So i'm working away and none of these suggestions worked until i added scotch! i'm kidding...seriously...i can't say which one did the trick because i applied all suggestions simply because they made sense. I used the marker to mark the edge to determine the thin spot. i then zeroed in on the area with the 80 circles trick - thin further isolated the area with the finger trick - added a little scotch to calm my nerves all the while working the magic X and WHAM-O. i have not moved beyond the 5k yet but it's already popping hair no problem. thanks so much! i wish i could give you all a little of my scotch! here's to ya!

thanks again. i'll let you know what comes of the final product.

jbutts