Winter Travel Trip to Camp Hill, PA

Hello readers,

During the New Years holiday, I took a trip to Harrisburg, PA (specifically-- Camp Hill, PA) to visit my cousins. Read my travel blog post for more about my trip and the transportation that I took there.

Here are some of my latest updates for you to check out:

• My Travel Blog

• A Conversation With Dan & Ry website
• Listen here to A Conversation With Dan & Ry or here.
• Listen to Episode 4: Holiday Hoopla - listen here or here.

Also, I would like to encourage you to check out:

• KLove
• SQPN - The Star Quest Production Network - Leading the Way in Catholic New Media
• Busted Halo - an online magazine for spiritual seekers

Wishing you and your family a very merry and blessed Christmas and a happy new year!

God bless,

Daniel

Announcing WYMC, a new media production network!

Hello bloggers and readers,

I would like to share with you a new blog-website that I've created for this new media production network that my cousin, Ry, and I have created. I would like to announce to you our new media production network where we specialize in fascinating, exceptional multimedia shows-- WYMC: what yoda my cheese production network.

Please check out our blog-website, linked below, for updates and episode releases of our affiliated podcasts.

WYMC: what yoda my cheese blog-website

Stay tuned for new episodes of my podcast, PhotoCast! Also, I will soon be ustreaming live again- Check out the Live Podcast Shows page on my website when I broadcast live; and be sure to follow me on twitter for a tweet when I broadcast live.

And, remember to listen to my show, R U Inspired?, on WRBC: the blaze, RU's student-run streaming radio station. Listen this Friday, Dec. 18th, 2009 from 3-4PM CST for inspirational, Christian holiday Christmas music in honor of the Christmas holiday approaching in a week.

God Bless,

Daniel

Return To Blogging: Exciting News Update!

Hello bloggers,

I'm back to blogging and I've got some excited news to tell you and that is that I will be starting a radio show on Roosevelt University's student-run streaming radio station.   I will be starting this show on Friday, Oct. 30th.  Since the station is online, anyone can listen!  The show will be on Fridays from 3-4 PM CST.   I will be playing various inspirational and Christian music.  For further information on my new radio show or for updates on the show, be sure to visit my show's blog -- I have titled the show "R U Inspired?"  So, be sure to listen in -- go to my show's blog to see how you can listen!

You may of wondered why I haven't blogged here or for that matter put out a new episode of my podcast, PhotoCast, and that is because I haven't really had the time-- but, I am going to try to find some time to come out with new blog posts, on occasion, as well as new podcast episodes. So, be on the look on my podcast-- PhotoCast for new episodes that are coming soon!

I look forward to coming out with new posts soon! 

Have a great day,

Daniel

Blogging About Blogging: Summer Blog Party(op/ed)

Hello fellow bloggers,

It's been a while since I blogged, but I thought that I'd finally let you know of my latest op/ed in the TORCH.  Please click on the following link to read an op/ed on why you should blog during the summer!

Summer Blog Party - Opinion & Editorial

That's about it for now, I'll try to blog to you all at a later date. 

Happy Summer Blogging,

Daniel

Spread The Word To End The Word - My New Op/Ed,Torch

[Image Credit: the image above is from www.soill.org | www.specialolympics.org  > resources to use to promote.]

Hello fellow bloggers/readers,

Here is a link to my op/ed that I wrote for this week's (issue 21, April 20th) issue of the Torch (RU's student newspaper)! 

Spread The Word To End The Word - Opinion & Editorial

Check it out and comment on this story right on the webpage on the online edition for this story -- and pass it onto your friends and family!

COMING SOON TO A DAN'S WRITING NEAR YOU:

*I've got more thoughts to share, but that'll come when I've got more time to sit and blog.  (this blog)

*My informative speech from public speaking on my next episode of my podcast (photocast) -- plus feedback on my opening speech/last episode, a promo for an excellent Catholic Podcast that was sent to me and I highly recommend to you all, and who know's what else-- should be short-- goal: within 20 minutes to a 1/2 an hour (keyword here: approximate!)

*Another op/ed for the last issue of the Torch for the 2008-2009 year -- This time the topic that I pitched was... blogging. I'll leave it at that-- you will have to stay tuned to the TORCH's last issue/this blog for an update on more!

*WATCH this blog/my homepage for websites in what I have to share with y'all! 

 

Enjoy! 

 ~Daniel

P.S. Happy Warm Chicago Weather!

Spring Break Fun ~ weather is beautiful + some relaxing time is needed!

Hello my devoted readers, 

Today I would like to blog to you briefly. Here is what I plan to talk to you all about: Rereading a short story from spring2007 + Relaxing this week!   Let me start out by saying that I'm on spring break this week, and since its spring break, I remembered  that back in spring 2007, I had wrote a short story called "The Unexpected Spring Break" for my creative writing class during my junior year of high school.   I scanned in the 3-page short story and am going to try to link to it here.  

Please Read my Breaking News Blog Post with a link to the short story as well as to my latest podcast episode by clicking here. 

Remember your gracious comments and feedback are greatly appreciated! ~ Just add a comment below on this post or the blog post linked above. 

Happy Spring everyone!

Stay Cool,

Daniel

My FINAL Reactions To Ray's Book Part III: Sad To Finish; Excited For Another Good Read!...

Hello my dearest blog followers, 

I am going to be brief in this post just to tell y'all that I finished this book, EVERYTHING AND A KITE by Ray Romano that I posted 2 parts on this blog!    I'm not going to blog a lot about it now, but perhaps more later! OVERALL, its pretty funny and a very good book!

Finally, Last Friday I went to the book release book for Scott Blackwood's first, new novel called We agreed to meet just here which won the AWP Award Series in the Novel. 

I wrote a feature story about Scott Blackwood last semester (my first feature story that I got published).  

  *  Click here to read this story.

  * Click here to go to the webpage for this new novel.

  * Click here to order the book through the publisher of this novel.

  * Click here to buy it on Amazon.

(the photo to the right is from the Amazon store website link above)

I hope to blog to you again soon--- sometime when I find the time!

Stay warm,

Daniel

Is New Technology Helpful Or Useless?

Hello my dearest blogger readers,

I would like to quickly share with you about a few of new technology gadgets that I just heard about, plus one that I have just put my hands on personally!  Through this new technology exploration, I hope to give you an insight in my take on if new technology is helpful or useful.  

First, is what appears to be an awesome technical gadget called "Kindle 2" that just came out a week ago.  

Kindle Envy! (Posted [LINK] using ShareThis)

Here's the quote technical specifics: 

source: http://new.catholicmom.com/2009/02/12/kindle-envy/ 

• Slim & Lightweight: Just over 1/3 inch and 10.2 ounces
  
• Books in under 60 seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
  
• Improved Display: Reads like real paper; now boasts 16 shades of gray for crisp images and text; even reads well in bright sunlight
  
• Longer Battery Life: 25% longer battery life; read for days without recharging
  
• More Storage: Take your library with you; holds over 1,500 books
  
• Faster Page Turns: 20% faster page turns
  
• Read-to-Me: Text-to-Speech feature means Kindle can read every book, blog, magazine, and newspaper out loud.
  
• No Wireless Bills: No monthly wireless bills, data plans, or commitments. Amazon pays for Kindle’s wireless connectivity so you won’t see a monthly wireless bill.
  
• Large Selection: Over 230,000 books, plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines and blogs available
  
• Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise
  

Now, I would like to tell you about the photo at the top of this post and how I became to know about Griffin Technology's iTalk Pro: a recording device for your iPod!   ~ I already have posted a video blog and podcast episode on this topic.  Here are the links:

• Griffin Technology: iTalk Pro webpage
  
• Buy the iTalk Pro CHEAPLY-USED-LIKED NEW on Amazon!
• My Video Blog(vlog) #6:  Using the iTalk Pro for the 1st time: behind the scenes video to the 1st audio approx. 2 min. recording! 
• PhotoCast09: And, Now Back To Our Regular "new" scheduled Programing
• 1st Soundseeing Tour: a great end to a busy week

Lastly, I would like to tell you how cool internet radio is and backbone! Check out this link for more information on creating radio networks: Backbone! 

And now I am currently listening to a very interesting Journalism lecture from Standford University called: Is News Journalism Under Siege?: A Conversation with the Editors of Newsweek and Time, with Jim Kelly, Mark Whitaker, Richard Stolley at the The Aurora Forum at Stanford University.  To Listen: Go to the iTunes Store or standford.edu and search for Journalism ---> audio and video! I highly recommend this.  I've just started listening! 

Oh boy, How cool is the new technology that I've listed above!

Talk to y'all soon!

Stay cool,

Daniel

My Reactions To Ray's Book Part II: Many Ironies & Still A FUNny Read!

Hello my dearest readers & blog followers,

I'm back after two weeks since last blogging! And, now its time to get back to part II of my reading reactions(RR) to Ray's Book. I'm listening to and following along to the audiobook read by Ray, himself--which, I think, makes it even funnier! In case I forgot to tell y'all in part I of my reactions to Ray's book, I'll tell you know, that I am reading this FUNny book (by stand-up comic and star of his hit sitcom, Ray Romano) for FUN! (do you see my "irony-wordplay-" fun?!) This is, as I previously stated in sentence #2 is part II of my reading reactions (RR) to Ray's book--As Of Tuesday, 1/27/2009.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DISCLAIMER: Any thoughts, reactions, or commentary mentioned are those not necessarily of those of the creators, or authors, of any of the works that I've mentioned here.

And, now here are my REACTIONS - thoughts -- "QUICK-BRIEF REACTIONS TO CHAPTERS 3 THROUGH 7 (PAGES 23 THROUGH 95)

• Chapter 3: Dad (Pages (pp.) 23-35) : I found that I could somewhat relate to Ray's dad with my dad -- both try to be funny...and, I think, that both Al Romano and my dad (same first letter) are both funny in their own unique way.

• Chapter 4: Single Guy (pp. 36-49) Since I am single, this chapter was very inspiring to me.
• Chapter 5: Married Guy (pp. 50-70) I learned a little bit about married life, through Ray's view on being married--as a guy!
• Chapter 6: Sports Guy (pp. 71-77) For this chapter, I'm not that interested in sports--as whole, but appreciated the humor that was instilled in the chapter by the very funny man, Ray Romano!
• Chapter 7: The Baby (pp.78-95) One thing that I found interesting in this chapter was on page 80-- when Ray makes what I like to call a war movie-story irony -- when he says, "It's a common war story that parents tell all the time. ... It's 'Saving Private Cryin'" (pg. 80, Romano)

First, how's that for a citation!
AND second, I found that the last bit of the quote, "Saving Private Cryin"(pg.80, Romano) was very FUNNY AND, like I previously said (but will say it again for "dramatic effect:when Ray makes what I like to call a war movie-story irony"(me, this blog post).

***PLEASE NOTE: I ONLY HAVE JUST BRIEF NOTES for chapters 3 through 6, AS OF NOW, but if I think of any additional notes, I may or may not add to it, IT'LL BE FREEWRITE!

BTW(by the way), I just REALIZED TODAY after my first 2PM English 101, Intro To Composition, that my practice this summer of "annotating" and "reacting to" and "quotating" text from Ray's book, among another article that I read on Busted Halo (http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/god-on-campus) and underlined, jotted down notes n the margins --- just like what I learned from my English 100 class, and what is said in the "binding document", the syllabus for English 101. -- SO, I PREPARED MYSELF AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT ... OR DID I??? (that's for you go figure out through context and reading between the lines!)

In other book-reading news, I'd like to tell y'all that as of Monday, Jan. 26th, I discovered via search for christian artists on iTunes a NEW (as of this year, 2009) an audiobook by Christian Artist, Chris Tomlin, called "The Way I Was Made: Words and Music for an Unusual Life (Unabridged)-Two Parts (which cost about $5.95, but I think deducted MORE- 'cause my gift card credit got way lower---more than what I (yes, I) calculated. So, this morning (Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 2009), or maybe it was last night(Monday, 1/26/09), I brought the audiobook--and plan to listen to it soon when I'm on the train or walking, or working. The reason for my getting this audiobook by Chris Tomlin is simple: Well, for starters I enjoy his christian music, and two, I read two (how numerally-ironic) customer reviews and 5-stared reviews that were HIGHLY recommended! So, there! But, wait, I forgot to glance down at my notes, since I got "somewhat" ramble on, so here it is: I am thinking about (and did) buy that audiobook (new, and of this 2009) year! WEll, I think, now I pretty much said the reason... I think that my notes that I scribbled down late last night was more must to jog my memory (if I needed them), as per always what rambled and scribbled notes are meant for! (at least that's what I think, ... do you agree?--Post a comment to this post in response!)

• To Buy Chris Tomlin's book that I mentioned here, you can buy it from amazon.com by clicking here. (other ways of buying the audiobook are available through this link as well)
  
• To Download Chris Tomlin's book that I mentioned here, via audible (this is the SAME as through iTunes audiobook... its interconnected: audible.com and iTunes... trust me, I've recently just downloaded it!

***PRICING FOR THE BOOK AND AUDIOBOOK ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY CLICKING THE LINKS ABOVE!

Well, I hope that ya'll enjoyed the 2nd part to my book review. Any feedback (if you like, don't like, improvements, or just feedbacked comments), then please feel free to post a comment on this post and/or email me at dan18writer@gmail.com

Talk to y'all soon! ~ Happy Reading and God Bless!

Stay Warm,

~Daniel

Celebrating Two Decades: Happy Birthday To Me!

Me at 20. (1.14.09)

Hello Friends & Family,

Today, I celebrate my 20th birthday... that's right, I am now--2 decades old! It is a little hard to believe that I'm sitting here today, no longer 19 years old nor a "--teen", but as a young adult. A 20-year old. Many people, perhaps you who are reading this, might ask me if you see me today, if I have any special, big plans today -- and to that, I saw that I don't have any "big" plans today, except to just relax. On the other hand, later today--probably later tonight, we are going to go out for ice cream -- yeah, I said it: Ice Cream... in this Chicago Winter Cold and Snow! And then, in celebration of my birthday today, on Friday, Jan. 16th, we are going to go out and see a movie-- as a family. So, in essence my birthday celebration will continue over the next two days! So, this post is going to be brief-- 'cause all I really wanted to "share" or "update" ya'll on is the fact that its my birthday and the "Big Two O"! So, on behalf of all the birthday greetings that I get from ya'll--whether it be a comment to this blog post, Facebook Wall postings, Facebook Messages, Email birthday greetings, letters or cards in the "snail mail", a simple "happy birthday" in person, or whatever other birthday greeting that I receive today, I would like to thank you all! Thanks!

Happy Birthday To Me!

~Daniel

Video Blog #5: Talking About My L.D.

Hello viewers of my video blog series,

[A DAY OF FIVE'S: Please count how many references to the number "5" (five) that I make in this post. -- post a comment to this post with you answer. -- SO HOW MANY CAN YOU COUNT? ]

I am going to be embedding (and linking) my 5th video blog post. For those of you who are not "disability-terminology knowledgeable", then I please read below in the outline AND watch the pre-recorded video of this 5th video blog. And, hey, late last night/early this morning, I came out with my 5th episode of my podcast (correct me if I"m wrong, via comment to this post)-- AND today's date is this 5th... WHAT A DAY OF 5'S!!!

I would really appreciate your feedback via posting a comment to this post, first, and then second via email at feedback.photocast@me.com

So, here is is (and below is my outline of which you can follow along with the video...): (PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS A FEW SECONDS PAUSE AT THE BEGINNING BEFORE I BEGIN... PLEASE DON'T BE ALARMED!... THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING!)

Free TV : UstreamCheck out this ustream Video: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1032270 VideoBlog#5:Talking About My L.D.1/5/09.

Video Blog 5: Talking About My L.D.
OUTLINE
(Monday, Jan. 5th, 2009, recored at approx. 7:30 PM, CST through approx. 9:00 PM CST)

I. OPENING: Welcome to my 5th video blog post and today I will be talking about a topic that is dear to my heart. I am going to be talking about my learning disability (otherwise called, "L.D."). This is the first time that I am, publically, reading these reflections by me and talking about it. As I read 3 selections of which I wrote for 3 different subjects, I will follow up the reading with my reflective comments to my writing.

II. Back Story -- READ an EXCERPT OF MY personal essay that was for my ENG 100, paragraph 2 / WITH MY REFLECTIVE COMMENTS

III. Q & A: More About m L.D.: READ 8 Answers to questions from my SIUC Achieve Program Case Information Form/ WITH MY REFLECTIVE COMMENTS

IV. DISCUSSING MY LEARNING DISABILITY IN ESSAY FORM: Read my "Anne Ford Scholarship Essay" (of which I didn't win this past spring 2008) / WITH MY REFLECTIVE COMMENTS / PLUS, I READ MY 3 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 3 TEACHERS AT WHS!(WITH MY "WISPERED" COMMENTARY!)

V. CONCLUSION: THANK YOU FOR LISTENING, AND IF YOU HAVE ANY FEEDBACK PLEASE EMAIL ME AT: feedback.photocast@me.com /
⁃ CLOSING SONG: From the Podsafe Music Network @ http://music.podshow.com, with a song called : "Lost on Block Island" by Matthew Ebel (genre: pop rock), and can be found at this address: http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=280202729dad1ad3a780a4d20afbe39b

⁃ look forward to hearing from ya'll on what you thought of this 5th video blog posts, as well as any ideas for future video blog posts. so, this is me, Dan, signing off, and until next time, come again soon, BYE, ALL!

Happy Winter ~ Stay warm,
-Daniel

p.s. my birthday is next wednesday (1/14/09) and I"ll be... 2 decades old... you do the math!

Happy NEW YEAR! ~ 2009

*PLEASE NOTE: I TOOK THE ABOVE PICTURE -- AND ADDED THE EFFECT: "EDGE BLUR"

MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS -- 2009, NEW YEAR: 

(with my commentary-explanation)

1) to eat healthier (just look at my "belly"... but I have some great encouragement that I would like to thank: my sisters, Stefanie and mostly-Caroline for hiding those cookies and other snackly, junkely foods, and also as per always-my parents, who, in my opinion, should still be together, and lastly the Healthy Catholic Podcast, hosted by Fr. Roderick-- for his great health tips, inspiring feedback, his inspiring words-- thanks, Fr. Roderick!)

2) to exercise--more --by walking and going to the Five Seasons(work out gym club)

3) to grow more in my spiritual life -- perhaps pray the rosary a couple times a week, like what I got out of the Shellbourne College Retreat that I attended for the 2nd time this past Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 2008.

4) to try to get a "full-time" or "part-time" job this summer ('09) @ the Apple Store-- North Michigan Ave. (BUT NOT a sales clerk)--something with actually using the Mac computers, since could be described as a "Mac Geek"-- "I'm in love with everything apple!(BUT windows computers are okay too, for I got an "A" in CST 100-01, that's computer science and telecommunications 100- section 01, and the course title was: essential computer skills.  :)

5) to go back to my practice-test creating and way of studying in college -- I was so good at in high school, but this fall 2008 term I just must of forgot-- now I know!

*that's about all that I can think of now-- and is a pretty good new years resolutions that I can think of. What do you think?

WHAT'S your New Years Resolutions for this 2009, new year? -- post a comment to this post and tell me.----I look forward to hearing your feedback/comments to this post!

photo above: I got this photo in an email reply from a fellow TOT-or (someone else who went to the Theology-On-Tap, see my latest post on my spiritual blog.