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Reflection on the Catholic Catechism: Understanding Our Knowledge of God
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By Michael Terheyden
9/23/2013 (6 years ago)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
We have considered some of the ways we come to know God in the world and through human experience. But we might ask, how reliable or meaningful is our knowledge? The Catechism of the Catholic Church offers us some compelling answers.
By Michael Terheyden
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
9/23/2013 (6 years ago)
Published in Year of Faith
Keywords: Catholic Church, Catechism, Catechesis, Christianity, Faith, Religion, Michael Terheyden
KNOXVILLE, TN (Catholic Online) - We have considered some of the ways we come to know God in the world and through human experience. But we might ask, how reliable or meaningful is our knowledge? Perhaps it is with such questions in mind that the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) now considers some important aspects of our knowledge of God. It mentions three aspects: the idea of certainty, how we can speak about God, and barriers to reason.
Let us begin by reviewing some of the ways that we come to know God. As I noted in a previous article, some of the ways that we can know God from the physical world are through rational arguments and order and beauty in the universe.
One of the arguments I discussed is known as contingency. It basically says that all things in the physical world are contingent upon something else for their existence, that everything is a receiver of existence. But there has to be something that originates its own existence, something that does not receive existence, but simply has existence. This thing is God.
Another way that we can come to know God is through order in the physical world. I used the Big Bang theory as an example. It supports the idea of a creator and offers many examples of order in the universe. This example helped us realize that the universe not only displays intricate detail, order and beauty at all levels, but it also reveals intelligent design and power beyond the visible world.
In another article, I discussed some of the ways that we can know God through human experience. According to the Catechism: "With his openness to truth and beauty, his sense of moral goodness, his freedom and the voice of his conscience, with his longings for the infinite and for happiness, man questions himself about God's existence. In all this he discerns signs of his spiritual soul. The soul, the 'seed of eternity we bear in ourselves, irreducible to the merely material,' can have its origin only in God" (33).
When we take a close look at human experience, we find that human nature desires what nature cannot give us, that "our nature contradicts nature," as the Catholic philosopher Dr. Peter Kreeft puts it. However, this apparent contradiction is not telling us that our nature and desires are misleading us. It is telling us that our nature is to desire that which is supernatural, that we are created by God for God.
Now that we have reviewed some of the ways we come to know God, perhaps we can answer our original question: How reliable or meaningful is our knowledge? To answer this question, we will look at three aspects of our knowledge: the idea of certainty, how we can speak about God, and barriers to reason.
Paragraph 31 in the Catechism says that our knowledge about God is not based on proofs like we find in science. Rather, it is based on compelling reasons that provide us with a high degree of certainty. The Catechism refers to these reasons as "converging and convincing arguments."
In order to visualize what these reasons look like, imagine that the authorities suspect you are an imposter. Although you could not prove their suspicions false with scientific-like certainty, you could provide many converging and convincing reasons to refute their suspicions.
For example, you could show them your birth certificate, your driver's license, and your social security number. You could also tell them where you lived growing up, what schools you attended, and what companies you worked for. When they check out your information, they will probably find your picture in your school yearbooks, and they will find people who remember you.
The individual reasons you gave the authorities do not have the power to disprove their suspicions, but taken together, your reasons become powerful as they point to or converge on your true identity. This convergence is so convincing and compelling that the authorities can feel certain that you are not an imposter.
Likewise, our knowledge of God can be certain based on converging and convincing reasons. But we also need to remember that our reasons have to be seen in relation to each other and in the totality to which they belong, or they will not be meaningful let alone certain. Frank Sheed gives us a wonderful example of this in his book, Theology and Sanity.
It is common for lovers to become transfixed while gazing into the eyes of their beloved and drinking in their beauty. But the lover's trance, Sheed says, would fast be broken if their beloved handed them one of their eyes on a plate. The point is that "The eye needs to be seen in the face; its beauty, its meaning, its usefulness all come from its position in the face; and one who had seen eyes only on plates would never really have known them at all" (26).
So it is with all things. Everything must be seen in its totality, that is, in relation to the whole. This is especially necessary when we are dealing with fundamental things like God and reality. If you don't see God as the center of reality, you can have vast knowledge, but it is like a person "who should know all about the eye, never having seen a face."
But there remains a difficulty. Even though we can know about God with a high degree of certainty, God is a great mystery. He transcends our finite reason, so how can we speak about Him? Paragraph 39 in the Catechism says that despite God's transcendence, it is possible to speak about God to all men, and therefore with other religions, with unbelievers, with atheists, with philosophers, and with scientists.
However, the Catechism says that our starting point needs to be in "accordance with our limited human ways of knowing and thinking" (40). In other words, we take the perfections of created things as our starting point. These perfections refer to the truth, goodness and beauty found in created things that reflect the infinite perfection of God. "All creatures bear a certain resemblance to God" (41). This is especially true for man, who is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 26-27).
The idea of taking the perfections of created things as our starting point is beautifully expressed in Psalm 94:9. It says, "Does the one who shaped the ear not hear? The one who formed the eye not see?" Here again, I find Sheed's explanation of this idea very helpful.
Sheed says that God must contain Himself in all of the things created by His hand. Since all (good) things owe their existence completely to God, this means all that they have is from Him. Therefore, all the perfections "must in some way be in Him." For instance, since man is capable of knowing and loving, God must know and love. Since man is a personal being, God too must be a personal being.
But our understanding of knowing, loving and personhood only represent the bare minimum we can say when we speak about God, because, as Sheed says, God is immeasurably higher than any created thing, including man. God's perfections are infinitely pure, incomprehensible, and inexpressible based on our human representations.
The Catechism qualifies our knowledge similarly. It says, "Our human words always fall short of the mystery of God" (42). "Likewise, we must recall that 'between Creator and creature no similitude can be expressed without implying an even greater dissimilitude'; and that 'concerning God we cannot grasp what he is, but only what he is not, and how other beings stand in relation to him'" (43).
There is yet one other difficulty for us to discuss. It concerns certain barriers to our reason as a result of our fallen nature. Even though we can know about God and speak about Him, "we experience many difficulties in coming to know God by the light of reason alone" (CCC 37). Not only do the truths about God transcend the visible order of things, but Pope Pius XII reminds us that our ability to reason is hampered by sin.
In his encyclical, Humani Genesis, Pius XII says the human mind "is hampered in the attaining of such truths, not only by the senses and the imagination, but also by disordered appetites which are the consequence of original sin. So it happens that men in such matters easily persuade themselves that what they would not like to be true is false or at least doubtful" (CCC 37).
Yet, even though our reason is limited and faulty, the Church maintains that we can rise above these difficulties and still come to know God with certainty. Furthermore, our ability to know God through the light of reason enables us to receive God's revelation of Himself. "Without this capacity, man would not be able to welcome God's revelation" (CCC 36).
So our knowledge of God does not depend solely on our efforts. God also reaches out to us by revealing Himself to us. But He does not oppose our reason. His revelation guides our reason and enables it to achieve even greater heights and certainty. The next chapter in the Catechism will discuss the revelation of God in more detail.
Michael Terheyden was born into a Catholic family, but that is not why he is a Catholic. He is a Catholic because he believes that truth is real, that it is beautiful and good, and that the fullness of truth is in the Catholic Church. He is greatly blessed to share his faith and his life with his beautiful wife, Dorothy. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.
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Zach Curliano is a proud Bay Area native, born and raised in Piedmont, CA, a small town right outside the Oakland hills and a Finance major at Linfield College. Zach found his passion early on life, "I grew up as a salesman. In elementary school I was always caught wheeling and dealing Yu-gi-oh and Pokemon cards on the playground. In middle school I made a business selling my neighbors unwanted and unused items on craigslist and eBay, ranging from Go-karts to antique silverware sets." Eager to gain more experience he began working as a sales associate at Northbay-networks, "A small company specializing in liquidating and assisting failed startups during the dot com bust of the 2000's." Zach was, "responsible for managing every aspect of my sales, which included: picking up the equipment, testing and cleaning the equipment, pricing the equipment, and selling the equipment. Within months I excelled at my sales role and began to average $30k a month on items that provided the company with an average 75% profit margin." It was this experience that cemented his interest in sales and motivated him to pursue and land an internship with Pandora Radio.
Zach dedicated a majority of his Junior year to perfecting his resume and attending career fairs to improve his chances of landing a dream sales internship. He had confidence in his skills and experience, "My strong background in sales with an almost completed degree in finance led me to apply for several diverse internships, consisting of data analysis roles, traditional sales roles, and finance/investing roles." Zach began his search on Internscoop, "By about early February, I had put together a list of about 10 potential sales and data analysis internships I had found on Interscoop. I applied for several different internships, but had my eyes set on one internship, the inside sales internship at Pandora Media."
He was determined to secure a position with Pandora, "The inside sales internship role at Pandora seemed like a perfect fit: it was located in my home town of Oakland, CA, it offered that vibrant tech company culture I was looking for, and it was an opportunity to work for a company that offered a product and service that I truly believed in."
Realizing the power of networking and professional connections Zach utilized his network to contact an employee at Pandora for some general internship and resume advice. Zach expressed his desire to complete a sales or data analysis related internships with pandora. "To my surprise, I found out that the sales department were still working on their internships and he told me that I would be a perfect fit for and should pursue an Account Executive Internship in the Inside Sales department. The next week, I immediately submitted my resume and cover letter. and began submitting my resume and company specific cover letters." To Zach's delight he received an offer to intern in the Inside Sales Department at Pandora.
At the beginning of his internship, Zach was met Paige, his fellow intern and they were assigned a mentor, Emily, who answered any and every question they had, "Emily took time out of her day to schedule meetings and training sessions with us, and gave us the opportunity to make the most out of our internship." Zach's job responsibilities included, "Shipping out SWAG (Pandora goodies) to clients, pulling MUV's, Monthly Unique Visitors- basically the inventory of listeners in a given period of time, prospecting new potential clients, finding untapped existing clients in Sales Force, creating sales reports on Sales Force, pulling DMA/MSA's, specific media market areas, for ad campaigns, participating in mock sales calls, and several other office tasks for the account executives."
A highlight of the internship was the company culture at Pandora, "The company culture was amazing. It was vibrant. It was fun. It was positive. And it was diverse. In the past, most of my job experience had been with smaller 10-15 person companies, so I really wasn't sure what to expect when I got to Pandora, a now almost 2000 person company. Would I be just another fish in the sea? Would I get to know the people I work with? Would I even see my managers? The list goes on and on. However, on the first day of work I was delightfully surprised to find that the environment of this company, of almost 2000 employees, felt like a close tightly knit family. Everyone welcomed the interns with open arms and a smile, taking time out of their days to help us with menial tasks, take us out to lunch, share their experiences or just to simply chat."
Zach's favorite part of his internship experience was, "assisting a sales associate in closing a $5k deal for a company that I prospected and set a meeting for. One of the tasks for my internship was prospecting and lead generation, to research and reach out to new potential clients, which lead me to set a meeting with Motor Head Cruise, a company that sells tickets for hard rock music festival cruises. Because I was an intern, I wasn't technically allowed to make a sale, so I passed the client onto Carrie, a sales associate, who allowed me to sit in on the meetings and assist in closing the deal. Within a month, we closed the deal for a $5k ad campaign that would be played to Pandora listeners in the Florida area, listening to the hard rock genre, age 39-56. The best part about assisting in closing the deal was being able to participate in
the weekly Friday sales gong ritual, which consisted of account executives, who closed the most deals that week, going up to the center of the department and banging the ceremonial sales gong, while the pump up song of their choice plays through the speaker system."
Zach's internship experience at Pandora was, "A great learning experience and I met a lot of people that I can confidently say I will be life long friends with. Our mentor did an excellent job of handling this and created a structured program that was not only rewarding for us, but also rewarding for the busy account executives and managers." He feels confident in his sales skills and looks forward to a successful career, "Working in the sales department of a major tech company has given me an unmeasurable insight and understanding of tech companies, digital advertising, and a company's ability to monetize through non-physical goods. In addition to the priceless learning experiences, my internship has provided me with dozens of personal connections. These connections have proven to be people who I can go to for mentoring, career advice, and/or job referrals. I can confidently say that the connections I made at Pandora are connections I will maintain for the rest of my life. Above all, my first internship experience has prepared me for and given me the confidence to take on whatever career I choose to pursue post- graduation."
Zach encourages students to not view his success as an anomaly, "My advice to any student seeking a prestigious internship is to not be afraid. Don't be afraid to pursue something that's new and challenging. Don't be afraid of submitting an application for a job you'd consider out of reach. Don't be afraid of the interviewing process. If you get turned down for one internship, don't be afraid of applying for another." He urges individuals to not overlook the possibilities to make professional connections, "Don't be afraid to network, meet new people, and embrace the company culture." Lastly, Zach has one key piece of advice, "One of the most beneficial things you can do to prepare for an interview is to do your research! Research your job role. Research what the company does. Research current and past news surrounding the company. Research company accomplishments and landmarks. Be knowledgeable about the company and your interviewers are sure to be impressed."
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Sometimes, I like to argue. I spent eight years engaged in competitive debate in high school and college and the activity prepared me for scholarly research in ways that my classes in both of those settings could not. Early on, in the early frontier days of the internet in the 1990s and early 2000s, it was only natural for me to take my co-curricular skills and use them in earlier versions of social media—IRC, messaging services, public forums, listservs, and other budding spaces. Of course, conversations and heated debates online were a much different beast than academic debate (even when arguing with debaters) and such conversations inevitably led to a whole gamut of emotions and, often, a feeling of futility that such avenues were not productive.
Today, it is even easier to find raging debates on Facebook, Reddit, Tumblr, Twitter, general or specialized forums, mailing lists, or any of the other hundreds of avenues people are using to get together and chat about anything and everything. As researchers, we have our own areas of inquiries that we have expertise in, as teachers, we have a broad understanding of one or multiple fields and subfields, and, as individuals, we have our own views of politics, religion, society, sports, hobbies, and everything else. If we are not careful and, from observing many friends, many of us are not, we can become mired in continual, multiple debates that demand our attention and time and leaves little time for the other things we value. We cannot argue all things, in all spaces, at all times.
To preserve some of my sanity and use of time, I have developed an internal checklist of things that encourage or discourage me to participate in a conversation. I wanted to share that list, as I think that guidance might be useful to others to develop their own checklist (though, we likely already have some form even if we have not formalized it as there inevitably conversations we do not participate in). So, this is my more modern thought process on not discussing politics or religion with polite company (advice I have rarely followed) in the internet age.
Of note, this list is a draft and I welcome suggestions. Additionally, this list comes with a few assumptions. First, it assumes that we are talking about a more interpersonal medium like a reddit or facebook thread and not a blog post, op-ed, article, or other professional venue. However, it would apply to the comment sections of those very venues! Second, it also assumes that you are thinking about engaging in a debate in a costly (time consuming) manner. If you are thinking about just asking a few questions for clarification or just wanted to post a short sentence, then the checklist does not apply. Third, if your intent is to troll (not something I recommend), then the list is not applicable. Generally, in the first three categories, being able to answer yes to those questions and then having at least one yes to the fourth category justifies my participation; however, I think most opportunities for engagement fall short of meeting that requirement. Here is a .pdf version of the list in case you prefer having access to it that way.
Should you participate in this internet argument?
Uniqueness (Yes to all)
- Are you necessary to the conversation?
- Do you provide a unique voice to the conversation?
- Will you provide arguments or viewpoints that are unique from what other participants have or will likely provide?
- Will your absence cause the conversation to suffer?
- Do you need to be or should you be the person to make the argument that you want to make?
- Will your participation in the conversation be productive?
- Will others in the conversation engage your points and not ignore them?
Quality (Yes to all)
- Does it matter to you if the other participants are sincere?*
- If yes:
- Can you tell if they are sincere? If not, can you find out before engaging?
- Are the participants sincere?
- If no, answer yes for either subpoint:
- Will this conversation satisfy your performative or educational goals for an audience?
- Will this conversation help you organize, clarify, or strengthen your own thinking about the subject?
- If yes:
- Will your participation in the conversation leave room for other voices to participate?
- Will you and at least some of the participants engage the substance of the conversation over other issues such as presentation style, tone, grammar, or spelling?
- Will you and at least some of the participants either avoid tangents or only engage in useful tangents?
- Will you and at least some of the participants avoid engaging in negative practices such as ad hominem attacks, deceit, claiming victory in minutiae, or other practices that intend to inflame participants?
- Will detrimental logical fallacies be few and engaged in appropriately?**
Opportunity Costs (Yes to all)
- Is this the most important, valuable, or satisfying thing you could be reasonably doing with your time?***
- Are you able to exit the conversation once it has run its course instead of becoming trapped by tangents, minutiae, or other kinds of distractions?
- Are you likely able to avoid personal harm and not bring harm to others by participating in this debate? This includes, but is not limited to, social and reputational harm.
Impact (Yes to at least one)
- Will the result of the conversation lead to some type of action or change?
- Will the participants of the conversation be likely to change their minds because of this conversation?
- Will non-participants view the conversation and be influenced by it?
- Will this conversation help you organize, clarify, or strengthen your own thinking about the subject?
- Will you derive utility from the conversation compared to other activities, regardless of the outcome of the conversation?
- Does your participation involve a community that you are a member of or you wish to be a member of and engaging in the conversation positively influences your social standing in that community (social capital, bonding, perceived status, etc.)?****
* This came up in an earlier draft and I think it is a good point. Sometimes we engage in a conversation not because of the other participants, but we fear that other onlookers will make decisions based on the conversation. As such, the argument itself may be performative and educational, but not about the sincerity of the participants.
** It is unlikely that any given debate will be free of logical fallacies. Additionally, sometimes an argument that invokes a logical fallacy is still reasonably sound. So, will the participants re-evaluate their poor arguments and provide more robust ones (or discard the ones that rely on fallacious logic) or will the participants insist on bad arguments? Likewise, will the logical fallacy fallacy appear and people insist that the appearance of a fallacy trumps any other discussion? Such conversations are likely to be non-productive.
*** This question is necessarily subjective and just a check that you want to and should be engaging in the conversation. I do not expect to always maximize the value of my time, but certainly thinking about the most enjoyable/valuable thing I could be doing at a moment can help me reframe how I evaluate what activities I am doing.
**** Your active participation in a conversation may increase your profile among a group that you are wishing to become a member of or known in. This may be a way to break the ice and engage in further conversations.
Each of these points come with some justification and thoughtfulness as to why they should be a credible restraint to participation; while I am not providing rationale for each point as I think some checkpoints are self-evident, I do have a few comments in the footnotes as to why we may evaluate a question. Perhaps this list may help a junior scholar frame their thinking about whether they should engage in a Twitter war, or serve to organize their own thinking about how to prioritize their time. Naturally, it is not just junior scholars who are prone to derailment as social media has made everyone's opinions immediate and open for comment.
Of course, if you just want to jump in a thread and argue for the sake of arguing, then this list will not inform your thinking; your utility function requires a different model.


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Monday, October 12, 2015
Verizon seems aggressive in charging wireless Internet customers for large amounts of data use -- why?
Verizon, which still seems to have the largest wireless Internet coverage network across the country, is doing everything it can to discourage unlimited data transfer access, charging more now for the remaining consumers on it. And generous data limits tend to be expensive, with additional charges for hotspot use and additional tablet or iPad use. Brian Fung explains in an Oct. 8 article in the Washington Post here.
Why is data transfer so much more expensive with wireless than with cable or Fios Internet? The question is significant because I use hotspot a lot on the road (hotel networks are less secure and sometimes don't work – the "Ovation" network didn't work in a stay in Columbia SC at a Quality Inn near Fort Jackson a few weeks ago – just before the storms and floods – and I was told to try moving the laptop around, it might work in other places on the property. I didn't get around to trying that (I'm willing to believe it would have worked), as I just simply used iPhone hotspot – and was warned I had gotten up to 75% of my plan.
My experience is that Internet that doesn't require a physical land connection is simply more reliable, or more likely to be available in a pinch. Comcast Xfinity actually does stay up during thunderstorms, but on weekdays there are sometimes annoying stops (with the Cable saying simultaneously "This channel will be available shortly" on its own BSOD) – which I can only attribute to maintenance work in the area causing signal drop-offs and short outages. I have a smaller digital TV which simply gets the 2009 broadcast signal to an antenna placed near a picture window, to have TV during long outages – but that doesn't help with some channels like CNN or ESPN.
Posted by Bill Boushka at 7:18 AM
Labels: hotel wifi, wireless only
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Please browse below to find out more about the Pronorm ranges. You'll find some great looking luxury kitchens and a range of exciting design ideas.
Pronorm Range Highlights
Customer Review
"Zona Cucina redesigned and fitted a kitchen/ living area. The service I received was excellent at all times, when faced with problems which were not related to the kitchen they assisted and help find a solution.
I would highly recommend Karen, Kevin and the team. The after care service too is responsive and efficient."
Mrs N, Beaconsfield


text:
OKW's EVOTEC designer table-top electronic enclosures are now available in a smaller 100 size – increasing the range to four plan sizes. Ergonomic EVOTEC is comfortable to use – but tough enough for challenging working environments. Applications include measurement and control engineering, IT, medical, laboratory and environmental technology. It can also be wall mounted for access control.
EVOTEC is available in two versions: one with a large flat top for switches, push buttons and touch displays; the other with a 12° inclined top for desktop applications. The sloping top version can be specified either with or without a recess for a membrane keypad or product label. The 100 size and the recently launched 150 size are available only with the flat top.
All EVOTEC enclosures have screw pillars both in the top and base for installing PCBs. Self-adhesive rubber feet ensure stability on flat surfaces. The enclosures are assembled using Torx assembly screws to prevent tampering (suitable for medical electronics).
EVOTEC's soft contours are moulded from UV-stable ASA+PC-FR (UL 94 V-0). All four plan sizes (the new 100 x 62mm and the existing 150 x 93mm, 200 x 124mm and 250 x 155mm sizes) are available in off white (RAL 9002) as standard. Prices start at £14.
Accessories include an optional IP 65 seal, wall suspension elements and self-tapping screws for installing PCBs.
OKW can supply EVOTEC fully customised on request. Services include: custom colours; EMC shielding; CNC machining; lacquering; screen/tampo or digital printing of legends and logos; installation and assembly of accessories.
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text:
Sixty One
A week passes with no new mysteries to contemplate, I should think we have enough mystery without looking for more. The four kids went to Daphne's, Susan collected the two female Burmese, one for her and the other for Daphne's tribe. Mickey took Burma over to help settle the kittens.
Daphne's on the phone with Zoe C, "I told Mickey much thanks for the loan of Burma. She's the new mommy for the kitty sisters, they follow her around and play, Burma takes it in stride."
Zoe C, "She ought to, she jumps on Zelda's back and rides around the property, launches surprise attacks from the cat tree and bonks every new thing on the nose."
"She taught them the cat tree, there's an identical one at Susan's. They climb in and find their spots. When play is over the kittens curl up against Morshchiny for a nap, she's big, fuzzy and warm."
"Not bothering her I hope, Zelda is used to Burma's goofiness."
"No, the kittens have her trained, they circle Morshchiny and tap her paws until she lays down. Don't know who's smarter, the dog or the cats."
"Collective consciousness."
"Must be it. What are you guys up to?"
"Chef and I are going to visit a sexual predator in the San Diego area. McKenzie could come but we've thought it over and decided against. She can come when we Shadow hunt. It's a dichotomy, but we don't mind of she kills Shadows, but the kind of torture we use on abusers and predators is…I don't, seems worse, do you understand?"
"Of course, Shadows are rabid dogs, abusers are nasty people, but we decided long ago that killing abusers is potentially endless, there's always many more out there than we know about. Our method is to make them examples, family, friends, even coworkers know or strongly suspect the guy is an asshole up to bad crap. When he shows up permanently disabled, he's a walking billboard of consequences. Want me to go with?"
"Sure, we're pretty confident we can isolate the guy, but the message we got referred to him and his pack of shits. There may be more than one bad attitude to adjust."
"Janah will come, or Dasha, yeah, maybe Dasha, Janah is going to do a bit of Qi work with McKenzie and Akiko, with Natalie's permission of course."
"Good, we leave in the morning, that work for you?"
"One last thing, we want the injections."
"Okay, when we return, our stuff comes from New York, David Li will overnight it. It has to be kept refrigerated. I'll tell Daria, she knows what to do."
This morning Daphne and Dasha show up, we have coffee ready for the trip, Daphne asks, "Think we need two cars?"
"Good question, what do you think Zoe C?"
"I think the drive will be more interesting in one car, your Tahoe can hold an army in comfort. If we need a second something, we can get a sedan from a rental place. We have a hundred fifty miles to enjoy each other's company."
Daphne, "Sounds good, ready?"
We are, and we are on the road, 405 to 5 to San Diego.
Zoe C asks Dasha, "How does it feel, not aging? What's it like?"
"I thought about it for a week maybe, off and on, then don't think about it anymore. Days go by, plenty of projects, cooking, children, travel, it seems natural. We don't age, we mature, they are different…except Dahfoney, she ees not anyway mature."
Zoe C laughs, "I haven't noticed."
"We like her ridiculous, to keep things light. Ees only talk, when she ees to be serious, she ees serious. Dahfoney ees best peerson ever, always give, no take. Janah says we will haf een our fahmahley three things only, consideration, generosity and cooperation. We don't even haf to remind anymore, everyone just does it."
"I've stolen that for our family. I find myself asking, is this considerate, generous, am I being cooperative? Doesn't mean we don't have differences of opinion, but never arguments. It isn't worth it, the world is hostile enough."
"Janah says our job is to be sure we make changes in ourselves, not change the world. Or rather, changing oneself changes the world. She does not include fixing assholes or killing Shadow peerson, she says we are a public service."
I grin, "Well, we could say that fixing bad attitudes is considerate, for the people being abused, stalked or otherwise intimidated, we do it free, which is generosity, and we do it together, which is cooperation."
Dasha, "Da, you are understanding."
I settle back, mysteriously relaxed given what we're getting into. Dasha uses her accent to charm, it has nothing to do with intellect, she's razor sharp.
Our target is a sexual predator, most of it stalking young girls on the internet according to the messages.
Zoe C, "Target is thirty seven, his pals, three other men of no repute. They live in a mobile home park full of men on the sex offender registry. Target was arrested twice, the DA couldn't make a case either time because his buddies swore they were at his house playing poker the first time, watching football the second. Two of the others are registered, the third failed to register but nobody from the probation office or any social service agency has ever contacted him. The contact thinks they pay them off, but it may be simple bureaucratic incompetence."
Daphne, "We'll get one to turn. If we take our time, we can elicit confessions from all of them, pain is a marvelous lie detector and a lovely truth serum."
We find the mobile home park, do a slow drive through to scope the area.
"Might be hard to break in, the homes are relatively close together, in SoCal you have to maximize land use, get all the revenue from the parcel possible."
Zoe C, "Let's find a way to listen in."
Daphne, "I brought a drone but we can't fly it now, too visible."
"Is anyone even there?"
"Not likely, I have a description of his car, truck, a twenty year old Ford something with a fair number of dents and other age spots."
Dasha, "He haf job?"
"Port of San Diego, maintenance of some sort, could be anything from swabbing toilets to major repairs. The port employs some sixty eight thousand people and it covers thirty miles of coastline. It's a monster operation."
"Do tell, okay, we wait, but where? We're wide open here."
Daphne, "Nearest hotel, either something with a private balcony or quiet enough for me to launch the drone out of sight."
Zoe C, "Pacific Terrace Hotel, we can get a two queen bed suite, private balcony, Jacuzzi and separate shower. Same floor standard room, also with balcony, for Chef. It isn't clear if there's a restaurant, but the site mentions breakfast and there are a ton of food options nearby. Tonight we can pick up whatever from a supermarket and get busy with the drone."
Daphne drives us to a Whole Foods, collect dinner, to the hotel. Zoe C checks us in, we park the Tahoe and haul the drone in its case, and our bit of luggage up to the rooms. Have to hand it to the girls, they travel light.
After a quick unpack and wash up, Zoe C opens wine, we have a glass with boiled shrimp then take apart a roast chicken the size of a turkey. A side of Italian salad completes the meal.
Dasha has the drone out and up, ten minutes later we're looking at the top of the trailer where Larry Faris and one of the three others, name unknown, lives. The two add-ons live next trailer over. Dasha lowers the drone to window level, a small high window over what must be the kitchen sink. Two men sit at a small dining table, each with a beer. She clicks on the audio.
Larry is as described, balding, stocky but not fat, the second guy, Not Larry is tall, must go six five, and if he weighs two hundred I'd be surprised, he's whip thin. Larry has a caterpillar moustache resting over his upper lip, Not Larry is facial hair free.
Larry, "Lucky bastard, never registered and nobody cares."
Not Larry, "I was busy, the matter of a twelve year old with long legs and a tight round ass."
"I remember her, fine young thing, where'd she get off to?"
"Don't know, don't care. She hit puberty and lost her appeal. I had to move and get another phone, she kept calling, texting, showing up, can't have that. I suppose I could have just offed her, but it's messy and dangerous, and she was sweet, just annoyingly possessive."
"I only had to kill one, not for being jealous, because she told her 'bestie', stupid word but that's what kids say, about her new older boyfriend. She swore she never described me or gave anyone my name, which wouldn't have mattered, I used a fake name. But I had the feeling she wanted to be seen with me, more than a feeling, she said her friend wanted to meet me, which I doubt, like I said, she wanted to show off her grown up boyfriend."
"Not a good idea."
"She got whiney about it, I hit her, which was a mistake. Had to fix that mistake by making her disappear."
"Don't give me details, I don't want to know, can't testify to things I'm ignorant of, so keep me ignorant."
He gets up and grabs two beers from the refrigerator, hands one to Larry.
"Any fresh meat?"
Larry, "Working on, I don't mind them as adolescents, the young side of adolescent, before hips and thighs expand. Met her face to face in an ice cream shop where she works. I'm going super slow, find out just a little more every time I show up, and I show up irregularly, not even once a week."
"Making any progress?"
"Almost too much, she gets moony eyed like a cow. I told her about restaurants I like, made up most of it, her idea of dining out is McDonald's. Last time she wanted me to take her to a nice restaurant, I joked that I could get arrested."
"Ah, which is no fucking joke. String her out, be nice, tell her she's special, she'll be dick diving in no time."
Dasha, "Ees funnyman, maybe he will be funny when we meet, then he will look funny, funny ugly."
Daphne, "Want to go over now?"
'I'd like a handle on the two others, Dasha, take the drone to the second trailer."
Sixty Two
Dasha, "Only one at home, no car in parking spot."
"Maybe he talks to himself."
Daphne, "Phone's ringing."
We can see him pick up a cell phone, "Yeah it's Phil, who do you think would answer my phone?"
"Okay, you done with the girl?"
We can't hear the other end.
"How much did you get?"
He listens, "Three thousand, not bad, not as much as a blonde ten year old, but not bad. Same guy?"
Listens again, "Understood, he's reliable, and he's not going to turn on us, we're a source for his very lucrative business and we can hand off the girls when we're done rather than deal with them. She a virgin?"
We see him grin, then laugh, "I know she wasn't a virgin when you were done, was she a virgin before you got your dick in her?"
More laughter, "Pick up fried chicken on the way, I've got beer and the ball game is starting. Just bring it to Larry's."
He clicks off.
Zoe C, "Looks like we're working tonight."
Daphne, "Yep, Dasha, bring in the drone, we know where to go and what to do."
We drive to the trailer, wait until Chicken Man shows. He gets out of the sedan, two buckets of KFC and another box, hip bumps the car door closed, up the steps to the trailer porch, taps on the door with his foot. It opens.
He doesn't hear Daphne coming, although she's never mentioned it, McKenzie said she's a Shaolin priest. He couldn't hear her coming if it was dead silent, much less with a TV blaring a football game.
Daphne kicks him inside, he stumbles forward, lands on his knees, chicken flies across the small room. Dasha is behind her.
"Didn't think chickens could fly."
"They have to be fried first."
Phil answered the phone earlier, this one is Not Phil.
I spot Phil over Dasha's shoulder, he's the one saying, "What the fucking fuck? Are you crazy bitch?"
Daphne, "Absolutely insane, which is your problem."
"I got no…," Daphne launches herself, from a standing start, how in hell…?
She sails feet first into Phil, his beer joins the chicken on the floor, Phil joins the chicken and beer on the floor.
Not Larry, the tall one, moves to grab Daphne. Dasha hits him hard on the temple with the heel of her palm, so hard he's face first unconscious.
Larry stands, hesitant, Phil is dealing with cracked ribs, Not Larry is kissing the linoleum, still as a tombstone, Not Phil finds his feet and turns. He and Larry stare, there's three young women, one who can apparently fly, one who has a right like Tyson, a stone fox who hasn't injured anyone yet, and a big guy…me.
Larry holds up his hands, "What do you want? We aren't rich…see, it's a mobile home, tin and tires. You aren't cops, cops introduce themselves and wave badges around."
Daphne, "Sit down, shut up and listen."
Not Phil gets the stupids, charges. It's unclear who he's charging, Dasha and Daphne are side by side. He passes me, I side kick him clean over the ratty couch, his butt hits the top, couch rolls over, lands on him. Zoe C walks around to take a look.
"You may have cracked his pelvis, he appears to be in pain, he isn't trying to stand."
A loud groan of agony says he not only appears to be, he is in pain, a fair amount of it too.
Daphne, "Nice shot man."
"Well, we came here to adjust attitudes, and we've bought ourselves more work."
Zoe C, "Yep, now we have to get a name and location of the man buying children."
Daphne tells Larry, "Take off your shoes and socks."
Larry, "Take off…what…why?"
She breaks his nose with a front kick I barely register, damn she's quick.
He shrieks, grabs his nose, bad idea, that hurts too. He's got blood running over his lips, Dasha hands him a dish towel, "Take off shoes and socks."
This time he bends over and follows orders.
"Now, who is the buyer?"
"Buyer? What do you mean?"
Dasha pokes his nose, another yowl, "Buyer of children, who is buying the children?"
Larry, "I can't…I mean those guys are fucking dangerous, they'll kill me."
Daphne pulls a blade that must go six inches plus the handle. I'm watching but all I see is Larry's big toe disconnected from his foot, blood pools, Larry starts to scream but I have my hand over his mouth, I have a big hand, all we hear is muffled pain.
When he settles, Dasha, who I notice has lost her accent, tries again, "Last time, who is it?"
Larry, "Phil and Hank deal with him, not me."
Dasha steps on his good foot, "Nine left, what's his name?"
"Art, Arthur something, we don't do a lot of socializing…fuck my foot is killing me."
"You said those guys will kill you, now it's your foot, give up the name or I will kill you. Who are the others, how many?"
"I don't know, I hear Phil talk about Arthur, I don't go with them, I don't know where they are, I've never even met Arthur."
"Then you are useless," she puts her fingers on his throat, not on, just near to. Larry chokes, twists his head, doesn't matter, his throat collapses, Larry is dead. She kicks over his chair.
Daphne turns to Hank, who was Not Phil until we learned his name, "Want to join Larry?"
Hank is staring at Dead Larry, Daphne puts her blade just under his chin, flicks her wrist, the cut isn't deep or long, but he gets the idea.
"Arthur is all we know, for everybody's protection, I doubt his real name is Arthur, it isn't like he writes us checks, we don't want to know him or his associates any better than we do now."
"One time only, how many associates and where are they?"
"We make the transfer in an abandoned warehouse, I've seen two guys besides Arthur, we've never spoken. If you have to kill me, kill me, I don't know where they come from."
"How do you contact him?"
"Burner phone. After we hand over the girl, he gives me a new number to call."
"You always meet at the same spot?"
"Yeah, it's secluded, big fence around it, no homeless hangout, the place is empty, no lights, no water, a brick warehouse most of the windows gone. We're only there five minutes."
"What car do you take?"
"Phil's van."
Dasha turns to me, "Find the keys, we'll need the van."
Daphne, "Okay boys, we came here to do a bit of attitude adjustment, force you twerps to quit raping children. Normally, we do a bit of cut and bruise, a broken bone, leave you to contemplate your future. But, as will happen, it turns out you're into even nastier business. Now, who wants to live?"
After I find the keys, I drag Phil to the edge of the overturned couch, Not Larry is still face down dreaming of better days.
Phil, "You gonna kill us anyway, no point to the question."
"No, not true, whoever calls Art and tells him there's fresh meat, gets to ride with us, they'll want to see your smiling face for reassurance."
"Hank and I usually go together, one of us has to keep an eye on the girl."
Dasha, "Well Phil, you have a broken hip, so Hank can explain that you slipped off the toilet in a freak masturbation mishap, it will be just him."
Daphne slits his throat.
I get the van, pull up close to the porch, slide open the side door, drag Hank out and toss him in. Sit on the edge of the floorboard and wait for the girls to finish, I watch through Zoe C's eyes.
I see Not Larry, never did get his name, then a hand I recognize as Zoe C's, a hand with a silenced Glock…Pop! The back of his head has a perfect circle in it.
Sixty Three
Hank takes us across town, past the burbs, past an industrial area to a dead zone. Places where rail lines went elsewhere, the warehouse didn't keep up with modernization, businesses folded. San Diego is healthy and prosperous, in part because the old stuff got relocated to newer stuff more in line with today's technology. Zoe C follows in our car, we aren't going back to the mobile home park.
Hank, "That's it."
"How long does it take for your contact to show?"
"One of us calls, says we have product. They want it immediately, if they leave the girl with us too long, well, you can figure the rest."
"Out of curiosity, how did you get to selling children?"
"We're tattooed as sex offenders, we can't get jobs, not any decent jobs. I can because I never registered, but it's dicey, I have a hole in my resume when I was in prison. Somebody investigates and finds out why I was in prison, I've outed myself. People hate us, I'd spend my working days getting the shit kicked out of me. Phil hooked up with a guy in prison who knew the buyers, the money was too good, simple as that. Thing is, none of us can help who we are, no, not an excuse. We like young girls, in Spain a girl is of age at thirteen, other countries it's thirteen to fifteen. I know this is America, not Spain."
"Some of the girls were eight or nine."
"Inexcusable, but we did it."
"Call the guy."
"It's ten thirty."
"Call him, and make it good."
He calls, explains that they stumbled on a total treasure, a big bucks kid a little older, fifteen, but primo, not a mark on her, white and tight, best of all, a virgin."
Whoever answered must have asked how much.
"Twenty five, take a look, if you don't think she's worth it, I'll go elsewhere."
He listens, then, "Arthur, we've been over this, you get first chance, we like doing business with you, but there are other buyers, we never promised you exclusivity."
More conversation from the other side, then, "Yeah, same as usual, and Phil fell and busted his hip, it's just me tonight but I've got the girl under wraps, no problem," more talk, "okay, see you at the site," he clicks off.
"Good boy Hank, you may come out of this in better shape than your pals."
He nods, don't know if he believes me, don't care either.
Half hour rocks by, another SUV, black of course, bad guys always have black SUVs, this one is an Escalade, clean, not pimped out. Their car is facing ours, all they can see is Hank, satisfied, three men get out of the Escalade. Jackets bulge on one side, they're armed.
Zoe C and Daphne worked their way to the far side of the fence, we aren't going inside the warehouse apparently, nobody moves to break the chain on the gate. It doesn't matter, it's dark, I can see a highway in the distance but zip nearby.
Dasha has slipped off her jeans, leaving her in a t-shirt that comes to mid thigh. Hank gets out, slides open the side door and pulls Dasha out holding her by the hair. He pushes her along, then she's in front of the lead dog who must be Arthur. I can see, even in the bad light that Arthur is more like Alexi. There must be a Russian thug dress code, black leather jackets over black shirts tucked into black pants.
Zoe C, "Fuckers have seen way too many movies."
I have to stifle a laugh, "So it seems, where's the cigarette? They can't be authentic thugs without a cigarette."
Arthur pulls a pack, taps one out and lights it, "You were right my friend, this one is the best quality we've seen for fifteen. Let me take a closer look, off with the shirt young one, let's take a look at the tits and ass."
Dasha, "Chert tebya, russkiy mudak." (fuck you Russian asshole)
Arthur smiles, "A fucking Russian, typical, mouth like a Tartar."
He tells Dasha, "Ty budesh' moyey shlyukhoy."
Dasha, "No, you will be my whore."
Arthur turns to his buddies, "A true Russian beauty, and a mouth to match."
He reaches for her, "You will need training, learn to be obedient whore."
Dasha grabs his wrist, steps to the side while stretching his arm out, then she breaks his elbow over her knee. The two behind him reach for weapons, Zoe C puts her Glock in one's ear, cocks the hammer. Never saw Daphne take the other's weapon but she's holding it. Zoe C relieves her guy of his.
Arthur is on his knees, right arm bent in a direction no arm was meant to bend. Dasha puts her hand behind his neck, blood pours from his ears, then his mouth. She releases and Arthur is face down on asphalt and he's never getting up.
Hank, "Fuckin' fuck me."
I grab the sides of his head and twist, a satisfying crank, think of an overzealous chiropractor. Hank's head points left, it will always point left.
Daphne, "Take a seat boys, we want a little information."
A burst of Russian, Daphne taps his head with the butt of the gun she took, "Cut the crap Ivan, you speak English, or shall I have my associate translate?"
"What do you want to know?"
"Where are the kids?"
"What kids?"
Daphne clocks him harder, his cheek splits open, she raises the gun again.
"Fuck, hold on, okay? They are with Pavlov, only two, the rest are gone and we don't know where, we buy, don't sell, Pavlov sells. He has rich buyer connections, not us."
"Where is Pavlov?"
"I tell you more, he cuts me up with a chain saw, I've seen him do it."
"You don't tell, I cut you up with a K-Bar," magically there's the military grade knife in her hand, a quick swipe and his ear falls to the asphalt. He screams. Daphne hits him on the temple with the hilt of the knife, lights out.
She turns to the second, "Where is Pavlov?"
He's angry, but wary, and for good reason, he's watched the girls take apart his pals.
"Not know address, I can take you, I am not so good English as Mikhail."
Daphne, "Fair enough, let's go."
"Now? He is maybe in bed asleep."
"Even better."
Sixty Four
We're outside Pavlov's, his place is gated and the rail fence runs completely around the property. The good news is, his is the only house, the next place is a half mile away.
Lights are on in the rear, Daphne launches the drone.
Cossack Two, the only one left alive, blinks, "Drone? What is on top, like a gun maybe?"
"Dart gun, right now loaded with tranquilizer, but we also have a poison that takes less than a couple of breaths before you're dead."
"I know people who would buy for much money."
"Yeah, me too, but it isn't happening."
He shrugs, he'll have to think up a new scheme to convince us to let him go. What he doesn't know is no scheme will save his child raping ass, he's the walking dead.
"Get us inside."
Cossack Two, "Do not know code."
I bend his middle finger back, hard, "The fucking code, you've been here, seen it punched in, do it or I take the finger."
Dasha and I are in Phil's van, Daphne and Zoe C are in ours, but parked on the side under trees. There's a cam at the gate, but nothing covering the whole fence line.
Zoe C, 'In position in the rear, three men sitting at a patio table, bottle of Russian Standard, one cigar, two with cigarettes. If we wait a few years, they'll kill themselves.'
'No fun in that, and we need to know if they have girls inside.'
'Then let's find out.'
Dasha has us connected to the drone cam, video and audio, I hear three 'twips!' and watch the men sink into unconsciousness.
'Damn, that stuff is good, real good, amazing.'
'Our new friends totally have their shit together.'
Meanwhile, Cossack Two has opened the gate, which is nice, although I could have rammed it with Phil's van, more exciting but noisy.
The drive is a quarter mile, it curves in front of the house. By the time we get there, Daphne is at the front door.
"Haul them in from outside while I check the house."
Dasha and I go through, the place is not as big as our house, not even close to Daphne's, still, it must go eight thousand square feet. Zoe C is standing over the three, two dropped in their chairs, Cigar fell forward and is resting on the concrete.
Dasha grabs the back of his belt, I ask, "Need a hand?"
"Nyet," she lifts him, he folds like a hanging bag and she drags him in the house.
I blink at Zoe C, they guy must go two fifty, Dasha lifted him like he was a bag of laundry.
I take one slug over my shoulder and plop him down next to Cigar. Dasha has the third, now they're lined up, three Russians in a row.
"How long they out for?"
Dasha, "Fifteen or twenty, depending, the big one will take less time, the little prick will wake up first. I think we get them tied, put in different rooms. We can interrogate without them knowing who said what."
We get busy with nylon ties and duct tape, don't trust ties to hold, although these are big ones. Plain ties can be broken if you spread your elbows and snap your wrists down onto, say, your knee. Naturally there's a video on YouTube demonstrating it. Duct tape will prevent them from breaking the ties because they can't pull their arms apart enough. To be ultra-sure, we also have their bound hands behind their backs. Ties and tape around ankles, these dopes aren't going anywhere. Two in bedrooms, one in what serves as an office. If Daphne finds kids, they won't have to see their captors.
Dasha stays with the smallest since he should stir first, Zoe C alternates keeping an eye on the other two. Easy enough, the bedrooms are side by side, then the office on one end of the hall.
I hear whispered voices, Daphne comes down the stairs with two young girls on each side, she's reassuring them.
Zoe C, "How adorable, how are they?"
Daphne, "Still finding out," she tells the girls, "Take a seat on the…wait, are you hungry? It's late, do you just want to go back to sleep?"
One of the girls looks to be eight, the other is ten or eleven. They don't appear to have any injuries, Daphne can ask about abuse later, right now they just seem sluggish.
The older one nods a yes to more sleep, the little one is already stretched on the couch and nodding off. I fetch pillows and a blanket, Daphne gets them arranged and lowers the lights.
We gather on the far side of the room to decide what happens next.
Daphne, "Didn't get to talk with the girls much, I don't know if they are local or even their names. There was a bottle of Benadryl on the bathroom counter, I figure they were dosed to keep them quiet and sleepy."
Zoe C, "Then time to interrogate Pavlov and his dogs. Suppose I stay here and make sure the girls don't wake up and start wandering around, you guys take one each, where's Hank?"
I can answer that one, "Dead in the van."
Nobody asks how, they've seen me snap a neck already.
Daphne, "Doesn't matter who takes who, pick a partner and find out what they know. First bit is where they got the two girls, or maybe they don't know or don't want to know."
"Then I made a mistake, killing Hank."
Dasha, "No big deal, the girls will know."
Zoe C, "Did either of them ask about their parents?"
Daphne, "No, I thought it would be the first question, but they're mostly out of it due to the antihistamine. The older girl told me they were made to take two. It was a stupid thing to do, their blood pressure could have dropped to scary levels. Zoe C, you might want to monitor their pulse, if it gets below sixty we may need to get them to a hospital."
"On it."
Daphne, Dasha and I take a bedroom each, I get Pavlov.
I go in, he's parked on the bed, trussed up like the proverbial Christmas goose.
Pavlov isn't happy, "Who are you, you break into my home, shoot us up, what do you want, money?"
"I have money. You're buying children, don't annoy me with denials, not in the mood."
He stares, I guess he's trying for intimidation, not used to being on the receiving end, "Where do the girls come from, by that, I don't mean what city, who is the supplier?"
He smirks, "Several, and you are correct, I have no clue where they come from."
"Fair enough, let's go downstream, who do you sell them to?"
"Fuck off."
"We don't have to do this the hard way, but I not only don't mind, I'm glad. Phil, Hank, Larry and some puke who's name I don't know are dead. I killed two, my associates took out the others. Ever been to a chiropractor, they do this neck twist, allegedly to align the vertebrae in the neck. It's a safe technique for a trained professional. I tend to go overboard, sharp twist until I hear a satisfying snap. Here, let me show you.
I take his head, one hand on his jaw from underneath, the other on the back of his head, I twist it a few times, then I twist it until he yells.
"Okay, okay, point taken. But I tell you, then you kill me, what's the point of telling you?"
"There are many ways to die Pavlov, ever heard of the Death of a Thousand Cuts? I think you can figure out how that works. My associate has a K-Bar, I watched her work earlier, she is good, amazingly so. She starts with your feet, when those are ribbons, she goes to knees, fingers, tits, lips, you know how much it hurts to have a lip sliced open? Her finale has to do with your groin. When she's done, you'll be a girl, maybe you could sell yourself…but you'll be too dead to have much value. Another associate does interesting things with electricity, did you ever want to be a light bulb? I can arrange it."
"You are insane."
"I miss the point," I slip on brass knuckles, not only are they efficient, I don't get a bruised fist. I break his nose, I break it with attitude, now his nose looks like an inkblot.
"Goddamn…Fuck! You better kill me, or I will hunt you down and repay you a hundred times over, you, your family, your pets, your fucking mother."
"Pavlov, you aren't leaving this room alive and I don't believe in ghosts. In fact, the last thing I'm going to do is light this place up like a Taliban enclave, your body will essentially evaporate, you won't care, you'll be dead. You can go quickly and painlessly if you cough up names and locations, or I can turn you over to my friend," there's an earsplitting scream from down the hall, I smile, "hear that? She's interviewing one of your pals as we speak."
Now I have his undivided attention.
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Watch "Ready Jet Go!: Back to Bortron 7" starting August 14
Posted by
Get set for a new, one-hour Ready Jet Go! special, Back to Bortron 7. When Jet's parents need to return to their home planet, Sean and Sydney join the Propulsion family on an epic adventure to Bortron 7.
Monday, August 14, 5:30 p.m., Nine PBS KIDS
Friday, August 18, 2:30 p.m., Nine PBS
Encore viewings occur during PBS KIDS' Family Night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer.
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DRC home :: Events :: Feedback :: Wallpaper :: Advanced Search
• Tickets, camping and upgrades to the NHRA NTK Carolina Nationals are available by visiting com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267); Every ticket is a pit pass
CONCORD, N.C. - The 12th edition of zMAX Dragway's spectacular showcase of nitro-fueled excitement and nail-biting championship drama has a new name. NTK, a world-renowned line of premium technical sensors and a division of NGK Spark Plugs, will serve as entitlement sponsor of the Oct. 11-13 NHRA NTK Carolina Nationals
NTK's sponsorship comes on the heels of NGK Spark Plugs having sponsored the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway for two years. The third race in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series' six-event Countdown to the Championship promises to offer drivers cool October temperatures - providing the potential for track-record speeds when nitro-powered Top Fuel and Funny Car machines scorch zMAX Dragway's pavement in search of a coveted Countdown triumph.
"We are excited to add the NTK Carolina Nationals as a complementary event to our NGK Four-Wide sponsorship with Charlotte Motor Speedway," stated NGK Spark Plugs USA, Inc., Vice President of Aftermarket, Brian Norko. "We expect the same success we've gained with our NGK product line to translate over to our premium sensor line at NTK. It's only fitting that we showcase our world-leading brands as the kick-off and finale for these two, world-class NHRA events at zMAX Dragway."
The NHRA NTK Carolina Nationals roars to life with the first night of qualifying on Oct. 11. Every ticket is a pit pass, giving fans unmatched access to the drivers and crews who tame the 10,000-horsepower machines and push them to their limits after the tree illuminates.
"Charlotte Motor Speedway is privileged to have NGK Spark Plugs support one of the NHRA's premier playoff events," said Greg Walter, the speedway's executive vice president and general manager. "NTK offers race fans the ultimate in technical sensors and I sense a lot of excitement emanating from the Bellagio of drag strips when racing gets underway in October."


text: Hey – I stumbled on this website by mistake. I was looking in Bing for Registry software that I had already bought when I found your site, I must say your website is pretty cool I just love the theme, its amazing!. I don't have the time at the moment to totally read your site but I have bookmarked it and also signed up for your RSS feed. I will be back in a day or two. Thanks again for a cool site.


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I must admit to a wry smile as I read the news this morning. At work we live in terror of the Freedom of Information Act. In practice, it has very little (i.e. absolutely no) bearing on our daily round. But in principle anyone can ring up any government-run establishment and demand whatever nonsensical information that takes their fancy. And have an enforceable legal right to have that information within a month. For a nominal fee (I think it's about ten quid) hard working people are legally obliged to drop what they are doing to find out (for example) how many left handed Nigerians have been tested for emphysema in the last week.
The idea is that information kept by government sources is to be freely available. Ironically following such a series of such requests for data made under The Freedom of Information Act, it would seem that some government departments have had enough. The Ministry of Defence, inundated by crackpots demanding information on flying saucers have decided to no longer keep records of UFO incidents. With no records they have no information to disclose to the general public, and so will save themselves untold effort looking up said information.
I wonder how many other government departments are now going to start emptying their files too.
I also saw there are plans to bring back the dog licence. But in a rather different format. The idea is that people will need to pass a competency test to show they are able to handle a dog. Add onto this the proposal to have all dogs micro-chipped and compulsory third party dog insurance, the average dog owner is looking at a bill of sixty quid a year on top of all the expenses associated with keeping Fido. My initial reaction from my own experience was that I liked the proposal. Having always had dogs in the house as a child, once I had a house of my own, I couldn't wait to get a dog of my own. And then I realised how utterly unprepared I was for a dog.
But then on reflection, not many of my friends and acquaintances have dogs any more, and of those that do, I don't think there's any that don't have well looked after and well controlled mutts. All that this licensing will do is to add expense where it isn't needed.
And the pikey element (at whom this legislation is aimed) will just ignore the licensing anyway.
And then to work. Yesterday 'er indoors TM came home from Tesco with some heat pads for my bad back. You stick them down your pants, and they work wonders, or so the blurb would have me believe. I'd reached the stage where I'd try anything, so down the pants they went, and I set off for work. It was either the moving about all day, or the heat pad. But something's worked wonders. I wouldn't say I was cured, but I'm certainly a lot better than I was…


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The main factors that lead to patch leakage
1.1 The feeder of the component feeder is not in place.
1.2 The gas path of the component suction nozzle is blocked, the suction nozzle is damaged, and the height of the suction nozzle is incorrect.
1.3 The vacuum circuit of the equipment is faulty and clogging occurs.
1.4 The board is defective and deformed.
1.5 There is no solder paste or too little solder paste on the pad of the board.
1.6 The quality of components and components is inconsistent with the thickness of the same product.
1.7 There is a mistake in the calling procedure of the mounter, or there is an error in the selection of the thickness parameters of the components during programming.
1.8 Human factors accidentally touched.
The main factors that cause SMC resistors to turn over and side parts
2.1 The feeder of the component feeder is abnormal.
2.2 The nozzle height of the mounting head is incorrect.
2.3 The height of the picking head is wrong.
2.4 The size of the filling hole of the component tape is too large, and the components are flipped due to vibration.
2.5 When the bulk material is placed in the tape, the direction is reversed.
The main factors that lead to component placement
3.1 When the placement machine is programmed, the X-Y axis coordinates of the components are incorrect.
3.2 Smear suction nozzle causes unstable suction.
Main factors that cause damage when components are mounted
4.1 Positioning the ejector pin is too high and the position of the circuit board is too high. The component is squeezed when it is mounted.
4.2 When the mounter is programmed, the Z-axis coordinates of the components are incorrect.
4.3 The nozzle spring of the mounting head is stuck.


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Click Here to submit a review!
Reviews for Susan's Pedi Spa from Google+:
Sara Dechter 03/2015
I had a great Pedicure with Susan and Sheyenne did awesome nail art for me. I will definitely be coming back.
Ron Paul 03/2015
They do a great job
Cindy Beckett 03/2015
Great pedicure! Lasts for over 4 weeks without chipping. Excellent service. I highly recommend this amazing pedi spa.
Karly Stevenson86004 03/2015
Awesome service, great pedicure. Schyenne is great! Of course I'm sure Susan is spectacular as well.
Laurie Carl 02/2015
Laurel Logan 02/2015
Susan's Pedi Spa is hands-down the best pedicure and manicure experience I've ever had. Susan is thorough, and my nails always look amazing. The environment is relaxing and cozy and never feels rushed. My husband and I love the Pedi for Two with Schyenne and Susan. I could not recommend Susan's more highly!
Bea Cooley 02/2015
My feet are smooth and soft, toenails are pretty. The best part is their cleanliness, use of clean instruments and materials and attention to detail. A wonderful experience.
Kristen Faxlanger 01/2015
I recently had a pedi by Susan...and loved it! It was much needed and was 100% relaxing. She did an excellent job with all the fine details! The chair has a beautiful view of the San Fran peaks, she has coffee or tea for you while there, and the paint job was absolutely perfect. I am definitely planning on going back soon!
Trudy Koop 12/2014
Professional, friendly and attentive are just a few adjectives I can use to describe my experience at Susan's. I was especially pleased knowing that the instruments used for my pedicure had been sterilized and designated 'one use only'. The level of cleanliness was outstanding and when I am back visiting that area I will definitely make a point of booking another appointment. Great job!
Heather Bell 11/2014
Judy Finney 10/2014
Can not say enough about how clean and professional this experience is. Also love the massage chair while Susan works her magic.
Ken Sweet 10/2014
My experience at Suan's Pedi Spa is always five star. Her professionalism, attention to detail and the genuine interest she takes in her clients is to be admired. I have been going to Susan for over a year and would not consider going anywhere else.
Elaine Martens 08/2014
It was a wonderful quiet afternoon to be pampered. Susan was thorough, careful and did not rush, which I really appreciated. It did feel like a spa experience, but in a home. I highly recommend Susan---
Tamara Riley 07/2014
I was in town visiting a friend and Susan fit me into the schedule for a Manicure and I absolutely love my results. I will be coming here when Im in town again.
Reviews for Susan's Pedi Spa from Square Customers:
Dave. Flagstaff, AZ 03/12/15
Schyenne is excellent. Greatest foot massage ever!
Amanda. Flagstaff, AZ 03/13/15
Best pedicure in town.
Norma. Flagstaff, AZ 09/19/14
I'm happy to be a customer there! Schyene is a great addition.
Sandy. Flagstaff, AZ 10/10/14
Always a pleasant experience.
Reviews for Susan's Pedi Spa from Yelp:
C E. Flagstaff, AZ 11/10/2013
Excellent atmosphere very,very clean & sanitary. Quality products! A little on the $$ side but you get what you pay for! I can only go a few times a year! But if I were a professional with a professional income I would be a regular! She's specializes is safe, sanitary pedicures with people who have health issues! She's the only certified pedicurist in town!
Maggie Z. Flagstaff, AZ 10/12/2013
My husband and I went to Susan's on a Saturday for pedis. Susan took the time to get to know us and ensure we would have everything we would need. When her other technician failed to show, she was like wonder woman and did both of us simultaneously. Even though she was going back and forth between us, we never felt like we were being rushed or neglected. She also was very careful to keep everything sanitary - she must have gone through an entire box of gloves doing us both with as many times as she changed them. Being in healthcare, the sanitary aspect of pedi places has always freaked me out but Susan's was immaculate. Can't wait to go back with the girls - since it took 2 years to convince the hubby to go!
Northern S. Flagstaff, AZ 9/18/2013
Susan is a dedicated, talented nail technician. I am very loyal to her customer service because her work is beautiful and she is meticulous in her process. She answers any questions thoroughly and has a wide range of services as well as affordable weekly add-on specials. When you walk in the door, Susan puts you right at ease, always offering coffee or tea. She is truly a genuinely warm person. I always feel very relaxed and pampered after a visit and my nails look perfect. I highly recommend her services to everyone.
Veronica H. Flagstaff, AZ 9/16/2013
Susan is personable, professional and meticulous with her work. I've had several shellac manicures and each time Susan was gentle with gel removal, detailed in the polish, and provided high quality service. The shellac manicure lasted over two weeks and was worth every penny. Susan's Pedi Spa has a warm atmosphere with large windows, natural light and relaxing music.
Monica D. Canoga Park, CA 8/24/2013
Detailed, detailed and detailed. I came in with a specific design for my pedicure; french manicure with red polka dots in the clear area-loved her attention for detail, especially after i smudged one of my toes. Her welcoming personality, detail to your needs and intimate, cozy setting makes for a visit to this business. Great customer service was given and felt by my daughter and I. Be generous in allotting your time for your appointment, nothing quality comes from a rushed job. I am use to the in and out rushed feeling of most SoCal nail salons. Appointments are a must. Prices are comparative to other salons in area.
Here are just some of the reviews Susan has received prior to opening Susan's Pedi Spa:
Anonymous Verified customer
The best pedicure I have ever had was by Susan. She is meticulous and gentle.
Kelly P Customer since 2012
My pedicure service was excellent! She cleaned the bowl right before the service and she did use antiseptic agent to clean the bowl. Message was great! I am definitely will go back to face and body spa for another pedicure service.
Emily M Customer since 2013
Very nice spa pedicure. Friendly and kind service.
Doreen E Customer since 2012
The Spa Pedicure was very relaxing and I would book it again as well as tell my friends to get one!
Anonymous Verified customer
First spa pedicure at Flag Face and Body - Much better than the pedi I received from Scottsdale Princess. Definitely going back for another!
Cindy B Customer since 2012
Susan always does an excellent job. She is very meticulous and makes sure you are satisfied prior to leaving.
Mary D Customer since 2013
A lovely, relaxing experience and, as always, a perfect Pedicure with Susan.
Gretchen S Customer since 2012
As usual, my pedicure experience with SUSAN-was wonderful! Relaxing-a respite from my hectic day. AND....i love my "toe color"-so much that I bought it the day day-along with another OPI polish. I am sure I will become a "regular" client of Susan's-I have made my next appontment already.
Sandy W Customer since 2011
Susan gave me the best and most enjoyable pedicure I have ever had before. I will definitely be returning to her again.
Anonymous Verified customer
Susan does a wonderful job with pedicures and gel manicures. She is very a good technician and very detailed oriented. The front staff are very polite and conscientious.
Anonymous Verified customer
Susan is an wonderful person and her treatments are top notch.
Cindy B Customer since 2012
Susan did an excellent job with my pedicure. She is always very pleasant and very gentle.
Marika C Customer since 2011
Wonderfully girly manicure!! Coming back for wedding nails and toes next month!! Thanks ladies!
Mary D Customer since 2013
I had a lovely, relaxing pedicure with Sue. As always, my tootsies were smooth, pretty and perfectly polished when she finished!
Anonymous Verified customer
Susan was great.


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Fiscal Prudence for a Greater Kingston
A Citizen Group dedicated to promoting economic wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and a better quality of life for everyone in Kingston
How many major capital projects can taxpayers handle? The Kingston City website 'Projects & Construction' page has a list of 17. By far the most expensive, most complex, and controversial is the 'Third Crossing'.
Road Work, Airport Expansion & Land Use, Davis Tannery, Downtown Transfer Point, Highway 15, John Counter Boulevard, Kingston East Community Centre, North Block, North King's Town, Parks Development, Princess Street Reconstruction 2015/2016, Rideau Heights Regeneration, Shannon Park & Rideau Heights Community Centre, Third Crossing, Urban K&P Trail, Victoria Park, Waterfront Master Plan
The high cost and significant implications of the Third Crossing project has prompted us to question the need.
Faced with the City's barrage of, we note, taxpayer-funded materials, including a slick video, promoting the Third Crossing, we decided it is time to get organized and ask for answers to the really important questions.
We call for a full disclosure of the money already spent and the present and future costs of the Third Crossing.
We need to have an honest debate now!


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Brahman cattle are known as one of the superior breeds in the cattle industry thanks to the many attributes and qualities they have shown through history. Their great ability of adaptation and many other advantages allow Brahman cattle to be so successful in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Brahman cattle were originally brought from India and are intermediate to large in size among beef breeds found in the United States. Bulls will generally weigh from 1600 to 2200 pounds and cows from 1000 to 1400 pounds in average condition.
Moreno Ranches Announces September Return to Florida with Brahman Cattle for Sale in the Sunshine State
September 1, 2018 – Venus, Florida. Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Gray and Red Brahman cattle for sale in Florida, is honored to announce their "return" to Florida after a successful Catalyst 6 sale in Texas. The Ranch is announcing special opportunities for fall at its Venus, Florida, Brahman cattle ranch.
Leading Producer of Brahman Cattle for Sale in Texas, Moreno Ranches Announces Triple Crown Queen – Ms. Lady Redi 902, at Houston Show
Houston, Texas, – March 20, 2018. Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Gray and Red Brahman Show Heifers for Sale in both Texas and Florida, is proud to announce its "Triple Crown Queen" to be Ms. Lady Redi 902, due to her strong performance at the Houston Livestock Show. The Ranch attended this year's Houston Livestock Show from February 27th to March 2nd. The show is a must-see for Brahman Show Heifers for Sale enthusiasts and Moreno Ranches is a staple in the event showcasing genetically superior Brahman Show Heifers for sale and display.
Moreno Ranches, a Top Texas Producer of Brahman Cattle, Announces Successes at the Houston Livestock Show
Houston, Texas – March 15, 2018. Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Gray and Red Brahman cattle for sale in both Texas and Florida, is proud to announce its attendance at this year's Houston Livestock Show from February 27th to March 2nd. The show is an annual show circuit highlight for Brahman cattle enthusiasts. Moreno Ranches has become a staple at the event, showcasing genetically superior Brahman cattle for sale and display.
Moreno Ranches Announces Participation in Fort Worth Stock Show, Showcasing its Fine Brahman Cattle, Heifers and Bulls in Texas
Fort Worth, Texas – February 15, 2018. Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Gray and Red Brahman cattle for sale, is pleased to announce its successful attendance at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, which was held January 12th to February 3rd. Moreno Ranches showcased some of its finest Brahman Cattle for sale, exhibiting heifers and bulls backed by the M-check brand.
Venus, Florida, and Frost, Texas – January 25, 2018. With the acquisition of a Texas Brahman Cattle ranch in 2017, Moreno Ranches solidified its reputation as the top Brahman cattle producer in the United States. Now, as of January, 2018, the Ranch is proud to announce early successes at its Texas location.
Dallas, Texas – December 7, 2017. Moreno Ranches, with ranch locations in both Florida and Texas for its award-winning Brahman cattle, is proud to announce achievements at the recent State Fair of Texas.
Moreno Ranches Announces Participation in Miami International Agricultural and Cattle Show (MIACS) 10th Anniversary
Miami, Florida – March 31, 2017. Moreno Ranches, a leading producer of Brahman cattle (both red and gray) in Florida and throughout the United States, Latin America, and internationally, is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Miami International Agriculture and Cattle Show (MIACS) which will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this year.
Moreno Ranches, a Top Brahman Cattle Producer, Announces Texas Brahman Cattle Show Participation in Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas – January 26, 2017. Moreno Ranches, a top Florida producer of Brahman cattle for sale, is pleased to announce attendance at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, January 13 – February 4, 2017. Moreno Ranches participated in this important Texas show to showcase Brahman cattle for Sale to a Texas audience, including both Brahman Bulls and Brahman Heifers.
Moreno Ranches Announces Additional Successes with Red Brahman Bulls to Match Red Brahman Heifers at the Texas State Fair
Fort Worth, Texas – November 7, 2016. Moreno Ranches, a leading producer of red Brahman cattle (both heifers and bulls) in Florida and throughout the United States, is proud to announce complementary honors taken by the Ranch's bulls in conjunction with its heifers at the recent Texas State Fair. Major awards given to the Ranch's red Brahman heifers were paralleled in the bull category.
Editor's Note: As part of our outreach program, we have asked our "Brahman Junior" interns to post a blog about their experiences at Moreno Ranches. In this post, they share the importance of what they are learning regarding the care and feeding of Brahman bulls.
July 14, 2016 – Venus, Florida. Moreno Ranches, known as a top Florida breeder of Brahman cattle, is pleased to announce that the Ranch has been designated the Red Brahman Premier Breeder of the Year by the Florida Cattlemen's Association. The Ranch has a growing reputation as the top breeder of Red Brahman cattle not only in Florida but in the United States.
Moreno Ranches 2nd Annual "Denim and Diamonds" Event is a Houston, Texas, Party with Brahman Cattle For Sale, Too
Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Gray and Red Brahman cattle for sale, invites you to the 2nd annual Denim and Diamonds
sales event, on March 3rd, 2016 in Houston, Texas. If you are interested, please contact us to request a catalog in order to have time to review the sale offerings.
Our Denim & Diamonds sales event will be our 2nd annual event of this theme.
We think of it as, "A little bit country, a little bit sparkly." The denim of course is for the men, and (rather more expensive) diamonds for the women. This sale is happening in conjunction with the activities of the ABBA International Show and Sale, which draws people from all over the United States, not to mention the rest of the world. Since you will probably be there if you're the kind of person who would be reading this blog, we absolutely insist that you stop by to say "hi." This is a great social occasion, a chance to mingle and meet. No sales pressure!
All Types of Brahman Cattle Are Coming to Texas
Of course we will have assembled what we feel is a very interesting selection of females from the Moreno Ranches program, and will have these Brahman cattle for sale. In this sale offering you will find only the finest genetics ever created, which we back up with the M check brand. We look forward to your reviewing several of these genetic packages at the ABBA International Show. As always the team at Moreno Ranches takes great pride in the development and marketing of the American Brahman cattle. We welcome any and all inquiries. Unfortunately, Moreno Ranches cannot accept payment on our Brahman cattle for sale in the form of diamonds, so please bring the more traditional payment methods along in case you nab a heifer!
To learn more about the "Denim and Diamonds" sale, please visit https://www.morenoranches.com/ and click on the red link at the top of the page. Interested parties can learn about Red and Gray Brahman heifers, bulls and other cattle that will be sold at the Houston, Texas event, as well as Brahman semen and Brahman embryo opportunities.
Some Words about the ABBA Event
The American Brahman Breeders Association international show is the "go-to" event for the Brahman industry and draws participants from throughout the United States and other countries. As a top Florida breeder of Brahman cattle, Moreno Ranches is excited by the opportunity to extend its brand not only through the international Brahman show, but by having the opportunity for the "Denim and Diamonds" sale to occur in Houston, Texas where we can showcase Moreno Ranches Brahman cattle to new buyers and interested parties.
Moreno Ranches, a Top Producer of Brahman Cattle for Sale, Announces 2nd Annual 'Denim and Diamonds' Sale in Houston
Houston, Texas – February 5, 2016. Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Brahman cattle, is pleased to announce their 2nd annual Denim and Diamonds sales event, to be held on March 3rd 2016 in Houston, Texas. Interested parties should request a catalog beforehand at the ranch website or by calling 877-482-2382, in order to have time to review the sale offerings.
November 24, 2015 – Venus, FL. Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Brahman cattle, is pleased to announce their successful participation in the ABBA National Show, held at the Brazos Valley Expo, in Bryan Texas, on Oct 14 – 16.
Moreno Ranches, a top producer of Brahman cattle, is excited to announce the approach of not just one but two major online sales events. November 30th will see the return of Moreno Ranches' "Cyber Monday Sale," following on the success of the inauguration of the event in 2014. Additionally, a brand-new innovation will follow in December: Moreno Ranches will host the "12 Days of Christmas" online sale, which will run from Dec 13th to Dec 24th.
There's no avoiding social media these days, and the language of 'tweets', 'hashtags' and 'trending' has spread from San Francisco even all the way here to Florida.
A few of my favorite things: Red roses (you did remember to get some for your spouse back on Valentines Day, right?), red hot chili peppers, crisp red apples, and of course red Brahman cattle for sale.


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Cat#: RB014
Released: April, 2018
- Genre(s):
- Fullon Psy
- Prog Psy
- Psy Trance
RuffBeatz proudly presents volume 2 of the Escape Reality compilation including some of RuffBeatz finest residents and fresh new acts. The album promises a powerful, pumping, and chunky Psy-Trance sound in immaculate quality; available in both MP3 and WAV.
With unbelievable tracks from some top artists, featuring: Shibass, Samra, Cosmic Flow, Drop Runner, Tripo & Von Zeus, Midicinal Noize, Bornvibe. Compiled by Triex, Australia. Mastered by artists, and Simon Neumann/Zeamoon, Germany.
Super excited to note that the cover has been crafted from a stunning painting by renowned artist & painter - Cathrin Machin. Definitely check out her art, seriously some amazing works!
Are you ready to Escape Reality once more?
P.S. We have included a bonus 7k version of the cover art and a 4K wallpaper as a special inclusion for the WAV version of the album.
- Shibass - High Volume (146 BPM)
- Evermore - It's Too Late [SAMRA Remix] (142 BPM)
- PPK - Ressurection [Cosmic Flow Remix] (138 BPM)
- Major Lazer - Too Original [Drop Runner Remix] (138 BPM)
- KSHMR & Marnik - Bazaar [Tripo & Von Zeus Remix] (140 BPM)
- Shibass - Sound of Disco (146 BPM)
- Midicinal Noize - Universal Experience [Original Mix] (138 BPM)
- Bornvibe - Return to Earth (139 BPM)


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- 3.5mred-black tafeta
- 3m dark red satin
- 2m dark red cotton
Outgoing (only counting finished projects):
- bustle skirt 2.8m
- fabric buckets for my aunt 1m
- bags for my friend 1m
8.5m - 4.8m = 3.7 m fabric added to my stash this month
This still leaves me with 1.8m less fabric since the start in January, but I really need either a bigger flat to store my stash or get rid of some meters (which leaves me with a need for a bigger wardrobe, but that's an entirely different problem!)... Since it is only about 50 days until WGT 2012, I really have to get my sewing mojo back. Not only do I have to reduce the meters I bought, but I also would like to wear something when out in public!