Appropriate/Inappropriate Halloween Costumes

[Rockhound]

Given the current national situation, what is appropriate for a Halloween costume? Here's my thoughts:

Uncle Sam--yes

Statue of Liberty--yes

US Soldier--yes

Any pre-1900 president--yes

George W. Bush--iffy, those masks are usually satirical

Bill Clinton--probably not

The Twin Towers--maybe if they have a flag on them

The Twin Towers with an airplane stuck in them--no

Osama Bin Laden--probably not

Osama Bin Laden--with bloody knife stuck in him--ok

Generic terrorist--too scary for Halloween

Anthrax spore--if done well, this could be ok

[Kimi]

I’ve got a Kevlar flack jacket, hooded gas mask (real one, M17A2), and Kevlar ballistic helmet. With real camo, that may be too close to home. Of course need to leave the rifle and side arm at home.

How about one of those missles (patriot?, sidewinder?) with the chalk written on them.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Kimi on 2001-10-22 17:44 ]</font>

[Anonymous]

Kimi, most girls get attention with their looks, their smarts, their body, their voice, their acting skills, dancing skills etc.

But you resort to your extensive stash of military equipment. Why? What sort of reaction are you going for?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Likes attention on 2001-10-22 19:13 ]</font>

[Oak Glaister]

She's got my attention.

[Bill Gates]

Mine too!

[Phil]

>>>>>>>
George W. Bush--iffy, those masks are usually satirical

Bill Clinton--probably not
>>>>>>


What's your problem? Those President masks are hysterical! And they've always been a Halloween staple.

You Osama guys, though, you'd better watch out, because the police are gonna be arresting *everyone* that night who's even partially bearded. Be careful.

[OT]

Why the hostility towards Kimi? Would it be different if she were male? It seems like if we go by need, females are the brunt of more violent crimes and thus in need for more protection.

[The Mister]

<font size=2>Yeah, but she seems so *happy* about it. (???)

[Anonymous]

My wife went to the local party supply store to buy the kids their halloween costumes the other day. The soldier uniforms are flying off the shelves and, not too surprisingly, that is what my son wants to be this year.

On the other hand, the shiek and other similar costumes (belly dancer) are GOING NOWHERE. They are just hanging off the shelves, collecting dust.

I just had to laugh!

[Anonymous]

Actually, do all military personel wear kevlar bullet proof chlothes and helmets? That would make them pretty invincible.

[Damn, Dirty Ape]

OT:"It seems like if we go by need, females are the brunt of more violent crimes and thus in need for more protection."

Fine, that somewhat justifies pepper spray, stun guns and handguns. But why does Kimi need a flak jacket, helmet and gas mask? Does she put them on every time she needs to do a late-night run to the corner store? She should wear them to sleep to prevent being attacked in her home. And exactly what kind of violent crime are women subjected to that they need a gas mask to protect themselves?

Face it, Kimi loves guns and whatever else makes her feel more powerful. She's a collector. That's fine, but she does come off as being a little nutty on the topic.

Kimi: you should pick up this month's issue of Maxim. There's an article on how you can buy used military equipment from financially strapped countries. You can pick up a soviet tank for about $30,000. Fighter jets are pricier, but may well be worth if for the added protection :wink:

[Double High C]

What about Gary Condit?

Rudy Giulani?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Battery Park City on 2001-10-25 11:13 ]</font>

[Dr T Non-Fan]

DDA: Can I get, maybe, some Anthrax spores? What? Sold Out?!?

[Dr T Non-Fan]

On a more serious note: you forgot firefighter.

I'm hoping that my youngest goes as a firefighter. We already have the costume from a few years ago from the older son.

[Traci]

I'm dressing up as Cruella Deville and the girls are going as dalmation puppies.

If y'all are nice, I'll post a picture link :smile:

[Dulcinea]

I wish I had a halloween party to go to. I've always wanted to dress up as Elvira, Princess of darkness.

Tan: There was a Halloween episode of 'Roseanne'
where 3 women dressed up alike except one was supposed to be Elvira, the other Cher and the third Morticia Adams. Funny! Of course, only Elvira had the cleavage!

[Kimi]

"But why does Kimi need a flak jacket, helmet and gas mask?" by DDA.

I do not wear my Kevlar helmet or flak jacket to sleep. But it is right next to my bed. When investigating something that goes bump in the night my plan is to first grab my pistol. Then quickly pop on my helmet which is also right there. Then perhaps the flak jacket if I have time. On the two occasions where something did go bump in the night (suction cup soap holder thing fell from the shower stall and poorly stacked up Christmas presents crashed over) I did have the time to do get the pistol, helmet, and flak jacket. (Depending on how significant the "bump" is calling 911 is right after putting on the helmet.) Sometimes if I have to go out late I’ll wear the flak jacket. To some degree it just looks like a ski jacket with no sleeves. It also keeps me warm. The weight (about 8 lbs) is a little uncomfortable but since I started lifting weights and wearing it more, I’ve gotten more used to it. Wearing it to like the movies is no problem since I’m mostly sitting. My initial concern was that it would slow me down if I ever have to run. But I think I am still pretty quick with it on. I’ve never worn the helmet out in public except to practice shooting. (They say it is good to practice in the actual clothing you may be wearing, if possible. I know some people who do practice drawing from their shoulder holster under a jacket/blazer.) I do practice shooting with the flak jacket and helmet.
sitting. My initial concern was that it would slow me down if I ever have to run. But I think I am still pretty quick with it on.

The gas mask is not really a home defense tool. It is more, to put it briefly, part of my preparedness response.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Kimi on 2001-10-26 00:05 ]</font>

[Traci]

Kimi - I think I'd be uncomfortable under all that paranoia.

[Double High C]

Anyone have a good Strommy costume?

(I haven't seen him around here lately. I wonder hwah.)

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Theories:

Kimi is not at peace with her destiny.

She believes that there's something worth living for. Or that the world is a much better place with her on it.

She lives in some highly dangerous part of town, and sees no alternatives.

She has a trauma inflicted some time in her past. (No, this is not an invitation to discuss it here. I wish I cared more. Really, I do.)

[Mr. Grim]

Theory:

Kimi lives next door to Andy and his ranting speeches have caused her to become delusional.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Yours seems to have the most plausibility, except her cache consists mostly of defensive weapons.
Not the strategy needed in this case.
What, is he on the bullhorn all night?

After thinking it through, I don't think your theory holds water. Out of, say 10 people on a block with him, one is likely to be dearanged, have weapons, AND actually use them for a little peace of mind. Since he's still here trying to find someone who cares, I must ipso-facto.

[Kimi]

I am very much at peace with my destiny. I believes that there's something worth living for. I believe that the world is a much better place with almost all people given the gift of life (the exception being people of the likes of Osama bin Laden).

My part of town is okay. I do see other alternatives (probably more than most since I read “The Truth About Self-Defense” which discusses everything you can think of outside of having a firearm) but choose this one.

No trauma what so ever. (Closest thing was a car accident – not our fault. We were rear ended by a drunk driver but there were no injuries and actually not much car damage. My dad was driving the car we were in.)

I’d like to hope that because of my posts that some are perhaps a little more aware of their surrounding’s and of some available options that they may not have thought of. Hey, your self-protection priorities and philosophies are, of course, up to you. I mean no offense to you if my ideas differs from yours.

As much as I can recall, when people find out that I own and often times carry a firearm, they are surprised because, as they kind of put it, “you really don’t look or act like the type”. I suspect that they are thinking that I am apear too, for lack of a better word, girly. I find that cab drivers are the ones that say things like, “Hey, I own one two. I’m glad that a little lady as your self has got one.”

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Aha! Got a response! No offense intended on my guessing your situation. Just trying to rile ya. I figure you wouldn't hunt me down and kill me for it. Uh, would you?

People ask you if you're armed? Isn't that a loaded question? (rim-shot.wav.)

[Kimi]

“I figure you wouldn't hunt me down and kill me for it. Uh, would you?” by Dr T Non-Fan.

I would not hunt down and harm anyone for any matter. By the way all “firearm people” I know do feel a strong responsibility to take reasonable measures to use their firearms to protect those in their immediate care also.


”People ask you if you're armed?” by Dr T Non-Fan.

It comes up on occasion. I do try to avoid the subject -- believe it or not – in person (except for here). But if, say, a bunch of us are at lunch and there seems to be a genuine interested in the topic, I may say a few things. I was surprised how many people really don’t mind sharing that they legally carry a concealed weapon. In particular, cab drivers. When I take a cab, I frequently say something like, “Isn’t it great that they allow you cab drivers to carry a weapon.” Even if they do not carry a firearm, they have always responded favorably at my concern for their well-being. (And many of them do carry a firearm.) It is funny how strong of a bond there is amongst the firearm community. I had one female cab driver actually show me her firearm. (She never really does that but because we found out that we were both Christians from relatively close circles and that I had one too, we thought it was okay.) I think she was excited because it was new and had been saving up for it for a while.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Kimi on 2001-10-26 21:38 ]</font>

[anon789]

When I take a cab, I frequently say something like, “Isn’t it great that they allow you cab drivers to carry a weapon.”


Then you should say "want to see mine? Do ya? Huh? I've got it right here! Do you want to see it? Are you sure? C'mon do ya?"

[Single Mom]

Kimi,
I have a question for you since you obviously know much more than I do about firearms and gun safety. I don't know if you have a child, but if you did, at what age would you feel it is appropriate to take your child to a gun club and let him/her shoot?

[Kimi]

On 2001-10-29 11:07, Single Mom wrote:
Kimi,
I have a question for you since you obviously know much more than I do about firearms and gun safety. I don't know if you have a child, but if you did, at what age would you feel it is appropriate to take your child to a gun club and let him/her shoot?

You ask a very good question. Although I do love children, I do not have any children of my own. As such I have not researched this issue much as I have general firearms and saftey. I don't think I could state a specific age. I would suggest, however, some resources.

1) Gunproof Your Children/Handgun Primer by Massad F. Ayoob
Amazon.com write-up: Two books in one: Gunproof Your Children; Whether you are pro-gun or anti-gun, whether your home has 50 firearms or none, this book is a MUST. Keeping children safe from unauthorized guns in their hands or those of others is covered from every direction, including gun locks, methods of storage, and above all, safety training for children and adults as well. Handgun Primer A compact introduction to the handgun for the novice. Real world handgun safety, how to shoot, when to fire in self-defense, and gun/ammo/holster choices are discussed by this leading expert.

2) Have a good conversation with someone on the level of a NRA certified firearms instructor who has grown kids and went through the process well. It would even be better if they knew your children well.

The attached link is a really good quick-access safe which also comes very highly rated in terms of child-proofing.
http://www.gunvault.com/

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Kimi on 2001-11-05 23:18 ]</font>

[Single Mom]

Thank you, Kimi! I'll order the book today.

[Kimi]

Single Mom,

You may also want to get "The Truth About Self Defense", "In the Gravest Extreme" both by Masad Ayoob; and "Armed and Female" by Quigly Paxton. These books come very highly recommended. In the Gravest Extreme deals with the judicial use of deadly force. I refer to "The Truth About Self Defense" as, everything you can do for self defense out side of owning a firearm.

[Kimi]

SingleMom,

How is it going? Have you obtained any books?

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Kimi, for your informative info on the books--I'll probably try check them out on my next trip through Barnes and Noble.

Christian, firearms, tighknit circles...you're not from Waco are ya?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ODB@WuTang.com on 2001-12-12 02:59 ]</font>

[2pac Shakur]

Given the current national situation, what is appropriate for a Halloween costume? Here's my thoughts:

Uncle Sam--yes

Statue of Liberty--yes

US Soldier--yes

Any pre-1900 president--yes

George W. Bush--iffy, those masks are usually satirical

Bill Clinton--probably not

The Twin Towers--maybe if they have a flag on them

The Twin Towers with an airplane stuck in them--no

Osama Bin Laden--probably not

Osama Bin Laden--with bloody knife stuck in him--ok

Generic terrorist--too scary for Halloween

Anthrax spore--if done well, this could be ok


:bump: