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The cars are close but the 335 is able to edge the LP560-4. Keep in mind though that the LP560 cars with the 5.2 V10 do not gain as much with a tune as the 5.2 R8. To reverse this outcome the Lambo would need a full exhaust and a retune maybe with some higher octane gas. As it sits it is likely in the high 400's to the wheels probably around ~480 which would put it at less power than a well tuned RB turbo 335i with a JB4 running race gas. It is not known what tune the Lambo is running however.
Great run, video below..

subset: commoncrawl


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Trying to find beautiful kitchen ideas? It's where we prepare food, eat, amuse and socialise, so it is important to make a kitchen design that ticks each one of these boxes - and even more. Whether you're ripping out and setting up a fresh kitchen, moving your kitchen into a fresh room or maybe tackling a tiny project to upgrade your present kitchen, just about everyone has the creativity and practical tutorials you need.
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Exhibit now your Art in theartwolf.com! It's completely free; we do NOT charge any fee or commission. We offer you the opportunity of having your own webpage at theartwolf.com devoted exclusively to your Art.
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The Federal Government will Become America's Model Employer for the 21st Century.
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Amethyst Genuine Swarovski Crystal Charm Bead in Sterling Silver
- $ 15 71 15.71
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About this itemThis is a beautiful Amethyst-colored genuine Swarovski crystal charm bead set in sterling silver.
Create your own story with the Sterling Silver Bead Collection from Sam's Club. These bead charms are all sterling silver; choose from beads with Swarovski Crystal Elements, colorful Murano glass or stick with the basics and select from an array of all sterling silver beads in unique designs and shapes.The Sterling Silver Bead Collection from Sam's Club is compatible with other major add-a-bead lines. This is a beaded story you can personalize and make your own is the modern equivalent to the time-honored charm bracelets of the past. Unlike these charms bracelets, this bead collection can be mixed and matched and worn alone or added together. Wherever your day may be taking you, the narrative you make for that day keeps you present and in the moment of your life.
The Sterling Silver Bead Collection from Sam's Club also makes a perfect gift to help a loved one or a friend start their own story. This bead collection includes romantic hearts to symbolize our greatest treasures. The beads are offered in mystical colors, beautifully colored crystal and murano glass selections that add sparkle and dimension. To create your own special look, you can add colorful beads to create a motif or special design. Included in the collection are spacers in plain silver and triangle spacers with colorful stones on the end caps.
The Sterling Silver Bead Collection from Sam's Club is constantly being updated with new selections as the designers find daily inspiration in the world around us. Please check back often and add to the story of your life.
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Attend Android Game Development training in Cape Coral. NetCom Learning provides more than 2700+ IT and Business training courses throughout Cape Coral, FL. Whether you're looking for customized onsite Android Game Development training for a private group throughout Cape Coral or an instructor-led online Android Game Development class, NetCom Learning has the solution for you.
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Christmas Cake Recipe Uk
Download the TotalRecipeSearch™ toolbar now to get the mouth-watering and top rated Christmas Cake Recipe Uk. Get instant access to 1,000+ easy and delicious recipes that will make your life a whole lot easier.
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This is the best christmas cake recipe uk I have ever had. My super picky kids asked for seconds!
Posted by Arista on Feb 24, 2018
This recipe was sooo yummy! I brought it to a potluck dinner and I got a lot of requests for the recipe. And they thought i couldn't cook hah.
Posted by KATE on Feb 24, 2018
pretty close to my grandma's recipe... make sure to use fresh ingredients, it makes a big difference...
Posted by JacobB on Feb 23, 2018
DELICIOUS recipe! I tried the AllRecipes one but this one is much better. Try it & you won't be disappointed.
Posted by lisann on Feb 22, 2018
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Clever Ways to Hide Ugly Spots in the House
Anything you can do to smooth over rough spots or ugly spots in the house could help you to make a better first impression.
Small things count when it comes to home staging. In addition to decluttering, removing personal mementos, and painting the walls a neutral color, anything you can do to smooth over rough spots or ugly spots in the house could help you to make a better first impression. Check out this round up of ideas culled from clever DIY bloggers who know how to make something from nothing.
Hide an object that protrudes from the wall: Kristen from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia posted a very clever and good-looking solution for hiding an unsightly garage door opener. She made a cover for the protruding garage door cover from a thrift store picture frame. She painted the frame and the small piece of wood that fit perfectly as a hinged door a fashionable antique white. Kristen is converting her garage to a mudroom and craft room, and her garage door opener cover fits right in to her design scheme. This idea would totally work to hide a thermostat.
How to hide the cable box: A DIY Phoenix-area carpenter came up with this very cute cable box within a box concept. Jeanette from the blog Homa Style posted step by step instructions. She built a creamy white wooden box to hide her cable box. She added decorative trim to the box to give it a pretty front. The box hides the ugly cable box, and actually adds a harmonizing element to the room.
Hide an air conditioner with a mosaic screen: Whether you have tiling skills of your own, or if you need to enlist the help of a tile contractor, a tile mosaic screen to hide a central air conditioning unit is a lovely addition to a carefully designed landscape. Bliss R. from the blog Bliss Ranch built a mosaic screen panel into a wooden fence. It totally obscures the view of her air conditioning unit, and provides a beautiful focal point by her patio.
Hide a kitty litter box: Cats are sweet, and cats are adorable, and some cats can even use the toilet. However, if your cat has not been trained to use the toilet (seriously, it is possible and a lot of people do it), there is the issue of where to put the litter box, and how to obscure the litter box from view if you happen to be showing your home to potential buyers (or if you don't like to look at the litter box). Amy from the blog The Blissful Bee built a very attractive skirted table to hide her cat's litter box. It's an inexpensive solution that could be accomplished by an advanced beginner.
Hide your TV with a sliding shutter: While a nice, big, flat screen TV could make a living room look more attractive to buyers, an old, bulky TV might work against you. Kim from Today's Creative Blog built a television cover out of a sliding shutter. It looks simple like a window is hiding behind the shutter. It's an inventive way to hide outdated electronics.
Hide the remote: Building a custom coffee table with built-in storage is a stylish way to create space to store odds and ends that could distract buyers from the overall look of the room. Of course, this does not have to be a DIY project, as there are plenty of affordable storage ottomans and coffee tables on the market at almost every price point. Props to Lisa from Recaptured Charm for building it herself.
Chaya Kurtz writes for Networx.com.


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Read 1700 Aquarium UV Sterilizers reviews, with an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 stars, to help determine which pet products are right for you.
Aquatop Submersible UV Filter with Pump
|The Aquatop Submersible UV Sterilizing Pump is a new and innovative method for eradicating and controlling free-floating micro-organisms as well as disease causing pathogens. For freshwater & marine aquariums UV light will sterilize & clarify, producing crystal clear water No plumbing required - UV sterilizer & pump included Can be placed anywhere in an aquarium, sump tank, or water garden. The design allows for easy installation and maintenance.Unlike typical UV sterilizing systems, the submersible UV sterilizer requires no special plumbing and is easy to use and maintain. Simply place the UV sterilizer directly into your tank or sump system up to the waterline. The built-in pump will draw water in, running it past the UV bulb.The SPUV filter uses a submersible top-mounted pump to draw water past its high output and compact UV Bulb. The UV Bulb is encapsulated in a unique quartz sleeve and each model of SPUV includes a pre-filter to mechanically filter organic waste before water passes over the UV bulb.
Aquatop Power Filter with UV Sterilizer
|Aquatop's PFUV Elite Series of Power Filter is a revolutionary and flexible hang-on design that makes installation effortless. The PFUV Elite Series is equipped with an internal U.V Sterilizer Bulb to help control unwanted algae blooms and eradicate free-floating parasites such as Ich. Perfect for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums Built in UV Sterilizer for optimal filtration Easy to Install and Maintain The PFUV also utilizes a self-adjusting, built-in surface skimmer to help maintain optimal oxygen levels by cleaning the surface of the water and allowing for maximum gas exchange. Hang on back HOB power filter for easy installation.
Coralife Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizer for Aquariums
|The Coralife Turbo-Twist Aquarium UV Sterilizer features a revolutionary twist-flow design, created to facilitate water flow through the sterilizer much more evenly than traditional designs. This increases the water's exposure to ultraviolet light and provides better treatment of algae and harmful microorganisms, keeping your aquarium clean and clear. Eliminates single-cell algae & harmful microorganisms Unique twist design allows greater UV exposure Helps provide crystal clear aquarium water Turbo Twist UV for freshwater or saltwater aquariums The internal twist design guides water flow more evenly through the sterilizer, increasing exposure to ultraviolet light and improving the treatment of unwanted algae and harmful microorganisms. Double-wall light chambers provide an additional protective barrier from ultraviolet light and extend the useful life of the sterilizer. An easy-to-read indicator light lets you know at a glance that the sterilizer is operating. The Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizer is easy to set up and simple to use! Mounting brackets are included for hang-on or in-line applications. Instructions are included for quick setup and proper positioning. Please read directions in their entirety before using the UV Sterilizer. Water pump not included.Turbo Twist 3X Includes: 1 - Sterilizer with 5/8" hose barbs 2 - 1/2" hose barb adaptors 1 - Compact fluorescent UV lamp 9 watt 2 - Half round clip-on mounting brackets 1 - Aquarium frame mounting bracket 2 - O-ring adaptor seals 1 - Complete instruction manual Turbo Twist 6X Includes: 1 - Sterilizer with 3/4" hose barbs 2 - 5/8" hose barb adaptors 1 - Compact fluorescent UV lamp 18 watt 2 - Half round clip-on mounting brackets 1 - Aquarium frame mounting bracket 2 - O-ring adaptor seals 1 - Complete instruction manual Turbo Twist 12X Includes: 1 - Sterilizer 2 Each - 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" hose barb adaptors 1 - Compact fluorescent UV lamp 36 watt 2 - Half round clip-on mounting brackets 1 - Aquarium frame mounting bracket 2 - O-ring adaptor seals 1 - Complete instruction manual Caution: Never look directly at the unshielded lamp as ultraviolet radiation is harmful. Disconnect the UV Sterilizer from the power supply when installing or performing maintenance. Never submerse the UV Sterilizer in water.Additional Items Needed to Complete Installation: 3X Model: Water pump with a flow rate of 100-200 gallons per hour 6X Model: Water pump with a flow rate of 200-400 gallons per hour 12X Model: Water pump with a flow rate of 400-1200 gallons per hour All Models: Approximately 6 feet of flexible plastic hose; may vary depending on set up.
Aquatop Eliminator In-Line UV Sterilizer
|Aquatop Eliminator In-Line UV Sterilizer provides water clarification and sterilization simultaneously while controlling unwanted algae and parasites in your water. Creates crystal clear, clean water For fresh and saltwater tanks Utilizes advanced UV technology With a complex chamber that forces water to pass by the UV light multiple times, this highly effective and efficient UV sterilizer keeps water clean and clear. Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Simply cut the stepped hose adapters to the appropriate tubing size, connect hoses, add hose clamps and plug in. Use a water pump that does not exceed the gallons per hour (GPH) rated for the corresponding Eliminator In-Line UV Sterilizer below. Specifications for 18 Watt: 110-120V/60Hz 750 GPH Max Flow Rate 18 Watt UV Bulb Capable of handling capacities of 300 Gallons Includes 1/2"-1 1/4" & 1" Adapters Specifications for 36 Watt: 110-120V/60Hz 1250 GPH Max Flow Rate 36 Watt UV Bulb Capable of handling capacities of 500 Gallons Includes 1/2"-1 1/4" & 1" Adapters
Aquatop In-Line UV Sterilizer
|AquaTop's specially designed In-Line Ultraviolet Sterilizer maximizes UV exposure in a compact, easy-to-install unit. Water traveling through the IL-UV Series is exposed to UV-C light, known as germicidal grade UV Light. The result is clean, crystal clear aquarium water. Perfect for Freshwater or Saltwater Aquariums Can be installed in-line or as a hang-on unit Includes 5/8", 3/4", and 1" barbed fittings to accomodate a variety of setups - (Pump & Tubing Not Included) Simply connect to a water pump, power-head, or on the return line of a canister filter. The IL-UV Series includes a replaceable UV Lamp, various diameter barbed fittings and is suitable for both fresh and saltwater use.
Pondmaster Submersible Ultraviolet Clarifier / Sterilizer
|Pondmaster Submersible UV Clarifiers feature a glowing monitor halo ring that immediately shows it's working. Each UV Clarifier / Sterilizer includes a 9000 hour bulb, water tight quartz sleeve, transformer and 18' power cord. Submersible vortex flow design kills algae & algae blooms Glowing halo ring visible from any angle immediately shows it's working Black color is unobtrusive whether used in or out of the water 1 Year limited manufacturers warranty (lamp and quarts sleeve excluded) The Pondmaster UV Sterilizer can be placed outside the pond, and its black color makes it unobtrusive wherever it's used. Visible during the day and night from any angle, the soft blue halo shows it's working but does not detract from the beauty of your pond. These lights offer great value along with ease of use unsurpassed by any other ultraviolet sterilizer.UV Light Specifications:10 Watt UV - 700 GPH Max - 3/4" Barb Inlet/Outlet20 Watt UV - 1,800 GPH Max - 1" Barb Inlet/Outlet40 Watt UV - 2,400 GPH Max - 1.5" Barb Inlet/OutletUV Light Dimensions:10 Watt UV - 1 Light Halo - (12"L x 4"W)20 Watt UV - 2 Light Halos - (18"L x 4"W)40 Watt UV - 3 Light Halos - (24"L x 4"W)When to use a UV Sterilizer:Most Koi keepers will keep their unit(s) on year round. But for small garden ponds you may find that only in the spring, with the combination of longer days and an upsurge in fish activity, is UV necessary. If you do run your UV year-round, it must be protected from frost in a well-ventilated housing. Remember it is important to replace your UV lamps annually for peak performance.
Aqueon QuietFlow UV Sterilizer
|The Aqueon QuietFlow UV Sterilizer is the easy way to keep your aquarium water crystal clear and free of unsightly algae. It provides efficient UV clarification with virtually no set-up time; just hang it over the side and turn it on, no priming or accessories required! Effectively reduces free-floating algae Simple setup - just hang on your aquarium No priming or accessories required QuietFlow UV Sterilizers are effective for temporary or long-term use. Adjustable flow rate allows you to fine tune the amount of water passing through the stabilizer for maximum efficiency. The unit includes a power contact indicator lamp so you know when the sterilizer is running. For fresh and saltwater aquariums.
Aquatop Submersible Pond UV Filter with Fountain Kit - UVFK Series
|Aquatop UVFK Series UV Pumps with fountain kits are a convenient and versatile method to eradicate and control free-floating micro-organisms that cause unsightly green water as well as disease causing pathogens in both fresh & saltwater aquariums. Eliminates algae blooms Eradicates free-floating microorganisms and disease causing pathogens For salt & freshwater aquariums (when the Fountain Kit is not in use) and ponds / water gardens The versatility of these fully submersible UV Pumps also allow for applications in your outdoor garden ponds. Unlike conventional UV sterilizers which need the addition of a pump and extra plumbing, the UVFK Series has a built-in pump and is ready to use without the hassle of extra plumbing.Specifications:Dimensions: 13"L x 4"W (both models)Barbed Outlet: Fits 1/2"-1" tubingIncludes: Germicidal-grade UV bulb, large pre-filter sponge, & optional-use fountain kit.Note: Due to a manufacturer change, the power cord length is now 16 feet.


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Pervasive mobile computing helps edge users respond flexibly to diverse missions in tactical environments.
"Mobile computing" describes the use of computing technology on the go, through devices such as smartphones, tablets, portable computers, and wearable computers and sensors. The SEI is focusing on pervasive mobile computing at the tactical edge—environments in which front-line soldiers and first responders operate.
The SEI is working to realize this vision for soldiers and first responders:
The SEI explores the architecture and implementation of mobile systems that increase the flexibility of edge users to respond to diverse missions. In these systems, "pervasive computing"—the use of devices embedded with chips that can connect to a network—plays a major role.
Learn about our research in pervasive mobile computing.
Download our brochure about the Advanced Mobile Initiative.
Spotlight on Pervasive Mobile Computing
Evaluation of the Applicability of HTML5 for Mobile Applications in Resource-Constrained Environments
On Developing User Interfaces for Piloting Unmanned Systems
Test and Evaluation of Autonomous Unmanned Systems
Situational Awareness Mashups
The Role of Cloudlets in Hostile Environments


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LIVE! | Firefest Festival 2012: Day 1 – Tyketto, Ten, Dante Fox & Lionville
by Marcel "Mars" Groeneveld
– Columnist —
October 19,2012 At Rock City in Nottingham, UK —
One of the most impressive melodic rock festivals is without a doubt the Firefest festival which takes place every year in the city most known for the story of Robin Hood, Nottingham. Although not the biggest venue, the Rock City is known for its intimate atmosphere. And also is a contributor of the feeling that regular Firefest fans are attending a family reunion each year instead of a rock event.
The 9th edition of Firefest started Friday October 19th. Normally, the Friday night was intended to be a pre-party, but just like last year, it is definitely the real first day of the festival. Headlining this day was the high energetic rockers Tyketto.
Kicking off and first to climb the stage was the AOR band/project Lionville. From Italy the band features with Swedish Lars Säfsund (also to be seen with Work Of Art on Saturday) on vocals. All their songs are very well crafted tunes and are inspired by bands like Toto, Giant, Bad English, Survivor and Richard Marx which is stated on their website. I can totally relate to this as the response of the people was amazing for an opening band. With the amazing Alessandro Del Vecchio on keyboards and backing vocals his presence was definitely a noticeable one. Together with founder, guitar-player, and vocalist Stefano Lionetti the band spread the AOR virus with the beautiful "Power Of My Dreams" being one of the highlights of their set. The always smiling Lars Säfsund would have been a household name had he lived 20 years earlier. They performed a great set and all are great musicians, who would resurface in one way or another by performing with different bands on stage throughout the weekend. This is also one of the successful ingredients that makes Firefest a success.
The second band of the night to perform was Dante Fox. They have been around since 1989 and high expectations were expected of the band but unfortunately they could not deliver a 100%. Sue Willets could not win over the audience completely mainly because of her static performance. Unlike Lionville where the bands joy to play was more than obvious, the charisma of Dante Fox took the night off and was not to be found in Nottingham. As soon as power and volume was needed Sue Willets gave the impression the vocals went a little over the top, as she had to strain herself to much to reach her normal volume. She was coughing a bit on stage also on "I Can't Sleep," which isn't that powerful of a song so she managed that one pretty well. The song "Firing My Heart" was OK and during "Lost and Lonely Heart" guitarist Tim Manford and bass player Mike Dagnall had some fun. They moved around but overall compared with the opening act the audience response to Dante Fox performance was pretty lame.
Even higher expectations were being discussed by a large part of the audience about the next act to perform, the UK rockers Ten. From the start of the Intro going into "Lights Go Down" people were clapping, singing along with most songs even though most songs came from the new album Heresy and Creed. The vocal quality of Gary Hughes is so impressive; the way he performs on stage is an exact copy as he records on a disc. Singing comes naturally to him and while Sue Willets struggled with her vocals for Hughes it is like taking a walk in the park.
The only down side as the six piece band started performing their second song of the night "Spellbound" was the size of the stage. It became clear, in this case, size does matter. Even though there was not too much space for the band to move around it was an entertaining show. Bassist Steve McKenna definitely has a strong presence on stage; guitarist Dan Mitchel, well not so much, but guitarist John Haliwell has the looks and charisma that a rocker should have on stage. The new single "Gunrunning" was received very well and the new songs seem to be a return to the more classic rock Ten played on their first albums. From the Robe the song "Ten Fathoms Deep" once again brought out the best of the crowd and from the debut album X the band played the semi-ballad "After the Love Is Gone" before returning to the new stuff.
They performed the more up-tempo "Unbelievable" followed by "Red" from the album Spellbound. Leaving without playing one of their best songs is not an option but they kept the best for last "Name Of The Rose" closed the set. Overall their set was way to short show. Ten is one of the greatest underrated bands of melodic rock, hailing from the UK, they definitely rock!
Headliners New Jersey boys Tyketto have always had a large following in Europe and unlike a lot of their fellow American rockers have never forgotten where their truly loyal fans come from. The main difference between Europe and the States is definitely European fans are more loyal and American fans are more likely to love the flavor of the month. This is not a critical note but just pure facts as also confirmed by almost every American band ever to play on the Firefest bill.
With the four original members present consisting of front man, Danny Vaughn on vocals and acoustic guitar, Michael Clayton on drums, Jimi Kennedy on bass and background vocals and yes they even managed to find Brooke St James on guitars this time around, they are back on the scene. With the addition of Ten's Ged Rylands on keyboards and background vocals falling in for Bobby Lynch, the "fifth" band member, who had other obligations, Tyketto was complete. Showtime!
Starting off with an old familiar gem and also title song of their second 1994 release "Strength In Numbers." To be honest the crowd was won over even before the first note was played. Tyketto came, saw, played and conquered the Firefest crowd hands down.
Danny Vaughn is a real entertainer he loves to play the crowd; and his vocal capabilities are always spot on. Something old followed by something new, the new single "Faithless" from their recent release Dig in Deep was laid down and continues where they stopped some 20 years ago. If melodic rock wasn't crushed in the 90's by grunge these guys would have been huge, songs like "Burning Down Inside" is an invitation by the band to just sing along. Another song that can count on some vocal support of the folks present is "Lay Your Body Down" from their 1991 debut Don't Come Easy.
It is amazing how the old chemistry between the guys in the band is back also considering all the logistic problems they have had to deal with, Vaughn living in Spain, Clayton in New Jersey, St. James in Wisconsin but still they pulled it off. After 18 years with the original members are together again, after stating the band would not exist in 2007, well the fans brought them back and the band delivered another masterpiece with the album Dig In Deep.
Vaughn states after all this time you would expect when you get older to be more mellow, calmer but they are more pissed off as way back in the days as shown during their performance of "Here's Hoping It Hurts" is blasts throughout the Rock City venue. They followed that up with "Catch My Fall" and "Sail Away" causing Rock City to shake on its foundation. During "Standing Alone" Vaughn shared his gratitude with the audience as the beautiful song has touched the hearts of so many different people.
After the song "Rescue Me" and the uptempo "Meet Me In The Night" the band performed the new song "The Fight Left In Me" which featured great riff by St. James. Things settled down a bit giving Vaughn the opportunity to address the Firefest crowd again. He was very thankful being at Firefest again and told the crowd about the last time they had played the festival. He noticed this beautiful smiling girl in the crowd and he dedicated "Wings" to her, as he had married that same girl. See rockers can be tough, macho but also romantic. Of course after the expected roaring of the audience, the "we want more.." chant was met by Tyketto playing their biggest hit "Forever Young" and that took care of what was left of the Rock City's roof.
Tyketto was a perfect ending of the first day of Firefest leaving the crowd begging for more, however because of curfew already been passed, they had to shorten the show playing 65 minutes, there were still plenty of happy faces all around!
[Pictures are courtesy of RockManian Devil Entertainment.]
Firefest Festival 2012 Concert Photo Gallery
no images were found


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quote:
Originally posted by Danny:
In response for information supporting Prof. Cheng's length of study and status as a disciple or "Indoor Student" of Yang Ch'eng-fu, I compiled the following from several sources and now offer it also to this group:
In the foreword to Yang Ch'eng-fu's 1934 text "T'ai Chi Ch'uan T'i Yung Ch'uan Shu", Prof. Cheng gives us an outline of his early
involvement in T'ai Chi. Louis Swaim provides us with an excellent translation of this in his "Yang Chengfu: The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan".
On page 1 of Swaim's translation Prof. Cheng writes:
..."In 1923, I assumed a teaching position at Beijing Fine Arts Academy. A colleague, Liu Yongchen, was good at this art of
Taijiquan. Because I was emaciated and weak, he urged me to study. Barely a month passed before I had to quit because of important commitments, so I was not able to catch on to the art."...
In the text of Yang Ch'eng-fu's earlier book written in 1931, "T'ai Chi Ch'uan Shih Yung Fa", Liu Yongchen (Liu Yung-ch'en) is listed as a senior student of Yang Ch'eng-fu. In 1923, Yang was still in Peking, and it is therefore assumed that Liu was still in touch with his teacher, if not actually still studying with him. Perhaps Prof. Cheng had the chance to meet Yang during this time.
(Indeed, in an interview conducted by William C.C. Hu and published in Black Belt Magazine in January 1965, Prof. Cheng says that he was introduced to Yang in Peking by Liu!)
Yang left Peking in 1928 and traveled to Shanghai where he lived and taught T'ai Chi. (However, Yang died in Canton while on a teaching visit there).
In 1924, Prof. Cheng was invited to teach at the Shanghai College of Fine Arts and he accepted. So, both Yang Ch'eng-fu and Prof. Cheng were living in Shanghai in 1928.
Prof. Cheng continues on page 2 of Swaim's translation:
"In the spring of 1930, because of overwork while establishing the Chinese Academy of Literature and Arts (in Shanghai), I had reached the point of coughing up blood, so I resumed study and practice of taijiquan with my colleagues Xiao Zhongbo (Hsiao Chung-po) and Ye Dami (Yeh Ta-mi)."...
It is interesting that Prof. Cheng uses the term "colleague" in referring Hsiao and Yeh. In the Chinese text Prof. Cheng uses "t'ung shih" (tongshi) which means something like a "co-worker". This implies a most informal and somewhat equal relationship between Hsiao, Yeh and Prof. Cheng...
I could not find Xiao listed in Yang's 1931 list of students, but Yeh Ta-mi is listed as a senior student of T'ien Chao-lin (Tian
Zhaolin) in that text.
Leroy Clark and Key Sun have written a very good article on T'ien found at: http://www.art-of-energetics.com/New/tian_zhaolin.htm
Yeh Ta-mi, it seems, was also close to Yang Ch'eng-fu. In another online TCC forum Leroy Clark wrote: "Ye argued to YCF that Tung's written language was extremely coarse and rough and by publishing Yang's (1931) book would defame the family. Based on Ye's influence on YCF, YCF pulled the book from Tung. The book was eventually written by CMC."
And, from a article of reminiscences of a Mr. Huang Jing-hua also translated by Leroy Clark and Key Sun and presented on another TCC forum:
"Teacher Huang Jing Hua was born in 1909. He went to Shanghai to learn painting in 1925. There, in that art college he befriended Cheng Man Ching. They became close friends. In 1926 the two of them learned tai chi boxing and sword from Ye Da Mi. In 1928 they met great master Yang Chengfu. During this time, Jinghua used Ye's students as practice companions. Later Jing Hua learned boxing from Chengfu."
In this text, Huang is simply saying that both he and Prof. Cheng met Yang Cheng-fu for the first time in 1928, probably through the introduction of Yeh Ta-mi. Thus, we can be reasonably sure that, if Huang's dates are correct, there was probably continued contact with Yang Cheng-fu and his circle of senior students by Prof. Cheng beginning in 1928.
Prof. Cheng continues in Swaim's translation, pg. 2:
..."In the first lunar month of 1932, I met Master Yang Chengfu at Mr. Pu Qiuzhen's house. After the old gentleman had introduced me, I humbly presented myself at Master Yang's door, and received his teachings, including his oral instructions of the inner work."...
My former T'ai Chi classmate, Mark Hennessy, translates this section as, ..."In 1932, P'u Ch'iu-chen introduced me to Yang Ch'eng-fu. After accepting me as a disciple, I recieved the master's oral teaching on the internal martial arts."...(found in "Cheng Man- ch'ing: Master of Five Excellences", pg. 119)"
Doug Wile translates this section as, "Early in 1932 I met Master Yang Ch'eng-fu in the home of P'u Ch'iu-ch'eng. Old P'u introduced me to the master and I humbly asked for instruction. When he orally transmitted the method of internal cultivation (nei-kung) to me, I suddenly understood the meaning of not using ch'i." (from an early issue of T'ai Chi Magazine...sorry, no date available!)
What is to be noticed here is that Prof. Cheng is saying that he became an "Indoor Disciple" of Yang Ch'eng-fu in 1932.
If any of you have the Chinese text of "T'ai Chi Ch'uan T'i Yung Ch'uan Shu" it is on page 3 and begins with "Jen Shen Cheng Yueh" and ends with "K'o Shou Nei Kung".
Within this passage is where Prof. Cheng says "Chih Chui Yu Men", which has the meaning of "I (Cheng) became his (Yang's ) disciple". The Chinese word "Men" literally means "Door". The picture here is of Yang accepting Prof. Cheng "into his door" as a private student/disciple/Indoor Student...all the same meaning.
(Just a side note on Hennessy's translation found in "Cheng Man-ch'ing: Master of Five Excellences"...in the "Publisher Note" found
facing pg. 1, the publisher writes:
"As a final check on the accuracy of the manuscript, the publisher hired Dr. Evelyn Hsieh of the East Asian Languages Department at the University of California at Berkley to read the translation alongside the original Chinese and CORRECT ANY ERRORS (emphasis mine) from an academic perspective. Her corrections and suggestions have subsequently been incorporated in the text."
Therefore, it must be the case that Hennessy's translation of the phrase "Chih Chui Yu Men" as "accepting me as a disciple" is NOT in error!)
The text does not imply that this was the first time he met Yang, and a few minutes later he was a disciple! The process of Prof. Cheng becoming accepted as a "disciple" had to have begun much earlier within Yang's circle.
It is therefore resonable to assume that Prof. Cheng had been practicing with Yang's students and colleagues (e.g. Yeh Ta-mi, Huang Jing-hua and others) in Shanghai under Yang's presence, and had been doing so since at least 1930! Only by putting in the time and being accepted by Yang's students and colleagues could Prof. Cheng have "qualified" to be initiated as an "Indoor Disciple" of Yang!
Mr. P'u, even though he was probably not a T'ai Chi student of Yang Ch'eng-fu, was obviously a close acquaintance of Yang and was acting as Prof. Cheng's sponsor in becoming an "Indoor Disciple" of Yang. A sponsor formally introducing a student to a teacher of any discipline was the accepted way in traditional Chinese society.
And, we also must not forget the incident of Prof. Cheng curing Yang's wife of a serious illness. Indeed Ch'en Wei-ming, a famous senior student and disciple of Yang Ch'eng-fu mentions this occurance himself in his Preface to Prof. Cheng's "Thirteen Chapters"!
If Prof. Cheng had not already been within the circle of Yang's students and colleagues, why would he be asked to help Mrs. Yang? This incident seems to confirm that Prof. Cheng was already "in the loop" so to speak and a respected member of Yang's circle of students!
Ch'en Wei-ming also states the following in his Preface:
"When Master Yang Ch'eng-fu came south (i.e. Shanghai), he (i.e. Prof. Cheng) studied T'ai Chi Ch'uan with him for six years." Ch'en Wei-ming was living and teaching T'ai Chi in Shanghai during this period (1928-1936), so he would have been intimately aware of Yang's circle of students!
(see pg. 1 of Douglas Wile's "Cheng Man-ch'ing's Advanced T'ai Chi Form Instructions" for Ch'en Wei-ming's Preface)
Prof. Cheng continues on pgs 2-3 of Swaim's translation by recounting how he and fellow T'ai Chi classmate, K'uang K'e-ming, convinced Yang to publish his teachings which we have in the 1934 text. K'uang also is listed as a senior student of Yang's in the 1931 text. Apparently K'uang and Prof. Cheng had been friends and T'ai Chi classmates for a while...
Also, this webpage from the Cui Yishi family lists the "Inner Door Disciples" (Pai Men Ti T'zu) of Yang Ch'eng-fu, and has Prof. Cheng listed as the 20th disciple of Yang Ch'eng-fu:
Cui Yishi was an early senior student and disciple (aka Indoor Student) of Yang Ch'eng-fu in Peking. He started learning from Yang in 1909 and accompanied him to Shanghai in 1928.
Li Yaxuan (aka Li Chunnian) who was also an "Indoor Student" of Yang Ch'eng-fu from 1914, recorded his reminiscences in 1975 about the "Fa Chin" ability of the Yang Family and of some of his classmates in "Yang Shih T'ai Chi T'ui Shou Ch'uan Chen" on pages 51 and 52 of that text...
The classmates Li names in his list are, Wu Hui-ch'uan, Cui Yishi, Tung Yin-chieh, T'ien Chao-lin (Tian Zhaolin) and Cheng Man-ch'ing!
Please note that Li, Cui, Tung and T'ien were all known to be disciples (aka "Indoor Students") of Yang Ch'eng-fu. (Wu's father, Ch'uan Yu, was a student of Yang Lu-ch'an and went on to found the "Wu style" of T'ai Chi. But according to Li in his text, Wu Hui-ch'uan was also consided a student of the Yang's.)
If Prof. Cheng was merely a dilettante at T'ai Chi (as some have claimed) and NOT a Disciple of Yang Ch'eng-fu, then why is he
included on this list with Yang's KNOWN Disciples?
Also, if Prof. Cheng was not also considered somewhat skilled in T'ui Shou among his classmates on the mainland, then why would Li have included him in this list?
A translation of this portion of Li's text by Key Sun and LeRoy Clark can be found on pg. 44 in Volume 11, No. 3, Autumn 2001
of "Qi: The Journal of Tradtional Eastern Health and Fitness." The part concerning Prof. Cheng says:
"Cheng Man-ch'ing had a skill such that after he knew the situation of the opponent, he could come out to attack successfully. So even though he was small of stature, he had skill and courage. Even if an opponent had made preparation, it was to no avail."
I don't know the last time that Li and Prof. Cheng saw each other on the mainland, but I know that they hadn't seen each other since 1949. Yet, Li remembered Prof. Cheng as being highly skilled in the 1940's, even after 25 years of separation!
(The Chinese text of Li's book can be purchased from Plum Publications at: http://www.plumpub.com/sales/lionbks/lb_liyaxuan.htm
Regarding Yang family comments on Cheng Man-ch'ing, Fu Zhongwen stated in an interview published in Inside Kung-fu, April 1993:
"Cheng Man-ch'ing is probably the most famous taijiquan teacher in America. I knew him when he came to Shanghai to study with my uncle Yang Cheng-fu. He was a very great artist. He was very interested in learning and practicing taiji tui shou (push hands), which he did quite heavily
with Yang Cheng-fu and all those around him who were the most skilled...Cheng Man- ch'ing was legitimate, and now it is important for his students and other North American practitioners to research where 'they first drank the water.' The traditional methods of the Yang family style must be preserved..."
The preceding excerpt from Fu Zhongwen's comments is most pertinent to the current discussion, but he went on to say that he felt that he saw differences in the way the short form and long forms were done.
Both Yang Zhenji and Yang Zhenduo have published books acknowledging Cheng Man- ch'ing and his relationship to their father.
In Yang Zhenduo's book "Yang Style Taijiquan" (English version), in Gu Liuxin's preface (page , he writes: "In the book A Manual of Taijiquan complied by Zheng Manqing in 1934 for Yang Chengfu, there were 104 photographs."
In his book "Yang Cheng Fu Shi Tai Ji Quan" (page 250) Yang Zhenji writes of his father's 1934 book: "This book was written by my father's disciple Cheng Man-ch'ing based on my father's words and demonstrations. That is a true fact."
To sum up the above, it seems that Prof. Cheng had at least been exposed to Yang's T'ai Chi under Liu Yung-ch'en as early as 1923 when he was in Peking. At some later time, perhaps as early as 1926, but definitely by 1930, Prof. Cheng began his practice of T'ai Chi in earnest within Yang Cheng-fu's circle of students and colleagues.
He finally became a "formal" disciple of Yang in 1932. With Yang's untimely death in 1936, Prof. Cheng's study of T'ai Chi under Master Yang ended. Also in 1936, after the death of his teacher, Prof. Cheng left Shanghai and moved to Nanking.
Therefore, it can be said with full confidence that from at least 1930 until 1936, a period of 7 years, Prof. Cheng was without any doubt studying Yang's T'ai Chi in Shanghai with Yang's senior students and colleagues as well as under the direction and in the presence of Yang Ch'eng-fu himself!
I sincerely hope this presents a somewhat fuller picture of Prof.Cheng's early involvement with Yang T'ai Chi.
In friendship,
Danny Emerick
p.s. Sorry for the long post, but I thought this topic needed as much info as could be gathered.
[This message has been edited by Danny (edited 08-27-2007).]

A well known translator/publisher is working on a bio of CMC. She contacted me & i have sought information on that scene with the grandson of Chen WeiMing, Chengfu's first tudi. I suspect the final bio will be informative & a good read for many.


text:
|Viktor Vasko
|First appearance in comic
"Introduction 3"
|First appearance with dialog
April 16, 1886
|Place of Birth
Pressburg (Bratislava), Austria-Hungary
|Age at start of comic
Viktor Ladislav Vasko[1] is a member of the Lackadaisy crew. Though he is nominally the bartender, he was a triggerman under Atlas until he was injured in a confrontation with Mordecai.[2] He first appears in a photograph of the Lackadaisy regulars in "Introduction 3". Viktor is mentioned by Mitzi in "Formaldehyde", and appears in the comic in "Quantentheorie". As of "Spaghetti" he has worked for Lackadaisy for seven years.
In the comic
Volume 1
In "Formaldehyde", Mitzi sends Rocky and Ivy to find Viktor and seek his assistance in finding the car. She believes Viktor will be less likely to throttle Rocky in Ivy's presence.
In "Quantentheorie", Rocky and Ivy meet with Viktor in the garage. He appears to have either little patience or little understanding when they both speak to him simultaneously, as he hears noise rather than distinct words. Viktor observes that the padlock for the garage's entrance to the caverns has been opened, and is puzzled by this. Distracted by Rocky and Ivy, Viktor agrees to help Rocky retrieve the car and not kill Rocky.
In "Spaghetti", Viktor advises Rocky to quit as they drive to retrieve the car. He does not believe Rocky has a future in the business given his lack of muscles. Viktor notes that he has been working for seven years. Viktor (perhaps unintentionally) gives Rocky an idea for how to deal with the pig farmers, though he abruptly drops Rocky off at the car before hearing it.
Viktor next appears in "Growltiger", in his role as Lackadaisy's bartender. Mitzi and Horatio try to convince Viktor to wear a tuxedo, with a predictable lack of success. Viktor subsequently goes with Rocky to pick up booze from Captain Kehoe in "Hallelujah".
In "Bunny-box", Rocky and Viktor retrieve the liquor from Kehoe. Though Rocky seems to consider Mitzi to be a damsel in distress, Viktor disagrees, saying that Mitzi is, "vulnerable as like bear trap".
In "Drygulch", Viktor and Rocky return to the garage. After Rocky takes the trapdoor to Lackadaisy to find help bringing in the liquor, Viktor observes the pig farmers and Benjy Jessup approaching the garage with guns. Benjy and the farmers break into the garage and engage Viktor in a firefight in "Myopia".
Rocky and Zib return to the garage via the trapdoor in "Blindside"; this distraction unfortunately enables the pig farmers to shoot Viktor. In "Rowdydow", Viktor is almost shot by Benjy Jessup, who is making his way toward the exit when Ivy enters the garage. Seeing Viktor approaching, Benjy attempts to shoot him, but Ivy throws off his aim. Viktor subsequently punches him out, and in "Stranglehold" puts Benjy in a stranglehold. After realizing that Viktor has been shot, Ivy leaves to get assistance for him even though he claims...poorly...that he does not need it, and Benjy asks her not to leave. After Benjy states that he just wants to go to his truck and leave, Viktor states that it is now his truck.
Ivy returns to the garage in "Houdini", finding Viktor in a rare state of vulnerability. Ivy asks where Benjy has gone to, and after Viktor claims he let Benjy go, Ivy asks Viktor what really happened. Viktor then claims that Benjy vanished, only to have Ivy call him a bad liar, though she does not press the issue further. It seems evident that she has not noticed the tail sticking out of the back of the truck. By "Lassitude", Doctor Quackenbush has arrived and removed the bullet from Viktor's chest after heavily sedating him with chloral hydrate, in part because during a recent visit, Viktor almost removed Quackenbush's arms. Mitzi muses to a semi-conscious Viktor that it has been a bad year for him, between being shot in the chest and an injury to his good knee. Quackenbush advises Mitzi that Viktor may contract pneumonia, and that Wick paid for Quackenbush's visit.
Volume 2
Viktor is next seen in his apartment in "Cacophony", pushing the radio that Ivy turned on for him[3] off its shelf to stop it broadcasting. He is clearly in a weakened state, sitting in a chair and using a broom to move the radio rather than standing up. The temporary quiet is quickly broken by Ivy, Rocky and Freckle's arrival in "Deadeye". Though Viktor slams the door in their faces, Ivy persists in entering. After dropping magazines she picked up for Viktor in his lap, she introduces him to Freckle, declaring that they are dating. At that, Viktor directs his glare-beam at Freckle. In "Dotage", their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Bapka, Viktor's upstairs neighbor, who desires Viktor's assistance with her sink. When he is unable to get to his feet due to a coughing fit related to his injuries, Freckle and Ivy go in his place at Rocky's suggestion. Left alone with Viktor, Rocky asks, in "Defiance", where he can obtain quality alcohol, and Viktor directs him to Defiance.
In "Rhubarb", Ivy returns to Viktor's room after Freckle and Rocky have left. She asks him whether he is the reason that Chad is afraid of her, and he replies that, "Chad vas...bad". Ivy next asks about Claude, and Viktor states that, "Claude vas...flawed". Ivy proceeds to ask about Cecil, and Viktor says that Cecil was "no good". Ivy asks why Viktor has been sabotaging her social life when they are friends, but Viktor states that they are not friends and that she should not stay in St. Louis, especially given the events of the prior evening. Ivy asks whether Viktor is playing "concerned patriarch" only because he is bored due to his injuries keeping him from the activities he used to perform, but before he can respond she proclaims him a "monster" and leaves. In "Gallivant", Ivy yells to Viktor from outside his apartment that she is giving up on him.
In "Medicament", after Bobby mentions to Elsa that Ivy stated she was sent to Defiance by Viktor, Elsa asks how Viktor is doing and why he did not come to Defiance himself. Ivy replies that Viktor is, "slightly indisposed". In "Gravediggers", Viktor appears in flashback while Bobby is relating the story of their involvement with Lackadaisy to Ivy- after, "cattle rustling, train robbing rabble" began stealing alcohol that they were storing for Atlas, Atlas brought Viktor and Mordecai to Defiance; upon catching one of the rabble, they began burying him alive until he provided them with useful information. In "Bushwhack", Bobby continues his storytelling- Viktor and Mordecai's victim revealed that he was in league with a group of individuals competing with Marigold who would meet at a hunting lodge in Defiance to do business. Atlas dispatches Viktor and Mordecai; they use their victim to gain access to the lodge, then, after tossing in a grenade, go in shooting. Bobby speaks of Viktor to Ivy in "Powder-keg", noting that he believes Viktor, like many others, was traumatized by his experiences during World War I and was drawn to conflict upon his return to the United States.
Viktor was photographed in a military uniform along with other men in uniform. Said picture appears in "Scrapbook". He was fighting for the United States during World War I.[4] The photograph was taken in France.[5] "Scrapbook" also reveals that on January 12, 1920 Viktor was arrested on multiple assault charges and a file was opened with the St. Louis Police Department. His address at the time was 1367-A N. Market.
"Sordid Sniffles" occurs shortly after Mordecai has shot and killed Sniffles in a car. According to Viktor he was a good driver who suffered from a sinus problem. Mordecai retorts that Sniffles's sinus problems were displeasing and he smelled a little bit like mayonnaise.
In "Valentino" Mordecai notices a woman making eyes at him, mistaking it for rudeness. Viktor corrects him and suggests that he give her a Valentino-like look in return. Mordecai's attempt is...unusual.
While driving together with The Poor Schmuck bound and gagged in the backseat of the car in "Quick-fix", Viktor and Mordecai get into an argument regarding the vehicle's symmetry, to the point that Viktor forgets he should be focusing on driving. The problem is resolved by removing The Schmuck from the equation.
The aftermath of a confrontation between Viktor and Mordecai and at least five other individuals is shown in "Massacre". Viktor and Mordecai are the only ones who are conscious. Though Mordecai is initially concerned about what emotional state he should be in following the fight, he is ultimately far more alarmed about his missing cufflinks.
In "Tannenbaum", Rocky encounters Viktor wearing a fuzzy green sweater given to him by Mrs. Bapka, a red tie given to him by Mordecai, a green-and-yellow hat and a yellow scarf both given to him by Ivy. Rocky launches into an impromptu performance of "O Tannenbaum". Viktor rewards him appropriately.
In "Wassail", Viktor and Mordecai have been volunteered by an unknown party to provide food for a party. In the midst of making cranberry sauce using a particularly splatter-worthy recipe provided by Viktor, they are interrupted by carollers. Afterwards, Mordecai notes that he would like the name of the party-planner so that he can share his recipe for murder...pie.
Viktor appears in a New Year's picture taken in Lackadaisy in 1926, shown in "New Year".
"Preview 0029" includes a flashback in which Mordecai gets intoxicated on Bunny Hugs and praises Viktor to no end, causing the surly feline to edge away from him.
In a rare display of humor, Viktor can be seen wearing Mordecai's glasses in "Disguise". Mordecai looks less than pleased.
Viktor is depicted in color in "Gallimaufry", "Preview 0014", "Preview 0028" and "Preview 0030". Tracy incorporated some lynx into Viktor's design.[6]
According to a St. Louis Police Department file shown in "Scrapbook" and dated January 12, 1920, Viktor was born on April 16, 1886, making him 41 years old at the time of the comic. He was born in Pressburg (Bratislava), Austria-Hungary.[7] He stands 6'6" and weighs 279 lbs. He has ruddy fur and green eyes. With regards to how he speaks, Tracy noted that Viktor, "Flatly says exactly what he means in a low, brusque voice with a heavy Slovakian accent (which is fairly Slavic sounding. Czech is perhaps the closest comparison I could make.) Articles like 'a' and 'the' that don't exist in most Slavic languages are frequently left out of his speech. "W" sounds more like "V" and English verb conjugation is still a bit of a black art to him in some cases".[8]
According to Tracy, Viktor did not complete his primary education. Regarding his favorite foods, Tracy notes that Viktor, "likes meat...but probably misses the sorts of lamb dishes, pork and sausage goulashes, potato dumplings and other such hearty, rural, soul-warming foods one does not so easily find in the urbanized corners of the States". Viktor enjoys drinking dark lagers or whiskey, but is not picky. Before moving to America he generally drank vodka, which would be difficult to find in the United States.[5] While growing up, "Viktor was robust and amorous; an uneducated workhorse content to be useful on a farm in rural East Europe or on the docks in the urban West". He is a former smoker.[9]
Regrading his involvement in an illegal business, Tracy has noted that, "Viktor had a strong code of ethics, but the way the world works seems to have alleviated him of it to an extent. By his more world-weary, watered down standards, any man who wilfully casts his lot into the underground liquor trade also willfully accepts what's coming to him. If he has to cave someone's skull in with a shovel in the course of a night's work, so be it; if someone delivers him a lethal dose of lead poisoning in return, that's fair enough. No party need trouble themselves with tremendous guilt as long as these simple rules of engagement are understood".[5] While speaking with Ivy, Bobby theorizes that Viktor was traumatized by his experiences during World War I and was drawn to conflict upon his return to the United States.[10]
Though he often appears to be in a surly mood, Viktor is not without social skills; "Valentino" illustrates that he does know how to reciprocate a woman's interest, and he once had a long-lived relationship.[8] That being said, "Quick-fix" illustrates that when drawn into an argument, perhaps especially with Mordecai, Viktor can forget his surroundings.
Viktor's most notable physical feature may be that he is missing his right eye, though a picture of him in "Scrapbook" shows him with both eyes present while fighting for the United States during World War I. Viktor enlisted in the army after war broke out in Europe, but prior to United States involvement.[5] Viktor is missing his eye in the police department file also shown in "Scrapbook". This injury is part of the reason that Viktor joined the Lackadaisy crew.[4][11] He wears a patch over this injury. Additionally Viktor has bad knees, as noted in "Quantentheorie". He had a good knee that suffered an injury within the past year, as noted by Mitzi in "Lassitude". Viktor sustains further injury in the form of a chest wound in "Blindside". Though his wounds are treated by Dr. Quackenbush, when next seen in "Cacophony" he appears unable to rise from a chair.
Viktor is a Slovak[12]. He frequently speaks with a noticeable accent, using broken English and words such as "naow" (now) and "ya".[13] Viktor speaks Slovak as well, using terms such as "dievka" ("young girl"[14]).[13] Regarding Viktor's family, Tracy had this to say- "...they a tall (sic), broad-shouldered, hearty, ruddy-haired stubborn pack of mules. They're prideful of their self-reliance, and most of them have a sort of domineering physical presence by virtue of size that lends them a natural confidence or even a sense of arrogance. As a result, I suspect none of them take it very well when they let themselves down or require any sort of help in the course of their lives." She added the following regarding other relatives- "A couple of older brothers who already had families of their own remained in his homeland. Viktor, his lady love, and his other siblings immigrated to the States with an aunt and uncle and some cousins. Many of them went separate ways by necessity - they simply had to diverge from each other to find work. He gradually lost touch with some of them over the course of time, especially after the Great War. His particular career path and not-so-sunny disposition would have done a good deal to alienate the remaining family members he was still in contact with following the war."[6]
Viktor joined Lackadaisy in 1920-1921.[15] "Medicament" establishes that Viktor is familiar with Bobby and Elsa; Elsa expresses concern for his well-being, and Ivy tells her that Viktor is, "slightly indisposed". According to Bobby, Viktor on some occasions came to Defiance with Atlas and Mordecai.
Viktor is shot by the pig farmers in "Blindside". Though in "Stranglehold" he claims to Ivy that he is not badly injured, it is obvious that he needs medical attention, and he is treated by Doctor Quackenbush in "Lassitude", who notes that Viktor may contract penumonia.
According to Ivy, there are "probable outstanding warrants" for Viktor.[16] "Scrapbook" provides evidence of Viktor being arrested previously, with charges of multiple assault. His case history indicates that he earlier incited violence at the municipal docks during a strikers' rally. Mitzi states in "Haggersnash" that Viktor knows where Lackadaisy can obtain decent booze quickly.
In response to reader questions regarding Viktor's sexuality, Tracy has noted that he, "probably couldn't be any straighter".[6]
When asked whether Viktor has any hobbies, Tracy noted that Viktor, "has passed many of his off the clock hours playing Mr. Fix-it for his neighbors. He's a bit of a gearhead too. He likes tinkering with things that don't talk or otherwise make a lot of indecipherable noises at him, or get upset and leave when he smashes things".[5]
Glare beam
As Rocky notes in "Quantentheorie", Viktor often looks at others with a particularly intimidating expression. Rocky facetiously theorizes that this may be a result of Viktor's "hate energy" being amplified and focused through his remaining eye. This glare beam is shown in its full glory when he directs it upon Freckle in "Deadeye", the net result of which is to make Freckle extremely uncomfortable.
Viktor is depicted as a human in "Preview 0013", "Counterpart" and "Viktor Faces".
Viktor is introduced to Freckle by Ivy in "Deadeye", who also reveals Freckle's real first name. Upon Ivy mentioning that she has decided that Freckle and her are dating, Viktor directs his glare beam upon Freckle, making the latter extremely uncomfortable.
As evidenced in "Growltiger", Viktor does not seem to think highly of Horatio. After Horatio suggests that Viktor would enjoy wearing a tuxedo, Viktor "compromises" by saying he would enjoy wearing it to Horatio's funeral.
Ivy appears to be one of the few individuals who can make physical contact with Viktor without him reacting violently, as evidenced in "Quantentheorie". She appears to consider their interactions playful, and says to Rocky that Viktor is "just a big teddy bear". Ivy is one of the few people whom Viktor appears to let his guard down around, as she has actually seen him in a vulnerable state.[17]
In "Rhubarb", Ivy realizes that Viktor has been sabotaging her social life and that he does not want her to be involved with Lackadaisy. She rebuffs his concerns, calling him a "monster" and storming out. In "Gallivant", Ivy yells to Viktor from outside his apartment that she is giving up on him.
Mitzi is Viktor's employer, and as such he seems to grant her somewhat more latitude than others. In "Growltiger", she calls him, "Vinegar Tom", and tries to encourage Viktor, not for the first time, to wear a tuxedo, as she believes he would look good...and less intimidating...in one. According to Mitzi, Viktor was measured for a tuxedo previously, after they got him very drunk. After Horatio sides with Mitzi, Viktor agrees to wear a tuxedo to Horatio's funeral, leading Mitzi to point out that Viktor has a tendency to confuse threats and compromises.
Viktor seems to be very irritated when Mitzi pokes fun of his disability in "Hallelujah".
In "Bunny-box", after Rocky expresses his feelings that Mitzi is a damsel in distress, Viktor disagrees, saying that Mitzi is, "vulnerable as like bear trap".
Mitzi appears genuinely concerned for Viktor when Zib mentions that he is "down" in "Malarkey", and moreso when she sees him in "Lassitude", noting that between the gunshot to his chest and an earlier injury to his good knee, it has not been a good year for him. Mitzi later tells Wick that Viktor is one of the, "few vestiges", she has left and that she could not do without him.[18]
"Sordid Sniffles", "Valentino", "Quick-fix" and "Massacre", set before the timeframe of the comic, depict Viktor and Mordecai working together. Though they appeared to have rather passionate debates, matters always resolved themselves amicably...at least for the two of them.
In "Heartstrings", Mitzi notes that Viktor and Mordecai worked together for years, and Mordecai's recent disarmament of Lackadaisy almost got Viktor killed. Mordecai notes that Viktor should not have been involved, that in fact Mordecai reasoned with Viktor to retire before Mordecai left Lackadaisy himself. Though Mitzi points out that Mordecai's form of reasoning involved kneecapping Viktor, Mordecai responds that that is, "how one reasons with Viktor".
Viktor appears to barely tolerate Rocky, likely in part due to Rocky's excitability and verbosity. He does not believe Rocky has a future in the booze-running business due to Rocky's lack of muscle, though Rocky considers himself Viktor's protégé.[19][20]. Rocky calls Viktor, "Vinegar", in "Defiance", but this appears to be an exception rather than a common occurrence.
According to Tracy, "Viktor's modeled after a one-eyed ruddy longhair an aunt of mine had when I was a kid. He was big and may have been a maine coon, but I can't be certain. The character's got a lot of bobcat-like features mixed into his design, though, to set him apart a bit in terms of girth".[21]
Tracy interviews Viktor in "Preview 0011" regarding what happened to his eye. Viktor leaves in a fit of surliness. "Reader Question: Ivy and Viktor" reveals Ivy's reaction to the notion that people might fancy the notion of her and Viktor in a relationship. He does not get a word in edgewise. On the other hand, a similar question regarding Viktor and Mordecai caused Viktor to die laughing, as shown in "Reader Question: Viktor and Mordecai". "Reader Question: Viktor" suggests that were Viktor to come into a large sum of money, presented in an annoying manner by Rocky, he would proceed to kill Rocky with the check, go hang gliding to a bank, then cash the check in order to make the Louisiana Purchase on his own terms.
- ^ "Scrapbook"
- ^ "Heartstrings"
- ^ "Bee-line"
- ^ a b Forum FAQ
- ^ a b c d e Forum post by Tracy - January 27, 2011
- ^ a b c Forum post by Tracy - February 24, 2011
- ^ Character Profile Page
- ^ a b Forum post by Tracy - October 6, 2009
- ^ Forum post by Tracy - September 9, 2009
- ^ "Powder-keg"
- ^ "Scrapbook"
- ^ "Formaldehyde"
- ^ a b "Quantentheorie"
- ^ Definitions of "dievka" at OmegaWiki
- ^ Forum post by Tracy - September 13, 2009
- ^ "Wherewithal"
- ^ "Houdini"
- ^ "Rendezvous"
- ^ "Spaghetti"
- ^ "Defiance"
- ^ Forum post by Tracy - November 1, 2006