Average, Ordinary, Everyday Superheroes -- Short Cummings Audio #61

Superheroes are big in America right now. Larger-than-life characters including Spiderman, Mr. Fantastic and Al Gore all use their special skills to try to save the world. Spiderman slings webs, Mr. Fantastic stretches himself, and Al Gore writes books. Every one of them is fighting some kind of super-villain from mutants and aliens to corrupt politicians.

The trouble is that the real world is a little short on actual super-villains. When was the last time you were driving down the street and some lunatic in a Goblin costume buzzed you on a hoverboard? That sort of thing happens about as often as lottery winners who actually do stay at their jobs. What I really need from the tights-and-capes brigade are heroes who actually take on the things that cause difficulties in my own personal, day-to-day life.

Consider road construction, for example.

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Want to get the rest of this or others like it? Check out the whole audio essay and related links at www.ShortCummingsAudio.com.

Tip o' the hat to the real Precog over at Red Sparrow.

Also, I've been cast in the role of 'Doc' in Buffy Between the Lines. This will be a real treat for Buffy fans, so keep an eye on the website!

Tags: humor essay | humor column | superhero | road construction | plumbing | comedy