And those are only a few examples. There will be many more in this book, which will chart the historic, highlight-studded course of the Boomers-from the days when they wore diapers to the heady days, decades later, when, as the dominant generation of the planet's dominant nation, they are starting to wear diapers again.

Come, fellow Boomer. Take my hand, and let us travel together on a voyage of exploration into our very favorite topic, which is us. Let us examine in detail the questions of who we are, and where we came from, and where we are going. I promise you that it will be a fascinating journey. Simply read on, and we shall begin.

But first, let go of my hand, because it's really hard to type this way.

From Dave Barry Turns 50 by Dave Barry. Copyright October 1998 Dave Barry Used by permission.