Notes from Behind the Keyboard - June 19th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2868" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

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Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. Today is Wednesday June 18^th, 2014, and it is about 5PM PDT here on the West Coast. I have just shot a short ‘video update’ of me, about my health, my blog, and life in general. With all good fortune, I will have this video edited, uploaded, and published by the end of the day. Most hopefully, I will have it ready for viewing before everyone I know and love in Texas is asleep.

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If not, I will be promoting the video and this article for the rest of the week. I just might, even, pay the $6.99 to have it ‘promoted’ of Facebook. It would be nice if, like, everyone (back home) knew about the video and had/took a chance to view. There is really nothing (of note) new in my life, my world. Oh, there is this pesky illness… fevers, night sweats, lack of appetite, and a lump on my jawbone and swollen lymph nodes. They (my doctors) have run all sorts of blood tests. All of the ‘usual suspects’ have been ruled out. No, I do not have AIDs. Yes, they do keep running the darn test… year after year. Each year, it comes back negative.

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My infectious disease physician wants a C.T. scan (Computerized tomography) of my; face, jawbone, upper cervical spine. They are looking for the source of the infection and the source of the lumps. My primary care physician has already weighed in, with a possible diagnosis. He believes that I am suffering the results of an infection brought about by; a) the rejection of bone tissue used in my cervical surgery b) an infection secondary to the rejection of or metal poisoning from the hardware that was used in the cervical surgery. My money is on the bone rejection, and I have my reasons.

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The single best reason is; the neurosurgeon went in with the expressed desire to fuse three discs into one mass. However, once he got in to my neck he discovered that the (many): MRI(s), X-Ray(s) and other scans had not done justice to the extent and damage my cervical spine had endured from four years of moderate-to-severe degenerative disc disease. What he found was; extensive damage to half-a-dozen nerve roots, one cervical disc was completely desiccated and nearly “fell out” of its place between two discs, severe damage to two other discs, and moderate damage to two more, large amounts of “bone chips” resulting from “Bone-on=bone” grinding (like a mortar against a pestle) resulting from the loss of discs, severely ‘damaged and bruised” nerve roots (up to six were “worse than I have ever seen”), and severe degenerative disc disease all through the cervical and thoracic spine. He had prepared for the removal of two cervical discs. He ended up removing (I believe) three to four.

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He had reserved the operating room for three hours; I was in surgery for four and a half hours. Resulting in my neurosurgeon having to request more bone grafts during the surgery! Now for a little known factoid; prior to this type of surgery the surgeon ‘orders’ the number of ‘bone grafts’ he needs for the intended surgery 36 to 48 hours prior to the surgery. The bone grafts are then ‘prepared’ for 24-26 hours prior to a surgery. They are ‘prepared’ by (for one) being put into a bath of steroids and human growth hormone bath and a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein solution. These aid in the bone, actually, grafting TO the surrounding bone, resulting in a sturdy and durable bond.

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Since my neurosurgeon did not order the correct number of bone graft pieces prior to surgery, one or more bone grafts were not properly prepared prior to implantation into my neck. As seen in follow-up X-Rays the “bone grafts did not fully knit” the my bones. This is the reason that, now, seven years later I still have popping, and grinding sounds coming from my cervical spine, shooting pains in; my upper chest, face, upper left arm, lower left arm, left hand. What this means is that the bone grafts never “completely knit” with the surrounding bone (mine), that the structure is not solid and “durable”. Further, the lack of the bones completely grafting has resulted in raw bone material lying inside the bone grafts.

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This material, since not healed and knit to other bones, is suspect to and frequently results in “opportunistic infections of the bones and bone grafts”. Aye, there’s the rub! With my limited medical education, I am putting my ‘money’ (I don’t really have any money… that’s why I put the parentheses). It is my opinion that the untreated bone grafts not only did not knit with my surrounding bone, but that they have fallen prey to an infectious state, resulting in the symptoms I am currently experiencing. Now, try and get one doctor to say that about another doctor.

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Next, the was an “mistake” made by an (admittedly by the corporation) “untrained” medical vendor. I was to have a ‘Bone Growth Stimulator’ placed on my neck, post surgery. Now, according to the company that manufactures the device the bone growth stimulator is to be “Placed on the patient seven to ten days after surgery”. Get a load of this! My bone growth stimulation device was placed on me… … … (drum roll please!) Within MINUTES of me being wheeled out of surgery! That’s right, while I was still under anesthesia, and only moments after my doctor closed the incision, and “untrained” salesperson from the company came and put the bone growth stimulator on me! She removed my solid neck brace, moved my head and neck and shifted me around as the placed four conductive pads around my cervical spine. I awoke, from surgery, with the device already installed!

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That is never supposed to happen, like ever! I figure that is a ‘contributing factor’ to the why my bone grafts “never fully knit”. Now, seven years later, I am having; fevers, night sweats, hot “lava feeling” pouring down my cervical spine, loss of appetite, dizziness, and fatigue. My Dear Readers, I cannot get to the scan that I really need done, for the lack of someone around to help me; get dressed, get into my power chair, get into transportation, get to an appointment, and reverse the process and get back home and back into bed. For all of those that have (reasonably) thought “Why doesn’t he get a lawyer?” I agree! I wish I had the help to get to a lawyer and see if I have a case.

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So, that is what weighs on my mind and this is what is causing me great distress, loss of sleep, and depression. My Dear Readers, I really do not like talking about all this, that is why (after FOUR YEARS) I have never, once, mentioned it or explained it to you, previously. Yet, I figured that it was time I gave the information to you… and time I documented this problem in a public forum.

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Regardless, I will do my level best to continue to write and publish on a regular basis. I will do my level best to bring you entertaining, and informative articles and content.

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It, just now, is 6:00PM PDT. The movie that I made is just now finishing up saving to my computer. Just as soon as that is complete, I will begin the upload to YouTube. Just as soon as that is done I will upload this article, embed the video and BAAM! I will publish this edition of ‘Note from Behind the Keyboard – June 18^th, 2014”. I will, then, go about promoting this article and posting on; Facebook, Tumblr, Pinitrest, and all the other media sites I belong in an effort to get it seen by as many people as possible. May I please, My Dear Readers, PLEASE ask you to ‘Share’ THIS article? I ‘think’ I may have a lawsuit… there is limited time to file… I cannot afford an attorney… However, IF this article is seen by LOTS and LOTS of people… maybe just MAYBE someone WILL see this article that… CAN… HELP… me.

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Please… ‘Share’ this article on; Facebook, Pinintrest, Google, Tumblr… any and ALL ‘social media’ outlets that you belong to. PLEASE? I might just find someone that can help me… and maybe… just maybe I can file a suit… win… and never have to ask for help from anyone for as long as I live. I might even get enough to pay Darrell (my brother) back!

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I wouldn’t ask… if I really didn’t need your help.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/bwERO0KDjM4]

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That brings us to the end of this edition of ‘Notes from Behind the Keyboard’. Below is a video, the one that I mentioned. It would mean the world to me if you would, please… kindly, please… ‘Share’ this article and this video. It might just help to change the course of my life… for the better. I appreciate all your kindness, support, understanding and continued readership.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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

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

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

 

Notes From Behind the Keyboard - May 24th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2868" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

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        Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. First, I would like to express my regret that I have not written, or published, in several days time. This is for one simple reason. I am still waiting for my primary blog location (at Blog dot com) to be fixed! It has been more than four days since I have been able to edit or publish at this, my primary blog location. This is really disappointing to me, and has put quite a cramp in my writing schedule.

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As most of you, My Dear Readers¸ know I (generally) publish seven to ten articles per week. However, with one (my primary) location down I am hesitant to publish solely at this location. Now, if the unthinkable happens and; all four hundred seventy-five of my articles at The Other – The Other Shoe (www.theothershoe.blog.com) are gone… for good, I am unable to continue my blog of FOUR YEARS at that location… then I will be forced to switch and make this location (here at Word Press) my new primary blog location. This is not what I would like to happen. My Dear Readers, I would very much like to have my missing work returned to me and my control over content returned to me.

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Now, if (perchance) you are here at Word Press today having not found my blog location at blog dot com, then Welcome! I hope that you enjoy my work here and I hope that you will continue to drop by, enjoy my articles and stories and tell family and friends about my blog(s). Next, today Allen and I had the fortune to meet a very nice person. Allen and I went out to have out hair cut, and the young man that cut Allen’s hair expressed interest in my writing and blogs. His name was Kelly. Kelly, If you have found your way here ‘Welcome!” It was my pleasure to make your acquaintance. FYI you did a wonderful job on Allen’s hair. Too many people have not taken the time, or effort, and left Allen with an unsatisfactory hair cut.

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Yes, My Dear Readers, I do meet people in Real Life and tell them about my blog. I am always working to increase readership, and friends… too. J Kelly, if you have managed to find yourself to this, my secondary blog location, Congrats! I gave you the URL for my primary location… but as I have explained there are real and substantial problems with that location… that I am anxious to have resolved. Hope you had a great day, and that you have a wonderful weekend.

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Now, back to the problems with my blog locations, My Dear Readers. I am really hesitant to write and publish a large amount of content; stories, articles, political faire only to have to cross-publish once the primary location is back up and running. It has been three days since I was able to; edit, upload media, or publish articles. I am going to give it until Monday… before I make a decision about continuing to publish here at Word Press in spite of the failure at blog dot com. Now if you have been a reader for some time, then you know that this has happened before with blog dot com. One time, the whole blog was just gone for more than a week.

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Drove me nuts! Yet, I have to consider that the service is free… and I just need to be patient. As for my regular articles. Let me put your, My Dear Readers, minds at ease. Just as soon as my primary location is working you will see a return of; ‘The Mars Report’, ‘Lost in Space’, ‘The Horror in Smithville’, A Week in Review’, and ‘Sunday Funnies’. I do not enjoy depriving all of you of this great and enjoyable content. Yet, as I have explained, I simply detest having to spend an entire day publishing (re-publishing) everything I have written while blog dot com had its problems.

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Now, for Kelly and all you ‘New Readers’… You can still read over four hundred great articles at my primary blog location (www.theothershoe.blog.com) and there are over 300 articles right here at Word Press! I implore all of you, new and regular(s), to take some time and wander around my blogs. Take in all the work that I have shared over the past four years. Honestly, I am willing to bet that no one can actually read everything I have published (in four years) before I get my primary blog location back up and running.

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There. Done. Now, I am going to vent a little. I am deeply disturbed that I have been denied any and all administrative control of my primary blog location for the past 72 hours. It is upsetting… and really frustrating to have someone stand between me and my written works! Ticks me off to no end, I can tell you what. Having said, once it is back? I may well be running an all new Indiegogo Campaign to raise funds for me to; lease access to a URL, obtain web hosting, lease blog software, and recreate my original blog The Other Shoe on a web host of my own! I have been tossing around that idea for the past two years. Now, I believe that the time has come… I grow weary of waiting for others to return my creative content back to me. That just stinks.

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So, My Dear Readers, that is what I have been up to for the past several days. I have written over fifteen technical support requests to the Web Masters at blog dot com. Not once have they responded! That is pretty unprofessional, and pretty darn upsetting, too. I am going to keep writing support requests. I am going to keep monitoring The Other Shoe at blog dot com. I am going to keep writing… and holding it back… Yes, once I am ready I DO have a good deal of content ready to be published.

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That brings us to the end of this edition of ‘Notes From Behind the Keyboard’. I hope that everyone sticks around to see just how the problems with blog dot com… resolve. Yes! I do have Part Nine of ‘The Horror in Smithville’ in varying states of readiness. And, YES! IT is quite good. Timmy’s zombie Wolf bite is getting worse and Archer is beside himself with grief. They do not know where to turn… when a brand new character makes an appearance… That is all I am going to tell you, right now. But… it is very good. (And well worth the wait).

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To all my new readers, “WELCOME!” and that goes for you, too, Kelly. I hope to see you all again very soon. Until then have a great and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend.

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TTFN!

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Adieu!

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

Returning, to YOU, Soon... Hopefully

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[caption id="attachment_2868" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

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My Dear Readers,

For the past ten days I have been unable to write or publish. First, it is an average of 80° in my apartment at any given time. This alone plays Hell with my condition an pain. A well the notebook computer I do ALL my work on, is nearly ten years old.. The only reason it still works is that I refuse to operate the computer in a room 75°, or warmer. A cool computer runs faster and live longer.

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Therefore, I have been UNABLE to; write, publish, edit ANYTHING while my apartment is so bloody hot! They are schedule to replace my non-working A/C TODAY! As soon as that is done, and I am bathed, the apartment is a reasonable temperature I WILL PUBLISH.

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My apologies.... I can only hope an pray you will all come back to; read, enjoy an be entertained and thrilled once my home is back to normal. FYI, I am sitting in my front room dripping with sweat, writing this on a tablet and waiting for the repairman. It will be good to be cool, again. I will write and publish soon.

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Thanks for your continued support!

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P.S. My Dear Readers, my dreams have seen fruition. About two hours ago the maintenance finally finished cleaning the A/C to be installed in my apartment. Just about 90 minutes ago… It was installed! Yes, I now have a completely clean and working Air Conditioner in my apartment.

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That means, over the coming days, I will return to my regular writing and publishing schedule! Right now, I am not going to promise which publication(s) I will make, when, as I am very tried. I have not sleep, through the night, in more than ten days! Tonight, I need to rest and sleep. Tomorrow… I will begin my day by starting the computer I use to write, upon waking.

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Fear not, all the regular article series have been on my mind. ‘The Horror in Smithville’ is riding in my frontal lobe, all ready to be put to words… put to paper (as it were), and shared (Published) On TIME! That is all I will put in stone, as it were, at this moment. You all know that I long to return to Mars and Curiosity… and the Hubble Space Telescope. By week’s end… you will have a good deal of reading material for your edification and entertainment.

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Thank you for your patience and understanding in this trying and difficult time, MY Dear Readers. Now, I am off to have a nice dinner, and a long and restful sleep.

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TTFN (Ta Ta For Now!)

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

Notes From Behind the Keyboard - May 14th 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2868" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

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 Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Well, I awoke, this morning, to find my blog here at blog dot com is working! This is great news for me, and for you My Dear Readers. Since my happy discovery I have been working to put together issues of all our favorite articles, for your reading pleasure. Now, to be honest, I must admit that I was rather enjoying having some down time while the blog was… missing.

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I used the time to play some PC games that I never have time to play, when I am working on the blog seven days a week. You see, for most people there are enough hours in a day, to do both. I may just have to start pushing my writing to three to four days a week, and spending the rest of the time resting and/or playing games that I find relaxing. Thing is, I did have some time to enjoy riding around in a forest, killing some monsters, and making some beneficial trades. An enjoyable time was had by all.

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Next, today is Wednesday and it is 1PM in the afternoon. I am going to make a good effort to write and publish an edition of ‘The Mars Report’ for this week. Once it cools down here, it is over 90 already outside and my air conditioner (the second one they have put in my room in two weeks) is not working! Taking all the pain medications that I consume makes me very sensitive to heat. Sensitive in that if the room I am in is over 73 degrees I become nauseas and dizzy. Often times I will pass out… I dislike the fact that I cannot seem to get a working A/C unit in my apartment. What I wouldn’t give to be able to go out and purchase one for myself and be done with the lazy staff.

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OK, I am going to publish this update, and then back to working on either an issue of ‘The Mars Report’ or ‘Lost In Space’. Come back here, in about two to three hours, and see which I have published!

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ENJOY!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

 

Notes from Behind the Keyboard - May 7th, 2014

[caption id="attachment_2868" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

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 Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Now, before I get started on today’s edition of ‘Notes from Behind the Keyboard’ I wanted to take a moment to express my ‘Thanks!’ to people, without whom, my journey yesterday would not have been possible. I would like to say “Thank you!” to: All the drivers and support people at Orange County Para-Transit Access, Los Angeles County Para-Transit Access, the good people at OCTA and MTA, all of the nurses and support people at Palos Verdes Medical Group, my Primary Physician Dr. L. Gorlick, the phlebotomist and technicians from Memorial Medical Services at PVMD, and my caregiver and significant other of 27 years Glen Allen. Yesterday was my quarterly follow-up visit to my primary care giver, and good friend Dr. Laurence Gorlick.

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Without the help and support of all the people, named above, I would not have been able to make the twelve hour and 89 mile journey. Now, I just know what most of you are thinking, and with good reason. ‘Danny, WHY, in the world are you traveling that far just to see a doctor?” Simple, from 2005 to 2013 Dr. Gorlick’s office was located just six blocks from my home in Cypress, CA. However, late last year he left his practice in Los Alamitos (of 23 years) and returned to his practice in Rolling Hills Estates.

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[caption id="attachment_2874" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Promenade on the Peninsula[/caption]

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Dr. Gorlick has seen me through, two surgeries, a minor stroke, innumerable minor illnesses, my allergies, and had help to manage my pain so that I am able to function and even write without fail nor falter. Next, have any of you tried to find a new doctor… in the past decade? Most, are flakes if not quacks, and all too many could really care less about getting to know their patients, much less being involved in their pain management. Even the nice Infectious Disease doctor I saw, wanted to farm me off to a ‘Pain Control Specialist’. Horsefeathers!

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Most of those specialists are of the mind that ‘nobody really needs pain medications’ everything can be solved with ‘physical therapy’ and ‘exercise’. ROFLMFAO Then they have never experienced pain secondary to nerve root damage and spinal cord stenosis. For four years six of my nerve roots were ground between two rock hard discs of my cervical spine, ground like between a mortar and pestle. I have had no less than four neurosurgeons calmly explain to me that “Mr. Hanning, you will be in severe pain for the rest of your life… most likely ended by a small fall resulting in your own spine severing your spinal cord.” Allen often wonders why is it that he will, sometimes, just see me crying. For no apparent reason… I break out in tears and start to cry. Let’s have a doctor tell you that (^) and see if you don’t find yourself crying for no apparent reason. I have my reasons.

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So, yesterday I made my way into Los Angeles, and then back home, via Disneyland. Ironic, that on my way to my doctor’s office, I pass through ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’. None-the-less, I had a very good appointment. I explained the progress I have made on the newly discovered lump on my jawbone. The consultation with the oncologist, and the urgency of having said lump removed and a biopsy done. Dr. Gorlick had some blood drawn, wrote out prescriptions for more pain medications, listen to my lungs… he always listens to my lungs, then we talked briefly about his family and back on the road, again, back home.

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Once I got home, well, my travels were not over. I got in the door and immediately took out Alexander R Hanning. He does not like being left alone at home for that many hours. I was rolled up in a fury little ball in the corner of his cage, with his fur on end. Yeap, that is one pissed off rat! So, I took Alex out of his cage and held him close to my face, kissing his little ears and face. Within about thrity seconds he was grinding to beat the band and licking my face.

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Yes, fancy rats are a lot like small dogs. Anyway, now that I had Alex all squared away, I got myself something to drink. About this time I see it is 5PM… I am in so much pain I am nearly blind… It is almost time to take my 6PM pain medication. I open the travel container I keep my pain medications in only to realize that in my haste I had totally forgot to take my noon Pain medication. Well, now that would go very far to explain the terrific pain that I am feeling and why it feels like my spine is drilling right through my neck muscles.

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I take my 6PM pain medication and put the missed dose back into the jar. No way am I doubling up on Percodan… I like to BREATHE! So, now I have taken my pain meds, soothed a pissed off rat, and washed up a little. Now, it is time to get back into my power chair and make the journey four blocks to the pharmacy to drop off prescriptions, and pick up four prescriptions. It is about 8PM when I leave the house for the pharmacy, it was 12 hours before that I got on my first para-transit to get to L.A.. Twelve hours, and still miles to go before I sleep.

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My Dear Readers, I write and publish this work not to complain. Rather, I write this article and share it with you to show just how hard I do push myself, all the time. Yes, I am disabled. Yes, I have little feeling or use of my left hand. Yes, I am in real and substantial pain from the moment I wake every day to the moment I fall asleep every night. However, NEVER will I allow my pain or disability to prevent me from getting what I can… done. I do not look, nor ask, for pity. NEVER!

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Sometimes, I will ask for… help… support… a hand in making ends meet… or to put food on my table… or pay off a nagging debt. However, before I ever would think of doing that I will try every imaginable way possible to deal with it alone… by myself… first. It is pride… a devotion to a belief that I must do for myself, the best that I can, and never ask for help of any kind. Oh, I will gladly take your accolades, your applause, your “Likes’ and ‘Shares’ and won’t miss a beat. I believe in myself. Ask Allen, I have a pretty high opinion… of myself. I enjoy my own writing, and know that (in time) I can do better and better, still.

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I am quite fortunate to have been raised in a way that I; ‘Have the courage of my convictions, and the convictions of my beliefs’. Case in point; I am about to start writing Part Eight of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. How I have not revisited this piece for more than a week. Have not written, have not published a single word or phrase. However, I know that when I sit down at this keyboard (or microphone) that the world will appear before my eyes. That the characters will all come into my mind and play out their roles.

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I know that the story will continue…. Because? Because, My Dear Readers, the story lives on inside me. I am not writing of some foreign world. I am not putting words into the mouths of strangers. Timmy and Archer they live within me. I can see through their eyes, I can feel their fear, enjoy their happiness, know their aspirations, and revel in the success. Believe it or not… understand it or not… this is the way I write. I write from the inside, out. When they shed a tear, I cry. When they face their fears, I know their pride.

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Be it genetics, antics as a youth, a typewriter that dropped on my head nearly thirty years ago…. MY body will never be as it was… I will never… again in my life, run. I may never be able to climb a tree… ride a horse… and never touch the stars. However, My Dear Readers, do not shed a single tear for me. For I live through my characters… I live through my work. When I am ready, I will venture to the stars… and I will do it through my writing, via my characters… and I will know their joy.

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I could fall in my bathtub tomorrow… slip and fall… cause my discs to sever my spinal cord…. I refuse to live in fear. Until… my time comes, I will write. I will share, and my characters… they will share with me. Share with me those things I cannot do… and I will smile.

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Thank you, My Dear Readers, for coming here… once again, and reading what I have to share. Your readership means the world to me. I solemnly promise to you. As long as you keep coming here to read? I will always do my best to give you some to read. Be sure to drop by later tomorrow… as I rejoin Timmy and Archer in ‘The Horror in Smithville!

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ENJOY! &

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Adieu!

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

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[caption id="attachment_2870" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning Of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

 

Daniel's Personal & Medical Update - April 16th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2516" align="aligncenter" width="332"] Daneil Hanning of The Other Shoe 2001[/caption]

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          Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. I return to you, today, after a difficult and troubling day. Yesterday I went to see an Infectious Disease specialist at Memorial Hospital/Orange Coast. It was my pleasure to meet this doctor, for the first time, yesterday. Little did I imagine that, in just the space of a few hours, I would be seen by not only her but also several other doctors.

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As I have mentioned, I have a lump on the right side of my face at the jaw line. It has been evaluated by an Otolaryngologist, just two weeks ago. It was his opinion that it was an “enlarged lymph node” and gave me a order to have a C.T. (computed tomography) scan of my jaw and neck. I had procrastinated setting up this imaging, due to scheduling conflicts with my caregiver. Now, back to yesterday.

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I meet with the Infectious disease specialist, I explained my reoccurring fevers, fatigue, and elevated white counts in blood tests. Within moments an Oncologist was in the room, examining the growth. Now, I have a bit of a decision to make… Because; the oncologist feels that this growth is not a enlarged lymph node but a “growth”. The oncologist wants this “growth” removed as soon as possible and examined.

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Yes, in just a matter of a day my enlarged lymph node has graduated to a growth in need of “immediate removal”. They wanted me to see a surgeon, yesterday, too. I was a bit overwhelmed, so I asked to be given some time to consider all the new information. I am awaiting a phone call today, with the results of the blood tests. They took four vials of blood from me. To run several blood tests; a CBC (Complete Blood Count), WBS included, an ‘E Sed Rate (Electronic Sedimentary rate), another HIV (I just had one in October that came back negative), a BUN/Creatin level, and a couple of other tests I did not recognize.

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Once these tests results are available, I will make them known to you, My Dear Readers. I just have to say, I feel a bit like a ping pong ball. Bouncing from one diagnosis to the other, within weeks of each other. I really was not prepared for surgery when I left yesterday. I mean, I am agreeable to having this thing removed. Yes, I want to know what the growth is…

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Its just I was mentally and emotionally prepared for a visit to diagnose my infectious disease. I have frequent fevers, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches, growing burning sensation in my neck… along with all the pains, and physical shortcomings from my degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. I just wasn’t emotionally prepared to see an oncologist. That was just, kind of, dropped on me.

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So, I apologize for not writing, yesterday. It was a long and trying day. When I got home I was just very tired and somewhat introspect. I am feeling a bit better, today. Resolved to discover what this… “growth” is and hopeful that out of all the blood tests done, yesterday, a better understanding of my health will appear. Earlier, today, I published this week’s edition of ‘Lost in Space’. I do hope that everyone takes some time to look at the incredible images I have shared.

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As well, I have an absolutely wonderful video for this week’s ‘Sunday Funnies’! Alexander is back and he is really entertaining in this week’s episode. Be sure to drop by on Sunday to check that out. I have already started working on Thursday’s ‘The Horror in Smithville’, and I must admit I am very much satisfied with how this story is progressing. Do you remember? When we last left Timmy and Archer, Timmy had fallen asleep, again and found himself standing in a graveyard!

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There is so much more coming, this week, to The Other Shoe. Rest assured that no matter the test results… no matter the surgeries… I will do everything in my power to keep presenting great and entertaining articles and stories for all of you My Dear Readers!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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

Coming This Week, to The Other Shoe - April 6th, 2014

 

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[caption id="attachment_2516" align="aligncenter" width="332"] Daneil Hanning of The Other Shoe 2001[/caption]

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             Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. As well, welcome to this the third edition of what is now a regular here, 'Coming This Week'. It is in this series I preview the articles to come in the following week. Now, My Dear Readers, I am just coming off one of the single most prolific week's in recent memory, here at The Other Shoe. With the publication of nine articles, in just seven days, last week. I have my sincere doubts of my ability to produce nine articles this week, too.

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How does that old saying go; 'The mind is willing, the flesh is weak'. That is very much the case for me, and this coming week. Just reviewing my sourcesfor material. I can quickly see that I will have sufficient materials for; 'The Mars Report' and 'Lost in Space'. A quick visit to NASA and JPL shows that Curiosity has delivered so fresh images for your review. Already late, here today... Sunday, I am tempted to engage in beginning day after tomorrow (Monday's) edition of 'The Mars Report'. 

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Curiosity has reached the approach to its next way point; 'The Kimberly. As well, I am not sure if you saw this in the news. Mars is the closest, to the Earth, that it has been in over two years. For the next several days, even with your bare eyes, we will be treated to some of the best views of Mars in years .

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The distance between our Earth and our sister planet, Mars, can be as much as 250 million miles. However, starting on the 8^thof this April Mars will approach Earth and only be 56 million miles away. That is, roughly, 1/5^th the distance for the next few days. For all of us in the Northern hemisphere you can find Mars, just after dusk, hanging close to the Moon. For more on this event, and how and when it is best to view, be sure to check out 'The Mars Report' on Monday.

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You can look forward to an all new edition of 'Lost in Space' for your reading pleasure. Form just a cursory search of potential images, I have found several that are just as spectacular, and maybe even more. As always, I will include background information, some of the science involved, and links to all the sources and more. I really have fallen in love, with this series of articles, and writing and publishing brings me great joy.

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This coming week will bring us yet another edition of 'The Deep Web' for your edification and review. I am hoping to have made the time, and effort, to nail down everything you need to know to create a 'Virtual Machine' on your Windows computer. By creating a virtual machine you create a whole new shell between your computer and the 'Black Hats' that there dewll.

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Coming to the end of next week, already, you can look forward to more thrills and chills with the publication of the Second Half of Part Four. Part Four of 'The Horror in Smithville', which I hope to conclude, will take up just where we left off with the boys; Timmy and Archer. After falling asleep way too early, the found themselves sharing a dream. A dream that brought them terror, and fears they did not know. Unsuspecting, they will climb back in bed. Shut their eyes and retire, with visions of Blueberry cobbler in their heads. It will not be sweets, that they encounter once asleep. I will not share spoilers, I will just say. Their night of terror, and horror, has only just begun!

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Well, My Dear Readers, that brings us fully round. Another week of fine reading, only here at The Other Shoe, is to be found. Now, all I ask, in return for these fine works, is that you PLEASE SHARE what you have found. Share with family, share with friends. Share with co-workers and In-Laws, both favored and not. Share with church goers, and neighbors... and even strangers around. For all that I do, all that I research, all that I download and upload. For all that I write and edit and, finally, publish for you.

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I only ask that you make it well known, that my work... you do enjoy. I am trying, so very hard indeed, to grow my readership from just me and just you. This past week, for the very first time ever. I saw my visitor counter go up to 59! That is the highest I have ever seen, this counter to show. Now, I am afraid, I am possessed to see if we can do better in the weeks to come. I would give just anything, for this counter to show, One HUNDERED visitors to The Other Shoe they did come. This goal, I am afraid, cannot be met by just me... and you.

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I will tell you quite honestly, that the world it would mean to me, for this counter to venture closer to triple digits. With my health failing, my pain increasing great happiness it would bring. To think that 100 readers, I did bring. So, I beseech of you, My Dear Readers, to assist if you will. In a tiny competition, this week, for most visitors I will.

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And, with those words and that challenge, I leave you this day. This preview of coming entertainment and images, I hope you enjoyed. Thank you for your time, and you efforts. I hope to see you, again, soon.

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

400th Article Here at The Other Shoe!

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[caption id="attachment_2203" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Daniel Hanning of The Other Shoe[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today March 19^th, 2014 I am happy to announce that this article is my 400^th article here @ The Other Shoe (@ Blog.com). Now, I have reached the 400 mark for my primary blog (location) @ blog.com. I will be posting this article at both my blog locations. This article will mark my 302^rd article at Word Press. Once I reach 350 at the secondary location (at Word Press) I will be marking, and celebrating, that publishing milestone, too. My Dear Readers, I have been pretty darn sick for the past six weeks.

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I feel better for a week, or so, then my fever skyrockets again and I feel poorly. This cycle has plagued me now for the past six to eight weeks. This week I have to take time out to help Allen with a legal matter. I will be gone all day Friday, and there is a great deal of preparation that I have to undertake throughout this week, starting later today. Monday I foresaw these upcoming anniversaries, yet my health kept me bedridden. Today, I awoke to no fever and a strong desire to write and publish. Though I have not published them all, today, since I woke up at 5AM I have written and finished three articles.

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So involved in these anniversaries I have been completely remiss in reporting the actual FIRST DEATH in the conflict in the Ukraine. On Sunday, for the very first time since 1945, one European country has annexed land in another country. Crimea has been annexed into Russia. This is a violation of United Nations sanctions, at least ONE NATO treaty and brought about the ire of the new leadership of the Ukraine. President Obama has spoken out against the move by Russia, and vowed further action by the United States and the United Nations for the Ukraine.

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So busy, I have been, working to prepare as much content for these anniversaries, that this development has taken a backseat to my celebration. If I manage to carve out enough time, later this week, I really hope to write further about this grave development and harmful action to the peace of the European Union. Now, back to the advent of THIS my 400^th Article @ The Other Shoe!

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I welcome this milestone in my publishing/writing career at this time. I have just taken a dive into the horror genre, here at The Other Shoe, with the publication of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. My Dear Readers, you are most likely unawares that I am writing this horror story ‘on-the-fly’. Yes, I have written the essential sentence. From this sentence I build out, like a flower. I have my plot sentence, names of characters, list of locations, plot points, and all of the essential bones and organs. However, unlike anything I have ever written, or published at either The Other Shoe? This horror story is read by you, My Dear Readers, as I write it. You are seeing this story the same day that I am writing.

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This is a major experiment for a writer’s point of view, and… so far? It is a resounding success! I have received over FIFTY ‘Likes’ for Part One, and a growing number for Part Two. My Dear Readers, you are registering your delight with this new experiment and my first venture into the horror genre. Thank YOU!
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When I write, I write from the heart. I read a substantial amount of resource material prior to even naming an article. I do my level best to find out both sides of the issue I plan on writing. If you look at the bottom of any of the political works I publish? You will see a listing of all the resource articles and materials I have used to bring my opinion to fruition.

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I do my best to use materials from, what other people may consider, both ‘Liberal’ and ‘Conservative’ sources. That we do not always agree? Is a good sign of a healthy dialogue. How boring would it be, to only keep company with people that say the same thing as I do. That we ‘see’ every news worthy event the ‘same’? To go through life in complete conformity and in lock-step unison would be to deprive myself and you, My Dear Readers, of the spice in life.

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Now on with this wonderful celebration of FOUR hundred articles published right here at The Other Shoe. My very first article was quite simple in its title and its content. Here is the very first article published by me here at The Other Shoe.

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• Welcome to The Other Shoe : “My name is      Daniel and today is the first day of this blog. Over the coming; days,      weeks, months (and hopefully) years I hope to share my view on current      political and social events and news. I will be the first to admit that I      a dyed-in-the-wool ‘Liberal’ American. I started voting in Pearland Texas      in 1975 by pulling the straight Democratic ticket lever in the mechanical      voting machines that were used in South East Texas at the time. I am not      adamantly against Republicans or (reasonable) Conservative ideals, I just      think that they generally work for the few, not the many.” You      see? From the very beginning I have been; honest, forthright, and genuine      in everything I write and publish. I did not lie about how I voted      in my first election. Nor did I try to confuse My Dear Readers by      capitalizing off of my eventual political growth into a ‘Reagan-Democrat’.      I kept, and keep, my work as simple and as genuinely honest as I can. This      is how it all began, back in March 22^nd, 2010. now we      are nearly four years later, and 350 articles since this very first one.     

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Next, My Dear Readers, is my seventh article. In this article I prove that I am not some lackey for the Democrat party and also show that not everything the Republican Party tells its base, is true. This article is a prime example of the integrity and honesty in writing that I work everyday to achieve.

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• The Truth about the      ‘Individual Mandate’ : “Having said, I must be honest, I never agreed      with the Individual Mandate. Even when it was first proposed in 1993. For      those of you that were not paying attention in 1993, or just tuned into      politics since the last election,we can thank Senator Orin Hatch and      Senator Chuck Grassley for the first introduction of the ‘Individual      Mandate’ that has ruffled so many feathers with the Republican party, and      Tea Partiers. That’s right, two Republican Senators first introduced the      wonderful Individual Mandate in 1993 and hear you have been told that this      is some ‘Left Wing Conspiracy’ to ‘take over’ health care and destroy individual      rights.” See, right there I am enlightening and explaining to my      Republican readers that they are being mislead. Mislead by the ‘Talking      Heads’ into believing that the ‘Individual Mandate’ is a Democrat idea,      when the FACTS bear out that it was (originally in 1993) created by the      Heritage Society and offered up by TWO Republican Senators and the      Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich! I was working to dispel      falsehoods, and if you read further… I do even MORE. I tell you, My      Dear Readers, that I do not agree with Democrats in including the      ‘Individual Mandate’ and that I ”hope they throw it out”. It was only my      seventh article and already I was setting a tone of honesty and      honor in publication that is (today) rarely seen.

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I am very proud of those original articles. Early on I was setting a tone and raising the bar of journalistic integrity. I refused to merely kowtow to Democrats and lambaste Republicans. I had a deep desire to treat, My Dear Readers, with honesty and integrity from the onset. I knew then, as I know now, that I could have a larger readership… and even make money, if I would just go for the extreme of one side of the political debate or the other. I could plainly see how quickly Fox News was growing and just how much MORE Rush was making each and every time he renegotiated his contract.

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My Dear Readers this brings us to the end of Part One of my 400^th article here at The Other Shoe. Now, for a moment of embarrassing honesty by your truly. As I explained I ‘saw’ this culmination of 400 articles and FOUR YEARS coming as far back as February. I has so wanted to… offer… something for you, My Dear Readers, to mark this pivotal anniversary. I had contacted a printer, regarding printing; bumper stickers, pens, note pads, or T-Shirts with a logo and noting the Four Year 400 Article milestone for myself and this wonderful blog.

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My Dear Readers, I would like to extend my deep and heartfelt apology! I sincerely apologize that I was completely unable to scrape together enough funds for the purchase of any of these items for me to share with you, My Dear Readers. I have produced a logo, picked out font and wording and even a rudimentary design for a T-Shirt, bumper sticker, or pen for use as a celebratory gift for this anniversary. I deeply felt that I wanted to share, with at least a handful of you, My Dear Readers. I know that I have regulars. A very few of you I know who you are. A couple of you… have even reached out and helped put food on my table! I wanted to return your kindness and mark/share this anniversary with you. I apologize that I was unable to make this happen. Once rent was paid, and my cell phone bill… I only had enough money for one week’s food.

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So, I wanted to offer some neat little nick-nack to mail to a few of you… to mark this Four year, 400 article milestone here at The Other Shoe. Please accept my apology. I hope that you understand… and that the knowledge that I genuinely wanted to share in this anniversary and mark (that was the whole idea behind the pen idea… to ‘mark’ the occasion… hehehe) this shared anniversary.

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I look forward to the continuation of this series, and I look forward to you input and support.

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

Horror Story and Status Update 3-8-2014

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[caption id="attachment_2203" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Daniel Hanning of The Other Shoe[/caption]

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            Dear Family, Friends, and Followers of The Other Shoe and here on Facebook,

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                        This week I, finally, pulled the trigger on publishing a horror story. For many months now, perhaps even years, I have wanted to write and publish works of this genre. Thursday I published ‘The Horror in Smithville’, and made good on a promise I made to all My Dear Readers at The Other Shoe.

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                        Unfortunately, my health has yet to return to me. I have fevers, nightly, and my stamina is far from what it once was or should be. I used my speech to text program to write this horror story. Having worked on this piece over three days, and over three hours on Thursday, once Part One was finished I faltered. Rather than proof read this story, I rushed to publish then too to rest. Since Thursday evening, shortly after publication of this story, my body was ravaged with aches and pains, my mind clouded with fevers.

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            I apologize for the state this story was published, and released to you, My Dear Readers. You all know that I take great pride in my work and to allow this, very first, horror story to be read in the condition I now find it is… inexcusable. There are no terrible errors… honestly what I find are mostly typos and the errors one comes to expect when using any speech-to-text program. However, I am ashamed that I published this story prior to proper editing. Today I am taking the time to correct both blogs publication of this horror story.

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            Over the next three, to four, weeks I will be publishing ‘Parts’ of ‘The Horror in Smithville’ until I am finished with this work. Already, I have Part Two mostly written and the outlines, plot points, character development and nemesis nearly complete. My Dear Readers this story is not something I just pushed out and published. I am taking great care with this story. Great care and great pride. Once finished I am confident that this story will mark my entrance into a genre I hope will become a mainstay for my blog and the future of my writing career.

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            Later today I will publish ‘A Week in Review’ for this week. After that I am planning on completing my work on this week’s ‘Sunday Funnies’. Already I have the video shot, uploaded and read for production. Once published ‘Sunday Funnies’ will mark a complete week for The Other Shoe. This is a major accomplishment in that it will be the first week, since my terrible respiratory infection, that I managed to publish most of my regular articles and at least five articles during the week.

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            It is my intent to publish ‘The Mars Report’ on a regular weekly basis, soon. My Dear Readers, I long for the time when I am publishing six and seven articles each and every week. Six to seven articles that include weekly installments of; ‘The Mars Report’, ‘A Week in Review’, ‘Sunday Funnies’, and ‘The Horror in Smithville’ (or like horror story).  That is my desire and design for The Other Shoe. I have, on my personal monthly planner, schedules of publication. Each day of the week marked for the genre or regular publication. Long has it been my desire to have a publication of this type… since Middle School when (for the business class?) I published a weekly magazine/newsletter when everyone else sold baked goods or other items. In this class I was the only student that took the time and effort to write and publish a weekly magazine for sale in the class.

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            I, now, have the space (this blog) and I have the talent… the ideas… the structure… and (for the time being) I have the computer/speech-to-text software/word processing software needed to meet my goals. However, this is something more… something more that people seldom speak of… said best in an old and familiar adage “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. Aye, there’s the rub!

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            My Dear Readers, I have everything I need to make my dream a reality. Everything I need to give you,   My Dear Readers, the content and the blog that you desire and deserve. I wish it were that simple. Between my progressive neurological disease, mounting pain and diminishing physical abilities (doubly diminished by my complete lack of a proper and adequate diet) and this new infectious disease (as diagnosed by Dr. Gorlick and the reason for his referral to an Infectious Disease Specialist… Dr. Gorlick fears an infection of either the hardware in my neck… or an infection of the bone graft material).

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            Regardless I do my level best to press forward. However, as you all could see this week… in the inexcusable state of publication of my very first horror story… all too often my body is my nemesis. I promise to do my best to (in the future) to stick to my publication schedule. To do my best to proof work prior to publication. To do my best to meet all content schedules, and to do so without complaint.

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            Thank you for your understanding and support. I just wanted to update all of you, my family, friends and followers of The Other Shoe. Now I will return to correcting this week’s edition of ‘The Horror in Smithville’, to be (hopefully) followed by the publication of ‘A Week in Review’ and ‘Sunday Funnies’.

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            In closing, I wanted to tell you all that I am quite happy to announce that my horror story has been well received. In just the first day I received about Three dozen ‘Likes’ for this story between the two blog locations. I am quite happy with this reception and it gives me the motivation to continue. “Thank you!’

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            Sincerely,

 

                        Daniel L. Hanning

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/e_oGP1B1hI4]

P.S. Over the next two weeks I have appointments with an Oncologist and an Infectious Disease physician. Once I have the status from these exams and tests... I WILL relay this information to you, My Dear Readers. Good or Bad... I will publish all that I find out about my health... and what is ahead for me. Thank you.

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

An Introduction to HORROR at The Other Shoe

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[caption id="attachment_2203" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Daniel Hanning of The Other Shoe[/caption]

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              Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Tuesday March 4^th, 2014. As many of you are aware, two weeks ago I suffered, greatly, with high fevers, a painful and deep raspy cough, terrible aches, pains, and sleepless nights all due to a horrific upper respiratory infection. My doctor, once again proving what a great doctor and partner he is in the care of my health, prescribed a ten day course of antibiotics. I took all the medication, and at the end I honestly felt I had beat this infection.

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However, starting this past Sunday I saw the return of the fevers. On Monday the fever raised to 101.2 and the cough returned. Today, I find myself with the aches and pains, the fever, the awful raspy cough and difficulty sleeping. In spite of the, obvious, return of the dreaded infection I am working every day to keep you, My Dear Readers, informed on the terrible conflict in the Ukraine. This is an important international conflict and one that, I feel, greatly mirrors the early years of our nation.

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That is not the limit of the work I am writing, and last night… the fevers became my muse. I have still to write and tell you of the vision my fevers gave me the last time. It was on a Tuesday night that, after two years absence, Princess Nadia… visited me! I will not say much more than that, for the event is a story that I am dying to tell you, all by itself. I had a similar experience last night. Only this time… I was given a clear vision that will appear in my very first horror article here at The Other Shoe.

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As I explained, on Facebook, I have created a rotation of articles for the future of The Other Shoe. Meaning, Mondays will be reserved for The Mars Report, Tuesday will be reserved for Political articles, Wednesday ‘The Adventures of Princess Nadia’, Thursday will see the publication of Horror, Friday is an open day for what ever is in the news or strikes my fancy, Saturday will be for Science and ‘A Week in Review’ and Sunday for ‘Sunday Funnies’ and anything pertaining to Alexander R Hanning. I have implemented this routine for two reasons. First, to give my blog a direction and a regular beat for you, My Dear Readers. Second, I implement this routine to help me become a better and better writer.

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I know that I have a lot to learn about the art of writing. I feel, strongly, that I have a ‘Gift with Words’. Many people, that have cared deeply for me... loved me… have told me that in those exact words. On stage, many directors and fellow actors told me I had a way of breathing life into scripts and into words.

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That is not enough. I simply must improve my style, learn more of the tricks of the trade of writing. Most of all, I simply must mature as a writer. I cannot afford classes… in my current medical condition… I cannot attend college… unless online (!). Once I have found a way to further my education in creative writing, I have to attend seminars… and learn how to publish! How to attract publishers, how to package my work properly, how to network in my chosen field of artistic expression. I want to do this to improve my life… improve my life with Allen, and help remove the great burden he is under providing for me and helping me every day to; eat, bathe, do laundry, clean the house, walk… get dressed.

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As well, My Dear Readers, I want to do this for YOU! I want to improve my skills, refine my art so that I can give you, My Dear Readers, an improved and more refined reading experience. Yes, I want a better lifestyle… I want to make money by writing. That is not my #1 goal. Greed does not motivate my art, nor does greed poison my artistic expression. I owe it to Allen, to my family, to my friend and to you My Dear Readers.

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I am still experiencing difficulties making ends meet. I do without food… many days eating only one meal. I manage to pay my rent in full and on time. I hate to burden you, My Dear Readers. I genuinely fear that even mentioning these difficulties… taints what I do. However, in all things I must be truthful. One thing that I am not (even in spite of myself and often to my own detriment) I am NOT a liar. Either by willful act or through omission, I do not LIE!

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Well, now with all of that out of the way (and “Thank you!” for your patience) I want to share an excerpt of the very first work of horror I plan to publish here at The Other Shoe. Now, this excerpt does not contain any of the elements of horror. I am keeping my content very close to my heart. Nothing of the suspense, nothing of the horrific elements… will I share here today. However, it is my desire to, this Thursday, to publish Part One of ‘The Horror of Smithville’!

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Now, without further adieu, here is an excerpt from ‘The Horror of Smithville’

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“Timmy Marref lived on a farm outside Smithville. Smithville was a little town smack dab in the middle of America. Timmy’s father, Kenneth Marref, worked the farm as his father did before him and his grandfather did before that and his great-grandfather did before him. From what Timmy could gather the Marref’s had worked this land for more than 100 years. Timmy didn’t mind living on a farm. As a matter of fact, more times than not, Timmy just downright loved living on the farm.

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Now, to be honest Timmy didn’t know much about what you would call city life. Timmy had never lived in or near any big cities. But tenet had seen pictures of big cities, like New York City. He’d seen pictures of the tallest skyscrapers packed floor on top of floor on top of floor with more and more and more people. He had seen pictures of the streets packed elbow-to-elbow block after block after block with people lined up like sardines in a can. It made 10 a shutter to think of having to live like a sardine in a can.

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Timmy loved the fresh air of the great outdoors, the smell of a oncoming rainstorm, and the crunch of new fallen snow under the heel of his boots. Now, don’t get me wrong, Timmy knew full well that if given the chance he wouldn’t mind staying in a moderate to slightly large town like capital of the state. He had thought about that, often, because even at 12 years of age Timmy knew he really wanted to go to college. It wasn’t that Timmy was afraid of a life working hard on the farm, like his father and his father’s father and his father’s father’s father before him. Timmy wasn’t afraid of the hard work it was just that Timmy, as an adult, when it to do more for his parents and his family that he could as a farmer.

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Timmy’s father, Kenneth, didn’t pull punches when he talked at the dinner table about what it was to be a farmer in America today. The farm was not a very big farm. His father grew mostly corn, beans, pumpkins, lettuce and cabbage. Timmy’s father wasn’t much for the idea of only growing one thing. Ken use to tell Timmy “If the good Lord had meant for me to grow corn, and nothing else, he would’ve made us all so that we all   would be full just eating corn.” Their farm also had different kinds of animals.”

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That, My Dear Readers, is just the first few paragraphs of what I hope is a short story – novella here at The Other Shoe. Not since boyhood (age 8-10) have I written horror. This will be my very first venture into this genre, as an adult. I look forward to publishing Part One this Thursday. I hope that you are all here to join me in this premier.

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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="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning[/caption]