Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts

Sunday, May 10, 2015

A Week in Review - May 10th, 2015

[caption id="attachment_4013" align="aligncenter" width="630"]NASA Research Suggests Mars Once Had More Water Than Earth’s Arctic Ocean NASA Research Suggests Mars Once Had More Water Than Earth’s Arctic Ocean[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. I have to openly admit, this week was fraught with pain and problems! Mid-week I was struck with some terrific pain, all through my neck and into my arms and head. I tried sleeping it away, I tried soaking it away and all to no avail. Finally, I just settled in for a long hard ride and decided to do as little as I could around the house… … … and to let the blogs… sit. THAT was a very difficult decision, My Dear Shoevians.

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After a seven month absence I was seeing traffic numbers, for a week’s time, up to One Hundred Nineteen!!! That translates to a yearly traffic of well over SIX THOUSAND!!!!! That is some serious traffic numbers to take to a publisher… with a truly original and touching novel in hand. It wasn’t easy but I took Tuesday and Wednesday off. I re-published my Hubble’s 25th Anniversary’ on Wednesday, then it happened.

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This happens every six to eight months, at my location at blog dot com, the whole bloody web site just crashes! So, I wait and wait and wait. GONE for three days! I did not ‘see’ my primary blog location for three days, until today! So, here I am trying my hardest to play catch-up with the missed publication of the ‘Traffic Reports’ band now this ‘A Week in Review’. Now, I am tired and hurting all over again. But this will pass. I have to manage to finish this weekly review, and then publish ‘Sunday Funnies’ before it is no longer Sunday!

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So, without further adieu, I give you ‘A Week in Review – May 10th, 2015’!

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[caption id="attachment_3995" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Gryphon Sharing Danny's Soda! Gryphon Sharing Danny's Soda![/caption]

  • Sunday Funnies – Gryphon’s Premiere! – “Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. Today is a extra special edition of ‘Sunday Funnies’! Today I would like to ask you, My Dear Shoevians, to join me in Welcoming Gryphon D. Hannning (click on the hyperlink to go to Gryphon’s Facebook Page!) to this storied article series. As most of you are aware… … … Alexander R. Hanning passed away, several weeks ago, after a long battle with failing health. I made him as comfortable as possible, prepared all his favorite foods, and held him 24/7 for his comfort. He was loved deeply, and will be even more deeply missed. Last edition of ‘Sunday Funnies’ was a homage to Alexander.” This, My Dear Shoevians, was a very difficult article for me to write and publish. You see, it was an end, of sorts. An end to the era of Alexander R. Hanning as the star of ‘Sunday Funnies’ and the beginning of an all new era of Gryphon D. Hannning as the new star. I never do well with endings… of anything, but especially of the furry little ones I come to care for and love. There will never be a day… a time when I stop thinking of Alexander. He had that big an impact on my life, my work, my soul. It was Alexander that was at my side when I was diagnosed with cancer. It was Alexander that was at my side when I came home after chemotherapy. It was Alexander that stayed by my side when I got sick, and was there no matter what happened. However, this article was the premiere for another furry friend, Gryphon D. Hannning. This is Gryphon’s premiere video and premiere edition of ‘Sunday Funnies’. I hope that everyone stopped by to enjoy his premiere and his antics. Enjoy!


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[caption id="attachment_4009" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Rock Spire in 'Spirit of St. Louis Crater' on Mars (False Color)) Rock Spire in 'Spirit of St. Louis Crater' on Mars (False Color))[/caption]

  • The Mars Report – May 4th, 2015 – “Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. Today marks the beginning of my third week back at; researching, writing, editing and publishing here at The Other Shoe. That is an important milestone for me, as just a few months ago (about mid-way through my chemotherapy treatments) I wondered if I would ever return to writing and publishing again. Well, not at all, what I mean is I doubted that I would ever again publish on a regular schedule again. Now, here I am two weeks past and over a dozen articles under my belt since my ‘The Rebirth and Re-Launch of The Other Shoe’ article of April 13th, 2015.” It was this Gargantuan edition of ‘The Mars Report’ that I think put me over the edge and into a world of hurt. The singles largest edition, with the most images, the most conetnet and the most science ever! If you haven’t looked at this edition, you should! Enjoy!


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[caption id="attachment_3925" align="aligncenter" width="400"]Hubble's Sharpest View of the Orion Nebula Hubble's Sharpest View of the Orion Nebula[/caption]

  • Lost in Space – Hubble’s 25th – Redux – “So good, worth republishing today! I’m taking a day of R&R, here’s a wonderful celebration of Hubble’s 25th anniversary. Enjoy! Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. Today is Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 and when I started the research for this article I quickly became aware that today is the 25th Anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope! What a glorious day to pay tribute to this wonder of the modern age, by sharing some of the most recent images captured by Hubble.” With the pain in my neck reaching new levels of blinding pain, I decided to give myself a day to rest and recover. Little did I know that the primary blog location would take this opportunity to go AWOL! Nevertheless, this edition is/was worth republishing, so I did! ENJOY!


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[caption id="attachment_4022" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Number Two Blog International Map One Month Number Two Blog International Map One Month[/caption]

  • Traffic Reports – May 7th, 2015 “Now that I have the news out of the way, let me get to the meat of this article. As many of you, My Dear Shoevians, know about every six months I publish a ‘Traffic Report’. Now, I do this for many reasons, not the least of which is that I enjoy sharing the limited success of my writing. Yes, I work hard at; research, writing, editing and publishing at The Other Shoe. When I see the traffic counter on the Blog Dot com location stay over one hundred for a week or more… YES I am very very proud! That has occurred over the past two weeks.” This was a very enlightening edition of ‘Traffic Reports’. Whereas I did see the corresponding decline in readership during my chemotherapy, if you don’t publish new content, readers go elsewhere, that is a given. However, there is ‘Good News’ in this report, too! Good news in the discovery of even more expanded international readership! THAT is very ‘Good News’ indeed! If you need a reason to read this article, learning that My Dear Shoevians live in; England, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and evern RUSSIA should do the trick, eh? Read and be informed!


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That, My Dear Shoevians, brings us to the end of this article and the end of the week’s publishing. I hope that everyone takes some time, out of your Sunday, to go back and read and view some of the wonderful work and images I shared this past week. Again, I apologize for the absence, made even longer by the down time at the primary blog location. I am back, and I have a “Sunday Funnies’ yet to publish, today.

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I regret to inform you that this week is my ‘Quarterly Visit To L.A.’ and my primary care physician, Dr. Laurence Gorlick. This journey into L.A., and back, takes a great deal out of me. It is a journey that takes, Allen and I, more than twelve hours of transit van rides to get into Rancho Palos Verde, and back here to Orange County. I will do my best to keep up my writing schedule, I just cannot make any promises I might not keep.

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Thank you!

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Adieu!

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[caption id="attachment_3856" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015 Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015[/caption]

© 2010 – 2015 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

Friday, May 1, 2015

News from Around the World - May 1st, 2015

[caption id="attachment_2693" align="aligncenter" width="300"]News from Around the World News from Around the World[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. IT is Friday, May 1st, 2015 and this is the very first edition of ‘News From Around the World’ in a very long time. I always enjoyed writing and publishing this article series. It took my mind off of the political works I was engaged, and the acrimonious tone of ‘Conservative’ rhetoric. As well, it helped me keep in touch with the happenings outside the borders of our great nation. Sometimes, it is difficult for us Americans to admit, or to realize, that we are but one nation among many. But one voice in the symphony of human thought and action that is the human experience.

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This is not by coincidence, for you see some media outlets would have Americans believe that we are the definitive voice of the planet. Fortunately, for the species, that is not anywhere near the truth. Now, before I delve into this article I would like to take a moment to “Thank” a Shoevian for a generous and much needed and appreciated gift. No, nobody has come forward to assist me… with my ‘problem’ arising out of my two falls last month. Nope, a $3,000.00 tab stands between me and my ability to smile without shame.

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However, that does not keep me from appreciating gifts when they do come, regardless. Today another Shoevian (who has requested his… ooops, identity remain unknown) has ordered a year’s subscription to Time Magazine! From summer 1998 until October 2004 I had a running subscription to this magazine. Not only did it give me hours upon hours of reading pleasure? It, also, gave me innumerable writing ideas for all you, My Dear Shoevians. So, starting in about three weeks look for more editions of ‘News from Around the World’ and other more broad based articles here at The Other Shoe. Oh, and “THANK YOU!” to you-know-who-you-are!

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I do not think that any journalist, worth his snuff, could begin an article about news around the world without starting with the terrible human tragedy in Nepal. First I would like to take a moment and try to put the human suffering into perspective. Saturday, April 23rd 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Katmandu valley of the tiny nation of Nepal. The earthquake’s epicenter was a mere 9.3 miles beneath the surface of the Katmandu valley. In the following 23 hours there were 31 aftershocks that shook the valley. A 328-yard layer of black clay lays beneath the Katmandu Valley (the remnants of a prehistoric lake). This layer of thick black clay amplified damage and increased the incidence of soil liquefaction[1]. This, relatively, shallow 7.8 magnitude earthquake amplified by the black clay beneath the valley was a ‘Prefect Storm’ of factors that equaled the single worst earthquake in the region since the 8.6 magnitude earthquake that struck August 15th, 1950 and killed 8,000 people.

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[caption id="attachment_3985" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Broken Building Searched for Trapped People and Bodies Broken Building Searched for Trapped People and Bodies[/caption]

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(Broken Building Searched for Trapped People and Bodies)


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Even more staggering is the human cost of this terrible natural disaster. As of the most recent number I could research (May 1st, 2015 1900 hrs) they are as follows; 6,250 confirmed read (it is estimated that by the end of all searches that number will equal or be greater than 10,000), 14,350 have been injured, and an estimated 2.5 million have been displaced from their homes in the Katmandu Valley. The city of Katmandu lies in ruins, as the images below will show. From what I have been reading it could be well into the month of May (the 10th – 14th) before any of the totals are finalized. Tens of thousands of residents of Katmandu are living in tents, and under tarps, without four walls.

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[youtube=https://youtu.be/heSOBf-sOm8]


(Real Time CCTV Video of The Nepal Earthquake)


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The video, above, is a compilation of Close Circuit Television footage taken around the city at the exact time of the earthquake. I cannot convey the deep sense of shock and horror that came over me, as I watched this footage. Having lived here in Southern California for the past thirty years, I thought I had (somehow) become desensitized. Desensitized about the effects, and results, of earthquakes. That feeling ended, today. Below is yet another still image of the aftermath. This image is a wide screen image that cover several blocks of the damage, done by the earthquake, in Katmandu city.

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[caption id="attachment_3986" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Wide Area Image of Katmandu After the Earthquake Wide Area Image of Katmandu After the Earthquake[/caption]

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(Wide Area Image of Katmandu After the Earthquake)


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I was driving into San Francisco October 17th, 1989. I was headed up to coast for a much-needed R&R, and San Francisco was my destination. I had only visited San Francisco once prior to this scheduled vacation. As I drove up PCH I heard the news on the radio. It was 5:20 PM on October 17th, 1989 and my view of the coastal highway was upstaged by the voice on the radio. A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Loma Prieta just after 5:00PM. .

I was well up the coast, having left the L.A. basin before traffic started.

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It was less than an hour before night, and I was hesitant to turn around and head back to Long Beach, so I continued driving through the night. I arrived in San Francisco late in the day October 18th, 1989. I barely made it into the city limits, when I was greated by two things. One, I was shocked at the devastation a 6.9 earthquake had done to this great city, it stretched as far south as the ‘Cuban District’. Second, I was stopped by a National Guardsman and told that if I was not here as part of the relief effort, or there to locate a missing family member, I was to turn around and head home. I did just that, stopping to spend the night a little further south in Santa Cruz. My Dear Shoevians, I have seen the damage a 6.9 earthquake can do to a modern American city. I shiver deep into my bones at the thought of the death and devastation a 7.8 magnitude earthquake could do to an area like Nepal. Below is another real time video of the earthquake that shook Nepal.

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[youtube=https://youtu.be/XvcrXqwFnfs]


(Nepal Tower Collapsed)


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Just watching these videos makes my heart weep at the horrible human tragedy, the grave personal losses, and the still untold number of deceased family members. It will take, the Katmandu Valley, decades to put this tragedy behind them. I just cannot fathom the; fear, grief, terror and heartache surviving families and people must be enduring as I write this article… and as you My Dear Shoevians read. This is the very first tragedy, of this magnitude; I have covered on the pages of this blog. Having said, I do not know if I am intellectually equipped, or possessed of the writing ability to convey what our eyes see and what our hearts must feel.

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Therefore, in honor of the all the people affected by this horrific tragedy I have decided to make this edition of “News From Around the World’ a single subject edition. I do not want to dwell on the many heart-wrenching images coming out of the Katmandu Valley. I have shared, what I believe, enough to tell the story as a journalist. I fear posting too many images, or videos, will be ghoulish.

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One final factoid that I came across as I researched this human tragedy that I will share with you in this parting paragraph. Starting April 29th 2015 satellite data, from the earthquake, became available. Most importantly data from Europe's Sentinel-1A radar satellite garnered the most attention by scientists. Even today this data is still being reviewed and studied. However, preliminary results show that a region 75 miles (120 kilometers) long by 30 miles (50 km) wide lifted upward by as much as 3 feet during the earthquake. This information was made available from Tim Wright, a geophysicist at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.[4]

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As we all understand, when tectonic plates shift (move) one plate moves on top of the other plate. This has resulted in many of the world’s tallest peaks to have dropped by as much as an inch. In one day. Further, the Nepal Earthquake sparked a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest, killing at least 17 people and leaving even more missing and feared dead.[5]

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In conclusion, My Dear Shoevians, I just could NOT write about this tragedy… share images and videos from this tragedy… without trying to do something. Something to help the survivors and the families of the lost. Therefore, below I am going to share links to aid organizations that I am aware are helping out with; search and rescue, aid to the survivors and aid to the families of the dead. I am not a man of means. That fact brings me no end of embarrassment… on a near daily basis. However, I am willing to bet that many of you, My Dear Shoevians, if you haven’t already, can and will do what you can to help. Here they are:

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That, My Dear Shoevians, brings us to the end and close of this singular edition of ‘News from Around the World’. I hope that I have been informative. As well, I really hope that I have not appeared to try and take advantage of this terrible tragedy. I appreciate your visit, and would very much appreciate your ‘Like’ at the end of this article… and if you see fit, please ‘Share’ this article on any/all social media that you desire.

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Thank you!

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Adieu!

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[caption id="attachment_3856" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015 Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015[/caption]

© 2010 – 2015 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe











Monday, April 27, 2015

A Week in Review - April 26th, 2015

.Unstable Star Eta Carinae


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                              Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. First, let me apologize for the tardy nature of this article. Most weeks I, regularly, publish this weekly review on Sunday. However, this Sunday I was knee-deep in the publication and promotion of my first and best political editorial article in many months. Titled ‘Clinton-Hate Syndrome – Diagnosis and Cure’ the article outlines the dubious nature of three of the most popular ‘scandals’ to infect our national political dialogue. I say “infect” because… well, as I explain in the article I am genuinely convinced that Americans (well, a small ‘sect’ of Americans) are falling prey to a type of “linguistic virus”.


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When infected, the virus attacks the neural pathways associated with reason and common sense. This, thereby, renders the listener incapable of discriminating propaganda from 'news'. Subjects find themselves in a highly suggestible state, so the loudest and angriest voice can overpower their critical thinking skills. This is a theory that I have been working on for a good many years and discovered during observations on Facebook and other social media. So far, I am pretty much the lone wolf with this theory, however, I am quite bereft to (otherwise) explain the actions of many intelligent and good-hearted Americans I have known for years.

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You, My Dear Shoevians, can read this article by clinking on the link above… or here: ‘Clinton-Hate Syndrome Diagnosis and Cure’. I had really hoped to present ‘A Week in Review’ on time but found myself in the middle of a vortex of real time developments in the most recent ‘Clinton-Hate’ motivated ‘scandal’. You might know it as the ‘Clinton Cash’ scandal, so named after the unpublished book of the same name. Authro, of said work, was on ‘This Week’ on Sunday where he repeatedly admitted that he has no evidence whatsoever of any wrong doing on the part of the Clintons, but feels (regardless of the FACTS) that there “must be an investigation”.

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Perhaps he feels this way because he knows that in an election of this magnitude the appearance of impropriety in just as damning as proof. A self-described ‘Conservative’ write, I am sure that he is fully aware that many prominent Republicans have stated their party has little chance against a Hillary Clinton run for the Presidency. This has been spoken by everyone from Newt Gingrich to Jeb Bush, in one form or another. How better to level the playing field than to smear an upstanding life-long public servant that with a dubious and unsupported (by facts) ‘cash for influence’ scandal.

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Now, that is enough of that topic for the moment, on with ‘A Week in Review’. I am very proud to announce that, in the previous week, I manage to write, edit and publish another Five articles here at The Other Shoe. That makes two weeks running I have managed to hit my mark uninterrupted. Not so sure about the upcoming weeks, as I have several unavoidable doctor appointments and scans that I must attend. With that in mind I would like to begin our look backward over the past week of publications.

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Without further adieu, I give you ‘A Week in Review’!

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[caption id="attachment_3579" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Alex Eating Yogurt Chips Alex Eating Yogurt Chips[/caption]

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  • Sunday Funnies – Homage to Alexander R Hanning“Welcome back My Dearest Shoevians to The Other Shoe. Today, as promised, I am here to present… to honor the lifetime’s contributions of Master Alexander R. Hanning. Most of you, My Dear Shoevians, and the world first met Alex right here in an edition of ‘Sunday Funnies’. I had the privilege and honor of knowing, and loving, this great rat his entire life. Starting to research this article, and put together images of Alex at many ages, I almost lost it. I would start to cry… then weep at his passing and my loss.” My Dear Shoevians it still just slays me, each and every time I think of him… see videos of him… pictures of him… or think of him. Alexander has left a HUGE HOLE in my soul… and it pains me to no end. Gryphon is working hard to fill the void… he is very dear to me, already, and plays with me every morning without fail. This one is the hardest… since Nakita. It pains me so…


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[caption id="attachment_3906" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Curiosity Self-Portrait at 'Mojave' Site on Mount Sharp Curiosity Self-Portrait at 'Mojave' Site on Mount Sharp[/caption]

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  • The Mars Report – April 20th, 2015 – “On April 16th 2015, the 957th Martian day, just days ago Curiosity past the ten kilometer (6.214 mile) mark on its trek on the Martian surface. Arriving at Pahrump Hills the rover Curiosity took an incredible panoramic image. Below we can see this panoramic image, taken by the Navcam (Navigational Camera), this shows us the sandy floored valley Curiosity must pass through next. This path will take Curiosity higher on Mount Sharp for further excavation, experimentation and some more incredible images of the Martian surface.” The publication of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’ comes hot on the heals of a major accomplishment for the Curiosity rover as it has just reached the Ten Kilometer point in its sojourn on the Martian surface. Further, I discuss the recent discovery of Nitrogen on the Martian surface and a field of veins of minerals on the surface. I you have not already read and viewed this edition, I suggest you take the link (at the beginning of this article) and check out this edition, NOW!


 

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[caption id="attachment_3921" align="aligncenter" width="630"]ust and Gas Around Neutron Star ust and Gas Around Neutron Star[/caption]

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  • Lost in Space – Hubble’s 25th Anniversary – “Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. Today is Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 and when I started the research for this article I quickly became aware that today is the 25th Anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope! What a glorious day to pay tribute to this wonder of the modern age, by sharing some of the most recent images captured by Hubble.” In a week filled with space-based accomplishments, this edition of ‘Lost in Space’ marked the 25th Anniversary for the Hubble Space telescope! I am very glad that I had decided to restart my blog at this perfect time. How better to restart and energize my publication than with two milestones in two separate articles series? This is a ‘Must SEE’ edition of ‘Lost in Space’ where I breakdown the work of Hubble into the three categories NASA uses to evaluate scientific achievement and progress.

  • Alive and, well… ? – Danny Update – “Below is a short video that I recorded today. I made this video to show all of you, My Dear Shoevians, that I am alive and still all in one piece. Right now, at 2:15PM PDST I am uploading the video for publication just as soon as possible. I am hoping to have this article, and the accompanying video, ready for viewing by 3:00PM PDST (that would be 5PM Central –Texas Time). Right now, it looks as though I will be able to keep this schedule.’ As explained, above, this is an article including a short personal update video I made. I was beginning to become aware of my physical limitations… still am fighting that demon!


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[caption id="attachment_3938" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Speaks March 9th, 2015 Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Speaks March 9th, 2015[/caption]

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  • ‘Clinton-Hate Syndrome’ – Diagnosis and Cure – “Today, in the paragraphs below, I will explain to everyone just how to diagnose yourself, and others, of this terrible socially transmitted disease, and (ultimately) how to treat and CURE this malady. However, before I discuss the personal symptoms of this terrible disease (the diagnosis), and the cure for ‘Clinton-Hate Syndrome’ I am going to discuss the source of this socially-transmitted’ disease. For the majority of Americans discovering the source of this terrible socially transmitted disease is easy to see.” A very unique piece, even by my standards. Whereas I post the starting article for three of the most recent ‘Clinton Scandals’, I go even further to debunk them as the partisan (hyper partisan) fact-void rhetoric that they are all proved (in the end) to be. Right before my eyes, as I researched this article, I watched as the newest ‘Clinton Scandal’ became unraveled right before my eyes. The ‘Clinton Cash’ scdanal is already being debunked by; NBC, ABC< and CBS as a partisan (poor) attempt to tie efforts by (then) Sec. Clinton to work done by the ‘Clinton Foundation’. The author of the unpublished work, ‘Clinton Cash’ openly admits to having “no real evidence of wrongdoing..” but still seeks an investigation!?!? Obviously a clear-cut case of ‘Clinton-Hate Syndrome’. Be sure to check out this article, as it contains FACTUAL EVIDENCE… and a very humorous ending. ENJOY!


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With that My Dear Shoevians I bring this week’s edition of ‘A Week in Review’ to a close. I hope that everyone has enjoyed this week’s review, and the wonderful articles that made up its content. It is my hope to entertain, inform, and delight my readers. If, by some chance, you are educated during your visit… all the better. J

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Now, for a little timely editorial. As I sit here putting the finishing touches on this article? I am bearing witness to the real time looting of a CVS in Baltimore, Maryland. The view is from a helicopter, a media ‘news’ chopper, and I wonder if these… ‘individuals’ are aware that their actions are being capture on video for all time? I watch as one young woman records the actions of her friends… on her cellular phone. Is she aware that, too, is a crime?

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The repeated murder of African American men, and young men, by (predominately) white law enforcement officers is… grotesque and unthinkable. However, just how does the African American community think the sight of their young people looting A CVS… help their cause. Engender the national community to their side? Curious and curiouser.

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Thank you!

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Adieu!

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[caption id="attachment_3856" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015 Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015[/caption]

© 2010 – 2015 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Lost in Space - NASA Arrives at Kuiper Belt

Artist Illistration of New Horizon's Arrival at Pluto[1]


(Artist’s Illustration of New Horizon Arrival at Pluto)


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 Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe and an all-new edition of ‘Lost in Space’. Now, for the past year this article series has; shared images of far-flung galaxies super nova and nebula, taken us all on a “Tour of Our Solar System’, and to the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud. The Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud… wow… such fond memories… That edition of ‘Lost in Space’ was one of my research and share with all of you, My Dearest Shoevians.


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Today we will return to The Kuiper Belt because NASA’s ‘New Horizon’ spacecraft has reached the border of this most far-flung reaches of our solar system. In case you have not read my edition of ‘Lost in Space – Tour of Our Solar System #4’ the Kuiper Belt is the home of Dwarf Planets like; Pluto, Xena and Sedna. The Kuiper Belt is similar to the Asteroid Belt that separates the inner Terran (rocky crust planets) planets from the outer Jovian (Gas giants). The Kuiper Belt differs, as it is the birthplace of new planets.

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774The conditions within The Kuiper Belt are very similar to those of the rest of our solar system at its birth. Rocks and dust, floating freely in the deep freeze of space, falling prey to chance encounters of gravity and inertia. Throwing bodies together and binding until they create their own gravitational fields, and becoming planets. In another hundred million years, or more new plants could appear in The Kuiper Belt. So far only dwarf planets occupy this violent frozen region of space.

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[caption id="attachment_3885" align="aligncenter" width="350"]New Horizon’s Mission Patch New Horizon’s Mission Patch[/caption]

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(New Horizon’s Mission Patch)


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Named ‘New Horizons’ the spacecraft launched and the journey started, at 2:00PM Eastern Time using the Atlas V 551 variant from Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida[3]. Five solid rocket motors and the core engine of the Atlas V rocket lifted the spacecraft into orbit at 2:30PM. Escape velocity was obtained with a third stage burn sending ‘New Horizon’ out of orbit and headed to Pluto and The Kuiper Belt at the speed of 36,373 mph.

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[caption id="attachment_3888" align="aligncenter" width="350"]New Horizon’s Atlas Lift-Off New Horizon’s Atlas Lift-Off[/caption]

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(New Horizon’s Atlas Lift-Off)


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New Horizon has made several near visits in its nine year four billion mile journey from Earth’s orbit to The Kuiper Belt and Pluto and beyond. The first such stop was a near fly-by of asteroid 132524 APL on June 13, 2006. The spacecraft used it RALPH telescope (named ‘Ralph’ after Alice’s husband in television’s ‘ Honeymooners’). When New Horizon’s flight plan brought it closest to the asteroid, 63,297 miles,. Images were taken by both the visible light CCD imager (MVIC- Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera) and LEISA the Linear Etalon Imaging Spectral Array imaging device. These images are not, yet, available to the general public.

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At this point in New Horizon’s journey the spacecraft shut down most of its systems to conserve energy. Oh, this might be a good time to explain just how New Horizon powers itself. Since the spacecraft’s objective and flight plan would take it more than four billion miles from earth. Solar power was not a viable option as the size of needed solar panels (at the end of mission) would be larger than our lift-off capabilities. It was decided that New Horizon would use a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG).[5]

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[caption id="attachment_3884" align="aligncenter" width="425"]New Horizon’s Instrumentation Graphic New Horizon’s Instrumentation Graphic[/caption]

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(New Horizon’s Instrumentation Graphic)


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This is the very same electrical generator technology that was used as recently as the Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity rover. It has been used by NASA for decades and has never resulted in a mission disaster or failure. The RTG uses the heat from the decay of plutonium-238 dioxide to fuel a thermoelectric process creating electricity. Voyager 1 & 2 spacecraft, now in interstellar space, both used RTG electrical sources.

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[caption id="attachment_3889" align="aligncenter" width="630"]New Horizon’s Interplanetary Cruise Map New Horizon’s Interplanetary Cruise Map[/caption]

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(New Horizon’s Interplanetary Cruise Map)


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In the first part of September 2006 NASA sent word to New Horizon to thaw from its deep freeze and awake for hibernation. It was time to start initial work for New Horizon’s fly-by of Jupiter. Shortly after awakening the spacecraft activated the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager aka LORRI to take long-range images of Jupiter. This long focal length imager is designed for high resolution images and to be responsive at all visible wavelengths. New Horizon used KORRI to take these images from a distance of 181 million miles. The spacecraft spent from January to mid-June 2007 observing and imaging the surface of Jupiter.

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[8]


(Jupiter’s Moon Io as seen by Galileo and New Horizon)


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At the end of June, passing the longest possible distance for good imaging of Jupiter, New Horizon was placed back into hibernation. For the next seven years the spacecraft spent the majority of its time in hibernation mode, except for periodically awakening to test system functionality. The flight plan has New Horizon crossing the orbital boundary of Saturn on June 8th, 2008 and cut through the orbit of Uranus on March 18th, 2011.

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It just earlier this month that NASA sent the ‘wake-up’ order, once again, to the spacecraft to make the final 93 second burn aligning it with an orbit around Pluto. New Horizon is scheduled to arrive at the dwarf planet Pluto on July 14h, 2015. This scheduled arrival has NASA and all the scientific community, world wide, chomping at the bit for all the new data and images. This will be the very first manmade object to orbit a dwarf planet and navigated within The Kuiper Belt.

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[caption id="attachment_3882" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Searching for the Boundary between Interstellar space and the Heliosphere Searching for the Boundary between Interstellar space and the Heliosphere[/caption]

[9]


(Searching for the Boundary between Interstellar space and the Heliosphere)


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This is a major accomplishment for; America, NASA, and mankind as a whole. We must continue our exploration of our solar system and of space. There is no end to the knowledge we will gain about; gravity and gravitational forces, magnetism, planet formation, and even the discovery of new elements. One thing that most people are not aware? IN the 80’s, 90’s and early 21st century we watched as computer processors (CPUs) became faster and faster. First 1GHz, then 2GHz, then 3GHz the major chip manufactures (Intel and AMD) were in a “Speed Race’ to see which company could beat the 4GHz speed limit, break it and sustain.

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Well, both companies achieved the 4GHz speed limit, and could slightly and briefly break that speed. However, it all came to a Big STOP there after. Not known to the general public (the the reason tablets were introduced and desktops were geared back) was that these chip manufactures had hit NOT a speed limit due to design or desire. No, rather, they had hit a limit of ELEMENTS! Both Intel and AMD had many designs for SINGLE CORE processors going 5GHz and 6GHZ and better. Thing was? When built these chips would simply… melt!

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More precisely the insulation materials could not stand up to the heat generated and simply no longer insulated. Everyone was all ready to go up to 5… 6… 7… 87.. 9GHz but mankind simply does not have elements to use as adequate insulators! Mankind needs NEW elements!!! They cannot and will not be found on Earth! So long as we are limited by the current number of elements on the Periodic Table, we will never continue on our Speed Race in computer processors, and that is a terrible shame.

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[caption id="attachment_3881" align="aligncenter" width="605"]Flight Plan and Schedule for New Horizon Spacecraft Flight Plan and Schedule for New Horizon Spacecraft[/caption]

[10]


(Flight Plan and Schedule for New Horizon Spacecraft)


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Our journey into space is not limited to wonderful images, the thrill of a man walking on another planet’s surface, and the accompanying expansion of technologies. We need to continue, and even accelerate, our exploration and MINING of other planets, asteroids and dwarf planets. It is only through this exploration and discovery that we will advance all technologies and sciences.

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Starting July 14th of this year mankind will take the closest look at the furthest planet in our solar system. This is not just exploration and discovery. This is human evolution in its purest form. New Horizon could show us more about the beginnings of our solar system; give up new facts about gravity and its correlation with magnetism and maybe even give us a glimpse at what lies beyond our solar system.

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As more information and images come in from New Horizon I will share them with you all, My Dearest Shoevians. NASA and the American taxpayer have, once again, brought mankind a little further. Carried us deeper in space and no to the very edge of our solar system. I am confident that for every journey, every dollar, and every endevbour we will reap knowledge that will move us forward as a people and as a nation. Space exploration is an investment! It is a very long term investment, but it always pays off… and one day it will pay off big time and we will find the ‘new element’ that allows our chip manufactures to continue their Speed Race’ to faster and faster computers and processors.

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[caption id="attachment_3890" align="aligncenter" width="400"]Pluto and Charon from New Horizon Closest Point Yet! Pluto and Charon from New Horizon Closest Point Yet![/caption]

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(Pluto and Charon from New Horizon Closest Point Yet!)


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Thank you all, My Dear Shoevians, for dropping by and reading this edition of ‘Lost in Space’. I hope that I have peaked your interest, expanded your understanding, and given you plenty of ‘Food for Thought’. This brings to close my publications for this week. Tomorrow, Saturday, I will publish ‘A Week in Review’ and then on Sunday I will publish a very special edition of ‘Sunday Funnies’. It will be ‘A Tribute to Alexander R Hanning’. The star of Sunday Funnies for several years, and my most recent loss. I hope that everyone drops by and checks out his newest videos and my homage to him and his work here at The Other Shoe.

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[caption id="attachment_3886" align="aligncenter" width="630"]New Horizon’s Arrival at Pluto – Artist Concept New Horizon’s Arrival at Pluto – Artist Concept[/caption]

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(New Horizon’s Arrival at Pluto – Artist Concept)


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Thank you!

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Adieu!

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© 2010 – 2015 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe


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[caption id="attachment_3856" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015 Author/Editor Danny Hanning in Rolling Hills Estates February 2015[/caption]


















Wednesday, April 15, 2015

The Mars Report - 39 Days to MARS?

[caption id="attachment_3870" align="aligncenter" width="630"]VASIMR Engine Testing at Astra Rocket Company VASIMR Engine Testing at Astra Rocket Company[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers Shoevians to The Other Shoe. Today is a very special edition of ‘The Mars Report’ in that unlike all previous editions I will not be presenting images of Mars. I will not be sharing the progress of the adventuring sojourner the Curiosity rover. Nor will I be sharing High Definition images made from composites of Curiosity images and those taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

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Today I am re-launching this storied series of articles, here at The Other Shoe, by sharing groundbreaking news that man could arrive at Mars in just … … … (drum roll, please!)… … … THIRTY-NINE DAYS! This is a major development in America’s ‘Second Space Race’ with China. With current generation rockets and propulsion systems it would taken America astronauts nearly six months to reach Martian orbit from Earth. This has been the single largest prohibitive factor (besides funding from a shortsighted and narrow-minded Congressional Majority) in the planning for a journey to Mars.

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Six months of food, water, and air would weigh more than passengers, fuel and instrumentation combined! This all-new propulsion technology is, well, not ‘new’ at all IF you are a fan of ‘Star Trek’. I cannot count the number of times I have heard a cast member of; ‘Star Trek’, ‘Star Trek – the Next Generation’, ‘Enterprise’ (or any of the many television or movies) talk about a ‘plasma manifold’ or other plasma related device or rocket. For us Trekies the idea of using accelerated plasma ions is commonplace.

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(Lewis Research Labs Pilot Plasma Engine 1961[2])




[caption id="attachment_3868" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Lewis Research Labs Pilot Plasma Engine 1961 Lewis Research Labs Pilot Plasma Engine 1961[/caption]

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As far back as 1961 scientists have toyed with different types of plasma engines or rockets. The biggest difference between our current solid or liquid fueled rockets and plasma rockets is plasma will only work in space. Our current rocket technology works to lift bodies from the surface of the planet into orbit. However, these plasma rockets, when in space, far outstrip the capabilities of current rockets. There are many kinds/types of plasma engines/rockets. Here is a listing and simple explanation of the six primary types:

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[caption id="attachment_3869" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Breakdown Helicon Double Layer Thruster Breakdown Helicon Double Layer Thruster[/caption]

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  • Helicon Double Layer Thruster – Using radio waves to actually create the plasma flow and magnetic nozzles to funnel the flow, this type of rocket is ideal for maneuvering space craft. They are capable of creating thrust ten times that of their chemical counterparts.

  • Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters – Yeah… As the name indicates this type of thruster makes us of electromagnetism (Lorentz Force[3]) and an electrical current to supercharge the gas.

  • Hall Effect Thrusters - Hall effect thrusters combine a strong localized static magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field created between an upstream anode and a downstream cathode called neutralizer, to create a "virtual cathode" (area of high electron density) at the exit of the device. This virtual cathode then attracts the ions formed inside the thruster closer to the anode. Finally the accelerated ion beam is neutralized by some of the electrons emitted by the neutralizer.[4]

  • Electrodeless Plasma Thrusters – Which uses pondermotive force on gas or charged particle while under the influence of a strong electromagnetic energy gradient to accelerate the plasma.

  • SPT Series – Serial Production was started in the former Soviet Union in the 1070’s.

  • VASIMR - Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket works by using radio waves to ionize a propellant into plasma and then a magnetic field to accelerate the plasma out of the back of the rocket engine to generate thrust.[5]


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The engine currently under development for NASA’s use for the Mars project is the VASIMR type plasma rocket engine. Capable of propelling a spacecraft carrying humans to speeds of greater than 129,000 miles per hour, this rocket could deliver American astronauts to Martian orbit in just thirty-nine days!

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[caption id="attachment_3867" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Astra VASIMR Engine Breakdown Astra VASIMR Engine Breakdown[/caption]

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NASA has awarded the Astra Rocket Company with the (ten-year) contract to develop the VASIMR rocket engine. The video, below, shows the current level VASIMR plasma engine running. Running at just under sixty seconds, this is one of their very first prototypes. The science is sound, the potential is enormous. Future generations of humans could use like engines to take them beyond our solar system in a single lifetime!

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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=c4kJyqmSmg4]


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Thank you!

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Adieu!

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© 2010 – 2015 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe


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Friday, February 6, 2015

Notes From Behind the Keyboard - February 6th, 2015

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[caption id="attachment_3778" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Danny Hanning Danny Rolling Hills Estates[/caption]

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 Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. My goodness has it really been over a month since I last posted? Yes, it has! For most of you, My Dear Readers, this comes as no surprise. My battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma has taken the last little bit of strength from my body. Leaving me quite bereft of the physical abilities needed to write and publish. Normally, I would apologize for this extended hiatus, today... I am not. My adventure with chemotherapy has come to an end.

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Unfortunately the chemotherapy did not have the desired results. From what I am told, these drugs did not “knock back...” my disease as much as my oncologist has anticipated. Therefore, we have started a round of radiation therapy. This will last another couple of weeks, and then I will be finished with all the toxic... exposures. With any luck, once I am finished with this current treatment I will be relatively free of this cancer.

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My Dearest Readers, I have many videos from the past several months. Videos of me heading to treatment, videos of me during treatment, and a few of Prince Alexander playing and being my little boy rat. It is my desire and intent that, once I am recovered from these treatments, I will be sharing all of these videos with all of you. My Dear Readers, I genuinely long to return to a regular and full writing and publishing schedule.

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Do you all remember what that was like? Five to seven articles every single week. A weekly edition of 'The Mars Report' with all the newest information and images from Curiosity and the Opportunity rovers. Weekly editions of 'News From Around the World' with all the news that does not appear on the major media outlets web sites. Weekly editions of 'The Horror in Smithville' with the latest antics of Timmy and Archer if their fight against 'The Tall Man' and the upcoming adventure @ the Harvest Carnival. Weekly editions of 'A Week in Review' and the antics of Prince Alexander in 'Sunday Funnies'!

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I have not forgotten all the wonderful articles and all the wonderful experiences that we shared here at The Other Shoe. Nor have I forgotten how wonderful it is to write and entertain all of you, My Dearest Readers, from all over this great planet Earth. I really had no idea just how bad these chemotherapy treatments would slam my health. I really had no idea just how much these treatments would negatively effect my neruopathy in my left hand. I really ad no idea just now bad things would be, or I just might have opted out of getting these treatments.

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All I can hope is that you, My Dearest Readers, will come back once I start writing and publishing, again. For I have dearly missed all of you... deeply. I would like to promise that this weekend I will return to my regular writing and publishing schedule. However, I have never lied to you, My Dearest Readers, before and I am not about to start now. Terrible as it may be? Just writing these two pages has taken a great deal of energy and focus. Looking back? I really am amazed at the amount of content I generated all by myself. Over just under five years I wrote, edited, and published nearly SIX HUNDERED articles for your reading pleasure.

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When I consider all the effort that goes into just one edition of 'The Mars Report'! Downloading images for the article, writing the article and embedding the images, uploading the images on to both blog servers, uploading the text, and then integrating the images (and adding descriptions) for as many as ten images. Honestly, it would take me up to four to six hours just to get from start to finish for just one edition of 'The Mars Report'. It was a labor of love, My Dearest Readers. A love of all things extraterrestrial, and a love of all of you My Dearest Readers.

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Well, that brings us to the end of this edition of Notes From Behind the Keyboard'. I do hope that all of you, My Dearest Readers, keep checking back and drop by often. With all luck and a bit of extra strength, you can look forward to me adopting a partial publication schedule by the end of February, or the first of March. I know that, sometime in March, my oncologist will start (again) the process of 'Staging my Cancer'. That will mean PET scans, blood tests, and most likely another bone marrow test.

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As always I will keep all of you, My Dearest Readers, fully informed on the results of these tests. Fear not, even if I loose this battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma? I will continue to write and publish so long as I have life. It is my heartfelt desire to complete 'The Horror in Smithville'. I already have the final chapters in my head... and the bloody and violent conclusion... it just is not on paper or saved on a hard drive. It is my deeply felt desire to start, and finish, 'The Adventures of Princess Nadia', too. At least the first book of the series. If I have my way, I will manage to write (and get published) all FIVE books that will make up her story.

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In closing, I would like to take a moment to say “Thank you!” to; Ian Cottier, Jason Kleppinger, and James Coate for their kind support during the holidays past. Without their kindness and support I would not have had the genuine thrill of a Christmas Dinner or ANY presents under the tree. Times are tough all over, and I fully understand. I am just thrilled to have friends, and My Dearest Readers, that care enough... and trust me enough to make donations to help me find some small happiness. I am hopeful that when I get my novel works finished... that I find a receptive publisher. That I can get my works published... and never have to ask for the help or assistance of friends, readers, or family... ever again. I just hope that I make it that far. :)

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Adieu!

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Thank you!

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[caption id="attachment_3777" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Danny in Rolling Hills Estates - Rancho Palos Verdes - PV Medical Group Noember 2014 Danny in Rolling Hills Estates - Rancho Palos Verdes - PV Medical Group Noember 2014[/caption]

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© 2010 – 2015
Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe


 

Friday, January 2, 2015

The Battle Rages On...




[caption id="attachment_3780" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Danny Hanning @ Chemotherapy Danny Hanning @ Chemotherapy[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. First, I would like to wish everyone a “Happy New Year!” I don’t know about you, My Dear Shoevians, but I really needed a ‘new’ year. 2014 had become filled with; pain, suffering, sadness, darkness, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of depression. 2014 brought cancer from something that plague my; father’s father, my father, and my brothers. To something tactical and very real to me. Good riddance to 2014!

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Next, I would like to share two ‘new’ events in my life and the life of this blog. First, it is my unfortunate task to inform all of you, My Dear Shoevians, that my chemotherapy was not as “effective” at battling my cancer as my oncologist had hoped. The gains were minimal, and the effects of the treatment on my body, too severe. Therefore, within the next month of so, I will be moving from chemotherapy to radiation therapy. Anyone that has followed a family member through his or her fight with cancer knows what this treatment entails.

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This move concerns me, as does the bodily harm of the chemotherapy. I am concerned about the radiation burns that will appear on my face. Yes, the area they will ‘nuke’ will be my lower right jaw and neck. For a time, I will have a large discolored area. I know it will pass, just like my hair “will grow back”. Knowing and seeing are two very different things. However, I will soldier onward in hopes that the combination of these two different treatment types will give me a great chance of not having to wage this war again, soon.

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youtube=http://youtu.be/jwLsxzpJLtM


(Danny's Chemotherapy December 29th 2014)


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Second, I have not been able to keep up the articles at this blog like I had previously, and like I have wanted. This concerns me greatly, and I am at a loss as to find… assistance. However, with the coming of the ‘New Year’ I will redouble my efforts to make more regular postings. Much is happening with NASA’s Mars Exploration project, and I would very much like to keep all of you abreast. I assure you, My Dear Shoevians, that I will make every effort to keep you abreast of these historic events.

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Since I last posted, I have undergone another chemotherapy treatment. Below is a short video I made during that treatment. You know, My Dear Shoevians, I had ‘good intentions’ when this battle started. Intentions to make this blog a journal of my journey through my cancer treatment. Boy did I underestimate the toll these treatments would demand! Now understand that this chemotherapy is not happening to someone in ‘good health’. Not to someone that jogs frequently, or goes to the gym on a regular basis. My body and health were already compromised by my ongoing health issues.

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For me, this was more like kitting a guy when he is already down… with a baseball bat. I am not ‘complaining’ I am just giving everyone some perspective. Some understanding of just why I have been unable to keep the commitments I have made to you, My Dear Shoevians. Now I am going to give you a little insight into just what you might also be reading, here at The Other Shoe, in the upcoming editions.

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March tenth 2010 I wrote and published my first article for this blog. I started this blog, as I have told you My Dear Shoevians, to be a small counterweight to the overwhelming deluge of negative and harmful media and dialogue coming from the far extremes of the conservative movement. Truthfully, I have been remiss in this original goal. I stepped back from political writing and publications in an effort to halt the alienation of some of my readers. Some of my readers, in the South and in Texas, had become deeply disturbed by my writings. Then, they tied their support for me… for my many ‘causes’ to a kind of control over what I wrote and published.

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I should never have allowed this to happen. What is done, is done, and cannot be undone. However, at the risk of never gain receiving help of assistance… never again knowing the kindness of these ‘others’… and standing alone against a sea of troubles. I will begin a series of articles, here at The Other Shoe, that shines a light on the path ahead. We are not the first modern society to place its feet on a path without; reason, knowledge, or logic. That is what I call it when a very vocal group of zealots want to replace the science of evolution with the illogical and unscientific ramblings of ‘Creationism’.

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That, My Dear Shoevians, is just the tip of the iceberg that has frozen reason in political dialogue and discourse in America. Over the next few weeks I will work to open eyes… to share perspective… to draw political parallels… to bring reason back to American political dialogue. Yes… that is a huge goal… but I am a gay man that made it thought the 80’s death march of HIV/AiDS. We buried thousands of our loved ones… before anyone paid attention. I made it thought that… I made it though a fracking typewriter dropping on my head… I made it through loosing my MOBILITY!

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If you, My Dear Shoevians, think I will shy away from this battle? Then the upcoming weeks and months will change your mind!

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Happy New Year!

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Adieu!

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Thank you!

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[caption id="attachment_3755" align="aligncenter" width="630"]Arival at the Oncologist's Office Arival at the Oncologist's Office[/caption]

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© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe