one for blood
donations.

Vampires Rejoice! There will be more than enough blood to
go around this year. You can have as many blood cocktails,
chilled and slightly shaken as you want. You don't need to
bite any necks this year.

While giving blood, I caught glimpses of the white fanged,
incredibly pointed canines of individuals who moved at
lightening speed. You noticed them appearing and
disappearing out of the corner of your eye, on the periphery
of reality. They were the San Diego Blood Bank volunteers,
doing a great job, sucking blood, herding donors and
rewarding everyone with a huge smile and caring attitude.

After all, the San Diego Blood Bank and Comic-Con volunteers
served and inspired many people. Every one who donated blood
was a hero.

There was a big bonus for donating blood. Generous Comic-
Cons exhibitors provided some very awesome goodies as a
reward for those who were willing to step up to the bar and
provide a few pints of life-giving, precious fluid. Who
knows how many lives this generosity will save in the near
future?
 

"Read the Original Article That Created The First 'In Search Of Heroes^™' Program In The Coronado Eagle Newspaper"

by Ralph Zuranski

What is a Hero or Heroine?

How does one arrive at this exalted position? According to "Big Brain," my talking "Franklin Language Master," the attributes are the same for both sexes. Heroes are individuals admired for their achievements and qualities. They especially demonstrate the courage to conquer fear or despair. Where are the Heroes of today, when the world needs them so desperately?

Are we the audience and the major news media equally responsible for the lack of publicity for Heroes?

Have you ever wondered, "Why is there such a focus on traumatic, violent and frightening events?" Does a steady diet of this material perpetuate fear and despair?

Do we experience a vicarious thrill from the misfortune of others?

Are our senses dulled, ethics corrupted and morals so jaded we require greater quantities of violence and shocking events to stimulate our interest? I still remember when one murder caused social outrage and community activism!

Too many people today are apprehensive, frightened by things beyond the edges of perception.

They are afraid of many things. Riots, wars, terrorist acts and natural catastrophes are increasing in frequency and intensity.

Physical and emotional abuse, chronic diseases, financial failure affect every family to different degrees.

The consequences of unremitting fear just don't go away by themselves. The quality of life decreases dramatically when all hope is lost. Something positive must be done. A solution is to locate and publicize real-life Heroes in these fearful and perilous times.

The tremendous need for inspiration and positive role models increases exponentially with each horrific act and devastating event.

Experts believe a factor of ten times as much positive stimulus is required to overcome one negative event.

How many people are desirous of reading and seeing uplifting articles about people triumphing over human trials, tribulations and misery?

Are there any real-life Heroes laboring to help solve the immense social and environmental problems facing humanity?

I believe the answer is an emphatic yes! Heroes are everywhere!

They are ordinary people determined to serve and help others; to make the world a better place. Daily, across the face of the earth, people willingly assist family members, friends, and strangers.

They compassionately minister to the injured, poor and sick.

They Help Enthusiastically, Responsibly, Optimistically, Exceptionally and Socially (HEROES), with no fanfare, demand for recognition or public acclaim. These humble people of every race demonstrate the loftiest qualities of humanity.

Hopefully the news media will publish and broadcast these stories. The goals of the program will be to:

• Identify and praise local Heroes.

• Educate people about Heroes and heroic action.

• Inspire young people to want to become Heroes.

• Help young writers and photographers develop and perfect their writing skills.

• Receive published credit for their writing, art and photo contributions.