Real Life 'Superheroes' [Archive] - Kung Fu Magazine Forums

GeneChing

11-29-2011, 10:54 AM

There's some vids on the other end of the link below.

Phoenix Jones to the rescue ... again (http://www.nwcn.com/home/?fId=134644958&fPath=/news/local&fDomain=10212)
by KING 5 News
NWCN.com
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 5:31 PM

SEATTLE -- Phoenix Jones, the city's self-anointed superhero, jumped into action again early Sunday morning, helping detain a man accused of stabbing another man until Seattle Police arrived.

The incident occurred near Belltown, according to a police report. Witnesses said Ian B. Scarlett brandished a knife and assaulted a man near the intersection of Lenora St. and 3rd Ave. At that point, Jones and several others began following Scarlett as he walked away from the scene. When Scarlett hailed a cab at 7th Ave. and Blanchard St., Jones and the others prevented the cab from leaving.

Police arrived soon after and took Scarlett into custody. Scarlett denied attacking the victim, and police were unable to find the knife used in the attack, though witnesses reported seeing Scarlett throw it away as he was getting into the cab.

Scarlett was later booked into King County Jail. The victim, whose name was blacked out of the police report, was transported to Haborview Medical Center for treatment. The SPD report notes that the victim had a warrant outstanding for violation of the controlled substances act.

Photographer Ryan McNamee was one of the witnesses to the incident and posted the video below of some of what occurred as Jones and the others chased Scarlett:

Phoenix Jones, whose real name is Ben Fodor, is a self-appointed watchguard, patrolling bar and club-heavy parts of town like Capitol Hill and Belltown to stop muggings and other crime. He was arrested Oct. 9 after he was involved in a brawl outside a Seattle club. He said he was trying to break up an assault; some witnesses accused Jones of attacking them.

The end result of the Oct. 9 incident was that city prosecutors opted not to file charges against Jones/Fodor.

David Jamieson

11-29-2011, 12:02 PM

...to "Real Life 'Superheroes'". I also moved this from the southern forum to the main (but maybe it should be off topic). One of the other martial arts mags just did an article on this phenomena, but I can't find it now.

These people need to watch Mirageman (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48393), not Kick Ass (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55979).

I would recommend Rainn Wilson's "Super" as mandatory watching.
As emotionally misguided people adopted superhero personas go, this one is pretty real. Also starring Elen Page.

GeneChing

11-29-2011, 02:07 PM

There was a Castle episode about superheroes too. It was repeated last night, which is what jogged my memory about Phoenix. You can see it for free on the web.

Heroes and Villians (http://abc.go.com/watch/castle/SH559040/VD55144781/heroes-and-villians)

Castle and Beckett suspect a vigilante is behind the murder of an ex-con.

Hah. The misspelled 'villains'. :eek:

Syn7

11-29-2011, 08:25 PM

in a rural town a few hours out of vancouver there were a group of kids who lured peda[hiles to public spaces then dressed up as superheroes and verbally assaulted them with things like "this man is here to have sex with a child!!!" and stuff like that. anyways, the cops were pis$ed right off and made them stop.

my question is this:
if a few 16 year olds can do this, why dont the police? i mean, sure they do a bit. but how many arrests do you think they get a year? even in the big cities?

i know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that i could net about 10 a day without entrapping anyone. all you have to do is log in as a kid and respond favorably to the perverts. sink the hook and real em in. and if it were up to me, i'd continue the metaphor and hit em over the head with a club till they were dead. why even allow these folks to live? if u can prove beyond a doubt that somebody for sure 100% went after a child in that manner, by all means, kill em...

GeneChing

01-04-2012, 10:49 AM

It's all about Chinese Redbud Woman. I've only cut&pasted a few pix. There are more if you follow the link.

Female superhero Chinese Redbud Woman appears in Beijing (http://www.chinahush.com/2011/12/31/female-superhero-chinese-redbud-woman-appears-in-beijing/)
December 31st, 2011 by Key | Posted in News
http://www.chinahush.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/20121231-chinese-redbud-05.jpg
From Netease:

This May, a female “superhero” appeared in Hong Kong, wearing low-cut black tights and blue mask, called herself “Zijing Woman” (紫荆侠) or “Chinese Redbud Woman”. She handed out food and cash to some Hong Kong residents. The mysterious masked female vigilante received great attention in Hong Kong.

However, on December 24, a “female superhero” also appeared in Beijing, wearing exactly the same outfit as the “Chinese Redbud Woman” of Hong Kong.

“Today is my first day as the Chinese Redbud Woman, feeling a little nervous. Already prepared the military coats and food for the elderlies, also many thanks to the hand warner friend gave me.” She called herself Chinese Redbud Woman in her microblog, mysteriously appeared on the cold streets of Beijing on Christmas Eve, in front of the Wangfujing Bookstore, at the Xidan subway station and other places, distributed clothing and gifts to beggars and homeless. Beijing residents and netizens also started to talk about her.

Who is this beautiful woman? Why is she doing that? Reporter contacted the “Beijing Chinese Redbud Woman” via private message on microblog. She said that it does not matter who she is and also stated that what she did was not a publicity stunt, “just wanted to help these people who are in need.”

According to Sichuan Online:

Recently, since the female superhero “Chinese Redbud Woman” appeared in Hong Kong, another “Chinese Redbud Woman” also appeared in Beijing, also wearing low-cut black tights and blue mask, claimed on her microblog that she will continue to spread the warmth. Only a dozen of tweets, she already had over 7,000 fans. “Beijing Chinese Redbud Woman’s” first activity was on Christmas Eve: first gave the military coat to the old man on Xiushui Street, then sent food and coats to the elders in from of the Wangfujing Bookstore. Because Beijing Chinese Redbud Woman was only wearing a black veil, the old lady kept asking her if she is cold…

After reading Beijing Zijing Woman’s microblog, netizens both praised and criticized her, however there is only one consensus, her attire is not so suitable for the winter.
http://www.chinahush.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/20121231-chinese-redbud-07.jpg
Some comments:

“What a body ~~”

“This is another kind of charity, sexy charity.”

“For sure her motivation is to become famous. Is it necessary to dress like this when doing good?”

“Her breasts are really big.”

GeneChing

01-04-2012, 10:58 AM

Bauhinia Heroine was mentioned in passing on our The Iceman Cometh thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62460) because they're making a movie about her. Some think that the appearance of Chinese Redbud Woman is a publicity stunt for the upcoming film.

A Rich, Sexy “Bauhinia Heroine” is Giving Money and Food to Hong Kong’s Poor (http://www.21cb.net/bauhinia-heroine-hong-kong/)
Michael Suen 0 Comments June 1, 2011
http://www.21cb.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/bauhina-heroine-1.jpg

Update: The real-life story of the Bauhinia Heroine is being made into a movie.

A recent YouTube video caught a masked female crusader distributing food and money to poor residents in the city. But in her flamboyant blue mask, cleavage-baring outfit, she seems more of a movie character than she does a real-world person. It’s not coincidental: in an interview with the South China Morning Post, the self-styled “Bauhinia Heroine” (named after the city’s official flower) acknowledged that her inspiration for the persona came from a character of the same name played by Connie Chan Po-chu in the 1965 film, Black Rose.

But there’s also someone behind the mask, a secret identity which has been subject to much speculation. Some have mistakenly proposed that the Bauhinia Heroine is in fact Wan Baobao, the mainland jewelry designer, based on their similar physical attributes and backgrounds. According to the masked woman, she is around the age of 30, was educated in the United States and England, hails from a notable family, is a single businesswoman with a six-digit monthly salary, and lives in the Mid-Levels area.

Her motive, she claims, is to call attention to the injustice of Hong Kong’s economic policies, particularly the recent case of the government’s cash handout, in which both rich and poor alike received $6,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $770 U.S. dollars). The appearance of the Bauhinia Heroine comes at a time when the city is facing a devastatingly wide income gap — already the worst in the world, according to SCMP last month:

Hong Kong’s Gini coefficient – which measures income inequality on a scale of 0 to 1, where 0 is perfect equality and 1 is perfect inequality – rose from 0.518 in 1996 to 0.525 in 2001, and stood at 0.533 in 2006, the most recent year for which data is available. The figure showed that wealth disparity in the city was the most serious in the world.

The poorest 10 per cent of families became even poorer, living on HK$3,000 a month, HK$100 less than in 2006. Families in the middle income bracket brought home HK$500 more a month last year, from HK$15,000 in 2006 to HK$15,500.

The top household incomes averaged 25.7 times the lowest last year – the highest in 20 years.

So the justification is there. But why the secrecy for this woman’s charity? ”I hide my identity because I don’t want others to say my purpose is to make myself and my family famous,” she told The Standard. Okay, fair, but why the dramatic flair? The Bauhina Heroine hopes her act – eyebrow-raising attire included — will attract journalists and followers alike and convince them to also help the poor.

All the money which she has given away is reportedly her own. So far, she’s donated $8,000 HKD (about $1,030 USD) in food and money to residents living in the districts of Sham Shui Po and Jordan, some of whom live in literal cage homes. Thousands still eat and sleep in 15-square-foot cubicles in old tenement flats, but even these meager living conditions are being threatened as real estate developers buy the properties, forcing their residents to vacate the building.

Now, the Bauhinia Heroine has even set up an account on Facebook, under the name “Hongkong Flower,” with 2,701 friends as of this blog posting. In her “About” section, she writes:

電影《Kick Ass》在美國掀起熱潮，更引發一場「真實超級英雄熱」，普通人化身英雄，救助貧苦、打擊罪案，So Fun！我的美國朋友也成了超級英雄，他也號召我加入，因此紫荊俠誕生了。我將會四出救助貧苦，既然政府亂派錢，不如等我修正，我將擇日出動，先派我的六千元……

The movie Kick-Ass set off the “real-life superhero craze.” Ordinary people changed into heroes, rescuing the poor and combating crime — so fun! My American friend also became a superhero. He called on me to participate, and thus the Bauhinia Heroine was born. I will go out and help the poor, since the government’s cash handout is a mess. It would be better for me to amend the situation. I will choose an auspicious day to start taking action, when I’ll first hand out my own $6,000 dollars…

Several we’ve spoken to have submitted the theory that this is all some kind of marketing ploy. We would be unsurprised. But we would be unsurprised if it turned out to be real, also. Bizarre circumstances call for bizarre solutions. Either way, let’s hope that the awareness brought on by this whole gimmick is not overshadowed by a mask and cleavage — which, we admit, it can easily be.

But we needn’t only speculate. If you feel impelled, take action by donating to Oxfam Hong Kong or local community organizations such as St. James’ Settlement, which focuses on providing support to low-income families and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance households in Hong Kong.

This needs its own movie thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1151436).

GeneChing

01-11-2012, 03:23 PM

This story just keeps getting more amusing...

'Bauhinia woman' highlights growing wealth gap in Hong Kong (http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1303&MainCatID=13&id=20110602000008)
Liu Hsiao-Hsia and Staff Reporter
2011-06-02
08:56 (GMT+8)

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/newsphoto/2011-06-01/450/%E7%B4%AB%E8%8D%8A%E4%BF%A0-142538_copy1.jpg
Wan Li, the granddaughter of a former Chinese vice premier, is suspected of being the "Bauhinia Woman" who has been doing charitable work among the poor of Hong Kong. (Composite Photo)

A masked woman in Hong Kong who has been handing cash and free food to the poor has won the support of the local internet community, highlighting the serious wealth gap which exists in the former British colony.

"Bauhinia Woman," who wears a blue mask and a tight black outfit, made her first public appearance when she visited 10 families in the Jordan area in mid-May: she gave each family HK$100 (US$12.86) and some some food.

She said her actions were in response to calls by an American friend, who was inspired by the film Kick-Ass, in which an ordinary young man assumes a superhero persona to help others.

The use of the flower that represents Hong Kong in her self-given name, she said, came from a classic heroine character — Black Rose — from the 1965 film of the same name.

Not content with just giving the poor her government allowance of HK$6,000 (US$771) allocated to all permanent adult residents, she said she was encouraging her rich friends to do the same.

The modern-day heroine said that she had performed similar acts in the past under her real name, adding that she sympathizes with lower-income families in Hong Kong, given that the government's welfare policies have failed to help them.

While refusing to reveal her true identity, she describes herself on her Facebook profile as a "single working woman" with a good income and hailing from a reputed family. She said she was not seeking fame for her actions.

"The paparazzi in Hong Kong are very good. If my real identity becomes public, then I can no longer be 'Bauhinia Woman' and will have no power to promote my agenda," she added.

While Hong Kong's media have been speculating as to the identity of the masked crusader for the poor — ranging from the granddaughter of the former head of China's National People's Congress to a local socialite — Bauhinia Woman has refused to confirm or deny the veracity of any of the speculations.

Internet users in Hong Kong are quite supportive of her actions and have left encouraging messages on her Facebook page, though Ip Ngo-tung, a member of the Yau Tsim Mong district council, said that despite his respect for Bauhinia Woman's actions, he does not believe that they will help to reduce Hong Kong's wealth divide.

Ip said that the problem could only be solved by communicating the views and difficulties of residents to the government, which would allow the administration to change its policies.

References:

Bauhinia Woman 紫荊俠

Ip Ngo-tung 葉傲冬

Yau Tsim Mong District 油尖旺區

GeneChing

02-07-2012, 06:03 PM

Only because Bauhinia hasn't been newsworthy lately.

Both articles below have vids if you follow the link.

VIDEO: Phoenix Jones and crew stop a man hitting people with his belt in Belltown (http://blog.seattlepi.com/insidebelltown/2012/01/31/video-phoenix-jones-and-crew-stop-a-man-using-his-belt-in-belltown/)
By DAVID NELSON, INSIDE BELLTOWN

Around 2:30am on Sunday morning, a man took off his belt and swung it into a crowd in attempt to hit another man with it after an altercation at 1st and Blanchard in Belltown.

The altercation was captured on video.

Rain City Superheroes Phoenix Jones, Midnight Jack, Q, and cameraman Ryan McNamee were on patrol when they noticed a man yelling in the face of another man near the intersection.

The 1:00 mark in the video shows another man approach the yelling man before getting shoved to the ground. The man who was shoved to the ground got up and attempted to punch the man who shoved him down; Phoenix Jones rushed the scene and helped separate the two men.

At the 2:08 mark, the man wanted to take another shot after his failed punch by taking off his belt and hitting the other man with it twice before being held back by Jones. Video shows the man holding the belt after he swings it at the man.

Police drove by the scene at the 2:40 mark and sounded the siren, but didn’t not pull over to see what the commotion was about despite Jones’ waving them to the scene.

Unlike the video I posted yesterday that took place between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Bell St, this video shows people on the streets attempt to calm the situation and break it up instead of celebrate the altercation — the only celebration seen in this video is when Phoenix Jones rushes to break the up the fight.

However, the commonality between the two videos is the lack of police response, unless you consider sounding a siren and not pulling over a response.

Here’s the video courtesy of Phoenix Jones and cameraman Ryan McNamee.

WARNING: The video contains profanity and may not be safe for work.

VIDEO: Phoenix Jones and crew stop a fight in Belltown — the third act of violence at this location this month (http://blog.seattlepi.com/insidebelltown/2012/01/30/video-phoenix-jones-and-crew-stop-a-fight-in-belltown-the-third-act-of-violence-at-this-location-this-month/)
By DAVID NELSON, INSIDE BELLTOWN

After a few weeks of nothing to report between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Bell Street in Belltown, violence erupts again — the third act of violence at this troubled location this month.

Around 2am on Saturday morning, a woman was attacked by numerous women as she was getting into a taxi cab.

Phoenix Jones, El Caballero, Midnight Jack, Q, and cameraman Ryan McNamee were on patrol when they heard some commotion outside of a nightclub.

Video shows the Seattle Superheroes observing the commotion but staying away from the confrontation. A woman then got attacked by numerous women outside of a taxi cab; Phoenix Jones and crew rushed in to break up the fight.

9-1-1 was called, however police never showed up.

According to Jones, the confrontation started inside the nightclub when a woman backed into another woman which caused her to spill her drink all over her dress. Club security removed the aggressor from the nightclub, however she waited for the other woman outside of the nightclub with her shoes off.

Roughly 33 seconds into the video, the fight starts. Punches were thrown, hair was pulled, and the fight was later broke up.

After the fight is over, people at the scene start celebrating the fight.

At the 1:17 mark, a guy yells “That’s how we do it in Seattle.”

Really? That’s how we do it in Seattle?

Here’s the video courtesy of Phoenix Jones and cameraman Ryan McNamee.

WARNING: The video contains profanity and may not be safe for work.

According to Jones, there are more fights involving women than fights involving men; typically, fights involving women don’t escalate and end quickly, and fights involving men often escalate. And while some women participate in violent acts on the streets, Rain City Superhero’s sole female superhero Purple Reign is starting a campaign to fight violent acts in the home — I’ll have more on her campaign soon.

This fight had a woman taking her shoes off; wait til you see what article of clothing is taken off in a video I’m posting tomorrow in a fight from Sunday morning.

@PLUGO

11-21-2012, 12:37 PM

The Seattle Police Department is defending the way officers handled a fistfight between Seattle superhero Phoenix Jones and a drunken man. There's video too.

The Seattle Police Department is trying to explain why its officers decided to stand by and allow a fight in the University District between so-called superhero Phoenix Jones and a man who wanted to take a shot at him.

Jones and his crew were on patrol Friday night when they spotted the man punching the window of a car and scaring the passengers of the vehicle, Jones says in a description on his YouTube channel. A video of the incident shows him stepping in to stop the assault and calling 911.

The suspect turns his anger to Jones, lobbing a barrage of racial slurs at him and challenging him to a fight. While police encouraged Jones to leave the area, he instead accepted the man's challenge to fight on the sidewalk.

Several officers stood by as the pair squared off in what was termed by one of Jones' accomplices as "mutual combat." It didn't last long. After slowing the man with a few kicks to the leg, Jones floored with him with a single punch. (http://mynorthwest.com/11/2126414/Seattle-police-stand-by-and-watch-Phoenix-Jones-fistfight)

Syn7

11-21-2012, 03:18 PM

I think the cops did a great job. They allowed a loud mouth to get taught a lesson by a LARPer and it was all on film to remind him and all his friends that he got punched out by a LARPer. No bystanders were in danger, no property was damaged and both agreed and it was even supervised by the cops. All good in my book. Sometimes letting people settle it is the best way to go.

That being said, those LARPers are just asking for trouble. They best stick to the upper class hoods or they will get their caps peeled. Mace and batons will only get you so far when you are being swarmed by 30 thugs and guns are at play.

Lucas

11-21-2012, 03:58 PM

you can tell though that guy has some training in the way he moves. i bet he knows some tdk or mt...he bounces like a lot of tkd guys ive seen

Syn7

11-21-2012, 04:10 PM

you can tell though that guy has some training in the way he moves. i bet he knows some tdk or mt...he bounces like a lot of tkd guys ive seen

Too bad they boxed. Would have been interesting to see what would have happened had the knucklehead shot in?

@PLUGO

07-01-2013, 11:10 AM

The website theavantgardediaries.com/ (http://www.theavantgardediaries.com/) just produced this sort-of-interview/sort-of-promo-piece of Phoenix Jones (http://vimeo.com/69041352#)

Syn7

07-01-2013, 12:14 PM

I'm going out to patrol tonight. I have my kevlar and my sidearm. This **** is on!!!

Anyone wanna come?

Anyone with a hoodie is gettin' clipped!

GoldenBrain

07-01-2013, 03:27 PM

Anyone wanna come?

Yeah kinda, but only if you smoke me out with some of that BC shiznit!!!

Can I bring my Centurion uniform?

Syn7

07-01-2013, 04:24 PM

Can I bring my Centurion uniform?

Any LARPing costume will do. Paintball gear, superman suit, robot costume... your call.

And what would vigilante murder be w/o ganja... Right?

GoldenBrain

07-01-2013, 05:34 PM

Any LARPing costume will do. Paintball gear, superman suit, robot costume... your call.

And what would vigilante murder be w/o ganja... Right?

Whoa, wait a minute...who's talking about murder? I thought we were talking about getting ripped, stalking some poor guy walking around a neighborhood wearing a hoodie and then claiming he beat us up so we could self defend ourselves. ;)

Syn7

07-01-2013, 05:55 PM

You say tomato, I say tomato....

errr... wait.... :confused:

GeneChing

08-30-2013, 04:03 PM

I wonder what his mild manner identity is.

Enter Soberman: Superhero to Roam Bars, Stop Drunk Driving (http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2013/08/30/enter-soberman-superhero-to-roam-bars-stop-drunk-driving/)
Posted by Perry Stein on Aug. 30, 2013 at 2:42 pm

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/files/2013/08/soberman-225x300.jpg

Imagine you're at, oh, Public Bar in Dupont late one Saturday night, drinking a Bud, dancing with whoever. All of a sudden an artificially buff man dressed in a red spandex superhero costume (with underwear on the outside, 'natch) loudly introduces himself as Soberman. He wants to know: Do you know how you'll get home?

Soon, this could be your reality.

Checkpoint Strikeforce—a multistate initiative to stop drunk driving—launched its latest campaign in the Washington area Thursday, and Soberman is the not-so-subtle star of it all.

Soberman—who would not give me his real name at a press event, though one of his bosses told me he's an actor by day—will randomly show up at bars in D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. He'll be accompanied by a police officer as he approaches unsuspecting patrons, asking them if they have a designated driver, cash for a cab, or plans to take public transportation. According to the campaign, which cited the National Highway Administration, in 2011 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in the District involved alcohol-related crashes.

If Soberman likes your transportation method, he'll give you a prize, which could be anything from headphones to Macklemore concert tickets.

It is unclear how often Soberman will be roaming bars, but the campaign runs through New Year's Eve and includes a $250,000 TV and print ad buy. The District Department of Transportation contributed $125,000 to the campaign.

Soberman, who say's he's "faster than a speeding Buick" with "powers of sober-detection," made his party debut Thursday at The Bullpen outside Nationals Stadium.

Photo by Perry Stein

GeneChing

09-09-2013, 12:00 PM

Cyclist in Tiger Mask outfit donates $1,000 to tornado-struck school, disappears (http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/09/07/and-now-for-something-completely-different-cyclist-in-tiger-mask-outfit-donates-1000-to-tornado-struck-school-disappears/)
Preston Phro 3 days ago

What a week, eh? Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement was announced, the creator of Attack on Titan has annoyed fans with his “poor” drawings, a massive boulder nearly smashed a car, and, worst of all, a freaking tornado ripped up a chunk of Japan! We sure could use some good, light-hearted news.

Well, how about this story of a man who donated 100,000 yen (US$1,000) to one of the elementary schools ravaged by the tornado…in one of the most unusual ways ever!

The weather in Japan has been pretty intense this week with high temperatures, heavy rains, typhoons, and even freaking tornadoes. While all of them are problematic, the tornadoes were the worst, causing extensive damage to many buildings. One of the worst hit was an elementary school in Chiba Prefecture, as you can see in the screenshot below.
http://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/school.jpg?w=580&h=355

That’s an incredible amount of damage, isn’t it? Really makes you go, “Whoa.” It also leaves you wondering what will happen to the poor children whose school has been trounced by a vicious twister.

While most of us might feel sad for a bit, click “Like,” and then move on to the next story, one man had other plans.

Dressed as Tiger Mask, the legendary professional wrestling character, an anonymous gentleman rode up to the school on a bicycle and handed over a book for saving 500 yen coins – 200 of the coins to be exact! Which, by our mental math is 100,000 yen (roughly US$1,000), or a heck of a lot of money to be carrying around in a book. The masked man said, “This is 100,000 yen. Use it for the school,” before riding off without even pausing to give his name.

It’s okay if you need to get that dust out of your eyes now. We understand.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with mid-20th century anime, Tiger Mask was originally a professional wrestling character in a manga from the late ’60s and early ’70s who has managed to stay popular through the years. The opening for the anime can be seen below. To describe it as “insane and fantastic” would probably be accurate.

A new, live-action Tiger Mask movie is even set to be released this November, so if your curiosity is piqued, be sure to keep an eye out for it!

【アニメ】タイガーマスク　OP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdJVSFh6008)

The Tiger Mask タイガーマスク 2013 Japanese Movie Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRkgYx3KLw)

I cut & pasted the Youtube links because they are cool.

GeneChing

11-15-2013, 09:31 AM

Another moment that reminds me that I left my heart in S.F.

Watch it live as it unfolds today here (http://www.hlntv.com/interactive/2013/11/15/batkid-miles-san-francisco-batkidsf-make-wish).

Thousands of volunteers to welcome Batkid to S.F. (http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Thousands-of-volunteers-to-welcome-Batkid-to-S-F-4984043.php)
Vivian Ho
Published 4:41 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2013
http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/24/65/74/5463852/7/628x471.jpg
Miles, 5, recipient of The Make a Wish Foundations latest wish, smiles at the Grand Hyatt on Wednesday Nov. 1, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

Five-year-old Miles already has experience fighting villains - he's been facing off with acute lymphoblastic leukemia since he was 20 months old.

With his cancer in remission and his last bout of chemotherapy finished in June, his biggest wish was to continue living his life heroically. "He wanted to be Batman," said Patricia Wilson, the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Bay Area executive director.

We can do that, Wilson thought, and she began putting the call out to volunteers to help turn San Francisco into Gotham City for a day for the boy from Tulelake (Siskiyou County).

It might as well have been a worldwide Bat-Signal. Word of the foundation's efforts spread quickly on social media, and soon what started as a small effort to make a 5-year-old boy a hero for the day turned into a citywide extravaganza, with support and volunteers coming in from all over.

On Friday, by Make-A-Wish's count, thousands of volunteers will cheer on "Batkid" as he defeats the Riddler and the Penguin at locations around San Francisco. The mayor will present Miles with a key to the city. Police Chief Greg Suhr will step in as Commissioner Gordon to alert Miles when his heroics are needed.

"I thought I could do it on a scale that a 5-year-old would appreciate," said Wilson, whose foundation specializes in granting wishes to children with serious diseases. "But apparently, it's on a scale now that the nation appreciates.

"I've never seen anything go viral like this, with the outpouring of support from across the world," she said.

Suhr said so many people want to help out that officials have had to turn away some volunteers.

"My butcher at the grocery store was asking what he could do, the police commissioners was asking what they could do," he said. "Everywhere I go, the only thing people want to talk about is Batkid. I was just at a meeting with the attorney general, and Kamala Harris said, 'Tell me about Batkid!' "

Miles and his family, who asked that their last name not be released, arrived in San Francisco on Thursday, the foundation said. His parents have been briefed on Friday's events, but Miles still does not know the extent of what's to come.

Wilson credited the spirit of tech-savvy San Francisco, whose residents took to the idea immediately and began spreading word through social media.

"We have done other superhero wishes before at Make-A-Wish, and no city has embraced it like this one," she said. "There's going to be a lot of love in San Francisco on Friday."

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo

Chronicle will print special editions for ‘Batkid’ flashmob (http://blog.sfgate.com/stew/2013/11/14/chronicle-will-print-special-editions-for-batkid-flashmob/)
Posted on November 14, 2013 | By phockaday@sfgate.com (Peter Hockaday)

The San Francisco Chronicle will produce special-edition “Gotham City Chronicle” newspapers as the city transforms for 5-year-old cancer patient Miles on Friday.

About 1,000 newspapers will be handed out at Union Square as people gather for the ‘Batkid’ Make-A-Wish event. Batman-fan Miles will battle crime around San Francisco, nabbing the Riddler and the Penguin, before receiving a key to the city from Mayor Ed Lee.

The Chronicle’s special page includes a story written by “Clark Kent” with the headline “BATKID SAVES CITY” and another story featuring less-criminally inclined penguins (from the California Academy of Sciences).

“It’s great to print nice news for a change, and Lois Lane was happy to come out of retirement for this special assignment,” said Chronicle Managing Editor Audrey Cooper.

Here’s what the front page looks like:
http://blog.sfgate.com/stew/wp-content/blogs.dir/2290/files/2013/11/MilesPage.jpg

David Jamieson

11-16-2013, 06:29 AM

a like button wouldn't be so bad here. :)

GeneChing

12-26-2013, 01:07 PM

Dallas police officers become off-duty superheroes (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20131224-dallas-police-officers-become-off-duty-superheroes.ece?ssimg=1357000#ssStory1357001)

http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20131224-nm_21supercops4.jpg.ece/BINARY/w620x413/NM_21SuperCops4.jpg
Kelley Chinn/Special Contributor
Sgt. Merlin Lofton (left), dressed as Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe, introduces Sharron Christian as Storm from X-Men and police Officer Ricardo Campbell as Batman.

By TRISTAN HALLMAN
Staff Writer
thallman@dallasnews.com
Published: 24 December 2013 08:37 PM
Updated: 24 December 2013 08:51 PM

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Dallas police Officer Damon Cole.

After a day spent fighting crime in his police uniform, Cole often wears a Superman costume.

He recently joined the nonprofit group Heroes, Cops and Kids, so the new super suit is a necessity.

“When I got it, I was so hyped up that I put it on at work,” he said with a laugh. “I get a lashing from work. Cops are notorious at that — they rib you bad.”

Cole doesn’t care. He and other Dallas police officers and volunteers in the group regularly appear at parades, school assemblies and other events dressed up like superheroes as a way to mentor children, encourage their parents and have a little fun.

Unlike the Dallas Police Department’s official youth operations, all of their work is done off the clock and paid for out of their own pockets. But the goal — keeping kids on the straight and narrow — is the same.

The nonprofit, which hopes to expand its donor base, has lofty ambitions after its biggest year since starting in 2011. Police Chief David Brown said the group has “been a big hit so far.” And the calendar for next year is already filling up.

“Everybody wants to come and take pictures,” said Sgt. Merlin Lofton, who plays Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe. “They think it’s cool for Facebook and everything. And we can use that pathway to make a positive impact on their life.”

Lofton runs the organization’s website, heroescopsandkids.org. He is part of the group’s brain trust along with Officer Ricardo Campbell and Officer Ray McCampbell, also known as Batman and the Green Lantern, respectively.

Campbell and McCampbell, who are close friends, started the group after realizing they shared a love for superheroes and comic books.

Superheroes and cops basically “do the same thing,” McCampbell said. “They fight crime, they come into school to get the bad guy and save the day.”

Before creating the nonprofit, Campbell had transformed a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro he bought for $600 into a fully decked out Batmobile.

Eventually, they walked in costume in a parade. The children’s reactions sold them on the idea of starting a group of super-friends.

McCampbell was already no stranger to performing. He was a musician in the 1980s with The Mac Band, which had a Billboard R&B No. 1 hit called “Roses Are Red” and starred in a McDonald’s Super Bowl ad.

McCampbell and Campbell brought Lofton aboard, as well as Campbell’s wife April — also known as Batgirl. Sharron Christian, a friend who is not an officer, is also part of the team. She usually plays Storm from X-Men.

The group appears at events at schools, shopping malls, hospitals, charity events and more. There were more than 30 events this year.

“We haven’t turned down anyone yet,” Campbell said.

Each individual pays for his or her costume and to participate in the events. Members said they collectively spent about $10,000 out of their own pockets each year. The costumes alone can cost in the thousands.

They prefer paying for the program through donations rather than being sponsored by the police department. A city program would have more limitations, said Campbell, who sprinkles in religious principles and quotes from Scripture while mentoring kids.

They also want to be able to choose their members. Officers known to internal affairs investigators need not apply. “Who wants to have an organization full of knuckleheads?” McCampbell said.

And they like taking the program beyond Dallas city limits.

Their dream is to create a “Hall of Justice,” a boarding house of sorts for wayward kids. They hope to find sponsors to make it a reality.

The officers said they currently mentor about 50 children of all ages.

Campbell said the group tries to push parental involvement and teach parents to be superheroes, too.

And the interaction with parents can help officers with their day job, Lofton said.

“When we don’t wear the police uniform, we’re more accessible to the people who are scared of police,” he said. “And that’s the way we get parents and adults involved in crime fighting.”

The work and planning for the group are done outside their police duties, family time and off-duty security gigs.

“It takes up all your free time — it really does,” Lofton said. “It’s just something you do to make this community a better place to live.”

They said it’s worth it when they see children smile — even in a hospital bed.

“Some of them might be on their last breath, but as soon as you walk into that room, their eyes just light up,” April Campbell said. “You would think we’re the real people from the movie because they are just so excited.”
It would be great if they made an off-duty arrest dressed as such.

GeneChing

02-19-2014, 04:44 PM

Gotta hand it to this woman. She's got balls.

Chinese fraudster fakes superhuman powers to rob victims (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10646217/Chinese-fraudster-fakes-superhuman-powers-to-rob-victims.html)
A convicted con artist faces trial in Beijing for allegedly tricking her victims out of thousands of pounds by posing as a “superhuman” Communist Party official and police agent named “Mr Li"

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02826/interpol_2826380b.jpg
Ms Yang regaled her girlfriend with tales of how 'Mr Li' had helped Interpol crack 'major' international cases

By Tom Phillips, Shanghai
2:06PM GMT 18 Feb 2014

A Chinese con-woman created a “superhuman” alter ego and claimed she possessed powers of invisibility in order to dupe her victims out of at least £12,000.

The 54-year-old fraudster, named only as Ms Yang, tricked two female lovers and one pensioner into believing she was actually “Mr Li”, a “superhuman” police officer who not only worked for both Interpol and the Chinese Ministry of Finance but was also able to make himself disappear.

The confidence trickster’s supernatural cover was blown last August when one victim discovered she had been sharing a bed not with Mr Li but with a convicted fraudster who was in fact a woman.

Ms Yang’s bizarre campaign of deception began in early 2013, according to the Beijing News. Short of cash, she allegedly faked documents in order to gain access to an internet forum for middle-aged singletons. There, Ms Yang posed as “Mr Li” – a senior Communist Party official who boasted physical attributes that are normally the reserve of Marvel superheroes.

Under the guise of “Mr Li”, Ms Yang set about identifying and seducing her targets, spinning them a tale so far-fetched it must have appeared credible.

Mr Li’s first victim was Ms Zhang, a 48-year-old who appears to have been instantly charmed by her suitor’s claims to be both a globetrotting police officer and senior civil servant with the ability to vanish into thin air.

Their relationship began in March and quickly blossomed. By June, with Ms Zhang head-over-heels in love, the couple moved in together.

Maintaining the farce appears to have stretched Mr Li’s superhuman skills to their limits. Ms Yang cut her hair short and deepened her voice when regaling her girlfriend with tales of how “Mr Li” had helped Interpol crack “major” international cases by using his magical powers.

Ms Zhang - described as “quite superstitious” by the Beijing News - was utterly taken in. When “Mr Li” claimed he had lost his wallet and needed cash to “receive international friends”, she lent her high-flying partner a total of 120,000 yuan (£11,840).

“Mr Li” promised to repay her and said the funds would help him “do things for the country”.

But the debt was never settled. Instead, in August, “Mr Li” wrapped himself in a distinctly human cloak of invisibility and vanished from his partner’s life.

When a heartbroken Ms Zhang sought out her absent lover at the Ministry of Finance she was told no such man existed.

Meanwhile, “Mr Li” moved onto his next target, duping another lover, this time a 52-year-old woman called Ms Song, out of a laptop computer.

A third victim, a pensioner who was not named, lost around £400.

Ms Yang’s fabrications finally unravelled when Ms Zhang approached police looking for “Mr Li” only to be told that her crime-busting lover was, in fact, a 54-year-old woman who had previously spent 11 years in jail for fraud.

Ms Yang will now go on trial for the second time, according to prosecutors from Shijingshan in western Beijing.

Syn7

02-19-2014, 08:48 PM

Awesome. Literally! Huge balls.

GeneChing

04-17-2014, 09:04 AM

Almost put this in the Ninjas! (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?44568-Ninjas!) thread.

Father-of-two keeps the streets safe – dressed as a ninja (http://swns.com/news/father-of-two-keeps-the-streets-safe-dressed-as-a-ninja-21039/)
August 12, 2011 | by SWNS Reporter

A crime-fighting father-of-two has taken to the streets at night to protect the public and foil dozens of attacks – dressed as a NINJA.

http://swns.com/wp-content/themes/wp-clear/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://swns.com/images/stories/ninja/ninja1.jpg&w=450&h=336&zc=1
Father-of-two keeps the streets safe - dressed as a ninja

By day martial arts expert Ken Andre, 33, spends time looking after his wife Leigh, 27, and their two young sons like any normal dad.

But by night, the ex-military guard dons his black Japanese Ninjutsu robes and heads out onto the streets as nimble superhero ”Shadow”.

The vigilante, who lets out a ‘growling roar’ war cry as he leaps from the darkness to combat the forces of evil, goes out equipped with a weapon and even wears a HEARING AID to amplify sound.

He claims residents with anti-social problems are now calling him to get involved in their issues after he began patrolling the streets up to four nights-a-week.

The fearless superman has settled scores of disputes and even left one crook tied to a lamppost for the police to find.

Brave Ken – aka Shadow – said Today: ”When I was seven or eight I used to see my mum being beaten up by various boyfriends.

”I vowed not to let it happen again to my friends and family. So I grew up from a little child into a weapon.

”Even today when I hear cries, it sets something off inside – like a trigger. Something calls me.

”I am a force for good and have been doing this for many years.

”I have walked down the streets and no-one has ever seen me – even in urban areas.”

The unemployed dad, who has been learning the Japanese art of Ninjutsu since he was a youngster, stalks the shadows of Yeovil, Somerset, when the sun goes down.

He sometimes spends all night out on the streets, waiting to swoop in and save victims of crime – wearing a hearing aid to pick up the faintest cries for help

Ken battles muggers, drug pushers, abusive boyfriends and boy racers with just his martial arts skills and a wooden pole.

The superhero insists he tries to settle the disputes as calmly as possible, but will use force if required, before calmly melting back into the shadows before police arrive.

http://swns.com/wp-content/themes/wp-clear/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://swns.com/images/stories/ninja/ninja2.jpg&w=450&h=675&zc=1
Father-of-two keeps the streets safe - dressed as a ninja

He also has developed a special roaring war cry to help disperse crowds of youths.

Ken started his remarkable night-time jaunts after him and his brother came across a group of thugs beating up a man six years ago.

He said the gang members were so alarmed when he jumped out in his ninja outfit, they bolted.

The vigilante revealed: ”I do not look for trouble. But if there’s a problem and I can help, I do it with my ability using minimum force.

”I don’t think I am a superhero. I just have the confidence and skills to tackle situations.

”I will go and assess the problem. If the problem is, for example, an abusive boyfriend, I will see if I can resolve it by chatting.

”I want to solve it without violence but I’m prepared for it, if it flares up.

”There are nights where I don’t come across anything which is great. I can concentrate on meditating and training.

”But over the years there have been a lot of times where I have intervened – dozens.”

The former Army security guard spends up to four nights a week on the streets and has tackled many criminals.

One time he saw a thief burgling his car while out training.

He then brought down the hapless crooks by throwing NUNCHUCKS at his legs.

Ken said: ”I tied him to the lamppost using his own legs and called the police. That is just one example of what I can do.

”A mate of mine had his car and property vandalised. He felt trapped in his house. The police told him to move and he was at his wits’ end.

”He contacted me for help. I went down there and stayed in the shadows. I was a few metres away from them and they didn’t know I was there.

”I won’t repeat when then happened but the problem went away.”

The crime-fighter has devised his own interpretation of a ninja soldier – called Tengujutsu – after years of research.

He also says wife Leigh and two young sons, Troy, aged three, and Drew, aged four, have fully accepted his night-time activities.

http://swns.com/wp-content/themes/wp-clear/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://swns.com/images/stories/ninja/ninja3.jpg&w=450&h=318&zc=1
Father-of-two keeps the streets safe - dressed as a ninja

Ken added: ”I have made contact with some of the greatest ninjas in the world.

”I have created my own form by studying martial arts and the human anatomy. You need to learn how to break down the body quick.

”It’s about using minimal force but having the most impact with surprise and knowing where to strike.

”Leigh is completely used to it. I made sure I told her about it and explained it to her.

”Maybe she thought it was weird at first but she knows it’s who I am. I have even told and showed her how to be aware of her surroundings and given her advice.”

Avon and Somerset Police insisted they did not condone someone putting themselves in harms’ way.

A spokesman for the force said: ”We would never encourage people to take the law into their own hands or put themselves in danger.”

Syn7

04-17-2014, 09:37 AM

Some people just want to be a hero so so bad. Dude has some serious issues.

GeneChing

07-28-2014, 08:46 AM

There is a pic if you follow the link, but it's not of Pollak in his Dark Guardian costume, which is a major oversight with this article.

By Samar KhurshidPublished: July 27, 2014
A real-life superhero teaches children heroism, respect and martial arts (http://www.metro.us/newyork/news/local/2014/07/27/real-life-superhero-teaches-children-heroism-respect-martial-arts/)

More than any other fictional comic book character, Batman proves that you don’t need superpowers to be a hero, just strict discipline, unswaying moral certitude, mental and physical training. Of course, millions of dollars in the bank also help.

While 30-year-old Staten Island resident Chris Pollak may not have the money, he does have the training, dedication and the costume. At night, he dons a red-and-blue hoodie and becomes Dark Guardian, an everyman superhero who patrols neighborhoods and fights crime with other like-minded individuals. This month, he launched the Hero program, a self-defense and martial arts class that teaches children, between 3 and 12 years old, lessons derived from comic book heroes.

Pollak’s origin story does not involve alien planets, super serums or radioactive spiders like his DC and Marvel comic counterparts. He started training in mixed martial arts when he was 16. Now, as an instructor at LaSalle Mixed Martial Arts in Staten Island, he is experienced in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kempo karate, Muay Thai kickboxing and other hand-to-hand combat techniques. He had always been a huge fan of comic books and was inspired by Superman. “He always upholds certain ideals no matter what,” he said.

At 18, Pollak decided to adopt similar ideals and make some positive changes in both his life and that of others. He discovered people on the Internet who shared his passion for justice and they started foot patrols in neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Harlem and the Bronx. He eventually created an alter ego to call attention to problems in the community and to their work.

Twelve years later, Pollak’s costume has evolved and so has his company of crime fighters. He now patrols alongside heroes named Spectre, Spider and Dusk to name a few. They are all part of the New York Hero Initiative, a citizen watch group that launched a year ago to target crime and gather information for the police while staying within the law. They also help the homeless with care packages of food, water and essential supplies. On more than one occasion, Pollak, who wears a bulletproof vest on his beat, has dealt with drug dealers and gang members. Perhaps the most threatened he ever felt was when a pimp flashed a gun at the group on a patrol through Harlem River Park. They promptly reported him to the police and he was arrested for possession of drugs and a concealed weapon.

Despite the danger, he believes in standing up for what is right. And that’s what the Hero program is all about. Amid kicks and punches, roundhouses and hooks, Pollak sits on the rubber mat at LaSalle and ten children huddle around him. “What do you think is Superman’s greatest power?” he asks. Hands go up as the children eagerly vie to answer. “He’s strong”…“He can fly” …“He can jump over buildings”…“He fires lasers from his eyes.”

All good answers, Pollak says, but “his greatest strength is that he always does the right thing.” The class involves basic fighting technique but also tutorials in confidence, body language and how to stand up to bullying, to never throw the first punch but also to never back down when a punch is thrown.

While the children love the idea that they can emulate their favorite costumed characters, parents are more than pleased with the results.

“It’s not about high-flying antics. It teaches them respect,” says Mike Schneider whose four-year-old son Philip is obsessed with superheroes. “And It’s not about learning to fight, it’s about learning to listen,” adds the proud father.

Richard Young had enrolled his son Raffaele, 5, at LaSalle long before the Hero program began. “(The program) made it better, “ he said. “The kids can relate to it. One of the important things is that they talk about discouraging bullying. Chris is very engaging and he cares about the children. He’s not just killing time with them.”

As the class ended, the children were rewarded with high-fives and stickers on their belts. As they bowed to their sensei and scampered away to their parents, Pollak left them with one last piece of advice.

“Remember! There’s a hero in everybody and every little action makes a difference.”

First ‘watch’

The Guardian Angels have been patrolling the streets since 1979. They are an organized neighborhood watch that work closely with the police department and educational institutions. Dennis “Super-stretch” Torres, director of their Community Service Center in Washington Heights said he admires Pollak’s efforts, if not all his methods.

“We don’t dress up because that can be dangerous,” he said. “He has to be careful when he goes out patrolling. You’re always in a delicate situation and we’ve had six fallen angels over the years. He should also be working with the police department. That’s what we do. We always make sure to notify them. Otherwise he’ll be considered a vigilante. I do agree with what he’s doing in the class. You have to catch them young these days. If he’s teaching them to help others, that’s great. As long as he keeps fantasy out of it. It keeps their minds busy and their spirits pure. There aren’t too many people doing what he’s doing.”

GeneChing

12-01-2014, 02:06 PM

This one seems so obvious given Tokusatsu (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53001-Tokusatsu)

Super-hot female member of real life superhero group captures Japanese hearts (http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/11/28/super-hot-member-of-real-life-superhero-group-captures-japanese-hearts/)
Cara Clegg 4 days ago

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/b3skdo_cuaes6l.jpg?w=580&h=386

Who said heroes don’t exist? In Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan they most certainly do!

Read on to meet the IBALIGER robot-superhero group and the female member who netizens have been describing as “too sexy”.

Jikuu Senshi IBALIGER (Space-time soldier IBALIGER) are a group of IRL heroes based in Ibaraki, north-east of Tokyo. They first appeared in 2007 and now go around doing shows and meet-and-greets at various events and festivals.

IBALIGER aren’t official mascots of the prefecture so this is all private, paid work, but being heroes they also often do free events for charity and have been especially involved with victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. So without further ado, let’s introduce some of the IBALIGER characters.

IBALIGER R (Twitter)

The main humanoid robot who took over from IBALIGER 1st. Special attacks: Space-time Smashing Chrono Break and Space-time Fist Brave Impact. Obviously.

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/43690833_624-v1416869642.jpg?w=580&h=669
Photo: Photozou

IBALIGER BLACK (Twitter)

A fearsome fighter. Special attacks: Space-time Torpedo Fist and Space-time Invasion Chrono Remake.

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/81252532_624-v1416804498.jpg?w=580&h=435
Photo: Photozou

IBALIGER 1st (Twitter)

The IBALIGER prototype.

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/b1zlncgiqaiviwa.jpg?w=580&h=773
APhoto: Twitter

IBA GIRL (Twitter)

However cool the other guys are, it’s one of their female members, IBAGIRL, that’s been getting the most attention online. She’s a support droid for the group and is supposed to be a humanoid robot, although she manages some very flexible poses in her skin-tight suit. Her orange-and-white uniform is adorned with sweet heart shapes that may appeal to more feminine tastes, like the pink Power Ranger I always wanted to be when I was younger. IBAGIRL’s special attack is Eternal Wind Flare. Check out some of this lycra-suited cutie’s photos below.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B22H1r1IYAAPL2z.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B2PBZEkCMAAgLzD.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1M2QQvCQAERRXr.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1l53meCEAAGnG9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1MxM4LCUAEXkMq.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ByrP46qCYAAKs1q.jpg

While they might not be running around stopping crime, the IBALIGER group brings fun and a fighting spirit to Ibaraki Prefecture in the much-loved Super Sentai style. Japan will surely never tire of its faceless heroes dressed in head-to-toe lycra.

GeneChing

02-20-2015, 08:58 AM

Enter to win KungFuMagazine.com's contest for PROJECT SUPERHERO Autographed by E. Paul Zehr (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/sweepstakes-project-superhero.php)! Contest ends 6:00 p.m. PST on 3/05/15.

GeneChing

03-09-2015, 08:47 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qlG9gBDwJw

GeneChing

03-09-2015, 08:50 AM

A two-fer this Monday morn...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ8WStAgQog

GeneChing

03-09-2015, 02:00 PM

See our PROJECT-SUPERHERO-Autographed-by-E-Paul-Zehr-winners (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?68486-PROJECT-SUPERHERO-Autographed-by-E-Paul-Zehr-winners) thread.

curenado

03-09-2015, 05:59 PM

Haha I had not checked this out

I miss being Alfred. They're 30 & 35 now and just don't get to the bat cave these days.

GeneChing

03-12-2015, 09:52 AM

Phoenix Jones just earned his own separate thread....on the MMA forum (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?68496-Phoenix-Jones)!

More on Phoenix here on this thread here:
p=1136818 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes&p=1136818)
p=1145877 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes&p=1145877)
p=1237435 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes&p=1237435)
p=1197857 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes&p=1197857)
p=1156645 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes&p=1156645)

GeneChing

04-23-2015, 11:02 AM

It's DC. Wonder if there's also a parallel record for Marvel. :p

Superheroes hope to break costume world record at Brent Cross (http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/12910332.Superheroes_hope_to_break_world_record/)

http://www.times-series.co.uk/resources/images/3701359.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=mc2
Superheroes gathered to break a world record at Brent Cross

First published 2 hours ago in News by Jenni Reid

Customers may have wondered what Batman, Wonderwoman and Superman were doing in a Toys 'R' Us car park in Brent Cross.

But hundreds of costumed superheroes descended on the store to help set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as DC Comics characters over a 24-hour period on Saturday.

The fans met at the same time as thousands around the world for the massive event organised by DC and Warner Bros.

While superheroes came together in Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Spain, Brazil, France, America and in other countries, the UK hosted meet-ups in Birmingham, Warrington, Cardiff, and Hendon.

Officials from Guinness World Records are currently calculating the total number of people who got involved.

As well as the most famous names from the DC canon, costumes included The Flash, Green Lantern, Supergirl, Aquaman, Cyborg, and Green Arrow.

John Miller from Elstree went to the Brent Cross with his wife Elaine and sons Johnny, three, and six-month-old George.

He said: “Johnny is really into superheroes so we thought it was the perfect event for him. We told him to get into his favourite superhero outfit - as he has many - but we didn't tell him where we were going as we wanted it to be a surprise.

“He was very excited when he saw the other superheroes at Toys 'R' Us. The atmosphere was lovely and everyone involved was really into it and made it a special experience.

“He got his picture taken with the adult characters and got his face painted. We also played lots of superhero games and he won quite a few prizes.”

Jackie Pointon, Brent Cross Toys 'R' Us store manager, said: “The people who came created such a great buzz at the store.

“There were all ages taking part, full families dressed up as Batman from a six-month-old baby dressed in a romper to a whole family dressed as Batman and Robin. The little ones really loved their Superman outfits. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many comic characters in full dress-up in the store.”

GeneChing

05-28-2015, 02:25 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMUw4Ndpbdw

GeneChing

08-17-2015, 03:32 PM

He seems even more heroic than Bruce Wayne ever was....:(

Route 29 Batman is killed after his Batmobile breaks down along a Md. highway (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/route-29-batman-is-killed-after-his-car-breaks-down-along-a-maryland-highway/2015/08/17/13f0e9b2-44e3-11e5-8ab4-c73967a143d3_story.html?postshare=2571439838720428 )
How Batman spent his free time: At hospitals cheering up kids

https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/03/27/Others/Images/2012-03-27/JN2_6825a_1332889922.jpg
Lenny B. Robinson, who was fatally struck by a car Sunday night on I-70 after his Batmobile broke down, spent hundreds of thousands on his costume and memorabilia to visit kids hospitalized with life-threatening illnesses.
By Michael S. Rosenwald and John Woodrow Cox August 17 at 10:59 AM

The Batmobile pulled into a gas station Sunday night and, as usual, the children gawked.

Lenny B. Robinson, better known as the Route 29 Batman, was used to that. The Maryland man had become a worldwide internet sensation after an encounter with the Montgomery County police in 2012. He had for years dressed as the Caped Crusader and driven his custom-made, ‘60’s-style beast (or other tricked-out cars) to deliver moments of happiness and distraction to hundreds of sick children in the region’s hospitals.

On Sunday, he was returning from a car show in West Virginia when, during his stop, he met a family whose children were interested in the car, according to Maryland state police. His costume stored in the Batmobile but his alter-ego never entirely switched off, Robinson gave the kids some superhero paraphernalia before leaving about the same time as his new acquaintances.

Minutes later, Robinson pulled over with engine trouble on an unlit stretch of Interstate 70 near Hagerstown, Md., police said. The family parked behind him, turning their emergency lights on.

He had stopped in the median but with his car still “partially in the fast lane,” according to a state police news release. He was checking the engine on the passenger side when at around 10:30 p.m. a Toyota Camry slammed into the Batmobile, propelling the steel-framed hunk of black metal into his body. Robinson, 51, died at the scene.

In March 2012, police on Route 29 in Silver Spring, Md., pulled over Lenny B. Robinson dressed head to toe in Batman gear and driving a black Lamborghini with the Batman symbol on its license plate. (Associated Press)

The crash is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed. The driver of the Camry, who wasn’t injured, declined to comment.

[Who is the Route 29 Batman? This guy.]

Robinson’s devastated family and friends gathered Monday at his parents’ Owings Mills, Md., home, remembering him not just as Batman, but as a son and a brother, an uncle to three nieces and a father to three sons.

“He was my brother, my business partner, my best friend,” Scott Robinson said.

Though he was divorced and his kids lived in New Jersey, Robinson drove every weekend to pick the boys up and bring them back and forth to Baltimore.

The family knows that people around the world are mourning his death. After his story went viral three years ago, he received messages from fans as far away as Germany and Vietnam.

Robinson spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, his brother said, on his Batmobile, costumes and the memorabilia he handed out to children, always autographed “Batman.”

https://img.washingtonpost.com/rw/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/03/28/Local-Enterprise/Images/BATMAN-%20HO-07_1332953400.jpg?uuid=IMPhknj2EeGccHjgHnRI-A
Lenny Robinson and Wonder Woman (Leslie Vincent from Cast of Thousands), with patient Fatou Mboge, and her mom, Awa Janneh, at the annual Hope for Henry Superhero Celebration at Georgetown Hospital. (Photo by Allen Goldberg)

It took him about 45 minutes to put on the black eye makeup and his cumbersome superhero uniform, which drained him of 5 to 6 pounds in water weight every time he wore it.

In hospitals, he didn’t walk so much as stride.

“There will never,” he said, “be another Lenny Robinson.”

The Post revealed Batman’s identity to the world in 2012, after Robinson was pulled over in Silver Spring, Md., in a black Lamborghini and full superhero garb. Video of his encounter with police, who had pulled him over because of a problem with his plates — emblazoned with the Batman symbol — made him an instant Web sensation.

The encounter began turning up in millions of Facebook news feeds, even making it into a Jimmy Fallon monologue.

Robinson, who lived outside of Baltimore, had become wealthy in the cleaning business, earning enough money to buy his own Batmobile, a costume that seemed more real than the one in the movies, and toys and memorabilia that he handed out to children with cancer at hospitals all over Maryland and the District.

He had first started wearing the costume because his son Brandon was obsessed with the character. But when he saw how children reacted, Robinson found a new purpose.

The good deeds he did in character were, in some ways, penance for a temper that had led him to fights and run-ins with the law years ago.

“He always joked that he had ‘bat senses,’” said Yuri Ozeryan, referring to Robinson’s willingness earlier in life to defend people in need — even with his fists.

“Sometimes,” Ozeryan added, “he might have started it.”

But the suit changed him, said Ozeryan, an amateur filmmaker who followed Robinson in 2012 for a now-stalled documentary.

As the Dark Knight, Robinson used a deep voice, but he was careful to never scare younger children. He liked to pick up the smallest ones and hold them up so they could look down into his eyes.

He had a theory on why the character resonated with kids, explaining it in a 2012 online chat with Post readers.

“Batman is the only super hero that doesn’t have super powers,” he wrote. “He’s naturally a super hero. Kids can relate to me a lot better.”

He also recalled the comment from parents that he heard, and coveted, most: “this is the first time my son or daughter has smiled in months.”

On one visit to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, Batman reflected on the health of his own three children. “We’re lucky,” he said.

At Children’s, there were kids with tubes in their noses, with IVs in their arms. Batman handed out gifts: books, rubber symbol bracelets and other toys.

Robinson also worked closely with Hope for Henry, a D.C. organization that helps sick children. Founded by Laurie Strongin and Allen Goldberg after their son Henry died from a rare disease, the group threw superhero parties in hospitals. Batman was always the star.

“He made so many kids so happy,” Strongin said. “When I asked him to do anything, he always said yes.”

Robinson had never met Henry.

“But he called me every year on his birthday,” Strongin said.

Strongin has been crying all morning. The organization had just finished producing a video about the program. It starts with a little boy dressed as Batman. He has leukemia. He’s waiting outside a hospital. The real Batman — Lenny Robinson — pulls up in his Batmobile, gets out and hugs the boy.

“He was magic,” Strongin said.

Marilyn Richardson, who works at Sinai’s Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, met Robinson about a decade ago when Batman, in his humbler days, was still driving a Chrysler PT Cruiser.

She has thousands of photos of him and nearly as many stories.

On Monday, she recalled the teenager who, while recovering from surgery, had grown depressed as she saw friends on Facebook enjoying the life she wanted. One day, the girl looked out of her hospital room window and noticed the Batmobile.

Then, he walked in.

“Oh my gosh,” she said. “Batman’s here.”

Robinson took a photo with her, and she uploaded it to Facebook. When Richardson saw her later, the girl was glowing: “I’ve never gotten this many likes.”

Another time, he was walking down the hall and came upon a solitary elderly woman staring at the floor. She looked up and saw him.

“Well hello young lady,” he said. She stood up straight and beamed.

But no one adored Robinson more than Elizabeth Gardner, who suffers from TAR Syndrome, a rare disorder that reduces her platelets and has left her arms severely shortened.

She was 6 — and intensely afraid of costumed characters — when she first met Batman.

They clicked.

“It was such a huge, huge moment in that he was able to break down that barrier,” said her mother, Lisa. “He just had a beautiful spirit about him.”

Elizabeth later told him that she was being bullied by other kids at her elementary school.

“They don’t believe that Batman is my friend,” she told him.

So, Robinson went to school with her, appearing in full costume before the student body. He told them bullying was wrong and called her onstage to give her a Batman necklace.

Elizabeth, he announced, is my friend.

Later, the two sat facing each other behind the stage. He had taken off the gloves to cool his sweaty hands in front of a fan.

“I wish I could be more like you,” he told her.

The girl shook her head, no.

“That won’t do,” she said. “You’re your own person.”

Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report.

GeneChing

09-29-2015, 10:21 AM

Sweet story. More pix if you follow the link.

Superheroes let the sunshine in at S.F. children’s hospital (http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Superheroes-let-the-sunshine-in-at-S-F-6535902.php)
By Kale Williams Updated 7:49 pm, Monday, September 28, 2015

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/41/16/10/8708639/13/920x920.jpg
Ceion MCkay, 3, fist bumps with Wonder Woman at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco, California, on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015. Photo: Connor Radnovich, The Chronicle
Photo: Connor Radnovich, The Chronicle

Armed with soapy squeegees, Spider-Man, Thor and Wonder Woman teamed up with other superheroes Monday to bring a ray of sunshine to sick kids by vanquishing the villain of the day: grime on the windows of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco.

Of course the men and women dangling from the Mission Bay hospital’s facade weren’t officially superheroes, but that didn’t matter much to the ill children who gathered at windows and pointed in awe as the costumed cleaning crusaders rappelled from the roof.

“We all need to feel like superheroes sometimes, especially if you’re a child dealing with an illness,” said Michael Towne, head of child life services at the hospital, who himself was adorned in a red cape. “We all get to feel like heroes today.”

Lucila Calderone, 7, winced a little as a nurse helped place an IV in her arm, but she immediately ran to the window as soon as the procedure was done to get a peek at the action.

“I feel really happy,” Lucila said, gazing from side to side out of her sixth-floor hospital room. “I’m way too excited, but I only see Iron Man. Where’s Thor?”

Thor was busy, just out of Lucila’s view, speaking with the parents of another ill child, while Bob Kerns, dressed as Iron Man, explained to reporters the purpose of the mission.

“Seeing the kids’ faces light up, it’s really just a great thing to be a part of,” said Kerns, who owns Master Care Window Washing.

Kerns said the event was also fun for his employees, who came to work dressed as Captain America, the Hulk, a red Power Ranger and the Flash, among others.

“The reaction from the kids is really special and from the parents, too. You get all of them lining up at the windows, and then they want to take pictures and the parents want to pose for selfies,” he said.

Back up in Lucila’s room, her mother, Marisela Veliz, stood back smiling as her daughter pressed her face against the window.

“It’s great,” Veliz said. “She’s been in here three days, so this is a really nice thing for her to see before she has to leave.”

Towne said the hospital has its windows cleaned about twice a year and that facility officials are considering making the superhero cleaners a regular fixture.

“If it adds a little hope and joy for the kids, I don’t see why we wouldn’t,” he said.

Kale Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: kwilliams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfkale

GeneChing

11-05-2015, 04:00 PM

Best Batmobile ever. :(

R.I.P. GEORGE BARRIS, DESIGNER OF TV'S BATMOBILE
THE "KUSTOM CAR KING" ALSO CREATED THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES' JALOPY AND MANY OTHER AWESOME AUTOMOBILES.
POSTED: NOVEMBER 5, 2015, 3:53PM BY: METV STAFF

https://metvnetwork.s3.amazonaws.com/DmySf-1446760425-524-blog-BATMOBILE_obit_1200.jpg

In classic television, an action show was often only as good as the hero's car. What would Jim Rockford be without his Firebird, or the Mod Squad without its Challenger? When it came to making cool cars for TV, George Barris was one of the best. Earlier today, Barris' son took to Facebook to report that his father had died.

Sorry to have to post that my father, legendary kustom car king George Barris, has moved to the bigger garage in the sky. He passed on peacefully in his sleep at 2:45 am.
Barris crafted some incredible autos over his decades in the business. Perhaps the most iconic is the original Batmobile, the sleek black ride with red (well, "fluorescent cerise") highlights and fins, built from a 1955 Lincoln Futura. With a short deadline to produce the ride for Batman, Barris modified a Futura in his shop rather that start from scratch. To this day, it remains far more beautiful and timeless than that squashed steath bomber in those recent Batman movies.

The ace customizer continued to churn out memorable cars. He provided the Munsters' hot rod, the Beverly Hillbillies' truck, Mannix's Toronado roadster, and the "Super Pursuit" K.I.T.T. on Knight Rider, to name a few. If you remember the 1977 B-movie Super Van, that was Barris, too.

The Batmobile remains his pièce de résistance. Two year ago, the vehicle sold for $4.3 million at auction.

GeneChing

01-07-2016, 12:36 PM

I'd like these guys better if they wore costumes.

Kung fu crime fighters patrol streets – as police 'too scared'
MARTIAL arts experts have banded together to protect the public from thugs and druggies – as the police are "too scared".
By David Trayner / Published 4th January 2016

http://cdn.images.dailystar.co.uk/dynamic/1/photos/527000/620x/black-belt-patrol-vigilantes-martial-arts-485178.jpg
CRIME FIGHTER: Marco Garcia – who founded Black Belt Patrol
A vigilante group made up of kung fu, karate and other martial arts specialists – and led by a former squaddie – are patrolling the streets after getting sick of of crime in their neighbourhood.

The so-called Black Belt Patrol claims drug dealers outnumber police 10-one and officers are not trained to tackle violent criminals.

The 30-strong group has been distributing calling cards with a number for terrified residents to call.

http://cdn.images.dailystar.co.uk/dynamic/1/photos/533000/mario-garcia-black-belt-patrol-381533.jpg
FOUNDER: The group patrols the streets and public transport

“'Wait for reinforcements', they say – but they only arrive after the attackers have gone”
Marco Garcia
The 30-strong group has been distributing calling cards with a number for terrified residents to call.

Founder Marco Garcia is a former French Foreign Legionnaire who runs a combat sports school in Geneva, Sqitzerland.

The former soldier – who is a specialist in the Israeli self-defence art krav maga – enlisted the help of martial arts enthusiasts and began patrolling the streets on Boxing Day after he had "had enough".

But police fear violent confrontations between the militia and drug peddlers.

Garcia said: "We are not armed.

"We take to the streets – in public transportation and everywhere where someone needs us."

He added: "The police are not trained enough.

"'Wait for reinforcements', they say – but they only arrive after the attackers have gone."

A police spokesman said: "We do not accept spontaneous projects that take place outside of the legal framework of agreed civil action."

The moment vigilante neighbours confronted a suspected thief was caught on camera last month.

boxerbilly

01-07-2016, 01:21 PM

Glad you are back Gene. I was going to make a post asking where you are.

Ronald Arjune

01-07-2016, 02:20 PM

I think the police are trained its just that they have to handle the problem with self control and criminals can handle it anyhow they want because they are not thinking of the right or wrong way to hurt someone. In a way the reasoning is a limitation to action

boxerbilly

01-07-2016, 02:45 PM

GeneChing

01-07-2016, 04:09 PM

...but I didn't deem it worthy of its own indie thread. :rolleyes:

Glad you are back Gene. I was going to make a post asking where you are.
I took the longest vacation since I began working here a decade and a half ago. It was a family trip to Spain (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?46834-Which-flan-does-Gene-Ching-consume&p=1289789#post1289789), my first time there, and part of my heart now resides there.

I think the police are trained its just that they have to handle the problem with self control and criminals can handle it anyhow they want because they are not thinking of the right or wrong way to hurt someone. In a way the reasoning is a limitation to action
I know, right? I have a lot of Kung Fu brothers that are cops and they are very well trained, more so than a lot of black belts. But then again, I know a lot of black belts (http://www.martialartsmart.com/ranking-belts.html). ;)

GeneChing

01-22-2016, 10:11 AM

Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman - in China! How does Spiderman translate anyway? Zhu ren?

Mysterious 'Spider-Man' receives 450,000 RMB in cash for helping out with drug bust (http://shanghaiist.com/2016/01/22/spiderman_gets_reward.php)

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/spiderman_reward.jpg

Spider-Man seems to have quit his day job of cleaning very high and precarious places, and gone back to the more lucrative world of crime-fighting.

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/spiderman_reward2.jpg

On December 27th, police in Guangdong carried out a huge drug bust, arresting 20 suspects, seizing 600 kilograms in raw materials and 630 kilograms in methamphetamine, ecstasy and other drugs. It all would not have been possible without the help of one masked hero.

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/spiderman_reward3.jpg
http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/spiderman_reward4.jpg

So yesterday, this man received his just reward, arriving at the PSB office with a Spider-Man mask and SWAT escort to accept 450,000 yuan in cash, the biggest single pay day in Guangdong police history.

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/spiderman_reward5.jpg

Typically we see this kind of thing when lucky lottery winners come to pick up their oversized checks, but Spidey here would seem to have two very good incentives for keeping his identity a secret.
btw, here's what that kind of cash looks like:

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/spiderman_reward6.jpg

[Images via NetEase]
Contact the author of this article or email tips@shanghaiist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
By Alex Linder in News on Jan 22, 2016 10:00 PM

Faux Newbie

01-23-2016, 03:08 AM

Usually, with my sanda friends in China, they all call Silva "Spiderman".

GeneChing

10-10-2016, 08:55 AM

What a touching story.

Jacob Hall's mom opens up at superhero goodbye: 'I don't want to let him go' (http://www.today.com/parents/jacob-hall-s-mom-opens-superhero-goodbye-i-don-t-t103625)
Oct. 6, 2016 at 5:39 AM Scott Stump

As a succession of mourners dressed in superhero costumes came to pay tribute to Jacob Hall, the first-grader who died after being shot on his school playground, his mother took solace in knowing it was a fitting way to honor her son's memory.

Hall, 6, was mourned by more than a thousand people at a funeral service at Oakdale Baptist Church in Townville, South Carolina, on Wednesday. His mother, Renae Hall, suggested that everyone come in a superhero costume to honor the memory of Jacob, who always imagined himself as a superhero helping others.

"I knew it was going to be Jacob's classmates, friends from all over the place,'' Hall told Janet Shamlian on TODAY. "I didn't want them to be sad."

Despite the upbeat atmosphere celebrating Jacob's life, it was a devastating day for his family.

http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_40/1163715/superhero-funeral-008-tease-today-161006_f11b47273045dba55b01595ba1f80ddd.today-inline-large.jpg
Reuters
Dale Hall, dressed in a Superman outfit, stands before the casket during the funeral for his brother, Jacob, 6, who died after being shot on the playground at his elementary school in Townville, South Carolina.

"I don't want to let him go, but I have to,'' Hall said. "This is the worst pain I've ever felt in my whole entire life."

http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_40/1163716/superhero-funeral-007-tease-today-161006_f11b47273045dba55b01595ba1f80ddd.today-inline-large.jpg
Ken Ruinard / AP
Mourners were encouraged by Hall's mother to come dressed as superheroes to honor her son at the funeral.

A third of the population of the small town came out to celebrate Jacob's life, with people dressed as everyone from Superman to Wonder Woman to Jacob's favorite, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_40/1163722/superhero-funeral-001-inline-today-161006_f11b47273045dba55b01595ba1f80ddd.today-inline-large.jpg
Ken Ruinard / AP
More than 1,000 people in the small South Carolina town came to honor Jacob while dressed as superheroes like Wonder Woman, the Power Rangers and Superman.

"I would never imagine one small kid would've brought us all together,'' attendee Karissa Mattress, who was dressed as Superman, told Shamlian.

The K-9 unit of the local police came dressed in superhero garb, and the Batmobile even made an appearance thanks to a charity, Heroes 4 Higher, with a mission to inspire kids. A military veteran named John Buckland, the founder of the charity, came dressed as Batman and gave a heartwarming speech.

Follow (https://twitter.com/NBCNightlyNews/status/783704968951980032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
NBC Nightly News ✔ @NBCNightlyNews
WATCH: 'Batman' delivers eulogy at superhero-themed funeral for 6-year-old Jacob Hall, who was killed in S.C. school shooting.
9:26 AM - 5 Oct 2016
673 673 Retweets 996 996 likes

"I can't help but feel that he's been riding with me in that Batmobile with that wreath for the longest time today,'' Buckland said at the ceremony.

A bullet pierced an artery in Hall's leg on Sept. 28 when a 14-year-old boy began shooting at Townville Elementary School, authorities said. Jacob fought for nearly a week after losing 75 percent of his blood and undergoing multiple surgeries when he went into cardiac arrest.

http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_40/1163719/superhero-funeral-004-tease-today-161006_f11b47273045dba55b01595ba1f80ddd.today-inline-large.jpg
Ken Ruinard / AP
John Buckland, dressed as Batman, hugs the aunt of Jacob Hall, Rebecca Hunnicut, after speaking during the superhero-themed funeral service for Jacob.

Authorities say the teenager first shot his father to death before going to the elementary school. He was charged as a juvenile on Sept. 30 with murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Jacob's teacher, Meghan Hollingsworth, was shot in the shoulder trying to protect Jacob and has made a recovery.

Townville Elementary School held classes Thursday for the first time since the shooting, one day after laying a superhero to rest with a fitting tribute.

"I'm surprised it's not raining out from his tears of joy,'' Hall said.

GeneChing

11-02-2016, 09:58 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0K2X3JNph0

GeneChing

03-06-2017, 08:56 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynVbS-B_o6g

GeneChing

05-30-2017, 09:01 AM

Former superhero stars behaving badly...

I'm not grabbing the instagram images because it's a bother. I just saw Sam Jones at SVCC (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1358).

Flash Gordon and The Hulk fight at Comic Con (http://nypost.com/2017/05/29/flash-gordon-and-the-hulk-fight-at-comic-con/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=NYPFacebook&utm_medium=SocialFlow&sr_share=facebook)
By Max Jaeger May 29, 2017 | 1:09pm | Updated

socialworkhelper (https://www.instagram.com/p/BUork28FX5u/)
MCM London Comic Con
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The Hulk talking to Flash Gordon! #IncredibeHulk #flashgordon #MCMComicCon #LouFerrino #superheroes #legends #ExcelLondon #londoncomiccon
49 likes
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socialworkhelperThe Hulk talking to Flash Gordon! #IncredibeHulk #flashgordon #MCMComicCon #LouFerrino #superheroes #legends #ExcelLondon #londoncomiccon
mr.solodolowAwesome heroes
stellabastienneNice meeting you and shaking your hand Flash

It was a real-life battle of the superheroes at a comic fest over the weekend — when Hulk actor Lou Ferrigno got into a brawl with “Flash Gordon” star Sam Jones, and fans had to jump in and break them up.

“I don’t know if I was the real superhero, because if there was a clash of the Titans, I would have got squashed,” said Darryn Clements, who stepped in to help separate the musclebound actors at London’s ComicCon on Saturday, according to the Sun.

chris_shaw7 (https://www.instagram.com/p/BUo8jbaF8kY/)
MCM London Comic Con
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chris_shaw7Flash Gordon & Lou Ferrigno! I was a tight ******* so didn't pay to meet them lol. #mcmcomiccon #mcm #comiccon #flashgordon #louferrigno #thehulk #geek
f4studioshow much were they charging?
chris_shaw7£30 each

Clements and other grown men in the crowd who were dressed in superhero costumes actually had to tell the 6-foot-tall actors to grow up.

“There was a large crowd around, so I told them to act like adults and grow up, as they were supposed to be there for their fans,” Clements said. “I thought this has to be calmed down because if one hits the other, it would be chaos — they are absolute monsters.”

Ferrigno, who played the volatile superhero in the 1970s TV series “The Incredible Hulk,” did not comment to the paper. But Jones, who starred in the 1980 flick “Flash Gordon,” claimed that he and his fellow actor were just trying to stop a fight between fans.

“’He and I together defused it,” Jones told the paper.

The pair seemed to bury the hatchet — they were back at the convention Sunday signing autographs for fans.

gartonjones.london (https://www.instagram.com/p/BUl6tjIg_hP/)
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How random #theincrediblehulk & #flashgordon #sidebyside I guess if we have any security issues here today, I'll be ok!!! #louferrigno & #samjjones
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gartonjones.londonHow random #theincrediblehulk & #flashgordon #sidebyside I guess if we have any security issues here today, I'll be ok!!! #louferrigno & #samjjones

GeneChing

06-23-2017, 07:32 AM

This is one of those stories that you couldn't make up if you tried...:p

CRIME 06/22/2017 02:02 pm ET
Batman Cop Nabs Alleged Shoplifter With ‘Lego Batman Movie’ (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/batman-cop-stops-shoplifter_us_594bb97ce4b0a3a837bd58b5)
“I swear I couldn’t make this stuff up if I wanted,” the officer said.
By Nina Golgowski

A police officer dressed like Batman saved the day at a Texas Walmart after a suspected shoplifter tried to make off with several DVDs, including ironically “The Lego Batman Movie.”

Fort Worth Police Officer Damon Cole was off-duty meeting with children for a safety program on Saturday when he said the alleged sticky-fingered fiend blew past security with unpaid merchandise.

“I was dressed as Batman but I was not going to let someone just walk out the store without paying,” Cole recounted on Facebook. “I identified myself as a Fort Worth Police officer and detained him and took him back inside the store.”

View image on Twitter (https://twitter.com/HeroesandCops/status/876299298887086080/photo/1)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DCk9ip5UMAAfxgM.jpg

Follow
Officer Damon Cole @HeroesandCops
I was at Wal-Mart as Batman for kids day. This male attempted to steal 4 DVD's,I stopped him as Batman. He asked me for a selfie as Batman.
9:43 PM - 17 Jun 2017 · Fort Worth, TX
46 46 Retweets 80 80 likes
Twitter Ads info and privacy

As it turns out, it wasn’t just the children who were impressed by Batman’s appearance. The shoplifting suspect was too.

“As I started to walk away to go back in the store to see all the kids as Batman the male asked me, can he please take a selfie with me,” Cole recalled, while noting that the man had apologized for the theft, which resulted in a citation.

“I told him sure, he tells me it’s not everyday that you get arrested by Batman. I swear I couldn’t make this stuff up if I wanted. This was the first time in my 17 years as a police officer that I have ever arrested anyone as Batman.”

This isn’t the first time Cole has made news.

The dynamic officer also runs a foundation called Heroes And Cops Against Childhood Cancer and is a member of Dallas organization Heroes, Cops And Kids. Through the programs, Cole and other officers dress up like superheroes to meet with children that are battling illnesses or who are in need of positive role models.

“I have a Batman cape in my back window. I have an Iron Man mask and a Spider-Man mask in my back windows,” he told the Houston Chronicle of his costumes.

“My goal is to go to all 50 states and Canada to see every child that wants to see me,” his foundation’s website states.

GeneChing

11-08-2017, 01:36 PM

Avengers Cast Members Raise $500,000 for Puerto Rico Relief (http://www.comingsoon.net/extras/news/901449-avengers-cast-members-raises-500000-for-puerto-rico-relief)
BY MAX EVRY ON NOVEMBER 7, 2017

http://cdn1-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/2017/11/Our-Town-ATL-Benefit_7_credit-Emilio-Madrid-Kuser-Broadway.com_.jpg

Avengers cast members raise $500,000 for Puerto Rico relief

Scarlett Johansson, her fellow Avengers cast members and The John Gore Organization raised $500,000 toward the relief efforts in Puerto Rico in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Maria with a star-studded benefit reading of Thornton Wilder’s classic play “Our Town” on Monday, November 6th at Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre. The evening featured Tony Award winner Scarlett Johansson along with her Avengers co-stars: Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Jr.; Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner; Tony Award nominee Mark Ruffalo; Chris Evans; Frank Grillo; and Maximiliano Hernandez. The evening was directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon and organized by Ms. Johansson and The John Gore Organization.

“We are all deeply touched by the outpouring of generosity and support from the local community,” Johansson said. “We knew we could count on you, Atlanta!” John Gore, Chairman and CEO of the John Gore Organization, added, “We couldn’t be happier to support our friend, Scarlett, and her co-stars in producing this evening for such a worthy cause.”

The event played to a full house and a very enthusiastic crowd. With over 3,500 tickets sold, it is one of the largest audiences the play has ever been presented to in one night. Johansson was joined on stage for opening remarks by director Kenny Leon and Xiomara Caro from the Maria Fund, sharing an inspiring message about the purpose of the event and the relief effort. They brought the crowd to their feet when they revealed that the evening’s efforts resulted in half of a million dollars raised to help Puerto Rico in their hour of need.

“We are deeply grateful to Scarlett Johansson, Kenny Leon and everyone involved in the production of this play for stepping up and contributing their talent to help towards the equitable and just rebuilding of Puerto Rico. This event demonstrates the importance of collective solidarity and responsibility and how powerful it is when we come together to help our communities,” said Xiomara Caro, Director of New Organizing Projects for the Center of Popular Democracy and coordinator of Maria Fund. “A month after Hurricane Maria, millions are without power, or regular access to clean water and food. But there are also hundreds of grassroots organizations and community-run initiatives that are building community everyday to provide relief and organize a short and long-term response to all of these issues. This is the kind of initiatives Maria Fund is supporting,” Caro added.

The Hurricane Maria Community Relief & Recovery Fund is housed at the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) and funds will be used to support immediate relief, recovery and equitable rebuilding in Puerto Rico for low-income communities of color hit hardest by the storm. The fund will support organizations working on the frontlines with these communities.

The Avengers (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?69547-Avengers-Infinity-War) as Real Life Superheroes (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes).

GeneChing

03-19-2018, 08:03 AM

https://fsmedia.imgix.net/3a/dc/12/df/5d87/45ac/b509/fcbacc3c977c/bruce-wayne-as-batman-in-chipotle.png?rect=0%2C121%2C584%2C195&auto=format%2Ccompress&w=584

'Batman' Breaks Record After Eating Chipotle for 500 Days Straight (https://www.inverse.com/article/42455-batman-breaks-records-chipotle-500-days)
Not the hero we asked for, but the hero we deserve
By Mary von Aue on March 17, 2018

While Tommy Wiseau is quickly turning into a real-life Joker, another Batman has entered the scene. But this Dark Knight is after one thing: burritos.

Clad in his signature leather batsuit, Bruce Wayne – yes, that’s his legal name – received his 500th consecutive Chipotle meal on Wednesday. The auspicious day has solidified his place in world records and made him a hero with the American fast casual restaurant chain.

Prior to accepting this challenge, the record for most consecutive Chipotle meals clocked in at 425 orders, but the Caped Crusader flew past that number on December 30. The last 75 meals were more of a victory lap, one which he describes as “an amazing journey.”

Batman’s path to victory made him a celebrity at the local Chipotle in Tiffin, Ohio. Wayne is known for wearing his batsuit around town and attends children’s events dressed as his alter ego. “I always said that I would finish the challenge as I started it, and that’s in the batsuit,” he told his local paper The Courier.

But with 500 meals behind him, Batman is ready to hang up his cape and take on a new challenge. On Tuesday, he took to Instagram to remind fans that his latest victory does not mean the work is over. “It isn’t just the end of one adventure; it’s the start of a new one.”

Batman’s career as a burrito assassin is garnering him international fame, and Chipotle, a chain that was once accustomed to bad press, was honored to serve as his Batcave. To celebrate a job well done, Chipotle donated $4,260 to Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment, or FACT, in Wayne’s name. The donation matches the $10 a day spent during Wayne’s first 426 days trying to defeat the original record. Looks like not all heroes pay extra for guacamole.

I can hardly wrap my head around this story. :confused:

GeneChing

04-04-2018, 07:34 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI31WqFDxNs

THREADS:
Deadpool 2 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?69436-Deadpool-2)
Real Life 'Superheroes' (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes)

GeneChing

07-09-2018, 07:35 AM

JULY 08, 2018 10:41am PT by Ryan Parker
Gal Gadot Surprises Children's Hospital in Full Wonder Woman Gear (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/gal-gadot-surprises-childrens-hospital-full-wonder-woman-gear-1125557)

https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/scale_crop_768_433/2018/01/ww-17431rcc-h_2018.jpg
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment LLC
Gal Gadot in 'Wonder Woman' (2017)

"The kids loved it...and so did the staff," one doctor said.

Gal Gadot on Friday put a smile on numerous faces when she visited a children's hospital in full Wonder Woman costume.

The actress stopped by Inova Children's Hospital in Annandale, Virginia, and lit up every face she saw there — adult and children alike — clearly seen in pictures shared via social media.

"Thank you ⁦@GalGadot⁩ for visiting us ⁦@InovaHealth⁩ Children’s Hospital. You are a true Wonder Woman. The kids loved it...and so did the staff #wonderwoman84," Dr. Lucas Collazo tweeted, along with a photo of the staff and the actress.

A number of other heartwarming photos were shared by Wonder Woman fan accounts on Twitter and reddit.

Production is underway on Wonder Woman 1984, which reunites Gadot with director Patty Jenkins and co-star Chris Pine, who all worked together on the 2017 hit Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman 1984 is due out Nov. 1, 2019.

See pictures of Gadot's visit below.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dhcg5RzWsAIfaWI.jpg
View image on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DrCollazo/status/1015316410623459328/photo/1)

Dr. Lucas Collazo
@DrCollazo
Thank you ⁦@GalGadot⁩ for visiting us ⁦@InovaHealth⁩ Children’s Hospital. You are a true Wonder Woman. The kids loved it...and so did the staff 😉 #wonderwoman84

12:27 PM - Jul 6, 2018
1,300
475 people are talking about this
Twitter Ads info and privacy

Wonder Woman 1984
@WonderWomanHQ
· 7 Jul
(PHOTO) Gal Gadot stopped by a Inova Children’s Hospital to visit some employees and patients yesterday during Wonder Woman 1984 filming! (📸: @PSeoMayer) pic.twitter.com/ttv0MDcben

Wonder Woman 1984
@WonderWomanHQ
(PHOTOS) More photos of Gal Gadot visiting Inova Children’s Hospital yesterday. ❤️ #WW84 pic.twitter.com/tgqHiMmmq0

11:58 AM - Jul 7, 2018

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DhhjrsrX0AAGN-z.jpg
View image on Twitter (https://twitter.com/WonderWomanHQ/status/1015671323849379840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1015671323849379840&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollywoodreporter.com%2F heat-vision%2Fgal-gadot-surprises-childrens-hospital-full-wonder-woman-gear-1125557)
1,406
515 people are talking about this

And to think I dissed Gal when she was picked over Gina Carano. :o

THREADS:
Wonder Woman 2 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70375-Wonder-Woman-2)
Real Life 'Superheroes' (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes)

GeneChing

11-16-2018, 10:52 AM

Batkid (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes&p=1257322#post1257322)
Batkid Begins (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes&p=1284238#post1284238)

5 years after saving San Francisco, ‘Batkid’ is cancer-free
Photo of Steve Rubenstein
Steve Rubenstein Nov. 15, 2018 Updated: Nov. 15, 2018 5:37 p.m.

https://s.hdnux.com/photos/76/75/17/16503791/7/gallery_xlarge.jpg

Five years ago, San Francisco was saved from unspeakable evil.

A 5-year-old boy dressed in a cape rescued a damsel in distress, defused a bomb and chased an archvillain around AT&T Park. The police chief dispatched his cops to help, and the mayor gave the little hero a key to the city.

Thursday marked the fifth anniversary of that day, which was unlike any other in San Francisco history. It was the day Miles Scott was granted his dream by the Make-a-Wish Foundation and 10,000 people — all chanting “Batkid! Batkid! Batkid!” — turned out under sunny autumn skies to cheer him on and witness a rare bit of good news and collective goodwill.

In a black Lamborghini decked out to resemble the Batmobile, Miles was whisked around town as an elaborate set of staged scenes played out involving cops, firefighters, cable cars, bad guys and special effects. Social media went nuts, and if it was all a charade, nobody told Miles.

But as it turns out, the good news was just getting started. Miles is now 10, and his leukemia is in remission. His daily visits with doctors are down to once a year, and five years after his epic adventure he’s now cancer-free.

Miles lives with his parents and two younger siblings on a family farm in Tulelake (Siskiyou County). The fifth-grader plays Little League baseball and enjoys science and robotics. Not long ago, he sold his first goat at a local fair.

But the family hasn’t forgotten the day Miles captured the bad guys and the hearts of everyone else.

“This wish meant closure for our family and an end to over three years of putting toxic drugs in our son’s body,” said Miles’ mother, Natalie.

The wish meant so much to the Scott family that, not long ago, Natalie applied to be one of the foundation’s official wish-granting volunteers. With 60 chapters across the U.S., the Make-a-Wish foundation grants 15,000 wishes a year to children with critical illness.

For a long time, Miles truly believed he was Batkid.

“He just thought he was doing his job,” said Jen Wilson, one of the Make-a-Wish directors who put the citywide event together. “He took his work seriously. He thought Batkid might need to stick around.”

Batkid’s wish inspired others to wish big, too.

Kaheem, a 5-year-old boy in Owings Mills, Md., was granted a wish to become Super Kaheem. Another kid in Texas got his wish to have a Bat Cave built in his backyard. Many other wishes that the foundation grants involve family trips to places that have roller coasters.

But it was Batkid who was responsible for working the biggest miracle of all. In the weeks after Miles’ heroics, donations to the Make-a-Wish Foundation soared higher than any superhero.

“It was an incredibly powerful boost to our organization,” Wilson said. “Batkid was responsible for that.”

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com

GeneChing

04-08-2019, 09:04 AM

APRIL 05, 2019 12:14pm PT by Ryan Parker
Disney, 'Avengers' Stars Team Up for $5M Children's Hospital Donation (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-avengers-stars-team-up-childrens-hospital-donation-1199835)

https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/scale_crop_768_433/2019/04/rh6_1977_copy.jpg
Courtesy of Disney
(From left to right) Paul Rudd, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Robert Iger, Brie Larson, Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner.

"The superheroes in 'Avengers' personify traits like courage, perseverance, bravery and hope — the same traits countless kids and their families in children's hospitals exhibit every day," Robert Iger says.

The stars of the upcoming Avengers: Endgame, along with Disney CEO Robert Iger, appeared at Disneyland Resort on Friday to announce a $5 million donation to children's hospitals across the country.

The donation of cash and toys to Starlight Children's Foundation is through the Avengers Universe Unites campaign, which is Walt Disney Company's signature philanthropic commitment to Disney Team of Heroes, according to Disney. The LEGO Group, Hasbro, Funko and Amazon all donated.

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd and Brie Larson were all on hand at Disney California Adventure Park to celebrate the donation.

"The superheroes in Avengers personify traits like courage, perseverance, bravery and hope — the same traits countless kids and their families in children's hospitals exhibit every day," Iger said, according to a news release. "We are grateful to have the Avengers cast take time out of their day to be a part of this effort to lift spirits and bring comfort to children during a difficult time."

The Avengers stars were later joined by children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim and Garden Grove.

"Nobody understands magical experiences better than Disney, and we've been proud to partner with them in bringing those experiences to kids in children's hospitals for more than 20 years," said Adam Garone, CEO of the Starlight Children's Foundation, according to the release. "From delivering hospital care packages to storytelling through Starlight Xperience virtual reality to our recent Disney-themed Starlight Gowns, millions of seriously ill children have benefited from our amazing relationship together."

Avengers: Endgame is due in theaters April 26.

THREADS
Avengers Endgame (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?71016-Avengers-Endgame)
Real Life 'Superheroes' (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes)

GeneChing

01-30-2020, 09:28 AM

...or at least the opening of a 'walks into a bar' joke. :rolleyes:

PHOENIX JONES, SEATTLE 'SUPERHERO' VIGILANTE AND MMA FIGHTER, ARRESTED FOR SELLING MDMA AND COCAINE (https://www.newsweek.com/phoenix-jones-seattle-superhero-vigilante-mma-fighter-arrested-selling-mdma-cocaine-1484521)
BY AILA SLISCO ON 1/29/20 AT 12:25 AM EST

A Seattle man who patrolled the city's streets in a costume and described himself as a "superhero" has found himself on the wrong side of the law after police arrested and charged him for allegedly selling drugs.

Ben Fodor, 31, was the leader of a group of costumed characters known as "The Rain City Superheroes" under the pseudonym "Phoenix Jones" until the group was dissolved in 2014. He was charged Monday on two counts related to dealing narcotics, according to The Seattle Times.

Police said Fodor was caught selling MDMA, also known ecstasy, to an undercover officer in November. His girlfriend Andrea Berendsen, 26, is also alleged to have been involved in a scheme to sell cocaine to undercover agents in January.

Court documents reportedly indicate that a Seattle narcotics officer initiated a series of text messages with Fodor in November 2019 after having earlier been tipped off to Fodor's alleged drug dealings. The officer arranged to buy $500 worth of MDMA, which Fodor allegedly agreed to on the condition that $300 would be sent in advance to his Venmo payment account. He is said to have then met an agent at a Starbucks coffee shop, where he delivered a brown paper bag containing around seven grams of the drug in exchange for the $200 balance.

A second attempt at a meeting to purchase another $500 of MDMA was made nearly a week later, but Fodor did not show up. The agent created a new persona and arranged a different drug deal on January 6. Fodor was arrested three days later when the exchange was allegedly made, with police confiscating four grams of cocaine during that transaction.

As "Phoenix Jones," Fodor urged drug dealers to refrain from their activities in Seattle and instead "sell somewhere else," according to a November 2010 article in the magazine Seattle Met.

The former self-described superhero also competed in mixed martial arts and reportedly relied on some of those skills in his costumed persona. Public reactions to his supposed crime-fighting activities were mixed. In recent years, his activities as "Phoenix Jones" have trailed off.

Fodor announced that he was retiring as a self-proclaimed superhero in 2019, claiming to be tired of attempting to solve the problems of Seattle, although he said he might put on his armored costume again if there is "a riot in the city."

"I'm not saying I'm never going to fight another crime," said Fodor in a March 2019 interview with NW NERD Podcast. "I'm just saying I don't owe you anything anymore. I don't feel like I owe people anything anymore. I used to feel like because I have this power it was my duty to use it, but it's not."

"If you're not using your ability to help people, I'm not using my ability to help people unless I want to," he added. "If I see a crime in front of me, I'm going to take care of it. But I don't own anybody anything anymore. I have a very special skill set and you no longer get to use it if you're not gonna play your part."

Law enforcement have always been skeptical of Fodor's superhero status. He was arrested in 2011 after allegedly dousing a group of people with pepper spray in an attempt to "break up" a street brawl that police later said did not happen. While charges against Fodor were eventually dropped, Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes described him as "no hero, just a deeply misguided individual" after the incident.

Newsweek reached out to the Seattle Police Department for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Fodor and Berendsen are scheduled to make an appearance in court on February 3.

Correction 1/29, 10:31 p.m.: This article has been updated to correct the title of the referenced podcast from "NW Nerds Podcast" to "NW NERD Podcast."

https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/1563372/phoenix-jones-2011.webp?w=737&f=f6c143c89ed7b190e665136a58080e3a
Self-proclaimed Seattle "superhero" Phoenix Jones, pictured with actor Rainn Wilson and director James Gunn at the 2011 premiere of "Super" in Hollywood, California on March 21, 2011.
KEVIN WINTER/GETTY

THREADS
Busted MMA fighters (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?52219-Busted-MMA-fighters-and-fights)
Real Life 'Superheroes' (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes)

Jimbo

01-31-2020, 09:10 AM

Mysterious People With Unbreakable bones:

https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2020/01/mysterious-people-with-unbreakable-bones/

Someone like that would have no need of “iron body” gong, such as “Golden Bell,” “Iron Shirt,” “Iron Arms/Legs,” etc., training methods if they did CMA.

GeneChing

10-18-2022, 09:18 AM

Bay Area ramen restaurant employees save woman from attack while dressed as Power Rangers (https://nextshark.com/employees-dressed-as-power-rangers-save-woman/)
Ryan General
15 hours ago
https://nextshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/powerrangers.jpg
On Friday evening, workers at Noka Ramen in Oakland, California, fought back against an attacker who followed a woman into the store on Friday evening.

The staff, who were wearing full-on “Power Rangers” costumes, hid the woman in the kitchen and confronted the man.

The man allegedly shouted Asian slurs and threw punches at the employees.

The employees were eventually able to throw the unruly man out.

The authorities later arrived and said the man had started another fight elsewhere.

A team of Mighty Morphin’ restaurant staffers foiled the plans of an evildoer in Oakland, California, on Friday evening.

Dressed as Power Rangers, employees of Noka Ramen became actual heroes after a woman entered the restaurant seeking help at around 8 p.m. A man who had been chasing after the woman reportedly ran into the restaurant and put her in a chokehold.

The ramen shop’s servers dress up as the beloved heroes every Friday to promote the establishment’s signature cocktail, called “The Noka Rangers.”

Customer Ploi Pirapoken, who witnessed the ordeal, documented the events in a Twitter thread that went viral on Oct. 14.

According to Pirapoken, employees dressed as the Black Ranger and the Yellow Ranger confronted the man and told him to leave. However, the man refused to go and began throwing punches, which the Yellow Ranger reportedly blocked.

The woman was ushered to safety in the kitchen before the man started spouting Asian slurs and ran towards her, but the Yellow Ranger grabbed the man by his collar and dragged him out of the restaurant. The man reportedly returned with a friend to try and force their way inside but were both kicked out.

“All of the servers, slash Power Rangers were moving towards the scene to help one another out,” Ploi said. “The patrons started getting involved in a way that was supporting and making sure everyone was safe.”

The authorities later arrived and said the man had started another fight elsewhere. Meanwhile, customers inside were reportedly told by the Pink Ranger that they would not be charged for their meals.

Noka Ramen also posted about the incident on Instagram, where they hailed the staff as “real life heroes” for “going above and beyond in our time of need.”

Power Rangers is a popular entertainment franchise from the ‘90s and early 2000s that is currently owned by Hasbro.

Featured Image via Noka Burgers

Real Life 'Superheroes' (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes)
Power-Rangers-(2017) (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?69253-Power-Rangers-(2017))

GeneChing

01-27-2023, 10:15 AM

This Power Rangers-Inspired Ramen Shop Is Mastering the Art of Kick-Ass Noodles (https://www.kqed.org/arts/13923840/noka-ramen-power-rangers-spicy-miso-oakland-hella-hungry)
Alan Chazaro
Jan 19
https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/noka_lead-cropped-1020x574.jpg
The classic tonkotsu (pork belly, bean sprouts, bok choy, mushrooms, seaweed, noodles, egg) is a signature at Noka Ramen. (Alan Chazaro)
¡Hella Hungry! is a column about Bay Area foodmakers, exploring the region's culinary cultures through the mouth of a first-generation local.

If you scan ramen threads on Reddit or Twitter, you’ll find the occasional hater who claims that the Bay Area’s ramen “sucks” or is “overrated" (particularly when compared to LA's offerings). I don’t completely disagree with those statements. Many times I’ve been told about a top ramen joint in NorCal only to be underwhelmed by spaghetti-like noodles or an odd ratio of toppings that overpower the actual ramen.

Occasionally, though, I’ll find a spot here that reminds me of the top-tier ramen I experienced during a trip to Tokyo, where each brothy spoonful delivered a soulful warmth that transcended any language barrier.

That’s exactly the kind of good vibe I found at Noka Ramen in Oakland’s Jack London Square. You may recall the restaurant going viral last fall, when its staff stopped a man from assaulting a woman inside the dining room — while dressed up as Power Rangers. As the story made the rounds on social media, it also brought attention to the eatery’s flamboyant staff and quirky decor. The establishment’s most essential element — its actual ramen — was given a well-deserved signal boost, too. They haven’t held back any punches since then.

Since it opened in the summer of 2022, Noka has been serving up some of the tastiest (and spiciest) ramen in the East Bay. The colorful shop has mastered the art of flavorful presentation, with its stylish Power Ranger–themed tiki drinks, anime playing in the background and over-the-top menu items like the Ikari Steak Ramen, which features slow–cooked beef rib confit, creamy spicy miso and a splash of 151 rum that’s been lit on fire ($36).

https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/noka_uniform-800x533.jpg
A server at Noka Ramen embodies the restaurant's stylish vibe. (Alan Chazaro)
But for me, it’s the simpler ramen dishes that keep me coming back for more. The spicy miso ramen, in particular, is one of the fiercest broths I’ve found in the Bay and packs more than enough heat (hack: order the shi****o pepper appetizer and mix some of its spicy sauce into your bowl for an extra kick).

What helps Noka stand out from the competition is the vision of Pop-Kasem Saengsawang, the creative owner of a local Thai restaurant mini-empire that includes Farmhouse Kitchen, Son & Garden and Daughter Thai Kitchen. With the help of Kenichi Ota, the consultant and teacher behind the Los Angeles-based Ramen School USA, Saengsawang is now adding his own spin to the ramen circuit.

Here’s what the two collaborators and friends had to say about serving noodles on the docks of the Frisco Bay.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

********

ALAN CHAZARO: You both grew up in Asia before immigrating to California. What brought you here, and what has been your experience with the U.S. food industry?

POP-KASEM SAENGSAWANG: I’m originally from Thailand. I moved to the States with the hope of becoming Bill Gates (laughs). I was a computer scientist and moved here to continue my studies. During college, I had to start working and learn how to live on my own. I worked in a kitchen and served as a manager for six years and fell in love with food. I opened my first restaurant back then, but only nine months later it closed down (laughs). I was 26 years old. It was a Japanese sushi restaurant. My chef taught me a lot about raw fish, sauces and to care about the traditions. It was all new to me. One day my chef didn’t show up, and I realized that I didn’t understand it well enough, that I needed to learn more. Eventually I opened Farmhouse Kitchen. It was fun. My wife [Ing Kumo] and I enjoyed that, because it was totally us.

KENICHI OTA: I came 18 years ago and started working at a Japanese grocery shop in San Jose. I eventually opened a ramen shop of my own, but I had some issues at the time and had to return to Japan, so I closed it down. Five years ago, after I returned, I wanted to enter the ramen market, but nobody was making the sort of ramen that I wanted to make. I decided that I could help others who wanted to learn how to make ramen. I thought, let’s try to support the restaurants who have a passion for Japanese food and products and who want to learn to make it. That’s when I started to do consulting and teaching.

Why did you decide to open Noka? Why ramen?

SAENGSAWANG: After the pandemic, I learned a lot about comfort food and what people wanted. I was always dreaming about a noodle bar for so long. I grew up in Thailand, [where] the two key ingredients are rice and noodles. I had time to learn and study during [the pandemic]. I went to different noodle shops, tried to get a feel, talked to the chefs. But I didn’t have the answers until I found Ken. The way he taught me is to jump in and make it your own experience. I feel like it’s something that I really enjoyed and could adapt and turn into my own recipes. With his knowledge and help, we created a beautiful broth and chewy noodles. I didn’t want my ramen shop to feel like traditional ramen, so I added lobster, short ribs, those kinds of things to the menu. I didn’t want to mix with Thai or anything else, though. I wanted it to be Japanese ramen. Over many months, Ken returned to check the recipe and make it better. I’m super grateful for him.

OTA: For Japanese people, ramen is an important part of food. I started making ramen about 14 years ago. I was working at the grocery store and making ramen there. I was working with ramen chefs to make it and started going to outside events and pop-ups as well. People think ramen is just general. But it’s a whole process with many varieties and styles. It’s about details and careful directions, but the whole process is enjoyable. It’s not stressful for me. Making ramen is simply fun. continued next post

GeneChing

01-27-2023, 10:16 AM

https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/noka_spicy-800x1200.jpg
The Spicy Miso Ramen (spicy ground pork, chili paste, bamboo shoot, corn, egg, thin noodles) is a personal favorite for this writer. (Alan Chazaro)
Where did the whole Power Rangers concept come from?

SAENGSAWANG: The Power Rangers idea is about having fun, first of all. It’s also a good look. I grew up with Japanese cosplay, so I really enjoy the Power Rangers. The Power Rangers don’t have just one guy or person — it’s a team. That was our goal. Then my wife, Ing Kumo, created the Power Ranger cocktail. When we bring it out, the server might do the Power Ranger move (chops the air). We might as well wear it and have fun. For our shyest servers, they become different people when they wear it. Customers can’t see you. It changed the way they walked from when they would dress regularly. It just brings a unique experience to everyone — customers and workers. At first everyone laughed and didn’t want to wear it. But now they love to pick their colors each week: pink, black, green, white.

Noka Ramen went viral last year after an incident involving staff members dressed as Power Rangers — when your employees helped to end a physical altercation in public. How did you all deal with that and in what ways did it affect the community?

SAENGSAWANG: The first couple of days I told everyone I don’t want to say that we were heroes. I don’t want to twist it since we weren’t really sure what was going on with the gentleman and lady who were fighting in our restaurant. Our goal is to protect our customers, always. The cosplay heroes were the story that day by coincidence. My manager pushed the guy out of the restaurant. It’s difficult because we don’t expect our staff to fight like that. It’s dangerous. There is one instance in San Francisco where a worker was stabbed because they ran after a customer who didn’t pay. I told everyone that we didn’t want to celebrate or share what happened because it’s a tricky situation. When the media came, I didn’t want to put my workers in the spotlight. What if the man came back and tried to attack my workers? So we focused on what we serve, how we value the customers.

"Our goal is to protect our customers, always. It’s difficult because we don’t expect our staff to fight like that. It’s dangerous. ... So we focused on what we serve, how we value the customers."
Pop-Kasem Saengsawang
We went to court as witnesses, and we had to make sure the woman who was attacked got the support she needed. We hired a lawyer to make sure that one of our employees wasn’t involved [with any charges]. We were just trying to protect ourselves and everyone. That guy who attacked went to other locations nearby; he was also at Plank, and the police were involved there and arrested him. We don’t want our employees to be in those situations, but we appreciate the community that keeps supporting us because they feel like it was a heroic thing. It turned out positive. In Oakland, we have many people who are protecting the community and making sure no one gets hurt here in this city.

That incident brought a lot of positive attention to Noka and put it on many people’s radars as a ramen destination. What are your thoughts on the ramen scene in the Bay Area, and what is Noka doing differently, besides dressing up as Power Rangers, to stand out?

OTA: There is high-quality ramen in San Francisco, and there is a huge market in the Bay Area. It’s competitive for the United States. Noka is joining that market later, so Pop and I talked about concepts. We don’t need to only follow the exact authentic recipes. It’s not our goal. Our goal is to have ramen lovers come back; maybe they’re new to ramen. We focused on the mix of American people here and what we could do to make them like Noka. That’s how we approached it.

SAENGSAWANG: To my understanding, when people experience something and they enjoy it, they want to return because they liked it, whether it’s traditional or non-traditional. Some people grew up with ramen being cooked at home by mom. Noka Ramen can’t recreate that. Noka Ramen is about bringing a fun new experience. Ramen is about joy and we try our best to represent that feeling. Of course, we can’t replicate the most traditional. It can’t ever be exactly like home-cooked ramen. There are too many factors. So we focus on providing a good experience with noodles with love and joy. That’s the concept.

We don’t like to compare ourselves with others. Every ramen [shop] has their own unique story of making ramen. Some restaurants here are owned by Koreans, so they add kimchi. Some are Chinese-owned and have catfish or ingredients mixed from Chinese culture. That’s great. The generations that grew up with mixed cultures can adapt and adventure easier. But I told Ken that I wanted Noka to be Japanese without any Thai [influence].

https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/noka_sign-800x1200.jpg
Noka, which is the Thai owner's ode to Japanese cosplay and culinary traditions, translates into "farmhouse." (Alan Chazaro)
What’s the secret to making good ramen?

OTA: My teaching program is about making everything from scratch and using premium ingredients. Everything from scratch, including appetizers and other dishes. Lots of people use [pre-made] concentrated stuff, and the broth isn’t as good. Or [they use] cheap ingredients. We use so many steps to make our ramen that it’s almost too much to follow (laughs).

SAENGSAWANG: We probably use about 40 pounds of bones or more in each batch of our broth, and it takes about six hours just to make the broth. Ken brought his technique to Noka, which is the high-pressure machine. We use that, too. Ken imported that from Japan. Traditional style uses an open-faced pot, but this high-pressure pot pushes all the ingredients into water and makes it super creamy. That makes it different and isn’t a common technique here. Ken’s [noodle] recipe is really unique. It’s high-end flour imported from Japan. I also purchased a noodle machine from Japan. Everything is written in Japanese and I can’t read it (laughs). Google Translate didn’t help. Ken came in and showed us the steps and how to operate it.

I thought you could just buy noodles and put it in a broth (laughs). Not at all. It’s all worth it though. I want our customers to eat with love. That’s our goal.

Besides Noka, where is your favorite place to get ramen in the Bay Area?

SAENGSAWANG: My spot to go for ramen is Nagi Ramen in San Mateo.

OTA: Yes, Nagi is good. Very unique ramen. They come from Japan. I enjoy it. But also I have to say: Go Noka!

Noka Ramen is open Mon. through Fri. from 11 a.m.–2 pm and 5–9  p.m., and Sat. and Sun. from noon–3  p.m. and 5–9 p.m. The restaurant is located at 90 Franklin St. in Oakland.

Real Life 'Superheroes' (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53865-Real-Life-Superheroes)
Power-Rangers-(2017) (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?69253-Power-Rangers-(2017))
Kung-Fu-Restaurants-amp-Bars (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?51971-Kung-Fu-Restaurants-amp-Bars)