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wonderjanga · 16 days ago

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I am not a Father

This is based off @elvesandlanterns’s report of this post.

When Flash, told Bruce and literally everyone else about the photo, Bruce immediately wanted to see it. Why? Because if he could see it, he might be able to identify who this Freddy character is. If he identifies this Freddy, he could identify Marvel’s civilian counterpart. So, that was just what he did, or rather made Tim do.

Robin!Tim: “Hey, Junior?”

Junior: “Yeah?”

Robin!Tim: “Can I see that photo of Marvel and your dad?”

Junior: “Uh… Why? Also, again, Freddy’s not my dad.”

Robin!Tim: “It’s pretty obvious he is, man.”

Junior: “No, it’s not. You also still haven’t answered why.”

Robin!Tim: “I wanna see it because I’m curious about baby Marvel and baby Freddy.”

Junior: “Neither of them are babies though?”

Robin!Tim: “I’ll give you twenty bucks if I can see the photo.”

Junior: “Deal.” *fishes it out of his pocket dimension and hands it to him before taking the twenty bucks from Tim*

It was just a quick look for whatever reason, right? Thats why Freddy thought nothing of it, especially when offered the twenty. They could have groceries for months with this bill! They might even be able to get a treat for themselves with it. Billy’s birthday was coming up, maybe he could get him a cake? Or some fast food? Or a present? Maybe the Bulletman action figure he saw Billy eyeing in a store window? He wanted to get him something, he knew that.

Anyways, Tim guiltily snapped a couple pictures, feeling bad about going behind his friends back, and then sent them to Bruce a few minutes after handing the photo back to Junior.

Bruce immediately got to work, trying to match a names to the faces. He ended up having to switch to paper files and break into the city hall in Fawcett because neither boy would come up in an online database. That’s how he found Frederick Christopher Freeman and William Joseph Batson. Born in 1932 and 1933 respectively. Both Orphans. Both were likely on the streets after being orphaned. No known death date which suggests they could be alive, though it’s unlikely considering they’d be in their nineties and the asbestos in this town would’ve gotten to them already.

Though, considering that Marvel is still alive and young, this could paint a not so nice picture. Could Fredrick have grown old and died while Marvel had stayed young? Is that why he had the look of horror when he was mentioned? Is Fredrick actually Junior’s father? They certainly do look similar. It would also make sense as to why Cap was raising Junior. If this was his friend’s kid, he probably wouldn’t want him on the streets. But then how does Junior have Marvel’s powers? Can Marvel give powers willy-nilly? So many questions yet no answers.

Thankfully, he came across a news channel clip of Marvel saying that his powers were genetic. Billy made that up on the spot, not that Bruce would know.

Okay? So they are related, but how? Does that mean Junior is Marvel and Fredrick’s child? Lord, was Flash actually right about Fredrick and Marvel dating at some point? Wait, but if Junior is actually their kid, how was he born? Surrogacy? William- it’s strange to call the Captain that- has a sister, but she was pronounced dead. As for Fredrick, he had a brother but that’s it. They could’ve gotten someone random maybe? But then how would the kid look like Fredrick but have the Captain’s powers, was it magic? Can you do that? Can you have a magic pregnancy?? Bruce is falling down the rabbit hole and he can’t stop himself.

Eventually, he just went up to the pair and asked them directly.

Junior and Marvel: *talking*

Batman: “Captain? Could I ask you something?

Marvel: “Of course! What is it?”

Batman: “I…” *looks at Freddy for like three seconds before looking back to Marvel*

Marvel: *smiling*

Batman: “Is Junior yours and Fredrick Freeman’s biological son?”

Bruce has never heard a louder silence in his life. A clueless confusion could slowly be seen crossing Marvel’s face.

Marvel: “Wha-”

Junior: “Yup.” *nods his head*

Marvel: *looks over to him with the same horrified expression*

Batman: “Now, Marvel, there’s no need to look like that.” *reaches up to put and hand on Marvel’s shoulder* “Here at the Justice League we accept members of any race, religion, color, or sexual orientation.”

With that Batman left Billy and Freddy there. Billy’s jaw was already dropped, and as soon as Batman was out of sight, Freddy’s jaw dropped too.

Later…

Billy: “I can’t believe you said that!”

Freddy: “Dude, would you have rather wanted to explain that we’re two kids who got powers and decided to fight crime?”

Billy: “…No.”

Freddy: “That’s what I thought. Now here, take this.” *hands Billy a Bulletman action figure*

Billy: “What?!” *jaw drops* “Freddy where’d you get this?!”

Freddy: “I bought it, duh.”

Billy: “This is awesome!” *hugs the life out of Freddy*

Btw for this to work, somehow no one knows about the time bubble.

#billy batson #shazam #dc captain marvel #captain marvel dc #fawcett city #fawcett comics #fawcett #freddy freeman #captain marvel jr

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bogleech · 2 years ago

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It’s so shocking to look at older media and history and see just how normal it was at one time for the average American to have a trusting relationship between themselves, business and government. They thought everyone selling them things had their best interests in mind. They thought pesticides and synthetic preservatives and asbestos were just miracles of invention. People unironically supported corporate advertising. They ate up propaganda that they ought to feel patriotic and proud of their jobs. Now it’s just a given that everyone thinks they’re being poisoned to death and used, regardless of their political motivations or whether they’re correctly identifying the right issue. It’s such a staggering difference in public faith and it seems like the single biggest thing that changed it was the Vietnam war? I guess I apparently need to clarify that when I say this is shocking, it’s because I can’t believe people were ever actually that stupid back in the day.

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mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

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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

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rjzimmerman · 7 months ago

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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

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thejunkexpressid · 4 months ago

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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

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friendly-books · 11 months ago

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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

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raisindave · 7 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.

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grison-in-space · 6 months ago

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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.

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setpbysetphomeinspectionus · 2 days ago

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The Importance of Radon Testing and Other Essential Home Environmental Tests

Maintaining indoor air quality and verifying the safety of your house depends critically on radon Testing. Natural occurring radioactive gas, radon, can enter homes via foundation cracks or other entrance sources. For non-smoking individuals, long-term high radon levels are the leading cause of lung cancer; thus, Testing is rather essential for homeowners. Apart from radon, homeowners should consider other environmental evaluations including those provided by an asbestos testing company, mould Testing, and water safety inspections to guarantee healthy living surroundings.

What is Radon Testing

Radon Testing is determining how radon gas concentration in your house stands. Usually utilised to find dangerous levels are professional services or DIY radon Testing kits. Since specialists utilise sophisticated tools to identify and address problems quickly, homeowners generally depend on an air sampling company for reliable findings. Testing is especially crucial in areas with high radon levels or homes with basements since radon tends to build in low-lying, poorly ventilated places.

Mould Testing: Another Critical Step

Maintaining a safe interior environment calls for both radon Testing and mould Testing. Damp, poorly ventilated environments can allow mould to grow, endangering respiratory health and damaging structures. Many homeowners look for mould Testing near me or services like mould Testing NJ to handle issues unique to their locality. Surface Testing and air sampling are two forms used to evaluate the degree of contamination and find mould spores. They are hiring professionals and mould Testing near me at home guarantees complete examination and appropriate remediation for those unsure about the existence of mould.

Water Quality Matters

Another vital component of home environmental Testing is water safety. Regular Testing is required since toxins like chemicals, heavy metals, and microbes can enter drinking water. Often looking for water Testing near me or depending on experts providing water Testing in NJ to evaluate their water source are homeowners. Those using private wells should prioritise well water Testing since these systems are more susceptible to pollution.

A water Testing kit lets homeowners do simple tests right at home for even more convenience. Among contaminants, including nitrates, lead, and chlorine, these kits can find Professional tests are advised, though, for more thorough evaluations. Especially in places prone to water quality problems, regular water Testing helps guarantee the health and safety of your home.

Additional Environmental Evaluation

Before its health hazards were generally known, asbestos was widely utilised in building materials and can be evaluated by an asbestos testing company. If your house was built before the 1980s, particularly during renovations, asbestos Testing should be given top importance.

Lead paint testing is also vital for homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was outlawed in the United States. Especially in youngsters, lead exposure can cause significant health issues. Hence, professional Testing is an intelligent investment for older homes.

Comprehensive Home Safety

Radon Testing, in conjunction with mould Testing in the home, water assessments, and other environmental inspections, helps homeowners produce a better living environment. Services like air sampling company evaluations and well water Testing give peace of mind and assist in early addressing possible risks. These steps guarantee your house's long-term comfort and safety, whether demand is mould testing in NJ, water Testing near me, or specialised lead and asbestos assessments.

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archhome-inspections · 5 days ago

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Why Should You Test Your Indoor Air Quality? How An Expert Inspection Team Can Help

Why should you test your indoor air quality? Many homeowners neglect this and make the error of postponing it. Indoor air quality testing is an important part for you, your family, and your employees. We spend 90% of our time indoors. The air we breathe affects all parts of our body and has an impact on respiratory health. Living in a home or workplace with poor air quality can affect everyday life.

The health and safety of your family or tenants is paramount for a homeowner, a landlord or a property manager. But there is a good chance the air inside your home harbors several harmful substances you may not even know! Several indoor air pollutants that your property may be harboring can have negative effects on your respiratory system. Some of them are Mold and mildew, Radon, Volatile organic compounds, Chemical residues, Asbestos, Nitrogen dioxide, Carbon monoxide, Dust mites, Pollen, dust particles, and dander, Smoke, Acrylamide dust & vapor!

Comprehensive Inspection Services: Vancouver House Inspection, Indoor Air Quality Testing Vancouver, Thermal Imaging Scan Home Inspection Vancouver

You should actively take steps to reduce your indoor air pollution. These substances can accumulate to harmful levels inside your home. We will warn you of potentially dangerous levels of indoor air pollution. So you can solve the problem and protect your health. That’s why it’s vital to ensure that all new and old residents and commercial spaces must have a safe, comfortable ambiance. We are a professional home inspection service in Surrey to help you reveal hidden yet odorless air quality issues. It will be a nice step to identify the levels of indoor mold or air contaminants in your space. We will find the issues, and recommend the solution to restore good air quality. We will make the ambiance inviting.

We provide professional home inspection services and help you accurately assess indoor and outdoor air quality. We also help you determine how much pollution you are exposed to daily. We do a visual inspection; measure the humidity levels, and our expert inspector checks for anything that could be a warning sign. Our home inspections are very case-specific, and we tailor them to your specific scenario and symptoms. We assess the thing and alert you to potential problems. By having a professional examine your home, you not only safeguard your financial interests but also help preserve your investment over time.

We are a professional home inspection service in Langley that inspects homes to ensure that they meet safety standards and local building codes. We identify any potential problems in the property before they become major issues. Our team will check every corner of the house—from roofing to plumbing and electrical systems! We make sure everything works properly and up to code. We will alert the homeowners, buyers, and sellers to any potential problems with the property! We give peace of mind by providing a comprehensive overview of the property’s condition and identifying any health or safety risks.

We provide an impartial assessment of the condition of a property. If you wish to protect your valuable investments and identify any issues before it becomes a major issue, contact Arch Home Inspections right away. Our professional home inspection service in Surrey takes care of every detail. Book your appointment today and let us handle everything to make your home inviting or owning a dream home come true.

Engage with Reviews:

Arch Home Inspections

#home inspector langley

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demoexx · 6 days ago

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Shellharbour House Demolition: Transforming Spaces with Precision and Care

Demolishing a house isn’t just about tearing down walls; it's about clearing the way for new possibilities. Whether you're preparing for a new construction project or simply clearing the site for renovation, Shellharbour House Demolition can help you achieve your goals with precision, professionalism, and care. In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of house demolition, the process involved, and how choosing the right demolition company ensures a smooth and efficient experience.

1. Why Choose Shellharbour House Demolition?

House demolition is a complex process that requires expertise, skill, and the right equipment. Choosing a professional company like Shellharbour House Demolition ensures that the job is done correctly, safely, and efficiently. Whether it’s a small residential property or a larger structure, demolition experts can handle the project with the utmost care.

One of the key reasons to hire a professional service is safety. Demolishing a house involves hazardous tasks, from dismantling structural components to managing potentially dangerous materials such as asbestos. Professionals are trained to handle these risks, ensuring that demolition is carried out in full compliance with safety standards and regulations.

2. The Demolition Process: Step by Step

When you choose Shellharbour House Demolition, the process begins with a thorough assessment of the property. This includes identifying structural elements, materials, and any potential challenges that might arise during the demolition. Once everything is evaluated, a demolition plan is created that takes into account safety, environmental concerns, and the method of demolition.

The actual demolition process can vary depending on the building type and location. It may involve mechanical demolition, which uses heavy machinery to dismantle the structure, or deconstruction, where individual materials are carefully removed and salvaged. Each method has its advantages, and the right choice depends on factors like the property’s condition and the owner’s goals for the site.

3. Why Proper Waste Disposal Matters

An often-overlooked aspect of Shellharbour House Demolition is waste disposal. Demolition projects generate large amounts of debris, including concrete, wood, and other materials. Proper waste management is crucial for both environmental and practical reasons. A reputable demolition company ensures that all waste is sorted and disposed of according to local regulations, recycling as much as possible.

Not only does this help keep the environment clean, but it also reduces the costs associated with hauling and landfill fees. By hiring a professional demolition service, you can rest assured that the waste from your project will be handled responsibly, making the process smoother and more sustainable.

4. Preparing for Your House Demolition

Before the demolition crew arrives, there are a few steps you need to take. First, ensure that all utilities such as water, gas, and electricity are disconnected. This is vital for safety, as it prevents accidents during the demolition process. Next, clear the site of any personal belongings or valuable items, as the demolition team will be focused on dismantling the structure.

Additionally, it's important to get the necessary permits. Shellharbour House Demolition can help guide you through the permit process, ensuring that all required documentation is in place before work begins. Proper planning and preparation are essential for a smooth and hassle-free demolition experience.

5. The Benefits of Working with Professionals

Choosing a professional demolition company like Shellharbour House Demolition comes with a host of benefits. Not only do they bring experience and expertise to the table, but they also have the right equipment to complete the job efficiently. This means less time spent on site, fewer disruptions to your neighbors, and lower overall costs.

Professional companies also handle the legal and environmental aspects of demolition, ensuring that everything is done according to local laws and regulations. They can also assist with asbestos removal and other hazardous materials, providing peace of mind during the entire process.

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unmakingandincorporeality · 7 months ago

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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. :/

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chrisrock06 · 9 days ago

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House Strip Out Services: The Essential First Step in Your Home Renovation Journey

Introduction

A house strip-out is vital to any home renovation project, serving as the foundation for creating a refreshed and modern living space. This process involves removing all unwanted fixtures, fittings, and non-structural elements to prepare the house for the next stage of construction or redesign. Whether planning a complete home makeover or a specific room renovation, professional house strip-out services ensure that the work is done efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. This blog explores the importance of house strip-out services, the process involved, and how they set the stage for your dream renovation.

What Does a House Strip Out Involve?

A strip-out refers to removing internal features and fittings that are no longer needed or being replaced. This typically includes:

Cabinetry and Built-In FixturesKitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and bathroom vanities are often removed to make way for modern designs.

Flooring and Wall CoveringsOld carpets, tiles, vinyl, and wallpaper are stripped to expose the base surfaces for new materials.

Appliances and Electrical FittingsOutdated appliances, light fixtures, and electrical systems are removed as part of the strip-out process.

Doors and WindowsInternal doors and window fittings may also be replaced to enhance functionality and aesthetics.

Why Strip Out Services are Essential

A professional strip-out service provider provides several benefits that can streamline your renovation project and avoid potential pitfalls:

Efficient Project PreparationA thorough strip-out ensures the site is clean and ready for construction or renovation. This eliminates delays and makes it easier for builders and designers to carry out their work.

Accurate Assessments and AdjustmentsStripping a house down to its essentials allows contractors to inspect the structure for any hidden issues, such as water damage, mould, or structural weaknesses, which can be addressed early in the process.

Time and Cost SavingsAttempting to handle a strip out alone can lead to mistakes and delays. Professional services complete the job quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money.

Environmental ConsiderationsMany house strip-out services prioritise recycling and proper waste disposal, ensuring the process is environmentally friendly.

The House Strip Out Process

The strip-out process is meticulously planned and executed to ensure safety and efficiency:

Site Assessment and PlanningThe first step involves evaluating the property to determine the scope of the work and identifying potential hazards, such as asbestos or lead paint.

Removal of Fixtures and FittingsUnwanted cabinetry, appliances, and fittings are removed and set aside for disposal or recycling.

Demolition of Non-Structural ElementsWalls, flooring, and other non-load-bearing components are taken down using specialised tools to minimise damage to surrounding structures.

Waste Management and CleanupAll debris is collected, sorted, and disposed of by local regulations. Many materials, such as wood and metal, can be recycled.

Choosing the Right Strip Out Service

Selecting the right professionals for your house strip-out is key to ensuring a successful renovation:

Experience and ReputationLook for companies with a proven track record and positive customer reviews. Experienced professionals are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges.

Comprehensive ServicesChoose a provider that offers a full range of services, including waste disposal and recycling, to make the process as seamless as possible.

Safety StandardsEnsure the team follows strict safety protocols, particularly when handling hazardous materials.

Conclusion

A house strip-out is the first step in any successful home renovation project. Hiring professional services ensures the process is efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible. Whether planning a complete transformation or a targeted update, a well-executed strip-out lays the foundation for creating the home of your dreams. With experienced professionals handling the heavy lifting, you can focus on designing and building a space that reflects your vision and lifestyle.

#commercial strip out sydney #kitchen demolition services #kitchen strip-outs #office defit sydney #office strip outs sydney #strip out demolition sydney #tile removal #bathroom demolition sydney #office strip-outs sydney #strip out services

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bigbadwolfdemolitionperth · 10 days ago

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Common Challenges in Residential Strip-Outs and How Experts Solve Them

Residential strip-outs are integral to renovation and redevelopment projects. However, these tasks often pose challenges requiring expertise and precision. From handling hazardous materials to managing timelines, the process demands skill and strategic planning. Here's a closer look at common obstacles in residential strip-outs Perth and how professionals navigate them.

Hazardous Materials: A Hidden Danger

Older homes often conceal asbestos, lead-based paint, or mold, posing significant health risks if disturbed. Ignorance or improper handling can lead to severe consequences.

How Experts Handle It?

Professionals conduct thorough site inspections to identify hazards before beginning work. Specialized equipment and techniques ensure the safe removal and disposal of dangerous substances, adhering to Perth's strict safety and environmental regulations.

Preserving Structural Integrity

Strip-outs require the careful removal of selected fixtures or walls without damaging the surrounding structure. Mistakes can lead to costly repairs or jeopardize the building's stability.

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The Professional Approach

Experts assess the site meticulously, identifying key structural elements. They use precision tools and apply techniques designed to minimize disruption. This careful planning ensures that only necessary areas are stripped out, leaving the remaining framework intact.

Waste Management: Balancing Efficiency and Sustainability

Strip-outs generate significant debris, much of which can be recycled or repurposed. Poor waste management practices lead to excessive costs and environmental harm.

Solutions from Professionals

Contractors prioritize sustainable practices, segregating recyclable materials like concrete, metal, and wood. By collaborating with recycling facilities, they reduce landfill waste, creating eco-friendly outcomes while lowering disposal costs.

Compliance with Local Regulations

Perth’s strict building codes and environmental regulations can be challenging to navigate. Failure to comply may result in fines or project delays.

Expert Navigation

Professionals are well-versed in local laws, ensuring that all permits and approvals are secured before work begins. Their understanding of compliance requirements allows homeowners to proceed without bureaucratic obstacles.

Time Constraints

Deadlines in renovation projects are often rigid. Delays in strip-outs can disrupt overall schedules, escalating costs and frustration.

Timely Execution

Experienced teams bring efficiency to every project. Their knowledge of potential setbacks enables them to stay ahead of challenges, ensuring projects are completed within tight timelines.

Conclusion: Trust the Experts for Seamless Results

Residential strip-outs are a complex undertaking, requiring expertise to overcome challenges efficiently. Partnering with skilled professionals in residential strip-outs Perth ensures the process is safe, compliant, and timely.

Embarking on a renovation project? Rely on the experienced team of Big Bad Wolf Demolition to handle your strip-out needs with precision and care. Contact us today to discuss your project and get started on the path to transformation.

#residential strip-outs Perth

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joeclarkeblogsblog · 10 days ago

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Maintaining Safe Living Spaces in Aberdeen: What You Need to Do

In Aberdeen, as in many other cities across the UK, maintaining a safe living space is essential for the health and well-being of residents. A variety of hazards can pose risks, from indoor air quality issues to structural integrity concerns. As a result, it is important to stay vigilant about potential dangers that could compromise the safety of your home. Whether you're dealing with old buildings, potential fire risks, or the hidden threat of asbestos, taking preventive measures can ensure a safer environment for you and your family. The focus here will be on maintaining safe living spaces, with particular emphasis on the role of asbestos testing Aberdeen in creating a secure home.

Understanding the Risks

When you think about safety in your home, several factors come to mind—fire hazards, electrical issues, or perhaps even carbon monoxide poisoning. However, there’s one hidden danger that can lurk in older homes or properties that were built before modern safety standards were established: asbestos. Once a popular material in construction, it is now known to cause serious health issues, including lung disease and cancer.

In Aberdeen, many older homes and buildings were constructed using asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Although these materials are often safely encapsulated and undisturbed, the risk arises when these materials begin to degrade, or when renovation work exposes them. Without proper asbestos testing Aberdeen, homeowners could unknowingly be at risk. In this article, we'll explore how to keep your home safe from common hazards, including the crucial role of asbestos testing and other safety practices that can protect your family.

The Importance of Regular Asbestos Testing

Asbestos remains a silent danger in homes across Aberdeen, especially in properties that were built prior to the 1980s. Many homeowners are unaware that they are living in homes that contain asbestos, as it is often hidden within wall panels, insulation, roofing materials, and flooring. Over time, asbestos fibres can become airborne and pose serious health risks when inhaled.

Conducting asbestos testing Aberdeen is crucial, particularly when you are planning a renovation or repair project. A professional testing service will identify whether asbestos is present in your home and assess its condition. If asbestos is discovered, the next steps involve determining the level of risk and how it can be safely removed or contained. Failure to identify and remove asbestos can result in long-term health problems, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. It’s always better to be proactive than face health consequences later.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is another vital component of maintaining a safe living space. Many factors can contribute to poor IAQ, such as mold, dust, and pollutants from cooking or heating. In older homes, asbestos isn’t the only hazard that can affect air quality. For instance, mold can develop in damp conditions, which is common in the colder months in Aberdeen.

Ensuring proper ventilation in your home is one of the simplest ways to improve IAQ. Opening windows, using air purifiers, and maintaining HVAC systems can help reduce the buildup of harmful pollutants. Additionally, regular cleaning practices, such as vacuuming with a HEPA filter, can help reduce dust, pet dander, and other irritants that can affect your health.

Fire Safety: Don’t Overlook Your Home’s Fire Protection

Fire safety should always be a top priority, especially in older properties. Many houses in Aberdeen still contain outdated electrical systems that may not meet current safety standards. Faulty wiring, especially in homes built before the 1970s, can lead to electrical fires if not inspected regularly.

To ensure that your home is fire-safe, it’s important to check for any signs of wear or damage in electrical outlets, switches, and appliances. Additionally, consider installing smoke alarms on every floor of your home, and ensure they are working correctly. Testing the alarms and changing batteries regularly can help prevent potential fire-related accidents. Keep a fire extinguisher in key areas such as the kitchen and garage, and familiarise yourself with how to use it in an emergency.

Structural Safety and Maintenance

Maintaining the structural integrity of your home is critical to ensuring its safety. In Aberdeen, the damp weather can sometimes cause issues with buildings that, over time, may lead to weakened foundations, cracks in walls, or water ingress. These problems can go unnoticed unless you’re paying close attention to your property’s condition.

To prevent structural damage, regular checks should be carried out, particularly in areas where water might accumulate, such as basements or attics. Ensure that your roof is in good condition, and check gutters and downspouts for blockages. You should also look out for cracks in your walls or flooring, as these can indicate subsidence or settlement of your property. In the event of any significant damage, it’s advisable to consult a professional for repairs.

The Importance of Professional Inspections

While DIY home maintenance is important, certain tasks should be left to professionals, particularly when it comes to identifying hidden risks such as asbestos or structural issues. Professional inspections, including asbestos testing Aberdeen, can provide peace of mind and ensure that all potential hazards are properly managed.

If you are uncertain about the condition of your home or suspect the presence of asbestos, it’s crucial to hire a licensed contractor who specialises in asbestos testing and removal. These experts will carry out comprehensive inspections, taking air samples and materials from various locations in the home, providing a thorough report on the findings. If asbestos is detected, they can recommend an appropriate course of action, whether it’s removal, encapsulation, or monitoring.

Legal Considerations and Asbestos Removal

In the UK, property owners are legally required to manage asbestos-containing materials in their homes. This means that if you are aware of asbestos in your property, you must take steps to ensure it is managed safely. This is particularly important for landlords and business owners, who have a legal obligation to protect the health and safety of tenants and employees.

If your home contains asbestos, you should work with licensed asbestos removal professionals who are trained to handle this hazardous material safely. The removal process involves ensuring that asbestos fibres do not become airborne, which can lead to exposure. Following the correct procedures is vital for the health of everyone in the home, and failure to do so can result in legal repercussions and serious health issues.

Conclusion: Keeping Aberdeen Homes Safe

Maintaining a safe living space in Aberdeen requires a proactive approach to safety, including regular checks for potential hazards such as asbestos. By scheduling asbestos testing Aberdeen, improving indoor air quality, ensuring fire safety, and maintaining the structural integrity of your home, you can reduce risks and protect your loved ones. Professional inspections and timely maintenance can help ensure that your home remains a secure and healthy environment. Stay informed, and take the necessary precautions to maintain your home’s safety.

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