Monday, March 31, 2014

The Mars Report - March 31st, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2636" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter[/caption]

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          Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I have a very informative edition of ‘The Mars Report’ for all of you, My Dear Readers. The image you see above is an artist’s concept of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This orbiter has many missions and two of them are in support to the rover Curiosity. First, this orbiter takes high-resolution images of the Martian surface. These images are then used to plot Curiosity’s navigation and course. Second, the orbiter relays information and images from the rover to earth.

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Now, I had not been keeping up with the mission (daily) like before all the new additions to The Other Shoe. Seems that the orbiter took a bit of a break. On March 9th the reconnaissance orbiter went offline as it switched computers, from primary to backup. This left a vital link in communications from Curiosity to earth and us. That has left people, like myself, quite bereft of new mages to share with our readers. I have five images that I am here to share, today. However, we might not see ‘The Mars Report’ next week if there are no new images of science to report. Just a little FYI.

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Our next image is of the rover Curiosity. This is a selfie taken of a shadow of the rover. The shadow falls on a slope of the McClure-Beverlin Escarpment. This escarpment is located on on the western rim of Endeavour Crater. The images was taken on March 20, 2014 by the rover's rear hazard-avoidance camera. Well, we humans just love taking selfies, now it is Curiosity’s turn.

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[caption id="attachment_2639" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Shadow Portrait of NASA Rover Opportunity on Martian Slope Shadow Portrait of NASA Rover Opportunity on Martian Slope[/caption]

(Shadow Portrait of NASA Rover Opportunity on Martian Slope)


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With the orbiter back up and running, a new discovery was made on the Martian surface. Our next image is of that discovery, an all new gully. Taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) of the orbiter on two different occasions. The image to the left was taken November 2010 and the image on the right was taken May 2013. The second image reveals the formation of a new gully on the crater wall slope of the southern highlands. It is believed that it was formed by activity by carbon dioxide frost.

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[caption id="attachment_2638" align="aligncenter" width="630"]New Gully Found on Mars CO2 Ice New Gully Found on Mars CO2 Ice[/caption]

(New Gully Found on Mars CO2 Ice)


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Switching back to a black/white image, the shot below is of rock rows on striated ground. These rock rows are in the foreground of this image. In the background we can see our, eventual, goal Mount Sharp. The rock rows are in an outcrop called "Junda". Curiosity passed this outcrop during a drive of 328 feet (100 meters) on Feb. 19. 2014.

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[caption id="attachment_2637" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Martian Landscape With Rock Rows and Mount Sharp Martian Landscape With Rock Rows and Mount Sharp[/caption]

(Martian Landscape With Rock Rows and Mount Sharp)


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Ahhh, we are getting close to the end of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’ so I am getting to the really good images. Joy! Our next image is one that I have searched for… for many months. Taken with the combination images from the the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Platform, in orbit over the Martian surface. This image shows… … … (drum roll, please!) … the route driven and route planned for NASA's Curiosity Mars rover from before reaching "Dingo Gap". Now, this is a ‘Must Keep’ image for all hardcore Curiosity fans and Martian Fanboys. If I had the money? I would have this puppy enlarged, wall sided, and put it up on a wall in my apartment. Yes, I am a ‘Martian Fanboy’… if you hadn’t already guessed that by the ongoing weekly article series.

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[caption id="attachment_2635" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Map of Recent and Planned Driving by Curiosity as of Feb. 18, 2014 Map of Recent and Planned Driving by Curiosity as of Feb. 18, 2014[/caption]

(Map of Recent and Planned Driving by Curiosity as of Feb. 18, 2014)


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Well, My Dear Readers, this brings us to our final image of the day for this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. As I mentioned earlier, depending on available materials next Monday there may or may not be an edition next Monday. I really hope that they get the uploads flying and post lots and lots of images in the next week. The Mast Camera on the rover Curiosity took our final image of the day. This image was taken February 25th, 2014, about a quarter mile out from our next waypoint ‘The Kimberly’. This image shows sandstone layers with varying resistance to erosion are evident in this Martian scene. This is important because so far, on our trip with Curiosity, we have only encountered mudstone formations.

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This is the why of my hopes that they get the orbiter busy relaying more and more images from this sandstone area. As well, there is a real opportunity for a lot of good science in this area. So, as we bring this edition to an end, enjoy this final image from the Mast Camera of the rover Curiosity.

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[caption id="attachment_2634" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Differential Erosion at Work on Martian Sandstones Differential Erosion at Work on Martian Sandstones[/caption]

(Differential Erosion at Work on Martian Sandstones)


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Thank you all for dropping by today and sharing these images. I hope that I have brought a little wonder into your world, today. That is the gift I give to you, My Dear Readers. Wonder.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="234"]The Other Shoe eBay Store The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

 

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"]The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Coming This Week - March 30/31st, 2014

 

[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"]The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

Welcome back My Dear Reader to The Other Shoe. Well now, I would usually write and publish this article on Monday. Yet, something just caught my eye, and I just had to share it with you, My Dear Readers. If you are reading this article on Sunday March 30th, 2014 (or have visited and read articles between Friday March 28th and Sunday March 30th), you are taking part in the single largest influx of visitors my blogs have ever seen. Yes, I have two locations for The Other Shoe. The primary blog located at blog.com and secondary located at wordpress.com. I saw secondary only because it was the second location of my blog launched. Remember, I do everything at both blog locations. Writing, editing, publishing, promotions… everything.

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On Friday March 28th, the secondary location (at wordpress.com) reached an all time high at eighteen visitors in one day. The following day, March the 29th, my primary blog location (blog.com) had an all time high of twenty-two visitors in one day. Yes, I know… in the grand scheme of things… that is not a lot of visitors. Although, for a my blog… Well, I am proud to announce this news. See, I have Google Analytics monitoring my blog.com location and the sister location at Wordpress provides their own analytics, that I check regularly. For those of you, My Dear Readers, that have been with me for awhile, two or more years out of the past four.

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You will know that I used to publish a series of articles where I shared the results of the analytics. I did this for three years, then I just stopped. I am not too sure as to why. Honestly, it always felt a bit too much like… bragging. Showing off and… well, that is just not me. I am proud when my efforts merit. However, and you can ask anyone that I went to Middle, High School or college with… I do not like to brag, about myself.

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I am very proud of the traffic I experienced this week, at both blogs. Now, I have worked extremely hard these past three weeks at writing and publishing quality content on a regular basis. Just over the past three weeks I have introduced FOUR new article series. I hope that it is these new articles series that are driving this increase in traffic, and not some factor that I cannot replicate.

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Now, I would like to share with you, My Dear Readers, what I have planned for the coming week, here at The Other Shoe. Monday, would have… should have seen the publication of this article. However, since I wanted everyone to know (they are part of a historic weekend of traffic), I am not really sure exactly what I will write… tomorrow. I would not be surprised if you saw a new edition of ‘The Mars Report’ or ‘Lost in Space’. Let me tell you all that those two series are the most difficult for me to publish. Writing them is not very difficult. In fact, I greatly enjoy creating the narrative for the images I choose. It is the; downloading of, uploading of, embedding of, and choosing of these images that is quite difficult. I am not complaining, just explaining.

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This week you, My Dear Readers, will be privy to; an all new episode of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. The boys have… fallen… yeah, right… ‘fallen’ to sleep… and we all know what happens when young boys fall asleepon a rainy night full of thunder and lightening. Next, you will be treated with a new edition of (both); ‘The Mars Report’ and ‘Lost in Space’. Well, that is what I have written right here in my day planner for writing. Yes, I have a writing schedule written out in my day planner.

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Coming up next will be an all new issue of ‘The Deep Web’. This edition will get a bit more technical, and once done… you will be better prepared to venture into the dark and deep web than ever before. Finally, you will enjoy another episode of your regulars; ‘A Week in Review’ and ‘Sunday Funnies’. Now, I think that I have mentioned it before, I am looking for a political cartoonist. I simply cannot pay, but anyone that would like the practice and exposure for their work, I am looking for someone to add to my ‘Sunday Funnies’ with political cartoons.

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That brings us to the end of the week of articles, and to the end of this preview of the coming week. FYI – Wednesday afternoon I do have a doctor’s appointment to look at a… ‘growth’ on my jawbone. If that goes poorly… it may negatively impact my writing schedule. However, if it goes well.. then I just might be of the temperament to write additional works not mentioned in this preview.

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Well, My Dear Readers that brings us to the end of this week’s ‘Coming This Week’. I hope that you have all enjoyed the previews of what is to come… and I hope that you all enjoy the fact that (if you are here on Sunday) you, My Dear Readers, have been part of the single largest influx of visitor traffic in the history of my blogs.

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As always I am deeply honored that you came here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="234"]The Other Shoe eBay Store The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

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Sunday Funnies - March 30th, 2014

Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Well, it’s Sunday so, can you guesswhat article I am here to introduce? That’s right, it’s time for ‘Sunday Funnies’! This week is of special importance, for me… and Alexander R Hanning.

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After many weeks of trying, I have finally managed to get some footage of Mr. Alexander’s unique personal habit. You see, Alexander is unique. Not just in this habit, but in a great many ways, every single day. He talks… constantly. He is kind and loving, true and forgiving. For today, we focus on one of his unique, and entertaining, personal habits.

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Alexander does not like being… dirty. He gets a bath, every single week. He cleans, constantly, every day. Now, when he puts his front paws into something… sticky. Well now, that won’t stand at all. So, when his front little paws get sticky, or dirty, he cleans them. Not by just licking them, like most rats do. Nope, that is not nearly enough for Alexander.

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So, Alexander takes his personal hygiene a step… further. He takes to rubbing his front little paws on my sheets, or bedspread, or comforter. That’s right, he literally ‘washes’ his front paws on something of mine. I have witnessed this many times, over the past year. This week, I managed to capture this habit on video.

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Now, you will have to watch closely… very closely. If you do that, you will see him rub his little paws on my sheets, and comforter. It’s just too cute for words, and belongs right here in ‘Sunday Funnies’.

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ENJOY!

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You can see 'it' happen at about mark :20, in this first video)


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[youtube=http://youtu.be/PLsrRXmYjns]


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In THIS video, you can see him cleaning his hands in the first moments.


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[youtube=http://youtu.be/V-bUrAJg-1U]


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[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="234"]The Other Shoe eBay Store The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

 

http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt


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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"]The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

Saturday, March 29, 2014

A Week in Review - March 29th, 2014

           Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Well, if it is Saturday then it is time for… … … that’s right, ‘A Week in Review’! And what a week it’s been for you and for me right here at The Other Shoe. We started two all new articles series with; ‘Coming This Week!’ and ‘Lost in Space’. Not to think that we have thrown out all the old, just to make room for the new. We had; ‘The Deep Web – Part Two’ and ‘The Horror in Smithville – Part Three’. If I say so, myself, all in all a busy week indeed!

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Now, for all of you, My Dear Readers, that are just too busy during the week to read? This is the place to be. Here at ‘A Week in Review’ I post links to all the articles of the week. AS well, I include a short excerpt from the article and a little insight into the origin of the article or some other personal notes. Really, that means that everyone that checks out this series, gets a little more information and insight than those that just read during the week. Making you, a very special My Dear Reader… indeed.

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So, see as there is quite a bit of content to cover, in this issue, I will cut this introduction a little short and get right to the meat of things. Without further adieu, here is ‘A Week in Review’!

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  • Sunday Funnies March 23rd, 2014 : “That means that Alex is down to the dregs of his food supply. Long gone are the crunchy corn meal squares he so enjoys. He is out of hazelnuts and down to peanuts and the little tiny bits of food left at the bottom of the bag. Unfortunately, for Alexander, Allen and I are quite bereft of funds to purchase a new bag of ‘Macaw Parrot Food - Kaytee’.” Thanks to the generosity of a very good friend, Alexander got his new bag of ‘Macaw Parrot Food by Kaytee earlier this week. Alexander is very grateful to you, you know who you are… J So, there is no more scrounging around in the bottom of a mostly empty bag of food, and this week Alexander had all of the tidbits and treats he so much enjoys. This Sunday… well, I managed to capture it… You will have to look very close… but I got some footage of Alexander… cleaning his paws on my sheets! Never had a rat do this quite like Alexander, before… it is unique and it make him quite unique, too. ENJOY!

  • Coming THIS Week at The Other Shoe – March 24th, 2014: “This series will be brief. In it I will preview what articles you can come to expect, in the following week. This way all of you, My Dear Readers, can make plans to drop by and read upcoming favorites like; ‘The Horror in Smithville’, ‘The Deep Web’, and ‘The Mars Report’. Knowing that a ‘new’ episode of your favorite article will peak interest, and (hopefully) improve traffic.” And that it seemed to do just fine, indeed. Traffic is up here at The Other Shoe, and that is always a welcome trend. Therefore, I will be continuing this series of previews of the articles to come, in the coming week. This is/was one of the all new articles that came this week. I really put on my ‘Thinking Cap’ and knocked one out of the park, I did. The articles just seem better, the writing… just a bit crisper… and the feeling, well much more jubilant, indeed. We are off to a great start, for the second four years… and the next 400 articles. On with the show!

  • The Mars Report – March 24th, 2013: “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe and ‘The Mars Report’ for March 24th, 2014. With the lost airliner in Asia, the turmoil brewing in the Ukraine, it is difficult to pull our eyes away from all this disaster and look to the skies. However, that is exactly what I did today, and what I am asking you MY Dear Readers to do for the next few moments. Actually, it is comforting to think that not all of our human condition is pain and suffering of other humans. Though it occupies little real estate in; newspapers, Television reporting, cable news networks and even blogs.” This was a smashingly great episode of ‘The Mars Report’. With looks back at where we have been, from overhead in orbit and the ‘MastCam’, too. With spring coming to the Martian surface, we are seeing many sights that only come, one time a year. From sand dunes that look like communicator badges from ‘Star Trek’, to striking pictures of thawing tops to more snad dunes. With the addition of ‘Lost in Space’ this blog has taken a marked turn towards the heavens. I always have looked to the starts, for inspiration and more. Seems my basic impulses have served me well, indeed.

  • The Deep Web – Part Two: “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Welcome back to my ongoing series about ‘The Deep Web’, Part Two. First, a little review of some of the material we have already covered.” That we did, review. Then moved on to the most important of all, the ‘Rules of the Raod’. The majorly improatant Do’s and Don’ts of surfing in unsafe territories. If you haven’t, then do you must, read! This issue is the most important to review and read. If I might suggest, this one would be good to print out and keep… by the computer, when ever you desire a venture into ‘The Deep Web’, you go. Serve you well, these rules will, if far from the trodden path your ventures take you.

  • March 25th Personal Update and Video: “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Late last week I made a video in celebration of the publication of my 400th article and FOUR YEARS of writing and publishing here at The Other Shoe. I am really happy and very proud of these two accomplishments. Writing was a skill that I picked up late in life, and have run with since day one. This first four years, and first four hundred articles, is just a beginning for me.” Not even noticed, did I that I misspelled ‘Update’ in the title, till now. Oui! I have been quite busy… ‘nose to the grindstone’ even. Well, every once in awhile I like to make a video and show. I am still kicking and that a drug addict, I have not become. So, take a vidie, and enjoy!

  • Lost in Space #1 – March 26th, 2014: “Welcome back MY Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today, and with this article, I am launching a brand-new series of articles for The Other Shoe. As you can see from the title of this article the name of this all-new series is ‘Lost in Space’. Yes, I lifted the name from a TV series I very much enjoyed as a boy. However, every month I find more and more articles, about space, that just do not fit into ‘The Mars Report’. Therefore, from this day forward every article about space exploration, space flight, experimentations and space flight, the potential commercial colonization of Mars, and/or any other article I find about space will be found here every week in ‘Lost in Space’.” Very well received, this article was, by you, My Dear Readers. I just had so much more material, from space, that I was dying to share. Create an all new article series, just for you (and the material I had laying about). It went over well, and was not that hard to complete. Therefore, there is a good chance it will be back, in weeks to come. I just love looking at images from space. Time, I seem to make, in every week to see something new. I look forward to sharing even more, in the weeks and months to come. I look forward to seeing you, My Dear Readers, here too!

  • The Horror in Smithville – Part Three: “Yes, I do give a lot of thought to what I am going to write during the day. No, I do not set out dialogue or paragraphs. I see it as it happens, in my mind. Take tonight’s dinner, I saw this dinner several times over the past two weeks, in my mind. However, things happened when I wrote it that I did not see until I sat down today and put voice to program. This story is just growing out of me and I am very much enjoying this process.” I am most happy to say, that this story just keeps growing out of me. I sit down to write a story, and out it comes all fun and ready. This week I have yet to come to gore, nor blood. However, this week we did get quite a little scare! I must say, from what my dreams, and day-dreams, show… this coming week… will likely scare you half to death. Be ready!

  • Words of WARNING!: “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Friday, as such this (according to my all ‘new’ writing schedule) is a ‘free’ day. Meaning I leave the day open so that I can write what strikes me, or more on a story that has dominated the week’s news. Quite honestly? The missing airliner… while my thoughts and prayers go out to all those lost… I fear it might be months before we have any kind of closure… maybe even next year with the building winter season and winter weather rapidly closing in on the search teams.” Fridays are an ‘Open Day’ here at my blog. That means that on Fridays I can write what ever takes my whim. Most of the time I write politics, of the continuation of a popular articles from the week. This week, I opened up and shared, with you. Grave concerns I have, about just how sfae any and all of our financial information, is. You see, visiting ‘The Deep Web’ I am hearing… things. Things that worry me so. Worry me with concerns of safety. Safety of our banking and credit and financial everything, I am concerned. You see… there are lots… and lots… and LOTS of people that would like nothing more… than to just burn it all down. Make everybody’s money… GO AWAY! This worries me greatly, indeed. Therefore, I have taken a day, and an article, to share these concerns, and more. Shared, I did, how to make sure you stay safe. How to protect, how to keep safe. Read, and be informed.


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Well, My Dear Readers, that brings us to the end. The end of another week’s articles, and this wonderful review. Oh, you know that I will be back, soon. I never can seem to stay away. FYI NINE articles, I did write and publish, this week! Weee!

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Tomorrow, a couple of shorts… of Alexander cleaning his hands! He does it in such a cute way. I hope that you drop by and take a look… see.

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ENJOY!

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[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="234"]The Other Shoe eBay Store The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

 

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"]The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

Friday, March 28, 2014

Words of WARNING!

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[caption id="attachment_2482" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Forbidden Access _ The Deep Web Forbidden Access - Cyber Terrorsits NOT Allowed![/caption]


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             .Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Friday, as such this (according to my all ‘new’ writing schedule) is a ‘free’ day. Meaning I leave the day open so that I can write what strikes me, or more on a story that has dominated the week’s news. Quite honestly? The missing airliner… while my thoughts and prayers go out to all those lost… I fear it might be months before we have any kind of closure… maybe even next year with the building winter season and winter weather rapidly closing in on the search teams.

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The next two stories; the Ukrainian crisis, and the pseudo-conclusion to ‘Bridgegate’ have cannot build an entire article on either. The Ukrainian crisis has broken, in the favor of the European Union, America, Freedom, self-determination and the real Ukrainian people. Russian President blinked, today. He called President Obama, earlier this week, capitulating to Secretary Kerry’s overtures in the Netherlands. Honestly, winning a stacked) referendum that gave Russia the illusion of control over a province landlocked away from the Russian nation.

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Russian, and President Putin, were desperate to keep the Ukraine in Russian control, and they ended up with the little tiny Crimea. President Putin won the battle, to loose the war. Not really anything to crow about, and he has now come to President Obama, hat in hand, asking for forgiveness and an end to the crippling sanctions. Bottom line? President Obama won the day, internationally, diplomatically, and for the future of democracy.

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“Bridgegate’ got a million dollar ‘White-Wash’ a la Governor Christie’s wallet, mayhaps the people of New Jersey will ultimately pay that price. NO interviews are given, no testimony was given, nothing was really investigated and (from what I have read, and heard so far) this was more of a vehicle for personal attacks against two of his favorite people. Don’t be fooled, the real investigation is still underway by; The Legislature of New Jersey, the District Attorney’s Office(s) of the two areas, and a Federal Attorney General’s Office. Those are the investigations that will give us facts and testimony. I can wait… this is not going anywhere, and not going away any time soon.

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Now, for the topic of this article… My words of warning for all of you, My Dear Readers. Today I saw an article about another company getting hacked and thousands of customer’s card numbers, and other sensitive information, was stolen.

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The Spec's warehouse-size superstore… Credit card, debit card and private check information for an estimated half-million or so customers was exposed at 34 of 155 wine and liquor stores owned by Spec's, including 21 in the greater Houston area, over the past year and a half, the company said Friday.

“The exposure may include customers' bank routing numbers, card security codes and other payment card and check information.”[1]

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This data breech affected nearly a half-million customers of this company. The complete scope will be revealed over the coming months. However, this is small potatoes when compared with the major data breech of last year, TARGET. During the holiday shopping season Target was hacked at a historic level.

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At up to 40 million customers, the breach ranks among the biggest in U.S. corporate history. In 2007, the data of more than 45 million customers was stolen from stores including T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.”[2]

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Dwarfed by the ‘Crime of the Century’;

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And in 2011, a hack exposed the credit card information of 100 million user accounts on the Sony PlayStation video game network.”[3]

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The Target Debacle resulted in every single piece of plastic, in my wallet, being replaced by the end of last year. I didn’t even have to make any requests, as I am a frequent shopper at Target and had used most of all my debit and credit cards at my local Target stores. MY Dear Readers, this is not something on the wane. On the contrary, you can reasonably expect to see this happen more, and more often in the months and years to come.

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If you are a frequent readers, here at The Other Shoe, then you know that I have started an educational series named ‘The Deep Web’. I started this article series for you, My Dear Readers. You see I understand that most of you have never spent a single moment outside the World Wide Web. Most believe that this part of the internet, is all there is. Far from the truth, as a matter of fact? The Deep Web (aka as ‘The Dark Web’ & “The Spice Road’) is several times larger than the WWW you are familiar. As I explain in my very first edition, the common internet is about 1.5 terabytes is size. Whereas, ‘The Dark Web’ is 7,500 Terabytes in size.

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Made up of, mostly, ‘White Hats’ and ‘Dark Hats’ this other web is everything you can imagine, and more. I am a “White Hat’ meaning I generally use my computer knowledge for the benefit of others and only engage in writing code for personal use. Conversely, ‘Black Hats’ are all those that seek to use computer knowledge for personal gain, and/or the destruction of virtual realty and wealth. I started learning about computers; learning binary, ‘C’, and other machine and programming languages, in the early 80’s. Actually, I first used a networked computer in 1978 when I played a ‘Star Trek’ based game in a teletype machine via a cradle modem. My father collected teletype machines, starting in 1972. We had two by the time he left the family.

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Even with my father gone, I continued to work with the teletype machines and taught myself how to connect to early network servers and primitive Bulletin Boards. I just loved all things electronic, and electrical. Computers were a marriage between what I already knew and all new technologies. I continued my studies when I was hired as a answering service operator, in Beverly Hills, that was undergoing a huge upgrade. Upgrading from old cord boards to an electronic switching system and an Hybrid Computer driver Automatic Call Distribution System (ACD). The owner did not know of my pervious electronic and communication experiences until they started the upgrade.

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Very quickly opportunities presented themselves for me to display my knowledge and understanding. I had already moved up from operator to Morning Shift Supervisor, which gave me ample opportunity to shine. Soon I was going to Answering Service Conventions, Educational Classes at the Manufacture’s Corporate Offices (Star-Tel made the ACD and electronic/Digital switches), and ultimately classes at A.T.&T. offices here in Los Angeles studying Unix.

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You see, I knew way back in 1983 that the whole future of communications and information was the digital realm. Skills in this area (also known as Kung Foo) would be invaluable in the years and decades to come. Now, I will be the first to admit that my Kung Foo is not so good… kind of dated. However, I have skills enough to warn and to inform. Today I am here to signal a warning to all of you, My Dear Readers.

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First, I would suggest that you take a look at my series ‘The Deep Web’ right here at The Other Shoe. Now I am not advocating that everyone should surf The Deep Web. On the contrary, unless you have a strong background in information technology I would advise that you stay away from The Deep Web. Many ISP (Internet Service Providers) block access to this part of the web, and some will even discontinue your internet access without warning just for connecting.

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Blocked access can be circumvented by using bridges (I will be explaining this process and how to use bridges next week in Part Three of ‘The Deep Web’). Although… to be brutally honest? I would suggest that everyone learns as much as you can about this internet, and ‘The Deep Web’. ‘Knowledge is power’[4] (Francis Bacon) is more truthful today, than anytime in history. Many companies that ‘protect your identity’ already check The Deep Web for signs of your; credit card numbers, banking information, social security number and other digital identifiers in order to head off data attacks and identity theft. Yes, My Dear Readers, was are already… there…

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In preparing readers for engaging with, and surfing, The Deep Web I have outlined practices that are great habits to form, even if you have no intention of ever surfing The Deep Web. They are outlined in Part Two, but I will be reiterating them in upcoming editions of this series, too. Good computing habits are beneficial to everyone and in all situations. I started teaching ‘Good Computing Habits’ back in 1981 to my answering service staff. In our capacity as answering service personnel, we were privy to great deal of; personal information, private data transfers, and sensitive information. Tel-Us, that was/is the name of the service, also provided Telex services, along with answering service, paging, and text transmission of telephone messages. That one was my favorite, and the one service that I sold exclusively.

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Even in 1983 I could transmit a paper copy of a telephone message to a text printer I installed in your home of office. That way, without anyone calling you on the phone, or disturbing the client, I could forward important or time sensitive messages to a client silently and discreetly. I know, given today’s technology and messaging abilities, it doesn’t sound like much. However, Henry Mancini thought it was a great product and I installed one of our message printers into his home office, personally. The walls of his office were lined with awards, and on the shelves were Oscars and other Academy Awards for his work in soundtracks and the like. Yeah, I really loved that job!

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My Dear Readers, I want you to keep your eyes on the headlines. Keep watching and mark my words, you will be seeing more and more ‘data breeches’ in the news as the months and years pass. You see, there are huge populations of ‘Black Hat’ hackers in; Russia, China, North Korea and old USSR satellite nations that spend all day every day working to break; firewalls, encryption technologies, data encryption and hardware firewalls in servers. They are raised on this stuff, from a very early age.

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I was unfortunate enough to, while working as property manager in Westwood, have my identity stolen. I worked with an FBI agent, out of the Westwood office, that worked solely in identity theft and information technology theft-virtual theft. Not only had my identity been stolen, so had a lot of information off of the office computer. Since the company computer had been hacked, corporate executives demanded that I gain all the information I could from this FBI agent.

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He was the one that enlightened me that there were/are teenage hackers in Russia that spend all night and day doing nothing more than working to steal; credit card numbers, debit card information, banking information, and other sensitive financial information via; phishing, direct computer hacking, and server attacks. These young people are trained, from a very young age, in; computer languages, firewall protocols, encryption technology, and firewall protocols and technology. They are told that the only way they will get out of poverty is if they steal their way out.

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I want you all to understand the immensity of the problem. How frequent these attacks have become, and how often they are successful. That this problem is only going to get worse, long before it gets better. You see, corporations are insured against these losses to a certain point. However, as a consumer? Your threshold of liability is much higher. Your exposure is far greater. Your losses could be financially crippling, and some could never really recover.

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Your only defense is; better computer habits, better financial habits, and always be aware when on line. After the Target data breech I received new; debit card (with entirely new information; number, expiration date, security number), credit cards and I was warned in writing to not use my cards inside Target. In the letter it was suggested that I go to a branch bank, withdraw needed funds, and shop with cash at Target “until further notice”. Target was very neglectful in their data practices. They were warned prior to the event, and that is in articles on the web for you to verify.

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Every single time you swipe your debit card or credit card you take a huge risk. There are even devices that can read credit card information off your card while it is in your wallet. In restaurants there are handheld devices that your server can use to swipe your credit cardand steal all the information that is stored on the magnetic strip. Now, I never let my card out of my sight, when out dining. I try to always shop with cash and only take money out of my account in person in my bank.

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That is a bit much… for most people. However, I have very limited resources My Dear Readers, and any loss could result in homelessness. Yeah… I live that close to the edge.

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Today was my ‘Free Day’ here at The Other Shoe. I could take this opportunity to write about anything I wanted. Today, this week, I choose to take the time to sound a warning. A warning to all of you, My Dear Readers, to develop and/or engage in better data practices. Be cautious, as I have explained my current practices with limiting debit/credit card use, make more of a habit of withdrawing money at your bank branch and shop more often with cash. When engaging in purchases and/or financial exchanges on the internet, ALWAYS MAKE SURE you are using a SECURE version of the web site. Look for ‘HTTPS’ up in the URL box at the top of your browser and it should say (in the lower bar) ‘Secure Server’. If you are unsure? CALL their support number and ASK!

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At home, RUN WEEKLY MALWARE AND ROOTKIT SCANS! Don’t just scan for ‘viruses’ and consider yourself ‘protected’. Here is a very good FREE ‘Malware Scanning Software’ Malwarebuytes[5] (click on that word or use the link below in footnotes). UPDATE this software WEEKLY (at least, I do it EVERY DAY). Also, RUN ‘ROOTKIT’ SCANS WEEKLY (at least). Here are TWO very good – great FREE programs; Malwarebytes-Antirootkit[6], and SOPHOS[7]. Run these scans religiously every week at least, along with your normal weekly Antivirus scans. Once a month, use your Anti-Virus software and run a ‘COMPLETE COMPUTER SCAN’! If your computer has been used by; a friend, a neighbor, a child or grandchild NEVER USE IT for financial transactions or purchasing UNTIL YOU RUN ALL THREE SCANS! (Anti-Virus, Malware and ROOTKIT).

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I am so sorry if I have scared any of you, My Dear Readers, but these ‘Good Computing Habits’ can protect you, and could (possibly) prevent major financial losses. Check out my series ‘The Deep Web’[8], too. In it I am sharing a lot of ‘Good Computer Habits’ and teaching how to be aware when on line. Developing these good computing habits will benefit you!

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In closing, My Dear Readers, if EVER I can; be of assistance, provide information, help with a potentially infect computer, provide resources for scanners or removal or ANY data and information references, software suggestions? PLEASE DO NOT HESTITATE TO CONTACT ME! You can leave a message as a comment here at the blogs, you can ‘Friend’ me on Facebook and we can communicate there, or I have left my email several times on this blog. I WILL ALWAYS HELP anyway I can, and it will be my pleasure to help you STAY SAFE!

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!


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P.S. My Dear Readers, I have written and presented this article because I CARE! I have GRAVE concerns over the increase of cyber-terrorism... and have this... suspicion that... soon... it will become... much worse. Please exercise caution and read this article as many times as needed... to gain a FULL understanding of this gorwing and dire problem. Take Care! :)


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Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Horror in Smithville - Part Three

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[caption id="attachment_2489" align="aligncenter" width="500"]The Horror in Smithville - Part Two The Horror in Smithville - Part Three[/caption]

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          Welcome back, My Dear Readers, toThe Other Shoe.If it is Thursday then it is time for another episode of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. This week I bring you Part Three of this horror series. How, as I was explaining, in another article here at The Other Shoe  this story is, like, happening to me as I write the darn thing is amazing.

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I had anticipated that, in this episode, we might reach a point of “blood and gore and scary stuff”. Well, you are just going to have to read to find out. I will tell you one thing. This story is unfolding like nothing I have written before in my life. There is this natural process that is happening. I sit down, to write the next episode, and it all just starts falling into place.

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Yes, I do give a lot of thought to what I am going to write during the day. No, I do not set out dialogue or paragraphs. I see it as it happens, in my mind. Take tonight’s dinner, I saw this dinner several times over the past two weeks, in my mind. However, things happened when I wrote it that I did not see until I sat down today and put voice to program. This story is just growing out of me and I am very much enjoying this process.

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As I hope that you, My Dear Readers, enjoy tonight’s episode of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. So, without further adieu…

Part Three


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Just as Archer had anticipated, when dinner was served there was; deep fried chicken (at least one chicken if not two), mashed potatoes with a pad of butter still melting on the top of the potato mountain, what looked to be buttermilk biscuits, a gravy bowl filled to the brim with hot and fresh (made from scratch) chicken gravy, and both green peas and corn on the cob. Archer was drooling with anticipation, but before lifting a single eating utensil he gave Timmy’s Mom her much deserved praise.

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“Everything looks just great, Mrs. Marref! I don’t know which is better, how good it all smells or how great it looks on the table!”

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Archer honestly thought he saw Timmy’s Mom… blush. She tanked Archer for his “kind compliment” and reminded Archer that he was sitting at the table with two very hungry Marref men and that if he didn’t start filling his plate, he would end up going to bed hungry. Archer smiled and grabbed the mashed potatoes before anyone else.

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Now, lots of people make their mashed potatoes with garlic, some even with cheese (yargh!). Not Mrs. Marref, nope she made hers with buttermilk. The buttermilk made the potatoes extra buttery and gave them a silky smooth consistency that made gravy nearly superfluous. For the next five minuets not a single word was said, by anyone, at the table. All that was heard were groans of culinary ecstasy.

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Archer had just finished his second drumstick, and was breaking open a thigh, when Timmy kicked his leg under the table. Archer had all but forgotten his conversation with Timmy in the bathroom. As they were drying their hands Timmy told Archer, “tonight’s dinner comes with a price…” The price was Archer had to start the conversation about going to the Carnival, Friday night. More importantly Archer had promised he had a “sure fire” was to get parental approval for the Haunted House.

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It was Thursday night, right now, but neither Timmy nor Archer wanted to put off the conversation (or decision) until the last minute. If they didn’t get the answer they wanted, right off the bat, starting early would give them more time to work their parents until they got the answer they wanted. Archer was not to mention the Haunted House, tonight.

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.Just the Carnival was to be discussed that and the fact that “everyone from the Middle School was going on Friday night... teachers and students…” While eating his first drumstick, Archer had figured out his plan. He had already buttered-up Timmy’s Mom with compliments on the Chicken dinner. He was going to start with Timmy’s Mom and work around the table to Timmy’s Dad. That was the plan… but it is so seldom that things work out as planed… am I right, or what?

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Leaving just enough food in his mouth to be convincing that his comment was spontaneous and not planned, Archer lunged head first into his narrative.

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“Mrs. Marref, did you know that the Lutheran Church and the Smithville Chamber of Commerce are having a Harvest Festival/Carnival, this weekend?”

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He could be wrong, but it looked to Archer liked Mrs. Marref chocked a little on her food, when Archer made his comment/question. She was obviously trying hard not to smile at the way Archer broached the subject. She put her napkin up to her mouth and signaled with her hand that she needed a moment before replying. This was going even better than Archer had planned. Step two, question for Mr. Marref.

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“Mr. Marref, you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce, aren’t you?”

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Now, Mr. Marref knew that Archer knew he was not only a member of the Chamber of Commerce; he was on the executive council for the Chamber and had been since the boys were in diapers. Just as soon as the question had left Archer’s mouth, Timmy kicked Archer in the shin and rolled his eyes at Archer. Archer just smiled at Timmy and winked a self-confident wink. Archer could play Timmy’s parents like a fiddle. This was not nearly as true for his own parents… but Timmy’s, well Archer knew just how to play them.

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“Yes, Archer, you know full well that I am on the Executive Council for the Chamber of Commerce. You and Timmy helped me staple and hang up flyers every year for my reelection. (Winking at Archer as he spoke) Both Margie and I are aware that the Carnival is here for the weekend, and Festival runs all week long. Did you know that there is a ‘New’ Haunted House, this year? They say that it is especially scary, this year. A new company was hired, by the Carnival. They’ve never used them before, but they come highly acclaimed by the folks in Rogerstone. That was where they were last year for the Harvest Festival. We were very lucky to get them… well, kind of steal them from Rogerstone.”

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This was welcome news to both Archer and Timmy. Nobody had told them they scared Rogerstone last year, nor did they know that they had been referred “highly” by the last town they scared. Archer was pretty sure that Timmy’s Dad was already sold on the Haunted House, and all they had to do was ask permission to go. That was until Mrs. Marref spoke.

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“Now Martin, weren’t there a lot of complaints, from some parents in Rogerstone, about that Haunted House? Something about younger children getting sick on the ride and even older children having terrible nightmares after riding?”

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Archer could just swear he saw a little smile under... hidden on Mrs. Marref’s face. She was fighting against it hard, but Archer could just swear he saw. Archer was floundering, he needed help and he needed help fast. He kicked Timmy’s shin, under the table, and shifted his head pointing to Timmy’s Mom, as if to say ‘Guy, get your Mom back on program… we are loosing our advantage here!’ Timmy did get it, he sat there with a blank look on his face when Mr. Marref spoke.

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“That was my shin, Archer. Are you trying to signal Timmy about something… or are you trying to play footsies with me?”

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Now, it was Archer’s turn to blush! Just as Archer was shifting from rose to candy apple red, Timmy rolled his eyes and then blinked at Archer.

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“Oh, come on Mom. I remember hearing about that, those kinds were all, like, in the second and third grades. Archer and I will be in the eighth grade, next year, and it takes a heck of a lot more to give us a scare!” Timmy said fighting back a smile to keep a determined look on his face.

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“Unless there are spiders, right Timmy?” Mr. Marref said, looking directly at Timmy as he spoke.

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‘Dad, that was not fair!’ Timmy thought to himself, Dad knew that Timmy had a thing about spiders… he wasn’t ‘afraid’ they just, like, made his skin crawl. This conversation was not even going the way that Archer and Timmy had planned. Timmy was far from throwing in the towel… but he felt that there was a lot more of a fight ahead.

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Just then, as if by some cosmic nature, the whole kitchen got as bright as daylight. They all four looked up and around, but before anyone could say a word the whole house rocked with the sound of thunder. Timmy’s Mom came up out of her seat by about three inches. Timmy spewed mashed potatoes all over the center of the table, and into the gravy boat. Mr. Marref jumped, slightly and Archer came up out of his seat… nearly a foot… or so it seemed.

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The timing of the lightning and then the crack of thunder, with discussing how scary the new Haunted House was, went to underscore the tension in the room… and lent an ominous taint to the conversation. Suddenly the kitchen, and the whole house, was plunged into darkness. As they all sat there, the only light in the room came from the gas range top. The small pilot lights continued to burn, and they threw off an eerie glow.

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Timmy could hear Archer’s breathing to the left of him, just as he heard his Dad (to his right) get up out of his chair.

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“Well, that last bolt of lighting must have blow a fuse. Let me go and check the fuse box. I just hope it is a fuse and not the power for the whole farm. Everyone stay seated, this shouldn’t take but a second.”

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Luckily the fuse box was just off the kitchen, in the mud room/laundry area. Archer’s breathing sounded louder, and Timmy thought he might be a little afraid. He reached out, to his left, and grabbed for Archer’s shoulder. He ended up smacking Archer in the face, when gave him quite the fright!

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“What was THAT”?!? Archer said with terror laced in his voice.

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“Relax, Archer, it was just me I was trying to reach out and put a hand on your shoulder…. I wanted to stand up and get a flashlight…”

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The last part was a quick cover; he didn’t want to make it sound like Archer was afraid n front of his parents. Just as Timmy was going to get up, the lights came back on in the kitchen and all over the house. Archer signed in relief and flashed Timmy a smile. Timmy’s Dad came back into the kitchen with the burnt fuse in his hand.

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“Well, it was just this one fuse. We got lucky, there, it could have burned out more. Everyone let me know if you find anything electric that doesn’t work in your room or the bathroom… Before going to bed tonight. OK?” The boys nodded. .


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Well, it just couldn’t have been planned better (worse for the boys) than if God himself had executed the plan. Mr. Marref got up to get some towels from the kitchen counter as Timmy got up to go to the bathroom. This left Archer and Mrs. Marref alone at the kitchen table. Archer waited; one beat… two beats… the moment wasn’t going to get any riper.

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“Mrs. Marref, you are one of the smartest teachers at the Middle School. So, I know you have seen through the plan Timmy and I have hatched to get permission, right?”

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This time he really did see Mrs. Marref blush, it was as plain as day. She smiled, gently, the way she did to cleaver students in her classes. She opened her mouth to speak, just as Timmy and Mr. Marref both reentered the room. She winked at Timmy, as if to say ‘watch this!’ and took a bite out of a biscuit. Mr. Marref went about cleaning up the potatoes that Timmy shot gunned all over his side of the table. Timmy sat down, with a sigh. Archer could see that Timmy had all but given up, for the night. Archer could hardly hold his tongue, but he did because he knew what was coming next would beat the band.

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As if by que, just as Mr. Marref and Timmy were sat, Mrs. Marref spoke.

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“Well, it’s about time we all stopped beating around the bush and cut to the chase, eh Archer? Timmy, it is obvious that you and Archer want to go to the Carnival, tomorrow… and you both would like permission to ride this new ‘Haunted House’ ride. Is that correct? That is what all the maneuvering, whispers, and kicking under the table are all about... Am I right?”

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Good thing Timmy did not have potatoes in his mouth, again, or there would be even more of a mess to clean up after dinner. No potatoes, but Archer caught, out of the corner of his eye, Timmy chocking a little on a biscuit. Archer giggled while Timmy’s mouth hung wide open his lower jaw hanging limp as if someone had just popped him a good one in the chin.

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“Yes, Mrs. Marref. That is what Timmy and I were working up to… sorry for being so shifty.”

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“Well, for the sake of having the remaining part of dinner without so much tension. Your father and I have made a decision, Timmy. Archer, I have already talked to your mother, too. On the conditions that; you both clean up the kitchen after dinner,completely finish all homework before any television, and you don’t sit up all night giggling and laughing in bed… you both… …. …. May go to the carnival and ride the new Haunted House ride. Now, can we please finish dinner?”

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Timmy was speechless, what had just happened? Had Archer talked with his mother while he was in the bathroom? How did his Mom and Archer’s Mom already discuss the carnival and ride? Timmy wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but this bordered on miraculous. He looked over at Archer, but Archer had his head buried in dinner. He resigned himself to talk to Archer after dinner, while they were cleaning up the kitchen and doing the dishes.

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The rest of dinner passed without event. The lightning and thunder continued as the rain came on the heals of dinner. As Archer and Timmy were finishing up the dishes, the rain began pounding down on the porch. Archer made a passing comment that he hoped the rain would let up before tomorrow. Timmy was certain that his Dad was making the same comment to his Mom, in the front room. The Chamber had a lot riding on this Festival, the Carnival and the Haunted House.

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This season’s events and sales made up the money that the Chamber spent during the holidays. See, the Chamber was responsible for; putting up holiday lighting up and down Main Street, the Town Christmas Tree, and providing meals for the least advantaged families in town. His Dad gained a handful of gray hair, every year at this time. Timmy, with Archer’s help, spent from October to January working for free for Timmy’s Dad. They didn’t mind because they felt pride when all the decorations were up, all over town. Neighbors and strangers, both, complimented the boys on their work every year. As that thought passed through Timmy’s head, Archer placed the very last pan into the counter to dry. They were done. Now, Timmy grabbed Archer by the arm and guided him into his bedroom. Timmy really wanted to know what Archer knew.

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As Timmy closed the door behind them, he looked at Archer and he was smiling ear to ear.

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“OK, Archer, spill the beans. What happened in there at dinner? What gives?”

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Archer just couldn’t help smiling; he liked knowing things that Timmy was blind. He was going to have some fun, tonight. He walked over to Timmy’s desk and picked up the math homework.

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“I don’t know what you are talking about, Timmy. We’re going to the Carnival and the Haunted House. You lookin’ a gift horse in the mouth? Here’s today math homework, did you want me to help you learn it, or just copy my work?”

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Timmy had to hand it to Archer, he knew when he had an advantage and he knew how to work it… BIG. Two can play at that game, Timmy thought as he grabbed the math homework from Archer’s hand.

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“I’m not copying your work, Archer. I will do the work myself, and use yours to check my work. Now stop playing your advantage. I know that something happened while my Dad and I were out of the room. What gives?”

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Archer was not quite ready to spill the beans to Timmy. He enjoyed this feeling and he was going to enjoy it a bit longer. He decided to throw a curve, at Timmy, and see if we would catch.

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“Man, I thought you had exploded when the thunder came on the heals of that lightning! You must’ve come out of your seat a whole two feet!”

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‘Ok’ Timmy thought to himself, I will give you a little longer… but if Archer didn’t spill the bean, soon, we knew how to get it out of him.

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“Yeah, almost as much as you came up out of your seat! Heck, the potatoes? I did that on purpose to give you some time alone to work my Mom. Didn’t you know that?” Timmy said turning the tables ever so slightly in his favor.

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Archer broke, like the thunder in the sky earlier, he broke out of the character and started laughing. Between guffaws Archer managed to spit out:

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“Yeah, right, you ‘planned’ to blow half-a-plate of mashed potatoes all over the kitchen table and your Mom… that was your ‘plan’, right?”

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Timmy broke out in laughter, too. Soon both boys were laughing and rolling on the bed. Half out of the broken tension, and half out of the fact that they got their way! They were going to the Harvest Festival, the Carnival, and (most importantly) they were going to ride the scariest Haunted House ride Smithville had ever hosted. It was a grand end to a grand day.

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Archer and Timmy sat down at the desk in Timmy’s room and for the next hour and a half they tore through their homework. Nobody copied anyone’s work, each did their own work… then checked it against the other’s work. By the time the clock showed 8PM, all their homework was done and folded neatly into the textbooks. Next, they took turns in the bathroom; brushing teeth and hair, changing into nightclothes, and generally getting ready for bed.

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Once that was all complete, too, the boys headed into the front room to see what was on the television. They left the front room, shortly after 9PM, mostly unimpressed with the night faire on TV. Just seemed like they were phoning it in anymore, it was all the stations not any one. It was getting so that watching television, and enjoying it, took a lower IQ. It was no never mind, the boys were wanting to get to bed so they s=could spend an hour or so catching up with the day. Timmy gave his Mom a hung, and an air hug for his Dad and they were off to bed.

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Timmy climbed into his bed, got under the covers and pulled his feet up so Archer could sit at the end of the bed. Archer came into the room and climbed right into his sleeping bag. Timmy’s Mom had got some foam padding to put under the sleeping bag, to keep Archer off the floor and keep him from getting too chilled. Archer commented that it felt a heck of a lot better, than the last time he spent the night.

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He and Archer talked, a bit, but before he knew it Timmy heard Archer snoring and knew he best friend had left him for Sleepsville. Man, Archer sure got wore out, today. Usually they would sit up for an hour or more and talk about the events of the day. More times than not, Timmy’s Mom would have to open the door to the room and tell them to be quite and get to sleep. Not today… it was kind of odd… Just as Timmy was thinking how odd it was… Archer falling asleep without talking first… Timmy drifted off… Well, it wasn’t so much like drifting off, that night. Timmy could swear it almost felt like something was pulling him to sleep. His eyes shut, and their adventure began.

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That brings us to the end of Part Three of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. I hope that everyone enjoyed his or her trip. As you can see, this story just fell into place as I wrote it, today. I has, naturally, ended today as the boys are pulled into sleep.

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What… is pulling them to sleep? I guess we will all just have to wait until next week when I weave the next part of this horror story. Once thing can be said… the boys are in bed, asleep. Their dreams are where we will catch up with them, next.

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ENJOY!

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"]The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]