Michael Terry

While we are all special, some are even specialer than normal-special. These beacons of light shine through the inky blackness of a thankless existence, beckoning all to follow in the relentless pursuit of ever increasing awesomeness. They are heroes to us all. Click on an image for more insight.

Kesuke Miyagi	Swayze Power Trifecta	Gymkata	Hefty Smurf
Chicken	Stretch Armstrong	Glue	To Be Determined

Kesuke Miyagi

Miyagi: "Look eye!, always look eye!"
"First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel-san, not mine."

Two parts surrogate father and three parts Okinawan death machine, Mr. Miyagi was a force of good whose power could be felt by most people from three feet away as a pleasing tingling of the dermis. Not even limited command of the English language could prevent Mr. Miyagi from laconically dealing knowledge nuggets like oiled shurikens.

Swayze Power Trifecta

The word "Trinity" comes from "Trinitas", a Latin abstract noun that most literally means "three-ness" Or, simply put, "three are one". Nowhere in history is the embodiment of man’s journey and ultimate unity so powerfully exemplified than by Texan thespian Patrick Swayze. As carefree yet troubled dancing cabana boy Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing we see the struggle of man against a cruel, often unforgiving world. The second leg of the spiritual journey manifests as bouncer James Dalton, who is hired to tame the Double Deuce, a honky tonk bar. In his quest for illumination Dalton deftly battles his inner demons as well as ascot sporting evildoer Wesley. It is finally in bank-robbing, skydiving, suicide wave surfing Bodhi that we see the infinity of the universe in Bodhi’s quest for the ultimate gnarlatious kamikaze ride. And as lawman Johnny Utah turns away, shedding conformity and badges, Bodhi heads for the salty void. Amen.

Bodhi (Point Break):
"If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It's not tragic to die doing what you love. Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true."
James Dalton (Road House):
"Pain don't hurt."
"Nobody ever wins a fight."
Johnny Castle (Dirty Dancing):
"You don't understand the way it is, I mean for somebody like me. Last month I'm eating Jujubes to keep alive, and this month women are stuffing diamonds in my pocket"

Gymkata

Very few people would venture into the tiny, yet savage made-up country of Parmistan and participate in a brutal fictional fight competition in order to allow his/her government to secure an ideal site to launch Ronald Reagan’s Space Defense Initiative. And even fewer would have the gymnastic skills required to defeat the native martial artists by utilizing pommel horse-shaped ancient altars. Olympian and gold medalist (floor exercise, 1978) Kurt Thomas was just the man for the job. He reminds us that – despite ensuing delinquent child support payments and personal bankruptcy- we can all achieve deeds that are carved in eternity.

Hefty Smurf

Who better personifies the Schopenhauerian struggle between desire and will than Hefty Smurf? His dedication to physical excellence forms the framework by which he attempts to eliminate his desire and, in doing so, achieve Nirvana. Hefty reminds himself of this struggle by brandishing a heart-shaped tattoo on his arm – his own personal cilice. While he is frequently lauded for his physical strength, it is Hefty’s quest for emptiness / perfection that makes him a hero, and an example to all of us.

Chicken

Master tactician Sun Tzu tells us “There are no hard and fast rules on good strategy. It has to be as versatile as water, which changes course according to the ground.” No other meat is able to tailor its strategy to crush its enemies, see them driven before it and achieve culinary victory as effectively as chicken. Whether it is a headliner, drizzled with fennel-pepper salmoriglio or simply pulling an oar as a dumpling ingredient, chicken’s quiet dominance is unquestionable.

Stretch Armstrong

It is rare in life that we encounter people whose names coincide with their talents. What does a Gary or a Klaus do? And who has time to find out? What about Stretch? He elongates in a variety of amusing ways. But I'm guessing you already knew that, Gary.

Glue

Most commonly used to hold together things, like dinosaur themed dioramas, rocket ships, pasta-based crafts, etc. - glue is an adhesive force for good. Its raw power, combined with its ability to be dispensed by gun, stick, nozzle, etc., makes glue an indispensable friend to us all.

You Could Be Here

Tryouts for the Gallery of Heroes are being held at a to-be-determined date at a to-be-determined location. Keep training and check back soon for entry information.