The Mars Report - August 25th 2014

Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Monday August 25^th 2014, and it is 10AM PDT as I write this article. Before I begin today’s adventure on the Martian surface, I will take but a moment to belabor a point. When I, today, looked at the front page of Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo[1] I saw two things. First, I saw that MANY of you have, through the kindness of your heart, have ‘Shared’ my plight on Facebook. Many to the tune of One Hundred Twenty-Five! Then, I noticed second thing… and my heart fell out of my chest. In the first week of my campaign to save my life I have only garnered the support of one person to the tune of ten dollars.

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Tomorrow, I have an appointment to see my oncologist. The doctor that will guide my care for many years to come, and mayhaps save my life. It will cost me ten dollars to go and see this oncologist. Once spent, I will be completely bereft of monies with which to pursue my treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. I had hoped that this fight would be one that I shared with others. That, standing beside me, were many.

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My fears are genuine, my concern is palatable, my time is nigh. Ten dollars.

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Curiosity has discovered failure, on the Martian surface. Yet, let me not tread a path upon ground I have yet to sew seed.

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Beneath this paragraph is the first image of this week’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. Each week I will endeavor to share the current location of our intrepid sojourner, Curiosity. In the image, below, you will find that Curiosity is now in the depths of the ‘Hidden Valley’ of Mars. A side-note, I find it quite encouraging that NASA/JPL (with the help of EU’s Martian orbiter) have already mapped the entire Martian surface.

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“Beneath my feet I feel the whole of mankind moving, forward. Ever changing, ever moving, relentless as death, as certain as night turns to day.” Danny Hanning

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[caption id="attachment_3438" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Map of Curiosity’s Progress on the Martian Surface[/caption]

(Map of Curiosity’s Progress on the Martian Surface)

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“For in each and every moment of our lives, we exist and transmit. Broadcasting our; lives, loves, hopes and fears. As children we listen to these broadcasts all the waking hours of the day. As adults… we dare not listen. Why?” Danny Hanning

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Our next image, for today’s edition, is of the “Bonanza King”. Bonanza King is a sandstone outcrop that is the next ‘target’ for examination by Curiosity. Having approached Bonanza King now Curiosity begins the process of scientific examination. Below, is Curiosity as it approached the Bonanza King.

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[caption id="attachment_3439" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Curiosity sitting beside ‘Bonanza King’[/caption]

(Curiosity sitting beside ‘Bonanza King’)

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“In the end, it is not our achievements or accomplishments that will define us. It is but our shortcomings that will be most remembered. Our failures; our ignorance, our bigotry, and our prejudices it is those that will stand the test of time.” Danny Hanning

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Here we are midpoint in our Martian adventure. Our next image is one of the only two color images in today’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. This is a shot of ‘Bonanza King’ after Curiosity has brushed clean the surface of the sandstone rock face. Once cleaned, then Curiosity will lower the boom-arm and begin drilling into the surface of ‘Bonanza King’.

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[caption id="attachment_3436" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity’s Brushwork on Bonanza King[/caption]

(Curiosity’s Brushwork on Bonanza King)

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“The greatest cheat of this life is that; only when facing death does man understand the true value of life.” Danny Hanning

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ON the Martian surface Curiosity lowers its arm towards ‘Bonanza King’. Curiosity lowers its robotic arm in hopes of drilling into this extraterrestrial sandstone and unlocking secrets. Great anticipation rides on this action, by Curiosity. You see by moving into the ‘Hidden Valley’ our intrepid sojourner moved into an area rich in sandstone deposits. Trapped, in these sandstone rocks and outcrops, is the history of Mars. By looking into them, we peer into Martian history and unlock its secrets.

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[caption id="attachment_3435" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Curiosity’s robotic Arm tests ‘Bonanza King’[/caption]

(Curiosity’s robotic Arm tests ‘Bonanza King’)

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“The future that mankind creates today is one of deep darkness. A darkness that will make our last ‘Dark Ages’ pale in comparison. I weep for mankind. For we know not what we do.” Danny Hanning

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Now, for our final image of the day. My Dear Readers, I thank you for dropping by. For reading my words. For viewing these images at my side. For, you see, for the past several moments we have stepped outside our lives and into a larger existence. One day mankind will walk on these very spots on the Martian surface. We will transcend the bounds of this Earth, and take our rightful place among the stars. I share these images with you, My Dear Readers, so that… if but for a moment you and I stand in our future. We stand along side a mankind that has chosen to venture forward. For yet but a moment, we leave behind this world of pain and suffering and live in our future.

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Unfortunately the testing on ‘Bonanza King’ is a failure. The rock, and/or its supporting structure, is not steady enough to hold the rock face still. The image, below, is of the failed drilling on the face of ‘Bonanza King’. I hope that, next week, I can share a success by Curiosity. However, there may be no ‘new images’ for next week’s edition. Below, the face of ‘Bonanza King’ after the failed attempt to drill into its face, and the Martian past.

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[caption id="attachment_3437" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Drilling on ‘Bonanza King’[/caption]

(Drilling on ‘Bonanza King’)

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Which brings us to the end of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’ right here at The Other Shoe. I hope that you have enjoyed your visit, and that you return soon and often. AS always I have enjoyed your visit, My Dear Readers, and look forward to your next visit. Remember that, right here at The Other Shoe, there are over Five Hundred Articles to read and enjoy. There is never a shortage of great reading here at The Other Shoe!

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Now, if I might take just a minuet of your time, today? My dear Readers, my name is Danny Hanning. I was born and raised in Southeast Texas; born in Houston and raised in Pearland (if you follow Little League you might know that our team kicked butt this year!). Currently residing in sunny Southern California in the town of Westminster right next to Huntington Beach.

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Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. For the past week I have been desperately trying to raise the money I need to fight this heinous and insidious bodily invader. My campaign Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo [2] is my only way to raise the funds I need. This first week has been… difficult for me. IN that in one week’s time I have only garnered the support of one person to the tune of $10. Whereas, I am completely flattered by Jason Kleppinger’s contribution, I hate to admit that $10 just is not going to get me very far.

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Therefore, I am… asking… begging for your assistance. My Dear Readers I have a long an arduous journey ahead. I have spent a great deal of time reading about this cancer. Ahead of me, the first several months, is the biggest battle! Once it is determined which ‘stage’ of cancer I am… at? Then starts the; chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatments, Porta-Cath(s) surgeries, and endless tests, appointments, and… nausea and vomiting. This is the battle where I need your help most!

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I do not have the financial resources with which to fight this battle, alone. I would not ask…. But I NEED YOUR HELP!

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I am not asking for a fortune I am just asking for some help… now. Within the next two weeks I will be staring chemotherapy. My Dear Readers I am unable to afford the proper chemotherapy rugs. I am on Social Security and my healthcare is Medicare and Medi—Cal. Without your support I fear that I will not have the proper medications to battle my cancer. As well, I do need help with things like; a better proper diet, lost income from my roommate/caregiver loosing time at work to help me.

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This cancer will wreak havoc on all parts of my life! I just want to be able to fight this cancer and still manage to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head. This is not the case with this drain on my; body, resources, and life! I would not ask for this assistance if I have any other CHOICE!

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All you need do is click the ad below! It will take you to my Indiegogo campaign. There you can make any size contribution you desire. Any size contribution will help me battle my cancer. Thank you for your time, and your consideration.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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PLEASE DONATE to

Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo

[caption id="attachment_3338" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Danny in Rolling Hills Estates August 12, 2014[/caption]

PLEASE GIVE!?!

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[1]https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/danny-s-cancer-treatment-fund/x/753895

[2]https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/danny-s-cancer-treatment-fund/x/753895#home

The Mars Report - April 14th 2014

                  Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Well, since I last published about Mars, April 7^th, there has been some hubbub about… well, a light… on… Mars! Yes, as on can well imagine, this had the blogo’sphere burning daylight. ‘An independent light source seen on Mars!’ Had very nutcase and shut-in burning up their ISPs with radical ideas about its source, and reason. My Dear Readers, if that is the ‘kind of’ blogging you are looking for… then this is not the place for you. Please exit stage left…

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However, if you want the scientific explanation, then you have arrived at the correct blog. First, let’s get all the anticipation out of the way. Below is one of the images that has raised all the fuss.

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[caption id="attachment_2714" align="aligncenter" width="630"] First Martian Image with Light source[/caption]

(First Martian Image with Light source)

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Now, from the left eye camera, within seconds of the image above, there is no light source.

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[caption id="attachment_2717" align="aligncenter" width="630"] SAME Spot Left EYE within one second[/caption]

(SAME Spot Left EYE within one second)

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Anyone with experience with photography will understand; if it is does not appear in both camera images… at the same time. Then it is likely not a ‘Martian trying to signal our rover’. More likely thatn not, what we have here is a very shiny natural source somewhere in the foothills of Mount Sharp. A rock surface with a very shiny surface which, when viewed at this spot from a very particular angle reflects in a camera lens. It is quite likely that, if there were humans there, they might very well not see this reflection.

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Further proof of what (and NASA) have proffered as an answer, is the image below?

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“A pair of Navcam images in the same direction from the previous afternoon has a bright spot similarly located in the right-eye image.”[1]

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[caption id="attachment_2716" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Same camera previous afternoon[/caption]

(Same camera previous afternoon)

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At least for me, this is more proof that what we are witness, is nothing more than a lens flare. If you have ever had photography as a hobby, and made either rock concerts or landscapes your forte then you will have been exposed to (even lost great images, too) lens flares. Below is our final image in this conversation. I have taken the liberty to copy and paste the text from NASA.

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“This image from the Navigation Camera (Navcam) on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover includes a bright spot near the upper left corner. The sun is in the same direction, west-northwest, above the frame. Bright spots appear in images from the rover nearly every week. Typical explanations for them are cosmic rays hitting the light detector or sunlight glinting from rocks.”[2]

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[caption id="attachment_2720" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Bright Spot Toward Sun in Image from NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover[/caption]

(Bright Spot Toward Sun in Image from NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover)

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So, for me at least, this puts this whole matter to bed. However, If sometime in the future… by some galactic fluke, these images crop up in the news again. I will take the time to address them… again. Honestly, there is so much ‘good science’ happening with the “Mars Science Laboratory – Rover Curiosity’ that all this is a merely a distraction. ‘Good Thing’? These images brought Curiosity, and the science NASA is involved, on the Martian surfaceinto the view of the public. Like the old saw ‘Any exposure is good exposure’.

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Sitting here, and putting this article together, I thought to myself… ‘I would certainly be remiss to just publish about this lark…’ Looking at the published images (refined, categorized and ready for press release) there really isn’t anything new since my last edition of ‘The Mars Report’. Honest, I looked at several of the sites.

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Now, I do not wish to be remembered as ‘that guy who never went the extra mile…’ So, I have managed to put together some images I had taken a pass on, before, that have real scientific merit. For all of My Dear Readers? Those wonderful regulars that come often and stay long? I am writing this Sunday afternoon at 6PM, long after the publication of ‘A Week in Review’. This week promises to be very busy and I am working to get ahead of the curve.

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Our next image is the strongest evidence, so far, NASA/JPL has found of flowing liquid water on Mars. Now, for science junkies and the like, this a majorly important image. Rather than work to paraphrase what NASA/JPL has released with this image. Let me present to you their words, exactly as presented with this image.

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“The outcrop characteristics are consistent with a sedimentary conglomerate, or a rock that was formed by the deposition of water and is composed of many smaller rounded rocks cemented together. Water transport is the only process capable of producing the rounded shape of clasts of this size.”[3]

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Sounds reasonable to me, how about you? Now, let me share the image they wrote about.

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[caption id="attachment_2715" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Link to a Watery Past[/caption]

(Link to a Watery Past)

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Since we are on the topic of fluid water on the Martian surface, let me bring you another image as evidence. In an outcrop called Shaler’. In the Yellowknife Bay of area of Mars’ Gale Crater this outcrop was found. In this image we see inclined layering called ‘cross-bedding’. This only occurs as the result of passing fluid water and is indicative of sediment-transport in stream flows. Thus adding to the growing scientific evidence that fluid water once flowed on the Martian surface. Me thinks that it is surprising (and also rather revealing) that science like this does not make the news… yet lens flares, somehow, do. What curious creatures we American humans, are. Yes?

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[caption id="attachment_2718" align="aligncenter" width="630"] 'Shaler' Unit's Evidence of Stream Flow[/caption]

('Shaler' Unit's Evidence of Stream Flow )

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Week, before last, I ended this series with an image of the Earth from Mars. I am always working to keep things in perspective. How small our planet is, when view from the Martian surface. It gives me pause, and should serve as food for thought. Tonight, I bring you yet another image of perspective. In this image, if enlarged enough, one can see our Earth and the moon from the Martian surface.[4]

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[caption id="attachment_2713" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Earth and our Moon from Mars[/caption]

(Earth and our Moon from Mars)

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With that, we come to this week’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I really do enjoy bringing this series, and these images, to you My Dear Readers. I can only hope that they, and I, have brought some wonder and even joy… to you.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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P.S. Just a little FYI for all of you, My Dear Readers. ‘The Mars Report’ has become the #1-article aeries here at The Other Shoe. Last week’s edition gathered 31 ‘Likes’ in less than one week! Be a part of the phenomenon and be sure to ‘Like’ this edition, too. I must admit… when I started this blog… I never imagined I would be publishing two weekly series looking to the stars. Thank you!

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

www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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

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[1]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=6135

[2]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=6135

[3]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4719

[4]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/PIA17936-MAIN-evening_star_annotated-br2.jpg

400th Article at The Other Shoe - Part Four

[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="630"] RAW/Natural/White Balanced image from Curiosity[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is Part Four of the series of article celebrating my 400^th article here at The Other Shoe. Now, My Dear Readers, I have taken you back to the very beginnings of this love of mine, The Other Shoe. I have shared retrospect of several of the successful series I have published over the years. Today, I am devoting this Part Four to a look back over the series The Mars Report.

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Started the day of (or the day after) Curiosity made a soft-landing on the surface of Mars at Bradbury Point. I published over a dozen articles of The Mars Report. On October 4^th, 1957 Sputnik was launched from the former U.S.S.R. and, just weeks later Daniel Hanning was born. I am, quite literally, a child of the ‘Space Age’.

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My curiosity for all things space and extraterrestrial I have had an unquenchable thirst. The Mars Report was a natural extension of that unquenchable thirst and a tall glass of relief, too. Since my reading of ‘The Martian Chronicles’ (by Ray Bradbury – Namesake of the landing zone of the rover Curiosity on Mars) I have viewed Mars through deeply curious eyes. We now know that liquid water flowed on the surface of Mars.

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The presence of liquid water tells us that, at some point in the past, Mars had an atmosphere. Of all the extraterrestrial bodies, in our solar system, Mars is the best candidate for Terraforming. That the moon may be mankind’s first celestial body/space, that Mars is the only logical starting point for any travel outside our solar system. Regardless of mankind’s ability to see, today, the eventual role Mars will play in our evolution. Mars will be a huge stepping-stone from which mankind will launch himself into the stars.

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Today, with this Part Four of the celebratory series of articles for the 400^th publication here at The Other Shoe. I chose to highlight The Mars Report series of articles. Therefore, without further adieu, I bring you a short history of my scientific series The Mars Report!

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[caption id="attachment_28" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Lowered By 'Sky Crane' to Martian Surface[/caption]

• Curiosity’s First Images from Mars : “This Saturday (August 5th, 2012) NASA and JPL reached the climax of the current Mars Lander/rover project, Curiosity. I was watching, on JPL web TV as the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ culminated with America putting the largest and most sophisticated rover on the surface of Mars. The one ton Curiosity has its own; nuclear reactor, laser drill, 20″ tires, and ten scientific instruments and High Definition cameras. Just released today, 3D images coming from Curiosity. Looking at them, I think we will all need to dig up our ‘Red/Blue’ 3D glasses to enjoy these gems.” This article is the beginning of The Mars Report. It was not until later in the series that I ‘landed’ (pun, intended) on the current title for the series; The Mars Report. I really did sit and watch, via internet broadcast on the JPL Web site, the Mars Lander successfully place Curiosity on the Martian surface @ Bradbury Point. Curiosity represented the single heaviest non-human payload ever deposited on extraterrestrial soil. They accomplished this task with the very first use of a ‘Sky Crane’ that hovered over the landing site and slowly lowered the Curiosity package to a successful soft-landing. I think I might have held my breath the majority of the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ along with the staff/crew at JPL. The successful accomplishment of this task has opened huge vista of exploration for NASA/JPL, and mankind. After witnessing the landing… I just knew that I had to write about the adventure Curiosity had just embarked. I had to involve and inform you, My Dear Readers, of this Herculean effort and journey. I am write happy I did.

[caption id="attachment_247" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a self portrait of the mast of the Curiosity rover.[/caption]

• Curiosity Update – The Mars Report – September 1st 2012: “This is our first ‘The Mars Report’ for the month of September, 2012. Since I wrote, last, the rover has moved! Yes, Curiosity has moved from the landing zone and is starting the longest journey of any extraterritorial vehicle in the history of mankind. If Spirit and Opportunity are good examples, we will be seeing Curiosity roving and taking samples and pictures in 2020. Curiosity has his own nuclear power plant and supplemental solar power, too. So, I am sitting here and looking at the images that I have uploaded for today’s article, trying to figure out which I should lead with, what image comes first? The ‘Vanity’ shot, of course! Here is an image, from the Curiosity rover, showing the tracks it has made in the Martian soil. You can clearly see the robotic arm, in the foreground, with Curiosity’s name.” This is, like, the second or third of this series. It is the first edition where I have panoramic (HD) images to post with the article. I have started to incorporate more and more of the information from the NASA/JPL web site into the descriptions of the images. Basically, I am honing my work and improving the quality of the articles in this series. Now, I am a long way from the level of work I am publishing now. However, already I am seeing that The Mars Report has the ability to drive a lot of traffic to my blog. That is welcome news, at this point, as I am (at the time of it first publication) I was working hard to raise the funds I needed for my power chair. I really do wish I could repeat that success, now. I would really like to eat on a regular basis.

[caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="630"] On Sol 84 (Oct. 31, 2012), NASA's Curiosity rover used the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) to capture this set of 55 high-resolution images, which were stitched together to create this full-color self-portrait.[/caption]

• Mid-May The Mars Report: “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Mid-May edition of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. It is a genuine pleasure to bring you this edition of The Mars Report. Reason? This is a special edition devoted to panoramic shots of the surface of Mars! This article has NO: rocks, drilled holes, tire tracks or self-portraits (well… maybe just one shot of the rover Curiosity… Have to give her props for what she does!). So without further adieu I bring you the plains and mountain of our sister planet, Mars.” At the time of the publication of this article, Curiosity had found its way out onto open areas. This allowed for huge panoramic views from the mast camera and I spared no time sharing these breath-taking views with you, My Dear Readers. This article was the very first to include a self-portrait of/by Curiosity. This series was getting better with every edition, and I was all too happy to see the corresponding increases in traffic.

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a High Definition Panorama of the Martian horizon from Curiosity in the shadow of Mount Sharp.[/caption]

• The Mars Report in 3D! : “Welcome, My Dear Readers, to the 3D issue of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. This entire issue will contain nothing but three-dimensional images from curiosity on Mars. I have wanted to bring a three-dimensional issue to you, My Dear Readers, but until this week the NASA JPL website just did not have enough images. That situation changed this week.” This edition of The Mars Report was my very first 3-D publication. I explained what kind of glasses you needed to find/use to see the images in full three-dimensions. The article received a fair amount of traffic and 19 ‘Like’s. I did not repeat this type of article. I was concerned that you, My Dear Readers, might have difficulty finding the right type of 3D glasses to full enjoy the technology. This article shows the creativity and joy that writing and publishing this series brought me. I continued to publish this series, up until my health became more of an issue… and a hindrance.

[caption id="attachment_2264" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Mars Rover Looks For Route via Dingo Gap[/caption]

• The Mars Report – January 30, 2014 : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am ushering in the return of one of Today I am ushering in the return of one of my favorite series of articles; The Mars Report. I remember when I announced, right here at The Other Shoe, that the rover Curiosity had successfully landed on the surface of Mars. That was more than 500 days ago, and now I bring you the most up-to-date news from Curiosity and Mars.” This issue of The Mars Report signals the, hopeful, return of this series to The Other Shoe. Curiosity has traveled a great distance, since last we checked in on the rover. We are no approaching the ‘Dingo Gap’ looking for the safest approach to Mount Sharp. In the images included in this issue you can clearly see the foothills (of Mount Sharp) in the background. The panoramic images are still breath-taking and a real draw. I hope that I can continue to update this series on a regular basis, and bring all of us more and more news from the Martian Surface.

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That brings us to the end of this, Part Four of ‘400^th Article at The Other Shoe. I am working on bringing you the Conclusion of this celebratory series, this weekend. I will bring together all the content from all five of the series in a way that showcases the very best of my blog’s first 400 articles and four years.

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I am hoping that my health holds out, until I am finished with this review. Today I am making a venture into Anaheim to help Allen with the resolution of a legal matter. It will be a long day, starting at 6AM and I will get done about 6PM. I hope that everyone has enjoyed this retrospect of 400 articles and four years here at The Other Shoe.

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My Dear Readers, I consider it a responsibility as well as a joy to write and publish for your entertainment and education. I will always work just as hard as my body and pain allows. I hope that you have enjoyed this retrospect of The Mars Report and I look forward to bringing more of the Martian adventure to you, 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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The Other Shoe eBay Store

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

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

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

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The Mars Report - February 13, 2014

            Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe.  Today I have another edition of The Mars Report for you to enjoy. You know what? I think that it is really nice that just when I want to write a Mars Report that the rover Curiosity has done something special! It is not every time, but today that is the case. The last we left off, with Curiosity, we were pointed into the Dingo Gap heading for Mount Sharp.

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Well, we made it through the gap, and there was something different on the other side. However, before we get to the surprise for this edition, I want to share another discovery that Curiosity made since last we met. We all know that Curiosity is a rock hound, among other roles. Well, Curiosity has scored a great rock find, by the name of Harrison.

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[caption id="attachment_2366" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Martian Rock Harrison[/caption]

(Martian Rock Harrison)

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Harrison is a rock with a crystalline surface made up of feldspar crystals in a pyroxene dominated matrix. Harrison is an igneous rock, meaning that it was created from magma, hot lava, rising to the surface and cooling. Harrison was examined by the Chem-Cam as well as the camera that gave us the image just above. This is not the first igneous rock found during Martian exploration. However, it is the largest and nicest looking specimen I have seen, so far.

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[caption id="attachment_2367" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Nav Cam Look Back[/caption]

(Curiosity Looking Back)

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As you can see, from the picture above, Curiosity has passed over its very first… … … … sand dune! That’s right, My Dear Readers, our little rover, Curiosity, has passed over its very first sand dune on Mars. I was very happy to find this little surprise, waiting for me, when I sorted through the images uploaded since my last visit. I am always looking for something interesting to write about, today Curiosity delivered!

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[caption id="attachment_2364" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Path Looking Back[/caption]

(Color Image of Martian Sand Dune)

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Above is a color image of the sand dune, behind Curiosity. If you look closely you can see the tire tracks as the come up to the sand dune. Fro the information I read at the NASA/JPL web site, there was some nail biting, as Curiosity traversed this sand dune. Curiosity made it across with no problems whatsoever, and NASA/JPL made sure by running some system checks, once it was past the dune.

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[caption id="attachment_2363" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Black and White of Curiosity Path Past Dune[/caption]

(Black and White Image Clearly Shows Tracks in Sand Dune)

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The above captioned image clearly shows Curiosity’s tire tracks in the sand dune it just traversed. This is a great test for the rover Curiosity, and proof positive of the great design and construction of this little rover. If you look in the background, you can see the escarpments that I discussed in the last edition of The Mars Report. I like it when the images fit together that way. It helps me to put together a compelling narrative.

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So, My Dear Readers, our little rover Curiosity has proved itself, yet again. So far there is nothing that the Martian surface has thrown at our little rover Curiosity, which it hasn’t taken in stride. It is a testament to American design and ingenuity, and a tribute to the men and woman that helped design and construct Curiosity.

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My Dear Readers, the past three weeks have been difficult, for me. Today, I find myself in terrific pain and discomfort. I really wanted to write some more, I had a whole other topic I wanted to fold into this edition. That is just not going to happen.  I apologize for not pushing through the pain, as I usually do, and producing four or five more pages. I just cannot. I still have to; upload images, Label images, upload text, make corrections, integrate text with images, proof, and publish this story before I can rest today. I am looking at another good two to three hours work.

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[caption id="attachment_2365" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Moving Images of Curiosity Passing Over Dune[/caption]

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I hope that all of you, My Dear Readers, have taken a look at the items I have for sale at The Other Shoe eBay Store. Several of the items are closing by 9PM Pacific time, today. Be sure to drop by and take a look. I “Thank you!” to everyone that has come by and bid and/or purchased items. If you do not see anything you would like to purchase, but still would like to help this poor little writer….; get food, pay his bills, or help with rent? Just go over to PayPaland look up Daniel Hanning with an email addy of Enzomatrix@______. That would be me.

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Again, thank you to everyone that reaches out and helps. I am hoping to keep a roof over my head… and a couple of days with more than a single meal of hot dogs and homemade bread. Thank you!

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

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Thank YOU!

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

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

 

350th Article at The Other Shoe - Part Five

[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="630"] RAW/Natural/White Balanced image from Curiosity[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is Part Five of the series of article celebrating my 350^th article here at The Other Shoe. Now, My Dear Readers, I have taken you back to the very beginnings of this love of mine, The Other Shoe. I have shared retrospect of several of the successful series I have published over the years. Today, I am devoting this Part Five to a look back over the series The Mars Report.

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Started the day of (or the day after) Curiosity made a soft-landing on the surface of Mars at Bradbury Point. I published over a dozen articles of The Mars Report. On October 4^th, 1957 Sputnik was launched from the former U.S.S.R. and, just weeks later Daniel Hanning was born. I am, quite literally, a child of the ‘Space Age’.

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My curiosity for all things space and extraterrestrial I have had an unquenchable thirst. The Mars Report was a natural extension of that unquenchable thirst and a tall glass of relief, too. Since my reading of ‘The Martian Chronicles’ (by Ray Bradbury – Namesake of the landing zone of the rover Curiosity on Mars) I have viewed Mars through deeply curious eyes. We now know that liquid water flowed on the surface of Mars.

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The presence of liquid water tells us that, at some point in the past, Mars had an atmosphere. Of all the extraterrestrial bodies, in our solar system, Mars is the best candidate for Terraforming. That the moon may be mankind’s first celestial body/space, that Mars is the only logical starting point for any travel outside our solar system. Regardless of mankind’s ability to see, today, the eventual role Mars will play in our evolution. Mars will be a huge stepping-stone from which mankind will launch himself into the stars.

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Today, with this Part Five of the celebratory series of articles for the 350^th publication here at The Other Shoe. I chose to highlight The Mars Report series of articles. Therefore, without further adieu, I bring you a short history of my scientific series The Mars Report!

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[caption id="attachment_28" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Lowered By 'Sky Crane' to Martian Surface[/caption]

• Curiosity’s First Images from Mars : “This Saturday (August 5th, 2012) NASA and JPL reached the climax of the current Mars Lander/rover project, Curiosity. I was watching, on JPL web TV as the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ culminated with America putting the largest and most sophisticated rover on the surface of Mars. The one ton Curiosity has its own; nuclear reactor, laser drill, 20″ tires, and ten scientific instruments and High Definition cameras. Just released today, 3D images coming from Curiosity. Looking at them, I think we will all need to dig up our ‘Red/Blue’ 3D glasses to enjoy these gems.” This article is the beginning of The Mars Report. It was not until later in the series that I ‘landed’ (pun, intended) on the current title for the series; The Mars Report. I really did sit and watch, via internet broadcast on the JPL Web site, the Mars Lander successfully place Curiosity on the Martian surface @ Bradbury Point. Curiosity represented the single heaviest non-human payload ever deposited on extraterrestrial soil. They accomplished this task with the very first use of a ‘Sky Crane’ that hovered over the landing site and slowly lowered the Curiosity package to a successful soft-landing. I think I might have held my breath the majority of the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ along with the staff/crew at JPL. The successful accomplishment of this task has opened huge vista of exploration for NASA/JPL, and mankind. After witnessing the landing… I just knew that I had to write about the adventure Curiosity had just embarked. I had to involve and inform you, My Dear Readers, of this Herculean effort and journey. I am write happy I did.

[caption id="attachment_247" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a self portrait of the mast of the Curiosity rover.[/caption]

• Curiosity Update – The Mars Report – September 1st 2012: “This is our first ‘The Mars Report’ for the month of September, 2012. Since I wrote, last, the rover has moved! Yes, Curiosity has moved from the landing zone and is starting the longest journey of any extraterritorial vehicle in the history of mankind. If Spirit and Opportunity are good examples, we will be seeing Curiosity roving and taking samples and pictures in 2020. Curiosity has his own nuclear power plant and supplemental solar power, too. So, I am sitting here and looking at the images that I have uploaded for today’s article, trying to figure out which I should lead with, what image comes first? The ‘Vanity’ shot, of course! Here is an image, from the Curiosity rover, showing the tracks it has made in the Martian soil. You can clearly see the robotic arm, in the foreground, with Curiosity’s name.” This is, like, the second or third of this series. It is the first edition where I have panoramic (HD) images to post with the article. I have started to incorporate more and more of the information from the NASA/JPL web site into the descriptions of the images. Basically, I am honing my work and improving the quality of the articles in this series. Now, I am a long way from the level of work I am publishing now. However, already I am seeing that The Mars Report has the ability to drive a lot of traffic to my blog. That is welcome news, at this point, as I am (at the time of it first publication) I was working hard to raise the funds I needed for my power chair. I really do wish I could repeat that success, now. I would really like to eat on a regular basis.

[caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="630"] On Sol 84 (Oct. 31, 2012), NASA's Curiosity rover used the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) to capture this set of 55 high-resolution images, which were stitched together to create this full-color self-portrait.[/caption]

• Mid-May The Mars Report: “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Mid-May edition of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. It is a genuine pleasure to bring you this edition of The Mars Report. Reason? This is a special edition devoted to panoramic shots of the surface of Mars! This article has NO: rocks, drilled holes, tire tracks or self-portraits (well… maybe just one shot of the rover Curiosity… Have to give her props for what she does!). So without further adieu I bring you the plains and mountain of our sister planet, Mars.” At the time of the publication of this article, Curiosity had found its way out onto open areas. This allowed for huge panoramic views from the mast camera and I spared no time sharing these breath-taking views with you, My Dear Readers. This article was the very first to include a self-portrait of/by Curiosity. This series was getting better with every edition, and I was all too happy to see the corresponding increases in traffic.

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a High Definition Panorama of the Martian horizon from Curiosity in the shadow of Mount Sharp.[/caption]

• The Mars Report in 3D! : “Welcome, My Dear Readers, to the 3D issue of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. This entire issue will contain nothing but three-dimensional images from curiosity on Mars. I have wanted to bring a three-dimensional issue to you, My Dear Readers, but until this week the NASA JPL website just did not have enough images. That situation changed this week.” This edition of The Mars Report was my very first 3-D publication. I explained what kind of glasses you needed to find/use to see the images in full three-dimensions. The article received a fair amount of traffic and 19 ‘Like’s. I did not repeat this type of article. I was concerned that you, My Dear Readers, might have difficulty finding the right type of 3D glasses to full enjoy the technology. This article shows the creativity and joy that writing and publishing this series brought me. I continued to publish this series, up until my health became more of an issue… and a hindrance.

[caption id="attachment_2264" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Mars Rover Looks For Route via Dingo Gap[/caption]

• The Mars Report – January 30, 2014 : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am ushering in the return of one of Today I am ushering in the return of one of my favorite series of articles; The Mars Report. I remember when I announced, right here at The Other Shoe, that the rover Curiosity had successfully landed on the surface of Mars. That was more than 500 days ago, and now I bring you the most up-to-date news from Curiosity and Mars.” This issue of The Mars Report signals the, hopeful, return of this series to The Other Shoe. Curiosity has traveled a great distance, since last we checked in on the rover. We are no approaching the ‘Dingo Gap’ looking for the safest approach to Mount Sharp. In the images included in this issue you can clearly see the foothills (of Mount Sharp) in the background. The panoramic images are still breath-taking and a real draw. I hope that I can continue to update this series on a regular basis, and bring all of us more and more news from the Martian Surface.

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That brings us to the end of this, Part Five of ‘350^th Article at The Other Shoe. I am working on bringing you the Conclusion of this celebratory series, this weekend. I will bring together all the content from all five of the series in a way that showcases the very best of my blog’s first 350 articles and four years.

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I am hoping that my health holds out, until I am finished with this review. Next week, on Tuesday, I have an all day adventure of, going to see my primary care doctor. This adventure starts at 7AM and I get home around 8PM. I will not be posting on Tuesday February 4^th, 2014. That doesn’t mean that you cannot look over all the great work I have published over the past two weeks. Nor does it mean that you can’t surprise me by… well, lending a hand! My wouldn’t it be wonderful to come home and discover I had the resources to actually dine out!

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My Dear Readers, I consider it a responsibility as well as a joy to write and publish for your entertainment and education. I will always work just as hard as my body and pain allows. I hope that you have enjoyed this retrospect of The Mars Report and I look forward to bringing more of the Martian adventure to you, 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_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

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

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The Other Shoe eBay Store

Mid-May The Mars Report

Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Mid-May The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. It is a genuine pleasure to bring you this edition of The Mars Report. Reason? This is a special edition devoted to panoramic shots of the surface of Mars! This article has NO: rocks, drilled holes, tire tracks or self-portraits (well… maybe just one shot of the rover Curiosity… Have to give her props for what she does!). So without further adieu I bring you the plains and mountain of our sister planet, Mars.

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[caption id="attachment_684" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is the first 360-degree panorama in color of the Gale Crater landing site taken by NASA’s Curiosity rover. The panorama was made from thumbnail versions of images taken by the Mast Camera.[/caption]

(Click on the images in this article to see the Full Sized Images)

(This is the first 360-degree panorama in color of the Gale Crater landing site taken by NASA's Curiosity rover. The panorama was made from thumbnail versions of images taken by the Mast Camera. )

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This is a shot of Mount Sharp looking up from Rocknest. I tried to make 'thimbnails' of the larger iamges (they are quite large and in HD). Unfortunately, the blog would not accommodate the original size. Therefore, I have made the best of a bad situation and croped a middle size just for my blog and you My Dear Readers! :)

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Now, before we get to the beautiful panoramic images here is an overhead shot of the area Curiosity and we have been. The surrounding crater is Gale Crater and the center is Mount Sharp. There is no ‘scale’ here, but the mountain is larger and higher than Pike’s Peak in Colorado. So, here is the great overhead of our stomping grounds.

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[caption id="attachment_683" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This graphic shows the pattern of winds predicted to be swirling around and inside Gale Crater, which is where NASA's Curiosity rover landed on Mars. Modeling the winds gives scientists a context for the data from Curiosity's Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS).[/caption]

(Image made for showing thermal patterns gives up a great overhead view)

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Our next image is a low-level shot of Mount Sharp from the Rocknest area. This was earlier in the mission, about Sol say 54) and Curiosity is much further from Mount Sharp.

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[caption id="attachment_685" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This panorama is a mosaic of images taken by the Mast Camera (Mastcam) on the NASA Mars rover Curiosity while the rover was working at a site called "Rocknest" in October and November 2012.[/caption]

(This panorama is a mosaic of images taken by the Mast Camera (Mastcam) on the NASA Mars rover Curiosity while the rover was working at a site called "Rocknest" in October and November 2012. )

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This next shot takes us a little further back in our adventure, like back in the beginning (August 8^th to be exact). This is a 360-degree shot of Gale Crater wall, near the landing zone

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[caption id="attachment_681" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is the first 360-degree panorama in color of the Gale Crater landing site taken by NASA's Curiosity rover. The panorama was made from thumbnail versions of images taken by the Mast Camera.[/caption]

(This is the first 360-degree panorama in color of the Gale Crater landing site taken by NASA's Curiosity rover. The panorama was made from thumbnail versions of images taken by the Mast Camera. )

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Well, My Dear Readers, we are coming to the end of this adventure to Mars. I cannot tell you how nice it was to have you drop by and spend a little while. I appreciate your time and the effort you make to ‘Like’ my articles and my Facebook page for The Other Shoe. I am trying to make a go of this blog and every ‘Like’ helps. Below you will find the very first panoramic 360-degree self-portrait of Curiosity. Even in the first weeks she was covered in a layer of dust.

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[caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="630"] On Sol 84 (Oct. 31, 2012), NASA's Curiosity rover used the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) to capture this set of 55 high-resolution images, which were stitched together to create this full-color self-portrait.[/caption]

(On Sol 84 (Oct. 31, 2012), NASA's Curiosity rover used the Mars Hand Lens Imager
(MAHLI) to capture this set of 55 high-resolution images, which were stitched
together to create this full-color self-portrait.)

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Nice shot, huh? Well I have to say that I have enjoyed this edition quite a lot. These are the images that I enjoy most, but realize that I need to share all the images I can and try and meet the visual needs of the most people. Be sure to share, if you enjoyed this edition, over Facebook and let your friends and family enjoy these great panoramic images from Curiosity on Mars.

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I look forward to your next visit, and hope that today finds you and your loved ones well. Take care, and remember… ‘Like’ and ‘Share’. ;)

The Mars Report - Playing Catch-Up

Dear Readers, a lot has happened (up on Mars) in my absence and in this issue of the Mars Report I am going to work towards getting us caught-up! I was going through all the images that have come from Mars in the past two months and came along something very unexpected. On first glance it just looks like a shot of two of Curiosity’s tires (twenty inch tires, btw) from one of the navigation cameras (Navcams). Then it struck me what was wrong with this picture.

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The image I was looking at was a mirror image to one that I had posted here, previously, at The Other Shoe. This sparked my interest, so I started reading the news story that was posted with this new image (of the Left front and center tires). See, previously I had only seen images that came from the Right Navcameras, not the left. So, as I was reading I discover that I was correct. For the first six months of the Mars-Curiosity mission only the right navcam had been used, but that changed back in the later part of March.

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Explanation; Curiosity has TWO main computers. On the rover there is one ‘Right’ computer (the one being used as ‘Primary’ since prior to launch, and one ‘Left’ computer. This redundancy was established so that Curiosity has a ‘Back-Up’ computer. Brilliant! If something were to go wrong with the main computer, they could just fire up the other from the last back up. I do something similar (as do most computer geeks and businesses) here at home; only I do it with just one computer. Every two weeks I make a back up of my ‘System Drive’ or ‘C:’ drive. Along with ‘System Restore’ I have a quick and easy way to get my computer back up and running if something goes wrong.

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Evidently the right computer, in Curiosity, was having some memory problems. Explained by NASA as a “memory glitch” on March 23, 2013 they moved all system functions and controls over from the right side computer over to the left side computer. This is why we had not seen pictures, before, from the left side Navcams. Everything is now running fine and this did resolve the memory glitch. Now, let me be clear, I am still catching up so I do not have the most recent update on this memory glitch problem. Curiosity needs to have both computers working to avoid ‘bricking’ Curiosity. If NASA cannot keep a clean back up of the main computer there could be a catastrophic failure that could end the mission.

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Below is the image from the left side Navcam that spawned this article. I will be reading up more on this memory glitch problem and getting the information to you, My Dear Readers, just as quickly as I can. I appreciate your dropping by and sharing in this Martian Adventure.

ENJOY!

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(Curiosity Left NavCam Shot of Left Front & Center Tires)

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The Mars Report - September 28, 2012

Welcome back, my dear readers! I have a simply astounding The Mars Report for you, today. However, first, a little science. Now, you know that one of the major reasons that America is going to Mars is to find signs of life, right? Well, the first sign of life is find if there was/is water on Mars. This week NASA/JPL has found evidence of flowing water on Mars, and I am going to show you images of the proof.

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That takes us to our first image of the day, an ancient streambed, found by Curiosity, on the Martian surface. Below is a picture of a rock outcrop in an area named, by NASA/JPL, as "Hottah" after Hottah Lake in Canada's Northwest Territories. What you are seeing, in this image, is actually exposed bedrock. Yes, it kind of looks like broken sidewalk, but this is called a sedimentary conglomerate. It is broken bedrock mixed with other sedimentary deposits left ages ago.

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[caption id="attachment_384" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Curiosity rover found evidence for an ancient, flowing stream on Mars at a few sites, including the rock outcrop pictured here, which the science team has named "Hottah" after Hottah Lake in Canada's Northwest Territories. It may look like a broken sidewalk, but this geological feature on Mars is actually exposed bedrock made up of smaller fragments cemented together, or what geologists call a sedimentary conglomerate.[/caption]

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Our next image is the first time the 100 millimeter main Mast Camera has been used to take images of this area. This area has been dubbed Goldburn Scour and it actually the very area that was burned by the decent rockets from the Sky Crane. These are marks made, by the rocket engines, of the Sky Crane. The Sky Crane is what that lowered Curiosity down on to the Martian surface. These images are three times the resolution of any released, of this area, yet. As well, these images were the first take of the sandy conglomerate pictured above.

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[caption id="attachment_379" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This image from NASA's Curiosity Rover shows a high-resolution view of an area that is known as Goulburn Scour, a set of rocks blasted by the engines of Curiosity's descent stage on Mars. It shows a section from a mosaic of a pair of images obtained by Curiosity's 100-millimeter Mast Camera, with three times higher resolution than previously released. Details of the layer of pebbles can be seen in the close-up.[/caption]

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The next set of images compares high definition images of Martian sedimentary soil to Earth sedimentary soil. Now, this gets a little scientific here, so I am going to quote what NASA/JPL has written;

        “This set of images compares the Link outcrop of rocks on Mars (left) with similar rocks seen on Earth (right). The image of Link, obtained by NASA's Curiosity rover, shows rounded gravel fragments, or clasts, up to a couple inches (few centimeters), within the rock outcrop. Erosion of the outcrop results in gravel clasts that fall onto the ground, creating the gravel pile at left. The outcrop characteristics are consistent with a sedimentary conglomerate, or a rock that was formed by the deposition of water and is composed of many smaller rounded rocks cemented together. A typical Earth example of sedimentary conglomerate formed of gravel fragments in a stream is shown on the right.

An annotated version of the image highlights a piece of gravel that is about 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) across. It was selected as an example of coarse size and rounded shape. Rounded grains (of any size) occur by abrasion in sediment transport, by wind or water, when the grains bounce against each other. Gravel fragments are too large to be transported by wind. At this size, scientists know the rounding occurred in water transport in a stream.”

So, if I am reading this correctly, the images we are seeing from Curiosity on Mars are showing geological formations that are similar to those found on Earth. That through these images, and the comparison to Earth images, we can conclude that the same geologic forces present on Earth were (at some time) present on Mars. Hence, there was flowing water on Mars, at least right here.

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[caption id="attachment_381" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This set of images compares the Link outcrop of rocks on Mars (left) with similar rocks seen on Earth (right). The image of Link, obtained by NASA's Curiosity rover, shows rounded gravel fragments, or clasts, up to a couple inches (few centimeters), within the rock outcrop[/caption]

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In yet another first on Mars (and for us) our next image is a shot of the robotic arms making contact with a Martian rock for the very first time. One might think that this is an easy task. Anyone that has ever controlled a remote controlled plane or other device might think now big deal.However, keep in mind in this situation you only get one chance. As well, there is a seven minute delay for every action you take. In gaming, we call it lag and it can mean (in gaming) the difference between life and death. However, imagine that you are playing a game at home, and each time you moved your cursor or joystick you had to wait seven minutes before the action reached your television! Now you have an idea of how hard it is, to lock a robotic arm to a rock, safely.

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[caption id="attachment_383" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This image shows the robotic arm of NASA's Mars rover Curiosity with the first rock touched by an instrument on the arm. The rover's right Navigation Camera (Navcam) took this image during the 46th Martian day, or sol, of the mission (Sept. 22, 2012).[/caption]

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Our next image, and the next to the last, is the close-up on the rock. This is one of the images, taken by the robotic arm, once it was in contact with the Martian rock. Geeze, this is a close-up!

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[caption id="attachment_378" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This image combines photographs taken by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) at three different distances from the first Martian rock that NASA's Curiosity rover touched with its arm. The three exposures were taken during the 47th Martian day, or sol, of Curiosity's work on Mars (Sept. 23, 2012)[/caption]

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That brings us to the last image of this edition of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. Our last image of the day shows the dedication plaque on Curiosity. My fellow Pearlanders will remember the plaque that was left on the L.E.M. that took Neil Armstrong to the Moon. Now, there is a similar plaque on Curiosity. It will be there, on Mars, for the rest of time. Here it is!

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[caption id="attachment_382" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This view of Curiosity's deck shows a plaque bearing several signatures of US officials, including that of President Obama and Vice President Biden. The image was taken by the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) during the rover's 44th Martian day, or sol, on Mars (Sept. 19, 2012). The plaque is located on the front left side of the rover's deck.[/caption]

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That brings us to the very end of today’s The Mars Report. It is with heavy heart that I write my next words. For the past three months I have been working as hard as I can to bring you, my dear readers, stories and images from far away places and entertainment for your reading pleasure. I do have an ulterior motive, though. I am still raising money for my funding campaigns. I have yet to order my Power Chair, and just how much is in the campaign, the day it ends, dictates the type of Power Chair I get and what I get to add to the power chair (i.e., cane holder, backpack for carrying medications and documentation… a cup holder…). As well, I have not mentioned it before, but Indiegogo will be taking 6% of all contributions.

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Last, Daniel’s Moving Assistance Fund is doing poorly. Now, let me be frank, I am thrilled with the outpouring of generosity and support. However, the success of this campaign dictates if I get to move, or remain in a building of less desirable(s) whom, their drug dealing friends, they know I had kicked out of the building. I am not asking to be moved from a place with an elevator for my power chair and building security. The place I am living in, I will only be able to usemy power chair if my caregiver is here! Yes, it is freedom and mobility I haven’t had in years and years…  but is it truly freedom if I can’t get in my power chair, get on an elevator and go outside alone and get some fresh air? I will leave it up to you, my dear readers.

Please, take a moment… and help me… help myself.

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="220"] Daniel's Moving Assistance Fund[/caption]

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