So I decided something recently about my life. I am completely uncomfortable writing my own personal thoughts when they are intended for others to read. Like the idea of communicating in a setting like this just weirds me out.
Whenever a website asks you to create an account profile or something, and you have the option to put a picture in and it asks for information to put into an "About you" section, I always choose to leave it blank.
It is unnecessarily hard for me to write my own bio or introduction without sounding completely uninteresting, which isn't my intent. I assure you that I am somewhat entertaining if nothing else, but pushed into such a due or die self evaluation session I don't know how to introduce myself.
I am a writer. I say that with some hesitance but I say it with honesty. My batting average for churning out The Great American novel isn't impressive or relatively existent but I manage to throw words around just fine.
Journalism is the current form my "talent" for words has chosen for me to focus on. Eventually creative writing will sneak back into my scope but until then journalistic writing is always fun. Great opportunities to see a lot and then write about it.
Comics are cool and admittedly my inspiration for trying my hand at writing in the first place. But it had to be working at the Voice that made news writing natural for me, although if my grammar is off, don't blame me, I was always a better reporter than an editor.
Not quite sure what to include in here in order to make an interesting or witty segway into what I will be primarily writing about throughout the tentative continuation of this blog.
Simple answer: I don't have the slightest fucking clue.
Enjoy.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Jazz trio entertains Valencia
Students perform for naming of the new West Campus Mears building
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
While employees of Mears Transportation and faculty and staff of Valencia Community College's West Campus gathered together to celebrate the renaming of the Student Services Building, they were delighted by the jazz stylings of Valencia's very own jazz trio, Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Bassist Nasrulah Rahbari, keyboardist Patrick “PD Midnight” Dunn, and drummer Joey Lanna, all students based out of the East Campus, jammed outside of the newly-named Paul Mears Sr. Building, entertaining such company as Bob Segal and Teresa Jacobs.
“No one's going to guarantee success but myself,” said Rahbari. “That's when I decided to go to college. That's when I decided to go to Valencia.”
In high school Rahbari had no focus or experience in instrumental music. “In high school I was actually a choir kid, and it wasn't until after that I really started working on playing.”
“My mother was a piano teacher,” said Dunn. “I've been learning music since I was in the womb,” he said with a smile.
“I started learning music in sixth grade,” said Lanna. “I stayed at the school from sixth to seventh grade, but it had such a bad music program, and it wasn't until I was in eighth grade that I truly started getting into music. By tenth grade, I was in both Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.”
The young group of musicians, Rahbari, 24, Dunn, 21, and Lanna, 23, met and started per- forming together only a year ago, but already the guys agree they plan on making music for some time to come.
The group agrees that Valencia was the unifying factor when the trio first started playing together.
“I was originally in recording engineering,” said Lanna. “Then I switched to music performance then finally music education.”
Being the closest in age, both Rahbari and Lanna met each other long before the trio ever came together as students at Freedom High school. Four years after graduation Rahbari had become a regular band member of the group “A Palace in Persia.”
“I have been with the band for over four years,” said Rahbari. “The the last two years with that band is when we came out with the album 'Metaphonemia.’” Also, during that time is when Lanna started playing with the trio's bassist.
With over 35 years of combined musical experience the group of 20-somethings have a very defined taste of and philosophy on music.
“When you play the kind of music we play, you have to be open minded,” said Lanna.
But even with their relaxed approach toward the art form, all three agreed that music required intense practice and training.
“I like listening to technically advanced music,” said Rahabari. “When you want to get that sound you really have to put in that grind. The deeper you can go the more you can express.”
The group believes that improvisation is like being fluent in another language and having a conversation with another person.
“You would practice to give a speech but you wouldn't practice to have a conversation with someone,” said Dunn.
Self-described as a classic jazz trio with modern musical influences the group feels very strongly about the direction their music is going. They are currently working on getting the trio recorded.
“We have no reason to stop now,” said Rahbari. “When things in my life were so uncertain the best thing I ever did was go to school.”
To learn more about the guys and their music make sure to visit www.apalaceinpersia.com or e-mail the trio at TrickDunn@yahoo.com. Avail- able for any event or any style of music the group can sometimes be heard playing at Natura Cafe off of University Blvd.
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
While employees of Mears Transportation and faculty and staff of Valencia Community College's West Campus gathered together to celebrate the renaming of the Student Services Building, they were delighted by the jazz stylings of Valencia's very own jazz trio, Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Bassist Nasrulah Rahbari, keyboardist Patrick “PD Midnight” Dunn, and drummer Joey Lanna, all students based out of the East Campus, jammed outside of the newly-named Paul Mears Sr. Building, entertaining such company as Bob Segal and Teresa Jacobs.
“No one's going to guarantee success but myself,” said Rahbari. “That's when I decided to go to college. That's when I decided to go to Valencia.”
In high school Rahbari had no focus or experience in instrumental music. “In high school I was actually a choir kid, and it wasn't until after that I really started working on playing.”
“My mother was a piano teacher,” said Dunn. “I've been learning music since I was in the womb,” he said with a smile.
“I started learning music in sixth grade,” said Lanna. “I stayed at the school from sixth to seventh grade, but it had such a bad music program, and it wasn't until I was in eighth grade that I truly started getting into music. By tenth grade, I was in both Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.”
The young group of musicians, Rahbari, 24, Dunn, 21, and Lanna, 23, met and started per- forming together only a year ago, but already the guys agree they plan on making music for some time to come.
The group agrees that Valencia was the unifying factor when the trio first started playing together.
“I was originally in recording engineering,” said Lanna. “Then I switched to music performance then finally music education.”
Being the closest in age, both Rahbari and Lanna met each other long before the trio ever came together as students at Freedom High school. Four years after graduation Rahbari had become a regular band member of the group “A Palace in Persia.”
“I have been with the band for over four years,” said Rahbari. “The the last two years with that band is when we came out with the album 'Metaphonemia.’” Also, during that time is when Lanna started playing with the trio's bassist.
With over 35 years of combined musical experience the group of 20-somethings have a very defined taste of and philosophy on music.
“When you play the kind of music we play, you have to be open minded,” said Lanna.
But even with their relaxed approach toward the art form, all three agreed that music required intense practice and training.
“I like listening to technically advanced music,” said Rahabari. “When you want to get that sound you really have to put in that grind. The deeper you can go the more you can express.”
The group believes that improvisation is like being fluent in another language and having a conversation with another person.
“You would practice to give a speech but you wouldn't practice to have a conversation with someone,” said Dunn.
Self-described as a classic jazz trio with modern musical influences the group feels very strongly about the direction their music is going. They are currently working on getting the trio recorded.
“We have no reason to stop now,” said Rahbari. “When things in my life were so uncertain the best thing I ever did was go to school.”
To learn more about the guys and their music make sure to visit www.apalaceinpersia.com or e-mail the trio at TrickDunn@yahoo.com. Avail- able for any event or any style of music the group can sometimes be heard playing at Natura Cafe off of University Blvd.
‘Brimstone and the Borderhounds’ comic: A review
Originally published by the Valencia Voice
Based on the pro-wrestling persona of Brimstone and fellow wrestlers and a plot centralized around the underworld, I had no idea what to expect as I read issue #1 of “Brimstone and the Borderhounds.” I was pleasantly surprised.
This isn’t Brimstone’s first venture into the world of comic books, but it certainly has created quite a stir among the community since its release this Halloween, hailing such attention from comic greats like Jim Lee.
Out of all the elements in this issue, possibly the most impressive is its story. It is a new and innovative take on a popular genre of comics, making itself the best parts of “Hellboy” and early ’90s classics.
The premise?
Technologies from other worlds have allowed large powerful corporations, namely the “Intra-dimensional trans-reality bio-etheric retail corporation,” to probe the realm we know as Hell. Shrouded in mystery are those responsible and in charge of the various methods of soul acquisition.
A “sorting hat” of sorts (too many sorts, Russell), known as the Nexus, selects prime candidates for work as slave labor for unknown forces holding stock in this trans-dimensional business. Oh, and all these slave workers have already died once. That’s pretty important.
The first issue takes readers step by step through the whole soul-herding process while instilling a sense that not all is as it appears to be, introducing characters such as “Mr. Hostile,” a homicidal maniac who even after his supposed execution has gripped New York city in a vice of fear in the wake of a series of ritualistic killings.
Couple this with the activities going on in hell, and you have two intriguing story lines set in different worlds that look distinct yet seem connected somehow. Hopefully we will found out how they are connected in future issues.
In almost a throwback to ancient mythology, Chavez Raoul, DJ to the damned, welcomes incoming floating freighters of souls similarly to the way in which Charon rowed the barges across the River Styx of Hades.
With so many souls being rushed to Hell daily, certain aid is needed to ensure that all “company property” is accounted for. This is where the Borderhounds come in.
Whenever a soon-to-be slave, or “weeper,” escapes and flees to the wastelands of Hell, Brimstone and his partners jump into action. Working for the Border Enforcement and Retrieval Department, they are paid in turn for each living slave captured. They are bounty hunters from Hell, need I say more?
My biggest criticism of the comic’s premiere deals heavily with overall layout and design.
Although writers Carnevali and Brimstone follow the standard of comic paneling in page layout, key decisions in dialogue box placement and artistic direction make character interactions confusing and hard to follow at times. Most dialogue is straightforward enough, but a few minor hiccups break the focus of conversations – leaving readers disconnected from the story.
Aside from that, the series has a lot of potential to develop a large reader base of hardcore fans who enjoy both wrestling and comics.
Issue two of the series, which has been set at four issues, will hopefully delve more deeply into the background of other characters such as Detective Billy Altar, the officer in charge of handling Mr Hostile’s trail of murders.
Overall, “Brimstone and the Borderhounds” is a comedic work of magnum opus proportion in the making and readers looking for an original new series should look no further for this must-read.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Osceola campus students ball
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
Championship titles, trophies and reputations were on the line for Osceola cam- pus’ biannual volleyball tournament, sponsored by the intramural sports pro- gram, Friday, November 12.
Students gathered on the grass field in front of Building 2 at noon. As part of the event, students were provided with matching color T-shirts to help distinguish each team, and to stir up morale for the three teams; green, blue and white.
The game was played with two separate tournament brackets, each being a single elimination. The winners of each bracket would then compete in a best, two out of three, round to determine a champion.
The first of the teams to be knocked out was the Green Team starting with a loss against White, 25 to four. Things looked better for the team during the second bracket, but they ended with another loss to the White Team; 25 to 11.
“I don’t think there was any teamwork, honestly,” said Green Team player Harrison N. “The Blue and White teams always play together so they always know who they are going to play with.”
Sentiments about team cohesion were evident.
“Our whole team was very unorganized,” said Jaymie Diaz, a player from the Green Team, “The tournament was very frustrating at points.”
With the Green Team eliminated from the tournament, the Blue Team, reigning champs, and the White Team competed in a determining best, two out of three match.
Spikes were served, saves were made, and tensions were high as the two teams climbed toward 25 points. Each team won one game and the third and final one would decide the winner.
25 to 22, White won.
“I feel that we all contributed to a team victory,” said White Team player Christian Seitz. “We could have done better but I was happy with our performance.”
Blue’s three game winning streak had come to an end.
“Losing this semester is very hard because we, as a team, don’t like losing,” said Blue Team captain, and intramural assistant coordinator, Victor Miranda. “In my opinion we were the best out there, but somehow we didn’t execute.”
Although the game had ended, the tradition of team rivalry did not.
“Not taking anything away from the White Team, they are great, but I know for a fact we could have beat them,” said Miranda. “However, we didn’t and I congratulate the team. They play hard and deserved to win.”
Championship titles, trophies and reputations were on the line for Osceola cam- pus’ biannual volleyball tournament, sponsored by the intramural sports pro- gram, Friday, November 12.
Students gathered on the grass field in front of Building 2 at noon. As part of the event, students were provided with matching color T-shirts to help distinguish each team, and to stir up morale for the three teams; green, blue and white.
The game was played with two separate tournament brackets, each being a single elimination. The winners of each bracket would then compete in a best, two out of three, round to determine a champion.
The first of the teams to be knocked out was the Green Team starting with a loss against White, 25 to four. Things looked better for the team during the second bracket, but they ended with another loss to the White Team; 25 to 11.
“I don’t think there was any teamwork, honestly,” said Green Team player Harrison N. “The Blue and White teams always play together so they always know who they are going to play with.”
Sentiments about team cohesion were evident.
“Our whole team was very unorganized,” said Jaymie Diaz, a player from the Green Team, “The tournament was very frustrating at points.”
With the Green Team eliminated from the tournament, the Blue Team, reigning champs, and the White Team competed in a determining best, two out of three match.
Spikes were served, saves were made, and tensions were high as the two teams climbed toward 25 points. Each team won one game and the third and final one would decide the winner.
25 to 22, White won.
“I feel that we all contributed to a team victory,” said White Team player Christian Seitz. “We could have done better but I was happy with our performance.”
Blue’s three game winning streak had come to an end.
“Losing this semester is very hard because we, as a team, don’t like losing,” said Blue Team captain, and intramural assistant coordinator, Victor Miranda. “In my opinion we were the best out there, but somehow we didn’t execute.”
Although the game had ended, the tradition of team rivalry did not.
“Not taking anything away from the White Team, they are great, but I know for a fact we could have beat them,” said Miranda. “However, we didn’t and I congratulate the team. They play hard and deserved to win.”
Orlando celebrates Veteran’s Day
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
Marching bands drummed and bugled down the streets of downtown Orlando as both re- tired and active members of the U.S. military marched alongside or rode in floats for the city’s annual Veterans Day parade, Saturday, Nov. 3.
Events kicked off at 11 a.m. and crowds from all over the city came out to support members of the Armed forces, both past and present.
“I came out today because my sister-in-law is a member of the Air Force,” said Orlando local, Alexandra Solivan. “It’s been an emotional day for the family. I’ve been crying the whole day.”
Among the floats and marching bands were numerous high school ROTC and JROTC members who marched along the parade route in support of the military branches many of them plan to continue working for.
“Seeing everyone here in sup- port of the veterans makes me very proud,” said Air Force retiree Belfazar Grant.
As the nation’s flag passed, officers of the military’s four branches stood and saluted out of respect for their fellow soldiers the entirety of the parade.
“It feels great to be out here today,” said First Sergeant Cabrera of the U.S. Army. “It’s just wonderful to share this day
with my fellow brothers.”
The procession ended at Lake Eola with a special performance by the Southeast U.S. Navy Jazz Band, where the community was invited to hop on stage and dance along.
“There are over 20 million living veterans in the United States, and it’s great that the community remembers those men and women overseas in such a special way,” said retired Army Captain Waldrop, who recently returned from Afghanistan.
Marching bands drummed and bugled down the streets of downtown Orlando as both re- tired and active members of the U.S. military marched alongside or rode in floats for the city’s annual Veterans Day parade, Saturday, Nov. 3.
Events kicked off at 11 a.m. and crowds from all over the city came out to support members of the Armed forces, both past and present.
“I came out today because my sister-in-law is a member of the Air Force,” said Orlando local, Alexandra Solivan. “It’s been an emotional day for the family. I’ve been crying the whole day.”
Among the floats and marching bands were numerous high school ROTC and JROTC members who marched along the parade route in support of the military branches many of them plan to continue working for.
“Seeing everyone here in sup- port of the veterans makes me very proud,” said Air Force retiree Belfazar Grant.
As the nation’s flag passed, officers of the military’s four branches stood and saluted out of respect for their fellow soldiers the entirety of the parade.
“It feels great to be out here today,” said First Sergeant Cabrera of the U.S. Army. “It’s just wonderful to share this day
with my fellow brothers.”
The procession ended at Lake Eola with a special performance by the Southeast U.S. Navy Jazz Band, where the community was invited to hop on stage and dance along.
“There are over 20 million living veterans in the United States, and it’s great that the community remembers those men and women overseas in such a special way,” said retired Army Captain Waldrop, who recently returned from Afghanistan.
‘Superheroes Anonymous’ director gets personal with Valencia Voice
Ben Goldman sets out to unmask real life community crusaders
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
As children, so many wished for the chance to soar above the clouds like Superman, or take to the streets vanquishing evil like the dark knight Batman.
But what if that world of wonder and bat-shark repellent bat-spray wasn’t so distant?
For many around the world, who are part of the Real Life Superhero Movement, it isn’t.
They come from all over, don myriad unique costumes and all, in their own way, seek to better the community around them.
Many provide aid to the less fortunate through charity, while others still insist on ol’ fashioned street patrols to stop crime in its tracks.
In 2007, a project was started, in an effort to understand the realities of real life superheroism and to organize the first official gathering of these individuals in history.
Documentary film- maker Ben Goldman and co-director Chiam Lazaros set out to unmask the world of these real life community crusaders, in their first film, “Superheroes Anonymous.”
A Valencia Voice phone interview, with Goldman, offered in- sight into the ongoing project.
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
As children, so many wished for the chance to soar above the clouds like Superman, or take to the streets vanquishing evil like the dark knight Batman.
But what if that world of wonder and bat-shark repellent bat-spray wasn’t so distant?
For many around the world, who are part of the Real Life Superhero Movement, it isn’t.
They come from all over, don myriad unique costumes and all, in their own way, seek to better the community around them.
Many provide aid to the less fortunate through charity, while others still insist on ol’ fashioned street patrols to stop crime in its tracks.
In 2007, a project was started, in an effort to understand the realities of real life superheroism and to organize the first official gathering of these individuals in history.
Documentary film- maker Ben Goldman and co-director Chiam Lazaros set out to unmask the world of these real life community crusaders, in their first film, “Superheroes Anonymous.”
A Valencia Voice phone interview, with Goldman, offered in- sight into the ongoing project.
Valencia Voice: Where did the idea for a film about real life superheroes come from?
Goldman: I came to him (Chiam Lazaros) in 2007 with the basic concept of 'Hey wouldn't it be cool if there were superheroes in the real world,' and we did some investigation and quickly discovered the real life superhero movement.
Valencia Voice: How many real life superheroes have you met during filming?
Goldman: A few dozen.
Valencia Voice: Are there any heroes that stick out in your memory?
Goldman: There is a superhero named Civitron who’s located in New Bedford Massachusetts and through out the course of documenting him we've been there on Christmas day with him and his family, we've met his parents, we've spent weekends over there and he's just an all-around good hearted guy.
Valencia Voice: Would you say that you have made friends through out filming?
Goldman: Its hard not to become friends. You also have to realize that the real life superhero movement is so ripe for exploitation from people who don't quite get it, that is kind of necessary for us to really cultivate friendships with the superheroes. The subject itself is under such enormous scrutiny and there are so many people that want a piece of this real life phenomenon, that the heroes are very wary of outsiders.
Valencia Voice: In your documentary, there is a scene with real life superhero, Dark Guardian confronting a drug dealer at night. How did it feel being behind the camera watching that unfold?
Goldman: That was probably the craziest experience I've had filming the real life superheroes. I don't condone that style of superheroism, but I'm filming, so its not my place to step in. Dark Guardian is a martial arts expert, but even so you never know what's going to happen in a situation like that. As it was happening, I remember thinking that I had to have a game plan if something happened, like what was I going to do if a knife or gun was pulled. This is where it gets controversial from a documentary perspective-- the unknown part of that story was that I actually wore a lavalier mic and walked around the park, to find out where the drug dealers were. Dark Guardian was listening to the audio from 100 ft away, I came back and pointed out who had tried to sell to me and film him walking up to the guy. And that's—that's kind of stupid, and unconventional for a documentary.
Valencia Voice: What can you tell us about million dollar playboy turned humanitarian, Peaceman?
Goldman: How do you describe someone like that? I'm not sure real life superhero is the right word. Peaceman is an interesting guy. He originally was a banker, the son of a banker and a guy who created a banking empire but that never really was for him, he was always kind of hippie at heart or a peace loving guy at heart. After his father died he retired with hundreds of millions of dollars, and wanted to pursue a career in music, and to create a charity. So he created the Peaceman Foundation. He has secret corridors in his house, which is actually a castle. He mostly does humanitarian work, and he's a really fun, fast-living party kind of dude. He is definitely one of the most interesting characters we've met.
Valencia Voice: Has this changed your outlook on life?
Goldman: I'll tell you that its changed my outlook on life, not so much because of the superheroes, but because of the public's response to the real life superheroes. There are people out there everyday, volunteering their time at homeless shelters who don't wear capes, and most of them do more good than the real life superheroes. But the reason the real life superheroes are so resonant is because the public is looking for symbols of good, even if they are symbols of everyday good. People really respond to the idea of everyday heroes, of everyday people that have a hidden superhero inside of them.
Valencia Voice: When do you expect the film to be completed?
Goldman: We are currently working with another documentary crew and combining forces. I started this project without having been to a single film class when I was 19. We didn't have any plan or budget , and just grabbed a camera and started shooting. We were amateurs and some of that shows in the earlier footage. I can't say much about them, but they are a big documentary team, and I would say within the next few months you guys will see a trailer I theaters.
Valencia Voice: Whats your next project?
Goldman: Well now that I've done a documentary on real life superheroes I might want to do a documentary on real life zombies. Who knows? Maybe it just requires a Google search and I'll uncover a whole movement of zombies.
Winter Park rests easy under superhero’s watch
Master Legend: Real life superhero
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
A masked man ducks and dodges between dingy streets and alleyways, seeking to vanquish evil wherever it appears. His gadgets are ready, his fighting skills honed, and his costume complete. He is the superhero of Winter Park, Master Legend. But unlike his inked counterparts of Marvel and DC, Master Legend is very real.
He is part of the growing international community of real life superheroes who have, in recent years, gained popularity due to the slew of comic movies that have been flooding the mainstream market. But the overall message of these masked heroes is much bigger than mere imitation and role-playing.
“The real life superhero thing is about getting out there, being ready to fight evil, jumping into action and putting your life on the line if you have to,” said Master Legend. “You have to accept that fact as a superhero.”
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Master Legend has been a masked hero for well over 28 years, and in such time has managed to find the world’s first non-profit superhero organization, Team Justice, Inc.
His first act of super-heroics was in sec- ond-grade. In an attempt to stop a class- room bully while remaining anonymous, the prepubescent Master Legend fashioned together a mask and an emblem clad shirt and physically confronted the boy. After successfully vanquishing his first villain, Master Legend had found his calling as a masked crime fighter.
“I feel that this is the best way I can serve a good purpose in this life,” said Master Legend.
A majority of the work he has done involves acts of community service and aid for the homeless, such as food, clothes and blanket donations and gift drives for children during the holiday season. But the work isn't always easy for the 44-year-old hero.
“I'm the guy walking the streets in the dangerous parts of town with some food and a jacket for somebody,” he said. “I go to places scarier than you'll see in the movies.”
Claiming to have been in more than 1,000 fist fights, shot twice and involved in numerous gang battles, Master Legend is not your average volunteer and is certainly used to danger.
“Some people would be traumatized to have a knife pulled on them,” he said. “For me though, that's just another day.”
Some may see his caped crusading as mere child's play, but to him it’s all part of his daily life. His dedication to the super- hero lifestyle makes it difficult to have a weekly scheduled job, so he makes his living doing property management and tree removal services.
He believes that a regular job would hinder him from being able to help the community when disaster strikes and villains appear. Master Legend doesn’t hesitate to jump into action when and where he is needed.
In the end, that's what it really is all about for this unconventional humanitarian.
“The world can see that there are people out there that really do care, and who are willing to fight evil,” said Master Legend. “Some people may laugh, but hey.”
Being a superhero has also affected his social life and personal relationships. Al- though many of his close friends believe in his cause, he has lost friends and family who could not understand or accept his calling, including his former wife, who divorced the crime fighter more than 12
years ago.
“I have a 16 year-old daughter,” said Master Legend. “She really doesn't have much to do with me. She doesn't really know much about what I do. Her mama has made it so I hardly get to see her anymore.”
Unlike other superheroes, Master Legend believes he has a very clear message about the direction society has taken and that society’s biggest problem is “the greed of the rich.”
Although not against the idea of physical confrontation, as evident by the many tools and gadgets he has made- including the Iron Fist, the Master Blaster and the Legend Bomb, Master Legend believes that there are better alternatives to dealing with his community's problems.
“One of the best ways to prevent crime is to prevent desperation,” said Master Legend. “That’s one of the reasons why I help the homeless so much.”
Life isn't all about disposing of drug dealers and corralling crack-heads for this superhero. When not on patrol, Master Legend enjoys playing guitar, danc- ing with pretty women, eating crawfish and having a few beers.
“I may be a superhero, but I'm not perfect!”
Despite what some may think, Master Legend has truly made an impact on his community and has even been commemorated for his actions by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. And although he does not know where his heroics will take him, he is confident he will always do his part. “I'm the hero of the people. The voice of the silenced!”
Originally published in the Valencia Voice
A masked man ducks and dodges between dingy streets and alleyways, seeking to vanquish evil wherever it appears. His gadgets are ready, his fighting skills honed, and his costume complete. He is the superhero of Winter Park, Master Legend. But unlike his inked counterparts of Marvel and DC, Master Legend is very real.
He is part of the growing international community of real life superheroes who have, in recent years, gained popularity due to the slew of comic movies that have been flooding the mainstream market. But the overall message of these masked heroes is much bigger than mere imitation and role-playing.
“The real life superhero thing is about getting out there, being ready to fight evil, jumping into action and putting your life on the line if you have to,” said Master Legend. “You have to accept that fact as a superhero.”
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Master Legend has been a masked hero for well over 28 years, and in such time has managed to find the world’s first non-profit superhero organization, Team Justice, Inc.
His first act of super-heroics was in sec- ond-grade. In an attempt to stop a class- room bully while remaining anonymous, the prepubescent Master Legend fashioned together a mask and an emblem clad shirt and physically confronted the boy. After successfully vanquishing his first villain, Master Legend had found his calling as a masked crime fighter.
“I feel that this is the best way I can serve a good purpose in this life,” said Master Legend.
A majority of the work he has done involves acts of community service and aid for the homeless, such as food, clothes and blanket donations and gift drives for children during the holiday season. But the work isn't always easy for the 44-year-old hero.
“I'm the guy walking the streets in the dangerous parts of town with some food and a jacket for somebody,” he said. “I go to places scarier than you'll see in the movies.”
Claiming to have been in more than 1,000 fist fights, shot twice and involved in numerous gang battles, Master Legend is not your average volunteer and is certainly used to danger.
“Some people would be traumatized to have a knife pulled on them,” he said. “For me though, that's just another day.”
Some may see his caped crusading as mere child's play, but to him it’s all part of his daily life. His dedication to the super- hero lifestyle makes it difficult to have a weekly scheduled job, so he makes his living doing property management and tree removal services.
He believes that a regular job would hinder him from being able to help the community when disaster strikes and villains appear. Master Legend doesn’t hesitate to jump into action when and where he is needed.
In the end, that's what it really is all about for this unconventional humanitarian.
“The world can see that there are people out there that really do care, and who are willing to fight evil,” said Master Legend. “Some people may laugh, but hey.”
Being a superhero has also affected his social life and personal relationships. Al- though many of his close friends believe in his cause, he has lost friends and family who could not understand or accept his calling, including his former wife, who divorced the crime fighter more than 12
years ago.
“I have a 16 year-old daughter,” said Master Legend. “She really doesn't have much to do with me. She doesn't really know much about what I do. Her mama has made it so I hardly get to see her anymore.”
Unlike other superheroes, Master Legend believes he has a very clear message about the direction society has taken and that society’s biggest problem is “the greed of the rich.”
Although not against the idea of physical confrontation, as evident by the many tools and gadgets he has made- including the Iron Fist, the Master Blaster and the Legend Bomb, Master Legend believes that there are better alternatives to dealing with his community's problems.
“One of the best ways to prevent crime is to prevent desperation,” said Master Legend. “That’s one of the reasons why I help the homeless so much.”
Life isn't all about disposing of drug dealers and corralling crack-heads for this superhero. When not on patrol, Master Legend enjoys playing guitar, danc- ing with pretty women, eating crawfish and having a few beers.
“I may be a superhero, but I'm not perfect!”
Despite what some may think, Master Legend has truly made an impact on his community and has even been commemorated for his actions by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. And although he does not know where his heroics will take him, he is confident he will always do his part. “I'm the hero of the people. The voice of the silenced!”
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