By definition, a Superhero is a fictional character of “extraordinary or superhuman powers” who is dedicated to protecting the public. In my mind, though, a Superhero is something far more basic. It’s that person you know who is fighting to raise cancer awareness. It’s the man who travels the country, telling the stories of homeless people. A Superhero is a person who goes above and beyond themselves to try to make this world a little bit better for all of us.

A Superhero doesn’t have to be famous, or get much recognition. They don’t have to have their name splashed on billboards, nor their tweets retweeted by thousands. They simply do what they do because they are truly passionate about helping others. They don’t do it for fame or glory or even money. They do it because they care.

Who are the Superheroes in your life? What makes them someone you admire? I’m willing to bet we have them right here, within our own community. Let’s share their stories, and help them continue the work they love so much.

• What’s in your rootkit arsenal?
• Does TiVo give new meaning to the way we look at our television set?
• What does Bill Gates have to say about our economy?
• China has put up a wall against mobile adult content.
• What do you think we’ll see out of Apple tomorrow?
• The US has banned texting by truck drivers. Why aren’t we banning texting by ALL drivers?
• Are you a new Mac user? You may need a manual to help you figure out how to get around.
• Steve Ballmer shows his sense of humor as he autographs a MacBook.
• The Google ranking flux has been explored.
• Do children need both a mom and a dad?
• Large companies are not immune to online attacks.
• Is CompTIA getting a little too greedy?
• When making plans to attend the SuperBowl, beware of travel scams.
• Is there a science to marketing within social media?
• Use internal social networks as input into performance assessments.

Don’t forget to stop by our software center to check out what new software and apps we have today – all at discounted pricing!

Who is Your Favorite Superhero?

I noticed around the web that we have three community members celebrating birthdays today! Traci Toguchi, Frank Eliason and Drew Olanoff will all be blowing out candles today. Now, normally I’d say a simple “Happy Birthday!” and be done with it. However, realizing today is Drew’s birthday gave me pause, and made me think…

Six months ago, Drew completely sure what his future held. He was diagnosed with cancer back in May, and the fight began. He finished up his last Chemo treatment a week ago, and the doctors have given him the awesome news that his tumors are gone. He is free of that stupid disease, hopefully forever. He continues his fight against Cancer, with the support of many thousands of people… including Drew Carey. In order to help raise money for the Livestrong foundation, all you have to do is click that little “Follow” button on Drew Carey’s Twitter page. For every follower – up to one million – that Drew gets prior to midnight on New Year’s Eve, he will donate one more dollar. How cool is that?

Thinking about all of this, and Drew O’s birthday, kind of puts life into perspective a little, eh? It makes one remember to stop and be thankful for what we have… right here, right now. It makes us want to push ourselves a little harder to do the things we promised ourselves we would do. It makes us want to reach out and tell those we care about that we do, in fact, love them.

Cancer touches everyone. EVERYONE. In some way or another, your life will be affected by Cancer at some point. Even though Drew’s personal fight may have come to an end, the war has only begun. Keep doing your part in kicking Cancer’s ass, everyone. We won’t rest until we eradicate it for good.

Birthdays aren’t the only thing going on in our community today, as you know. All of you are busy posting and writing, sharing your thoughts and dreams. What have you read that was interesting or thought-provoking? If I missed something, please leave a follow-up comment and share it with the rest of us!

• Is there a new nVidia CPU forthcoming – or not?
• Do you know how to build your own Linux system?
• Murdoch tells Google that he’s taking his bat and going home.
• Can selling virtual products on the Internet become the next big success story?
• MSN Messenger is the largest occupier of online time – really?!
• What are the ins and outs of Cryogenics?
• Security is a wonderful thing!
• Finally, the iPhone is heading to Verizon.

Today in our downloads center, we have several excellent apps for Windows. Be sure to check them out!

[awsbullet:cancer handbook]

When is Your Birthday?