#How to identify asbestos | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

Text

A year in illustration, 2023 edition (part one)

(This is part one; part two is here.)

I am objectively very bad at visual art. I am bad at vision, period – I'm astigmatic, shortsighted, color blind, and often miss visual details others see. I can't even draw a stick-figure. To top things off, I have cataracts in both eyes and my book publishing/touring schedule is so intense that I keep having to reschedule the surgeries. But despite my vast visual deficits, I thoroughly enjoy making collages for this blog.

For many years now – decades – I've been illustrating my blog posts by mixing public domain and Creative Commons art with work that I can make a good fair use case for. As bad as art as I may be, all this practice has paid off. Call it unseemly, but I think I'm turning out some terrific illustrations – not all the time, but often enough.

Last year, I rounded up my best art of the year:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/25/a-year-in-illustration/

And I liked reflecting on the year's art so much, I decided I'd do it again. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for some downloadables – freely usable images that I painstakingly cut up with the lasso tool in The Gimp.

The original AD&D hardcover cover art is seared into my psyche. For several years, there were few images I looked at so closely as these. When Hasbro pulled some world-beatingly sleazy stuff with the Open Gaming License, I knew just how to mod Dave Trampier's 'Eve Of Moloch' from the cover of the Players' Handbook. Thankfully, bigger nerds than me have identified all the fonts in the image, making the remix a doddle.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/12/beg-forgiveness-ask-permission/#whats-a-copyright-exception

Even though I don't keep logs or collect any analytics, I can say with confidence that "Tiktok's Enshittification" was the most popular thing I published on Pluralistic this year. I mixed some public domain Brother's Grimm art, mixed with a classic caricature of Boss Tweed, and some very cheesy royalty-free/open access influencer graphics. One gingerbread cottage social media trap, coming up:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/21/potemkin-ai/#hey-guys

To illustrate the idea of overcoming walking-the-plank fear (as a metaphor for writing when it feels like you suck) I mixed public domain stock of a plank, a high building and legs, along with a procedurally generated Matrix "code waterfall" and a vertiginous spiral ganked from a Heinz Bunse photo of a German office lobby.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/22/walking-the-plank/

Finding a tasteful way to illustrate a story about Johnson & Johnson losing a court case after it spent a generation tricking women into dusting their vulvas with asbestos-tainted talcum was a challenge. The tulip (featured in many public domain images) was a natural starting point. I mixed it with Jesse Wagstaff's image of a Burning Man dust-storm and Mike Mozart's shelf-shot of a J&J talcum bottle.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/01/j-and-j-jk/#risible-gambit

"Google's Chatbot Panic" is about Google's long history of being stampeded into doing stupid things because its competitors are doing them. Once it was Yahoo, now it's Bing. Tenniel's Tweedle Dee and Dum were a good starting point. I mixed in one of several Humpty Dumpty editorial cartoon images from 19th century political coverage that I painstakingly cut out with the lasso tool on a long plane-ride. This is one of my favorite Humpties, I just love the little 19th C businessmen trying to keep him from falling! I finished it off with HAL 9000's glowing red eye, my standard 'this is about AI' image, which I got from Cryteria's CC-licensed SVG.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/16/tweedledumber/#easily-spooked

Though I started writing about Luddites in my January, 2022 Locus column, 2023 was the Year of the Luddite, thanks to Brian Merchant's outstanding Blood In the Machine:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/26/enochs-hammer/#thats-fronkonsteen

When it came time to illustrate "Gig Work Is the Opposite of Steampunk," I found a public domain weaver's loft, and put one of Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes in the window. Magpie Killjoy's Steampunk Magazine poster, 'Love the Machine, Hate the Factory,' completed the look.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/12/gig-work-is-the-opposite-of-steampunk/

For the "small, non-profit school" that got used as an excuse to bail out Silicon Valley Bank, I brought back Humpty Dumpty, mixing him with a Hogwartsian castle, a brick wall texture, and an ornate, gilded frame. I love how this one came out. This Humpty was made for the SVB bailout.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/23/small-nonprofit-school/#north-country-school

The RESTRICT Act would have federally banned Tiktok – a proposal that was both technically unworkable and unconstitutional. I found an early 20th century editorial cartoon depicting Uncle Sam behind a fortress wall that was keeping a downtrodden refugee family out of America. I got rid of most of the family, giving the dad a Tiktok logo head, and I put Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes over each cannonmouth. Three Boss Tweed moneybag-head caricatures, adorned with Big Tech logos, rounded it out.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/30/tik-tok-tow/#good-politics-for-electoral-victories

When Flickr took decisive action to purge the copyleft trolls who'd been abusing its platform, I knew I wanted to illustrate this with Lucifer being cast out of heaven, and the very best one of those comes from John Milton, who is conveniently well in the public domain. The Flickr logo suggested a bicolored streaming-light-of-heaven motif that just made it.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/01/pixsynnussija/#pilkunnussija

Old mainframe ads are a great source of stock for a "Computer Says No" image. And Congress being a public building, there are lots of federal (and hence public domain) images of its facade.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/04/cbo-says-no/#wealth-tax

When I wrote about the Clarence Thomas/Harlan Crow bribery scandal, it was easy to find Mr. Kjetil Ree's great image of the Supreme Court building. Thomas being a federal judge, it was easy to find a government photo of his head, but it's impossible to find an image of him in robes at a decent resolution. Luckily, there are tons of other federal judges who've been photographed in their robes! Boss Tweed with the dollar-sign head was a great stand-in for Harlan Crow (no one knows what he looks like anyway). Gilding Thomas's robes was a simple matter of superimposing a gold texture and twiddling with the layers.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/06/clarence-thomas/#harlan-crow

"Gig apps trap reverse centaurs in wage-stealing Skinner boxes" is one of my best titles. This is the post where I introduce the idea of "twiddling" as part of the theory of enshittification, and explain how it relates to "reverse centaurs" – people who assist machines, rather than the other way around. Finding a CC licensed modular synth was much harder than I thought, but I found Stephen Drake's image and stitched it into a mandala. Cutting out the horse's head for the reverse centaur was a lot of work (manes are a huuuuge pain in the ass), but I love how his head sits on the public domain high-viz-wearing warehouse worker's body I cut up (thanks, OSHA!). Seeing as this is an horrors-of-automation story, Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes make an appearance.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/12/algorithmic-wage-discrimination/#fishers-of-men

Rockefeller's greatest contribution to our culture was inspiring many excellent unflattering caricatures. The IWW's many-fists-turning-into-one-fist image made it easy to have the collective might of workers toppling the original robber-baron.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/14/aiming-at-dollars/#not-men

I link to this post explaining how to make good Mastodon threads at least once a week, so it's a good thing the graphic turned out so well. Close-cropping the threads from a public domain yarn tangle worked out great. Eugen Rochko's Mastodon logo was and is the only Affero-licensed image ever to appear on Pluralistic.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/16/how-to-make-the-least-worst-mastodon-threads/

I spent hours on the sofa one night painstakingly cutting up and reassembling the cover art from a science fiction pulp. I have a folder full of color-corrected, high-rez scans from an 18th century anatomy textbook, and the cross-section head-and-brain is the best of the lot.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/04/analytical-democratic-theory/#epistocratic-delusions

Those old French anatomical drawings are an endless source of delight to me. Take one cross-sectioned noggin, mix in an old PC mainboard, and a vector art illo of a virtuous cycle with some of Cryteria's HAL9000 eyes and you've got a great illustration of Google's brain-worms.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/14/googles-ai-hype-circle/

Ireland's privacy regulator is but a plaything in Big Tech's hand, but it's goddamned hard to find an open-access Garda car. I manually dressed some public domain car art in Garda livery, painstakingly tracing it over the panels. The (public domain) baby's knit cap really hides the seams from replacing the baby's head with HAL9000's eye.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/15/finnegans-snooze/#dirty-old-town

Naked-guy-in-a-barrel bankruptcy images feel like something you can find in an old Collier's or Punch, but I came up snake-eyes and ended up frankensteining a naked body into a barrel for the George Washington crest on the Washington State flag. It came out well, but harvesting the body parts from old muscle-beach photos left George with some really big guns. I tried five different pairs of suspenders here before just drawing in black polyhedrons with little grey dots for rivets.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/03/when-the-tide-goes-out/#passive-income

Illustrating Amazon's dominance over the EU coulda been easy – just stick Amazon 'A's in place of the yellow stars that form a ring on the EU flag. So I decided to riff on Plutarch's Alexander, out of lands to conquer. Rama's statue legs were nice and high-rez. I had my choice of public domain ruin images, though it was harder thank expected to find a good Amazon box as a plinth for those broken-off legs.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/14/flywheel-shyster-and-flywheel/#unfulfilled-by-amazon

God help me, I could not stop playing with this image of a demon-haunted IoT car. All those reflections! The knife sticking out of the steering wheel, the multiple Munsch 'Scream'ers, etc etc. The more I patchked with it, the better it got, though. This one's a banger.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

To depict a "data-driven dictatorship," I ganked elements of heavily beribboned Russian military dress uniforms, replacing the head with HAL9000's eye. I turned the foreground into the crowds from the Nuremberg rallies and filled the sky with Matrix code waterfall.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/26/dictators-dilemma/#garbage-in-garbage-out-garbage-back-in

The best thing about analogizing DRM to demonic possession is the wealth of medieval artwork to choose from . This one comes from the 11th century 'Compendium rarissimum totius Artis Magicae sistematisatae per celeberrimos Artis hujus Magistros.' I mixed in the shiny red Tesla (working those reflections!), and a Tesla charger to make my point.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/edison-not-tesla/#demon-haunted-world

Yet more dividends from those old French anatomical plates: a flayed skull, a detached jaw, a quack electronic gadget, a Wachowski code waterfall and some HAL 9000 eyes and you've got a truly unsettling image of machine-compelled speech.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/02/self-incrimination/#wei-bai-bai

I had no idea this would work out so well, but daaaamn, crossfading between a Wachowski code waterfall and a motherboard behind a roiling thundercloud is dank af.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/03/there-is-no-cloud/#only-other-peoples-computers

Of all the turkeys-voting-for-Christmas self-owns conservative culture warriors fall for, few can rival the "banning junk fees is woke" hustle. Slap a US-flag Punisher logo on and old-time card imprinter, add a GOP logo to a red credit-card blank, and then throw in a rustic barn countertop and you've got a junk-fee extracter fit for the Cracker Barrel.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/04/owning-the-libs/#swiper-no-swiping

Putting the Verizon logo on the Hinderberg was an obvious gambit (even if I did have to mess with the flames a lot), but the cutout of Paul Marcarelli as the 'can you hear me now?' guy, desaturated and contrast-matched, made it sing.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/10/smartest-guys-in-the-room/#can-you-hear-me-now

Note to self: Tux the Penguin is really easy to source in free/open formats! He looks great with HAL9000 eyes.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/18/openwashing/#you-keep-using-that-word-i-do-not-think-it-means-what-you-think-it-means

Rockwell's self-portrait image is a classic; that made it a natural for a HAL9000-style remix about AI art. I put a bunch of time into chopping and remixing Rockwell's signature to give it that AI look, and added as many fingers as would fit on each hand.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/20/everything-made-by-an-ai-is-in-the-public-domain/

(Images: Heinz Bunse, West Midlands Police, Christopher Sessums, CC BY-SA 2.0; Mike Mozart, Jesse Wagstaff, Stephen Drake, Steve Jurvetson, syvwlch, Doc Searls, https://www.flickr.com/photos/mosaic36/14231376315, Chatham House, CC BY 2.0; Cryteria, CC BY 3.0; Mr. Kjetil Ree, Trevor Parscal, Rama, “Soldiers of Russia” Cultural Center, Russian Airborne Troops Press Service, CC BY-SA 3.0; Raimond Spekking, CC BY 4.0; Drahtlos, CC BY-SA 4.0; Eugen Rochko, Affero; modified)

#pluralistic #illustration #collage #fair use #creative commons #stock art #blogging #art #practice makes perfect

236 notes · View notes

rjzimmerman · 6 months ago

Text

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

The defense lawyer minced no words as he addressed a room full of plastic-industry executives. Prepare for a wave of lawsuits with potentially “astronomical” costs. Speaking at a conference earlier this year, the lawyer, Brian Gross, said the coming litigation could “dwarf anything related to asbestos,” one of the most sprawling corporate-liability battles in United States history.

Mr. Gross was referring to PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that have emerged as one of the major pollution issues of our time. Used for decades in countless everyday objects — cosmetics, takeout containers, frying pans — PFAS have been linked to serious health risks including cancer. Last month the federal government said several types of PFAS must be removed from the drinking water of hundreds of millions of Americans.

“Do what you can, while you can, before you get sued,” Mr. Gross said at the February session, according to a recording of the event made by a participant and examined by The New York Times. “Review any marketing materials or other communications that you’ve had with your customers, with your suppliers, see whether there’s anything in those documents that’s problematic to your defense,” he said. “Weed out people and find the right witness to represent your company.”

A wide swath of the chemicals, plastics and related industries are gearing up to fight a surge in litigation related to PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of nearly 15,000 versatile synthetic chemicals linked to serious health problems.

PFAS chemicals have been detected almost everywhere scientists have looked: in drinking water, in rain falling over the Great Lakes, even in Antarctic snow. They are thought to be present in the blood of nearly every American. Researchers have linked exposure to PFAS to testicular and kidney cancers, developmental delays in children, decreased fertility, liver damage and thyroid disease. The man-made chemicals are so long-lasting that scientists haven’t been able to reliably identify how long it might take for them to break down.

PFAS-related lawsuits have already targeted manufacturers in the United States, including DuPont, its spinoff Chemours, and 3M. Last year, 3M agreed to pay at least $10 billion to water utilities across the United States that had sought compensation for cleanup costs. Thirty state attorneys general have also sued PFAS manufacturers, accusing the manufacturers of widespread contamination.

#plastics #plastics litigation #forever chemicals #PFAS #per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

29 notes · View notes

thejunkexpressid · 3 months ago

Text

How Junk Removal Companies Work for Commercial Sites?

Managing waste and debris in commercial settings presents multifaceted challenges, particularly due to the scale and complexity of operations involved. From outdated office equipment to extensive construction debris, commercial establishments generate vast amounts of waste that require methodical and strategic removal. Junk removal companies specialize in offering tailored waste disposal solutions, ensuring that commercial spaces are kept uncluttered and operational. This article explores the intricacies of how junk removal in Boise companies function in commercial environments and the pivotal role they play in business operations.

Site Assessment and Strategic Planning: The initial step undertaken by junk removal companies is a thorough assessment of the commercial site. A team visits the property to evaluate the volume and nature of the waste materials. This may include old office furniture, electronics, or construction debris. By analyzing the scope of the job, they can formulate a comprehensive removal plan. This assessment allows them to determine the required resources, such as time, workforce, and specialized equipment, ensuring the project is carried out efficiently.

Coordinated Scheduling for Removal: Following the assessment, junk removal companies coordinate with the business to schedule the removal process at a convenient time. For commercial enterprises, minimizing disruption is paramount. Junk removal services often provide flexible scheduling options, allowing the removal to take place after business hours, during weekends, or at other non-disruptive times. This approach ensures the smooth continuation of business operations while the cleanup takes place.

Eco-Conscious Sorting, Recycling, and Disposal: In keeping with modern environmental standards, junk removal companies prioritize sustainability throughout the waste management process. After the debris is collected, it is meticulously sorted to identify materials suitable for recycling, donation, or repurposing. Electronics, metals, and other recyclables are separated, while usable items like furniture may be donated to charitable organizations. This environmentally responsible approach not only reduces landfill waste but also aligns with broader corporate sustainability initiatives.

Professional and Safe Removal Process: When the junk removal team arrives on-site, they are equipped with the appropriate tools and vehicles to execute the job efficiently. The team handles a wide array of waste, including small items, large machinery, and heavy equipment. Their trained professionals are adept at safely removing items without causing damage to the property or interfering with day-to-day operations. Safety is a priority, especially in environments like industrial and construction sites where hazardous materials may be present.

Specialized Disposal of Hazardous Materials: For commercial sites dealing with hazardous substances such as chemicals, asbestos, or other dangerous materials, junk removal in Boise companies adhere to strict regulations. They follow industry standards and local laws for the safe handling and disposal of these materials. This ensures that hazardous waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner, minimizing risks to public health and the environment. Industries like manufacturing and construction frequently benefit from these specialized disposal services.

Thorough Post-Removal Cleanup: Upon completion of the debris removal, junk removal companies conduct a thorough post-removal cleanup to restore the site to a pristine condition. This attention to detail ensures that the commercial space is free from any residual waste or clutter, facilitating an immediate return to normal operations. Businesses benefit from a clean, debris-free environment that enhances productivity and fosters a professional atmosphere.

#Junk Removal Boise

2 notes · View notes

friendly-books · 10 months ago

Text

Changes live blogs

Changes live blog

This book took me a month to finish. Freaking out and needing to lay down and cry didn’t help. I have THOUGHTS and OPINIONS about Mab and the winter knight mantel.

Content warning: Sexual assault

So it begins

This book is going to change everything.

I can’t wait for dad Harry.

“They’ve taken our daughter.” pg. 1 What a way to open a book.

Harry’s living out every parent's worst nightmare.

“And she never told me.” pg. 4 Why didn’t Susan tell Harry they had a daughter.

“I’d never really forgiven myself for what happened to her.” pg. 5 It’s not your fault.

“I looked at him, shocked…he’d used grammar.” pg. 8 Ha

Wow Mac is really giving good advice.

“It seems like something you should have told me.” pg. 15 Yep why didn’t Susan tell Harry?

“How many people have gotten killed around you, Harry?” pg. 16 That’s not fair to Harry.

Wow, Harry really doesn’t like Martin.

“Duke Ortega’s widow. She’s sworn revenge on me” pg. 32 But Harry didn’t kill Ortega, that was Ebenezer?

The Red Court really used Harry’s office. Ouch poor Harry.

“Fuck subtle” pg. 35 Ha and so cool.

“It saw me round the corner, and its goggling black eyes seemed to get even larger. It let out a scream of…

Terror

It screamed in fear.” pg. 38 Yep Harry is scary

Did…did the vampire run through the wall???

“Fearless master of the witty dialogue, that’s me.” pg. 39 Ha

“Those jerks,” I said, “They told us it was they were cleaning out asbestos!” pg. 42 Ha

They put bombs in Harry’s office really?

Oh no Harry’s office is destroyed :(

Why didn’t the Red Court just kill Harry? Click boom no more wizard. Why kidnap his daughter? They clearly must need them both to be alive for whatever they’re doing.

Why would you go to Edinburgh? I doubt the White Council will help.

Merlin created the White Council and created the Laws? Huh

“It must have come out more threatening then I thought it had, because half a dozen White Council hard cases stopped walking. They traded looks with one another.” pg. 86 Scary Harry

“I was here when Morgan drank himself into a stupor after your trail, Harry.” pg. 93 Interesting

“The human population has expanded with unthinkable speed in the last two centuries. More and more wizard-level talents are being born. Every time one of them goes warlock, we have less and less time to confront the problem-and nowhere near enough to help.”

“Prevention.” I said. “Find them early and they don’t go warlock.”

“Resources.” She sighed. We’d had this talk before. “If the entire Council did nothing but Warden duty, full-time, it still wouldn’t be enough.”

“Education,” I said “Use Paranet. Get the smaller talents to help identify the gifted.” pg. 95 I’m glad Harry is bringing up points that I had. They’re good points.

The Merlin’s actual name is Arthur? Really? As in King Arthur and Merlin from Camelot? Ironic?

“He is an irritating, arrogant, and formidable man.” pg. 100 Ha

“Langtry looked at me patiently. Then he looked at Luccio” pg. 100 Does the Merlin not know about Jamestown? What rock has he been living under?

“We’re going to exterminate them.” pg. 102 Well Harry’s going to, not you

“I am not asking you. I am ordering you to desist, warden Dresden.” pg. 103 That’s not going to go over well. Harry doesn’t really take orders. He (Merlin) should really take a lesson or two from Ventinari use reverse psychology

“No one life, innocent or not, is worth more than that.”

“You’ve got it backwards, you know” I told him quietly. “No life is worth more than that? No, Merlin. No life is worth less.” pg. 103 I agree with Harry. Merlin’s in the wrong. You let this child die and it’s a slippery slope. If you let this child die then what’s to say you would let other children die.

How many people knew about Maggie? Where was she kidnapped? How did she get kidnapped? When was she kidnapped? Did the mortal police get involved? I have questions.

“Susan looked from Molly to me and seemed to come to some kind of conclusion.” pg. 108 What conclusion?

“A little less than twenty-four hours before I called you.” pg. 110 The first forty-eight are the most important in kidnapping cases.

“Your aura is all screwed up. It’s like looking at an exploding paint factory. Crazy people get that way.” pg. 117 Harry isn’t doing well.

“Human sacrifice” pg. 118 Oh no

Hmm I’m not convinced with Harry’s guess work. If the Red Court wanted to destroy the Council with human sacrifice they could have used anyone right? Why Harry’s kid unless they were targeting Harry. Why would they target Harry? I know he started the war but he hasn’t really been fighting a lot of Red Court vampires lately. The last one was the Duke but that was a duel they both agreed to and Harry didn’t even kill him that was Ebenezar. It’s not like a spell could target the same people in an organization there’d have to be some connection between them. But that brings into question why not blow him up with his rigged office? All we (Harry and I) know is that the Red Court is using dark magic fueled by the human sacrifice of his daughter. Hmmm

We’re missing clues

I need a bulletin board and red string

“I am going to throw Rudolph halfway across Lake Michigan and see if the slimy little turd floats.” pg. 122 Throw him do it!

I’m glad Murphy sees that there’s more to this.

“I will make Maggie safe. If the world burns because of that, then so be it. Me and the kid will some marshmallows.” pg. 123 Papa wolf Harry

“I rubbed my thumb against the spot between my eyebrows where a headache was forming.” pg. 125 Hi Bonnie

“I emerged into the NeverNever, my shields at full strength, my blasting rod ready to unleash hell, as the invisible sphere of force around me slammed into-a rather lovely bed of daisies.” pg. 136 Ha

“and at least two cases of arson” pg. 155 Only two? I thought it’d be more.

“It wasn’t my fault.” I said “The building thing” pg. 155 Ha and yes it was if a buildings on fire and you’re anywhere near the building it’s usually your fault Harry.

“Mouse let out a sudden, deep growl.” pg. 170 Oh no trouble

Lea! It’s been so long since I’ve last seen you

“(Completely ignoring the fact that it was neither meant to spin nor mounted on any kind mechanism that would make such a thing possible)” pg. 172 Ha

“Martin plummeted from the ceiling and landed on the threadbare throw rug covering the concrete floor. Nobody was there to catch him, which was awful. Just awful.” pg. 176 Ha

So Lea has been protecting Harry. That’s nice of her I think

“I trailed off as I looked up at Martin and Susan staring at me, their jaws kind of hanging limply.” pg. 189 Ha

“Maybe you settled it, but she didn’t. She’s in love” pg. 193 I thought we were past this.

Oh no, the poor Mendozas family :(

How did the Red Court find out about Maggie and the Mendozas family? Did someone betray the group? I don’t see how they could find out about her on their own.

“Martin drew a short pistol” pg. 201 Martin No Bad Don’t you dare shoot that gun

Nice try Carlos you’ve done got yourself jailed

Ivy! I hope she’s doing well

Marcone!!! Yes let’s go! Marcone come help Harry there’s a child in danger

“Ebenezar sighed, and his tired face looked more tired. “What you’re doing is good and right. But it ain’t smart. And it’s a lesson you haven’t learned yet.

“What lesson?”

“Sometimes Hoss,” he said very gently, “you lose. Sometimes the darkness takes everyone. Sometimes the monster escapes to kill again another day.” He shook his head and looked down. “Sometimes, Hoss, the innocent little ones are murdered. And there’s not one goddamned thing you can do about it.”

“Leave her to die” I snarled. “That’s what you want me to do?”

“I want you to help save millions or billions of little girls, boy,” he said, his own voice dropping into a hard growl. “Not throw them away for the sake of one.” pg. 232 No that’s just as bad as Merlin. There’s a child in danger now. So Harry is going to save her.

“I ignored Marcone upon coming in and got in line.” pg. 241 Ha

“Dresden,” Marcone said “this is aggravating. Even for you”

“Yeah” pg. 242 Ha

“Marcone’s eyes narrowed. “Who is she to you, Dresden?”

“My client’s child,” pg. 244 Dose Marcone know the actual answer? Why doesn’t Harry tell Marcone? It’s not like Marcone will use the information against Harry.

“Marcone stared at me with half-lidded eyes and said, “Eek” pg. 245 Ha

“And…I believe I have no objections to contributing against any organization which would victimize children so.” pg. 246 Yep as you should

“I’m trying to be diplomatic. The wisdom of my ass is well-known. If I didn’t lip off to them, after shooting my mouth off to faerie queens and Vampires Courts-plural, Courts-demigods and demon lords, they might get their feelings hurt.” pg. 254 Ha

Bloodline curse is scary

Are the Red Court trying to annihilate the White Court? Do they know about Thomas? Does Harry have more secret family members?!?

“You defy beings that should cow you into silence. You resist forces that are inevitable for no more reason than that you believe they should be resisted. You bow your head to neither demons nor angels, and you put yourself in harms way to defend those who cannot defend themselves.” He nodded slowly. “I think I like you.” pg. 261 So cool

Odin likes and respects Harry.

“Next to the cup of tea was a plate was a little plate with two cake doughnuts on it, both of them covered in thick white frosting and unmarred by sprinkles or any other edible decorations.” pg. 265 The legend of Harry grows. I think this is a call back to the doughnuts with Eldest Gruff.

“Martin was alphabetizing my bookshelves. They used to kill men for sacrilege like that.” pg. 267 Ha

“But for that to be true,” I said, “I would have to not be the center of the universe.” pg. 270 Ha

Whoa that kiss. How about everyone calm down and take a breath.

“Study with a wizard has made you manipulate.”

She sniffed a couple of times, and I opened my eyes to see her crying silently.

“N-no” she said “That was my mom.” pg. 273 Poor Molly

Harry should listen to Mouse

“She stared at me for a second and then rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Harry. Really? Are you really that clueless?” pg. 286 Yes he is and apparently so am I because I have no idea what Susan’s talking about.

Thomas I hope he’s doing ok. He’s taking the “you’re an uncle” news well I think.

The Eebs are scary and maybe insane

“She slid her body on top of mine, straddling my hips with hers.” pg. 313 Bad this is bad I don’t like this at all

“I’ve been abused by Red Court vampires in the past. I still have nightmares sometimes.” pg. 315 Oh no poor Harry more bad implications

So cool that Harry used his necklace.

“The cars remains.” pg. 321 Oh no the Blue Beetle :( the poor car

Molly please listen to Thomas and don’t touch him.

Oh no

Good boy Mouse stopping Thomas

Oh no Harry’s apartment. First his office then the Blue Beetle and now his apartment :(

“The small of my back hit the brick planter, and I achieved a new personal best for pain.” pg. 343 Oh no that’s got to hurt. Are we sure he hasn’t broken his back?

Sanya! Help has arrived

“I can’t feel my legs.” pg. 346 OH NO OH NO OH NO AAAHHHH!!!! This isn’t good :( He’s paralyzed from the waist down. How is he going to fix this?

How am I only half way through the book so much has happened ahhh

Harry go to the hospital!

Maybe Uriel can help?

“You tried to send me a bill.” pg. 358 What

“Whatever you do, do it for love. If you keep to that your path will never wander so far from the light that you can never return.” pg. 360 Good advice but Harry could use some physical help.

“Mab!” I called, my voice steady “Mab, Queen of Air and Darkness, Queen of the Winter Count! Mab, I bid you come forth!” pg. 360 This is how Harry becomes the Winter Knight?

Oh no the stone table. Lea warned Harry about it.

“I know I can’t bluff you. I won’t suicide. I’m here to deal in good faith.” pg. 371 Well about that

Poor Slate

I stand by the fact that Harry mercy kills Slate.

“I remembered when Bicanca and her minions had kept me prisoner. I remembered the things they had done to me.” pg. 378 More bad implications. Therapy please

“You may indulge yourself.” pg. 381 Yep that’s a scary thought of Lea indulging in herself.

“What we did wasn’t sex, regardless of what it appeared to be.” pg. 384 NOPE Mab is thousands of years older than Harry and she’ll be his boss and she has all the power right now. The power dynamic is bad. The age gap is bad. God/Divine being and mortal is bad. It’s all bad. This is dubious consent or questionable consent at best. I don’t like any of this. Why would Jim do this to Harry? This feels like sexual exploitation to me.

I wonder why Lea didn’t want Harry to be the Winter Knight? With the whole don’t let Mab bring you here to the stone table.

Butters! Good that he was prepared

“Stevie D looked like a man who suddenly realizes he is sitting near a hornet’s nest and is trying desperately not to run away screaming.” pg. 401 Ha

“Half of what I hear about you says Marcone wants you dead, that you hate his guts. The other half says you work for him sometimes. Kill people he thinks need killing.” pg. 401 Both can technically true. Depending on how you look at it. With Harry killing the man who killed one of Marcone’s men in Deadbeat. Harry kept proclaiming that he’s going to kill Marcone one of these days.

Why would Susan hire a gunman to kill Harry?

Toot-toot!

“You are a drug dealer. To tiny faeries. Shame.” pg. 412 Ha

“Because every creature in Faerie got to see the ceremony.” pg. 413 That’s horrifying

“You”-he scrunched up his nose, digging in his memory-“tapped that ass. Presumably, it was a phat.” pg. 414 Is this supposed to be funny? Because I don’t find it funny. Am I the weird one for thinking this shouldn’t be a joke. I don’t find it funny as to how I read the Mab and Harry interaction. Please tell me if I am reading too much into this. I feel like I’m losing my mind.

“Dammit, Dresden. Can’t you ever do anything quietly and in an orderly fashion?” pg. 426 Ha and no Harry can’t do anything quietly and orderly ever. I don’t think he’s ever been either of those things in his life.

Rudolph is the worst

“And the lights went out.” pg. 436 Oh no

Oh no the Erkling he said he would kill Harry

Oh good job Harry on the guest comment

Cool fight a little worried about the Winter Mantel showing

Lea!

“Wow,” Susan said. “You…you really do have a fairy godmother.” pg. 498 Ha

“Cortes wore armor in just this style,” pg. 499 Ha and no one expects the Spanish Inquisition

“Then you know that Sam was the true hero of the tale,” Sanya said. “That he faced far greater and more terrible foes than he ever should have had to face, and did so with courage. That he went alone into a black and terrible land, stormed a dark fortress, and resisted the most terrible temptation of his world for the sake of the friend he loved. That in the end, it was his actions and his actions alone that made it possible for light to overcome darkness.” pg. 521 Sanya is correct that Harry is like Sam.

As someone whose only interaction with the Lord of the Rings is the same way I know Discworld is through Tumblr and fanfic I think the comparisons are accurate.

Thomas/Legolas: Both are the prettiest members

Mouse/Gimli: Shortest and hairiest

Sanya/Aragron: Both have a magic sword and come from a line of kings

Lea/Gandalf: Powerfully magical and older the the rest of the party

Murph/Merry: Short

Molly/Pippin: Youngest member

Martin/Boromir: Sense of duty (Didn’t Boromir betray the group? And then die?)

Susan/Frollo: Both carry a terrible burden/temptation with the ring or the vampirism

Harry/Sam: Extremely loyal and lots of courage

Tenth member/Gollum?/Bonnie?: Secret 10th member maybe

Oh no Ebenezar is calling

Well that was a turn around from Ebenezar

“She had turned us-all of us, except for Mouse-into great, gaunt, long-legged hounds.” pg. 541 Oh no

“And Mouse said, in what sounded to me like perfectly understandable English, “That bitch.” pg. 541 Ha

“Restore them before I rip your ass off. Literally rip it off.” pg. 543 Ha

“I live with a wizard. I cheat.” pg. 543 Ha

“Then she said, “How did Dresden ever win you?”

“He didn’t” Mouse said. “I won him.” pg. 544 My heart Mouse is the best dog. I love him so much yes Mouse won Harry. Mouse is just as sarcastic as Harry.

“He was kinda little.” pg. 571 Ha

“Radical” I said. “Wicked cool.”

Alamaya eyed me for a moment. Then she said something to the Red King, apparently conveying the fact that I had obnoxiously used phrasing that was difficult to translate.” pg. 573 Ha

Why would the Red King need a translator? Everyone else in the Red Court seems to know and speak English.

“A big goofy magic nerd!” Bob said.” pg. 581 Ha and that’s an accurate description of Harry

“I nodded “So…what if we used a different bolt?”

“The same thing would happen” Bob said “The only difference would be who would be on the receiving end.” pg. 582 Is this how Harry ends the Red court? With the bloodline curse? But then who would he kill? Would it need to be a fully turned vampire? Or could it be a half turned vampire like Martin or Susan?

Poor Maggie :(

“Maybe you know these monsters, Martin,” Murph said quietly. “But I know the guy who stops them. And if they don’t return the girl, we’ll make them regret it.” pg. 584 Yep

“I have a problem with buildings.” pg. 587 Ha

Harry got hit by lightning cool. I wonder if he’ll get a cool lightning scar. Lichtensteinburg figures I believe it’s called.

“No. She couldn’t be trying the same thing twice.” pg. 596 What that’s stupid. That mistake is going to cost her.

“Cattle. You are c-cattle”

“Moo” I said” pg. 599 Ha and so cool

“And then he smiled and said in perfect English, “I think not.” pg. 599 Oh no he knows English

I was right to question the translator

“Bite. Me. Asshole.” pg. 603 Ha

“False gods!” she cried her blue eyes blazing as she stared the Red King and the Lords of the Outer Night. “Pretenders! Usurpers of truth! Destroyers of faith, of families, of lives, children! For your crimes against the Mayans, against the peoples of this world now you will answer! Your time has come! Face judgment almighty!” pg. 604 So cool!

The Gray Council! The Cavalry has arrived!

“Remember Archangel” pg. 610 Yes Ebenezar this is for Simon

I will never not like that Harry’s staff is modeled after Ebenezar’s

Sad that it got destroyed:(

The Blackstaff :0 so cool and so scary

“Fuego!” shouted someone on the walls-and for a second I was hit with a little sting of insult. Someone was shouting “Fuego” and it wasn’t me.” pg. 612 Ha

Blackstaff is terrifying

“Tiny” Sanya said, letting out a belly laugh as he began to move. “But fierce!” pg. 621 Ha

“You’re all insane!” pg. 622 Ha

Martin’s a traitor?!? I don’t believe it. Something is up, why would Martin do all this if he’s a traitor?

Harry is using the mind reader spell that he and Elaine used!

HOLY COW! Ebenezar is Harry’s grandfather?!? WHAT? WHAT! That explains so much. That’s the missing clue. Arianna wants to kill Ebenezar for him killing her husband. How did she know Harry and Ebenezar were related?

“One day I hope God will forgive for giving birth to the idea that came next.

Because I never will” pg. 641 Oh no what happens next?

Martian told them about Maggie?!? Oh no

Triple agent Martin?!?

“Martin died

Susan turned” pg. 644 Oh no

“And I…

I used the knife

I saved a child

I won a war

God forgive me.” pg. 649 SOBBING I’m sobbing I need to go lay down and cry.

Harry just commented genocide

Oh no the power vacuum

Oh no the psych attack/bad dreams

“I don’t remember what happened when the ritual went off. There’s a blank spot in my head about two minutes wide. I had no desire whatsoever to find out what was there.” pg. 652 Interesting could be disassociated or it could be Bonnie perhaps?

“He nodded. “Reckon so. Hell of a hard thing to do.”

“It wasn’t hard,” I said quietly. “Just cold”

“Oh Hoss,” he said. There was more compassion in the words than you’d think would fit there.” pg. 656 Sobbing

“After all, your quest must be completed, my child, my godmother said. “Maggie must be made safe. And while I found the swim bracing, I thought it might not be safe for her. I’m given to understand that the little ones are quite fragile.” pg. 664 Aw Lea is being nice

“A direct promise from one of the Sidhe is a rare thing. A kindness is even rarer.

But maybe I shouldn’t be surprised; Even in Winter, the cold isn’t always bitter, and not every day is cruel.” pg. 664 Aw :)

“I bent over it and kissed the back of her fingers, one for each.” pg. 675 Aw

Harry/Murphy moment!

“My foot slipped a little, nearly lost my balance, just as something smacked into the wall of the cabin behind me, a sharp popping sound, like a rock thrown against a wooden fence. I turned, and it felt slow for some reason. I looked at the Water Beetle’s cabin wall, bulkhead, whatever, behind me and thought, Who splattered red paint on my boat?” pg. 676 Oh no

“And then my left leg started to fold all on its own.” pg. 676 Oh no

“Then I fell off the back of the boat, and into the icy water of Lake Michigan.” pg. 676 Oh no

“It got dark

It got quiet

And I realized that I was all by myself. “Die alone” whispered a bitter, hateful old man’s voice.” pg. 676 Oh no

“Hush, now,” whispered a women’s voice. It sounded familiar.” pg. 676 Mab? Margret?

“Typical, I thought. “Even you’re dead, it doesn’t get any easier.” pg. 677 No it doesn’t especially for Harry

“The light rushed closer, and I distinctly heard the horn and the engine of an oncoming train.” pg. 677 WHAT?!? That’s how it ends?! Harry’s died! He was shot! Why am I surprised? I knew this.

Final thoughts

Oh boy, this book. This book! It really lives up to its name. Harry loses everything (house, office, car) Poor Maggie :( Harry is really scary in this book. He’s gaining a reputation with how the vampire ran away from him. I was shocked, shocked I say when Mac started speaking full sentences. It was really good advice. No Bi Harry moments in this book but Harry did have a lot going on. I like that Harry brings up points I made in that the White Council is slow on the uptake and needs to change how they do things. I disagree with Merlin and Ebenezar about what seems like them using a million is a statistic and the trolly problem which is in my opinion stupid. There’s a child in danger and she matters even if she wasn’t Harry’s daughter she’s in trouble and she matters and is worth saving. Is the conclusion that Susan came to that Molly still loves Harry? Despite all my “oh nos” I found this book. It helped with the tension. I always love when Marcone is in a book. I love their banter. I can’t believe he agreed to meet up at a Burger King. I love that it shows Marcone’s decent side with kids. I love that Odin seems to like and respect Harry. The Eebs are terrifying and I didn’t like the part with Esmerelda. I need all vampiress (is that what you call female vampires?) to not come within 20 feet of Harry. He hasn’t had a great time with any of them. First Bianca, then Mavra, then Lara, and now Esmerelda. I didn’t like the Winter Mantel or how Harry got it. I liked the fights in this book. I loved the bit where everyone got turned into dogs. Murphy’s speech was good. I know it was coming but Harry just commented genocide. I know that the Red Court must have been shown to be chaotic evil but what about the fellowship? Are they all going to die as well? Then Harry just died what? I’m still not over it.

Mab Harry and the Winter Mantel

Oh boy this thing. I don’t like any of it. I stand by my statement that Harry mercy killed Slate till the end of time. Slate was tortured for years. Harry put him out of his misery. I hate what happened with Mab and Harry. I consider it rape. Mab had all the power. She had something Harry needs. Harry wouldn’t have had sex with Mab otherwise. He can’t really say no in this situation. This I feel like could be considered sexual exploitation and that’s rape. I’m horrified by the fact that every fae saw it. Mab is now Harry’s boss. That’s terrifying. What’s to stopping her from demanding sex from him in the future? And the “joke?” that Sayna made. I think it’s supposed to be a joke but given how I read Mab and Harry I didn’t find it funny. Did y’all find it funny? Can Jim please either address all these implications? At this point it feels gratuitous with all the trauma Harry gets heaped onto sexual or otherwise. I

Maggie and Ebenezer

Poor Maggie. She’s now an orphan. Where is she going to stay now that Harry is dead? Carpenters? Ebenezar? On the topic of Ebenezar what do you think you’re doing? You could have told Harry at any point why wait till now? Don’t you remember the last time you kept a major secret about yourself? Harry didn’t talk to you for years. So if I’ve got the family tree down it’s Ebenezar the grandfather->Margaret ->Thomas and Harry-> Maggie. Oh no he doesn’t know about Thomas. Oh no there’s no way that information is going to come out in a nice or calm way oh no.

I’m going to read some short stories before moving on to the next book. Not sure how I’m going to format it.

#the dresden files #Changes #battle ground spoilers #tw sa

6 notes · View notes

raisindave · 6 months ago

Text

[Chapter 4] Seeing the World Through Ballistic-Tinted Glasses

A morning workout would help after an essentially sleepless night spent alone with your thoughts. No, probably not. Either way, it was a good use of your time. Despite what Ghost said the other day after the frantic scramble to get you to this compound, this has been very much like a vacation. The running shorts you wore as makeshift pyjamas were ideally suited to live up to their original purpose.

Seeing Ghost not in full body armour and armed with at least two firearms was like seeing a shark on a mountaintop. Impressively, he kept the balaclava on during his pullup reps, although you couldn’t help but laugh considering the concept. Whether he noticed you come in or not, he likely wouldn’t visibly regard you.

Somehow, he managed to get his hands on some headphones, something you hadn’t considered bringing before you left. Stretching your hamstrings, then your calves, the room's silence offered a unique opportunity: what kind of music does Ghost listen to? Nosiness took the better of you as you halted your breath to gauge the sound from your incredibly intimidating gym partner. At first, it almost sounded like white noise- almost like distant TV static. He looks the part; it’s like something straight out of Poltergeist. No, a closer listen left you certain that it was heavy metal, the kind of metal where you can hardly identify lyrics from the singer’s screaming. The guy who wears a skull on his face 24/7 listens to heavy metal music—a surprise to absolutely no one.

There’s something eerie about being this close to him, like his proximity being an inherent threat. He’s technically your ally, on paper at least; why is he so unnerving? For the time being, the treadmill was your main interest. The treadmill was gravity-powered and looked like it was from sometime in the 80s by the orange racing stripes on the iron handlebars. Your thighs and calves still burned from your excursion yesterday, but a strong will, or perhaps stubbornness, forced you to refuse to appear weak.

The walls of the makeshift gym were a nauseating rich yellow, which you got a delightful view of from the angle of the treadmill. At least there was a tall, slender mirror to break up the monotony of the wall, though its reflection offered a consistent startling reminder of the danger in your peripheral. Steady thumps of your footsteps let your mind wander elsewhere, landing on old friends, ex-boyfriends, and the welfare of your goldfish back home.

Heavy, rhythmic grunts behind you, followed by a low, deep sigh- the signature of a finished rep, which the clunk of a weight confirmed. This would be an excellent time to finish your run and try to break the ice with this sentinel, and maybe he’s just playing a character. Whenever you encounter a tough guy act, in your experience, it always takes a ten-minute conversation to realize that they’re all bark and puffed feathers. On second thought, that sounds far too terrifying. You survived his proximity only by his grace. Let’s not push your limits.

The sudden surge of adrenaline building in your system as you considered civil chatter needed release, and you broke into a sprint on a whim. Picking up your pace, you felt your ponytail slap the back of your neck. Somehow, the release of energy felt incredible, like it was exactly the kind of distraction your body was asking for.

This pattern continued for an indeterminate amount of reps; Ghost would finish his rep, you would sprint to redirect your nerves, his next rep would begin, and your hackles lower. An uneasy alliance, or maybe he couldn’t care less about your existence. Most likely, the latter. At least you managed to break through Gaz and Soap, including you in chatter and Soap’s sarcastic knock on your bedroom door wishing you ‘nighty night, don’t let the asbestos bite.’ The memory flashes a thought of how many years this indoor run might be stripping from your life in this unregulated facility.

One breathy groan from the being behind you clicked your nerves into another sprint, hot beads of sweat pooling on the back of your neck. Suddenly, an unbelievable opportunity presented itself. In the reflection of the mirror you faced, you saw Ghost walk out of view and return to his bench – a perfect side-on view—one of the lukewarm water bottles in hand. You watched the muscles in his wrist flex as he opened the bottle and lifted it to his mask. With glued eyes, you watched as he lifted the bottom fabric piece of his mask about two inches over his chin. Eyes flicker away. Something feels wrong about looking like this is some test and you’ll be executed for witnessing some forbidden knowledge. Eyes return to him again, catching a glimpse of his chin, the curve of his jaw, a pale neck. Something in you relaxed slightly; like subconsciously, your body recognized him as a human rather than a somewhat sentient killing machine. He had some interesting scars along his jawline, white puncture marks about an inch apart. His dark irises flashed to you, and your gaze averted immediately. Maybe he didn’t see your gaze, and perhaps you were quick enough.

“Is there a problem, Corporal?”

Icy cold shock hit you, compounded by the cool air on your slick skin. Racing a million-miles-a-minute, your mind is wracked for an answer to his question. He’s expecting a response. Stop running. No, keep running; everything is normal. You saw the forbidden knowledge. You tasted the apple. This is the consequence of your sin.

“No, sir,” you responded with surprising confidence, considering your mental anguish.

Sir? Is he sir now? What’s wrong with me?

Another instinct to sprint washed over you, but this time, something said that this rep wouldn’t be on the treadmill. You were planting your feet on either side of the track, letting the g-force of the lack of motion wash you, steadying for the next hurdle – leaving. That unnerving, primal feeling that motion will detect his wrath, like a T-rex, washes over you as you find your feet unsteady under your weight after the run. You didn’t have the heart nor the courage to meet his gaze as you headed for the door. It’d probably turn you to stone at this point.

The air outside the gym was much colder, or maybe the energy in your previous environment was stifling. Two figures down the hall headed toward you on an intersecting path, Soap and Gaz. Brighter windows say that the sun had time to rise, meaning you must have been in the gym for at least two hours, give or take. Gaz acknowledges your approaching presence with a head tilt as you catch the tail end of a conversation with Soap about cars.

“Laswell’s looking for you,” Gaz called as your paths crossed.

“Graves too, office.” Soap added.

Considering their comfort with spending days with a pack of men, surely they won’t mind your post-workout miasma. This meeting will determine if you’re heading home or not. You are probably getting shipped home for immediately picking fights with your teammates, where Laswell had to step in and play grade school principal. If only the compound were bigger, you might have more time to script your dialogue on your walk to this meeting. Arriving at the thin laminate-wood door, the patient rapping at the door was met with a quick and efficient ‘come in’ from within.

“Grant,” Graces spoke from a small iron table across from Laswell, “Take a seat.”

You cross the distance between the door and the metal table with a curt nod. It couldn’t look more like an interrogation room, a lightbulb on a wire above a sterile furniture set. Laswell tapped papers on the table, meeting your gaze. Sitting in the chair dutifully, you rested your sweaty palms in fists on your thighs.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” you breathed.

“Not to worry, it gave us time to catch up,” Laswell responded confidently, slender fingers dragging a laptop from her bag to plant on the table.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why you’re here.” Graves piped up.

That was an understatement. Your mouth twitched as you swallowed your nerves. Take deep breaths and straighten your back as you had done thousands of times before when you were under extreme stress.

“This is an extremely serious situation and much of the information on this mission is on a need-to-know basis.” Graves leaned back in his chair, crossing his ankle over his knee as he flipped a pen through his fingers.

In an instant, nerves settled. They were keeping you on, and for the umpteenth time, worrying about what others think of you got the better of you, what you wouldn’t give to be back on that treadmill again.

“We received intel on some stolen Chinese weapons, and it’s making them particularly anxious.” Laswell met your gaze, and the intensity of her posture spoke volumes, “We have reason to believe that the Russians stole these high-value goods.”

You could feel Graves’ gaze on you. Flicking his pen between his fingers, he makes a particularly distracting commotion just out of your peripheral. It’s like he was testing you. You’re already being told highly confidential information. Isn’t it a little late for that?

“The convoy holding the weapons is moving, and they know this terrain better than we ever could. They’re dodging satellite reception and flying totally under the radar. When they send out internal messages, they're coded and multilingual. That’s where we need your expertise.” Said Laswell, opening the laptop to turn the illuminated screen displaying dotted GPS signals showing a path leading away from China.

“The Chinese government is sweatin’ bullets right now,” Graves unfurled his legs to lean forward. “We want to get our hands on that hot potato.”

“Their transmissions come in randomly, and we can’t even be sure if it’s chatter from the Russian convoy or civilians.”

“When was their last communication?” You finally spoke up.

“Yesterday, but it’s mostly just nonsense.” Laswell tapped the laptop keyboard as she spoke.

“Do you have any recordings?”

“A little over ten hours total.”

“I’d like to listen.”

At some point during your conversation, Price had entered the room, the shadow of his familiar Tilley hat looming on the wall beside you. Catching a glance from the corner of your eye, he stood with an arms-crossed, intense gaze on Laswell’s laptop screen. Graves reached down to Laswell’s bag, fishing out some clunky headphones and dropped them on the table in front of you with a noisy thud, the noise reverberating on the thin metal table.

“We have reason to believe they’re going to pass near this compound very soon, so we need to be able to be ready at a moment’s notice.” She spoke, lifting her gaze to meet Price’s.

“Once we confirm the location of the weapons, we get our boys in and get them out. Simple as that.” Graves’ lips formed a thin line, rising from his seat to take his leave. “You’ll be back home in time for supper.” With that, he patted your shoulder with jovial force, forcing you to stabilize your posture in your chair.

For the time being, your task was straightforward. Gather as much context as possible. Scrub through 10 hours of useless radio conversation, searching for the slim possibility that there might be something valuable. In the worst-case scenario, you waste over ten hours of your life. That lingering, exhausting thought is overrun by the realization that this situation is literally life or death, and any insight you gather can be game-changing.

It seems that some consensus has been reached between the others in the room as they exchange nods and glances. Laswell shifts in your peripheral, sliding the laptop to rest in front of you, hearing the distant click of the door as at least Graves has left the room. With a heavy clack of the trackpad, Laswell demonstrated how to scroll through the list of audio files.

“When we get a message from them, they’re all from the same channel, leaving from the same location in China. We’re nearly certain they’re our guys.” She spoke, pushing her chair back to stand. “Stay listening in on this signal. The clips you have are all communications from the location in question.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Laswell carried herself with a certain calmness of someone with grace and patience, partnered with an eerie feeling that she most likely has intel on you that could ruin you. Dangerous, lethal and confident, all wrapped up in an almost contradictory business casual wardrobe. Something about her is so inherently trustworthy and kind. Or maybe that’s just in contrast to the other associates who are all willing and able to squeeze the life from your throat in an instant.

Locking your gaze on the grainy screen, you slip the headphone jack into the laptop, planting the headphone pads over your ears. The click of the door behind you let you finally drop your shoulders, letting out a sigh. You scoot the chair forward, making an uncomfortable screech under your weight. At least Laswell did you the courtesy of leaving you a notepad should you need it, the proud eagle sigil of the CIA emblem standing silent and judging, vigil over your work.

Thunk . First track, hitting play. Headphones scream with static, making your skin crawl as you frantically tap the volume button. Steady static fills the headphones around your ears. It almost sounds like the ocean. Multitasking, you take preemptive action to pull up a blank page to transcribe any and all communications that will surely come through. With luck and a bit of patience, the muffled dialogue from a husky male voice speaks Russian, obscured by static. Unravelling each sentence at a time, you record the conversation as you hear it, documenting a weather report and news about a patch of ice on the road.

A click at the door behind you makes you jump. Whipping your head around, the four white walls of your box were empty. This time, it was truly empty. The issue with surrounding yourself with highly trained soldiers has the consequence of being unable to perceive them. Or at least whenever they don’t want to be perceived. Right now, the only priority is to gather information and listen for any intel you can collect from nondescript radio conversations. It’s safe to say that the vacation is over.

<< Prev Chapter Next Chapter>>

Master List

6 notes · View notes

grison-in-space · 5 months ago

Text

I have Corelle plates and love them, so I was surprised and curious about this one. (Mine aren't vintage, though, so I'm happy to be able to continue loving and using them without concern.) Still, I wanted to know more, so I dug up this writeup above that has much more information about why the leaded dishes were a problem, what you can do about the potential for lead in vintage flatware, and how to assess risk for Corelle plates specifically.

That link does mention lead testing in vintage Corelle plates from Tamara Rubin over at Lead Safe Mama, and in fact Rubin is the source of that graphic above about which dish you used as a kid. However, Rubin's testing platform uses an XRF machine to assess lead levels in household products, and that's not actually a measure of whether lead can or does leach out of flatware. We know there's lead in those plates already; the question is whether or not it's essentially inert underneath the layer of clear glass that separates the design from the surface of the plate.

(Rubin has also been repeatedly criticized for failing to test whether lead ingestion is likely to happen as a result of handling a product containing lead, and for stopping her risk assessment research at the use of the XRF machine to identify whether or not lead is actually present. She has also repeatedly found herself in trouble for financial misconduct.)

Corelle claims that they have submitted their vintage flatware to an independent third company for testing and found that it did not leach lead into the surrounding environment. I can't find a PR announcement to this effect, but I tend to think they're probably correct on this. So if that glass coating remains intact, i.e. if the plate is not chipped, worn out, or damaged, you are probably safe to eat off of vintage Corelle (at least if it was manufactured post-1978), even though lead might be present: because the glass is fired at very high temperatures, it seals the lead within he plate such that the plate is non-risky.

Essentially, lead in this context is kind of like asbestos: if you let it sit sealed away without poking it, it's fairly safe, but if you start fucking with it it will fuck you up good.

80K notes · View notes

asbestosremovalist · 2 days ago

Text

Safe and Efficient Roof Plumbing in Melbourne for Buildings After Asbestos Removal

Many older buildings still have asbestos roofs since asbestos roofing was quite common prior to its prohibition and can get exposed during such buildings’ roof plumbing in Melbourne. Asbestos removal is typically handled by professionals who have the required tools and knowledge. Before it was found that inhaling asbestos particles might cause major health problems including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, asbestos was widely utilised in building and construction materials in Australia. Experts are required to properly remove asbestos from older buildings, if it is still present in some of them as in Australia, asbestos usage has been prohibited since 2003.

People require the assistance of asbestos removalists because they are qualified to safely dispose of asbestos and execute it before old garage shed removal in Doncaster. The need for asbestos testing stems from the potential for asbestos to be present in any structure being repaired or destroyed that was constructed prior to asbestos becoming banned. Asbestos removal service providers may conduct laboratory tests to identify the kind of asbestos present in the building and to verify its presence. For the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, hiring licensed asbestos removalists is crucial.

Understanding the Role of Professional Asbestos Removalists

Safety Measures: To guarantee the secure removal and disposal of asbestos-containing objects, certified asbestos removalists adhere to stringent safety regulations and procedures. To reduce the chance of asbestos exposure, they wear protective clothing and utilise specialised equipment.

Proper Elimination: Products containing asbestos should be disposed of safely and sustainably by qualified asbestos removal specialists. They adhere to stringent regulations regarding the packing, labelling, and transportation of asbestos trash to authorised disposal sites. A copy of the environmental waste consignment note, which contains instructions on how to transport and properly dispose of asbestos, is also provided to customers by asbestos removalists.

Legal Requirements: Government rules control asbestos removal, and licensed asbestos removalists abide by all relevant laws pertaining to asbestos removal and disposal.

Indeed, asbestos testing and surveying must be finished before repairing an older home. Have your property analysed by a licensed asbestos testing firm if you have any reason to believe it contains asbestos.

Source

#garage shed removal doncaster #roof plumbing melbourne

0 notes

johnalisha88 · 2 days ago

Text

Stay Safe with Local Asbestos Awareness Training

Protect yourself and your community by learning how to handle asbestos safely. Find top-notch asbestos awareness training near you and gain the skills to identify risks and ensure compliance with safety standards. Knowledge is key to creating a safer environment—don’t wait, sign up today!

#AsbestosAwareness #SafetyTraining #LocalTraining #AsbestosSafety #WorkplaceSafety

0 notes

bigbadwolfdemolitionperth · 2 days ago

Text

How Do You Effectively Plan a Residential Strip-Out in Perth?

Planning a residential strip-out project in Perth can feel overwhelming. Considering proper preparation and the right professionals can help you ensure a smooth and successful project.

Whether you want to renovate a home to create a new layout, prepare a property for demolition, or just upgrade the interior, a residential strip-out is the significant first step. Please check out this guide to plan a residential strip-out in Perth effectively:

Know the Offerings

A residential strip-out includes removing fixtures, fittings, walls, and sometimes even ceilings which depend on the project’s scope. You should identify what needs to be removed and what will remain intact.

Strip-outs can range from a partial strip-out (removing certain fixtures like cabinetry or tiles) to a complete strip-out (where almost everything is taken down to the building's shell).

Understand Goals and Work Scope.

Before starting, you must have objectives for the strip-out. You can ask yourself questions like:

What do you want to achieve? (like an open-plan layout or space for new installations)

Will the strip-out cover a room, like a kitchen or bathroom, or the entire house?

Do you want to keep any fixtures or elements intact?

This clarity will help you estimate costs, choose materials, and set realistic timelines.

Choose a Professional Strip-Out Team in Perth

With a licensed, experienced strip-out team, you can avoid damage to your property and ensure compliance with local regulations. Please take a look at companies in Perth with proven track records in residential strip-outs, and check online reviews to understand customer satisfaction. You have to confirm whether the team is insured and trained to handle potentially hazardous materials like asbestos. Sometimes this harmful material can be found in older Perth homes.

Obtain the Necessary Permits and Approvals

Depending on the extent of the residential strip-out, you may require permits from local authorities. This is particularly essential for structural changes or if you require removing asbestos.

You can check with the City of Perth’s building regulations, as they may differ depending on the suburb and type of residence. A reliable contractor can often help you with navigating the permit process and ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Set a Clear Timeline.

A well-structured timeline can coordinate tasks and set realistic deadlines for project completion. You can work with your strip-out team to create a timeline that accommodates every step, from initial site preparation to final clean-up. You should focus on possible delays, especially if hazardous materials require special disposal procedures.

Final Conclusion

Planning a residential strip-out in Perth requires careful preparation, a better understanding of your goals, and the support of an experienced team. These steps can help you handle the complexities of a strip-out for a safe, efficient, and successful project. So, you will be ready for whatever comes next in your renovation or rebuild plans. Please check out available portfolios for residential strip-outs in Perth at Big Bad Wolf Demolition and understand more about our services.

#Residential Strip-Out in Perth

0 notes

unmakingandincorporeality · 6 months ago

Text

alright—I agree that this tool could have been built less badly if given a huge amount of additional resources, but the claim "They could train AI to give better answers. But that would require identifying good, useful information." means about the same thing as "We could safely insulate all our homes with asbestos. It would just require that asbestos were made of jelly beans and unicorn hugs."

"Good" and "Useful" are not properties that any sentence can have. They are relative propositions: what makes information good and useful differs from person to person and question to question. The obvious rebuttal here is "we mean true information," but that's just moving the goalposts to another impossible field. There is no way for a sentence to carry "truth" as an intrinsic, measurable property—and what counts as a sufficient approximation of truth for the purpose of evaluation is a matter of extreme, widespread, and socially and politically consequential debate.

If we handle the matter of resolving this issue at an institutional level, Google just making calls about how it thinks of good and usefulness, then we get another major force projecting a significant, consequential influence on the expression of values in the world, defined by silicon valley executives—who don't, for one thing, have a great record of understanding what human rights are.

If on the other hand we handle it by working up user profiles and attempting to infer the definitions of good and useful that any given user would apply to the information they're receiving, then (a.) we get an app that tells conspiracy theorists all the new details on what QAnon is right about, and (b.) we get a raidable/subpoenable corporate database of social and political intent for damn near everyone in the country.

It's bad that Google didn't solve this problem before rolling out the software, because it means they have a bad app that gives wrong answers to people. It would be so much worse if they'd nailed it. There is no version of this application that is a good idea.

And this is why you switch to DuckDuckGo. :/

23K notes · View notes

demolitionaaags · 3 days ago

Text

Expert Garage and Industrial Demolition Services on the Central Coast NSW with AAAGS Demolition

Demolition projects can be complex and demand both precision and expertise. Whether it’s a small garage removal or large-scale industrial demolition, finding a skilled and reliable contractor is essential for a safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly demolition process. AAAGS Demolition stands out as one of the most trusted names in the field, providing specialized services across the Central Coast NSW. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, AAAGS Demolition is an ideal choice for anyone in need of Garage Demolition Contractors Central Coast Nsw or industrial demolition services in the region.

Why Choose AAAGS Demolition?

AAAGS Demolition brings extensive experience to the table, handling demolition projects of all sizes, from residential garages to complex industrial structures. With a highly trained team and state-of-the-art equipment, AAAGS Demolition has established a reputation for delivering quality results on time and within budget. The company prioritizes client satisfaction, ensuring that each project aligns with the client’s specific needs and meets all regulatory requirements.

Understanding the Demolition Process

The demolition process requires careful planning, technical expertise, and adherence to safety standards. Here is a step-by-step overview of how AAAGS Demolition approaches each project to guarantee optimal results:

Initial Consultation and Site Assessment Each demolition project begins with an in-depth consultation and site assessment. The AAAGS Demolition team evaluates the structure, identifies potential hazards, and outlines the best approach for safe and efficient removal. This stage is crucial, particularly for garage demolition contractors on the Central Coast NSW who may encounter unique challenges with varying building materials and site layouts.

Obtaining Permits and Regulatory Compliance Demolition projects must comply with local, state, and federal regulations, particularly in areas like the Central Coast NSW, where environmental preservation is a priority. AAAGS Demolition handles all necessary permits and ensures that each project adheres to legal requirements. Their team is familiar with regulatory standards for industrial demolition services as well as residential projects, ensuring smooth and compliant operations.

Hazardous Material Management In some cases, buildings may contain hazardous materials like asbestos, lead paint, or other contaminants. AAAGS Demolition is licensed and equipped to handle hazardous material removal safely. They conduct a thorough inspection for such materials and take appropriate measures for removal and disposal, ensuring the safety of both workers and the surrounding community.

Demolition Execution With all preparations complete, the AAAGS Demolition team commences the demolition. They use advanced machinery and tools to complete the job efficiently while minimizing disruption to nearby properties. Whether it’s a garage demolition or an extensive industrial demolition, their expertise ensures minimal environmental impact, quick project completion, and adherence to safety protocols.

Site Cleanup and Waste Disposal AAAGS Demolition takes great care to leave every site clean and ready for the next phase of development. All waste materials, including concrete, metal, and other debris, are disposed of responsibly. The company strives to recycle as much material as possible, reducing landfill contributions and supporting environmental sustainability.

Post-Demolition Inspection After completing the demolition, the AAAGS Demolition team performs a thorough inspection to ensure all work meets safety and quality standards. Clients receive a comprehensive report detailing the demolition process, waste disposal, and any remaining tasks.

Specialized Services Offered by AAAGS Demolition

AAAGS Demolition provides a wide range of services tailored to the unique requirements of each project. Some of their specialized services include:

Garage Demolition Contractors Central Coast NSW

Garages often require demolition due to wear and tear, expansion projects, or changes in property use. AAAGS Demolition offers expert garage demolition services on the Central Coast NSW, ensuring efficient and safe removal of structures, no matter the size or materials involved. With experience in various types of residential demolition, AAAGS handles all stages of the garage demolition process, including site assessment, hazardous material handling, and waste disposal.

Key Benefits of Choosing AAAGS for Garage Demolition:

Safety Compliance: With a dedicated team of experts, AAAGS follows all safety regulations, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding properties.

Efficient Execution: AAAGS uses advanced techniques and equipment to complete garage demolitions efficiently, saving time and reducing costs.

Environmental Responsibility: Recycling and responsible waste disposal are prioritized, supporting sustainability on each project.

Industrial Demolition Services Central Coast NSW

For larger structures like factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities, AAAGS Demolition offers top-notch Industrial Demolition Services Central Coast Nsw on the Central Coast NSW. These projects are typically more complex, requiring specialized equipment and a skilled team to handle extensive structures safely. AAAGS has the expertise to manage these large-scale demolitions, adhering to stringent safety and environmental standards to ensure that all aspects of the demolition process are handled with precision.

Why AAAGS Demolition Excels in Industrial Demolition:

Comprehensive Planning: Industrial demolitions require meticulous planning to address complex structural elements and potential hazards. AAAGS has the experience and knowledge to handle these challenges effectively.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: Using the latest machinery and demolition techniques, AAAGS completes projects swiftly without compromising safety.

Environmental and Hazardous Waste Expertise: Industrial sites often contain hazardous materials. AAAGS has the licensing and equipment to safely remove and dispose of these materials, protecting both the workforce and the environment.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Demolition Services on the Central Coast NSW

Demolition is not a DIY task; it requires technical knowledge, specialized tools, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Hiring professionals like AAAGS Demolition ensures that the project is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact. Here are some of the top benefits of hiring a professional demolition contractor:

Safety: Trained professionals know how to handle dangerous situations and avoid potential hazards. They follow industry-standard safety protocols, reducing risks for both workers and the surrounding community.

Efficiency: Professional demolition teams complete projects more quickly and efficiently than untrained individuals. They know how to streamline the process, minimizing downtime and reducing costs.

Waste Management: Professional demolition contractors, like AAAGS, manage waste disposal in an eco-friendly manner. They recycle materials where possible and ensure hazardous waste is handled appropriately, supporting environmental sustainability.

Compliance: Demolition projects are subject to various regulations. AAAGS Demolition understands these requirements and ensures each project complies with local and national regulations.

Why the Central Coast NSW Trusts AAAGS Demolition

With a reputation for quality and reliability, AAAGS Demolition is a trusted name in the Central Coast NSW demolition industry. Their focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility makes them the preferred choice for both garage and industrial demolition projects. Here’s why clients continue to choose AAAGS:

Proven Track Record: Years of experience handling diverse demolition projects mean that AAAGS brings unmatched expertise and success to every job.

Dedicated Team: The AAAGS team is made up of skilled professionals who are passionate about delivering quality work and ensuring client satisfaction.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability: From recycling to responsible waste disposal, AAAGS aims to minimize the environmental impact of every project.

Client-Centered Approach: Every project is unique, and AAAGS tailors their services to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring a smooth and successful demolition experience.

Conclusion

Whether you need a small garage demolished or are planning a large-scale industrial project, AAAGS Demolition provides the specialized services and expertise required to handle any demolition project on the Central Coast NSW. As a leader in garage demolition contractors and industrial demolition services, AAAGS is committed to excellence, safety, and sustainability in every project. Their team’s dedication to quality ensures that each client receives the highest level of service and satisfaction, making AAAGS Demolition the trusted choice for all demolition needs.

For efficient, safe, and responsible demolition services on the Central Coast, AAAGS Demolition is your go-to contractor. Contact them today to discuss your project and experience the professionalism and reliability that only AAAGS Demolition can offer.

#Excavation Central Coast Nsw

0 notes

demoexx · 5 days ago

Text

Shellharbour Asbestos Removal: Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Home Environment

Asbestos might seem like a thing of the past, but unfortunately, many older buildings in Shellharbour and across Australia still contain this hazardous material. Shellharbour Asbestos Removal is a critical service for anyone renovating or managing older properties. When improperly handled, asbestos can pose serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Therefore, it’s essential to rely on professional asbestos removal services to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why asbestos removal is crucial, the process involved, and how to choose the best service in Shellharbour to protect your home and health.

1. Why Asbestos Removal Is Essential for Your Home

Asbestos was once considered a wonder material due to its durability, heat resistance, and affordability. It was commonly used in building materials such as roofing, insulation, and floor tiles. However, in the 1980s, the Australian government banned the use of asbestos after it was discovered that exposure to its fibers can cause severe respiratory diseases.

For homeowners in Shellharbour, it’s important to know that asbestos remains a potential threat in many older buildings. When disturbed—whether during renovations, demolitions, or natural wear and tear—tiny asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Breathing in these fibers can lead to serious health conditions, some of which may not show symptoms for decades.

If you suspect your home might contain asbestos, it’s crucial to get it professionally removed. Only licensed experts are equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to handle this hazardous material safely.

2. The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

The main risk associated with asbestos exposure is respiratory illness. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs, leading to conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer linked directly to asbestos exposure.

These diseases typically take years or even decades to develop, which means the long-term consequences of exposure are often unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s why timely and professional Shellharbour Asbestos Removal is so important—removing asbestos from your home can prevent any future health risks for you and your family.

Moreover, asbestos isn’t just a concern for people who directly work with it. If asbestos-containing materials deteriorate, fibers can travel through the air and affect anyone in the vicinity. As such, it’s essential to tackle asbestos problems promptly to maintain a safe environment.

3. The Process of Professional Asbestos Removal

Professional asbestos removal is a detailed process that requires precision, care, and compliance with strict regulations. Here’s an overview of what the process typically involves:

Inspection and Assessment

Before removal begins, a certified technician will conduct an inspection to identify any asbestos-containing materials in the building. A thorough risk assessment is performed to determine the best approach for safe removal.

Containment and Safety

Once asbestos-containing materials are located, the area will be sealed off to prevent any contamination. Safety protocols are followed to ensure that asbestos fibers are not released into the air. The team will wear protective clothing, including respirators, to minimize exposure.

Removal and Disposal

The asbestos is carefully removed, packed, and sealed for safe disposal. Licensed companies follow government regulations to dispose of asbestos materials properly, ensuring no harm to the environment or surrounding areas.

Air Monitoring and Clearance

After removal, air testing is conducted to check for any remaining asbestos fibers. Only when the air quality meets safety standards is the site cleared for re-entry.

Choosing a certified and experienced team for Shellharbour Asbestos Removal ensures the job is done safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of exposure for everyone involved.

4. How to Choose the Best Shellharbour Asbestos Removal Service

Selecting a reliable asbestos removal company is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of your home or property. Here are some tips on how to choose the best service:

Licensing and Certification

Always ensure that the asbestos removal company is licensed and accredited by relevant authorities. This guarantees that they adhere to Australian safety standards and regulations.

Experience and Reputation

Look for companies with proven experience in handling asbestos removal projects. Check online reviews, ask for references, and inquire about their past projects to assess their reputation.

Safety Protocols

A good Shellharbour Asbestos Removal service will have clear safety protocols in place. They should be able to provide a detailed explanation of how they plan to handle the removal process, including how they’ll contain the asbestos and dispose of it safely.

Cost and Warranty

While cost shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it’s important to get quotes from multiple services to ensure competitive pricing. Additionally, ask about any warranties or guarantees offered, ensuring you’re protected in case of future issues.

5. Why Trusting Professionals Makes All the Difference

Handling asbestos on your own is never a safe option. Even if you think it’s a small job, the risks are too great. Licensed professionals are trained to remove asbestos safely, following strict guidelines to protect everyone in the vicinity.

Opting for professional Shellharbour Asbestos Removal means peace of mind—knowing that the job will be done efficiently and in compliance with all safety standards. It also ensures that your home or property remains protected from future health risks.

0 notes