Blog 24: Reflection on the Class

   By comparison and with regards to my best critical thinking in terms of our idea of reality, I want to name the following three blogs as most important. First, Blog 23: Expanding one idea in Sleep Dealer, second Blog 10: Reflection on Skills, and lastly Blog 5: The Allegory of the Cave. These blog entries were important to me because they connected to me personally. For example, in Sleep Dealer, the American Dream was something everybody wanted. To work, make money and live a happy comfortable life but at the same time you are a slave (hence unhappy) of the government in control. I relate to this because I work in corporate environment and I feel like I am living the so called “American Dream” but at the same I am still a slave of my environment hence my unhappiness. I personally connected to this blog. In regards to Blog 10, I thought this was critical in assessing me and being truthful about it. A reality check blog is always a positive. You combat your own voice of criticism. Lastly, Blog 5 was a great selection, there so many connections with reality in this one. For example, when I was out of school, I was in my cave knowing dam well I should have been in school this whole time.

      Writing online for me was a bit different from the usual whereas back then when I was in school I had to write everything down on paper and hand it in simply. Writing online especially with Blogs is a brilliant way to showcase your work to others and get feedback on it whether it is positive or negative. Writing online and having it showcased made me write significantly better and thoughtfully. Also, writing online to me felt like a shared experience because the work was visible to your blog friends and always viewable to those who had access. I read a lot of other students work and it helped me understand how other people approach writing. I used to my advantage and related to the saying that”Two brains are better than one”.  I felt like my work was read by a few students, not all, because I received so many comments from classmates. Not only but also I would have liked my work to be read by all to tell you truth. (Maybe reading and commenting on all blogs should be a requirement)

     Finally, I took a lot from this class in terms on how to approach writing effectively. I believe the professor’s teaching approach was critical to my improvement as a writer. Everytime out on a blog entry on a practice CAT, I did better and better. Equally important was the way the class material was presented and organized. I liked the fact we used certain topics such as reality and used movies such as Truman show to understand it. I thought this was amazing concept. Why not use visuals instead just simply text to create the idea and write about it. This kept me motivated and ENTERTAINED! (Big word J ) I am leaving this class with a CLEAR understanding on how to write effectively. One recommendation I would give is not to ever “GIVE UP” because in the end, you lose. Just keep going at it, work hard and it will fall into place.

Thank you Doctor X for a great ENA099 experience.

Till next time…

Blog 23: Expanding on one topic in Sleep Dealer

In the movie “Sleep Dealer” Rudy Ramirez is the Mexican-American drone pilot who lives in the American Dream. Memo who is a young kid living in Mexico dreams of participating in the American Dream by getting nodes and living in the big city but the killing of his father reveals that America and the American dream is a dystopia.

    Sleep Dealers represents the “American Dream” as a dream that is really a dystopia by offer such as jobs, money, advanced technologies, living in futuristic societies and getting away from the poor modern day lifestyle Memo and his family lived in the movie. In turn, what they really perceived to be the “American Dream” was a life and society which was repressive and controlled. As E explains, the “American Dream” and Sleep Dealer represent it by showing how Americans act on televisions like it is a reality show. To elaborate a little on this notion, I think he means these TV promotions shows these people working and making money via NODES and advanced technologies.

     Moving on, Memo also imagines by going and chasing the “American Dream” he can get away from his current lifestyle and living conditions. He also sees it as an opportunity for a better life and a way to make money for himself and his family. Memo’s brother however sees it an illogical decision to commit too. As J explains, he says Memo’s brother sees it as comical and just likes watching it on TV. Memo’s father does not like “NODES” at all. He is more focused on his priorities which are buying water from the closed dam facility and providing for his family. When Memo gets on board he finds it strange at first but soon becomes accustomed to it. He notices that a worker becomes ill and is taken to the back room one day. He becomes curious at this time because he wants to know what happened.

     In conclusion, the “American Dream” in Sleep Dealers was a dream that attracted many people but left behind many as well. It changed lives and created a whole another world for people to venture into.

     

Blog 22: Watching and Responding to The Story Of Stuff

     On this occasion, I strongly disagree with President Eisenhower’s council of Economic Advisors chairman statement that the primary purpose of “The American Economy” is to produce more consumer goods. I disagree because with this statement because it is irrational to the American people and should be not the primary focus.  It is also utterly illogical for me to agree with this statement because the survival of the world we live in does not require the increased production of more ipods, pet toys, and plastic bags for sell in our mass market. Do you get my drift?

   
 Subsequently, I think the primary purpose of the “American Economy” should be the survival of well being of its people. They should make sure everyone has health benefits, a job, and housing. Following this, they should focus on eliminating poverty and no one should be dying of medical problems, starvation, homelessness, etc. The reason why i think this should be the primary focus is because it is the "American People" that drive and build up the economy. Without the people, what economy do we have? The American people are the ones who pump cash into the economy to sustain it but we should pump cash for items are necessities not luxuries. 

   Summing up, the chairman of the Economic Council has it all wrong in my opinion and maybe thats why we live in a world that does not care about the real issues like"POVERTY" and "JOBS".  

Till next time...

Till next time....

Begin Blog 21: Summarizing and Responding to “The New Industrial Migrants I and II

The New Industrial Migrants (Part1)

     This text discusses how immigrants migrating from countries such as Mexico, Central America and Southeast Asia came to the states, specifically Colorado in this reading for work in the meatpacking industry. Once hired, these workers would quit or were fired within 3 months due to horrid working/pay conditions. However, these jobs were the key source to getting a paycheck. For these people, a steady paycheck meant the ability to buy food, housing and a most importantly, prosperity.

   Moving forward, most of the hired workers were paid minimum wage and had to live in run down trailer park homes. Some had to share their living quarters with others and so on. These jobs also offered some benefits such as health insurance after six months and vacation after a year but since the turnover rate at these factories was so high most of the workers never made that far.

    In conclusion, the meatpacking industry is a bully who picks who immigrants desperately looking for work. Why pay more, when you can pay less!

The New Industrial Migrants (Part 2)

   This text discusses how big corporations were now recruiting migrant workers. They targeted migrant workers because they could offer them lower pay then American citizens. They preyed on the desperate needs on an immigrant. During this recruitment, these corporations dispatch teams to low income communities looking for migrant workers. Instead of the individual going out and looking for the job the corporations were becoming aggressive. They would run ads on radio and post enticing advertisements to garner attention.

     IBP was one of the corporations engaging is such acts until INS began investigating there hiring practices. IBP promised migrants workers housing they never received and instead they dropped off a local homeless shelter. IBP was deceiving these workers.

In conclusion, the cost of paying a migrant worker is less then paying an American citizen in IBP’s case. The reality here is that when it comes to maximizing profit and decreasing expenses, the saying, “By any means necessary” comes into play.

Till next time…

Blog 20: Reflection on Food Unit

    The contents of the Food unit connected to several of our readings in class because simply it displayed harsh realisms of the world we live in. For example, “The Allegory of the Cave” was about a man named Socrates who saw things in different perspectives. He expressed these thoughts and philosophies to the people in a sincere and truthful fashion. As he did this, people took notice and started to believe in his ways of thinking thus making him a threat to the society that was considered the norm and controlled by higher chains of command. The relation of this text to the food unit is simply the threat of exposure and what can happen when executed. Equally important, they showed us what was really going on behind closed doors in these meat factories, injured employees, contaminated meats, fast food chains, etc thus the relation of The Truman showed us a young man named “Truman” who thought he was living in a real world with a real wife, real job and real tendencies when in fact it was all fabricated to support TV. The relation with the food unit is here the harsh realism of generating the most profit by any means possible. The “Matrix” relation is simply the choice between two pills and the determining of what is real and what is not, another harsh realism especially when making a choice is involved. Morpheus gave Neyo an option solely for him to stop the war between the machines and the humans. I also think Morpheus was being greedy this case by putting that pressure on Neyo. The food unit displayed many instances when companies would ship out contaminated foods and dose them with heavy chemicals and addictive ingredients just to gain the advantage and maximize profit. I call it “GREED” and the incentive to generate advantage by all and any means necessary. All the reading contained ideas of gaining advantage. Being on higher ground normally wins the fight!

     The makers of the “Meatrix” were brilliant. I found the reason they used it as a basis was to connect to all the fans of the real movie series, “Matrix”.

BRILLIANT and a GREAT CONNECTION!

In Michael’s Pollan’s Book, “In the Defense of Food”, it tells us that the food industry is lying to its consumers. It indicates that food industries are targeting consumers with products that are unhealthy.

     In recollection of my progress in ENA099, I think I have steady and positive progress in making a connection to my reader. The 1^st practice CAT I did not connect to my reader at all. I was confused as to what process to use. My blog entries also have received great feedback from readers. For example, my earlier blogs, readers commented on my basis of the information I submitted. My current blogs, readers commented on my organization of ideas, my examples, and how I connected to them. I thought that was great and a step in the right direction. Honestly, I thought I failed my 3^rd practice CAT when in fact I passed. My professor pointed out and gave one of the greatest tips I could ever use and that was to mentally treat the reading as a conversation and respond. I will use this strategy going forward. Also, I would like to mention the vocabulary on page 6 and 7 of our class packet. I would advise everyone to please use it to their advantage. My only worry is executing on game day (official CAT exam day)!

                                           

Blog 18: Where the Whale Be at

I do not wish to comment on this sensitive topic. I have seen what happens when race is discussed and it can get out of control. I hope you understand my concern.

Till next time....

Blog 17: The End of Overeating"

     In “The End of Overeating, David A. Kessler explains that much of the processed foods out there are being re crafted to create addiction. I agree with this notion because I believe it is an unethical practice and unhealthy.

     I am completely opposed to the idea of “eatertainment” because it is unethical and unhealthy. These companies are adding addictive ingredients to their foods such as fat, sugar, and salt. These added elements can cause customers to become addicted to their foods. I experienced many times the craving of getting McDonalds. My favorite is the Quarter Pounder burger. Once I had a taste I felt like ordering another one. It was addicting and the taste was beyond satisfactory. Kessler also says these companies are seeking to create “a lot of fun in your mouth” which is relation with what the quarter pounder felt like when I consumed it. 

     Moving on, these companies also introduce new products on a regular basis. They do so to induce the consumer to buy their foods. For example, when McDonalds introduced the Double Quarter Pounder to compliment the Quarter Pounder, I went into a crazed frenzy and I had to go get one as soon as possible. Imagine the millions of other people who also wanted to try it out. Not there is nothing wrong with the quarter pounder but these companies do this to keep the consumer excited about their foods.

     In conclusion, these companies are giving people unhealthy high caloric foods for profit. It is sort of a drug user always feeling the need to get more. This is exactly what these companies are doing, giving the consumer what they crave. 

Till next time.....       

Blog 16: Revision of CAT 2

  
     In “Imitation of Film: Here’s Smoking at You Kid, author Nicholas Balakar points out why R-rated movies which contain images of actors smoking have a direct influence on why children, ages 10-14 pick up smoking. I agree with Balakar’s notion because as a young child myself I picked smoking at about the age of 12 because of what I saw in movies such as “Cheech and Chong” and “New Jack City” to name a few. “Cheech and Chong” was funny movie but it was based completely on smoking. “New Jack City” was about a drug dealer who portrayed gangster image and he smoked cigarettes throughout the movie. It was an image I would have killed for. All in all these two movies contained scenes where these popular actors were smoking hence give me the impression that smoking was the cool and the thing to do.
     
     To illustrate, Balakar states researchers say thirty eight percent of children who start smoking do so because of the influence these movies have on them. I think movies do have a lot to do with young children’s actions.  For example, I watched a movie called “Carlito’s Way”.  After viewing this movie I wanted to portray Carlito’s reputation in real life. His reputation was that of high standards. He was feared, well respected, and admired by his peers. The fact that Carlito had such an influence on me relates to Balakar’s point on why children pick up smoking because of movies.
    
     Moving on, Dr. James D. Sargent says, “R-Rated contain twice as much smoking” as other films. From my experience as young child I find this to be true. I remember watching R-rated movies as a young child and they were plenty of negative images I think I was not supposed to be seeing. Some of the movies I saw were Clint Eastwood, Pink Cadillac“, and “Unforgiven”. The scenes showed actors with guns, actors using drugs, and actors smoking. I thought the actors were cool and somewhat iconic. It made me believe that these images were ok and that maybe I should smoke or use a gun. My parents should have played a better role in restricting my selection of movies to watch. Maybe the influence from these movies and images of actors smoking could have been prevented my intentions to portray them by smoking.
   
     In conclusion, the images portrayed in movies can directly influence you to act based on what you see. It is evident that movies play a large role in what young children do in their everyday lives.

Till Next time......  

  

Blog 15: Part 2, Food Safety

 

     In the Foods industry, I think food safety has become a relatively important topic. The significance of food safety and its relation to the consumers is an area which I think factory farming and its corporations mishandle greatly. I agree with the notion that food safety is not taken seriously enough. In spite of all the food we cook and eat on a daily basis without getting sick a lot of people do get very ill from food related diseases.  According to food safety article I read it online it says about 76 million Americans suffer from food poisoning each year.    

      For instance, contamination in cow meat created the mad cow disease which has no cure. This disease affected over 200,000 cattle globally and several within the United States. Is that scary or what? Imagine being infected with the mad cow disease knowing no cure is available. I think the food we buy with our own money and that goes thru a screening process should be 100% percent uncontaminated.  Wouldn’t you agree? 

     Moving on, today’s corporations don’t maintain sanitary conditions in their factory farms. In relation and elaborating on the web article I read, it says with the significant increase in the speed of processing, workers are hard pressed to maintain the highest level of sanitation then continues to say, while the rate at which animals are butchered goes up, so does the rate of contamination. This shows you how these corporations value quantity over quality then they sell these products on store shelves for people like me and you to buy. Contamination in the food industry is not only limited to meat but also happens with all types of products such as toothpaste, pet food, fruits and vegetables. It has been documented that the largest outbreak of Hepatitis A was traced back to green onions in Chi-Chi’s Salsa. About 600 people in Pittsburgh were infected.

     In conclusion, who is to say what is safe to eat? Is the answer the government, the FDA or the individuals who purchase these foods? Are you willing to take a chance to get the answer? Is that chance worth you being infected with a disease.

Till next next.....

Blog 15, Part I: Summarizing the Stories (MEATRIX)

The “Meatrix” illustrates a few key points on how factory farming began. Most family farms where being taken over by agriculture corporations and these corporations where taking over at a fast rate rapidly decreasing the existence of family farms.  By doing this, the corporate machine created a slew of problems and issues such as animal cruelty, injecting antibiotics into the animals to neutralize spread of diseases between while they were caged up in bunches, massive pollution, and destroyed communities.

The “Meatrix Revolting” points out how the success of exposing factory farming has worked to some extent but still hasn’t completely shown all aspects of the business we call factory farming. The exposure of factory farming has encouraged the process of producing hundreds of sustainable and organic animal products but the problems still remains. Factory farming is still growing and getting stronger. The clip continues to show animals are kept in unhealthy environments thus causing the over usage of antibiotics. Baby cows are being injected with antibiotic hormones to increase milk productivity thus leaving the possible spread of mad cow disease to consumers and animals. As progress has been made, factory farming is still winning.  

The “Meatrix 2 ½” shows you how factory farms are being structured and operated. It clearly shows how employees are working in unsanitary conditions, employees getting injured from cutting the meat, and manure is being put right onto the meat on the product line. Meatpacking is one of the most dangerous jobs in America because of its working environments and if workers are in fact getting injured these corporations can be easily replace them. With that being said, all of this is done to increase product output and to maximize on profit.  

Blog 14: Reflection on Media Unit

   
As I moved in ENA099 and this media unit, I feel like I met some challenges especially with taking the practice CATS. There were several different learning experiences especially in this class, from watching the Truman Show to watching the Matrix at home then comparing them but using writing strategies to do so. I thought this was interesting teaching approach and I actually saw it as a challenge but at the same time, I like it.
     The practice CAT was the most challenging part of this course because I felt like that was my first true challenge and it felt as if I was taking the CAT for real because the professor made it feel that way. Even though I failed on my first attempt I think it was great learning experience. My professor provided great feedback on my CAT on what to do more and what to do less on the next one. I think my strengths are writing in bulk, I can write for days but if I don't use examples or draw from my personal experiences how can the readers understand my summary. On the second practice CAT, I used more examples and drew more from personal experiences and wrote them down in my summary. I hope I did well and I passed. If I didn't, I have to keep working hard and practicing.
     The blog on the Matrix I found to be a little difficult considering the text was quite long and maybe I was just a bit lazy in my approach. I love the movie but never thought about it in the way it was showed to us in class. The comparison and the techniques we learned in class from annotating and using claims, reasons, and evidence and applying them to these examples were quite challenging. Using these techniques made me look at these movies differently. Annotating is an important process for me and I must make sure I do annotate before I begin summarize. It is an efficient writing technique that I must apply to every text I summarize.
     In conclusion and reflecting back on my coursework and my blogs, I think blogging is a good teaching platform. A little different from when I was in college in 2003. I took this same course and it was so much different. We didn't use blogging nor did we do so many class activities involving groups. It was vaguer and not really enticing but it was a lot easier. If I recall correctly, I did pass my CAT back then but it doesn't count now. I look forward to class and learning more. I will look improve on my weaknesses and meet my goal which is pass the the real CAT when the time comes.
 

Till next time…

Blog 13: Revision of CAT #1

     In " The Dangers of Reality TV", the author Timothy Sexton is saying that reality TV sends negative and wrong messages to its fans and it is degrading to the people that watch it. He quotes "Reality Television reinforces several unsound messages that are molding the minds of its young fans". The images that are portrayed thru these shows are unsubstantial and meaningless to actual life. The fact that a person can portray a certain image that can damage the minds of young people is dangerous.
     Sexton continues to state that reality television promotes the belief that competition is the key to success in a capitalist economy. For example, if i was offered a million bucks to live in house full of strangers and compete everyday to win, would I do it? Yes. I once was offered some money to engage in a basketball and if i won i could keep the winnings. During the competition I was in, i played my heart since i knew there was a prize waiting for me in the end. By simply adding a money prize it made me change my approach. I was intrigued to compete strongly and win which is similar to what these reality shows do. They place people in positions to entertain the viewing public especially when they offer large prizes for the winner.
     These reality shows also focus more on image then actual talent. The producers would rather select someone who looks good and can attract viewers rather someone who is intelligent and educated. A rather discriminatory gesture in regards to the selection process. This is in direct relation with Sexton's statement that image is more important then substance. In high school, if I didn't dress hip i would not be considered be cool and be in the so called "In Crowd". Being hip and having that image for in high school would make feel cool. People would want to hang out with me and even invite to parties and so on. Being hipper would mean more friends, more events to attend and a popularity boost.
    In conclusion, reality shows are misleading to the young viewers and can lead them to think differently. In reality these reality shows are not revelant to real life challenges or even real life itself. Being educated is something i would prefer over now over being the one with the cooler image.

Till next time.....

Blog 12: Summary and Response to "Red Pill or Blue Pill?"

In "Red or Blue: Is Ignorance Bliss?" by Christine Cornell and Patrick Malcolmson they are comparing two movies, The Matrix and Alice Adventures in Wonderland. The two movies contain similar concepts. Alice can shrink or grow if she eats the special cake and Neyo can decide between two pills. They are confused and trying to deternine what is real and what is not.
     In conclusion and to be honest, i did not really like this blog nor this text. I felt like connecting two very complex movies was not in my destiny as a blogger. I did try my best and gave a introduction so with being said i look forward to my next blog.

Til next time...

Blog 11: Responding to a significant topic in The Truman Show

     When I was High School I used to hang out with the wrong crowd but I was around friends with whom I grew up with. As we grew up we tried, experienced and did new things which consist of smoking, underage drinking and cutting school to hang out. They were not productive things, not positive learning experiences or things I would do today. In turn, I was disobeying the rules of society and my parents.  
     I was in a cave with people I confided in but at the same time I became fixated in the negative activities we participated in and did as a group. My friends had an negative influence on me and my vision was not clear, my mind was up in smoke, and I perceived things differently because of my eagerness to participate. To reiterate some of the things I did like smoke marijuana, drink alcohol and cut school lead me to believe that the things I was doing were cool because of the friends. I did not any better and any other way to have fun.
     For example, some kids would go to the museum on the weekend and I used to think that is so not cool. Another example would be, School Clubs, such as the music group or the chess team, me envisioning myself in these clubs was not part of my plan. Of course, I knew people that were involved in these clubs but I did hang out with them in the school, the lunchroom or even after school. I always thought to myself the feeling that maybe joining a club would be something i would want to do but it was not considered the "IT" thing to do especially with the "IN" crowd watching. I was peer pressured into thinking some things such as what i mentioned were not productive. In reality, the light that I was accustomed too was the same light that put me to sleep at night and the problem was that I could not change that bulb, meteorically speaking of course.  At the time, i did not think of the consequences my actions would create, nor did i gain anything from it because i was not thinking of it in that way.
     In conclusion, life is full of choices that we have to make. I made mines and I was fortunate enough to walk away from it all and recover positively. Now, I have a great job, i am back in school and I'm happy. They always say you live and you learn and that is exactly what I did.

Until Next Time....

Blog 10: Reflection of Skills

In ENA099, I learned how to use four key writing strategies. First, I learned how to annotate a text. Annotating is underlining important ideas in the text as well as important key phrases and words. Second was summarizing which is finding the main ideas of the text and briefly repeat them using you own words. Third, I learned thesis based writing which is a written statement that is proven true. Lastly, paragraphing is a series of sentences which develop an idea.

I have learned how to better structure my writing through the four strategies I mentioned above. I learned how to critically look at a text and break it down efficiently. From using the annotating technique to paragraphing I think my writing is slightly better then it was three weeks. Do I think I still need to improve? Yes. I have only been in class for two weeks and I have still have lots to learn. By listening and working on several class exercises provided by my professor, I think it is evident I have improved my writing. In spite of me never caring about writing blogs, I can now say I have 10 and they all use these strategies to some extent. From all the material we covered in class, I am most confused by the essay format. I would assume, you need an intro, two main paragraphs, and a conclusion but the sense I got from class so far is that I may be wrong so I need some clarification as we move along. Also, I am a bit turned off by my thesis based writing. I think with time and practice I can improve, but as of now, I understand but not completely. Do I feel more confident writing now then I did before this class? I honestly think so, but I honestly don’t think so. Did that make any sense? I feel like more time is essential and will allow me to create a better self evaluation of my writing skills.

In the end, this class has just begun and we have lots of more things to learn. I love the fact that we have group activity. It makes all us more comfortable in class. I just hope I can pass the CAT when the time comes.

Until next time….     

Blog 9: Reflecting on Paragraphing

In class, I learned that successful paragraph writing is the key to a great essay. With that being said, a paragraph must do the following; contain a topic sentence, development of the topic sentence,  paragraph has to be unified and most importantly, coherent. In class today, l learned how to use four components to write a informative paragraph. To illustrate what I have learned in class today, we were put into our groups and my group, TEAM JAC,  used a text by Nicholas Carr named "Is Google Making us Stupid" as an paragraphing excerise. Simply, i was astonished how easy it was to write a great paragraph by following the proper techniques. In order to better myself at writing a passing CAT essay i still need to practice with paragraphing. To conclude, successful paragraph writing is key part in the writing process and i have learned a lot from today's class. I plan to continue practicing, and you know what they say, "Practice makes Perfect".

Until Next time.......

BLOG 8: Response to "I Know the Truth, so Don't Bother Me with Facts"

In “I know the truth, So don’t bother Me with Facts”, Jeffery Kluger explains that our interpretation of facts can easily be manipulated by rumors and lies. Conversely, when facts are presented to someone about a certain topic they sometimes get misconstrued by human emotion.  

In a new study conducted by R. Kelly Garrett and Erik Nisbet, both of whom are assistant professors of communication at Ohio State University recruited 750 people who admitted to being familiar with the Islamic cultural center and believing at least one rumor about it were exposed purposely to the actual facts of the case. By doing this, Garret and Nisbet set out to determine whether or not these facts would actually change their opinion and if so, could were their opinions changed because of the way the facts were presented. With that being said, people tend to think rapidly and express their opinions without knowing the actual facts. This example proves how common Kluger’s perception and thinking is among us. As a result of the study, both Garret and Nisbet were shocked to see how easy it was change people’s primary beliefs even with the facts being presented directly to them. They state less than a third of people were not willing to reverse their opinions regardless of what was proven or evident.   

          Professor Garrett also sites a body of studies that states even with facts, subjects often tend to stick to their opinions and beliefs just because of human emotion or ego. Other investigators are looking into whether or not the reason for this way of thinking has something to do with brain functionality. The prefrontal cortex is the purpose why our brain asks why and the amygdala is the part of makes us fear things. These two parts of the brain can make us make non educated statements thus investigators are still researching and looking into why people override facts with their own raw opinions.

         In the end, Kluger testimony states “No matter what the scans and other studies reveal, of course, its up to us to find a place in a world of facts and make our decisions based on that information-at least if we hope to get anything accomplished”. Summing up, we all think indifferently about certain subjects but do we think and process these topics with facts or do we just interpret it thru emotion.  

Blog 7: Reflecting on Thesis-based Writing

    Today in class I learned to create a thesis and what is included in a thesis. The thesis contains a specific topic, a claim, and a list of reasons that can support the rest of your essay. I am still learning and would like to keep practicing by using other types of text. I know I learned about thesis based writing when I created my own thesis in class and shared it with my group. I also learned how to write a thesis thru class exercises. They proved worthy because I can now understand what thesis based writing is. I would like to keep practicing thesis based writing by using different types of text. Learning this skill was difficult because i did know how to write a thesis to begin with. I had go to thru the learning curve and class exercises to learn and improve my thesis based writing. After class I felt great knowing that I learned something new and important. Thesis based writing is critcal as you move forward in college. It prepares you for much harder english courses. Most importantly, I also feel that this skill can improve my writing going forward.

Until Next Time.....  

Blog 6: Things I do Not Believe in Any More

1. Santa Claus - I really thought a guy in a white beard would come down the chimmy with my presents. I got older and realized Toys R' Us Santa Claus.

2. Chupa Ca bra - an mythological creature located in Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc. Known to eat people and dogs. I have seen stories and shows on this creature to which none have been proven.

3. Vampires - i believed this because people actually got their teeth surgically redone to resemble vampire fangs. All the movies that came out on this topic. I don't believe now because nothing has been evident and proven.

4. Aliens  - Area 51, a deserted area in Las Vegas specifically designated for alien imprisonment and investigation. Again, no proof.

5. Tooth Fairy - I did believe in this until i grew up. It was my mother who put the $2 dollars under my pillow. Must have been a cheap tooth.

6. Candyman - a boogie man. If you said his name 3 times, he would appear and kill you. I believed this myth when i was younger. Now that i am more expeienced and in tune with whats reality and whats not i no longer believe this.

Blog 5: The Symbolic meaning of Socrates’ story

   In Plato’s “The Allegory of the Cave,” Socrates tells a story to his student Glaucon to explain how humans can be trapped and isolated by their surroundings thus preventing them from expanding and exploring other factions of life. Socrates starts the telling Glucon let me show you in a figure how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened. He is describing the difference between the two and also questioning whether humans really freed from ignorance or not.

   The text continues by Socrates questioning Glaucon. He asks, "Do you see men passing along the wall carrying all sorts of vessels, and statues, and figures of animals made of wood and stone and various materials, which appear over the wall? Some of them are talking, others silent". He is referring to these men as one minded individuals who can only see from my point of view. In turn, it portrays them being in a cave and being held captive to their own bodies.Glaucon responds and tells Socrates that he has shown him a strange image with strange prisoners. Socrates continues to express the notion, like ourselves, they can only see what is in front of them, their shadows. Again, this notion or point illustrates the allegory of this text. To further explain in short, one can not see what is not there.

    Socrates continues the story by telling Glaucon what will happen if a one prisoner is released and is disabused of their error and released from their cave. The released prisoner will be anxious to explore, stand up and look towards these new images. Even when exposed to new things, humans will suffer relating to these new things. Socrates refers to this as a new "light". The released prisoner will react to this new light indifferently and suffer pain in his eyes which can make him turn away but once out, the prisoner can grow accustomed to his surroundings. It shows how difficult it can be to adjust being out of the cave. He continues and states, "Last of all, he will able to see the sun, and not mere reflections of it in the water, but he will see him in his own proper place, and not in another; and he will contemplate him as it is. The symbolism here is that from seeing this new light, one will be able to distinguish these new things and create their own perspectives on them.

      In conclusion, Socrates questions Gluacon on the argument being imprisoned and being free.A human in a cave can be exposed only to what surrounds them which can be repetitive and a human who is free and is exposed to new things. The knowledge outside of the cave can only be retrieved thru effort and when seen, it can change a persons point of view drastically.   

Until next time..

Blog 4 "Revision of Hype"

In "Signs of Life in the USA: Readings on Popular Cultural, Kalle Lasn states that advertisements are most prevalent and toxic of the mental pollutants. Lasn also states an estimated 12 billion display ads, some 3 million radio ads, and more than 200,000 TV commercials are dumped into our unconscious. Advertising is a form of communicating to an individual whether you see it on television, hear it on the radio, or see it on billboards on the way to work. Its sole purpose is to persuade you to take action. Being consistently exposed to it can increase your interest. The world as we know it today is polluted with advertised propaganda and its ferocious effort to convince. 

    The significance of advertising is a reference to sales and simply, brand recognition. Without it, many consumers would not know of certain products or what certain companies are offering. Advertising is a short, quick and effective method of getting product information to the consumer. Lasn mentions that no matter where you are, they are always signs of advertising anywhere we go, usually displays branded and filled with a logo or product message.

       I call advertisements, "Want Ads" and I see them every day. I see them on the way to work. For example, when I take the train, there are hundreds of posters containing information about upcoming movies. An example used by Lasn in the text relates to the people getting gas and how there are advisements on the nozzle. Our society and millions of people today depends hugely on cars and gas thus making this one of the most popular ways of advertising. The Metropolitan transportation system, another prime example I would like to use because it also used by millions of people. These prime examples allow advertisements to access the public in great numbers. Another example used by Lasn, are small interactive screens on supermarket carts. Everywhere you go there is a high chance that you are polluting your mind with advisements.

    In the end, advertisements are toxic and they are pollutants. They are toxic to everyday life and there are no signs of decrease in its exposure. There is simply nowhere to run. Advertisements have become a way of life and I know if I see an interesting billboard, pop up, or poster I will look at it just like millions of other people will.

Until next time.

Blog 3 Summarizing and Why

In my last class, i learned how to summarize text. I know summarizing is how we take larger selections of text and reduce them to their bare main points and key ideas by summarizing, i can now capture the main idea of the text in a brief description.I can manage and capture the key points of a text by summarizing. I also learned how to critique a summary by working in a group and reviewing other students work. I learned to use my own words, focus on main ideas, condense and mention the author's name when i summarize a text. My professor made learning summarizing easier for us by allowing us to work in groups. They say two heads is always better one. Working in groups allowed me to express myself. I also learned some summarizing tips from other students. After today's class, i learned key summarizing techniques i can use going forward and most important for my class. 

Until next time..

Blog 2

By annotating today, I learned we can relate, breakdown, and understand text more clearly by using this strategy. By using these notes which can consist of facts, relation factors, quotes, and definitions we can strenghten our perception and understand the text more efficiently.

My first annotation experience with my partner taught me want to look for in a text when annotating. It taught how to relate to the text by using my everyday experiences. Pulling certain facts, looking for key phrases, etc.

I learned to explain my key points more efficently. I also learned how to pinpoint key facts in the text.

Until next time...

"Want Ads"

     Advertising is a form of communicating to an indivdual whether you see it on television, hear it on the radio, or see it on billboards on the way to work. It's sole purpose is to persuade you to take action. Being consisently exposed to it can increase your interest. The world as we know it today is polluted with advertised proganda and it's fericous effort to convince.

      The significance of advertising is a reference to sales and simply, brand recognition.Without it, many consumers would not know of certain products or what certain companies are offering. Advertising is a short, quick and effective method of getting product information to the consumer.

       I call advertisments, "Want Ads" and i see them everyday. I see them on the way to work. For example, when i take the train, there are hundreds of posters containing information about upcoming movies. I'm consider this one of the most popular ways of advertising considering our public transportation system is used by millions of people. Another example and the most annoying i think, are computer pop up ads.Dont you hate when you are in middle of something important on your computer and you consisently disrupted by a pop up ad. Again, polluting the mind enough will eventually lead you to subject to it and the advertiser wins.

    In conclusion, advertisments are a part of everyday life and they are no signs of decrease in its exposure. I know if i see a interesting billboard, pop up, or poster i will looking at it just like millions of other people will so if you see a "want ad" answer it if you want too.

Until next time..