[Phalanx]

Always loved George Carlin for being about the straightest shooter in history - and entertaining all the while, his whole life. Not much of a reason to glorify him, just someone I always looked up to for those simple things.

Also, ha, some black dude that swam out and rescued me from a "rip" current...shame to say I can't remember more, but I was about 6 at the time, kids have drowned on less...showed me that someplace there's people that give a shit, and that well, maybe it'll be time to learn about water safety...

My mother - for all her flaws, and trust me, there's many - she kept a child alive that became who I am today. Always honest and straightforward, crazy, but someone I guess I appreciate most in life.

My old dog, Edgar.
German shepherd...was there when I was born, from then on.
Literally took an angry sydney funnel web spider in the mouth when I was about 4-5 years old. The thing was rearing up, I literally thought this was it, then heard a growl, and there was my dog, knocking it over with it's paw and eating it. Unfortunately, being a former abused puppy he had some mental issues..."had to" be put down when I was about 10 after a fear biting incident. I still remember him clear as day.

+ Anyone who puts helping children and animals (who can be voiceless) above themselves.