MMORPGs And YOU! - Conclusion

              Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Now that I have both of my blog locations working properly, and I have a minute new medication I’m taking for my rheumatoid arthritis. I am ready to begin the process of catching up on publications. The two articles that I will be publishing this weekend were initially slated for the last week in December 2013. The first of these articles, and the one I will be publishing today (Saturday), is the conclusion of the most popular series of articles for 2013.

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That series of articles, of course, is ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’.  When I started this series, on June 24^th 2013, I had no idea that it would span seven months and nine articles. Touting (compiled from all nine of the series) a grand total of 145 ‘Like’(s) this series was/is my greatest work to date. Hands down, the single most popular of the series was… … (drum roll, please)… … ‘Star Wars the Old Republic’ with thirty-six Likes total.

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As is that was not enough, this series was the single most ‘reblogged’ of all my works to date. Carried by three other bloggers (at one point) these articles certainty are the epiphany of my abilities in 2013. As a ‘Tip of the Hat’ to this storied franchise I will revisit each and every of these fine articles here, today. I have been working on this homage for the past two weeks. At first I really wanted to include a screenshot and a video from each and every one of these fine articles. However, due to the temperamental nature of my primary blog’s server… and the growing pain in my left paw, I will be including only a screenshot with each synopsis.

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If you would like to see some (or all) of the in game videos you need only follow the link (at the beginning of each synopsis) and visit the respective web page. FYI I made over thirty-six (three dozen) in game videos through the life of this series. Never before, and not since, have I spent as much time and effort on the production and publication of articles. I am very proud of this, my largest, body of work.

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Now, without further adieu I bring you (in its entirety)  ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’.

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• ·        MMORPG(s) and YOU – 1st Edition – Rift : “Rift was born of a culture already brimming with MMORPGs. There was the primary MMORPGs like; WoW and Everquest. The next tier of MMOs would include; Aion, Rift, Lord of the Rings Online, and Star Trek Online. These round out the middle of the market. Next would be the user designed games like; Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2.”   I had no idea, when I wrote those words, that over the next six months I would write an article about nearly every one of those games. Little did I know that Rift would end up being the jumping off point for the single largest and most popular series of articles I ever published at The Other Shoe. I still play Rift, though with my left hand spending most waking hours with a hot pack wrapped around it, I do not play Rift nearly as much as I would like.


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[caption id="attachment_857" align="aligncenter" width="630"] My toon, Enzo Matrix, at the Intro Screen for Rift. This is where you choose which toon you want to play.[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And You! – Part Two – Age of Conan: “The game that you’ve been seeing pictures and videos, above, are from the MMORPG ‘Age of Conan’. This MMORPG is based in the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As well, a lot of the characters the plot lines the story are lifted from the movie series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. If, My Dear Readers, you enjoyed in the works of Doyle or the movies of Arnold Schwarzenegger this MMORPG is the one for you!” Once I saw that the article on Rift had garnered twenty-something ‘Likes’ I knew that I was on to something worth spending time writing and publishing. As well, getting the screenshots and in game videos was getting back in game with some of my favorite games. When I wrote this article, I had not played Age of Conan since it went to a Free-to-Play format. There were a great many changes. Some I did not like, but the vast majority I found enhanced the game play.

[caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix-Age of Conan Riding Blue Snow Mammoth[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs and YOU! – Part Three – Aion : “Now when I tell you that Aion it is a stylized what I mean to say is that every character in the game is beautiful and dressed in fine silken garments. For guys, if you have issues with your masculinity then this might not be the game for you. If you have uncomfortable thoughts, when looking at attractive guys and men, this game is not for you. However, if you like looking at beautiful men and women dressed in fine garments and beautiful armor? Well then, Aion is the game for you! If the attractiveness of yourself and your fellow gamers is just a non-issue for you? Then this is the game for you, too!” Of all the MMORPGs that I shared with you, My Dear Readers, Aion is the single most stylized. Designed by, and for, the target audience of South Koreans this game is as distinctive as it is dynamic. In no other MMORPG I have ever played do you grow wings and fly! The costumes and armor are flowing garments seemingly made of gossamer. This game is not for everyone, but those who do take a venture into this realm will be greatly rewarded for their efforts. I would have to rate this game in my ‘Top Five’ of the genre.

[caption id="attachment_2076" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix-Danny in Aion[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Part Four – Guild Wars 2 : “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe and another edition of ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’. Let me first take a moment to say “Thank You!” to all of you who have been reblogging this series all over the net. It is really quite flattering, and humbling to, to see this sign of appreciation of my work. I have been writing, here at The Other Shoe, for nearly 3 years and this is the first time I had one of My Dear Readers share my work with others. Again, thank you.”  And, there it is, the highlight of my blogging life… right there in print. After nearly three years of writing I was finally seeing my work published at other blogs. Oh, at this point Bob Shieffer had already used my words on NATIONAL TV but… this was a very important moment in my life of blogging. This game, ‘Guild Wars 2’ had an advantage over all of the other MMORPGs that I shared with you, My Dear Readers. It was the SECOND game of the same title. This gave this MMORPG a distinct advantage over all of the other games I shared of this genre. This game is completely ‘Free-to-Play’ with no strings attached and is still played by millions each and every day. I still have it installed on my gaming computer, and at times I still play this game. It is a very enjoyable franchise.

[caption id="attachment_965" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a close-up of Danny/Enzomatrix in Guild Wars 2, While in the City.[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Part Five – Star Trek On Line : “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Fifth edition of ‘MMORPGs And YOU!. Welcome to Part Five – Star Trek On Line. This edition, based on the Star Trek Intellectual Property seems to be timed by a larger force. Perfect Worldis the current keeper of this storied franchise. This title saw several hands during its creation and birth, but Perfect World finally brought it to the world, and spent the last two years refining STOL.”  Of ALL the MMORPGs that I have shared, and played, this game had the single most difficult birth and launch. Of course, when you are dealing with an intellectual property with a history as long as the Star Trek world you are bound to have problems. I remember watching the inception and creation of the game for YEARS! Nearly a decade was spent brining this franchise to this genre. There were more people and hands involved in the creation of this game than any other MMROPG in history. Only to have its ten year conception and birth to be followed by one of (not the worst) single most difficult launches I have seen since World of Warcraft. IF you enjoy ANY of the storylines of this franchise, you WILL enjoy this MMORPG. ALL of the different TV series and movies are represented in this game. IF you like Star Trek, then you simply cannot miss out on playing this game!

[caption id="attachment_2077" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Consitution at Space Dock With Earth in Background[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Part Six – Star Wars The Old Republic : “Lucas Arts excelled at that bringing a pioneering gaming moment to gamers just like me. The MMORPG ‘Star Wars – The Old Republic’ delivers a like experience. For sound (music) you have John Williams playing in your ears throughout the entire game. Everywhere you go, everywhere you fight and die… there’s John Williams playing in the background in huge orchestral style. It makes key moments, in the game, seem almost cinematic. See, right there… that is what Lucas Arts did with games. Lucas Arts made games that were larger than life.” If one ever needed proof that MMORPGs are THE gaming genre of the 21^st century, you need look no further than these last two titles. Here are the two most successful Sci-Fi franchises in history, both represented in an MMORPG. Yes, there were PC Games from both of these storied franchises, but never before have two science fiction series been better rendered into reality. I consider myself fortunate to have been able top play both of these games. Writing this article, I do realize that coming only second to writing and publication, playing MMORPGs are my favorite past time. I watched the movies. I read the books. However, until you install one of these games you never really enter these worlds. This MMORPG is a great game, and great play and an investment in interactive entertainment.

[caption id="attachment_1135" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Enzomatrix/Danny With Companions On Coruscant)[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! Final Fantasy XIV – A Realm Reborn : “Now, My Dear Readers, I have been playing this storied franchise since the original Nintendo gaming system. I’m not talking about the Super Nintendo or the N64 I am talking about the original eight bit Nintendo gaming system. I’ve been playing this franchise for the better part of 25 years. Not only that, but I had the opportunity to be a Beta tester for Final Fantasy XI and XIV. I also played, extensively, this game before its redesign and “rebirth”. This gives me a unique perspective on this Realm Reborn version of this massively multiplayer online role-playing game.”  Earlier, when writing about Guild Wars 2, I mentioned who that game had an advantage in that it was the second MMORPG of the same franchise… and that it was alone in that regard. I totally forgot about Final Fantasy, for good reason. Final Fantasy XI (11) was the very first MMORPG for the Final Fantasy franchise. However, 11 was just so bad… for the majority of gamers, that it just slipped my mind. Further, though few people outside gaming know Final Fantasy, this franchise now has over FORUTEEN titles. I remember playing this franchise on the Nintendo (original) gaming console… many many years ago. This MMORPG is still a little buggy, and I had hoped to still be playing… However, my membership lapsed just the other day and I am in no position to afford to renew my subscription. Still, this is a good MMORPG, not of the ease of play of WoW or Guild Wars 2, it is still a good game belonging to a great franchise.

[caption id="attachment_1939" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Daniel/Enzo Matrix in Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – World Of Warcraft : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is the eighth article of this series ‘MMORPGs and YOU!’ here atThe Other Shoe. Since the very first article of this series I have wanted to bring you screenshots and video of game play inWorld of Warcraft. However, it was not until this week that, through the kindness of an online friend, I had access to my World of Warcraft account. I was given a ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ from a good friend of mine in World of Warcraft. This ‘Scroll of Resurrection’ can be given to any player who’s been away from the game for more than three months to, quite literally, bring them back to life in the game.”   Strong and found memories, I have for this title. This was the very first MMORPG that I ever played. Just thinking of this game brings back such strong and detailed memories. Yes, World of Warcraft has a very bumpy launch. However, it was the very first of the ‘Mega’ MMORPGs and still has the record for largest subscription base in the history of the genre. At one point, this title, all by itself, aided the ‘Gaming’ to eclipse MOVIES in gross profits. Yes, it was the 12 MILLION subscription member base that catapulted Blizzard from a small company to being bought and sold… and in so doing making and breaking whole corporations. Now, the game’s subscription base is much smaller. Less than half of what it was in its heyday. It is still ‘One-of-A-Kind’ among MMORPGs. This IS the game I think of playing, most often, when I long to play an MMORPG… again. Writing about WoW… makes me want to be able to play it, today.

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[caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Allen and Daniel on Bear Mounts in WOW[/caption]

 

• ·        MMORPGs And YOU! – Requiem : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I present number Nine in my ridiculously popular series ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’ Requiem. Requiemis a FTP (Free-To-Play) MMORPG that launched in June of 2008 by Gravity LTD. Gravityis game developer located in South Korea and is known for such titles as; Ragnorok On Line, Dragonsaga, Steal Fighter, and Requiem. I was still writing for a gaming web site, as Lead Gaming Writer and Editor, when Requiem went into Beta.”  The ninth, and final, MMORPG in this series of articles. This ‘horror based’ MMORPG occupies a special place in my collection of games of this genre. I was contacted by the development team and offered a (much desired) opening in the Closed Beta in exchange for exposure on our web site. I, of course, jumped at the chance to get into (yet another) Beta and had the opportunity to help guide the final development of this game. IF you like horror movies and you want a VERY easy MMORPG to download and play? You need go NO further than the web page for this title. It can be downloaded, and updated, in just a couple of hours. It is completely ‘Free-to-Play’ and you will be involved and flying by dinnertime. I heartily indorse this game, and still play it myself, from time to time. IF you decide to check it out, let me know. There is only ONE server, and I would be happy to show you hoe to play.

[caption id="attachment_2039" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo Warrior Class[/caption]

 

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Well, My Dear Readers, that brings us to the very end of my favorite series of articles in the life of my blog… so far. This article has taken me… well, two weeks… off and on, to complete. PLEASE… consider ‘reblogging’… and ‘SHARING’. This is the ONLY way my work will see the light of day. I hope that you have enjoyed this compilation of my nine part series; MMORPGs And YOU!

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

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Thank YOU!

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The Other Shoe for 2014... and more

Dear Family, Friends, and Followers of @ The Other Shoe and Facebook,

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            It is come to my attention that my primary blog (art blog dot com) is, big surprise, not working. Along with the fact that, over the holiday season, I was diagnosed with advanced rheumatoid arthritis in my left hand.  [Yes, that means that Danny spent more than a few hours in the emergency room since Thanksgiving] That means I have not been posting… publishing as much as I would like.. or care.  I know a lot of you… A lot of you, My Dear Readers, care about me. Moreover, I mean more (to some of you) than just… in the passing kind of abandoned stray cat way. I understand that with that caring comes responsibility. Responsibility to you, My Dear Readers, to be honest… To be forthright… In addition, to not cause you undue worry or concern.

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However, I’m not family to any of you. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s (at least for me) are times meant especially for family. The last thing in the world I want to do is to interrupt your beautiful holiday time, with you and your families. Therefore, I did my best to write as much as I could… to keep things going… to make a video (as promised) so that you wouldn’t worry. You all mean so much to me and I don’t want to make you worry. However, the holidays are over now. In addition, I’d like to take this moment to say (from the very depths of my heart) I hope each and every one of you, My Dear Readers, had a wonderful holiday season with your families.

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I genuinely hope that over the past six weeks you had occasion to build memories with your families and loved ones that you will be happy to return to time and time again year after year. I don’t have any family. Correction, I don’t have any blood family that care enough to lay claim to me… as family. There’s a whole plethora of reasons why the people that; I grew up with, I stood as best man as they got married, I learned how to tie my shoes from, they bought me beer when I was under age, they taught me how to play board games, they held me when I was scared.  These people, these family members, don’t want me in their lives. Stop. Right there, stop. I have no ill will. I have no desire for sympathy or, God bless your soul, pity. I say this because it’s true and because if you’ve read my work more than once you know I’m a brutally honest man. Whereas I did not spend any holiday with family I still have a very deep respect for you spending time with your family.

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So between the holiday onset of my rheumatoid arthritis and the primary location of my blog being, and again, in operative? I have not written as much as I would like. I have not told his many tales as I want to. I have not taken you to all the places I could (and should) take you to. For that, I apologize. 2014 is a whole new fresh year. It’s a whole new opportunity. As matter fact, it’s 365 opportunities back to back. I’m going to take this year out and ride it hard,  put it up wet.

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You may not understand this, My Dear Readers, but there are two different locations for mu blog The Other Shoe.  These two different locations each have their own readers… their own readership. Believe it or not you don’t all like, or dislike, the same things. Believe it or not there are not a whole lot of you that visit both blogs. Believe it or not I really don’t like it when I can only put something I’ve written on one of the other blogs.

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It just doesn’t feel fair to me to post something at blog.com… and not post it to word press.com. I feel like I’m cheating. I feel like I’m buying a present for only one of my children and out the other. That is why, later this year, I’m in a do everything I can to register the new domain The Other Shoe.blog. And then I’m going to ask all of my readers at blog.com and all of my readers at word press to join me at the new location. I can’t tell you how much it would mean to me to be able to do that, to have one blog where I am in control. One that never breaks down… where everybody (at the same time) can read everything I write when I write it.

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I don’t know how many of you, My Dear Readers,  had the occasion to be in emergency room or hospital like recently. I haven’t been in one (an emergency room) in probably a decade. Further, in a hospital well, since the surgery on my cervical spine in 2007. Even going into the emergency room now they, like, treat you like you’re going to die. I say that… and, you say that is an overstatement… yes. However, it struck me when they asked me;

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            “Mr. Hanning do you have a living will or a medical power of attorney?”

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I have a medical power of attorney and if, God forbid, something dire happens to me and I’m not able to write or think for myself? Allen is the guy  to decide what’s to be done with me if I can’t think for myself. However, the will… The will is something I haven’t given a whole lot of thought about.

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I have interesting relationships with my doctors. I don’t know of is my personality, I don’t know if it’s because I have an education in medicine i.e. a background and training in pharmacy, or if it’s because I treat doctors the same way I treated the men my father worked for they were used to go deep-sea fishing with on their boat. For what ever reason, I always have conversations with my doctors, deep and open even wandering conversations. While saying that’s where I’m getting too, is this; the last neurosurgeon I had a visit with I asked him to be completely honest with me about my condition. He’d already told me there was really nothing he could do for me in my current state. He was sending need to have an MRI done but he knew most likely he and I would never see each other again. So he said a couple of things to me that you don’t often hear from physicians. Something I doubt most of you have ever heard from your personal physician.

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First, he said to me “Daniel your condition will likely never improve. As a matter of fact odds are your condition will become progressively worse until you die.”

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Next, he said to me “Daniel, you’ll be in pain for the rest of your life. I hope that you can always find physicians to help you get the pain medications you need… Because you will never be out of pain for the rest of your life.”

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Then he explained to me that my condition would most likely take my life. Be it something as simple as slipping and falling while walking into someone’s house. Or, as complicated and frightening as being in a car accident… At some point my vertebrae will impinge on my spinal cord and result in a condition “not conducive with life”.

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Then he said something to me that struck me, and still sticks with me to this day. He said to me;

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             “Daniel in my life practicing medicine I’ve told a fair number of people, with neurological diseases, what I’ve just told you.”

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Then he told me that people generally react in only two ways. He said to me that the majority of people become very saddened and very depressed, and they shut down. They shut down emotionally. They shut down socially. They shut down to their family. They shut down with what they enjoy, They shut down in and at their work. Then he says to me that the other way people react, and it’s not as common, as though they are invigorated.

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He says to me that a small number of people, when given the news of their eventual demise by a physician, leave his office with a thirst for a life they didn’t have when they walked in. My Dear Readers I walked out of that office visit wanting the resources to do more with this blog… more with my writing… more with my life… than I ever had before. I walked out of that Dr.’s office wishing I had all the money I could use because I suddenly had a thirst for life I hadn’t felt in decades.

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That doesn’t mean I don’t get depressed. Lord knows… Especially during the holiday season and especially when my pain gets worse or I have developed a new and different kind of pain… like this rheumatoid arthritis, I do get depressed. But I’ll tell you something right here, right now, from the heart My Dear Readers the last thing in the world I want to do is die! I want to drink from the cup of life deeply. I want to do as much as I can with every moment that I have… That my condition and my pain and my body allows me. That brings us back around to the will I was asked about in the emergency room in December.

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I haven’t seen an attorney… Hell I can’t afford three decent meals a day right now I can’t afford an attorney. When I do and I’ve written this down in years and I have a right here on this blog. I’ve made a decision about whatever body of work I have accomplished when I do pass. No matter how popular my work ever becomes. No matter how profitable or popular ‘The Adventures of Princess Nadia’ becomes in whatever form of media it ends up. When I leave this earth I have decided I want every written word I’ve ever put onto paper, on the Internet, into a novel, and all my videos that I own the copyright to I want to give them all to you, My Dear Readers, for FREE!

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That’s right, the attorneys will have to iron out all details, but once every all the publishers all the media outlets whatever lever has rights makes the money they need to read, whatever they put in when I’m gone I want every single word I’ve ever written to be available in electronic form completely and totally for free in perpetuity. Because you see, My Dear Readers, I am only borrowing these words. I am only borrowing these words these thoughts these ideas these characters these plots I’m only borrowing them… For a time. When I am through with them I want to give them back all to you.

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As of last month… As of the last month of last year… As of four weeks ago I am now in more pain than I was two months ago… Six months ago… A year ago… Two years ago… Five years ago. On top of all the pain that I go through due to the neurological damage in my cervical spine to the nerve roots. Due to all the pain I endure from sciatica… From shooting pains… On top of that I now have a crippling pain in my hand it feels like broken bones. When I move my left hand now it makes a popping sound. Never done that before, totally new experience. My left hand swells up like a balloon and the knuckles turn red. All I can think of is how can I get myself OUT of enough pain so that I can concentrate and write even more than I did in 2013.

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Since right before Thanksgiving I searched a lot on the Internet about how to get more out of my blog. I learned a lot in just a matter of few weeks. I’ve learned that my blog, at three years, out survived nearly 75% of all the blogs that started that year. I was told that I should spend less time creating content and more time trying to get other blogs to carry my content. I don’t want to write less. In high school… I was the loaner until I stepped on stage. Then, by the end of three years of performing on stage, most everybody at Pearland high school knew who I was… but I didn’t have a whole lot more people that called me a friend. I’m going to work very hard at trying to contact more of you. More of you people that are reading my blog that have blogs of your own. To let you know, you other blog writers, that I would be honored if you would reblogg my posts. I’m going to concentrate more on trying to make my .articles; more concise, more professional, more enjoyable, and more commercially viable. Long story short, I’m going to redouble my efforts at my blog redouble my efforts at communicating with you and redouble my efforts at trying to expand the number of people that read The Other Shoe.

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Anything that you, My Dear Readers,            enjoy? PLEASE share those articles… Share or make other people aware of my blogs… Anything you can do to help me spread the word will be greatly appreciated. I really mean that from the very depths of my heart. I don’t say this because I want to make more money. Well, let’s be honest… we all like to make more money but right now I just want to see if I can’t get a lot more people reading what I write. Because, you see I like what I write. Every article that you read I have not only written, I’ve read. I like what I write. I am sure of what I write.  If you do like what I write? Be sure to share with someone.

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As soon as all these new domains come available I’m going to be forced, most likely, to run another Indiegogo campaign. I’m going to be forced to run an Indiegogo campaign to raise the money out need to register the domain name for The Other Shoe.blog.  To register the domain name to get web hosting and everything else so that I can consolidate the two blogs from blog.com and WordPress and the one location and take the two families that you are today and make you one big family so whenever I write and whenever I speak? I speak to all of you at once. I wrote this article, today, because I wanted to let you know the one I’m still here. Two, I have a lot more to share with you. Three I’m not giving up any time soon. Call me crazy but every single time my condition gets worse. Every single time I have more pain. Every single time life throws some roadblock in my path? I want to push myself harder and see what more I can do. See what more I can do for you, My Dear Readers.

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Everything I do I do for you. Every word I write I write for you. And when I leave this world, and I hope it’s a very long time from now, everything I’ve ever written will belong to every single one of you for free for the rest of time. I don’t have many gifts to give, except the ones I create my mind, and they all belong to you.

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

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Thank you!

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P.S. I did manage to work in but I would let you know 2014 is going to see a lot more of the weekly articles. Unwilling to bring back all the series that I worked so hard on in 2013 on a mother do my best to have them every week. That means more of ’The Mars Report’. That means more of ‘Sunday Funnies’. That means more of ‘A Week in Review’. That means more political articles. And… I really wish I could tell you that would mean more of my tale… but the more I talked to people the more I understand that I can talk to you about ’The Adventures of Princess Nadia’. However, I cannot share the pages I write… yet. I wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

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[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

Post-Christmas Pre-New Year’s Danny Update

Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. First, I would like to express my hopes that each and every one of you, My Dear Readers, had a wonderful Christmas. That your Christmas was spent with; family, friends and loved ones whom you enjoy spending time with the most. That you ate as much, if not more, than you wanted and that it was good. That it left you full not only physically but spiritually and emotionally full, as well. Second, I hope that all of you gave and received presents that brought happiness, and gave you happiness.

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I feel, and this is my humble opinion, that a lot, today, is made of what is ‘missing’ from Christmas. The desire to “put Christ back in Christmas” and that somehow the materialism of Christmas is ‘all bad’. You might not know this but, a majority of America retail corporations go from red ink to black ink, during this holiday season. That is to say that Holiday sales are where these American retail corporations become profitable. These American corporations greatly depend on holiday sales. As well, when holiday sales are down that is bad for the G.D.P. (Gross Domestic Product) of this nation.

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Don’t get me wrong I am in no way advocating for people or you, My Dear Readers, to go out and ‘max out’ your credit card(s) or worse overextend yourself during the holiday season. I am just saying that materialism is good for our nation’s retailers and that (truly) the giving and receiving of presents (at this holiday season) is an expression of the love so important to Christmas. Even I, with my greatly limited the financial means, spent money this holiday season.

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Allen received a whole new outfit of clothes, two packages of underwear, a package of socks, and various kinds of chocolates and sweets. Unlike many Christmas past, my portrayal of ‘Mr. Christmas’ did not happen. I was unable to go out, behind Allen’s back, and purchase Christmas presents for him.

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There was no awakening, on Christmas morning, to Allen finding presents under the tree that were not there when he went to bed Christmas Eve. Further, I did not receive any Christmas presents at all. Allen having clothing for his new job took priority to me receiving any presents. I knew this to be the case, more than a month ago. I feel that some of the depression I have felt… I tired my best to find ways to finance a better Christmas. I failed.

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Thanks to the generosity of one of My Dear Readers, a benefactor in England, Allen and I enjoyed a very nice Christmas Dinner. If you have me as a friend on Facebook, check out my Photos, and you will see several photos I took of our Christmas Turkey, Green bean casserole, and my famous Garden/Herb Stuffing. Ian’s generosity was pivotal to our Christmas Dinner. I am forever in his debt.

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I did also purchase a black ink cartridge for my printer. I needed this cartridge so that I could print up a Demand Letter. This letter is going to the gentleman that stole $300 from me in October of this year. For those of you that are just beginning to read my blog? I will explain this, briefly.

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In October of this year I was in the process of moving out of the apartment I had been in for the past decade. My caregiver and roommate of the past 26 years, Allen, was out of town on family business. I did not know when he would return so I was using Craigslist to help me find someplace new to live. After speaking with 8 to 10 people, over a period of three weeks. I ran across a gentleman by the name of Lawrence. Lawrence and I corresponded several times via email, culminating in us setting up an appointment for me to meet him in his home.

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I met Lawrence and his home, looked at the room that was available, discussed my disability and that Allen was my caregiver and would be moving in, eventually. The gentleman, Lawrence, understood all these things and made it clear that if I wanted to move in I needed to leave him with the deposit on the room before I left that day. Quite luckily I only had $300 of the $400 he was asking for deposit. I left him with a $300 and got a handwritten receipt from Lawrence. Roughly 60 hours later I found out Allen was going to be back much sooner than I thought. In fact he was going to be back in time to move in to the new apartment the day I moved in.

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I immediately contacted Lawrence and let him know that Allen would be moving in as well and asked him if this was a problem. Lawrence immediately indicated, without hesitation, that it was not a problem that everything would work out. As well, expressing that in the worst case scenario Allen would rent another room he had available in the same house, at a much reduced rate. Later that evening Lawrence called me up on the phone to tell me that he had changed his mind and “feel you have harmed us both… Therefore I am keeping your entire deposit”.

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That is correct, without ever moving in, without due consideration, and without any legal reason to do so; Lawrence stole $300 from me when I needed the most. His action nearly resulted in me ending up homeless. I have corresponded with him, one sided, since October. After contacting the Civil Court system, here in Orange County, I was instructed to send a ‘Letter of Demand’ and on the 2^nd January, if Laurence does not repay the deposit money, I will be forced to take him to court and sue him.

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$300 is a lot of money to me, My Dear Readers, is nearly 1/3 of all the money I get to live on every single month. Quite frankly if he had returned that money I would never have needed Ian’s generosity, and I might’ve actually got at least one Christmas present this year… for myself! I am hoping to put together, and published, this coming week a ‘Year in Review’ for this blog.

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However, there is a bit of a problem. Starting Wednesday evening of this week I begin to experience a new type of pain in my left hand. Shortly before sitting down to have Christmas dinner I noticed that my left hand was quite swollen, and red at the knuckles. As the evening wore on my knuckles began to pop repeatedly and there was a feeling like someone had poured hot sand in my knuckles. Searching on Google, Web M.D., and other online sources I think that I have developed arthritis in my left-hand. I have greatly decreased use in my left hand, shooting pains in my left hand. This has resulted in me using my left hand very little. From what I’ve read the fact that I don’t use my left hand and that it sits, most of the time, beside me in my lap has led to arthritis developing in the hand. I don’t really have much feeling in my left hand I’ve burned it stuck it with sharp objects, all accidentally of course, and felt very little. However, this pain is in the bones and in the joints and is carried in a different nerve velocity… Regardless of all the medical mumbo-jumbo this pain I do feel. This onset of arthritis in my left is the reason I haven’t written in the past few days. I apologize that I have allowed this condition to come between you and I My Dear Readers.

I promise that I will redouble my efforts to get back into posting every week, as many times as possible. This arthritis in my left hand is just terrible. The grinding… the painful popping and the redness and swelling. It is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my entire life, to this point. However, I’m going to do my best to not let this new disease state increase my depression. I don’t enjoy being depressed. If you know me from high school, or from working with me or as a friend in real life you’ll know I’m an extremely gregarious upbeat fun loving person. This depression, I’ve experienced, is very much out of character for me and I find it difficult to cope with, the medications are helping.

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That brings us to the end of this mid-holiday week update, My Dear Readers. I hope to have more for you soon. Again, I hope that everyone, each and every one of you, had a very Merry Christmas and spent it with lots of the people that brought you happiness and love. I hope that you got everything that you wanted under the Christmas tree, and even more. I will write again soon, I’ve missed you dearly, and in case I don’t write before. I would like to wish each and every one of you a very happy and prosperous New Year.

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

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Thank you!

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[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

Twas the Night Before Christmas - By Danny

[caption id="attachment_2054" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Alexander R Hanning at Christmas 2013[/caption]

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    Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. I am happy to announce, and quite proud to share. A reading, as promised, for your Christmas cheer. A reading by me, and one most dear. “Twas the Night Before Christmas’ as done, and performed, by Yours Truly – Daniel Hanning.

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I have not gifts to give, except those I make in my mind. And I give them, all, to you!

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Enjoy!

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/wGs-GC0HZwc]

 

Pope Francis Condemns Racism And Declares That “All Religions Are True” At Historic Third Vatican Council

Pope Francis is working hard, from day one, to move the church and Christianity into the 21st century. I applaud his work and salute his efforts. Time for racism and all forms of social abuse and inequality to end.

MMORPGs And YOU! - Requiem

          

[caption id="attachment_2037" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem - Enzo Loading screen[/caption]

 

          Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I present number Nine in my ridiculously popular series ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’ Requiem. Requiemis a FTP (Free-To-Play) MMORPG that launched in June of 2008 by Gravity LTD. Gravityis game developer located in South Korea and is known for such titles as; Ragnorok On Line, Dragonsaga, Steal Fighter, and Requiem. I was still writing for a gaming web site, as Lead Gaming Writer and Editor, when Requiem went into Beta.

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I was contacted by the development team and offered a (much desired) opening in the Closed Beta in exchange for exposure on our web site. I, of course, jumped at the chance to get into (yet another) Beta and had the opportunity to help guide the final development of this game. First, if you have a Goth child or grandchild that is into PC gaming… well then this IS the MMORPG made for Goth kids. It is a “horror based” MMORPG and is one of the most gory and bloody of the genre. I would not suggest this game for any minor under the age of 16 or 17.

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[caption id="attachment_2039" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo Warrior Class[/caption]

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There is no real problem with language, or sexual (well, overtly sexual) content in this title. However, the level of blood shed and decapitation and mutilation is on the level with ‘Age Of Conan’. The game started out as a paid membership model with over a dozen servers, in the US and Canada. Now, it is completely Free to Play with a marketplace for game boosts, toon enhancements and content expansion. The number of servers is now down (in America and Canada) to one.

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During Beta I gave this game very good reviews and a solid recommendation for purchase. Gravity is a sound developer with a very good track record and, at the time of release, this was the only Horror based MMORPG on the market. I knew that the horror vehicle for the game was not enough to keep the title competitive, and it appears that I was right. Though, even back five years ago, and today, I find that this game has much mo0re going for it than just the horror and gore.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/2jri1zO2EFc]

(An Example of the Graphic Depictions of Death)

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Originally released as Requiem: Bloodymare, the game is now called Requiem: Memento Mori. The story of the game has remained the same through all the changes over the past five years. It is a story of recovering the lost history of the ancients, and reconstructing the loss of four of the eight original races on the planet. You play in a barren world, brought to its current state by a war between science and magic. It is your role to protect the rebirth of humanity… at all costs. The plot and story do not play as large a role in game play as, say, World of Warcraft. You are given basic information, via quests and videos, of the past and the Ancients but having this knowledge is not essential to winning game play.

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The gore decapitations and mutilations are all brought to the screen with the (extensive) use of the Havokphysics engine. This adds greatly to the whole horror theme of the game, and makes for some incredible decapitations and multiple mutilations. If gore and decapitations with ragdoll get you going… this game is (quite simply) as ‘Must Have’ for you. The game visuals, textures, and engine are really nothing spectacular. They are not rendered in, like, the Unreal 3 Engine or any modern day 3D graphics engine. This is good in that it will run of virtually any PC and most laptops/notebooks. There is no need to upgrade your computer to play this game on highest settings.

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[caption id="attachment_2038" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo on Mount[/caption]

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One of the better features of this game, and something that I have not seen in but a few other MMORPGs is the Possession beast system. This aspect of the game allows you (once leveled and properly altering your DNA) to  transform into a horrific beast that has greater attack and decapitation abilities. The downside is that egven with your higher level and the transformation of your DNA, you have to work hard to kill a lot of beasts (in a short period of time) to fill your ‘Hardcore Bar’. Once the bar is at 90%, you are given the opportunity to transform into the Possession Beast and go on a rampage of gory mutilation and decapitation. It can get quite bloody and dismember(y) if you transform in an area rich with beasts.

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[caption id="attachment_2036" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Requiem Enzo Caster Class[/caption]

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There are four races to choose from, in Requiem. They are the;

 

• Turan – The race that most resembles humans. It is a well-balanced race between strength, agility and intelligence. Their one pitfall is a weakness to magic.


• Bartuk – A race with exceptional physical strength, but are easily angered and have a very low spiritual ability.


• Kruxena – The darker race of the four, they do not get along with any of the other three races. Physically and spiritually superior to the other races they are lacking in tenacity, compassion and are quite inhumane.


• Xenoa – Unmatched among the four races in intelligence they lack physical strength they have good hand skills and eyesight. This helps to compensate for there other weaknesses.

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Each race has  limited choices in classes, mostly based on the strengths and weaknesses I have outlined above. If you would like to be a caster or long range weapon type, then the Xenoa race would be the best choice for these classes… and so on. The game does not drawn you in with plot, or character development. The game deosn’t really draw you in too well at all. This is, likely, the reason for its failure in the long run. Lacking in plot and character development, it is a very easy game to play and master. Combine that with the completely open world Free To Play model? This is what makes this game so desirable in gamers new to the genre and casual MMORPGers and Goth kids.

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/N0mKYKxCvVY]

(A Walk Through the Main City in the Inro Area)

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I would recommend it for newbies to the genre, and young people fond of the Twilight movies and books and Vamp Kids. I still have it installed on my gaming rig, and it is always updated, too. That means I play the game regularly and that it brings me happiness.

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I hope that you have enjoyed my review/overview and the screenshots and videos I have shared here, today. I do not know if there will be another in this series. I cannot think of another MMIORPG that I already own, and I do NOT have the money to go out and buy any games that I do not already have… at least… now,

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/7IhjwMzb0wE]

(A Ride in a Christmas Themed Vehicle in Requiem)

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

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Thank YOU!

The Essential Introduction...

The Essential Introduction to 'The Adventures of Princess Nadia - The Healing Light'

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As Promised this will be the introduction to the first of my (hopefully) series of novels ‘The Adventures of Princess Nadia – The Healing Light’. I ask that you share this article, but also fervently request that you do NOT; redistribute without my permission, quote without giving me credit, or in any way reprint or distribute this introduction as your OWN! This is my ‘Christmas Gift’ to all of you, My Dear Readers.

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Finally; .I have not gifts to give, except the gifts I make in my head… and I give them ALL to you.

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The story you are about to read is completely true. Well, that is a bit of a stretch. I always have been known… even as a child, as a person who could weave a mighty tail… tale.  My Dear Readers the story you are about to read is no exception. I love to tell stories. There a way for all of us to escape the things that make us unhappy and, for a moment, go someplace that makes us very happy.

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When I say this story you are about to read is completely true, it’s just that it isn’t true... yet. I hope and pray that, in my lifetime, this story does come true. But if it does not, I have complete faith that you, My Dear Readers, will live in a world where this story is true.

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All of the main characters in this story lived. Nakita, Alice, Nadia, Alexander, the Albino Twins, and Ben all lived with me at some point in my life. They were as real as you or I. They walked the earth, they breathed the air, they played, they thought, they laughed and they cried. They have all the same thoughts and feelings as you or I.  They love, and they were deeply loved by me.

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As they are in the story, they were in real life, rats. Now before you get all squeamish, before you start to judge, let me set something straight in your head right now. Rats are people, they’re just people you haven’t met. My father used to have a saying it goes a little something like this  “There are two kinds of people. People that fly and people that don’t.” Very much the same is true about people, and rats. There are people that have had the wonderful pleasure of knowing a rat, and then there is everybody else.

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If you’re very lucky, and I hope and pray that you are, you will have the privilege to know and love a rat, too. Like us they; play, and laugh, run, and think. They love, and they long to be loved. They do and think everything you or I do or think. The only thing that separates us from them is… our prejudice.

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Because, you see, unlike us rats do not judge. They come in all different colors. They come in black, they come in white, they come in blonde, they come in brown, they come in blonde and white, they come in black and white. Yet, unlike us, no matter what color they are… they love each other like brothers. They do not judge based on the color of their fur.

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Unlike us rats love each other regardless of the color of their fur, regardless of the color of their eyes. Quite simply, regardless. My Dear Readers that is just the beginning of what rats have to teach us humans, and if you allow… you. Now let me leave you with words of caution, and please read what I say. Do not go out and pick up a rat, off the street, and try and make it to a friend! The rats that I speak of are bought at pet stores. They are called 'Fancy Rats' and they are of a very special breed.

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The very first time I had the pleasure of meeting a rat was my sophomore year in college. I was a liberal arts major, studying communications. In high school, I had great interest in science. Actually, until my first time on stage I thought I would go to college to study in a scientific field. In college I kept in touch with other friends that choose that discipline. One day, I was approached by one of those friends with a request for help.

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They had just finished a year of studying some odd thing, with the brains of rats. Long story short, she had a rat that they were done experimenting. They were going to put the rat down, but she had another idea. She brought me a rat, in a large bird cage, with wires still sticking out of his head. He was a large black rat, and he looked mostly unhappy. She told me that we would, likely, not live a year. It was just she wanted the rat to die naturally, and maybe get treated well before he died. He had given so much to her research, she had developed feelings. Fellings that he deserved better than just being put to sleep after her work was done.

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I told her that I would be happy to ‘help’, not fully knowing what I was getting myself into at the time. I took him into my home, yet it was my life that changed. At first he was very agitated, and did not want to be held or out of his cage. He would sit, sulking, on the bar in the cage. Like a small vulture, having a bad day. I spent time with him every day. Every day I talked to him. Every day I feed him some by hand, and tried to pet or hold him.

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After about a week, the most amazing thing happened. I had him out, and he was letting me hold him… without biting me. I stroked his body and his face. He closed his eyes and relaxed. Then I think he felt loved. I say this because he did something, interesting. At first it felt like he was purring, like a cat. I kept petting him and holding him close talking to him. When I felt he was comfortable, I shifted him in my hands and looked at his face. He was not purring, he was grinding his teeth.

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Unknown to me at the time, rats in the wild use their teeth to communicate to one another. Through a series of; grinding, gnashing and popping their teeth they can communicate. Now, when I was a boy my father taught me Morse Code. It is a language, used in early communication, where a series of dots and dashes (sent over wires using a simple contact device) used to communicate. Dot Dot Dot, Dash Dash Dash, Dot Dot Dot equals S.O.S. (Save Our Ship) known as an international call for help.

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About the time I realized that Benjamin’s (I named him Benjamin) grinding and gnashing was a pattern, I felt his back leg grip one of my fingers. I feared I had upset him… then I realized… Benjamin was hugging me!  They do that, rats will hug you when they feel love. As well, I did not know it then but later I realized that all  rats (when held, and loved), once they develop trust with you and then love. All of them… grind in the same pattern.

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Later in life I realized that this common grinding, gnashing pattern was my rats saying “I love you.” They often grab your finger and grip it tight, while grinding this same pattern. Now, they don’t all do it exactly the same way. Some pop their teeth louder, some grind longer and faster before gnashing then popping. However, each and every rat I have owned has eventually communicated in nearly the exact same pattern… while ‘Hugging’ a finger. Rats love, and rats can and do love humans. My Dear Readers, it was this realization that is the motivation for this book (hopefully series of books). If rats can love humans, and I can love rats. Then this story must be told. This book must be written.

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In my book, this book you now hold in your hands, you will learn of the many different kinds of rats. You will meet them all, and get to know how they are different and how they differ. Not all rats are smart. The Fancy Rats were breed to be; intelligent, social, loving, playful, and soulful. You cannot expect a rat that lives in the sewer to want to treat you as a friend. However, if after reading this book you would like to be as I? A man that knows and loves rats? Have your parents take you to a good pet store and purchase a Fancy rat, they will make a very good friend to you for years to come. If I have my way, and often I do, soon there will be a new pet rat for you to buy and love. They will be called the ‘D&A’ rats. These rats will be a very very special breed, created by me out of a deep sense of love for these wonderful loving beautiful furry friends.

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And now, with that all behind us and firmly in your mind, I would very much like for you to turn the next page and join me in ‘The Adventures of Princess Nadia’!

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

Thank you! &

ENJOY!

[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

Coming SOON to The Other Shoe!

Dear Family, Friends, and Followers at The Other Shoe and Facebook,

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            Later, today, I am sharing… something very special to me. I have a ‘Christmas Present’ for you all. As most of you know, and realize, I am quite poor. I have a blog… a roof over my head…  and an ever dwindling supply of food… and someone I deeply love and admire… that I am ashamed I cannot give a Christmas too.

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            However, later today I have a present for you all. I know, I promised to read you “The Night Before Christmas’ on a video… and I do have a wonderful voice for it… It is just, that I cannot get through the poem… without crying. I keep trying… and I will keep trying… but I just keep crying.

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            Back to the present I have for you. Later today, at my blog The Other Shoe, I will be posting… something very special to me. It is more than just an excerpt from

            ‘The Adventures of Princess Nadia’

It is the BEGINNIG… You will be privy to how the whole world of Princess Nadia starts. This is very special to me… very personal… very dear. I have not gifts to give, except the gifts that I make in my head,… and I give them all to you.

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Please check back… I do love you all so very much…

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Daniel Hanning

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One Week Until Christmas, An Update from Danny...

                        Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. It has been five days since my last article published, and five days of my primary blog location not working. I long to write. I long to publish. I long to be heard. I long to share. I do not like publishing articles to just one of my two blog locations. I feel as though I am leaving half my family out in the cold. In the past five days I have written nearly a dozen requests for assistance. I have yet to receive any answer to my pleas, and my blog is still malfunctioning.

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My time is not wasted for I am busy creating my world, the world of 'The Adventures of Princess Nadia'. With every passing day, the world comes more into focus, the characters fill out in my mind. My only fear? That someone… perhaps even someone I know takes my idea. I think that is a common fear among struggling artists of all disciplines. For me, they are not just characters in a book, they live in my heart, mind and soul. They tell me their secrets, they share with me their fears.

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For me, they are quite real. Their namesakes I have raised, loved and lost. Though it is not apparent. You do not see it or hear my words, each and every day I write. Writing in life, there is no life without my words. When I am absent, I am in pain. Yes, physically I am in pain each and every day. So much worse, of late. Yet, I speak of another pain. A pain spawn of longing, desire. My Dear Readers, you know it not, but you give purpose to my life.

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I struggle with darkness. I live in poverty, but I struggle with a growing darkness. I must thank two of you, My Dear Readers, two of you that have reached out from your world and into mine and shared. Shared of themselves so that I might have some short respite from my fiduciary woes. Because of their kindness, I will have a turkey this Christmas Day. From the very depths of my heart and soul I say “Thank you!” … You know who you are.

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I am not much for begging. Not much for asking for help. Each time I have sought to raise money, I have worked ever so hard. Hard to write, to entertain, and to repay. Repay the kindness that has come my way. My works… my articles, and yes even 'The Adventures of Princess Nadia' I write out of love... but I also write, to repay. For the debts that I owe, they are debts I fear I may never be able to repay. Repay the kindness that has come my way. When I am absent… this is what darkens my mind, most. That I am failing to repay, your kindness most dear.

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I write, today, because I do so deeply care. One blog, only, on which this will appear…. I fear. Better one blog… one article… One “Thank you!” Tis better than none.

 

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I fight with the darkness, the darkness that seeks to surround. In each and every day, I fight with every fiber of my being, I fight the growing darkness. For those that have never known… poverty… being without. This is a darkness I hope that you never know. It is a darkness that comes from without, yet it grows within. It weakens the ground beneath your very feet. It attacks your sense of self & selfworth, and works behind your back to darken your tomorrows. I am far from alone. I know this to be true. This darkness I share with millions, unknown.

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We suffer in darkness, we suffer in silence. For (some bloody reason) it is taboo to speak of what one is without, but not taboo to boast of what one does have. A world, upside down, it would appear. A world of grim darkness, for some so dear.

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I cherish my time in the light of other’s kindness and support. I write in hopes that one day… this darkness I will banish from my life, for all time. With each and every work that I write, I take a step out of darkness and into the light. The light of your kindness. The light of your ‘Like’(s). The light that I feel when, your smile, I make bright. Since childhood I have bathed in this light. At first while singing in choir, at my school. Actually, I sang in choirs in each and every school I attended, since Mading Elementary in Houston in grade three.

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From grade third until I graduated at Pearland High School, I sang and I sang and I cherished those smiles… the longest of all. Once I moved, and was in Middle School I stepped out from the crowd of my choral group. I stood out in front, and sang… all alone. That was the beginning, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. I sang all alone, in front of so many… and I made them laugh… and I made them smile.

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From that point, all the way through college, I stood (without singing) in front of large crowds… and with the words of other men (or women) I made them smile! For the next nine years I stood before crowds. Small crowds, and large.. sometimes as many as twelve hundred… and I made them smile. I breathed life into the words of another, and I did it quite well. Looking back… on that decade… I was happiest, up on that stage. I won awards, and accolades. But, most of all… I made them smile.

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Know only to a handful of friends, all the time I was singing… all the time I was on those stages… I was doing this. Behind the curtains… when not on a stage… I was writing. Back then, hardly anyone had read my works. I understand, my long curly locks, my presence on stage… and my voice. They all worked to upstage what I was doing (myself) with words. I put them on paper, and most of the time that is where they hid. I doubt, that if you knew me at all, back then,… and are reading these words, you can (for the life of you) remember one thing I wrote.

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I am not hurt by that reality. Nope, not one bit. During most of that time I was bathing, regularly, in applause. I wrote, for myself. I wrote, because I love words. On more than one occasion, I have been told, that those words… they do love me back.

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Finally, again I do apologize for the absence this past week. I do despise writing for just one blog. I (honestly) feel, when I publish to just one blog, that I am having an affair. An affair behind the backs of My Dear Readers of the other blog of mine. I am hoping and praying that soon they will fix, the problems that are hampering The Other Shoe at blog.com. I do sincerely promise, that as soon as it is fixed? I will write everyday that my health possibly allows. I still have plans of making a video. A video present of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ performed by me!

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At the company Christmas Party of Domino Realty in 2002, I did perform that very poem in front of a crowd. It was the very first time I had been on a stage, in decades and decades. God how I loved those moments, and the smiles! The owner of Domino Realty called me, the next day. Stephen Gordon told me that I was “the best act, last night…”. This is a man worth millions, and a man whom I had a deep respect and adoration. Stephen was the man that imported Jordache Jeans, all those years ago. That put Brooke Shields in that commercial, in jeans he imported from France. He took the millions he made, from that venture, and put it into real estate in Southern California.

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For many years, I honestly thought my time with words, had passed. Replaced with an ability to lease properties… like few men he had seen. I was being groomed for an executive position, for Domino Realty, when my spine started attacking me… causing me growing pain. Earlier this week, I published copies of old newsletters that I wrote, edited and published for another landowner. For several years, I had a captive audience, the residents of Plaza Woods Apartments. If you haven’t checked them out, I think that you should. A long way I have come, since writing those newsletters. However, it gives you a chance to see just how far I have come.

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            “I cherish my time in the light of other’s gains. I write in hopes that one day… this darkness I will banish, for all time. With each and every work that I write, I take a step out of darkness and into the light. The light of your kindness. The light of your ‘Like’(s). The light that I feel when, your smile, I make bright.”

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

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Thank you!

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P.S. Look for pictures, after Christmas, of the feast I will soon make… thanks to the kindness of two of My Dear Readers. Thank you!

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[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]