Tag silver sentinel

Why We Don’t Call Ourselves Heroes

However, in practice, during discussions within the superhero community, and with others, it is to be understood that the use of the terms hero or superhero are meant the ideal to which we aspire, or the nature of the work we do.  While I may call myself a “superhero” during a discussion, I’m not actually making the claim that I am a superhero, to be treated with the respect and honor a truly heroic individual, such as a decorated Marine, or a wounded police officer, would undoubtedly be deserving of.  So, no, we aren’t actually heroes or superheroes unless we earn such titles through our actions and deeds.
posted by Silver Sentinel @ 8:01 AM
 

Ordinances Concerning the Feeding of the Homeless

Reviewing a number of these laws has shown that the average RLSH has no concerns whatsoever.  Preparing a pot of soup, or making some sandwiches, does not generally fall into the scope of these ordinances.  There would only be a problem if the RLSH took it upon themselves to set up a “feed”, a prearranged time and place to meet and give food to the homeless.  But any clever RLSH group worth its salt would simply make friends with an existing organization, such as a church, or soup kitchen, and work under their direction, thus passing legal scrutiny.
Passing out packaged foodstuffs, or foods prepared at a place of business, where the product already meets currently established health codes, is not illegal.
posted by Silver Sentinel @ 11:56 Pm

The Combative Mindset and Self-Defense

There are literally thousands of websites, martial arts schools, and “self-defense” instructors, that preach the old axiom, “To survive violence, you must become violence.”  They would have their students and admirers engage in conflict with the mindset of hardened warriors, only to end up in jail, a hospital bed, or in the ground.  Their advice appeals to the angry, the scared, and the overly imaginative, but not to reality.
posted by Silver Sentinel @ 8:50 PM

As a ” real life superhero ( RLSH ) ” applied theorist two RLSH I consider reigning best practice examples are Superhero and the Silver Sentinel. They’re not the only ones worth studying but they’ve made profound impressions upon me.
Superhero was one of the first creative activists I discovered during early research into the concept of real life superheroes. I was immediately struck by his larger-than-life iconics and embedded role in his community. He delivered pizza to the local police; did roadside assistance and had become significant enough to even ( legally ) arm himself against stalkers.
That was very important ! Here was someone living this Life Fantastic the way I felt it should be done: openly ( meaning ones identity wasn’t secret and thus not an issue for police ) and with as much emphasis on boosting public morale as on fighting crime.
His admission that Adam West’s Batman TV show was a major influence also resonated. Despite it being embarrassing to the point of curling my now-adult toes, its straight forward promotion of Good Citizenship and Civic Duty resonates to this day.
Superhero’s love of comic book fiction in all its forms and lifelong weight training also demonstrated a commitment to becoming what he so dearly loves instead of day dreaming about it. He’s our community’s archetype figure, the one who embodies in real life what fellow archetypes Batman or Captain America do in fiction.
He’s both larger-than-life and real life simultaneously. This balance Superhero achieves is well worth study by any aspiring RLSH or community supporter.
 

The Silver Sentinel represents what Neighborhood Watch; the Guardian Angels or your local police department’s citizens on patrol could be if filtered through a worldview grounded in DC and Marvel Comics.
Silver ( as I call him for short ) is a RLSH trainer-of-trainers always sharing material to upgrade capabilities and reduce liability. Part of his mission is helping real life superheroes as much as assisting others and those considering this Life Fantastic.
Like Superhero he preaches and practices close relationships with law enforcement. His identity isn’t secret and enjoys membership in a reputable civic organization. No brooding vigilante Silver Sentinel was created to inspire his child and obviously decided to inspire others too!
Silver has combined the best of various archetypes and advocacy approaches to create a role at once responsible and quietly revolutionary in its calm approach to crime prevention and humanitarianism. He’s like Captain America with an upbeat John Walsh tossed in had the show host/crime fighter not lost his son.
He comes across as someone with whom people can discuss their deepest issues without fear of judgement or being brushed off.
Superhero and Silver Sentinel REALLY are doing real life superhero activism and  I recommend them to friend and foe alike to analyze.
These gentlemen have mastered how to take fiction and transform it into fantastic fact!
 
As I continuously evolve Capt Black their words and examples are never far behind.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT BLACK promotes creative crime prevention. (504) 214-3082

First thing to remember when helping people, keep in mind that they are in fact entirely too human. People make simple mistakes that can be dangerous to their safety, and to your’s. So you have to assume the safety of everyone in a situation when you arrive on the scene. You just might save someone’s life.. including your own!
Make sure the vehicle is safely out of the lane of flowing traffic. Either push it out of the road, or use tow straps. Be careful, as most people strain their back muscles during this phase and often have no clue, until later, that they hurt themselves pretty badly.
Make sure that that everyone from the stranded vehicle is warm and protected from the elements. A lot of people jump into their cars without a jacket because they think they’ll just be out for a few minutes and don’t need a coat. Make sure to carry a few heavy blankets in your trunk, if you don’t have a few old coats Some motorists also get soaked through even if they have a winter jacket, so they need to get them off immediately. Remember to stock extra gloves, knit caps, and scarves! Dress in layers so you can remove them as you heat up from working and shoveling. Stay away from cotton under layers as these retain moisture and keep you cold.
Having people sit in the vehicle you are working on isn’t a good idea. People move unexpectedly, they also add weight to the vehicle, and both conditions add stress to the support jack which can cause it to collapse. Have them wait in your vehicle if they have to stay out of the elements. And yes, I know.. you’re concerned about someone stealing things from your car. Take reasonable precautions, but safety and preventing cold related injuries are also important.
Even if someone has their own jack, I never use it. I carry my own, heavy duty scissor jack. I am familiar with it. It’s heavy duty so that I can use it even under a pick-up truck. And all I need to do is make sure it is secured in place on the frame to lift and support the vehicle. Even if someone has already jacked up their vehicle, I slide my jack under and tighten it up. Most people have changed very few tires, and if they have they might not have done so on their current vehicle, or with the current style of equipped jack they have.. this means they might not have done it right. Always assume that unless you’ve secured the vehicle yourself, it is not secure.
While I’m on the subject, I also carry my own tire irons, two of them. One standard measurements, the other metric. Never trust someone’s dealer equipped tire iron.. these are often cheaply made and likely to strip lug nuts, bend, or break. Wear heavy work gloves, and keep your first aid kit near by. Cuts and bruised knuckles are common injuries. You might even break a finger or hand if you’re not careful. Mother Nature loves to strand motorists in snow, or freezing rain, and these conditions make tools slip in the blink of an eye. Go at a steady pace.. this isn’t a race.
Wear a reflective, brightly colored vest if you can. Even in daylight you can go unseen, especially if there is snow blowing about. Some accidents happen because a driver passing by will unconsciously turn toward you and the vehicle you are working on because they have a tendency to steer slightly toward the direction they are looking. Wearing emergency colors helps, but does not eliminate this danger Have someone use a flashlight, or road flares, for warning traffic around you if you’re in or beside the road working.
Buy a good ergonomic shovel to help you shovel out. They’re worth the price! You can lift snow easier without killing your back. Have salt (and sand if you can get it) available too. Motorists often don’t have either a shovel or grit for traction, so you’ll have to provide both.
Standard Emergency Aid Supplies For Your Vehicle
Towing straps (cold, or old, chains sometimes snap and become shrapnel!)
Tire chains
Heavy duty jack
First Aid Kit
Heavy work gloves, and safety glasses (stuff gets splashed off the road, or rust flecks off tires and lug nuts)
Good ergonomic shovel
Salt and sand (grit) for traction
Extra blankets, old jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves
Granola bars, or other emergency food (some folks may have been stranded for hours without anything to eat)
Bottled water (though be careful storing in your vehicle in winter)
Flashlights (more than one is best), extra batteries too
Road flares
Emergency repair / jump-starting kit
Addendums:
In some areas you are not allowed to use tire chains while driving. But they can be used to help a stranded vehicle get unstuck, then remove them. Do not use tire chains unless they are in good shape, you are familiar with their use, and that they are secured properly.
Emergency battery powered glow sticks–which include a flash light, solid color, or blinking mode–can be used in lieu of road flares. (Thank you, Phantom Zero and Nyx, for this contribution.)

Usually when we go out on an Outreach to help the Homeless, we hand out such consumables as bottled water, sandwiches, and other cold foodstuffs. But with cold weather coming on, I’ve been thinking about how to get people hot food, hot beverages, and maybe a warm place to rest, even if for a short while. That’s when I came up with the idea of giving out McDonald’s Gift Certificates (or other certificates of your choice).
The certificates will allow the bearer to buy hot food and hot beverages. They may also rest awhile inside the warmth of the restaurant, as paying customers, so that they won’t need to worry as much about being chased off by the staff.
Some people worry that if they give money to the Homeless that it will be spent on drugs, or alcohol. But with Gift Certificates, this worry is pretty much eliminated. Also it allows the holders not to have to carry food on them like they would if you gave them a sandwich on the street. Sometimes having food on them attracts unwanted attention, or even rodents.
Now I already know McDonald’s fast food isn’t everyone’s meal of choice, but it is a darned sight better than nothing, or maybe even food gotten through dumpster diving.  Calories are needed to survive in cold weather and fat content isn’t a great concern.  The consumption of hot beverages reduces the need for the body to burn calories just to maintain body temperature.
The typical Outreach package I put together runs about $10, this is enough for two complete hot meals at most restaurants.
—–
The following remarks are from my colleague, Phantom Zero on this subject:
“FYI, just from personal experience, supplies can be cumbersome and heavy–so slips of paper as opposed to lugging a dozen plus bottles of water and sandwiches is more efficient. You can keep them handy for any-time homeless outreach.
However–no guarantee that any establish will let someone who is homeless in, as they may feel its disruptive to business and might drive customers away (regardless of laws or statutes stating otherwise).
BUT a lot of places do allow the homeless to “freecycle” foods which are past their due time (by virtue of standards and practices), but still perfectly good foodstuffs.”

Many people think that I am being a stick in the mud when I talk about being sure to obey the law whenever they are on patrol. Actually I’m being extremely practical. Here is why. Every time you break a law, you run the risk of drawing negative attention to yourself. Even by walking across people’s lawns, flashing your flashlights down people’s driveways, etc, you draw attention to yourself and run the risk of someone calling in a complaint. It doesn’t matter if you are doing nothing wrong, an officer may be sent to respond. An officer will then, in most likelihood, fill out a Field Interrogation Card (or F.I. Card), and don’t forget Dispatch will also have their own notes on the encounter.
You want every contact with the authorities to be on a positive note. Having an officer fill out an FI Card means that he is making note of something suspicious.. this is not a positive thing. FI Cards are used to make note of “someone of interest” so that if later a criminal complaint is made, the police have a point to begin an investigation. If Dispatchers keep getting calls about someone looking into car windows, and walking over people’s lawns enough times, then police will eventually.. and possibly erroneously (or accurately).. attribute it to guess who.. you. They will then begin to watch you more closely, cutting you less slack each time they have to talk to you. Even officers who have not made contact with you yet will see that a number of FI Cards have been filed on you and will think, “Hmm.. other officers think there is good cause to talk to this person, so there might be reason to think they’re up to something.” Think of it this way, police officers are sharks, and having FI Cards attached to you, and special notes in your file, makes you an appealing lure. They will begin looking at you, and not the waters around you. Being a crime fighter is about helping to alleviate crime conditions, not muddy the waters.
By keeping off people’s lawns, not climbing into trees, not arousing suspicions, and obeying even the most innocuous traffic laws (avoid Jay Walking), you don’t give police a reason to stop you and speak with you. They will not have any past complaints to weigh against you. They will have no reason to be suspicious of you. And most importantly, they will not have a negative image of you when you approach them with information, meaning you will less likely get a brush off, or have an unfair accusation turn and bite you in the behind.
It doesn’t matter what your own personal philosophy on the matter of society’s rules and laws are. If you thumb your nose at them, don’t complain when you suffer the inconvenient consequences of your actions. Drawing heat down on yourself and then loudly complaining abut it is ridiculous. Nobody will listen. You brought it down on yourself.
If you go on patrol, keep your nose clean and pay attention to what you are doing.??
 

Mr. Jack
PostSubject: Saving Face Wed Feb 03, 2010 5:39 pm
I have been self-debating the pros and cons of mask wearing, and I wondered what the general opinion was. I showed my face once in Portland and it has had me thinking since about what good a mask really does. I personally love masks, but there has been a part of me questioning the functionality of them and I wanted to hear some other thoughts.
I’ll start out by stating my reasons and love of wearing a mask. I know that a lot of people say that there are detriments to a mask, but I find that my mask is one of my defining features. I like it better than my face, to be honest. The mask allows me to erase the man beneath and step into what I want. It siphons off the normalcy and individualism and elevates me. I find exhilaration when I wear my mask, and especially when I wear my full suit. I have always been one for dress-up. This goes beyond that. When I look in the mirror I do not see myself, I see Mr. Jack, and all the potential he comes with.
On a more practical level, masks allow anonymity, plausible deniability, and to not be caught. I’m not doing anything illegal, but activism has its costs, and in a small town like mine I would prefer not to be known.
I guess my whole thing is that the mask allows for a certain freedom that I could not otherwise obtain. By wearing the mask, I allow myself to become something different, better, courageous. To quote one of my Artists: “Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof.”
Superhero
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 03, 2010 5:52 pm
Well, I never really even considered one. But I know a lot of the cops in my town & they would have figured out it was me pretty quick anyway.
Also I have the Supermobile so anybody wanting my ID would just run the tag.
The pro of no mask is it’s given TJ the ability to be the first RLSH Non-Profit in history, as I can do all the paperwork, but protect everyone elses ID.
The Con is that I’m out in the open. I’ve made it clear elsewhere that the major reason I started packing wasn’t because of Supervillains, but because of so called Superheroes that befriended me for years then suddenly went nuts & turnned on me, thinking I was a Govt. agent or some such crap.
scratch
You’re real easy to find with a public ID. You just have to make them wish they’d never found you.
As for the mask itself, Somebody cranks it, you’re blind. They kick your ass. Although most places have “Mask Laws” you usually have to be in commision of a crime to be prosecuted. But most cops don’t care. They stop you & give you a cavity search anyway. you can’t go anywhere near a store, etc. etc.
there is a LOT to weigh in when deciding on a mask or not.
Silver Sentinel
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 03, 2010 5:54 pm
As long as you’re approachable, then wear the mask. I know that you’re one of the ones that wants people to be able to approach you and not be frightened off. Wear the mask. It’s part of your outrageous style! It gives you flair and panache.
My normal identity opens many doors for me, so the fact many people can identify me under the goggles isn’t so terrible. But if you prefer the anonymity, go for it.
By the way.. even without the mask.. the bright flashy suits are going to make “getting away” kind of difficult.
Mr. Jack
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:03 pm
I have a night suit that I use for that sort of thing, and as of late I have been going plainclothes. I use the suit for when I am out in the open, like at a meet or when I am donating. I try to wear the mask as often as possible, though.
As for self-defense, if anyone ever gets near enough to crank my mask then I have done something seriously wrong and probably deserve to get the crap beat out of me. I am more of a stealth guy. But still, you bring up a valid point, Superhero.
Dark Ghost
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:03 pm
Like you I wear a mask for anonymity plus and also like you when I wear my mask I feel a freedom that I have never felt before I feel stronger and like you more courageous. Now the other reason I wear a mask is due to the fact that alot of people in my area know my face. I like the anonymity because it keeps my family and friends safe.
Superhero
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:18
You know SS has a point, your look (like mine) is extemely “garrish” so people don’t really feel threatened by you. I’d imagine people would more than likely walk up to you in your Purple & Yellow & say “Hi! What are you doing here?” then be scared.
Even kids.
Color means a lot when it comes to masks.
Patriot
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:49 pm
Well, in my case. The Ol’ Red, White and Blue tends to help. I find way more people are receptive to it, than some of my past persona’s.
So, I don’t really get hassled about my mask. I’m actually working on some posters, and business cards (Check out the thread in the Drawing Board Section) thanks to an idea from a clerk at a gas station. Went in there to use their facilities and get a drink. Got to talking to the Clerk, who’s the manager there, wanted to know if I had a poster or sign that he could hang on the door, letting others know, that I come by there. Like that it’s under my watch. Told him, I’d see if I could come up with something.
I like very much, right now, that Patriot, is seperate from me. The mask allows me to go about without being recognized as everyones favorite star spangled bruiser. Although, once summer hits, this year I’m debating on a Smallville inspired uniform, with a much smaller mask.
I apologize if I rambled, but I believe I’ve given my piece in there somewhere.
master legend
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:39 am
the black does present more of a mean side.the good thing about black or red is that it don’t show the blood stains.
Bearman
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Feb 14, 2010 11:42 am
Originally I wasn’t going to wear a mask. Maybe an eye one like Robin. Seems to me like it would inhibit my hearing and vision and make it harder to breath and understand. Every time I’ve worn a mask I felt annoyed lol. On top of all that, I have a giant head and fat cheeks. I’d look reeeeaaally silly in a mask. But now that I’m seriously considering becoming active, I realize I don’t want people to know who I am. I don’t go out much. When I do its to get something done. I guess I feel like if nobody knows who I really am, then nobody can stroll right up to my house and attack it or my family. What if I screw up and ruin my reputation as a good guy? I’d rather have my identity get blamed and just design a new one than have my entire town hate me. Maybe I should start designing a mask just in case… /worry
Vague
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Feb 14, 2010 12:39 pm

DayDreamer wrote:
Originally I wasn’t going to wear a mask. Maybe an eye one like Robin. Seems to me like it would inhibit my hearing and vision and make it harder to breath and understand. Every time I’ve worn a mask I felt annoyed lol. On top of all that, I have a giant head and fat cheeks. I’d look reeeeaaally silly in a mask. But now that I’m seriously considering becoming active, I realize I don’t want people to know who I am. I don’t go out much. When I do its to get something done. I guess I feel like if nobody knows who I really am, then nobody can stroll right up to my house and attack it or my family. What if I screw up and ruin my reputation as a good guy? I’d rather have my identity get blamed and just design a new one than have my entire town hate me. Maybe I should start designing a mask just in case… /worry

Much like what was stated here, wearing a mask is for the benifit of friends and family, I personally think its a bit care less and selfish to persue and ,most likley, piss-off hardcore criminals, with no way of hiding your identity, because you are putting friends and family at risk, they are at risk because of YOUR actions.
And also, with a mask (hidden identity) it becomes easy to lay low for a while, after a serious investigation or serious event reguarding your ‘RLSH’ self.
Super Guest
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Feb 14, 2010 1:43 pm

Vague wrote:
Much like what was stated here, wearing a mask is for the benifit of friends and family, I personally think its a bit care less and selfish to persue and ,most likley, piss-off hardcore criminals, with no way of hiding your identity, because you are putting friends and family at risk, they are at risk because of YOUR actions.
And also, with a mask (hidden identity) it becomes easy to lay low for a while, after a serious investigation or serious event reguarding your ‘RLSH’ self.

There is no such thing as a 100% foolproof way to ‘protect’ your identity. Only to hide it. And even then it could always be figured out. So pissing off criminals posesses the same level of threat to your family if you were to hide your identity, than if you were to not hide your identity.
The question is how effective could you be at putting them away so that even if they are pissed off, they can’t do anything to you. Or how influential you may be to making them not dislike you (if you make sure that if you patrol with someone else, one of you plays good cop, the other plays bad cop).
Cops don’t hide their identities.
And let’s assume you’re right, and that you piss off a criminal, and you aren’t wearing a mask. That just means 2 steps to tracking you down. Step 1- They find out where you live. Step 2- They get you.
Versus if you are wearing a mask. Step 1- They find out who you are, Step 2- They find out where you live, Step 3- They get you.
So it won’t stop the process from happening entirely, assuming they want to go after you bad enough. It would just delay it, perhaps.
Wearing a mask and/or just makes them want to go after you that much more. I think a lot of you put on a mask because you want to be like Batman. Deep down you love to feel like Batman. But the reasons you state are the same reasons Batman states “I must protect my identity, I must protect those I care about…” but if you really want to hide your identities that much, have any of you ever tried disguising yourselves as someone else entirely? Make-up, glasses, facial hair, wig, different clothing styles – perhaps making yourself appear to be the opposite gender?
Vague
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Feb 14, 2010 2:21 pm
It does not pose the same threat level because they need to find out your identity, if you are making it THAT easy for the criminals to find out who you are (showing your face) then i dont understand how you are thinking about the saftey of your family and friends.
Step 1 is a big step, and depends on how skillfull you are, if you are skillfull enough to hide your identity from others, and patrol in a big enough place (like london) then hiding your identity from criminas isnt too hard, especially if alot of effort and thought goes into it.
The criminals dont hunt down cops because there are serious implications for doing so, the cops have the law on their side and it would be stupid to attack a cop and/or his family for ‘cop-related’ issues, and even then, you still hear stories about cops being killed and such be criminals because of past arrests or so…
I agree, it does make them want to go after you that much more, but no more than being a ‘RLSH’ in the first place, i would rather hide my face, then show my face with a different disguise, remember the serious criminals dont ask questions first, if they see someone that looks like a certain person has pissed them off so much, then that person is at risk, meaning that i can disguise my face with make up an glasses an such, but it still shows my face, and its really no more different to wearing a mask.
Super Guest
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Feb 14, 2010 2:36 pm
All it takes is for one, or a few of them to pull off your mask and they could find out who you are. Now, it doesn’t always necessarily mean they can find out your name and info from there, unless they already knew you. But it makes it that much more easier for them. Now if the mask works for you well, and you don’t have any extra unnecessary problems with it, then more power to you. I would just suggest not letting it give you a false sense of security. Plan for those worst case scenarios.
Vague
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Feb 14, 2010 2:46 pm
Thats true, my point is that having a mask provides more protection than having none, im always aware of my mask and the fact that it could be pulled off, and believe me if I could go out without a mask I would (it would be alot easier to blend in and also not attract attention, as well as not affect my Peripheral vision) but I feel safer with one on..
Theres Pros and cons about mask issues, it all depends on the individual, if you have friends or family to worry about, if you patrol in a big area where nobody would recognise you without your mask anyway, if you feel that you can achieve more with a mask on.. etc,
But yeah, remember, its only an extra measure of protection, dosent really protect your identity fully…
Atlas
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:57 pm
I think that a mask is a way to become more than just that guy who wakes up in the morning and drinks some coffee and goes of to work. You can become an image that is forever immortal and indestructable. Now obviously there are some down sides with wairing one, such as your vision being possibly obstructed. Nevertheless, If your identity is protected and overall, your personal wellfare and safety, a mask is an upside. Also, if its some kind of Domino, best to change your hair if possible.
JohnnyVegas
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Mon Feb 15, 2010 5:44 pm
What about masks for functionality? Protect the eyes from things like sand and the like. Perhaps something over the mouth to protect against inhalants (smoke, etc.). That’s where my head is at with to mask or not to mask. I suppose it depends on the community you’re in but where I’m at, it’s statistically improbable I’ll be recognized and later tracked down. No need for anonymity. Yes need for protecting my baby blues. Medium need for cool factor. I’m pretty badass on my own. Genetics.
Vague
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:56 am

JohnnyVegas wrote:
What about masks for functionality? Protect the eyes from things like sand and the like. Perhaps something over the mouth to protect against inhalants (smoke, etc.). That’s where my head is at with to mask or not to mask. I suppose it depends on the community you’re in but where I’m at, it’s statistically improbable I’ll be recognized and later tracked down. No need for anonymity. Yes need for protecting my baby blues. Medium need for cool factor. I’m pretty badass on my own. Genetics.

Actualley, protection of my eyes is partly why I wear my mask, well the goggles anyway, im looking to get some new goggles that have a wider range of vision, early on last year i looked at gettin a mask to protect against harmful inhalants, and im still looking into that now…
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Mr. Jack
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:16 pm
I think she means monkeydungeon. Follow the link here if you dare (0-):
http://www.monkeydungeon.com/
I think one of the biggest issues about mask wearing is the limit on visual field, but I am seeking to overcome that. My current mask actually does not limit my sight very much at all. And about the cranking thing, I am seeking a way to integrate my mask into an under shirt or anchor somehow so as it does not turn when pulled like that.
NiteWatch
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Wed Feb 17, 2010 10:10 pm
Quite frankly, for all of you who are actively seeking criminals, or anyone in particular, I’d make the face less recognizable. Don’t want questions to turn into answers.
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Samen
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:38 pm
I wear a simple bandanna around my mouth and nose, as well as wearing sunglasses. I guess this does obscure my identity, but my “mask” is really a matter of practicality. I’m often picking up stinky refuse and getting my face down in the dirt and dust and stuff. Since I suffer from asthma, it’s better for me to not inhale that kind of thing and the bandanna helps with that.
Super Guest
@Samen. actually that is a practical way to do it. Any you can “lose” the “mask” in a big hurry that way.
Samen
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Mon Mar 01, 2010 1:29 pm
Yeah, if it came down to it, having a bandanna and sunglasses is way less noticeable than an actual mask I guess.
the KnightVigil
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:56 am
I’ve gone with and without my mask depending on the situation… I typically wear my mask more so out of physical protection than to hide my identity… it has a totally different surface and offers about half a centimeter of padding, but its a bit hot on summer days… Also to me, the complete image of the mask with my suit in particular is more intimidating… I have been toying with the idea of redesigning a lacrosse mask so i can take advantage of the steel mesh, but we’ll see lol, might have to talk to Z about the best way to do that
Mr. Jack
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Tue Mar 02, 2010 4:28 pm
I have been toying with armor capabilities integrated into my mask, but I am worried about the bulk. If anyone has questions about masks, the guy to go to is definitely Z. He makes fine quality stuff and can get you what you need. You could also ask Victim, but I am not sure whether he does masks.
Sparrow
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sat Mar 06, 2010 11:10 pm
Protection is one thing, but from an identity standpoint, disguises are way underrated. Get some colored contacts, some rinse-out costume hair color. Make-up can be used to darken your skin tone, and even alter facial structure- and no, I don’t mean prosthetics, more along the lines of “optical illusions”; by lightening or darkening certain areas to give the effect of highlights and shadows, you can make parts of your face appear more prominant.
thanatos
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Mar 07, 2010 11:42 am
I just explain what I am and what I’m doing and havent had any trouble yet even when doing my handouts to tht ehomelss. for some reason they seem to get the explanation I give and have taken to me because of it.
in stores I just explain and shrug off the strange looks. no one has called the cops on me yet, in fact most of the police seem to try to ignore me. guess they figure I’m just one more nut job out there and dont want to do the paperwork on it.
we went into a homeless camp during the olympics and while the salvation army, red cross and our police said they couldnt and wouldnt enter we had no problems. they all got who we were and we made a bunch of new friends.
Atavistik
PostSubject: Re: Saving Face Sun Mar 07, 2010 4:02 pm
as to superhero fashion shows; looked it up on youtube, this might “arouse” something…… just not your desire to go out in public like what I saw on the runway. unless of course you were those models…….. or looking to slap somebody with a sexual harassment suit.
also; some things you’re hoping are simply hoping to be superhero related….. aren’t. be careful what you click…… sometimes you simply end up with more questions, like “How can she be comfortable in that suit?” or “Why’d they post this and leave out the best parts?” my favorite is “do you think she can taste that?” alongside “Wow…. I thought they didn’t get that close to those parts of the anatomy on youtube….. isn’t there somebody making sure these videos are okay for kids? I mean… I can clearly see her hoo-hah.”
seriously tho; as to masks, I’m considering one for public things seriously.

To begin to help in the struggle against human trafficking, we need to understand it.
http://www.humantrafficking.org/helplines/detail/united_states_of_america
—–
Want to help? Need to learn how to help? Look here:
http://www.humantrafficking.org/helplines/detail/united_states_of_america
U.S. State Department: Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
http://www.state.gov/g/tip/
How You Can Help (Adapted from US State Department & Humantrafficking.org)
General Information
Tips for Recognizing Victims of Trafficking
* Understand the different forms of trafficking: labor or sex trafficking
* Visible Indicators of Trafficking
* Understand the profile of a trafficked person
* Health Characteristics of a Trafficked Person
* Signs that a person is being held as a slave
* Questions to ask if you suspect you are in the presence of a trafficking victim

Different forms of trafficking
Sex Trafficking
Victims of sex trafficking are often found in the streets or working in establishments that offer commercial sex acts, i.e. brothels, strip clubs, pornography production houses. Such establishments may operate under the guise of:
* Massage parlors
* Escort services
* Adult bookstores
* Modeling studios
* Bars/strip clubs
Labor Trafficking
People forced into indentured servitude can be found in:
* Sweatshops (where abusive labor standards are present)
* Commercial agricultural situations (fields, processing plants, canneries)
* Domestic situations (maids, nannies)
* Construction sites (particularly if public access is denied)
* Restaurant and custodial work.
How Do People Get Trapped Into Sex or Labor Trafficking?
No one volunteers to be exploited. Traffickers frequently recruit people through fraudulent advertisements promising legitimate jobs as hostesses, domestics, or work in the agricultural industry. Trafficking victims of all kinds come from rural, suburban, and urban settings.
There are signs when commercial establishments are holding people against their will.

Visible Indicators of Trafficking
Visible Indicators May Include:
* Heavy security at the commercial establishment including barred windows, locked doors, isolated location, electronic surveillance. Women are never seen leaving the premises unless escorted.
* Victims live at the same premises as the brothel or work site or are driven between quarters and “work” by a guard. For labor trafficking, victims are often prohibited from leaving the work site, which may look like a guarded compound from the outside.
* Victims are kept under surveillance when taken to a doctor, hospital or clinic for treatment; trafficker may act as a translator.
* High foot traffic especially for brothels where there may be trafficked women indicated often by a stream of men arriving and leaving the premises.
Trafficking victims are kept in bondage through a combination of fear, intimidation, abuse, and psychological controls. While each victim will have a different experience, they share common threads that may signify a life of indentured servitude.
Trafficking victims live a life marked by abuse, betrayal of their basic human rights, and control under their trafficker. The following indicators in and of themselves may not be enough to meet the legal standard for trafficking, but they indicate that a victim is controlled by someone else and, accordingly, the situation should be further investigated.
Profile of a Trafficked Person
What Is the Profile of a Trafficking Victim?

Most trafficking victims will not readily volunteer information about their status because of fear and abuse they have suffered at the hands of their trafficker. They may also be reluctant to come forward with information from despair, discouragement, and a sense that there are no viable options to escape their situation. Even if pressed, they may not identify themselves as someone held in bondage for fear of retribution to themselves or family members. However, there are indicators that often point to a person held in a slavery condition. They include:
1. Health Characteristics of a Trafficked Person:
Trafficked individuals may be treated as disposable possessions without much attention given to their mental or physical health. Accordingly, some of the health problems that may be evident in a victim include:
* Malnutrition, dehydration or poor personal hygiene
* Sexually transmitted diseases
* Signs of rape or sexual abuse
* Bruising, broken bones, or other signs of untreated medical problems
* Critical illnesses including diabetes, cancer or heart disease
* Post-traumatic stress or psychological disorders
2. Other Important Signs:
In addition to some of the obvious physical and mental indicators of trafficking, there are other signs that an individual is being controlled by someone else. Red flags should go up for police or aid workers who notice any of the following during an intake. The individual:
* Does not hold his/her own identity or travel documents
* Suffers from verbal or psychological abuse designed to intimidate, degrade and frighten the individual
* Has a trafficker or pimp who controls all the money, victim will have very little or no pocket money
Questions to ask if you suspect you are in the presence of a trafficking victim
Screening Questions
1. Is the person free to leave the work site?
2. Is the person physically, sexually or psychologically abused?
3. Does the person have a passport or valid I.D. card and is he/she in possession of such documents?
4. What is the pay and conditions of employment?
5. Does the person live at home or at/near the work site?
6. How did the individual arrive to this destination if the suspected victim is a foreign national?
7. Has the person or a family member of this person been threatened?
8. Does the person fear that something bad will happen to him or her, or to a family member, if he/she leaves the job?
Anyone can report suspected trafficking cases. If the victim is under 18, U.S. professionals who work in law enforcement, health care, social care, mental health, and education are mandated to report such cases. Through a grass-roots community-wide effort and public awareness campaign, more professionals on the front line can readily identify the trafficking victim and have him/her treated accordingly.
This story was brought to my attention by Midnite Detective. NPR interviewed two girls who had been abducted and forced into prostitution.
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/06/131757019/youth-radio-trafficked-teen-girls-describe-life-in-the-game

Silver Sentinel
PostSubject: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:24 pm
Does anyone have any suggestions on how best to paint over plastic? I have motocross armor, but I need to recolor the black plastic to silver. It also needs to resist chipping and rubbing off.
Silver Sentinel
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:29 pm
As an embarrassing side note… When ordering armor, make sure you’re not conservative with the estimate of your actual size. It turns out I’m less like Hercules and more like Buddha, so now I’m walking the treadmill of justice so I can fit into my suit!
We can lie to ourselves, but never lie to your tailor.
Z
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 1:18 pm
Plasti-dip. Comes in a spray-paint version. Its basically a rubberized spray, is flexible when dried, so it will NEVER crack.
Don’t ever try to spray it on stainless steel, though. It’ll peel.
Z
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 1:20 pm
Actually, I just missed the black to silver thing… I’d say visit your local Home Depot and ask the guy there how to spray a plastic chair that is made to bow and flex. They’re usually pretty helpful, i’ve learned more from the guys at Home Depot than from the internet.
the visitor
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic
actually, the plasti-dip isnt a bad idea. It comes in a clear spray, so just spray paint the armor silver, then spray the whole thing with the clear plasti. It will keep the paint from chipping and/or rubbing off. Since it is a “rubber” spray itwill also make it water proof. Ive used the spray paint/plasti-dip idea for a latex costme piece for halloween nce and it worked great!
Z
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 2:54 pm
PLASTI-DIP COMES IN CLEAR??? WTF
Ive never seen any store i’ve ever been to carry clear. Dude.
Silver Sentinel
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 2:56 pm
Dang.. ask and ye shall receive!
Thanks guys Smile
I’m changing the primary focus points on my uniform to silver to help banish the ninja / dark avenger look and to help make myself more approachable. I don’t want to scare small children or anything.
Big Simon
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 2:58 pm
Yeah, they have a “make your own color” kit that comes with a 22oz can of clear Plasti-Dip and five tints, so you can decide what color you want.
the visitor
PostSubject: Re: Painting / Recoloring Plastic Sat Dec 12, 2009 10:11 pm
just check around ebay and such. Thats where I found mine. It was a single spray can just like the colered ones you can get.