A VIDEO Blog Post: Oh, how high-tech we've come!

Hello Blog Readers, 

This post will be somewhat different, if you couldn't tell already from the title of this post.  Yes, that's right, today I will be posting a video blog post.  So, we'll going to take a little break out of the normal format of this blog to bring to you my first video blog post... If you like this sort of thing, then please comment this post and let me know or you may email me.  So, without further delay, I would like to welcome you to my very first VIDEO Blog Post.  (This video blog was created late last night of 10/17/08, so if the date is that of different than this post, now you know why...but it should still be current enough, within  few hours.)  So, please sit back, relax, and enjoy today's blog post--video style!

Have a very great and nice autumnal day,

--Dan

    VIDEO BLOG #1: (to be linked here as soon as I figure out how to upload it-perhaps the way to go is to upload it to my iWeb created website and then link it here, since uploading here to blogger is not really working of which I hoped it did.)

A DOUBLE FEATURE: From Daily to Weekly Blog

Hello my blogger readers,

Today I am going to post a brief, yet informative post.  You might ask, why? Well, the short answer is this: it's late. I'm tired. I've posted a very informative post on my weekly blog today.  I need my sleep so I can finish writing my story for the Torch and so I can also try to get it to them (the editors) by tomorrow morning.  ... So, now you know. 

Here's the link to my weekly blog entry for today... it is here where you all can read breaking news headlines and stay updated with me this past week (from Monday to today, Friday). So, as mentioned on my weekly blog entry today, please sit back, relax, and enjoy the entry!

My Weekly Blog (from my website)

*If the above "my weekly blog (from my website)" link does not open/work, then please try selecting the following link to my weekly blog and copying/pasting it into your URL browser: 

http://web.me.com/danielsmrokowski/Dans_Photography/My_Photographic_Commentary_%28Blog%29/Entries/2008/10/17_Tales_From_a_Roosevelt_Freshman%3A_BREAKING_NEWS_UPDATE_5%3AUPDATE_FRIDAY!__.html

So, that's about all now.  I'm pretty tired and would like to get ready for bed, perhaps getting a little reading done, and then the most exciting relaxation form of activity: sleep! 

So, I'll try to post again here on my daily blog again--maybe tomorrow, Saturday, or perhaps on Sunday, or maybe not until Monday.  Anyways, I can tell you this that I will blog again here! 

And, remember that starting tomorrow (Sat) and going all through next week is HOMECOMING WEEK at RU! ... isn't it kinda funny that we have a homecoming and no football team?? -- post a comment and let me know!

So, that's about all folks. Come again the next time that I blog!

Have a good night, pleasant day, and great weekend,

  --Dan

p.s. video blog post  coming soon...

From Rain To Sun: A Sunny-breezy Autumnal Day!

Hello readers of my journal,

"Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come Again Some Other Day..." ... Well, you'll in luck because, after a rainy and gray-looking "hump day"Wednesday, there is a twist in weather change today, for TODAY(Thursday), Its Sunny!  The sunshine is back with this awesome breezy, autumnal air, and the wonderful delight of this bright blue sky that we have today!  According to AccuWeather.com, the temperature today (Thursday) is 59 degrees, as a high.  As I click the "F4", "dashboard-looking widget" to get the 6-day forecast of what the weather is like and its current current temperature and 6-day forecast outlook.   As, I am writing this post, the current temperature is 56 degrees.  Also, looking at the 6-day forecast, the weather coming up tomorrow (Friday) is suppose to be, sadly similar to yesterday with [pouring] rain and a temperature of 58 degrees (1 degree less than yesterday's high temperature).   Coming soon in our weather forecast: Sat-62 degrees and sunny; Sun-66 degrees and cloudy; Mon-57 degrees and sunny and cloudy; Tue-58 degrees and sunny. :The above weather is for: Westmont, IL.  

As for Chicago, IL, the weather is: Today(Thu)-60 degrees high and sunny and cloudy (hey, I'm down at RU, south loop of Chicago, and I see a few clouds in the eastward direction that I an see Lake Michigan vividly, but mostly blue sky and a "rare" limited cloudy sky--just to note); at its current weather(in Chicago) as I am typing this blog post the temperature is 58 degrees with sunny and cloudy; Tomorrow(FRI)-rainy and a temperature of 56 degrees(about 2 degrees cooler than Westmont); SAT-60 degrees and sunny; SUN-63 degrees and sunny and cloudy; MON-59 degrees and sunny-cloudy; TUE-58 degrees and sunny.  So, folks, there we have it-- for that is my weather report for today and the upcoming days! (but, don't go totally on this... you can use this as an overview, but for up-to-the date weather updates, visit some sort of news service, weather site such as weather.com or AccuWeather.com.

In other news, not much to report yet, but I do have some EXCITING news and most of all UPDATES of breaking news with me, that I am going to be posting tomorrow on my weekly blog that's on my website... I'll give you all a link to that, so you can read that, and perhaps that will just be our next topic-- oh better yet, I'll post excerpts of that weekly blog entry and then that way it'll make you click on the link to read further! YEAH, what about that!!! 

So, that's about all now, I have to get going and work on finishing up my story for the Torch.  Oh yeah, one more thought before I leave you all for today and that is something that I know that people like Mrs. Gaul or Mrs. Greenwood (my speech pathologists from my high school and middle school years) or any speech pathologist or Special Education person would appreciate this when I say that TODAY when I was in Nancy Litke's office (her "cubicle) in the Academic Success Center/Disability Services Office, she (Nancy) told me how better my speech was--how clearer I was talking-- Now I'm not sure if she meant that I've gotten comfortable or that I'm not stuttering as much, but either way maybe she meant both!  --How great of a compliment was that!!! WOW! ,But, I still think that I still stutter over some words and have a difficulty getting out some words, 

but that now gets to what I would like to leave you all with and that is a motivational "quote" that I, and only me, said yesterday in response to something that Erika Huber said and this motivational quote that I am about to tell you all has two background anecdotal instances that can accompany and that is the first and foremost main reason is "...that I can tell you've been writing [a lot]..."and she said this because we were going over my Formal #1 English essay when she noticed how clearer, and better, my writing was getting, and the second goes along with what I just got finished saying about my speech, stuttering, and (what I'm going to say) and that is practice.  So, finally, after my explanation about the background of this very awesome and motivated motivational quote that I (and only me) said this quote:

"With all that practice comes great things."--Dan (ME) [said: 10.15.08]

So, that's about all folks. 

    So, until tomorrow's post, 

Have a very nice autumnal day,

     -- Dan

A Rainy Day: Blogging About This Rainy Weather

Hello my adoring blog readers,

Well, I'm back today with writing a new blog post for today.  If you couldn't tell from the Title of this blog post, the weather (at least in the heart of the south loop of Chicago) is rainy (that is, its raining outdoors), and dry and clear indoors, where I am currently sitting at a green-cloth covered table near the handicapped entrance on the Michigan Ave. side of the RU, Chicago campus, AUD building Lobby-- It is here, when I have about 12-13 minutes from the time when I'm writing these words, that I have left until I'm off duty and can go on my marry-way and leave for today.  So, what am I going to blog (or journal) about today, you may ask.  Well, that's a good question, because I have a few extra minutes before I'm off duty, where I thought that I would crack open the binding of this journal (well, actually just click on the "New Post" link and start typing, and I saw that its still raining outside.  You see, when I arrived this morning at about 9:40 a.m. at Union Station and took the CTA bus to RU's AUD building, it was not raining at all--it was clear (not sunny, just clear-gray looking skies).  Then, after about an hour (well, perhaps about 40 minutes or so) of waiting, once I arrived on campus, until my 1st class, U.S. Politics, started at 11:00 a.m. It was when I sat down in my front-row seat, that I happened to look outside (of which viewing from a distance the wonderful and magnificent Lake Michigan, just feet or a jump away) to find the rain start pouring down.  So, by the time 12:00-12:05 reached, I got out of class a little early and by 12:10, I started my trek to the Gage building (about 5 blocks away from AUD building) and the rain at slowed to a decreasing minimum), and then after my 12:30-1:45 pm CST 100-01 class, I left the Gage building at about 1:20 (or so) only to find the rain back pouring, so I took the CTA bus back down south towards the AUD building (I believe it was Bus Route #147, but don't "quote" me on that).  And all the time I am working my 2-3 p.m. (today's hours worked) work-study job, it is still pouring rain, raining pour rain, with still gray-looking skies and no sun, or perhaps small bits of sun peaking out but if so, then the sun is very slim.  So, that's my Weather Report for today (well at least from about 10:40 this morning till about 3:00 or so this afternoon, and perhaps later today, tis supposed to keep on with this raining weather, only to fore look into the future of the weather for tomorrow... Tomorrow's, hopefully exciting  Weather Report for tomorrow[Thursday,10/16]: So, it looks to be, according to AccuWeather.com, is suppose to be sunny and 60 degrees in Westmont, while still sunny, but sadly a bit cooler with 58 degrees in Chicago.   ...

... And for the indoor weather, it appears to be lighted with lightbulbs, always clear with no rain, and if one were to categorize it with sun, rain, or clouds, one could say that indoors, its always sunny (Readers: correct me if I'm wrong). 

So, that's about all of what I can think about of what to blog now. Perhaps later I might OR might not blog more in this entry, but for now, I think that this should be a good enough post for you. If there are any more breaking news briefs to update you all about, then I'll come back here--edit this post for today with the updating--and then return and republish this post with the updated corrections.  

So, as of now (about 3:09 - 3:15 PM), I've got to get going now, and I hope that you enjoyed my weather report of a post today, and hope that you'll come back tomorrow, in the hope's of a new post, so until next time, I'll leave you all in aspiring awe (and wonderment) with this question: What will I, Dan, a blogger and RU student, blog about in tomorrow's/next post? -- What will the next topic be?  

-->If you would like to find out the answer to this question, please come back tomorrow or, if you are reading these posts in archive mode, then click on my directly next post.  [And as always, you can check out my, at its current status, weekly blog over at my website for a weekly update of breaking news headlined format news about what's I've currently been up to this past week!  My "weekly" blog can be located at "Weekly Blog link: click here".

So, may you all stay dry on this rainy-weathered day, 

Dan

RANDOM ALERT! : Brief Random Thoughts Today!

Hello my adoring readers and fans of my writing (and me), 

I would like to share with you all a few (perhaps a little bit more than a few) brief random thoughts that were on my mind today.  Firstly,(1) I would like to [briefly] discuss with you all the topical question of why do people smoke?, and what's the point or big draw to this extremely harmful smoke that can do such terrible, and sometimes horrific damage to your inner organs, of which can be considered a 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.? Also, on today's blog post agenda, I am going to also discuss with you all the following brief topics: (2) an accidental accident that came abruptly upon me yesterday evening, and lastly (oh, at least possibly lastly) (3)what might possibly be a very personal experience that I might possibly be telling as a personal experience example for my Practice Final #2 in English based on the last essay in the 1st essay packet called, "John Wayne: A Love Song".  

So, let's now begin with what I first decided to discuss with you all.  This is a horrific issue that should be constantly discussed with anybody and everybody who is in the public (or possible private) environment of cigarettes, smoke, and drugs.   So, what is this horrific issue or question (as if you forgot from directly above in the 2nd sentence), well let me do you the pleasure in reminding you of this depressing against so many people deal with on a daily basics of a topic:   why do people smoke?, and what's the point or big draw to this extremely harmful smoke that can do such terrible, and sometimes horrific damage to your inner organs, of which can be considered a 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.?*

        ---> Well, as mentioned the following linked online article* (from the Washington Post) on this topic (article:"Smoking, 3rd Leading Cause of Death in U.S.[01/09/03]"), In an article written by Jennifer Huget of The Washington Post, she said, "The top cancer killer in the United States was expected to claim about 154,900 lives in 2002; an estimated 169,400 new cases were expected to be diagnosed last year. (ACS)" 

--->So, why  do people smoke and what is the big draw or point to letting this harmful smoke into your lungs and inner body?  I'm going to first hypothesis why and so I think its because people might of (a) grown up with it or (b) could possibly addicted to it.  But, the further detailed question that I'd like to ask now is, so why do people "light up"? With the current state of the economy, and the price of cigarettes or other related "smoker" drugs, why do people light up and smoke? ...

            ... Based upon the question asked directly above on why do people why do people smoke or "light up"?  Well, after doing some preliminary research, I've come upon the following linked site: "smoking why smoke", and it is here that gives a short explanation to this very question that I asked on, Why do people smoke? : 

Some people smoke because they think it's cool, but smoking stains your teeth and fingers, it makes your breath stink and the smell lingers on your clothes and hair. It's bad for your skin and complexion. So to smell better and look better, you know what to do!

Some people smoke because they think it'll dull their appetite, sorry folks but smoking wont help you loose weight! You won't necessarily put on weight if you give up smoking either. People may turn to food when they're trying to give up smoking but all you have to do is choose healthy snacks and find something active to do instead of having a drag.

Some people think that it calms their nerves, sorry that's another myth! Smoking just helps you deal with the withdrawal symptoms you feel because you are addicted to nicotine. Smoking doesn't relieve stress at all.

If you would like to read further information on why do people smoke, then please feel free to visit the provided site, "smoking why smoke".

Now, before I loose you all, I'm going to quickly or as briefly as I can discuss with you final final couple of random thoughts for today...

  (2)So, it all happened yesterday evening:  So, its at this point of the blog post that you are sitting there at your computer, perhaps tired of reading about my random thoughts--but, I did alert you of it being random--wondering, "Well, Dan, what happened yesterday evening?  Well, let me explain--well let me clarify for you--briefly explain to you all that yesterday evening, I was in sitting in my room, sitting in this circled-wheeled desk chair, of which has the capability to lean backwards, so as you can except, I attempted the accidental task of relaxation---I leant backwards in my desk-chair, of which I kept leaning back, until the result of collapse occurred! UH OH! ACCIDENT!   So, my youngest sister (the currently freshman high schooler) overheard me from the other room (the next door to his room, kitchen) "giggling", and yelping in accidental "pain"[now, don't get alarmed by this word "pain", because I was NOT and am NOT in any pain at all.]  In fact, after she came in, took a few (ok, five to be exact) photos to document this news worthy event, and she then helped me help, and all she did was move the chair over, and I then got up, shook it off (figuratively), and was totally fine after the next second of getting up and able to, once again, stretch and sit properly in the chair!    **

***READER ALERT!!! IF YOU ARE A CHILD READING THIS POST OR, FOR THAT SAKE ARE A STUDENT (of any kind) OR YOU ARE A PERSON WHO SITS IN A CIRCLE-WHEELED DESK CHAIR AT ANY POINT DURING YOUR NORMAL, DAILY DAY, THEN PLEASE TAKE NOTE: DO NOT TRY THIS ACCIDENTAL NEWS-WORTHY STORY--ABOVE--AT HOME!!! ~THANKS!

(3)My final random thought for you all today is that of  what might possibly be a very personal experience that I might possibly be telling as a personal experience example for my Practice Final #2 in English based on the last essay in the 1st essay packet called, "John Wayne: A Love Song". I don't have that much of details for you, but what I do have, I am going to include some notes that I jotted down towards the end of my English class this morning--of which I will try to update you all further on this as it becomes available--possibly by end of this week or sometime next week. 

 *Please note that the following notes go with my practice final #2 (of which I will provide you with a clear draft after I write it, I believe on this Thursday... so in that case-stay tuned for more in my writing)...

➢ Personal Story: someone who I admire—think is a hero—someone who displays some of the same human ideals that Didon mentions: is protective—keep promises, is determined—passionate, never whines, is tough, and is authentic. 

• My Cousin, Elizabeth, died of Leukemia (a type of Cancer), last year (May 2007), She was only 21 years old.
  

- She was determined in whatever she did—she was determined to get out of the hospital.
-[As far as I believe], she never wined about the treatment that was given to her—however hard it was.,
• it could be said that she was tough.
- I believe that my cousin, Elizabeth, displays many of the human ideals that Didon explored with John Wayne.
• Similar to John Wayne, Elizabeth too, suffered from Cancer.
• I’m not sure what kind of cancer John Wayne suffered from (because how is mentioned in the essay is, “I licked the Big C,” which all we can tell is that he had cancer),
• Whereas with my 21-year old (if still here today, would be 22-years old) cousin, Elizabeth, had Leukemia (which is a type of cancer).
• someone who I admire—think is a hero—someone who displays some of the same human ideals that Didon mentions: is protective—keep promises, is determined—passionate, never whines, is tough, and is authentic:
• EXPLORE THE FOLLOWING HUMAN IDEALS, AS RELATED TO MY COUSIN, ELIZABETH: EXAMPLES AS RELATED MY COUSIN, ELIZABETH:
o Is DETERMINED.
o NEVER WHINES.
o Is TOUGH.

*more on the above practice final #2 as it becomes available. 

Now, its about time TO CONCLUDE... 

So, as I'm sure that you are all tired of reading my post for today--what began as BRIEF random thoughts, could be rewritten as LENGTHY random thoughts today!  So, what is it that we learned today?  

Here is what I hope that you have gained from reading my daily blog post today: an answer to the question of why do people smoke; as well as learned that, if you do smoke or are thinking about it, that you will consider to NOT smoke because of the very harmful effects that it brings into your inner body (e.g. lungs); I also hoped that you gained today about what NOT to do when sitting, or leaning back on, a circled wheeled chair-- as you've learned from that terrible accidental accident that occurred to me yesterday evening.  And, finally I hope that you've learned about what might possibly be a personal experience story that I'll be writing later this week for my practice final exam #2 for my english class.  

Well, that's about it, folks, for today's post.  I hope that you've, at the least, enjoyed reading my brief (or lengthy) random thoughts today! [you make the call: brief or lengthy?-Post a COMMENT on this entry and let me know!]

As always, I welcome your feedback and comments to this entry, you can either add a comment (directly below) this entry or email me.   

So, until tomorrow/next post, I'll be blogging to you again very soon! (and if you all have any IDEAS for future blog posts TOPICS, then please comment or email me and let me know!) 

May you all have a good day, and...

I just wanted to let you all know that I got an email from my CST 100-01 professor (Professor Ray) that we need at least 10 entries by Oct. 27th (that'll be from yesterday-Monday to Friday, and Monday through Friday of next week as well-- as a basis). ... 

   ... So, the COUNTDOWN is on: 

2 entries down, at least 8 to go!

...I'll keep you updated, or has updated as I can on the status of this countdown!

So, until next blog post...

Have a nice day,

 -Dan

My 1st Entry on this Daily Blog

This is the 1st entry into a daily blog that I am starting today. This blog is part of an exta credit assignment for my CST 100-01 class. For this assignment we were asked to keep a blog for 2 weeks (1 entry per day)--so from now till Oct. 27th.

I am going to try keep up to date in sharing with you all, my adoring readers, thoughts that I'd like to share with you--no matter whatever topic it may be. The topics will be topics that I choose on whatever I would like to share with you on that particular day-- I may blog once a day or twice or three times a day--but I'll try to blog at least once a day for the sake of this extra credit assignment.

If you would like to stay further updated with me, then please feel free to visit my "official blog" on my website called, "Dan's Photographic Commentary (Blog)", of which it is here where I post, usually weekly, an update in a breaking news headline format of what I've been up to--in both my writing and the beginning days of my first year college experience. Please feel free to check out this "official blog" on a weekly basis @ http://web.me.com/danielsmrokowski/Dans_Photography/My_Photographic_Commentary_%28Blog%29/My_Photographic_Commentary_%28Blog%29.html

This blog (Dan's Journal: Thoughts To Share) will be a daily entried blog for the next 2 weeks (perhaps longer, if I feel like it).

So, until tomorrow, I'll be back to share with you all some more of my thoughts to share at this daily blog. So, remember to stay updated with me--in a daily format (this blog) and a weekly format (my photographic commentary blog on my website).

Have a nice day,
-Dan