The Mars Report - 39 Days to MARS?

[caption id="attachment_3870" align="aligncenter" width="630"] 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[/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[/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[/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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[1]http://www.adastrarocket.com/aarc/VASIMR

[2] "Pilot Plasma Engine - GPN-2000-001995" by NASA - Great Images in NASA Description. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pilot_Plasma_Engine_-_GPN-2000-001995.jpg#/media/File:Pilot_Plasma_Engine_-_GPN-2000-001995.jpg

[3]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_force

[4]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_propulsion_engine

[5] ibid

Netflix - 'Battlestar Galactica' = 'Bad Thing'!

[caption id="attachment_3813" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Battlestar-Galactica Cast[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Shoevians to The Other Shoe. Yes! If you haven’t tried to que up ‘Battlestar Galactica’ in the past two months [Like ME… about three days ago]. As well, if you haven’t read many tec-magazine/web site headlines… around the end of September through the first of October? Well you missed out [As did I] on the (October 1^st, 2014) removal of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ from Netflix[1].

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Now many may well say “no big deal… I’ve already seen it…”

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1. You, are not a ‘Galactican’!


2. You just lost more than 3,000 minutes of a hallmark television show. [Yes, today that might seem oxymoronic… not then]


3. It is a ‘Big Deal’ if you enjoy ‘Battlestar Galactica’ and/or you just enjoy science fiction…

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Therefore, ‘Netflix – ‘Battlestar Galactica’ = ‘Bad Thing’ as Martha Stewart would say. For those inquiring minds, out there, yes I have already watched the show… including the ‘Extended Version’ of ‘Razor’ and ‘Blood and Chrome’. However, stuck at home and trying to ignore the side-effects I really wanted something to preoccupy my mind. Good science fiction usually can keep my mind engaged, and ‘Battlestar Galactica’ could do the trick.

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This is when I became aware of the loss of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ from Netflix. I bemoaned this loss… my loss… and then just two days ago I made a discovery! While wandering around the VuDu app on my Xbox-360, I made my discovery! My Dear Shoevians… are you ready? [Now, here is where things will get a might bit excited… that is if you are a Galactica fan… as well as a Shoevian].

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‘Battlestar Galactica’ is one sale at VuDu for… … … (drum roll please)… $9.99 a SEASON![2] That = for $40.00 you get all FOUR seasons… if you shell out $4.95 you get the three hour pilot… For $55.00 you get EVERYTHING! All 3,565 minutes = 59.4 HOURS of Galactica. ‘Battlestar Galactica’ On Sale @ VuDu

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There it is My Dear Shoevians, the balm for one’s science fiction addiction. The cure for your Battlestar needs and for a fraction of what they would cost if you picked them up in Blu-Ray. Oh, did I forget to mention? It is the HDX (1080p) version that you get for the $9.99 price. Yes, it is a steal!

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[caption id="attachment_3814" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Battlestar Galactica Sci FI[/caption]

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Just thought that I might pass that information along for your holiday shopping needs. Today is Friday and I am going to take the rest of the day off to recuperate. There just might be an all new edition of ‘Lost in Space’ coming… before the end of the weekend. Perhaps even the very first ‘A Week in Review’ and a ‘Sunday Funnies’.

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‘Sunday Funnies’ brings me to Alexander R. Hanning. Who, as of a week ago, is fully recovered from his self-inflicted surgery to remove a fibrous tumor from under his skin. Yes, it all happened the day before Thanksgiving and the day after my second chemotherapy treatment. He removed a quarter sized ‘growth’ from under his skin, a scab-like piece of flesh… that looked to be the ringworm infection site. The tumor went all the way down to muscle tissue.

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I was scared shitless that Alexander had done himself grave injury. However, for the next five days I sat with him, cleaned his wound twice daily, applied triple antibiotic cream three times a day, and (at the very beginning) use a ‘Plastic-Bandage’ to close the large tooth-made incision. Talk about jagged edges. Anyway, Alexander R Hanning gave me a terrible scare! He is all very well now. The wound is.. well once the hair grows back.. there is hardly a scar! I wish I healed up as nicely. He is eating solid food, playing and hoping and barking. He is even putting on some weight!

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Well, My Dearest Shoevians, that brings us to the end of this ‘Battlestar Galactica’ update. It really is a great sale on this four season sci-fi classic. I will do what I can to publish again, soon. Until then, keep the ‘Holiday Spirit’, My Dear Shoevians!

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Adieu!

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Thank you!

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© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] Do you HOLIDAY SHOPPING at The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

 

[1] http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/26/6850381/battlestar-galactica-get-ready-to-binge-watch

[2] http://www.vudu.com/movies/#!content/269502/Battlestar-Galactica-TV-Series

The Mars Report - August 18th 2014

[caption id="attachment_2896" align="aligncenter" width="215" class=" "] High-Resolution Self-Portrait by Curiosity Rover Arm Camera[/caption]

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                Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today is Monday August 18^th, 2014. It has been just eleven days since my world was turned upside down and I was told that I have Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. I am still working my way through, like, the stages of ‘grief’ (?). I think that I am to the anger part. Anyway, regardless of my personal/health situation I am going to… “Keep Moving Forward” by writing and publishing as many of my regular articles as I can manage. That being the case, today is Monday and that means a trip to Mars!

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‘The Mars Report’ is now entering its third year of publication. It is easy to keep track because I started this article series right around the time that Curiosity landed on the Martian surface. So long as I keep up with Curiosity’s Anniversaries I can keep track of just how long I have written and published this series of articles.

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As most of you, My Dear Readers, know in preparation for this article I go to the Mars Mission Web Site @ NASA/JPL[1]. I go there to take a ‘look-see’ for new and/or interesting images from Curiosity and Opportunity (Spirit is no longer ‘with’ us). When I went to check things out, for this edition of ‘The Mars Report’ I was delighted to discover that there were about a half-dozen ‘new’ images for me to share with you! That was all I needed to get me moving on this edition, and get all of us back on the Martian surface!

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Now, My Dear Readers, I am going to ask for your indulgence here. As I am still suffering from my neurological pain, and now we can add to that my pain and weakness and fatigue as a result from the cancer. Please understand that I just might use more of the descriptions and narratives from the web site than ever before. However, unlike some (recent) politicians I will properly footnote and credit the sources of the material that I ‘barrow’. I really do not like using the work of other writers, I really enjoy my writing… a lot! I just have to be honest about just how much I can do, and still get articles written and published. Better to barrow some, and publish more, than to barrow none and publish less. Yes?

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For our every first image of the day I thought it would be a good practice to share an image showing Curiosity’s current location on the Martian Surface. Curiosity is currently located in Hidden Valley. This appears at the end of the yellow line near the upper/Center/Right hand side of this image. Right below the number 705, for the Seven hundredth-fifth Sol day on the Martian surface. Curiosity started out at Bradbury’s Landing, named after the brilliant Science Fiction author Ray Bradbury.

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[caption id="attachment_3358" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity’s Current Location in ‘Hidden Valley’[/caption]

(Curiosity’s Current Location in ‘Hidden Valley’)

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While in the location ‘Hidden Valley’ rover Curiosity spots a large rock outcrop, apparently well suited for its fourth drilling operation. This part of the rock outcrop has been labeled ‘Bonanza King’. Our next image was taken while still in the location ‘Hidden Valley’ and looking up the ramp to the rock outcrop and ‘Bonanza King’. Just between you, My Dear Readers, and me? I honestly think that they should take and release more color images from Curiosity. Now I know that color images take up huge amounts of space and take substantially longer to transfer and upload. However, I think that it would make for nicer looking pages for my blog! J

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[caption id="attachment_3361" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Looking Up the Ramp Holding 'Bonanza King' on Mars[/caption]

(Looking Up the Ramp Holding 'Bonanza King' on Mars)

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Having arrived at the rock outcrop out next image looks back and downward. Gazing backward towards ‘Hidden Valley’ through a ‘Fish Eye’ lens, we look into the valley and at a portion of the rock outcrop that ‘Bonanza King’ is found. In this shot, as well as the previous image, you can clearly see the tire tracks of Curiosity in the loose Martian soil. When man, finally, arrives on the Martian surface I image that those astronauts will find the Martian surface very similar to that of the moon. Dusty, loose soil barely clinging to the Martian surface and kicked up by the slightest movement or wind.

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[caption id="attachment_3363" align="aligncenter" width="630"] View Down 'Hidden Valley' Ramp at 'Bonanza King' on Mars[/caption]

(View Down 'Hidden Valley' Ramp at 'Bonanza King' on Mars)

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I really am surprised that I have, so far, not resorted to just ‘copy/paste’ from the web site. It is quite encouraging that I am still taking my time and added my personal touch by writing all descriptions and the narrative myself! Our next image is, again, another shot from Curiosity looking back down and Northeastern into ‘Hidden Valley’. This shot is taken from the rock outcrop along side the ‘Bonanza King’ site of Curiosity’s nest drilling. You can see, in the background of this image, the foothills of our ultimate destination, Mount Sharp! I am looking forward to the arrival of Curiosity at Mount Sharp. All the incredible images, the discoveries, and the scientific experiments and insights we will gain from that location.

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[caption id="attachment_3359" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Down Northeastern Ramp into 'Hidden Valley' on Mars[/caption]

(Down Northeastern Ramp into 'Hidden Valley' on Mars)

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Now for our next image, My Dear Readers, is the candidate for the forth drilling operation by Curiosity on the Martian surface… … … ‘Bonanza King’! This is the ONLY ‘color’ image in this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I didn’t want to put it first, and blow my best image at the very beginning. I didn’t want to put it last, and take the chance that many of you, My Dear Readers, might leave before you saw the only color image. Therefore, I made the decision to place this color image near the middle of my article. That way I am not popping my best right off the bat, and I am not so burying my best that many of you, My Dear Readers, never ‘see’ this beautiful color image. Here goes!

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[caption id="attachment_3360" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Drilling Candidate Site 'Bonanza King' on Mars[/caption]

(Drilling Candidate Site 'Bonanza King' on Mars)

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The final two images for this edition of ‘The Mars Report’ neither come from Curiosity! Here, at the end, I have decided to move away from Curiosity and show some of the work from Opportunity and NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Opportunity was one of two rover’s that landed on the Martian surface as part of the same project and very close to the same time. The other rover was Spirit. Spirit met with an untimely death when it was parked facing the wrong direction, and in an unshielded area, just before the last ‘Martian Winter’. It just didn’t make it and is sitting, in silence, on the Martian surface.

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However, conversely. Opportunity has just finished achieving a milestone in travel. It has just hit the twenty-five mile mark on the Martian Surface. This, My Dear Readers, is the single greatestdistance traveled by any man-made object, on an extraterrestrial surface, since the beginning of time! Giving Opportunity the distinction of extraterrestrial sojourner and America the nation that made it happen! Kudos to all the people responsible for the; programming, construction, launch, landing and direction of Opportunity! KUDOS! Here is the image, from Opportunity, at the end of that twenty-five miles.

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[caption id="attachment_3362" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Opportunity's Surroundings After 25 Miles on Mars[/caption]

(Opportunity's Surroundings After 25 Miles on Mars)

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Here, at the end, My Dear Readers, I just could not make it any further. I am so very proud to have made it seven pages and six images with all the description and narrative written solely by me! However, I am at the very limit my the pain I can handle and my creativity is suffering. Therefore, I am going to ‘copy/paste’ the description and information for the final image of this edition. I do hope that you understand and do not think less of me or hold it against me… that I just had to get a little help… here at the end.

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“A path resembling a dotted line from the upper left to middle right of this image is the track left by an irregularly shaped, oblong boulder as it tumbled down a slope on Mars before coming to rest in an upright attitude at the downhill end of the track. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter recorded this view on July 3, 2014.

The boulder's trail down the slope is about one-third of a mile (about 500 meters) long. The trail has an odd repeating pattern, suggesting the boulder could not roll straight due to its shape.

Calculated from the length of the shadow cast by the rock and the known angle of sunlight during this afternoon exposure, the height of the boulder is about 20 feet (6 meters). Its width as seen from overhead is only about 11.5 feet (3.5 meters), so it indeed has an irregular shape. It came to rest with its long axis pointed up.”[2]

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[caption id="attachment_3357" align="aligncenter" width="630"] An Irregular, Upright Boulder on Mars[/caption]

(An Irregular, Upright Boulder on Mars)

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With that, My Dear Readers, we come to the end of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I have feelings of great accomplishment, considering my current health condition, and joy! I am really feeling it. Right about now I am wondering just how long I am going to be able to keep this up? I will be forced to resort to using my Speech-to-text software… soon. That does not make me happy, as I feel that I miss out on some of the creativity that happens when fingers strike keys.

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My Dear Readers, regardless of how I make it happen? I will continue to write and publish, right here at The Other Shoe for you, My Dear Readers. Now, I would like to ask your indulgence in a personal matter. As you may, or may not, be ware I have just been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This is a very serious form of cancer of the lymph nodes.

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This cancer can be treated and with the proper drugs it responds well and I could live another 10-13 years. Aye, there’s the rub.’ I am a ‘man with limited means’. As such… I am forced to ask you, My Dear Readers, for your assistance. Below is a box. It is a box that is connected to my Indiegogo Campaign – Danny’s Cancer Treatment Fund. If you would, PLEASE, could PLEASE take a moment.. watch the video (I am pretty funny in it) and reach out and HELP me FIGHT this CANCER!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo

http://igg.me/at/DannyCancerTreatmentFund/x

© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx and The Other Shoe

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="220"] Danny's Cancer Treatment Fund @ Indiegogo[/caption]

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[1]http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/eventwebcast/index.html#

[2]http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/mro/pia18594/#.U_F8JcVdX85

Daniel Hanning Breaks into an All NEW Medium!

[caption id="attachment_2868" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

 

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Many of you have noticed my absence over the past several days. For instance, today I did not publish an edition of 'Lost In Space' as I normal. Please, do not fear. I am in (relative) 'good health' meaning I am in a lot of pain... but what's new, right? Nope, I am not absent because of my ill health. I am absent, well for a better reason.

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Over the past several days I have been teaching myself... … … (drum roll, please!) ANIMATION! That's right, over the past several days I have been working to learn the basics of Animation! I have struggled, over the past several weeks, over just what I could add to The Other Shoe? Add so that I might drive more traffic to my site. The other day I was talking with a good friend and they asked me;

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“Danny what do you like?”

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What my brilliant friend was asking was What do I like to WATCH! The answer to which is very simple, Animation! So you see, My Dear Readers, even when it appears as though I am... idle... not working, in truth? I am!

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Below is an example of my work, so far. Now, understand that the movie below is my very first effort in this all new medium! Truthfully, I am just learing about exporting my work product an the video you see, below, is missing some of the 'layers' I created. This particular animation will work as the introduction to all, future, episodes of 'The Horror in Smithville'.

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ENJOY!

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/n165a1MCVNs]

© 2010 – 2014 Hanning Web Wurx for The Other Shoe

 

News from Around the World - June 25th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2693" align="aligncenter" width="400"] News from Around the World[/caption]

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  Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. First, I would like to take a moment and say ‘Thank You!” to everyone that enjoyed yesterday’s gargantuan article ‘Lost in Space – Tour of Our Solar System #3’ which, at last count, had nearly 20 ‘Likes’ already! I really poured my best into that article, hoped for the best and you My Dear Readers appreciated my efforts. For next week’s edition I will be writing about the ‘Dwarf Planets’ that exist at the very edge of the Kuiper Belt. Now back to today’s article and some startling news out of Iraq!

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[caption id="attachment_3125" align="aligncenter" width="630"] ISIS Control Areas in Iraq[/caption]

(ISIS Control Areas in Iraq)

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In an unexpected escalation of the conflict in Iraq, Syrian warplanes have attacked targets within Iraq![1] Now, I have confirmed this news from three news sources; CNN[2], ABC News[3], and The Wall Street Journal[4]. All three are reporting the, in essence, same tory that on Tuesday June 24, 2014 several Syrian Warplanes did carry out attacks in western Al Anbar. The target of the Syrian warplanes was ISIS forces that, just recently, moved into the area bordering with Syrian. This is no only an escalation of hostilities; this action puts Syrian President Assad backing “Baghdad's Shiite-dominated government fight*(against) Sunni insurgents”[5]. The attacks have, reportedly, killed 50 or more people and injured up to 132. At first Iraqi news agencies reported that “U.S. air strikes had hit ISIS forces at the Iraqi Syrian border.”[6] Rather rapidly the Pentagon denounced these reports as “false”.

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In other news from Iraq, Tuesday saw the arrival of the first 130 members of American Military Advisors to Baghdad. That is 130 out of a potential 300 America military advisors headed for Iraq and Baghdad. Tuesday also saw the arrival of Iranian troops. Iranian ‘Special Forces’ were deployed to help protect the capital (Baghdad) as well as the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, which Shiites revere[7].

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[caption id="attachment_3124" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Map of Iraq’s Ethnic Divisions[/caption]

(Map of Iraq’s Ethnic Divisions)

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My Dear Readers, looks like everybody now has their fingers in the Iraqi pie. To many Conservative; writers, anchors, and pundits this is a “terrible development” and Rush Limbaugh has said that “the Obama administration is giving out engraved invitations for Iran to take over Iraq…”[8] It is my humble opinion that, with all the different forces currently in Baghdad, it would be pretty darn difficult for that scenario to take place. The proof is in the pudding… meaning nobody is going to know how this is all going to turn out… well, until it does. ‘Reading Tea Leaves’, at this point in the game, would be difficult at best and disingenuous at worst.

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My two cents? This just might be an opportunity for; Syria, Iran, Iraq and America to find some… solidarity. Seems we all have the same goals in mind:

1) Repel the forces of ISIS

2) Keep the current (elected) government in power in Iraq.

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Shared misfortune makes for strange bedfellows. I reserve my judgment on just how this situation plays out, however, My Dear Readers, I will do my best to keep you informed.

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[caption id="attachment_3126" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Spain’s Princess Cristian de Borbon[/caption]

(Spain’s Princess Cristian de Borbon)

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Last week I wrote about Spain’s former King, Juan Carlos, abdicating so that his son, King Felipe VI, could take over the Monarchy. These actions were meant to ‘shore up’ Spain’s faltering economy and overall approval of the Monarchy. Well, the paint on King Felipe VI’s ‘royal portrait’ is not even dry, and there is trouble in the court. Seems that Princess Cristian de Borbon, sister to King Felipe VI, is now facing corruption charges in Spain![10]

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[caption id="attachment_3127" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Princess Cristian de Borbon Leaving Court Saturday[/caption]

(Princess Cristian de Borbon Leaving Court Saturday)

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The image, above, is of the Princess leaving the court in Palma de Mallorca, capital of the Balearic Islands on Saturday morning after answering questions. The charges are that she, and her husband Urdangarin (a former Olympic handball player), used their ‘royal influence’ for graft and theft. These accusations, and some of the ways the two are responding to the charges, have caused the new King’s national approval ratings to plummet. Nearly two-thirds of Spaniards want the new King to abdicate and hand the crown over to his son. I’ll keep you posted on this palace intrigue.

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It seems that the U.S. Supreme Court has given a ‘death Blow’ to Aereo's ‘Streaming TV Service’ in several major American city’s outlets[9]. Started just about a year ago, Aereo offered a service whereby a (paid @ ~ $8 a month) subscriber could stream broadcast programs on their mobile device(s). Immediately the nation’s major broadcast networks filed suit claiming that Aereo infringed on their copyright protections by illegally retransmitting their cotnent without paying. BINGO! IN a 6/3 ruling the court sided with the nation’s broadcasters and Aereo is (now) a thing of the past. My Two Cents – You can’t get something for nothing, Aereo!

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Now, yesterday’s gargantuan seventeen page edition of ‘Lost in Space’ really ‘put the hurt’ on yours truly. I really wanted to get out this edition of ‘News from Around the World’. Having done, I will be cutting things a little short, here today. Again a BIG “Thank YOU!” to everyone that came by and ‘Like(d)’ my gargantuan edition of ‘Lost In Space’ (click there < to see!). It made my heart beat pitter-patter to see all of those many ‘Like(s)’! I was very moved by your show of appreciation for my efforts. I worked rather hard, on that edition, I tried something new… and I am glad I made the gargantuan effort, and took the chance. “Thank YOU!”

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That will wrap it up for this edition of ‘New from Around the World’. If anything… more happens? I will work to bring it to you, My Dear Readers, right here at ‘The Other Shoe’!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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

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

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

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[1]http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/25/world/meast/iraq-crisis/index.html?hpt=wo_c1

[2]http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/25/world/meast/iraq-crisis/index.html?hpt=wo_c1

[3]http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/06/syrian-war-planes-strike-isis-targets-in-iraq-us-says/

[4]http://online.wsj.com/articles/sunni-rebels-take-complete-control-of-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-1403605510

[5]http://online.wsj.com/articles/sunni-rebels-take-complete-control-of-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-1403605510

[6]http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/06/syrian-war-planes-strike-isis-targets-in-iraq-us-says/

[7]http://online.wsj.com/articles/sunni-rebels-take-complete-control-of-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-1403605510

[8]http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2014/06/16/Rush-Limbaugh-Obama-Administration-Giving-Out-Engraved-Invitations-To-Iran-to-Take-Over-Iraq

[9]http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-supreme-court-pulls-plug-aereos-streaming-tv-service-n140486

[10]http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/spains-princess-cristina-faces-trial-corruption-charges-n140526

News From Around the World - June 19th, 2014

[caption id="attachment_2693" align="aligncenter" width="400"] News from Around the World[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. As well, welcome to the June 19^th, 2014 edition of ‘News from Around the World’. Just moments ago I published a review of the first Eleven episodes of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. Just click on that link, just behind us at the end of the last sentence, and you can get caught-up on all the action and thrills! Then, come back right here tomorrow (Friday June 20^th, 2014) and read the twelfth episode!

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Now, let us proceed with this edition of “News from Around the World’. Today were are going to drop by L.A., Spain, Washington state, and Washington D.C. for a jaunty romp through the headlines. Every week I rummage through headlines to find some of the stories not covered by the network news, and a new take on some that were. Honestly, there were more stories to cover this week, than I had time to properly prepare the article. So, let’s jump right in and get our feet wet!

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Our first story for the day, takes us to L.A. and a law that found its way on to the books, back in 1983. For more than two decades it has been illegal for residents from using their vehicles as; ‘living quarters, both day-to-day, overnight and otherwise’[1]. I know, from personal experience, that in the city of Los Angeles this law is; rigorously, dutifully and sometimes zealously enforced. Today, June 19^th 2014, a Federal Appeals Court ruled that this law is “unconstitutional” as it targets the homeless and the poor.

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[caption id="attachment_3073" align="aligncenter" width="466"] Car Sleeper Palo Alto CA[/caption]

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In the decision the judge made this observation;

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"Is it impermissible to eat food in a vehicle? Is it illegal to keep a sleeping bag? Canned food? Books? What about speaking on a cellphone? Or staying in the car to get out of the rain?" Judge Harry Pregerson wrote for the panel. "These are all actions plaintiffs were taking when arrested for violation of the ordinance, all of which are otherwise perfectly legal."[2]

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This decision helps to highlight a divide happening all across Los Angeles. On one hand the city council of L.A. is working to pass a new ordinance that would make it illegal to ‘feed the homeless, while in the city limits of Los Angeles…’ and on the other hand courts are striking down old discriminatory ordinances and laws. What we have here is a genuine conflict between the will of the wealthy, and the needs of the poor and underserved. Whereas a good many of the wealthy citizens of Los Angeles are going weary of ‘seeing’ the least advantaged and feel that they detract from the natural beauty of Los Angeles’, the courts are actively protecting the rights of the poor and homeless.

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[caption id="attachment_3074" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Living in the Car[/caption]

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For the past thirty years Los Angeles has had a growing homeless population. With the growing inequality, and a recovery that is helping only those that already ‘have’. The L.A. elite (some, in the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills) have grown too weary from having to actually see the results of overt greed and avarice. They have, in turn, turned to the local municipalities (Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills) and become involved in local politics for one reason, to have the poor and homeless ‘removed from site’.

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While the city councils and Mayors are, at times, all too happy to serve this minority (the wealthy) and help pass discriminatory laws against the rights of the least among us; the poor, the homeless, transients and the rest. At the same time the local courts have been awaken by local civil rights organizations. These organizations want to work with local governments, yet there exists a conflict of interests. The local governments figure if they just ‘make life for the poor unbearable in our city, they will leave’, they are (in fact) violating the civil rights of American citizens. This battle is long from being done, and I fear that things for the least among us will only get worse, before it gets better. I will follow in future editions, this battle between rights and wealth.

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Now we will take a journey of several thousand miles to the country of Spain. I am very happy to share this news item, from today’s news. Spain has just gained its newest King! Seventy-six year old King Juan Carlos abdicated his crown, so that the Spanish Monocracy could gain younger blood. Today King Felipe VI was sworn in, in front of the entire nation, in the royal palace in Madrid.

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[caption id="attachment_3076" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Spain's new King Felipe VI, his wife Queen Letizia, Princess Sofia and Princess Leonor attend the swearing-in ceremony at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, June 19, 2014.[/caption]

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It is the hopes of the Crown, and elected officials, that this ‘new blood’ will (somehow) help with the terrible financial problems. Spain is beset with crippling financial problems, and very few solutions. On the up-side the country, and the people, are gaining a very handsome ‘Royal Family’. Ending the long rein of the 76 year old sovereign, just may not have the desired results on their economy. I have shared a couple of the images I have picked up on line, of the searing in ceremony, and the new King. I just thought it was a nice turn from the opening article, and a little light on an otherwise gloomy day.

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[caption id="attachment_3077" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Spain's King Juan Carlos (R) places the Sash of Captain-General on new King Felipe VI[/caption]

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Next, well if you are anything like me (a news junky) you know that President Obama has addressed the nation, and taken many questions, on the current situation in Iraq. Now, My Dear Readers, if you have read my article from last Thursday (News From Around the World – Iraq Update) then you are fully aware of my position on this Iraqi situation. If not, here it is in a ‘nutshell’. What we are witnessing, in Iraq, is the results of a blood feud between the (in power) Shiite population and the (not in any power positions) Sunni population. This is exactly what many American foreign affairs experts feared, when we stormed into Iraq under President Bush and Dick Cheney.

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At this point in time most American people realize that the ‘War in Iraq’ was a war of choice. Meaning, Iraq had nothing to do with the attacks on 9/11, there are no credible evidence of ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ in Iraq (at the time we attacked). There really was no logistic or ‘National Security’ reason for America to go into Iraq, at that time. Many foreign affairs experts, most notably among them Henry Kissinger, to go into Iraq would be to ‘destabilize the whole region for generations to come…’. We were not “Greeted as liberators’ in 2005 the insurgency was not “in the last throes”[3]as Dick Cheney stated.

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Now, Iraq is being torn in twain and there is blood running in the streets. The war hawks that pushed us into the original conflict, are doing double-time on television and the air waves pushing for us to throw more American lives into this meat grinder. For a growing number of Americans, this is not a reasonable solution. We have, already, lost trillions in national treasure, and thousands of American lives. This brings me to the national televised decision of President Obama that we America will not put boots on the ground in Iraq, again.

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That he is sending over military advisors, to help the Iraqi Generals regain control over their forces (in their first clashes with ISIS troops the Iraqi Army threw down their arms… and ran). I am not overjoyed that President Obama said “the United States is prepared to take “targeted and precise” military action against Islamist militants in Iraq”[4] Even though he did say that American forces “will not be returning to combat.”[5]

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Again, My Dear Readers, I will be tracking and writing about this topic as the story unfolds. It is just that this is NEWS and it is so rarely that I have the opportunity to share real news in a timely fashion, and today I have that opportunity. I stand behind Presindet Obama’s choice to not spill more American blood in the sands of Iraq. This is just a ‘family thing’ between Sunnis and Shiites and the best thing America can do, at this point in time, is to just keep our boots out of that sand!

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While strolling through the news, one day, in the very merry month of… June. I came across a very disturbing news story. I am not of the time, or the knowledge, to ding into this story the way I usually do. Yet, I just could not turn away so I am going to share this news story in the hopes that I can help bring the story of this tragedy to more Americans. There is a very perplexing cluster of birth defects in Washington state. I just read about this today, and I am sharing this news as I am learning about it. Please be aware that I am on a bit of a learning curve on this story, that I usually do not find myself.

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It just called out to me… cried out for attention… and ink. Since 2010 forty-two (42) babies have been born with “so-called neural tube defects … … … including 32 with a fatal condition in which they’re born missing parts of the brain and skull”[6]

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Now, comes (what I find) to be the most disturbing aspect of this cluster of illness. More than half of these babies were born to Mexican-American mothers. Now, from my experience working in pharmacology, I can tell you that birth defects, of this nature, generally point to low levels of folic acid in the mother’s diet during gestation. My Dear Readers, this was a known problem among mother’s of European decent, in the early part of the 20^th century.

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[caption id="attachment_3075" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Newborn baby[/caption]

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The FDA came in and we added Iron supplements to all breads, as a part of an international effort, in the 1940’s. This was labeled ‘Enriched Flour’[7] and we see this all over our markets, today. It is in nearly all of our breads and most of our flours. However, the Hispanic population does not eat much of our enriched flour breads and enriched flour products. As a part of their normal (regional based) diet they eat corn mesa (corn flour), which is not enriched with; folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine and calcium.[8]

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Now there is a petition, calling for the fortification of corn mesa, that has been sitting with the Food And Drug Administration for the past two years. It is my humble opinion that more Americans need to get behind this effort to have corn mesa fortified, just the way our flours have been for the past seventy years. It is not fair to these families, to these mothers, and to these babies to not have fortified Corn Mesa available for them to purchase and use in the diet.

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[caption id="attachment_3072" align="aligncenter" width="275"] Nursing Baby[/caption]

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These neural tube birth defects can be quite costly, to the family and in poor families this cost is passed on to the community as a whole. It really is in the best interest of our society that we make sure that these foods get the proper fortificationof the vitamins and minerals that we, Americans of European decent, get every single day. That’s My Two Cents for this week.

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That, My Dear Readers, brings us to the end of ‘News from Around the World’ for this week. I hope that every one of my readers is in good health, and fine spirits. If you read my ‘Notes from Behind the Keyboard’ (This week) and/or watched the video… well, then you know my current health condition, and the complications that lay ahead for me. Moving on… I hope that everyone has enjoyed the news articles I have brought here, today. Each week I look and look for news and articles that I think might be of interest, and that many (of not most) news media outlets have missed.

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As always, I have enjoyed our time together and look forward to seeing you here tomorrow for… … … “The Horror in Smithville – Part Twelve’! Matter of fact, as soon as I rest my neck and back… get a handle on the pain, I will be right back behind this keyboard taking Timmy, Archer, David (Mr. Champion) and US for another adventure in Smithville. Until then…

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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

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

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

 

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[1]http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Los-Angeles-Sleeping-Living-in-Vehicles-Cars-Law-Court-Ruling-Appeal-263860741.html

[2]http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Los-Angeles-Sleeping-Living-in-Vehicles-Cars-Law-Court-Ruling-Appeal-263860741.html

[3]http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2014/06/19/Megyn-Kelly-to-Dick-Cheney-History-Has-Proven-that-You-Got-It-Wrong-as-Well-in-Iraq-Sir

[4]http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/iraq-turmoil/obama-u-s-prepared-take-targeted-action-iraq-n135621

[5]http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/iraq-turmoil/obama-u-s-prepared-take-targeted-action-iraq-n135621

[6]http://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/mystery-birth-defect-cluster-diet-blame-n135026

[7]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enriched_flour

[8]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enriched_flour

World of Warcraft - Warlords of Draenor

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[caption id="attachment_2957" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Wolrd of Warcraft - Warlords of Draenor Map[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. As promised, I am here today to bring you the scoop on the newest edition to the storied MMORPG franchise, ‘World of Warcraft’! That’s right today you will get a peak at the upcoming expansion ‘Warlords of Draenor’. First, to get a little of the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way, ALL materials shared here are copyright of Blizzard Entertainment and not property of The Other Shoe. That means, I am just here to share what is already readily available at the web site I linked above. I am not to break any news, or share anything new.

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[caption id="attachment_2955" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor - Garrison 1[/caption]

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Now, to begin with, the image at the top of the page is a map of the whole new world that Blizzard has created for this their newest expansion. The land is Draenor, and Blizzard has opted to add a whole new land to the growing world that is Azeroth. If, by the end of this story, you My Dear Readers are ready to join the (nearly) twelve million subscribers to World of Warcraft and play in the new world Draenor? All you have to do is follow any of the links embedded into this article (especially the ones with the word Draenor) and it will take you to the site where, you too, can join and fight the good fight in Azeroth.

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[caption id="attachment_2953" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor - Village 1[/caption]

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AS I was saying, this expansion does include;

• A Whole NEW Land


• Level Cap RAISED to 100


• AUTOMATIC leveling to 90 (you don’t have to grind through the first 90 levels if you do not want to),


• Ability to BUILD your OWN Garrison


• NEW character models


• SEVEN new dungeons and TWO new raids


• NEW World Bosses


• NEW Battlegrounds


• NEW challenge modes and TONS more new features.

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[caption id="attachment_2949" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor - Village Complete 1[/caption]

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As well, they have created a whole new WORLD that you see in the image at the top of the page. Now, in-between paragraphs you will see screenshots FROM the new expansion. There, again, are all Thanks to Blizzard Entertainment.

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One of the new features is the ability to build your own garrison, and then defend it against attack! I first say this feature, in an MMORPG, in ‘Age of Conan’ back in 2012. This is a great feature for Blizzard to add to this storied franchise. You see, once you have built your garrison (FYI - You garrison levels WITH you) you can enlist followers that will act as citizens in your garrison. You followers will; operate your lumber mill, make potions in you Alchemy Laboratory, or make and craft magical components in your ‘Enchanter’s Study. All of your followers will have chores to accomplish, and all will work for the greater glory of your garrison.

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[caption id="attachment_2956" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor - Garrison Full 6[/caption]

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As I mentioned above, if you pre-purchase ‘Warlords of Draenor’, right now, you will get a ‘Level 90 Character Boost’. That means if you are starting with ‘World of Warcraft’ right now, for the first time, you can skip the (weeks long) hard work of leveling up to level 90! That is a feature, automatic leveling, that Blizzard has never offered before. This is a real treat for those thinking of entering the world of Azeroth for the first time! Players, like me, have worked every expansion, played every quest we could find. This is a real boon for the inexperienced MMORPG player, and an opportunity of a lifetime!

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[caption id="attachment_2954" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor Village 2[/caption]

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For those of you that have never played an MMOPRG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) I have to tell you… it is an experience that you will not soon forget. For, literally, millions of people from all over the planet this game, ‘World of Warcraft’, is more than just a game… it is an escape! An escape after a long day, at a thankless job, you can some home for friends and adventure!An escape from the doldrums of reality,from office politics and the like… an escape to a beautiful land full of life and adventure.

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[caption id="attachment_2948" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor Full Moon 1[/caption]

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Let me take a moment to draw your attention to the many beautiful images that I have taken the time to share with you, My Dear Readers, here, today. These are just from the expansion ‘Warlords of Draenor’ but the entirety of the world of Azeroth is a sight to behold. A decade in the making you can, literally, spend weeks to months just exploring the world of Azeroth. As a matter of fact, there is an accomplishment for exploring and adventuring in the world of Azeroth! You can even become an archeologist within the game and dig up artifacts that can, then, be turned into powerful in-game items.

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[caption id="attachment_2951" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor - Major City 1[/caption]

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There is really no limit on what you can do, in the world of Azeroth. The only limitations are your time and your imagination. I have been playing this game since January of 2005. Still I find unexplored areas, and each week I manage to master a new ability of level my characters. If anyone is interested, my toons live on the server Alexstraza and all my toons are Alliance faction. There are Horde characters to play, too! On the Alliance side there is; Human, Night Elf, Gnome, Dwarf Draenie, Worgen and Panderian races. On the side of The Horde there is; Undead, Troll, Tauren, Orc, Blood Elf, Goblin, and Panderian. Once, in game, you can choose between Alliance and The Horde then you can choose any of the above named races. Once the expansion it out… there will be more races from which to choose.

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[caption id="attachment_2952" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Warlords of Draenor - Village Screenshot 4[/caption]

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All in all, it is an exciting time in the ‘World of Warcraft’ and the land of Azeroth. I just cannot think of a better time to join the game, and; adventure, explore, battle, complete quests, build and make new friends. I hope that everyone has enjoyed this expansion update and I look forward to seeing YOU in AZEROTH!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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