For Sept. 1, 2009

Are literary works of art always original? It seems that it is possible to believe that this is not the case. For example, is Nabokov's Lolita about the same Lolita as Heinz von Lichberg wrote about before hand? Bob Dylan is also known for borrowing from other art forms for his songwriting. This is true of most art forms. Is it considered plagiarism? The author posits that all forms of art today would not exist (especially considering cartoons) if “borrowing” wasn’t involved. We go on to be told that these cartoons, The Simpsons for example, would not be in existence if the creators did not borrow from The Honeymooners.

The author talks about something called public commons, where something is owned by everyone. This would be considered something like the air we breathe, or the roads we drive on. He also says that as copyright is concerned, there should be freedom to expand upon ideas to create new art. As said above, cartoons from earlier television shows or novels or such.

Memories

My earliest memory of the Internet is of when my parents finally broke down and bought a computer. The first site I logged on to was the home page of Keiko, the Orca who played in "Free Willy." I sat for the longest time and watched live camera footage of him swimming by. It was amazing. The Orca became my favorite animal. I even have one tattooed on my foot as a symbol of strength, beauty, and fierceness.

I use the web now basically for entertainment purposes. I Facebook everyday and always check my various email accounts. I might go so far as to say that I'm addicted to these things. I also have a private blog over which I write up about my days, thoughts, and feelings, basically making it a diary of sorts. Then there is Instant Messaging. I use that to stay in contact with friends who are far away. The guy I talk to on it most is in Washington, DC, for example.

The web is also how I survive the world of college. I do most of the research for my papers on it. The web is very helpful in that respect.