So everybody is all excited about the new Batman movie The Dark Knight. I bet you didn't know that I have a very close personal connection to Batman--in fact I grew up with him.


Back in the days when Adam West was portraying Batman on TV (Holy time warp, Batman), I was living with the real thing.  He was fairly mild-mannered. He was around 2 years old when the TV show premiered, but my younger brother John was convinced he was Batman, and while I was incredulous at the time (a cynical 4-year old), now I think he may have been telling the truth. You know, I never did see the two of them together.

Since Bat-clothes for toddlers weren't readily available, he fashioned his own cape and cowl out of a blue baby hat and one of my mom's scarves. He was reluctant to remove them for anything, because he didn't want to reveal his true identity. Sometime before kindergarten, John decided to go underground as Batman, not to re-emerge until college, when he resumed his crime-fighting duties. He was known to keep the peace at bars on the Square in Stevens Point, and even made the occasional TV appearance.

Take note of the excellent costume made of all recycled materials. I'm not sure, but I think the utility belt may have included a Sucrets box (perfect for holding the Bat hankie).

Today's John's birthday, and the new Batman movie premieres at midnight.

Coincidence?  I think not.