Pre-Reading Blog #2

The first advertisment that I noticed was an Allstate Auto Insurance commercial. The product that is being sold is auto insurance. They are saying that not only is it cheaper but it also gives better coverage. But an underlying idea that it is "selling" is that with Allstate you are making the world a better safer place. When you have Allstate you somehow always remember to put your seatbelt on and follow every law.
The next advertisment that I noticed was a Bank commercial. They are telling you how your money will always be there when you need it. But they are portraying this with an unrealistic amount of protection. Ellaborate safety vaults with the newest technology protecting them. Of course you feel better seeing this, but is it really realistic? In addition by choosing this bank you become a more financially responsible person because everyone who attends this bank is responsible and successful. So they are selling a persona that goes along with attending the bank.
Finally, of course, a fastfood commercial. At Taco Bell they are selling you food. But the people are always so fulfilled and satisfied about their purchase. They become happy people, and never in a commercial would they advertise their food with an obese person. So not only are you buying the food, but you are becoming a part of the happy Taco Bell community. It's easy and fast to get, and you always feel better than when you came.

Critical Thinking Journal Entry #2

In an episode of "The Seeker" that I recently watched, Richard faced a difficult decision to make. When a male confessor is born they must always be killed at birth to ensure that the baby will not grow up to become a blood thirsty tyrant. But somehow Richard feels that it is not right to kill a baby just because it is said that it will become evil. In order to protect the baby Richard must defy all of his friends. This becomes a difficult task when a wizard of the first order and a mother confessor are against him. But Richard finds the strength to save the baby, even though all he has for it is hope. Knowing that the baby may in fact grow up to be evil Richard still takes this risk. Although Richard prevails at the end it comes at a severe cost because the mother confessor must be killed in order to save the baby boy.

Critical Thinking Journal Entry #1

Critical thinking is a process in which you analyze every aspect and variable of an issue until you understand it to the best of your knowledge. I like to believe that I think critically whenever I am given a difficult decision or question to answer. Lets say I have a certain math problem that I have either never seen before, or that I don't recognize. In my critical thinking process I will explore every facet of that problem until I find a pattern, or an answer to the variables of the equation that can be checked by reiterating them into the equation. Usually I do not think critically in situations that I need to respond quickly to. When someone asks me a question and I am expected to give a response immediately I do not have time to give a critically thoughtful explanation.

Pre-Reading Bog #1

How I typically act in a social atmosphere depends on the situation. In a smaller group, where I feel more comfortable, I generally talk about what ever I feel is appropriate at the time. Amongst my closest friends I am a lot different as compared to when I am in a classroom. In a larger group I usually remain quiet unless I have something thoughtful to say. I am more of an observer and listener than a talker. Although in a more open discussion I will find myself engaged in the conversation regardless of the size of the crowd. I don't really mind speaking in front of a group as long as everyone is courteous and considerate. By and large I enjoy the social environment with my closer friends the most.

Me, Myself, and I

To begin with, my full name is Jason Brantley Howell. This is my first semester at Sierra and my goal is to transfer to UC Berkeley and major in Bioengineering. I have a genuine interest in Medical Sciences and I enjoy researching various aspects of Science and Mathematics. I play several instruments including the guitar, ukulele, and the piano. I also enjoy restoring classic cars. Right now I have almost completed restoring my 1964 Dodge Dodge 880 Custom. My girlfriend's name is Andrea Novotny, and she is currently enrolled in this class as well. We have been dating since our junior year in high school. I have an identical twin brother who is also attending Sierra and getting a degree in Criminal Justice. My best friend is Ryan Hinderman, and we have been friends since the third grade. I am looking forward to this semester and I am happy to be enrolled in this class.