Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Longest Day
PLEASE SHAI just experienced the longest day I had in a 'Month of Sunday'. Starting at 6AM, to prepare for this day, and ending when I was dropped back here at 6PM. In those twelve hours I traveled not only in miles but back and forth in time as well.
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After this fateful journey from O.C. to L.A. and back. I traveled down the very streets I started my adventure in pain and loss twenty-five years ago. Right in front of the 'Center for Head Injured Adults', I found myself in post accident. And into the city I arrived in California from my Texas roots. It was a twelve hour ride through twenty-five years of memories.
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I apologize for the fact I did not post. However, a journey of this type leaves the traveler quite spent. My Dear Readers, I will be back to impart my observations and highlights of my adventure soon. Though tonight is just too soon. I hope you, My Dear Readers, do understand and accept my heartfelt apologies.
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It is now 1:22AM... but I just could not fall asleep. Until I took at least a moment. To tell you all how it felt. You, My Dear Readers, mean the world to me. As soon as it is physically possible for me? I will return to regale of my tales and more.
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Now that I have touched base with you. I know sleep will come willingly to me. On the morrow I hope to write at great length. As always it is an honor to me, that you come here to read. That honor I will never forget, and I promise to produce. More works of social relevance, and stories and tales of pure whimsy.
.
So now I take my leave. Forever "Thank YOU!"
.
After this fateful journey from O.C. to L.A. and back. I traveled down the very streets I started my adventure in pain and loss twenty-five years ago. Right in front of the 'Center for Head Injured Adults', I found myself in post accident. And into the city I arrived in California from my Texas roots. It was a twelve hour ride through twenty-five years of memories.
.
I apologize for the fact I did not post. However, a journey of this type leaves the traveler quite spent. My Dear Readers, I will be back to impart my observations and highlights of my adventure soon. Though tonight is just too soon. I hope you, My Dear Readers, do understand and accept my heartfelt apologies.
.
It is now 1:22AM... but I just could not fall asleep. Until I took at least a moment. To tell you all how it felt. You, My Dear Readers, mean the world to me. As soon as it is physically possible for me? I will return to regale of my tales and more.
.
Now that I have touched base with you. I know sleep will come willingly to me. On the morrow I hope to write at great length. As always it is an honor to me, that you come here to read. That honor I will never forget, and I promise to produce. More works of social relevance, and stories and tales of pure whimsy.
.
So now I take my leave. Forever "Thank YOU!"
PLEASE SHARE?!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
MY TOPIC Opens 'Face The Nation' TODAY
Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to another edition of The Other Shoe. I am very excited to see that Face The Nation has followed my lead and used Congressional Intransigence as its lead subject matter. See below, where Face The Nation asked for questions to ask the Speaker. Low and behold!? They used my suggestion!
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[caption id="attachment_1111" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
MY WORDS, My Topic, MY SUGGESTION Used to Start 'Face The Nation' July 20, 2013[/caption]
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Well, Mr. Sheiffer did not mention my name he used my words, my subject! It is time for intransigence to END! Time for gridlock to end! This hyper partisanship is an illness a DISEASE. I have the cure, “Vote the BUMS OUT!
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Hey PEARLAND? Can YOU hear ME now?!?
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I am happy that my topic, even some of my words were used by Face The Nation, again. Now I ask for your support. I know it is difficult, I know I am a pain. But Please!
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[caption id="attachment_1111" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
MY WORDS, My Topic, MY SUGGESTION Used to Start 'Face The Nation' July 20, 2013[/caption]Face The Nation Facebook Page Showing MY Suggestion
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Well, Mr. Sheiffer did not mention my name he used my words, my subject! It is time for intransigence to END! Time for gridlock to end! This hyper partisanship is an illness a DISEASE. I have the cure, “Vote the BUMS OUT!
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Hey PEARLAND? Can YOU hear ME now?!?
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I am happy that my topic, even some of my words were used by Face The Nation, again. Now I ask for your support. I know it is difficult, I know I am a pain. But Please!
Please SHARE!?
Sunday Funnies - July 21st 2013
Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe and to another edition of ‘Sunday Funnies’. This week has been hectic, to say the very least. I have worked every single day, for as long as my body allows (forget stopping for pain, that hasn’t happen in more than ten days). My heart has been heavy, this past two weeks, for more reasons than I can count… or even care to number. When deeper into depression, I fall, I reach out (in desperation) for something... someone, to make me smile.
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This week I looked pretty far back to find my smile. This is (my beloved and long gone) Princess Nadia! This little girl made me so happy, she knew just how to make me smile. My pain in my neck felt lonely. So, I decided to bring pain to my heart, so my neck didn’t feel so alone.
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I hope that Princess Nadia’s antics bring a smile to your face. I am sorry that I am not the ray of sun shine I want to be… usually can. Perhaps after my doctor’s visits, this Tuesday, I will find my happy place… again. However, no good reasons not to try and make you, My Dear Readers, smile.
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Here’s hoping you have/had a great weekend. Please remember my Relocation Campaign. There is a updated panel below, to show any progress I may make, just click on that it will take you to where you, too, can help. I am honored that you come here, and honored that you read and share. “Thank you!”
.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Daniel's Relocation and General Assistance Fiunding Canpaign[/caption]
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This week I looked pretty far back to find my smile. This is (my beloved and long gone) Princess Nadia! This little girl made me so happy, she knew just how to make me smile. My pain in my neck felt lonely. So, I decided to bring pain to my heart, so my neck didn’t feel so alone.
.
I hope that Princess Nadia’s antics bring a smile to your face. I am sorry that I am not the ray of sun shine I want to be… usually can. Perhaps after my doctor’s visits, this Tuesday, I will find my happy place… again. However, no good reasons not to try and make you, My Dear Readers, smile.
.
Here’s hoping you have/had a great weekend. Please remember my Relocation Campaign. There is a updated panel below, to show any progress I may make, just click on that it will take you to where you, too, can help. I am honored that you come here, and honored that you read and share. “Thank you!”
.
Please Share!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Daniel's Relocation and General Assistance Fiunding Canpaign[/caption]
Saturday, July 20, 2013
WHYs and WHEREFOREs About My Situation and The Campaign
Welcome Back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. For the past week I have been working to raise money. Today I am taking the time to explain this situation a little more. My situation is this; the building I have lived in, for the past ten years, has been sold to an Investment group. The new owners take charge in just twelve days. I learn, of the sale, just five days before starting this campaign. You may well ask “Why did you start raising money so soon?”
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The current manager, of this building, I have worked to get to know and develop his trust. It is the information he has imparted (and good council from friends I have in Real Estate) that has lead me to start this campaign. First, what I have seen. In this very neighborhood, over the past five years, I have watched as small developments of condominiums crop up in the oddest places. Just two years ago a Childcare Center, around the corner, was sold due to the failing of the business.
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Just a month after the building was vacated the building was torn down and the lot vacant. Within two weeks of that building began and in the blink of an eye there were four condominiums. If you had blinked your eyes it would have appeared to be magic.
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Next, the manager of this building, and I, have developed a good friendship. He has told me everything he has overheard, and what he was told as well. The members of the investment group told him this; he will not be taken on as the manager of the building and they have no need of staff. Their intention, he was told, was to vacate the building and immediately refurbish each and every room. Into a Senior Living Building, they say, my home is to be converted. Now for me; I find the story of the manager to be dubious at best. Here is why.
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This building doe not have; a single elevators in any of the three buildings, the pool was torn up all the way down to the rebar, the building is in grave disrepair and would take millions just to make ‘sound and whole’. There are no senior services within five or more miles. No elevators, no pool or jaccuzi, no senior services and located in an area zoned Commercial/Residential’. This area is not zoned for homes or non-commercial housing.
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It is my opinion that, come August 1st, all the residents of this building will be given the minimum notice legally possible to move out. I would guess they will tear down this building and (as they did across the street) build condominiums. If I am wrong, I will be the first to admit my mistake. Either way, Senior Living or condominiums I am relatively sure that everyone here will be evicted. Having worked in property management, off and on, since 1983 (in San Diego off of 44th street with Becky) I am acting to protect my health and interests.
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This whole debaclehas put my health in a terrible spiral. Between the stresses of being left in the dark combined with the frantic pace I have been writing. I am not sleeping, at all well, my left arm is jumping and in horrific pain, and I have intractable pain from my head all the way down into my arms. (both of them) On top of the intractable pain my depression has become much worse.
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For the past six months I have been on Mirtazapine (Remeron, Avanza, Zispin) for my depression. Diagnosed with chronic depression, I have… imagine that @ 55 I am in intractable pain from the time I wake to the time I sleep every single day. Each year I experience more neurological and physical losses, and now I cannot even walk, without help. This is not what I signed on for¸ and far from how (just ten years ago) I saw myself at this age. In 2003 I was managing a 100 unit building in the heart of Westwood, California. I had plans of working that building into a City Landmark and the backing of both the Senior Executives.
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I was well on the path to being a Senior Executive with a prosperous Beverly Hills Property Management company. A brand new truck, and a loving adopted dog. I had arrived at the life I always wanted. Then I was struck, not once or twice, but regularly with extreme headaches and radiculopathy. It didn’t take long, after the first X-Rays, for me to be diagnosed with advanced Degenerative Disc Disease.
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Long story short, five years passed before I could get the surgery that I needed. By that time… my nerve roots were permanently damaged from C3-C7. Now, I suffer with more nerve root damage, from C1-C3 and Central Cervical Spinal Stenosis. Quite literally, a disc is pressing on my spinal cord, it threatens my entire existence. One slip, one fall, and bam I am doing a Christopher Reeve impression the rest of my life. (My last neurosurgeon actually thought it was a funny way of explaining my potential medical state… I didn’t laugh then… I’m, not laughing now)
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My Dear Readers, I do not dwell on this. I try not to even think, much less write, about the potential life I may be left with… it’s the only way I keep a gun out of my mouth. Now, Imagine, if you will, a person (Hey, how about me) in this condition living on the street.
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That, My Dear Readers, is my nightmare and what keeps me awake at night. However one may feel, that is my life right now… this day… this week. In spite of that each day I try my best to write. I write to keep my mind busy. I write to entertain. I write.. because it is the only way I know of to repay what kindness I receive.
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Now, let me get one thing perfectly clear! I neither expect, nor desire your pity. I, almost, would rather be dead than pitied. Your; help, assistance, support, and even love I will gladly accept. Barring someone driving all the way to California to help me; pack move and unpack. I ask for your financial support. If that is not possible, I ask that you Share! Share my campaign, share my work, share my situation, share my plight. In just twelve days I will know my fate. This campaign ends in 36. I honestly do not think that they can make me move quicker than at least a month. I have been here ten years, and I am a temporary resident.
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Writing all that… caused me pain… both physical and emotional, too. Having said I will leave you to read, or share, the statement I made to Indiegogo to start this campaign. If you can, please… help? If you cannot, please spread the word. Because, that will help me in the end.
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Thank you. For your time. Thank you for coming here and reading my words. Thank you, for whatever you do, when you finish reading this. “Thank YOU!”
From the Indiegogo Campaign:
My name is Daniel and I currently live in Cypress California. I am disabled with Cervical Spinal Stenosis secondary to acute Degenerative disc disease. I have been living in an ‘Extended Stay Motel’ for the past ten years. Honestly, it is all I can really afford. When I moved here I planned on staying six months. Getting the surgery I needed and then getting back to work. Four years passed just getting approved for Medicare and Social Security.
In that four years my disease progressed, became much worse. By the time I had insurance, the afore mentioned four years, my neck was in shambles. There was permanent damage to several nerve roots, and the beginnings of spinal stenosis. The nerve root damage has resulted in me having limited feeling and use of my left arm and hand.
The spinal stenosis has caused ‘left foot drop’ and many other medical problems and it only gets worse. I do not have the financial resources to get the pricy surgery that might help. I am not bitter, I just want to be safe and work at my blog whenever I can. I am not here to ask for assistance for a surgery, nothing that frivolous. I am asking for your assistance so that I can move.
As I said, I have been staying at this motel for the past ten years. However, recent developments have made me staying here not a viable option. First, there is the brown water. I have written about it extensively @ The Other Shoe. As well, there are three videos of this brackish water @ YouTube. I have talked and complained to the management here, yet the problem persists.
This property management company, that is, there is a new one coming… hang on I am getting ahead. This brings me to the second part, the company that has owned this building all the time I have been here is selling this building. The new company is taking over at the end of July. From what everyone here is being told? The new company is going to convert this building to all senior living. Normally this would be a God send. Why it is not, is simple.
We are being told that everyone in the building will be evicted, so that they can convert the whole building at once… and “get a better class of people, living here…” That, I was told, by a source close to the process. This causes me grave concerns and it was the ‘Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back’ for me. I wanted to try to raise the money to move, again, since my first attempt did not succeed. Please, don’t get me wrong, everyone that gave to the original Daniel’s Moving Assistance Fund were angels indeed. I am touched by their help and moved by their generosity.
However, it takes more than I raised to move me. It has been a year, since, the last campaign. A year fraught with difficulty and growing pain, and a realization that soon I might not be able or capable to do what I do now. So, it is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I come back to Indiegogo and you to ask one more time. I come here to ask for your assistance, your help, your understanding and compassion.
It is only with your assistance that I can hope to escape. Escape a building with foul water, and a second story room with no elevator to get my power chair out alone.
Now, I would like to outline the expenses the best that I can. I have shopped for prices for this August and September. I have projected the best that I can.
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That is all I can, in good conscience, ask for assistance. Any other expenses I will just handle the best that I can when and if they land in my lap. However, ALL the sites that I can use (to raise money) ALL charge a percent of what you raise (7%-10%), and there is a ‘Bank Transfer Fee’ (last time it was $150.00).
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Total Cost = $3,000.00 $3,600.00
$180.00 (6% fee) $216.00
$150.00 (Bank Fee) $150.00
$3,330.00 $3,966.00
Therefore, Best Case = $3,330.00 (with luck on my side and the wind at my back)
Worst Case = $3,966.00 (With it being Southern California and no ‘luck’)
I thought long and hard on this and I do not want a repeat of my last efforts (I did not consider all possible angles and problems… like getting the power chair out of my house) I will err on the side of caution and round this out @ $5,000.00 = $4,500.00 After Indiegogo Fees and Bank Fees [Updated 714/13 dlh] Just to be safe, just to be sure and not end up within striking distance and then fall.
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Let me be blunt, I will live longer and healthier with your help. Moving will afford me the opportunity to find a home that is safe. This building is only safe, as it is now and that is not much, because of the efforts of myself and other residents that stood up to the drug dealers and prostitutes they used to rent to here. I took pictures and made videos of drug transactions and then shared them with the police and property management company. Only with our information and support did we rid most of the ‘Bad Elements’ from this building. However, there are many residents that still I would not walk around this building at night alone.
Freedom (guess that should have come first…) I can move to a building with elevators to get myself and my power chair out of the building when I want! Or, to a first floor room/apartment in a safer building with clean fresh water. That would give me a freedom I have not had in over eight years. Yes, it has been eight years since I was able to walk out of this building with my own two feet, and get past the front desk. My condition has worsened to the extent I cannot walk more than ¼ a block and one flight of stairs. My roommate/Caregiver helps me with everything else.
IF I want to get out, just for fresh air or to see a movie (I have not done that in eight years, either) I need assistance. If I were to have your assistance I would be able to get in and out when I want! That is what I call Freedom. That is what your help will give me; safety and freedom.
Last, Ii know that you noticed... you are very smart, that the total is $4,000.00 and I asked for $5,000.00. The remaining monies will go to; GLASSES that I have not had in SIX YEARS, some little trift store furniture... I currently only own a bed and frame, and some decorations for the new home... to make it more like a HOME. Maybe go out to dinner and see a movie in a theater, and money to SAVE for (I know it is coming) a rainy day. I hope you understand and approve. I just want a little wiggle room. ;)
Other Ways YOU Can Help:
Not everyone that wants to give can afford to give, I understand that… believe me I do! However, there are MANY other ways you can help, here are a few:
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That is all I can think of at this time. However, if I think of anything else I will share it just as soon as I can. Right now I am in extreme pain… I about finished so I am going to push through to the end. I have one more thing to say, then I will post this and pray.
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This is not the timing that I wanted, had planned or even desire. I know families are going on vacations. However, the timing was taken out of my hands. From what I am told I have, at the most, 60 days before I am forced out. Today is July 10th, 2013. I have made the campaign for 45 days, because I need the money by the end of September to avoid… the worst possible scenario. If you cannot give, now. Let me know and I will be happy to set up a way for you to contribute at a later time.
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Last. “Thank YOU!” Let’s count how many times I say this over the next 45 days. I am guessing close to a thousand. It has taken me three days to write this… correct it… and make sure it is something I want in the public eye. Today is the day… Please. Please help me to move to a safe building with fresh clean water. A place where I can take out my power chair any time that I want without help… That would mean the world to me. And, again,
“Thank YOU!”
.
The current manager, of this building, I have worked to get to know and develop his trust. It is the information he has imparted (and good council from friends I have in Real Estate) that has lead me to start this campaign. First, what I have seen. In this very neighborhood, over the past five years, I have watched as small developments of condominiums crop up in the oddest places. Just two years ago a Childcare Center, around the corner, was sold due to the failing of the business.
.
Just a month after the building was vacated the building was torn down and the lot vacant. Within two weeks of that building began and in the blink of an eye there were four condominiums. If you had blinked your eyes it would have appeared to be magic.
.
Next, the manager of this building, and I, have developed a good friendship. He has told me everything he has overheard, and what he was told as well. The members of the investment group told him this; he will not be taken on as the manager of the building and they have no need of staff. Their intention, he was told, was to vacate the building and immediately refurbish each and every room. Into a Senior Living Building, they say, my home is to be converted. Now for me; I find the story of the manager to be dubious at best. Here is why.
.
This building doe not have; a single elevators in any of the three buildings, the pool was torn up all the way down to the rebar, the building is in grave disrepair and would take millions just to make ‘sound and whole’. There are no senior services within five or more miles. No elevators, no pool or jaccuzi, no senior services and located in an area zoned Commercial/Residential’. This area is not zoned for homes or non-commercial housing.
.
It is my opinion that, come August 1st, all the residents of this building will be given the minimum notice legally possible to move out. I would guess they will tear down this building and (as they did across the street) build condominiums. If I am wrong, I will be the first to admit my mistake. Either way, Senior Living or condominiums I am relatively sure that everyone here will be evicted. Having worked in property management, off and on, since 1983 (in San Diego off of 44th street with Becky) I am acting to protect my health and interests.
.
This whole debaclehas put my health in a terrible spiral. Between the stresses of being left in the dark combined with the frantic pace I have been writing. I am not sleeping, at all well, my left arm is jumping and in horrific pain, and I have intractable pain from my head all the way down into my arms. (both of them) On top of the intractable pain my depression has become much worse.
.
For the past six months I have been on Mirtazapine (Remeron, Avanza, Zispin) for my depression. Diagnosed with chronic depression, I have… imagine that @ 55 I am in intractable pain from the time I wake to the time I sleep every single day. Each year I experience more neurological and physical losses, and now I cannot even walk, without help. This is not what I signed on for¸ and far from how (just ten years ago) I saw myself at this age. In 2003 I was managing a 100 unit building in the heart of Westwood, California. I had plans of working that building into a City Landmark and the backing of both the Senior Executives.
.
I was well on the path to being a Senior Executive with a prosperous Beverly Hills Property Management company. A brand new truck, and a loving adopted dog. I had arrived at the life I always wanted. Then I was struck, not once or twice, but regularly with extreme headaches and radiculopathy. It didn’t take long, after the first X-Rays, for me to be diagnosed with advanced Degenerative Disc Disease.
.
Long story short, five years passed before I could get the surgery that I needed. By that time… my nerve roots were permanently damaged from C3-C7. Now, I suffer with more nerve root damage, from C1-C3 and Central Cervical Spinal Stenosis. Quite literally, a disc is pressing on my spinal cord, it threatens my entire existence. One slip, one fall, and bam I am doing a Christopher Reeve impression the rest of my life. (My last neurosurgeon actually thought it was a funny way of explaining my potential medical state… I didn’t laugh then… I’m, not laughing now)
.
My Dear Readers, I do not dwell on this. I try not to even think, much less write, about the potential life I may be left with… it’s the only way I keep a gun out of my mouth. Now, Imagine, if you will, a person (Hey, how about me) in this condition living on the street.
.
That, My Dear Readers, is my nightmare and what keeps me awake at night. However one may feel, that is my life right now… this day… this week. In spite of that each day I try my best to write. I write to keep my mind busy. I write to entertain. I write.. because it is the only way I know of to repay what kindness I receive.
.
Now, let me get one thing perfectly clear! I neither expect, nor desire your pity. I, almost, would rather be dead than pitied. Your; help, assistance, support, and even love I will gladly accept. Barring someone driving all the way to California to help me; pack move and unpack. I ask for your financial support. If that is not possible, I ask that you Share! Share my campaign, share my work, share my situation, share my plight. In just twelve days I will know my fate. This campaign ends in 36. I honestly do not think that they can make me move quicker than at least a month. I have been here ten years, and I am a temporary resident.
.
Writing all that… caused me pain… both physical and emotional, too. Having said I will leave you to read, or share, the statement I made to Indiegogo to start this campaign. If you can, please… help? If you cannot, please spread the word. Because, that will help me in the end.
.
Thank you. For your time. Thank you for coming here and reading my words. Thank you, for whatever you do, when you finish reading this. “Thank YOU!”
From the Indiegogo Campaign:
Summary:
My name is Daniel and I currently live in Cypress California. I am disabled with Cervical Spinal Stenosis secondary to acute Degenerative disc disease. I have been living in an ‘Extended Stay Motel’ for the past ten years. Honestly, it is all I can really afford. When I moved here I planned on staying six months. Getting the surgery I needed and then getting back to work. Four years passed just getting approved for Medicare and Social Security.
In that four years my disease progressed, became much worse. By the time I had insurance, the afore mentioned four years, my neck was in shambles. There was permanent damage to several nerve roots, and the beginnings of spinal stenosis. The nerve root damage has resulted in me having limited feeling and use of my left arm and hand.
The spinal stenosis has caused ‘left foot drop’ and many other medical problems and it only gets worse. I do not have the financial resources to get the pricy surgery that might help. I am not bitter, I just want to be safe and work at my blog whenever I can. I am not here to ask for assistance for a surgery, nothing that frivolous. I am asking for your assistance so that I can move.
As I said, I have been staying at this motel for the past ten years. However, recent developments have made me staying here not a viable option. First, there is the brown water. I have written about it extensively @ The Other Shoe. As well, there are three videos of this brackish water @ YouTube. I have talked and complained to the management here, yet the problem persists.
This property management company, that is, there is a new one coming… hang on I am getting ahead. This brings me to the second part, the company that has owned this building all the time I have been here is selling this building. The new company is taking over at the end of July. From what everyone here is being told? The new company is going to convert this building to all senior living. Normally this would be a God send. Why it is not, is simple.
We are being told that everyone in the building will be evicted, so that they can convert the whole building at once… and “get a better class of people, living here…” That, I was told, by a source close to the process. This causes me grave concerns and it was the ‘Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back’ for me. I wanted to try to raise the money to move, again, since my first attempt did not succeed. Please, don’t get me wrong, everyone that gave to the original Daniel’s Moving Assistance Fund were angels indeed. I am touched by their help and moved by their generosity.
However, it takes more than I raised to move me. It has been a year, since, the last campaign. A year fraught with difficulty and growing pain, and a realization that soon I might not be able or capable to do what I do now. So, it is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I come back to Indiegogo and you to ask one more time. I come here to ask for your assistance, your help, your understanding and compassion.
It is only with your assistance that I can hope to escape. Escape a building with foul water, and a second story room with no elevator to get my power chair out alone.
Now, I would like to outline the expenses the best that I can. I have shopped for prices for this August and September. I have projected the best that I can.
What I Need: (Please)
- Truck Rental – Penske Truck Rentals = $56.00 per day + $0.79 per mile plus refilling the gas tank. = $100.00
- Truck Rental Deposit (Insurance as I do not currently own a car nor do I have car insurance) I was quoted $200 - $250 depending on my DMV record. I have NO accidents EVER so I am hoping for = $200.00
- Labor to help me move… this gets scary… From what I understand I can hire men @ the Home Depot (right across the street) for $50.00 - $80.00 per day. I will need help packing and throwing much stuff away. I would guess two people for two days would be enough. @ ~ $60.00 (per) X 2 (people) X 2 (days) = $240.00
- Next and Last. I will need assistance with the initial rental and deposit. Looking on line at several different sites. To rent a single (bachelor) here in Orange County will cost between $1,000.00 and $1,200.00 a month in rent. I have not rented an apartment for nearly ten years… I am sure they will want; First, Last and a Deposit equal to at least one month’s rent. That is the killer, and one I hope to bring DOWN. = $3,000.00 - $3,600.00
.
That is all I can, in good conscience, ask for assistance. Any other expenses I will just handle the best that I can when and if they land in my lap. However, ALL the sites that I can use (to raise money) ALL charge a percent of what you raise (7%-10%), and there is a ‘Bank Transfer Fee’ (last time it was $150.00).
.
Total Cost = $3,000.00 $3,600.00
$180.00 (6% fee) $216.00
$150.00 (Bank Fee) $150.00
$3,330.00 $3,966.00
Therefore, Best Case = $3,330.00 (with luck on my side and the wind at my back)
Worst Case = $3,966.00 (With it being Southern California and no ‘luck’)
I thought long and hard on this and I do not want a repeat of my last efforts (I did not consider all possible angles and problems… like getting the power chair out of my house) I will err on the side of caution and round this out @ $5,000.00 = $4,500.00 After Indiegogo Fees and Bank Fees [Updated 714/13 dlh] Just to be safe, just to be sure and not end up within striking distance and then fall.
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Impact:
Let me be blunt, I will live longer and healthier with your help. Moving will afford me the opportunity to find a home that is safe. This building is only safe, as it is now and that is not much, because of the efforts of myself and other residents that stood up to the drug dealers and prostitutes they used to rent to here. I took pictures and made videos of drug transactions and then shared them with the police and property management company. Only with our information and support did we rid most of the ‘Bad Elements’ from this building. However, there are many residents that still I would not walk around this building at night alone.
Freedom (guess that should have come first…) I can move to a building with elevators to get myself and my power chair out of the building when I want! Or, to a first floor room/apartment in a safer building with clean fresh water. That would give me a freedom I have not had in over eight years. Yes, it has been eight years since I was able to walk out of this building with my own two feet, and get past the front desk. My condition has worsened to the extent I cannot walk more than ¼ a block and one flight of stairs. My roommate/Caregiver helps me with everything else.
IF I want to get out, just for fresh air or to see a movie (I have not done that in eight years, either) I need assistance. If I were to have your assistance I would be able to get in and out when I want! That is what I call Freedom. That is what your help will give me; safety and freedom.
Last, Ii know that you noticed... you are very smart, that the total is $4,000.00 and I asked for $5,000.00. The remaining monies will go to; GLASSES that I have not had in SIX YEARS, some little trift store furniture... I currently only own a bed and frame, and some decorations for the new home... to make it more like a HOME. Maybe go out to dinner and see a movie in a theater, and money to SAVE for (I know it is coming) a rainy day. I hope you understand and approve. I just want a little wiggle room. ;)
Other Ways YOU Can Help:
Not everyone that wants to give can afford to give, I understand that… believe me I do! However, there are MANY other ways you can help, here are a few:
- ‘Share’ and ‘Like’ my campaign and posts (at Facebook and The Other Shoe) With YOUR Facebook friends. Just press ‘Share’ right by the ‘Like’ button. This does TWO things. It shows your Facebook friends that you care. Second, it shows them that you approve of my campaign. SO many people want to help, but hesitate because they do not know the person (me) and do not know if they can be trusted. Your support, this way, is a badge of honor to me. It shows that I can be trusted to do with the money what I claim. I will and I will post proof , like I did with my Power Chair Campaign.
- Talk about the campaign to; friends, family, fellow church members and members of professional or hobby based groups. Just like the ‘Like’s and ‘Share’s above, talking about the campaign tells your friends and family that you approve and that you can or do give, too. Post the URL to the campaign on Community Bulletin Boards and even ask for a mention in the weekly newsletter @ church or @ work. Honestly, I would prefer $5.00 from 1,000 people… but I am told that is a ‘pipe dream’.
- Offer goods or services as ‘Donations’ for me to give to people who can donate money. I am going to try to find ways that I can give items as rewards for contributions. Last time I gave away ‘Shout-Outs’ on my blog(s) and on Facebook. You make a donation, of a certain amount at a certain time, and I mention your name and “Thank you!’ in the public domain for everyone to see. This was very popular last time.
- Offer your time or assistance with me managing the campaign. Offer to share a recipe @ The Other Shoe or an entertaining article. One of the most difficult tasks for me is keeping up the content and posting along with everything else I do. My pain gets SO extreme… and I leave and don’t post for a day or two. During that time my traffic falls, and so do the contributions. ANY assistance with content or posting would be of great assistance to me.
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That is all I can think of at this time. However, if I think of anything else I will share it just as soon as I can. Right now I am in extreme pain… I about finished so I am going to push through to the end. I have one more thing to say, then I will post this and pray.
Conclusion:
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This is not the timing that I wanted, had planned or even desire. I know families are going on vacations. However, the timing was taken out of my hands. From what I am told I have, at the most, 60 days before I am forced out. Today is July 10th, 2013. I have made the campaign for 45 days, because I need the money by the end of September to avoid… the worst possible scenario. If you cannot give, now. Let me know and I will be happy to set up a way for you to contribute at a later time.
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Last. “Thank YOU!” Let’s count how many times I say this over the next 45 days. I am guessing close to a thousand. It has taken me three days to write this… correct it… and make sure it is something I want in the public eye. Today is the day… Please. Please help me to move to a safe building with fresh clean water. A place where I can take out my power chair any time that I want without help… That would mean the world to me. And, again,
“Thank YOU!”
A Week In Review July 20th, 2013
Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. Here we are at another weekend and another edition of ‘A Week In Review’. I must admit, I am proud (very in fact) that for the forth week in a row I have managed to post nearly everyday. Proud in that I have kept the content flowing. Five articles I have published this week, but this week it was not just the number of articles it was the size that impressed, too.
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This week saw the publication of the largest edition of 'MMORPGs And YOU!'. The subject of that edition was a subject close to my heart. Therefore, I went fullbore and presenting; the most content, the most media, and the most of me than ever before. This subject was Star Trek On Line a marriage of one of my favorite intellectual properties and my favorite type of PC game. If, by today, you have not looked at this article I certainly think you should.
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Below you will find links, to the article mentioned above, and everything that I have presented to you My Dear Readers in the week that follows us. But that’s not all, as they say on television, two huge articles this week I did write. The other large asked article I presented to you? The Disneyland 50th Anniversary Annual Passholders Exclusive Commemorative Plates and Pins. This article, promoting items I’ve added as perks for my Indiegogo Campaign, had the single largest number of pictures or images of anything I’ve published to date.
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As with all the material I published here at The Other Shoe every single image you saw in the article I took myself and put in the article published just for you. If writing, or charity campaign have a 'Hell Week' this most certainly was mine. In just one week I have been fortunate to receive a total of $165. That brings the campaign to more than 1/50 of its goal. Right now I would like to express my deep and heartfelt "Thank you" to everyone that shared, with me, this week.
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For anyone out there among My Dear Readers that cannot commit a financial donation at this time? This simple act of sharing; my posts, my articles, my updates, and my campaign with your Facebook friends, your family, your congregation, your neighbors will do as much if not more. My Dear Readers understand that by sharing my work and my campaign you not only expand the number of people that are aware you give myself, my work, and my campaign credibility you’d knowledge I am a genuine man in genuine need.
For many good Americans, that easily have the means to help, this is all they need. Someone that they know and respect to show support for someone they’ve known for decades, someone almost like family, to show you care I have a roof over my head... means the world to me.
And now, as again they say on TV, On with the show!
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That brings us to the end of another ‘A Week In Review’ and another week here @ The Other Shoe. I hope you have enjoyed my work, and that you come back next week for more. As always, I am honored that you come here and read my work here @ The Other Shoe. Please, if I may ask a favor? Please Share. If you have the means, and want to help me avoid living on the streets. Please just click below and help me, help myself stand tall.
Thank YOU!
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This week saw the publication of the largest edition of 'MMORPGs And YOU!'. The subject of that edition was a subject close to my heart. Therefore, I went fullbore and presenting; the most content, the most media, and the most of me than ever before. This subject was Star Trek On Line a marriage of one of my favorite intellectual properties and my favorite type of PC game. If, by today, you have not looked at this article I certainly think you should.
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Below you will find links, to the article mentioned above, and everything that I have presented to you My Dear Readers in the week that follows us. But that’s not all, as they say on television, two huge articles this week I did write. The other large asked article I presented to you? The Disneyland 50th Anniversary Annual Passholders Exclusive Commemorative Plates and Pins. This article, promoting items I’ve added as perks for my Indiegogo Campaign, had the single largest number of pictures or images of anything I’ve published to date.
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As with all the material I published here at The Other Shoe every single image you saw in the article I took myself and put in the article published just for you. If writing, or charity campaign have a 'Hell Week' this most certainly was mine. In just one week I have been fortunate to receive a total of $165. That brings the campaign to more than 1/50 of its goal. Right now I would like to express my deep and heartfelt "Thank you" to everyone that shared, with me, this week.
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For anyone out there among My Dear Readers that cannot commit a financial donation at this time? This simple act of sharing; my posts, my articles, my updates, and my campaign with your Facebook friends, your family, your congregation, your neighbors will do as much if not more. My Dear Readers understand that by sharing my work and my campaign you not only expand the number of people that are aware you give myself, my work, and my campaign credibility you’d knowledge I am a genuine man in genuine need.
For many good Americans, that easily have the means to help, this is all they need. Someone that they know and respect to show support for someone they’ve known for decades, someone almost like family, to show you care I have a roof over my head... means the world to me.
And now, as again they say on TV, On with the show!
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- Sunday Funnies July 14th 2013 :“Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe and ed by se edition of ‘Sunday Funnies’ for July 14th, 2013. This week I shared with you a video of Alexander learning that the Au Jus from Arby’s is quite hot! Notigarticle was reblogce how he laps at the au jus, then shakes his head, then goes back? It is the shaking of his head that shows me, he found it that it is hot! I wanted to make sure everyone knew that no animals were harmed in the making of this video. Alexander is just fine, he didn’t hurt himself. He soon learned that Au Jus is HOT and that is a lesson well learned. This week’s edition will showcase a special talent and a great love of mine, Priuncess Nadia! Be sure to drop by, tomorrow, and see Nadia in action. I miss her dearly, my heart still breaks when I think of her… her smile, the way she hugged me… everything about her.
- The Most Recent Footage of Brown Water @ The Cypres Lodge : “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. It is with deep regret and even embarrassment that I publish, yet another, video and account of the brackish horrid water here at the Cypress Lodge. I would much rather be finishing my article ‘MMORPGs And YOU! – Part Five – Star Trek on Line’. However, it is evident that is not to be, as circumstance forces me to publish another video and write another blurb about this building and my fight to have clean water… or move.” The battle for clean water, I lost. The war has yet to be decided. A new company will take over the building the fist of next month. However, what we are being told, by all the current staff, “They are going to move everyone out and remodel all the rooms. They want to rent these units out, as apartments for seniors.” This is why I started my campaign top raise the fund I need to move. I will do anything, and everything, I can to prevent my ending up homeless.
- MMORPGs Any 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 World is 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.” My finest work, with the more media than ever before, proud of thata I surely am and there is more to come! This article was my most popular this year. It was reblogged several times all over the web. I am very proud of this work of mine, and have decided, this series, not to end. Expect a return. Next week, of edition number six!
- Disneyland 50th Anniversary Exclusive Dessert Plates and Pins: “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am making a departure from my usual faire, and format. Necessity dictates that I push the limits of my creativity, and what I am willing to part with… in order to escape. Escape from a place… well you have seen the videos and you have heard my tales. It’s called ‘Sweetening the Pot’, that which I am about to do.” The largest number of images of any work I have ever published. I took ALL the pictures myself, uploaded them, integrated them into the article and published them myself. The donation was a tremendous gift, to me and the campaign. The set of dessert plates? I scoured the web and not once did I find a reputable place where you can get all six at once. The pins, again I looked and looked, and these four I saw no where else. So, if you (or someone you know or love) collects Disney memorabilia this would make a wonderful gift and one that is certain to gain in value.
- Texas is Turning Purple? Are you Seeing This? : “Every single month, two things happen, in this changing nation of ours. Factoid one; 237,540 Americans (Baby-Boomers) turn sixty each and every month.[1] Factoid two; every single (same) month, in America, 50,000 Latinos turn voting age (18). [2] These are facts! This is a shifting demographic that does not favor one party of our ‘two party’ system. It is a known and historic fact that; lower income individuals, African Americans (90+% voted Democrat in 2012 elections), the elderly, the poor and Latinos (78% in the last Presidential election) tend to vote Democrat.” I took a chance… I took a risk, a big one. I wrote, this week, a slightly political piece hopping I would do my campaign no harm. I get so many requests for my political works, from people all over the great U.S.A. I cannot ignore My Dear Readers requests out of fear I might offend. Evidently this article was well received… it, too, was reblooged this week. That makes a record for Danny and The Other Shoe. TWO articles in ONE week reblogged and spread over the internet. Each and every time I get te notification one of my works has been reblogged (for anyone that is not familiar, this is the act of another blogger putting my work up on their site for everyone of their readers to enjoy) my heart jumps and I get a lump in my throat. It is an honor, to have my work shared with other readers, just like you.
- News From The Front – #1 July 19, 2013 : “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. Today I am departing, again, from routine. My purpose here, today, is twofold; First a heartfelt and genuine “Thank you!” to the most recent of Daniel’s Angels for making a contribution to my Relocation Campaign. Second, an update to my current living situation (the very reason for said campaign). I have just received notification that “the building has been sold and the new owners take control August 1st, 2013. Thus ending a decade long relationship between myself and the property management company Satellite Management Company. The final work of this long and difficult week was an Update on everything from my world. The only thing I left out… was my; lack of sleep, my worsening pain, and the feelings of terror I am experiencing. I know that many-some of you think my claims of ending up homeless are hyperbole. That is not true. I do not have the money… nor the manpower to move… I do not have the financial means, either. If, on August 1st, they come and tell me I have to move. I am pretty well boned. I pray this is not the case… regardless of what the employees here tell me. Oh, FYI every employee here is getting fired. They have each come to my door telling me about this fact. I have been here ten years and have gotten to know the staff quite well. They know I was a property manager for fifteen years, and hope I have leads for them to find work. I point them to the companies I know and I wish them all the luck. One of the workers being fired? Has been with the company, cleaning these rooms, for twenty-five years! Yet, at the drop of the hat, they let them go and send them on their way. Do you really think they will treat me any differently? I don’t.
That brings us to the end of another ‘A Week In Review’ and another week here @ The Other Shoe. I hope you have enjoyed my work, and that you come back next week for more. As always, I am honored that you come here and read my work here @ The Other Shoe. Please, if I may ask a favor? Please Share. If you have the means, and want to help me avoid living on the streets. Please just click below and help me, help myself stand tall.
Thank YOU!
Please Share?!
Friday, July 19, 2013
News From The Front - #1 July 19, 2013
Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to The Other Shoe. Today I am departing, again, from routine. My purpose here, today, is twofold; First a heartfelt and genuine “Thank you!” to the most recent of Daniel’s Angels for making a contribution to my Relocation Campaign. Second, an update to my current living situation (the very reason for said campaign). I have just received notification that “the building has been sold and the new owners take control August 1st, 2013. Thus ending a decade long relationship between myself and the property management company Satellite Management Company.
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Though the first of the month is only thirteen days away, absolutely nobody here knows what the future may bring. No notifications were given, no news handed down. The only thing that has been told, any resident here, is that “the new owners are planning to remodel the entire building (all at once, I am told) and reopen it as a ‘Senior Retirement Community’. I encourage everyone of my readers to go and Google Earth this address; 5602 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress California 90630. Take a good look at this tired and beaten building and tell me, honestly, is this a viable location to put senior living?
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In the ten years I have lived here I have witnessed; drug dealers galore, race riots in the parking lot, drunken visitors breaking car windows of people they do not know, three rapes, and a half-dozen murders (including a suicide of a manager in the manager’s apartment). There are no senior citizens centers within five miles, and no companies that cater to seniors within an hour’s drive. There is no; elevator, pool, jacuzzi, and only three handicap marked spaces for a building of 100 units.
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It is my firm and informed opinion that what I overheard will come true. All of the residents of this building will be vacated, as quickly as they can, and this building will be torn down. Instead of senior housing, condominiums will be built. By Christmas this will be an empty lot, and by this time next year, several condominiums will be occupied.
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I have no proof of what I write, if I did it would be displayed here and my Indiegogo campaign. Just as soon as I have anything in writing, I will post it here and at Indiegogo. However, I fear that by that time I will have only days to be living somewhere else… Aye, there’s the rub.
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The financial resource to move, escape me at this time. I should be out looking at apartments, but without my caregiver available to help I am stuck with how far I can walk. Two blocks at most.
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Again, I would like, very much, to say “Thank YOU!” to my anonymous contributor of today. You have asked for the ‘Shout-Out’ perk, but asked for your name to not be revealed. I am doing my level best to honor the commitment of the perk that you choose. I will announce this on both my Blogs and on Facebook, too.
That is all, for right now. As always I would like to express the great honor that you bestow by coming here to The Other Shoe. I wish everyone a Great Weekend!
Thank you!
Please Share!?
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Daniel's Relocation and General Assistance Fiunding Canpaign[/caption]P.S. The Dessert Plates and Pins will be on Indiegogo by the end of the day. My apologies for not getting them there sooner, as my left hand has been in great pain... along with my neck and back and head.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Disneyland 50th Anniversary Exclusive Dessert Plates and Pins
Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am making a departure from my usual faire, and format. Necessity dictates that I push the limits of my creativity, and what I am willing to part with… in order to escape. Escape from a place… well you have seen the videos and you have heard my tales. Its called ‘Sweetening the Pot’, that which I am about to do.
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Indiegogo calls it ‘Perks’ also known as incentives. Whatever you call it, I am digging deeper than ever before.
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The year was 2005. The date was May 4th. Disney and Disneyland were kicking off a six-month Celebration. This was my friend Allen’s fifth year working for Disneyland at the Blue Bayou restaurant. For the next six months all employees were asked to postpone vacations, curtail sick days and come to work every day scheduled and not miss a beat.
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If an employee did this, at the end of that six month period they would receive; a two week paid vacation, favored status for next promotion and a collection of Commemorative pins and plates. Allen made it to the end of the six months, and worked there another five years. He was quite proud of himself fpr the accomplishment he had undertaken. They bestowed the gifts, just as promised, with a commemorative plaque. He received Six Disneyland DESSERT PLATE Sleeping Beauty Castle 50th Anniversary Disney crownsand five of the pins (One - Disney 50th Anniversary Main Street Popcorn Cart Walt & Mickey Jumbo Easel Pin)
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For the past eight years he has treasured these items like no other. They have been kept safely in their boxes, padded with their pads, and (most) never used at all. The plates have never been out of the boxes for more than a min. and never used to eat!
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With the first week of Daniel's Relocation & General Relief rapidly approaching the end of one week, he came to me with “an offer you can’t refuse…”. For the use of this campaign, and in hopes of a better life for me, I have the distinct honor and pleasure of brining these items, as a perk, to my campaign.
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I am in the process of setting these items up as ‘Perks’ @ Daniel’s Relocation and General Relief campaign @ Indiegogo. However, I am going to include a review of all the items being offered right in this article. I am struggling with the ‘pricing’ of these items. The value, on the market place range from $20.00 to unavailable.
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I am leaning toward setting the whole sets for higher price because of the rare items. With all the items and ‘sets’ what is posted is the ‘Suggested Contribution’ to get the corresponding perk. As a donor you always have the option of donating larger amounts and taking the desired perk.
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This was a difficult decision for both of us and more so for Allen because he went six months without; being late once, calling in sick, over staying a lunch and accepting all offered open shifts. He really put his nose to the grindstone and is/was extremely proud when he was awarded these 50th Anniversary Annual Passholder Exclusive Commemorative items. I am hesitant to offer them for this purpose. However, this first week has given me grave concerns and I realize something has to change. I am hoping that this might be part of that change.
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The first shot is of all six Disneyland 50th Anniversary Annual Passholders Exclusive Dessert Plates:
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[caption id="attachment_1056" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
All SIX Dessert Plates n Crft authticity[/caption](All Six 50th Anniversary Dessert Plates)
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Next I will show each of the six dessert plates with notes on the special or rare plates. First will be the most sought of the six, Disneyland Sleeping Beauty’s Castle:
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[caption id="attachment_1066" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Plate Number Six Sleeping Beauty's Castle[/caption](Number Six Sleeping Beauty’s Castle Dessert Plate)
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Next will be Number Five Tinkerbelle’s plate;
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[caption id="attachment_1065" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Plate Number Five TINKER BELL[/caption](Plate #5 Tinkerbelle’s Dessert Plate)
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Next is one of the ‘Crowns’ dessert plates. I do not know of their rarity or special designations, like Blue Fairy or Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. This is plate number four;
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[caption id="attachment_1064" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Plate number 4[/caption](Plate Number Four – Crowns)
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Next is my personal favorite, number three plate the ‘Blue Fairy’ plate;\
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[caption id="attachment_1063" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Plate number 3 Blue Fairy rare[/caption](Plate Number Three Blue Fairy)
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Next is the number two ‘Crowns’ dessert plate;
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[caption id="attachment_1060" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
dessert plate number 2[/caption](Number Two Dessert Plate)
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Finally, plate number one the last of the ‘Crowns’ plates.
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[caption id="attachment_1062" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Plate Number 1[/caption](Number One ‘Crowns’ Dessert Plate);
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That finishes up the amazing dessert plates that I will have posted as perks. They each come with the Certificate of Authenticity pictured below;
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[caption id="attachment_1059" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Gold Ink Certificate of Authenticity[/caption](Certificate of Authenticity)
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That completely wraps up the dessert plates that are going to be offered @ Daniel’s Relocation and General Relief Indiegogo Campaign. They are all in pristine condition. Never out of the box for more than the time it took to take these pictures. Never used for eating, no chips or defects.
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Really tired and a lot of pain. Last I am going to display the pins that are going to be available. They are all 50th Anniversary Annual Passholders Exclusive Frequent Diners Reward Pins. The first image is of the whole set, all four types of pins I have available.
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[caption id="attachment_1054" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
All Four Pin Types 2005[/caption](All FOUR Types of 50th Anniversary APH Exclusive Pins)
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First shot is of the Casa Mexicana pin; (there are two available)
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[caption id="attachment_1057" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Casa Mexicana APE Pin[/caption](Casa Mexicana APH Reward Pin Full Box)
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Next is Tomorrowland Terrace:
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[caption id="attachment_1071" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Tomorrowland Terrace Full box[/caption](Tomorrowland Terrace APH Reward Pin)
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Next, the Tahitian Terrace pin;
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[caption id="attachment_1068" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Tahitian Terrace Annual Passholder Exclsv Pin and box[/caption]Tahitian Terrace APH Reward Pin with Box)
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Last, but the very best and rarest ‘Walt & Mickey Stand-Up Pin;
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[caption id="attachment_1067" align="aligncenter" width="630"]
Standup wlat mickey popcorn stand pin[/caption](50th Anniversary APH reward Walt/Mickey Stand-Up Pin)
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That, My Dear Readers, brings us (mercifully) to the end of this article, and the end of the work I have to do, today. Thank you. Thank you for your time and efforts. Thank you for your ‘Like’s and ‘Share’s. I am honored that you take the time to come here and read.
Thank you!
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Please Share!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Texas is Turning Purple? Are you Seeing This?
Every single month, two things happen, in this changing nation of ours. Factoid one; 237,540 Americans (Baby-Boomers) turn sixty each and every month.[1] Factoid two; every single (same) month, in America, 50,000 Latinos turn voting age (18). [2] These are facts! This is a shifting demographic that does not favor one party of our ‘two party’ system. It is a known and historic fact that; lower income individuals, African Americans (90+% voted Democrat in 2012 elections), the elderly, the poor and Latinos (78% in the last Presidential election) tend to vote Democrat.
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Thanks, in so small part, to; Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter and Karl Rove the Republican party is been plagued with hyper-partisanship for the last ten years. This has resulted in; intransigence in the Congress (more so in our House of Representatives) and a Senate crippled by the over sue of the filibuster .A once rarely used parliamentary procedure, now turned Standard Operating Procedure by the hyper-partisan members of said body. Between 1917 and 1975 this device was used ‘rarely” and only took 2/3rd of the Senate to override. Today it takes 3/5th to override and, well as you can see by the graph below, this filibuster is being used more in one month then it was used in ten years before.
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[caption id="attachment_1051" align="aligncenter" width="606"]
Filibuster trend[/caption]
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Now, let’s add! Number of Americans turning senior each month = 237,000 roughly (mostly Anglo-Americans) + 50,000 Latinos turning voting age each month + a House of Representatives parked in intransigence by a (relatively) small number of Republicans in gerrymandered districts + a Senate chocked with (meaningless) filibusters = a slow and painful death to the party of the far Right. The culprit behind the intransigent House of Representatives = hyper-partisanship. The 112th Congress passed (only) 219 bills into laws. [F.Y.I. that is the ONLY job they have and laws = order in a universe that needs them] By contrast the last two Democratic controlled Congress passed 383 and 460![3] = Intransigence in Congress.
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Now, to bring this puppy home. Texas has seen the largest growth in immigrant population second only to California.[4] As well, in Texas the largest shft in population is from rural to urban.[5] Americans that live in cities (major metropolitan areas) tend to; favor stricter gun laws, and vote Democratic. Texas is experiencing a hat-trick of changes. These three factors will not only impact Texas politics, from the Governorship to the State House, they will shift Texas from the deeply Conservative ‘Red’ of today. To a deeply purple, then Blue like it was in my youth. This is not opinion, this is far from conjecture, my friends it is in the cards it is inevitable.
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This will, likely, not manifest by the 2014 off-year elections. However, it is my projection… my assertion, that by the Presidential Elections of 2016? Texas’ 34 electoral college votes will go to the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton.
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THAT outcome will set this country up for the longest single stretch of One Party controlling the White House since… F.D.R.! With Texas a ‘Blue’ state, the balance of power in the House of Representatives will shift, without a doubt, back to a Democratically controlled House. Texas’ move, to purple then Blue, will make a huge and unmistakable change in the governance of our nation. Wrapping up here, I have one more thing to say. “You can ‘Thank’ Governor Rick Perry for a lot of this shift. For six years he has been giving away $14 Billion dollars in tax rebates to companies who move (themselves and their employees) to Texas. Fourteen billion dollars buys a lot of Democrats from; California, and New York.
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So, like the title of the article says, it is my firm assertion and opinion “Texas will turn purple (2014) then Blue (2016) and, at this point, there is nothing anyone can do.
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Thank you for your time, thank you for the honor of having you read my work. And, finally, “Thank YOU!” For sharing and Liking my work. I am trying to move, before I am thrown out, by the new owners of my building. If you can… if you would please? Take a moment and click the box below… and help me move… maybe back home?
Footnotes
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Thanks, in so small part, to; Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter and Karl Rove the Republican party is been plagued with hyper-partisanship for the last ten years. This has resulted in; intransigence in the Congress (more so in our House of Representatives) and a Senate crippled by the over sue of the filibuster .A once rarely used parliamentary procedure, now turned Standard Operating Procedure by the hyper-partisan members of said body. Between 1917 and 1975 this device was used ‘rarely” and only took 2/3rd of the Senate to override. Today it takes 3/5th to override and, well as you can see by the graph below, this filibuster is being used more in one month then it was used in ten years before.
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[caption id="attachment_1051" align="aligncenter" width="606"]
Filibuster trend[/caption](Historic Graph of Senate Filibuster 1919-2010)
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Now, let’s add! Number of Americans turning senior each month = 237,000 roughly (mostly Anglo-Americans) + 50,000 Latinos turning voting age each month + a House of Representatives parked in intransigence by a (relatively) small number of Republicans in gerrymandered districts + a Senate chocked with (meaningless) filibusters = a slow and painful death to the party of the far Right. The culprit behind the intransigent House of Representatives = hyper-partisanship. The 112th Congress passed (only) 219 bills into laws. [F.Y.I. that is the ONLY job they have and laws = order in a universe that needs them] By contrast the last two Democratic controlled Congress passed 383 and 460![3] = Intransigence in Congress.
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Now, to bring this puppy home. Texas has seen the largest growth in immigrant population second only to California.[4] As well, in Texas the largest shft in population is from rural to urban.[5] Americans that live in cities (major metropolitan areas) tend to; favor stricter gun laws, and vote Democratic. Texas is experiencing a hat-trick of changes. These three factors will not only impact Texas politics, from the Governorship to the State House, they will shift Texas from the deeply Conservative ‘Red’ of today. To a deeply purple, then Blue like it was in my youth. This is not opinion, this is far from conjecture, my friends it is in the cards it is inevitable.
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This will, likely, not manifest by the 2014 off-year elections. However, it is my projection… my assertion, that by the Presidential Elections of 2016? Texas’ 34 electoral college votes will go to the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton.
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THAT outcome will set this country up for the longest single stretch of One Party controlling the White House since… F.D.R.! With Texas a ‘Blue’ state, the balance of power in the House of Representatives will shift, without a doubt, back to a Democratically controlled House. Texas’ move, to purple then Blue, will make a huge and unmistakable change in the governance of our nation. Wrapping up here, I have one more thing to say. “You can ‘Thank’ Governor Rick Perry for a lot of this shift. For six years he has been giving away $14 Billion dollars in tax rebates to companies who move (themselves and their employees) to Texas. Fourteen billion dollars buys a lot of Democrats from; California, and New York.
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So, like the title of the article says, it is my firm assertion and opinion “Texas will turn purple (2014) then Blue (2016) and, at this point, there is nothing anyone can do.
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Thank you for your time, thank you for the honor of having you read my work. And, finally, “Thank YOU!” For sharing and Liking my work. I am trying to move, before I am thrown out, by the new owners of my building. If you can… if you would please? Take a moment and click the box below… and help me move… maybe back home?
Please Share?
Footnotes
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
MMORPGs And YOU! - Part Five - Star Trek On Line
In Game Screenshot of my Starship With Shuttle Behind)
Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Fifth edition of ‘MMORPGs And YOU! – 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.
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(Enzomatrix/Danny - Frontal Close-Up in Deep Space Nine)
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I had the opportunity to be a part of the beta of STOL, and it was a rough beta and an equally rough release. The game I purchased, and first installed and played? Is not the game that I played earlier today. Since I played the last time the game has gone to version 4.0 Legacy Of Romulus. First, when the game was in initial release it was a bug-ridden engine with stilted ground movement and combat. The space combat and travel was nothing to look at or play, either.
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(My Starship Docking @ Deep Space Nine)
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So, why did I play? The year was 1966 and Danny was eight going on nine Then this space drama started on CBS and I had found my second television love. (My first would have either been Lost In Space or Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea) It was on a school night, but I begged, pleaded and prodded until my mother relented and my father smiled. No one else was up, by the end of each episode.
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So here there was this eight-year-old boy watching Kirk, Spock, Mc Coy Uhru, Scotty and Sulu wander the depths of space battling aliens of every imaginable race. I was in space race-baby boomer-American Boy Heaven. Oh, let me tell you that one more than one occasion, it was very difficult to walk down that long hall to my bedroom after an hour of that all alone. Sometimes I would close my eyes and just run as fast as I could, down the hall. Jump into bed and pull the covers over my head. Safe!
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(My Starship Healing a Smaller Ship)
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So, when I heard that this game was actually going to be a real game. (There were three different entities that hand a hand in STOL before it made it Live) Well, I purchased the Collector’s Edition – Preorder – beta Key – Early Game Intro version of the game. This was a marriage made in heaven. My boyhood dream-world meets adult boy’s hobby – PC Gaming. I had to enjoy this game, no matter how bad it really was, and it was.
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I played STOL for about six months, and then I made Rear Admiral and I left the game. About six months ago Perfect World took STOL from a subscription service to (my favorite service model) Free To Play. You can purchase a subscription plan (Going to Gold), expansions and add on content, but you can play the game in whole all for no money at all.
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(Enzomatrix/Danny Walking In Earth's Space Station)
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I was going to start with this game, in the first edition. However, some technical difficulty prevented me last month, but it works out that it has come last. Just a few weeks ago, the game went to the newest version and added Romulans. However, Perfect World did much more than just that, the rebuilt the engine and game and made it look like spun gold.
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This engine runs a smooth as silk, no more hitching and glitching that plagued this game before. Ever better they refined the ‘look ‘of the whole game from walls and hallways down to the User Interface. I was completely awestruck (once the update of six gigabytes finished and I started the new version of STOL) and I am really happy that I was forced to wait. Here I was, with the game of my dreams and five huge hard drives full of space and a in game video recorder at hand. That is why this, the very last one of the series, edition of MMORPGs And YOU! has seven to eight screenshots and three or four long in game videos. This is the most in game content of any two of the previous editions. In reality I have a half-dozen videos and more than a dozen images in all, but it looked just too crowded with all that media. ;)
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(EnzoMatrix/Danny @ Starfleet Headquaters On Spacestation )
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I got into a Brog Fight instance and every moment I wanted to record. Then I made it back to the space station and it was greatly improved, too. I did not expect a complete upgrade of my game, but that is exactly what I got today with a six gigabyte download. A whole new and completely redesigned game and interface. Star Trek On Line runs faster, smoother and looks ten times nicer than ever before. The camera moves flawlessly and smooth as silk, the indirect lighting and shadows are just brilliant.
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(My Enterprise Scanning An Anomly In Space)
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The action bar at the bottom and sides of the screen were even redesigned, and look better and are easier to see and use. The color theme is greatly improved and is, now, color coordinated, too. Walking down the halls of your ship or at Starfleet Command or Deep Space Nine (Yes, they have built the actual space station from the television show in the game) the walls and textures and people all look more realistic and detailed.
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I am overwhelmed just how much time and effort Perfect World has put into the expansion and upgrade of this game. Therefore, I have added more content than planned, and I am going out on a limb. If you are ever thinking of playing an MMORPG (and you might be a Trekie, too?), let me suggest Star Trek On Line as the game that you buy. The game has made such a huge improvement, in just the past six months, I feel completely confident in making this my pick of the starter MMORPG game.
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(My Starship In a PvP Battle With A Borg Mothership)
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Now on to the rest of what I have to share about this game. STOL does not have mounts or Flight Points or even Flying Mounts. The walking around with people part of STOL is not the biggest part of this game. Blasting other ships in space is the real draw to this game. Now, half of the people who were thinking of playing this game just lost their nerve. Don’t worry, it is really easy to control; the small planet sized ships. Scattered through out this article are at least two (more like thee) videos of my ship, and others, blasting away at Borg ships.
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STOL has everything else that I have told you about in this series. You can learn trades and professions; you can make things and sell them in an Auction House. There are merchants for everything that you could ever want everywhere you go. There are banks to store your items and even Guilds here, too. New types and sizes of ships to buy, and you can spend coin to buy improvements to existing ships. The range of ships is nearly limitless, and that is where your major class is determined.
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((My ‘Enterprise’ Star Ship From the Third Movie)
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Your toon has a specialty, like healing or explosives, ranged attack or close combat. AS well, your ship(s) can have a specialty, supported by a specially trained bridge crew. You have talent points that you spend to train yourself, and another set of points to spend on your bridge crew and your Away Team. Now, you can make them one in the same, in the beginning, to make things easier. It does take some time to build up yourself and your crew. Just keep playing through the story line missions and you and your crew will move right along.
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(My Starship Docking with Earth's Space Dock)
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In STOL there are Guilds they are just called Fleets. You have matching nautical ranks to go right along with the Star Trek and Starfleet. The fleets have the same dynamics and reasons to be as WoW or Rift or Aion. There are personal banks and Fleet Banks, just as in all the other MMORPGs. There are cut scenes for plot based quests and introduction movies at the beginning of the game. There is everything that comes with being an MMORPG game, with all the spectacle and beauty of it taking place in space.
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‘Space, the final frontier…’ Makes my have a chill, every time I hear those words. To combine those feelings with the wonder of MMORPG… well it is a wonder that I have been away from this game so long. In just playing for a couple of hours today, to get in game video footage and images. I was struck, all over again, with the beauty and wonder of this game. I hope that by including so many more videos and images you, My Dear Readers, clearly see just how brilliant this game has become.
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(My Starship Outside Earth's Space Dock)
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Comparisons with the original game, and the game that I just played, would parallel comparing Quake to Crysis. Time, at least in this, has been my friend. That I did not make this game the premier game of the series is nothing less than a Godsend. Sorry, I had a singularly wonderful experience preparing for this article. I just came to the blank page with all these emotions and energy. If you have the chance, please watch all the movies, that way you have a complete picture of what this game has to offer.
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That brings us to the end of this, the fifth edition of ‘MMORPGs And YOU!’. It has been my singular honor to share these games, my hobby, with you. And, as always, I would like to thank you for coming by The Other Shoe.
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