Computer Illiteracy

Hi everyone. My name is Aaron Johnson, and I am computer illiterate.

(Group): Hi Aaron.

I designed my first web page the other day, and it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I went to the library a few weeks ago and checked out some books on HTML. Man, they may as well have been written in Sanskrit, because I was so lost.

Fortunately, I was able (eventually) to use one of those programs that try and simplify the process. Even then, I struggled.

I'm glad I had the assignment though. It made me realize that I need to shore up in that area, since computer literacy is such a huge deal these days. I got this book called "HTML for Dummies." I think I will wade through it this summer. Wish me luck Group!

Great Expectations

I've always liked Dickens. I had already read David Copperfield in its entirety, and I have been exposed to parts of his other novels, but I think I like Great Expectations the best. Even though my experience with with the GE gang is over, I still feel like I know those people, especially Pip.

The other day I watched part of a film that was based on the book. It sucked! I really do not understand why people feel the need to alter the classics. I'm still trying to get over that movie Troy. I guess that after a few millenia people felt that ol' Homer could use a little help. I don't even want to get started on The Scarlet Letter, which had to be the worst cinematic representation of a classic novel that has ever been made.

Anyway, I was forced to read GE rather quickly, so I think that a reread is in order. Reading this type of thing is always more enjoyable when you give yourself time to digest everything. Fortunately, summer break is approaching.

This Can't be Frankenstein!

I remember flipping channels a few years ago when the guide showed that a movie called "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" was on HBO. I had no idea who Mary Shelley was, but I knew I liked Frankenstein so I decided to tune in. The first scene featured some creature freezing in an area that had to be either Antartica or one of the poles. I exclaimed, "This isn't Frankenstein," and I continued express how regrettable it was that these Hollywood folks keep ruining the classics. Recently, I read Shelley's actual book. Needless to say, I felt a little stupid.

It seems that the Frankenstein productions that I had seen previously were actually caricatures of the story presented by Shelley. Shelley's creature was well developed, highly intelligent, and nothing like the evil, mindless zombie that is portrayed in the popular horror films. I guess I should have expected this discrepancy. After all, Shelley would have never been regarded as a great author if her books were as shallow as those movies.