tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70284683259777619742024-02-07T19:53:37.155-08:00A Very Rude GirlShannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-48187280979418357302012-05-12T13:03:00.001-07:002012-05-12T13:15:40.278-07:00Dreamcatcher Nightmare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>I like how the dress really compliments her hair colour and the necklace highlights her incredible white privilege.</i></div>
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My friend and I always laugh when we see dreamcatchers hanging from people's rear-view mirrors. We laugh and laugh and laugh until we cry tears of frustration. Maybe you don't know why this is ridiculous but those of us in the know do and we're here to educate you. Dreamcatchers are meant to catch dreams, so unless you sleep in your car or plan on falling asleep at the wheel, they make no sense in your fucking car. And hey...if you sleep in your car, I ain't judging. </div>
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It's weird having my culture be en vogue. It's disturbing seeing skulls with Native headdresses on t-shirts for sale at <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24592255&color=012&color=012&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS" target="_blank">Urban Outfitters</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrFJii5yUjUobNX1t-Hvhyphenhyphen32LWczrJSoI1668DJz-JB3rEgF-kQ2IcAoeRbNIGeJhZwdDX73IA3yRuslOlExTBHCodc2S8pm_bVdGOo3o5YWuT2GB_LcCccqw7yFtD6yxqJGBQoHWCnw/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-05-12+at+1.12.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrFJii5yUjUobNX1t-Hvhyphenhyphen32LWczrJSoI1668DJz-JB3rEgF-kQ2IcAoeRbNIGeJhZwdDX73IA3yRuslOlExTBHCodc2S8pm_bVdGOo3o5YWuT2GB_LcCccqw7yFtD6yxqJGBQoHWCnw/s320/Screen+shot+2012-05-12+at+1.12.11+PM.png" width="215" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm real happy you were able to follow that Trail of Tears right on down to your </i></div>
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<i>local mall and pick up that shirt.</i></div>
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This is dangerous combination of <a href="http://www.racialicious.com/2012/05/02/a-historical-guide-to-hipster-racism/" target="_blank">hipster racism</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_privilege" target="_blank">white privilege</a>.<i> </i>Try telling people they shouldn't be wearing these things. Tell them it's offensive. Tell them it's straight up disrespectful and they will retort about how they respect the culture and that is *why* they're wearing it. Yeah...I'm sure all the First Nations people who died through acts of genocide were hoping someone would wear their sacred and ceremonial headdresses to a music festival. That was probably their last wish. </div>
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"Please...promise me that one day chicks in bikinis will wear my culture's traditional and ceremonial clothing to a Bon Iver concert." - Said by no chief, ever. (Pictured: Miniconjou chief Spotted Elk, dead, after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wounded_Knee_Massacre" target="_blank">Wounded Knee Massacre</a>)</div>
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Look into offside distance? Check</div>
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Appear "stoic"? Check</div>
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Wear cheaply made, offensive "Native" apparel? Check</div>
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<i>Congratulations. You're a racist.</i></div>
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After looking at pictures upon pictures of "Native Inspired" garb, I'm actually beginning to wonder if I'm Native at all. I don't own any feathers, I never stand in fields and I usually show emotions on my face. Shit, you guys. I better get on Etsy right now and see if these white girls can help me figure out how to get back in touch with my tribal roots. I'll call my cousins up and let them know we've been doing it wrong this whole time.<br />
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Before you reply to defend your racism and tell me why it's ok to steal from other cultures, please see if your answers are on this bingo card.<br />
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(Made by <a href="http://elusis.livejournal.com/1869260.html" target="_blank">elusis</a>)</div>
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<br />Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-2532649517455600312012-04-26T19:40:00.000-07:002012-04-26T19:43:03.113-07:00Tall Girl ObservationsTall girls are taller than all the girls and almost all the boys in elementary and Jr. high school. Some of the boys catch up to them in high school.<br />
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Tall girls sometimes have to dress a few years "older" than everyone else in their grade because none of the young kid clothes will fit. They're all too short or small.<br />
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Tall girls look the grade 6 teacher in the eye, even as he towers over the rest of her classmates.<br />
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Tall girls are told "You're tall enough" by insecure people whenever they wear heels. This starts in Jr. high school and never ends.<br />
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Tall girls sometimes make friends with the few other tall girls they meet and trade clothes for the first time in their life.<br />
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Tall girls get hit on by grown ass dudes when they are in their early teens. Sometimes this is thrilling and sometimes this is creepy.<br />
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Tall girls get told to "act your age" when they are acting their age, because everyone assume they're much older than they actually are.<br />
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Tall girls sometimes get asked to model.<br />
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Tall girls get asked if they want to join the basketball team at their new school.<br />
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Tall girls learn that short dresses for average height girls make really good long shirts for tall girls.<br />
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Tall girls stop trick or treating during Halloween a couple years before all their short/average height friends.<br />
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Tall girls don't mean to wear belly shirts sometimes. It just so happens that most shirts turn into belly shirts when you're tall.<br />
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Tall girls have cold ankles sometimes cause pants aren't usually long enough.<br />
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Tall girls don't get asked for ID very often when they go out.<br />
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Tall girls (who are hetero, single and looking) wish guys wouldn't feel the need to lie about their height in their online dating profiles.<br />
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Tall girls can always find their friends in crowded places, as they just peer over the masses.<br />
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Tall girls sometimes get called "snobby" if they stand up straight and proud.<br />
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<br />Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-12649084327574426282012-01-10T02:17:00.001-08:002012-01-10T02:53:52.847-08:00A Cunty Post<div><div>"A woman who shaves her vagina looks pre-pubescent."</div><div> </div><div>Have you ever heard that phrase? Read it in an article, perhaps? Maybe in the comments section?</div><div> </div><div>I have. More than once. I've heard it and I've read it and I'm not fuckin' buying it.</div><div> </div><div>The first time someone said that to me, I was 16 years old. Every time I've come across this phrase, it was a man saying it but it could be any gender saying it. It's usually a person who probably considers themselves liberal, open minded and perhaps even a feminist. They have the best of intentions. They think they are striking out against this "trend" of shaved pussies. They think they are supporting woman by making their opinions known on the porn popular shaved pussy.</div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 600px; height: 365px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" border="0" alt="" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/11/20/arts/25820521.JPG" /></div><div>Well, fuck that. I assure you, it is not empowering to broadcast your opinion about grooming habits to a whole gender of people. </div><div> </div><div>Calling a grown ass woman "pre-pubescent" is insulting. I wouldn't walk up to a man with a shaved face and call him "pre-pubescent". Why? Because he's a MAN. Regardless of how much hair he has on his face, his chest, his arms or his goddamn balls. I wouldn't go up to a lady with A-cup breasts and tell her she looks "pre-pubescent. Why? Because she's a WOMAN. And I assure you, when my clothes come off for any man I sleep with and they see my body, regardless of how much hair I choose to keep or not keep on my pussy, they know I'm a grown woman. They do not need that little signal to tell them so. </div><div> </div><div>Comparing a WOMAN to a young girl because she chooses to shave/wax her vagina is inherently misogynistic because you are still telling a woman what she has to look like, what she has to be and do to be considered a woman in your definition. </div><div> </div><div>We're allowed to have our own dislikes, likes, fetishes, turn ons and turn offs. But don't deny someone ownership of their body. Just accept that they are not your "type" and move on. Do not preach about why that "type" is unacceptable, repulsive or unattractive. </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" border="0" alt="" src="http://cache2.artprintimages.com/p/LRG/8/812/5GRI000Z/art-print/gustav-klimt-reclining-nude-c-1917.jpg" /></div><div>Men: I like facial hair but if you have a smooth shaven face you are still a post-pubescent, full grown man to me. And if you want to shave your balls, that's your business.</div><div> </div><div>Ladies: Do whatever the hell you want. Do it because you want too. Because it pleases you. And don't let someone turn your pubic hair choice into a goddamn soapbox. Just let it be your box. </div></div>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-88544741811485602112011-12-08T18:28:00.000-08:002011-12-08T20:33:30.027-08:00Attawapiskat CrisisAttawapiskat is a northern Ontario reserve that is going through a major housing crisis right now. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/charlie-angus/attawapiskat-emergency_b_1104370.html#s487209">They've declared a state of emergency</a> and so far, the <a href="http://www.thespec.com/news/canada/article/636786--attawapiskat-must-pay-ottawa-appointee-1-300-a-day">Government's reaction has been to send someone to figure out where the money went and offer ultimatums.</a> While I know for a fact that some reserves suffer from corruption in the band office, I find it astonishing that in -30 C weather, with families in tents and shacks without proper isolation, running water, heat or electricity, Harper's government thinks the appropriate response is to send someone in to do some accounting and auditing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2011/11/09/li-attawapiskat-housing-620.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 620px; height: 349px;" src="http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2011/11/09/li-attawapiskat-housing-620.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This is not a wood shed. Families are living in there with no heat, plumbing, isolation or electricity.<br /></span></span></div><br /><br />If you want to know where the money went, this blog offers an easily understandable assessment based on facts and not conjecture: <a href="http://apihtawikosisan.wordpress.com/about/" title="âpihtawikosisân" rel="home">âpihtawikosisân</a><br /><br />But, I'm not necessarily surprised. When a <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/53945564/HarperLeaks-The-Complete-Quotes-Dossier">dossier of possibly controversial quotes</a> from Harper's team was accidentally leaked, I instantly combed through it to find out his views of Native people and what I found was a man resenting our treaty rights.<br /><br /><blockquote>"What the new 'rights' definition means is precisely the opposite of that. It's now being turned into the right of one particular group [Native People] to demand things of another, which by their very nature can't be reciprocated." - <span style="font-size:85%;">Stephen Harper from Two Wrongs Make a "Right"</span> 11/01/99</blockquote><br /><br />What pisses me off most about this quote is that it could easily describe the situation Native people found themselves in when settlers came here and demanded land, demanded they move to small, undesirable tracts of lands and refused to give them the same rights as other citizens. Does that not sound like "...one particular group to demand things of another..."? I've mentioned before, but it bares repeating, that one of those rights was simply voting in Federal elections. Native people could not vote until 1960 without having to give up their treaty rights or renounce their Native status.<br /><br />I can't seem to read one single article about Attawapiskat without coming across hundreds of comments offering their own personal solutions to the Native "problem". Some comments are well meaning but half-hearted but most comments are steeped in racism, stereotypes, ignorance, prejudice, resentment and bitterness. People thinking that they can solve hundreds of years of marginalization and generations worth of trauma in 1 paragraph. This over simplification of such a complex situation is tired and trite. I've heard it a hundred times before but it always sounds the same.<br /><br />As someone who has been on many reserves and lived on one, I can tell you one thing: This is happening all across Canada and has been happening for a very long time. It is happening a few miles outside of your town or outside of your city. You may even drive on a highway that goes through or around a reserve and from afar you may see the houses. From afar, they may look in decent shape. But try living in one, and you will find out otherwise. Houses on reserves are built with the cheapest materials.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> J</span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/12/02/f-first-nations-housing.html">ust ask Mike Holmes. </a><br /><br />I don't know what it is going to take for people to see that just beyond the city limits is a 3rd world nation suffering and being ignored by the Government of Canada. Perhaps, Attawapiskat will open some eyes. I suspect that it won't be until some small child freezes to death before we get a meaningful reaction out of the Harper government.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-59012170083170849742011-05-20T18:41:00.001-07:002011-05-20T20:51:16.618-07:00I Call 'em Like I See 'emSara Quin, of Tegan and Sara fame, recently wrote an amazing letter which echoes the sentiments of many people. She asked, "When will misogynistic and homophobic ranting and raving result in meaningful repercussions in the entertainment industry?" Her whole letter can be found <a href="http://teganandsara.com/news/a-call-for-change/">here</a><br /><br /><blockquote><h2><span style="font-size:85%;">a call for change</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">When will misogynistic and homophobic ranting and raving result in meaningful repercussions in the entertainment industry? When will they be treated with the same seriousness as racist and anti-Semitic offenses? While an artist who can barely get a sentence fragment out without using homophobic slurs is celebrated on the cover of every magazine, blog and newspaper, I’m disheartened that any self-respecting human being could stand in support with a message so vile.<br /><br />As journalists and colleagues defend, excuse and congratulate ‘Tyler, the Creator,’ I find it impossible not to comment. In any other industry would I be expected to tolerate, overlook and find deeper meaning in this kid’s sickening rhetoric? Why should I care about this music or its “brilliance” when the message is so repulsive and irresponsible? There is much that upsets me in this world, and this certainly isn’t the first time I’ve drafted an open letter or complaint, but in the past I’ve found an opinion – some like-minded commentary – that let me rest assured that my outrage, my voice, had been accounted for. Not this time.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />If any of the bands whose records are held in similar esteem as Goblin had lyrics littered with rape fantasies and slurs, would they be labeled hate mongers? I realize I could ask that question of DOZENS of other artists, but is Tyler exempt because people are afraid of the backlash? The inevitable claim that detractors are being racist, or the brush-off that not “getting it” would indicate that you’re “old” (or a faggot)? Because, the more I think about it, the more I think people don’t actually want to go up against this particular bully because he’s popular. Who sticks up for women and gay people now? It seems entirely uncool to do so in the indie rock world, and I’ll argue that point with ANYONE.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />No genre is without its controversial and offensive characters- I’m not naive. I’ve asked myself a thousand times why this is pushing me over the edge. Maybe it’s the access to him (his grotesque twitter, etc). Maybe it’s because I’m a human being, both a girl and a lesbian. Maybe it’s because my mom has spent her whole adult life working with teenage girls who were victims of sexual assault. Maybe it’s because in this case I don’t think race or class actually has anything to do with his hateful message but has EVERYTHING to do with why everyone refuses to admonish him for that message.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />It is not without great hesitation and hand wringing that I enter into the discourse about Tyler, the media who glorifies and excuses misogyny and homophobia, and the community of artists that doesn’t seem remotely bothered by it. I can only hope that someone reading this might be inspired to speak out. At the very least, I will know that my voice is on record.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />skq</span> </p></blockquote><br /><br />For those too busy to read the letter, basically, she takes issue with performers and artists who are using misogynistic and homophobic lyrics without repercussions, without being questioned or without being called out for their offensive message. In fact, many of these artists are being lauded for their vision and their talent. While, yes, they may have talent, does that mean we should excuse their prejudices and degradations?<br /><br />I feel the same way about people who want to excuse Roman Polanski of his raping a 13 year old girl just because he's made some amazing movies. As if their talent outweighs any harm they bring unto others. Any offenses they may commit seem to be wiped from the slate and they are granted forgiveness because of their genius. Or, worse, in some cases they may even be encouraged for their abhorrent behaviour.<br /><br />I agree 100% with what she has written and it has inspired me to write this as well.<br /><br />But...<br /><br />I want to know why Tegan and Sara use American Apparel products for their merchandise if Sara has specifically said, <span style="font-size:100%;">"</span><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m disheartened that any self-respecting human being could stand in support with a message so vile."</span> I am not doubting Sara's commitment to her message. I only want to point out that it is hard to support Tegan and Sara financially without supporting someone like Dov Charney, the founder and CEO of American Apparel , who has made himself famous with quote after reprehensible quote, spewing misogynistic proclamations in many of his interviews.<br /><br />Not sure what quotes I'm talking about? Read 'em and weep:<br /><br /><h3 style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.knowmore.org/wiki/index.php?title=Template:American_Apparel%2C_LLC"><blockquote>“Women initiate most domestic violence (claims)…and this has made a victim of culture out of women.”—Dov Charney</blockquote></a></span></h3><blockquote><h3><a href="http://www.knowmore.org/wiki/index.php?title=Template:American_Apparel%2C_LLC"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Feminism is extremely restrictive. You cant call a woman a bitch, you can't call her this, you can't call her that. But that's what life's really like. Yet, she can do whatever she wants. It's out of balance and that's why young people haven't embraced feminism, because it's out of balance.”—Dov Charney</span></a></h3></blockquote>So, as much as I support Sara's message I can't actually support Tegan and Sara's band, monetarily, by buying their merchandise because I would be doing exactly what Sara has admonished in her letter.<br /><br />I would love if they decided to go through a different merchandiser but I know that good quality, sweat shop free products are hard to find. Until they decide to switch their supplier, I am happy spreading Sara's message of holding public figures (artists and CEOs alike) accountable for derogatory and offensive statements, even if it means I can't wear a cool Tegan and Sara hoodie.<br /><br />Shannon<br /><br />P.S. I'm aware of the lawsuits filed against Dov Charney for sexual harassment but decided not to include them in this as I would prefer his own words be my evidence of his character.<br /><br />P.P.S. I also purposely decided not to include pictures of anyone I mentioned in this article because, again, I wanted the words to speak for themselves.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-81863299688504888772011-05-07T12:27:00.001-07:002011-05-07T15:23:15.958-07:00The HyphenLast night, while out at the bar with a couple of my friends, our waitress tested me.<br /><br />She said, as she conversed with our table, "My family is Scottish..." and I refrained from looking shocked. Shocked because she's a POC (Person of Colour) or perhaps you prefer the term Visibly Monitory. She said it with all the casualness in the world and because, so many times, have I said I'm Native and people look stunned and in disbelief, I wanted to respond with a casual acknowledgment of her statement.<br /><br />I'll admit, sometimes I like when people look stunned because I know it's surprising to some people since I'm so pale. But I've resented when people didn't believe me or questioned it. No, I'm not trying to punk you. No, I'm not lying. Yes, here is my treaty card as proof. Sure, go ahead and decipher my facial features to see if you can find my Native heritage. It's cool.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHuTQVGarIjp2Rr0LDCz2ebmv4BChR6UjMrVLTSj59unlK1VtlJqKr1yVuYnhp7anIRR_qHWk5hyM7PKdajy7cUUIruhloSNQF8iLv09Srjf1o9zsOkiFe9XouBt6zH4lnlGnYc49D4/s1600/profileimage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJHuTQVGarIjp2Rr0LDCz2ebmv4BChR6UjMrVLTSj59unlK1VtlJqKr1yVuYnhp7anIRR_qHWk5hyM7PKdajy7cUUIruhloSNQF8iLv09Srjf1o9zsOkiFe9XouBt6zH4lnlGnYc49D4/s320/profileimage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604101709485471346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Side by side comparison to make it easier on you<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><br />In the past, Mixed Race was sometimes looked on as a solution to a problem. For example, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._O._Neville">A.O Neville</a>, the Chief Protector of Aborigines in Australia until 1940 and made well known by the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252444/">"Rabbit Proof Fence"</a>, systematically enforced the practice of removing "Half Caste" Aborigines from their parents in order to lessen their contact with other Aborigines and encourage "biological absorption". I look in the mirror and wonder...have I been biologically absorbed? But...that can't be because, although I look white, I identify much more with being Native. But, perhaps Mr. Neville would've thought that I had been biologically absorbed successfully as most would never guess my Native heritage unless they knew what to look for.<br /><br />Then I think of it from the other perspective. Has my Native DNA tainted my Caucasion DNA? Is there no redemption of my lineage now that I am Mixed Race? Is this a case of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-drop_rule">One Drop rule</a>? Honestly, I don't care. But there are people who cared about these things and still do. It was not that long ago when governments and society were trying to figure out where Mixed Race people fit. In fact, many of the decisions made by yesteryear's racists, white supremacists and eugenicists are still affecting People of Colour and their right's today. For example, the issue of <a href="http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/04/white-supremecists-from-1920s-still-thwarting-virginia-tribes/">Virginia Natives trying to gain recognition as a tribe</a>. Even my own treaty rights rested <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Act">on a very precarious balance </a>as one of the only reasons I got them was due to my mom being Caucasian and my dad being Native. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Act#Amendments_1884.E2.80.932000">Native women and their children lost their treaty rights when they "married out". </a>This was amended in 1985 (the year of my birth) but still affects many people, especially their grandchildren who don't get treaty rights or status despite the amendment.<br /><br />One of my favourite insights into being Mixed Race is the short film by Vin Diesel called Multi-Facial, which deals with him struggling at auditions to be what they expect him to be. I have included it (in two parts) below:<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rBeuyjlbes8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PWWh5cX6BX4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />I'm not an actress. I don't face these challenges professionally but I think many people of Mixed Race deal with the reality of not filling the role you are expected to fill. Either being too this or not enough of that and society looking at you and trying to figure out what stereotype is more fitting for you. Personally, I enjoy not fitting into any of molds that have been cast for me. When I catch someone off guard because I am paler than they thought a Cree person would be, I am happy. I've made them question their own reality by introducing them to mine. And last night, I was happy to be on the other side of that interaction when the waitress made me question my own preconceived notions.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-8014552264597128932011-04-29T19:17:00.000-07:002011-04-30T11:50:24.883-07:00Why I VoteDid you know we're having an election here in Canada? Well...we are! May 2nd!<br /><br />This is going to be a short entry but I just wanted to a write a little something.<br /><br />I don't care why you vote, who you vote for or how you get there. You could drive a Hummer, throwing Styrofoam cups out the window and blasting Miley Cyrus all the way there and vote for anyone. That's cool. You know why? Cause I'm just glad you voted.<br /><br />But I wanted to explain why voting is important to me.<br /><br />It wasn't that long ago that someone in my position didn't get to vote in the election. I'm not talking about being a woman. Women had the right to vote in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_suffrage#Canada">Canadian elections in 1919</a>. What is more disturbing to me is knowing that it wasn't until <a href="http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/en/timePortals/milestones/85mile.asp">1960 that aboriginals finally got the right to vote.</a> In fact, before 1960, if a native person wanted to vote they had to give up their treaty rights and their Indian Status to do so.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM10hlXimbEsM_4ykiSTkVSlgRYxdrgSP0OUtLOJ3-ppcgdlEbFO9fVZs9fJRjRyUeklNjYNxHxekTWCbf6_FiYIYkXHzmHbW-MdzsGReq-f5uOxZx1cBeHtzN3WGdsrqRKGyrGwcqBA/s1600/aboriginalvote.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601202634525338690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM10hlXimbEsM_4ykiSTkVSlgRYxdrgSP0OUtLOJ3-ppcgdlEbFO9fVZs9fJRjRyUeklNjYNxHxekTWCbf6_FiYIYkXHzmHbW-MdzsGReq-f5uOxZx1cBeHtzN3WGdsrqRKGyrGwcqBA/s320/aboriginalvote.gif" /></a><br />I listen to music from the 1960s! I watch shows from the 1960s! I own CLOTHES from the 1960s! The 1960s was not that long ago. It is insane to me that within many of my relative's lifetimes, they were legally not allowed to vote.<br /><br />Why is voting important to me? Besides all the obvious reasons, it's because I know that it wasn't that long ago when my family and ancestors was denied the right to cast a ballot. Denied the right to control their future. How many people's voices were lost in every election before 1960? How many chose to have their voices heard and lost their treaty rights to do so?Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-16740379476736711002011-03-04T13:29:00.000-08:002011-03-08T18:09:35.124-08:00Women and children first<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA5yYUXZ78aGDDrsAyZS2YUqHvIRVrCE2P7zqZ4-K0J58mqLZb22t46qAPrrvJLn8Xvrh8IW4kUd17Yq3AoF7dGXcjRUjHjax6prjEi04RSjpTuMOV7C85dqdnY_RkDlLP1VCp5rDsxw/s1600/womenchildren.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA5yYUXZ78aGDDrsAyZS2YUqHvIRVrCE2P7zqZ4-K0J58mqLZb22t46qAPrrvJLn8Xvrh8IW4kUd17Yq3AoF7dGXcjRUjHjax6prjEi04RSjpTuMOV7C85dqdnY_RkDlLP1VCp5rDsxw/s320/womenchildren.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580349249889923042" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I think we're all familiar with the phrase, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_and_children_first_%28saying%29">"Women and children first"</a>, also known as the "Birkenhead Drill". It's a maritime tradition (though, not a law) that in the event of a disaster, women and children get priority when loading up the life boats. Though it's been around since at <a href="http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/women-and-children-first.html">least 1860</a> it became more well known after the sinking of the Titanic.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ3_DWr9PfpV69u2ncQIuyPg4-dVidhyphenhyphenRFly3Xjl8MbK1VAkWRV4aJb6cOYUcjPHlglGA_qN6AG-XvrEraJXY2aooiwzjXZ1OUmZHvZDJ_lgC3OmXpklFr0mL0paPsFZQRH88Ki49UPc/s1600/Titanic-lifeboat.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ3_DWr9PfpV69u2ncQIuyPg4-dVidhyphenhyphenRFly3Xjl8MbK1VAkWRV4aJb6cOYUcjPHlglGA_qN6AG-XvrEraJXY2aooiwzjXZ1OUmZHvZDJ_lgC3OmXpklFr0mL0paPsFZQRH88Ki49UPc/s320/Titanic-lifeboat.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580350976111383858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, with the US Government <a href="http://ca.jezebel.com/5775852/senate-women-put-the-smack-down-on-anti+women-legislation">voting</a> on whether or not to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/10/nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-threatened_n_821536.html">defund</a> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/04/contraception-wisconsin_n_831252.html">Planner Parenthood</a>, "Women and children first" is taking on a whole new meaning. The sinking ship is now the US and instead of trying to save those vulnerable to the recession, it's kicking them in the fucking teeth. Or, as Nancy Pelosi put it, <span style="font-style: italic;">"it's the most comprehensive and radical assault on women's health in our lifetime."</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFYWFRvKWwuFR1QDiOMj1mvFNYwJjhzsfxIgET98udGf7HeiiJ9gbWRq_JcRXDa9deI4zSeyDvWUti9AFByzu55XIf17AnxQfPDmGdIwV877Y4YVzyHBy9LLAD3SUZRX6WJKAd3KhxX8/s1600/simplicity-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFYWFRvKWwuFR1QDiOMj1mvFNYwJjhzsfxIgET98udGf7HeiiJ9gbWRq_JcRXDa9deI4zSeyDvWUti9AFByzu55XIf17AnxQfPDmGdIwV877Y4YVzyHBy9LLAD3SUZRX6WJKAd3KhxX8/s320/simplicity-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580361739646619442" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://rosiesays.com/2011/03/04/roadmap/">Great interpretation</a> of the events happening in the US<br /></span></div><br />I'm not American. I'm not 100% educated on sexual reproductive laws in the US. But reading about all the politicians who are launching this attack on women's rights in the US is frustrating the hell out of me. How does cutting funding to a program that provides check ups, birth control and, yes, even abortions, help decrease the deficit? By cutting jobs and cutting access to products and services that prevent unplanned pregnancies and prevent or help detect sexual health issues, the deficit will only grow. Sure, they may see an immediate gain but it will only take a few years for that gain to reverse. It will reverse as more health issues go undetected for longer like cancer and STIs and the government finds themselves paying for it in the long run.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeV9ZfOXH4J0HsOmcDoK829tkBPvw0zVet05QAC_mtF5W6LsoFesPso5WCTMGp14IkZs8Ive9VRuf6QkeWEalV4OvjqQFV3NpwKzYMX4mHxjQ-RlX_5c9y1Sq9Hljnordn_V8w7adYIQ/s1600/youdecide.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeV9ZfOXH4J0HsOmcDoK829tkBPvw0zVet05QAC_mtF5W6LsoFesPso5WCTMGp14IkZs8Ive9VRuf6QkeWEalV4OvjqQFV3NpwKzYMX4mHxjQ-RlX_5c9y1Sq9Hljnordn_V8w7adYIQ/s320/youdecide.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580359037495146530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You have a choice...until they try to take that away too. </span> </span></div><br /></div><br /></div>I keep picturing the US as a sinking ship in the ocean...and instead of offering up a seat in the lifeboat, I see politicians throwing the women and children overboard, hoping against hope that this last minute jettison will lighten the load up long enough so that the ship doesn't sink.<br /><br />It's women and children first, alright. First to the chopping block.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri7nyXOP6o7Cd4TPVtPYI2kIyU_bzeQhrkddYucksxRsSOF3dDuSCQUZZMkf-teO7jhqH1HEVLec7MgChsO2cxB7ncJW3c9hY_qoJo9KKvltC9972GawsOHqhatXqvML6VM_mToxMWp0/s1600/godzilla_versus_titanic.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri7nyXOP6o7Cd4TPVtPYI2kIyU_bzeQhrkddYucksxRsSOF3dDuSCQUZZMkf-teO7jhqH1HEVLec7MgChsO2cxB7ncJW3c9hY_qoJo9KKvltC9972GawsOHqhatXqvML6VM_mToxMWp0/s320/godzilla_versus_titanic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580356605892281490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Godzilla vs. Titantic...I knew it! </span><br /><br /></div>I had to post this last picture because I was getting bitchy thinking about the whole stupid "Let's take away women's rights but pretend it's a financial issue instead of just an oppressive regime to pander to our conservative constituents" topic.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about,<br />Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin’ to shout;<br />But to stand an’ be still to the Birken’ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew,<br />An’ they done it, the Jollies - 'Er Majesty’s Jollies - soldier an' sailor too!<br />Their work was done when it 'adn’t begun; they was younger nor me an' you;<br />Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw,<br />So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too!" -<span style="font-size:78%;"> Rudyard Kipling</span><br /></span></blockquote>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-81647409988064820042011-02-16T17:12:00.000-08:002011-02-16T18:01:58.300-08:00GoalsI know it's traditional to have goals and resolutions at the beginning of the year but I've always believed one should be making goals constantly and hopefully be achieving them on a consistent basis as well.<br /><br />These aren't goal for the year 2011. They are just simply goals for my life. It's not about feeling bad for who I am currently and needing to change that. I love my life and I love who I am. I'm just aware of the areas that I could improve and, for one reason or another, haven't.<br /><br />So, without further ado, here are my Goals.<br /><br /><ol><li>Recycle. I have the means. I have the know-how. It's time I get serious about it</li><li>Get my learners license. Being able to drive means camping and IKEA trips</li><li>Work out more often or...like...at all. I pay high rent to have access to a gym and pool. Time to start using it<br /></li><li>Start a secondary blog - food/fashion/whatever. One with a very specific direction</li><li>Don't let the kitchen get insanely messy<br /></li><li>Be on time for work 4/5 days a week<br /></li><li>Start carrying change in my pocket to give to homeless people but also start donating more</li><li>Join a group/team/association<br /></li><li>Get rid of 40% of my clothes. I have too many that I only wear once a year</li><li>Get some plants for around the house</li><li>Plant lots of herbs this summer</li><li>Take more risks</li><li>Finish upgrading</li><li>Apply for University</li><li>Play "Just Dance 2!" more often haha</li><li>Keep making new friends and discovering old ones</li><li>Wear red/yellow/orange/green more often</li><li>Watch more classic movies</li></ol>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-43772392180399743222011-02-14T18:04:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:26:38.629-08:00Yay for skinny chicks who like baggy clothesIf it weren't for the baggy, boho trend, I wouldn't be able to shop at stores like H&M or Anthropologie. These stores, whom I both love dearly (though Anthro is stupid expensive, so I only love when it's on sale) do not cater to my size (Dress size US 22) but thanks to loose fit and draping styles, I can finally find a few cool items.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pR11H3cjxeY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />When something meant to be baggy on a skinny girl fits me perfectly, I am always reminded of the above scene from "The Simpsons". <br /><br />It takes a lot of hunting but it's totally worth it. Of course, I can shop online but I never know how something is going to fit until I try it on.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdHbXM8z1ITAnhb8b3W7l2237NX5UBoLLv2DinReY3KffimJLrEzfKgRjQX6x_7t7T8GeLCjcTHdMGkCCj0zRqKjzWfUk56k3_M55mu-RLyEKjh1S0hT-qchf0BjWdAcotlNgIiJx430/s1600/loosefitanthro.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdHbXM8z1ITAnhb8b3W7l2237NX5UBoLLv2DinReY3KffimJLrEzfKgRjQX6x_7t7T8GeLCjcTHdMGkCCj0zRqKjzWfUk56k3_M55mu-RLyEKjh1S0hT-qchf0BjWdAcotlNgIiJx430/s320/loosefitanthro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573735624365662082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />If it's dreamy, romantic or dainty - odds are I will LOVE it.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anthropologie</span><br /></div><br />As time goes on, I find I'm actually not shopping at the stores that are suppose to cater to my size. I haven't bought anything from Addition Elle in over a year and it's no wonder. They keep pumping out the same, shapeless, safe crap. I use to love them back when there was nothing else to choose from, because shopping there wasn't a struggle. But, I find, as my tastes become more defined and lean more towards my bright and eccentric side, I have less in common with whoever Addition Elle is marketing too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgIsBNMX2LWGqvyFvrYdXDvl8fgqMWy2vi_jk3hgDzVfA4Gu5VhI8JEUyqGpgoOoI4VAFXi_OKeHYt6mqgWkT05z5gAin_s31hhDKOP_2vbitrldcH_cyyKn3pQKdUc_3RMhb_d0g6cA/s1600/FirstFrame.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgIsBNMX2LWGqvyFvrYdXDvl8fgqMWy2vi_jk3hgDzVfA4Gu5VhI8JEUyqGpgoOoI4VAFXi_OKeHYt6mqgWkT05z5gAin_s31hhDKOP_2vbitrldcH_cyyKn3pQKdUc_3RMhb_d0g6cA/s320/FirstFrame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573746870227536146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This is about as *edgy* as Addition Elle gets<br /></span></div><br /><br />I know it's old fashioned but I have a hard time buying online. I'm sure every woman in every size range has this issue but I absolutely need to try on. I need to walk around in something, see how it hangs, how it fits, how it compliments. So, as happy as I am that stores like H&M and Forever21 are <a href="http://www.forever21.com/">branching</a> out to include <a href="http://hm.bazooka.se/2011/01/language/uk/inclusive-%E2%80%93-fashion-for-everyone/">plus sizes online</a>, I don't think I'll start doing cartwheels until I see those sizes in stores in my city. Besides, often times those plus size online only deals don't even ship to Canada.<br /><br />In the end, I find myself in a niche. With shops like <a href="http://www.1-plus.com/penningtons.htm">Penningtons</a>, Addition Elle (and their "<a href="http://www.1-plus.com/viewcategory.htm?categoryId=491153&start=1&sortby=">fashion tops</a>") and Cotton Ginny failing to meet the needs of a plus size shopper who doesn't want to look like a soccer mom but instead wanting to look like the young, concert going, eclectic girl that I am.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCl7Ki1BqusLv0DA4TUx1mJ0SD0y6H0vK9lZ5AOp-QHBCF5xEZMq038wciTAC048Mmt7UmMt2Dh_bctNcoCbYF1gAyVCxu0QKYruyfNcUPortVKEDWCH5_lXyuo9IGALJyQPASNeCfxc/s1600/bdaybashdr.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCl7Ki1BqusLv0DA4TUx1mJ0SD0y6H0vK9lZ5AOp-QHBCF5xEZMq038wciTAC048Mmt7UmMt2Dh_bctNcoCbYF1gAyVCxu0QKYruyfNcUPortVKEDWCH5_lXyuo9IGALJyQPASNeCfxc/s320/bdaybashdr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573749846769797938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Domino Dollhouse party dress</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />I am not completely anti-online. <a href="http://www.torrid.com">Torrid</a> has lots of options from different styles and I've ordered with success from them more than once. A new favourite, who I have yet to order from, is <a href="http://www.dominodollhouse.com/">Domino Dollhouse</a>. Funky and bright, there isn't a single bashful item in their store. While so many plus size stores seem to encouraging hiding your body and bringing as little attention to yourself as possible (henceforth known as Chameleon Clothing), there seems to be some designers and sellers who aren't afraid of being looked at like my style icon, Beth Ditto. It's not that I want to dress like Beth Ditto, just that I think everyone should feel as comfortable in their own skin as she does.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWB7JmMZv18fpXYtkYwL404CuzKF9T_XQ1CLr08wWi0xl2h2xnlPr237WDMhDU-57GAYtIlpAyuQW4KUW-4WDfwelomaxqMD7nljerW2zc2Myd-lDDlUT5zBRTK78T4xoNxfza-hPG40/s1600/beth-ditto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWB7JmMZv18fpXYtkYwL404CuzKF9T_XQ1CLr08wWi0xl2h2xnlPr237WDMhDU-57GAYtIlpAyuQW4KUW-4WDfwelomaxqMD7nljerW2zc2Myd-lDDlUT5zBRTK78T4xoNxfza-hPG40/s320/beth-ditto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573750881204809602" /></a>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-32503661759310117932011-02-14T16:45:00.000-08:002011-02-14T17:04:46.652-08:00Who rocked it better?I don't plan on my blog being strictly about fashion. I love far too many things to devout myself to writing only about that. However, it has been the theme lately, hasn't it? Honestly, I just write about whatever strikes my fancy randomly. Sometimes those are long, ranting posts about issues such as feminism and sexuality. Other times, I just want to look at nice clothes.<br /><br />So, without further delay, I want to ask you something: Who rocked this dress better?<br /><br />Carina Roitfeld <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolStYhXKgzwjqfK2CBsHqu7gQ1TPDs4F3vTFVkD6EwCNF40W7LkClDsHIQgsduRTfJaBsFsQ3W76vDOyVXSjDqcwi5GDBdpCSvUwhDH02WM0l2DbxPOPsJ5PoH5x4tM1c3lAPTl9IDsA/s1600/carine2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolStYhXKgzwjqfK2CBsHqu7gQ1TPDs4F3vTFVkD6EwCNF40W7LkClDsHIQgsduRTfJaBsFsQ3W76vDOyVXSjDqcwi5GDBdpCSvUwhDH02WM0l2DbxPOPsJ5PoH5x4tM1c3lAPTl9IDsA/s320/carine2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573711567240144018" /></a><br /><br />or Florence Welch<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D1pWc8niMfC3LTKC1c69Eq2GzV9oOYS8mZfLtAGXCTNPSYLgsPcmDBbCIjuVA6-p1Th3Be7qNeDqFgw42I1TGAecxsAU0hFtBOYecYQIFpTjxMlTVlwlkRWHaSE1iErgETau4LJNIi0/s1600/florence2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D1pWc8niMfC3LTKC1c69Eq2GzV9oOYS8mZfLtAGXCTNPSYLgsPcmDBbCIjuVA6-p1Th3Be7qNeDqFgw42I1TGAecxsAU0hFtBOYecYQIFpTjxMlTVlwlkRWHaSE1iErgETau4LJNIi0/s320/florence2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573711498614090562" /></a><br /><br />These are both from Givency's 2011 Spring/Summer collection. I am trying not to be biased (I absolutely love Florence and The Machine) but I think I do like her dress more. I just wish it was a crisp white like Carine's instead of being all smoke stained looking, as if it had been sitting on a rack in the sun of a smokey old house for a decade. Perhaps that is suppose to be champagne colour. Perhaps the lighting is bad. I just know it looks off. <br /><br />What do you think? Maybe you hate them both (maybe swans aren't your thing haha)Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-46476418598085018962011-02-08T00:58:00.001-08:002011-02-08T02:31:52.047-08:00"Carrots..."<div align="center">If you ever read/watched Anne of Green Gables, you might get the reference in my title of this post. I am a big book nerd. I'm not one of those people who are constantly reading though. I sometimes go months without reading and than I start 3-4 books all at the same time. I am reading "The Color Purple", "Titus Andronicus" and "The House of Leaves" right now. I switch books depending on my mood.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">You know what else I like to switch? My hair! I've been different shades of brown for over a year now and I figured it was about time to do something a little more interesting. I work in an office (boring) and cannot dye my hair any super cool colours (lame), so I try to dye it crazy enough that I love it but not so crazy that I get fired.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571241847162435106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger6MyVDcMKBRCPxPtp-RV-ei-dHJqdgrsQgWLQsl4sKjqrXUKPwP5TXx0AjuDx_SahnUCGQwJniook8jMlZSV_TVUtnP0Ns0dYKqXheoq6Vyipc7Ooz8yOJDiyy5rAyFa-hdHMej-sf0/s320/002.JPG" /><span style="font-size:78%;">This is the hair colour I started with. Check out the sweet "geek wall" behind me.<br /></span></div><p align="center"><br />I love red hair. I date a red head. I want red headed kids. I can single out a red head in a crowd and whether they are hot or not. So, it's only natural that all this red hair envy manifests itself in me routinely dying my hair red. </p><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571243589101312562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JAUUtGnW67-z9e9_ESirPU6S8KOeuTx4MkSmRDOloezNoyb3R7tnCZNNsrsNLhD8HtrqZj5akl7ZExIURB2Wx6-Ao1608tmGckrjjlVCUcZSQh2oeaSjJcs5WDWwgY079WAoGqGLbTI/s320/012.JPG" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">It burns us!</span></p><p align="center"> I've been bleaching and dying my hair at home since I was in grade 5. First colour I went was electric blue and from than on, I was hooked. </p><p>I try not to bleach it too often as I don't want to fry it. I wonder, each time I do it, "is this the time my hair finally just falls out". So far, no. </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571244958675565570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkOWccn5Z7spPrXrk7Yrp2xOcRcEqCo7cGoAK2XGAxVaFi3t7P1ZdVKLq55YcO08OkYanHTtHSPZa3AKOpKKL0CbqmP789xXa8QYabmWOxj3vYJauzrSGBdbrsaokXu8KcD-xl9YL95o/s320/025.JPG" /></p><p>My hair only ever goes yellow. I'd have to get it professionally done with lots of toner and even than, it'd be an ash dirty blonde. It must be the native in me. Dark eyes and dark hair. Are you ready for the finale?</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571247223263293506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBy9Taf8IWmqX5WhZW-jl2gPYiGl6W5-ZaBKGOvPcSPBdMN5JeSTo2VRAJN2tBuhOrlzfy0MDdeSfX08quxWxQiWhVJSb81Yw8BPgijKxamkfxQSP7qW_AOyOhoV4UlZc-KRbEHMYxQ8/s320/040.JPG" /></p><br /><p></p><p>I love a good change, even if it's a superficial one. This picture doesn't do it justice though. In the light...my hair is orange. Just like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU9eo4G_xEk">carrots</a> :P</p><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PU9eo4G_xEk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-68466647393342589192011-01-28T18:38:00.000-08:002011-01-28T19:19:47.732-08:00AndrogynyA style I've never really aimed to achieve, I find androgyny to be one of the most interesting features in fashion and the media.<br /><br />Some might think this is a recent trend in fashion but, if you've been watching, you'll know it's been around a lot longer than 2010. Though, it does seem to be coming into the spotlight in 2011, androgyny was huge in the 70's/80's with music artists like Annie Lennox and Boy George being the poster children for it during the 80's. And, of course, we can't forget David Bowie in all his glory during the 70's.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGk1ELmEMxJKrWnHK0jldO61ViOiNyypXpj1gE70gUvNnjteTHkJIl2XB-EUEPR-B76cEdND1-EqaAq9s0Dk_Wys6SLS86b6PNgNjBH9VzpwkopGt9Sbd5IFV6kqcFrBEvJtm8BxZDqY/s320/david+bowie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGk1ELmEMxJKrWnHK0jldO61ViOiNyypXpj1gE70gUvNnjteTHkJIl2XB-EUEPR-B76cEdND1-EqaAq9s0Dk_Wys6SLS86b6PNgNjBH9VzpwkopGt9Sbd5IFV6kqcFrBEvJtm8BxZDqY/s320/david+bowie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Personally, I've always thought there was something sexy about someone who leaves you guessing. But, than again, I've always dated very macho men (construction workers, poker players, etc haha), so it's possible that androgyny is simply a change of pace from the wide shoulders and 5 o'clock shadows I've grown use too.<br /><br /><br /><br />Jean Paul Gaultier's use of androgynous models come as no surprise to me, as it seems like the next step in acceptance of different people from all across the spectrum that he seems to extend. In the past he's used plus size models in his show including Velvet d'Amour and punk rock goddess Beth Ditto. It only seemed natural that ended his most recent show with Andrej Prejic, a new but popular male model, in a wedding dress.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjot7SO_KV00LZxlVUdftqzRNOlKi8h6SqAcaxC9FzZM3lISuiZoZml0d8e6swBT3kweJVOKMK4aIkYVVmaOJuA21Vaf1cQcvE-8QbDMtRp-Wlo4m_jgjec865fj2WX0RXcbrjmwwB3c8/s1600/HERECOMESTHEBRIDE.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjot7SO_KV00LZxlVUdftqzRNOlKi8h6SqAcaxC9FzZM3lISuiZoZml0d8e6swBT3kweJVOKMK4aIkYVVmaOJuA21Vaf1cQcvE-8QbDMtRp-Wlo4m_jgjec865fj2WX0RXcbrjmwwB3c8/s320/HERECOMESTHEBRIDE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567437417464497522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Yes, that's a man.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe there's just something fun about playing with people expectations. I think, ultimately, androgynous people lend themselves to artists as a sort of Muse. Here is this person existing between both worlds and, as an artist and creator, you can shift them from one world to the other seamlessly. How amazing is that? Tilda Swinton is a great example of this in movies and film.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvROm_I39UiS2nyVa-Nl2VYKXk7WMo0TIIbKDmj3c4eyeOe87DlqAVfXVZ77AzePU3gYgJ-0ViY-IgZVL6ZIQbzLWwi0pxbGeBFWdG9VY3qUnY-9G7E4PsxFePPYTpNOCAMYnvOOA81qUp/s400/tilda+swinton+close.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvROm_I39UiS2nyVa-Nl2VYKXk7WMo0TIIbKDmj3c4eyeOe87DlqAVfXVZ77AzePU3gYgJ-0ViY-IgZVL6ZIQbzLWwi0pxbGeBFWdG9VY3qUnY-9G7E4PsxFePPYTpNOCAMYnvOOA81qUp/s400/tilda+swinton+close.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>As much as I admire it, it's not really a style I've tried to capture for myself. Perhaps it's actually due to my plus size qualities that I try to emphasize my womanly features instead of down playing them. Bringing attention to my hour glass figure instead of hiding it, for example, is a constant battle with clothes. Maybe I just like having boobs far too much.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-25961555271383224102011-01-18T16:41:00.000-08:002011-01-19T02:05:16.923-08:00Adult DecisionsSome days I feel like an adult. I'll call my bank and transfer money into my Tax Free Savings Account and than I'll talk to my renter's insurance provider to renew for another year. Those are the days where I feel assured I've crossed that invisible line into adulthood. I'm twenty five motherfuckin' years old, bitches! I'm all grown up and this is how it is. I have my own library (like..in my apartment), a salary and a cheque book. Get use to it!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.book-club-queen.com/image-files/young_adult_book_club.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.book-club-queen.com/image-files/young_adult_book_club.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Ladies, books don't work through osmosis.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><br />Than I do something like...forget to pay my cell phone bill which explains why I am currently without cellphone service.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newscientist.com/blog/shortsharpscience/uploaded_images/Dunce_Cap-731567.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.newscientist.com/blog/shortsharpscience/uploaded_images/Dunce_Cap-731567.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh shhhiiiiiiiiiiit...<br /></span></div><br />I also feel like I am on the verge of making some semi-adult decisions. I am looking at what it takes for me to enter university as a "mature" student. Many people who will be entering university will be 18-21 while I will be 25 or older when/if I get around to it. It's odd to think I'll be older than most in my class but that kind of makes it less intimidating. I've got some life experience under my belt as well as job experience. But I've also got a full time job and a nice, big rent cheque to write out monthly. I've gotten use to having money for years now (since I was 16) and am not too excited to put all my vacations and shopping on the shelf for 3-4 years while I go to university full time.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://iloveuab.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ramen-food-triangle.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 640px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 480px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://iloveuab.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ramen-food-triangle.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I feel my dietician would not agree with this</span><br /></div><br />Don't get me wrong, I see the potential awesomeness in getting some post secondary up in here and I actually love ramen noodles. But...I also love rib eye steak, so you can see how this is going to be a sacrifice for me.<br /><br />I have one more class I need to upgrade and then I can apply for university. While I look at my options for upgrading that one class, I'll have to start thinking about what kind of degree. English? Fine Arts? Art and Design? Do you sense a theme with the direction I am going in?<br /><br />I promise you, whatever degree I end up going for, I will not be going to class in Uggs and sweatpants. Fuck that shit! I may be a student but that doesn't mean I'll have to dress like one.<br /><br />ShannonShannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-74331241185692320102011-01-15T11:51:00.000-08:002011-01-15T12:52:59.116-08:00Pan Out, Assholes!Dear whoever makes music videos happen,<br /><br />I wish you'd stop making videos where plus size performers are only shown as bodiless wonders with only bust shots. Perhaps the creative directors/camera person of these videos could zoom out, so we could get more than a few seconds of body shots of artists who are body proud like Adele and Beth Ditto.<br /><br />This doesn't happen in all videos, but I've noticed a bit of a trend that disappoints me when I go to watch talented artists in videos which, although beautiful and great quality, come off as static or limited.<br /><br />For example, Adele's "Cold Shoulder":<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uGwH-x4VoH8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uGwH-x4VoH8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />Or Gossip's "Heavy Cross" (Not really a "static" video but the few times they do show her body it's dark, unfocused and only a glimpse):<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5mQVljB7JGw?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5mQVljB7JGw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />These are just a couple examples and I am sure I could find examples of videos of both artists in which more full body shots are present but it still irks me. This heavy (no pun intended) reliance on face shots just makes me think of a phrase every fat girl gets sick of hearing, "You have such a pretty face" which always seemed to imply, to me, that the rest wasn't pretty. Just the face.<br /><br />Not only is this insulting it's annoying as all hell. Us plus size women have so few fashion icons, that when you're video only focuses on the face, we don't get a chance to admire, critique and enjoy the fashion statements the performer might be making. In some videos, I don't even know if the artist is wearing pants or a skirt, because every shot of the lower body is either blurry or left behind on some cutting room floor.<br /><br />So, how about you step back and give us the whole picture. I mean, honestly, it's not like you're somehow tricking us, the audience, into thinking these ladies are a more "marketable" size by only showing their faces.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Shannon<br /><br />P.S Just so I'm not a hypocrite here is a recent picture of me legs and all!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0QXDlGGxuIgaMOk_kzwp5pwDosBwu5-pwoO6XMSvmJeESXyTBjWQk89F8KbSiPwGzQr4u_JJ_nV0Fm6yvrvCY0YBfBvZngHOR6uAoJWpK1hGM4N9NHJDx-NFZikpnc7LzJkKVzKFDrw/s1600/candycanelane.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0QXDlGGxuIgaMOk_kzwp5pwDosBwu5-pwoO6XMSvmJeESXyTBjWQk89F8KbSiPwGzQr4u_JJ_nV0Fm6yvrvCY0YBfBvZngHOR6uAoJWpK1hGM4N9NHJDx-NFZikpnc7LzJkKVzKFDrw/s320/candycanelane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562516535468274658" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I'm the one on the left and, obviously, my twin on the right.</span></span></div>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-37453021650423592002010-12-18T10:16:00.000-08:002010-12-18T13:15:56.946-08:00Dave can be funny....sometimes<blockquote>"The rules for carry on are so strict these days: no liquids, gels or sharp objects. They have full on body scanners. It truly slows one down and the amount of things one can carry are so limited one may as well not have carry on at all. I feel like the true spirit of flight, which the wright brothers unlocked for all of humanity to enjoy, has been dampened, nay! cheapened, by these rules and restrictions. On a totally unrelated note, we need to buy new hair cutting scissors."<span style="font-size:85%;"><br />-Text I received from Dave today as he transfers flights at Vancouver airport</span><br /></blockquote><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JmR_fWKqLeRe_OG-G9CkzP46d51XjV9J6T4P3S-phB8k7SQizT7DtCQHz6_92scKc-JsiO3wHo53N2WepdZ5DfSUVLPW44HW4d-jkIfcGgdb97Rc08XjGflCGHCQjcbuNiB1DRGj_Pk/s1600/dave_belgium"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JmR_fWKqLeRe_OG-G9CkzP46d51XjV9J6T4P3S-phB8k7SQizT7DtCQHz6_92scKc-JsiO3wHo53N2WepdZ5DfSUVLPW44HW4d-jkIfcGgdb97Rc08XjGflCGHCQjcbuNiB1DRGj_Pk/s320/dave_belgium" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552132926243898626" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"> So classy...in his Flash t-shirt.</span></blockquote></div><br /><br /><blockquote>Me: I kind of wish Edmonton had got the Expo. It may have put us on the map.<br />Dave: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yeah</span> and not one of those crappy maps that says "Here Be Dragons".</blockquote>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-84603477823396631322010-12-08T14:16:00.000-08:002010-12-13T19:34:50.012-08:00I Ain't No Hollaback GirlA recent <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-mind-of-man-in-defense-of-catcalls/">article</a> written by John DeVore has me thinking about something I've gotten use to ignoring: Catcalling.<br /><br />As a woman living in a central area of a large city, I should probably just shrug my shoulders and accept that catcalling is the price I pay for choosing to live downtown and walk down any main street. But that kind of passive thinking doesn't lead to change. I know I could walk the back streets, the less populated streets, but then I put myself in a more tangible risk of being mugged or assaulted. So, I walk the most well lit, populated and busy streets when I get off work at 10:30pm or later, every weeknight. <br /><br />The consequences of my choice and schedule are having random people yell inherently aggressive remarks at me. Even if it's a compliment, anything yelled at a random stranger from a moving vehicle is aggressive in my books. But this hasn't just been an issue for me since moving downtown (which I did when I was 18). It first started as an adolescent. Yes, you read that right, an adolescent. I hadn't even broken the "teens" yet when my sister and I were being verbally attacked by random men in random places. I know we were tall for our age (almost 6 foot by grade 7) but that is not an open invitation to be hit on while walking in public.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheunGrMFkJUj1BLQ1RWOMTgye-Xr4bapJKsnwH4yyYUa6O856Z9WYDW892U5mBKLHkWzbIAFJ0Hs9ZTT5psaF_TzOc1zkqf5NdEXhhQF1DT_y1IKcePRMPFokZz4avakueTnPKwFnr5lQ/s1600/oldschoolcatcalling"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheunGrMFkJUj1BLQ1RWOMTgye-Xr4bapJKsnwH4yyYUa6O856Z9WYDW892U5mBKLHkWzbIAFJ0Hs9ZTT5psaF_TzOc1zkqf5NdEXhhQF1DT_y1IKcePRMPFokZz4avakueTnPKwFnr5lQ/s320/oldschoolcatcalling" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550373840338638466" /></a><br /><br /><br />I recall being 12 and getting honks from cars while walking down Whyte Ave with my sister. Or the time, when I was 14, and walking past a bar with my sister, best friend and her mother, only to have the bouncer accost us with invites into the bar and hit on us. When my friend's mother yelled "they're only 14!", he replied "even better". <br /><br />Any weekend I walk down a main street past 11pm, I expect that I am going to be sexually harassed. But, all the advice out there to deter it puts the onus on my behavior: Dress down or in baggy clothes, just ignore it, avoid streets with people or bars, don't make eye contact, don't smile, wear headphones, read a book on the bus/train. Well, fuck that! I shouldn't have to shut out the world, dress plain and pretend something isn't happening just so I can live a somewhat peaceful existence. <br /><br />It's no wonder someone designed a <a href="http://www.heybabygame.com/info.php">game based</a> on these encounters, in which a main character (a woman) has the tools necessary to shoot the men who harass her. Do I condone this kind of behavior in real life? Of course not. It's just a game, some might say, but it brings attention to a very real problem. <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/krvA3VHq5as?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/krvA3VHq5as?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />One action that people (women and men) are taking is to use their camera phone to document lewd or unwanted behavior and post it online at websites such as <a href="http://www.youtube.com">YouTube</a> or <a href="http://www.ihollaback.org/">Hollaback</a>. The most disturbing trend I found while reading through the entries on Hollaback is that many of these women feel the need to clarify that they weren't wearing anything provocative. I constantly saw the phrase, "I wasn't showing any skin", "My clothes weren't tight or short, just normal jeans and t-shirt" and other phrases basically trying to explain that they weren't "asking for it". It saddens me that they should even have to add that detail into their narratives. I've only been talking about my experiences with catcalling (though there have been past experiences with physical harassment), but Hollaback also documents sexual harassment which has lead to some men being arrested. For example, <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/11/23/tables-turned-on-alleged-nyc-subway-flasher/">a woman had a man arrested</a> for rubbing up against her while his genitals were exposed, an all to common occurrence in the crowded New York subway system. <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iIlObKYwUyI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iIlObKYwUyI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> <br /><br /><br />It wasn't until I started thinking about this topic that I started realizing the extent women go to in order to avoid sexual harassment. I read multiple comments about women pretending to sleep on public transit to shut people out, reading books and using MP3 players as a way to signal their disinterest. While reading up on various forms of public sexual harassment and how women avoid certain scenarios, I thought to myself that I didn't limit myself or change my life in anyway to avoid it. I'm a very confrontational person and not one for avoiding a situation because I prefer to face things head on. That's why I was honestly shocked to realize that even I have changed past behaviors to avoid being hit on or harassed in public. I use to sit in the front seat of cabs because I'm tall and prefer all the extra leg room. But, after a while, I started sitting in the back seat because I was tired of my choice to sit in the front seat being some silent agreement to be hit on by the male drivers. Questions about whether I had a boyfriend or asking why am I so dressed up got tiring and I eventually moved to the backseat where I find myself very invested in texting, just to avoid awkward conversation. Some male cab drivers are honestly just making conversation but I ask myself if the others would ask a guy the same questions they ask me, such as "Oh, you're sure dressed up, are you meeting up with your girlfriend?" I kind of doubt it.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-wM_wyWvclCwuuZ-LMUBEiCz2j8C9dH4nYx9VrChFm7lrVkfUKvMPTzpYVSpnN5FXv3Or1GN2uQKInudGLxRAnW3Q5qnUV86235jvCCKG47KIRrr52Bgn124Mn_YVOe5TRMG7X5qfSE/s1600/catcall_webfolio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-wM_wyWvclCwuuZ-LMUBEiCz2j8C9dH4nYx9VrChFm7lrVkfUKvMPTzpYVSpnN5FXv3Or1GN2uQKInudGLxRAnW3Q5qnUV86235jvCCKG47KIRrr52Bgn124Mn_YVOe5TRMG7X5qfSE/s320/catcall_webfolio.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550373962931230882" /></a><br /><br />This isn't a matter of not being able to take a compliment. It's the audacity some people have that when a women goes out into public, it must mean she wants to be accosted and berated with what may seem like words of adulation but in fact are tiresome, trite and in, some cases, terribly offensive. When someone demonstrates to me that they cannot control their words, it worries me and makes me ponder what else they can't control. Am I going to have to walk a little faster because this person is now following me? Am I going to have to call the police? Am I going to have to find a place to escape from this person? Where is the nearest stores that's open? These are all thoughts I've had while being "complimented" by random strangers. Feeling like someone's prey is a disturbing experience and should not be an acceptable way to treat anyone, regardless of intention, location or gender.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jNZSszLR8cc?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jNZSszLR8cc?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">3:19 Mark - Hilarious bit about a serious subject</span>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-39305199597667607072010-12-03T17:57:00.000-08:002010-12-03T20:36:44.630-08:00Submission and FeminismI believe that we are all complex creatures full of contradictions and dualities that compliment and oppose each other. Though, in some cases, this dichotomy can lead to conflict. Conflict within ourselves or conflict with those who support only one side of this combination. One such issue within my own personal conflicts is my belief that all people are equal and my affinity for being sexually submissive. I've often wondered can a woman identify sexually as submissive and still consider herself a feminist, without being a hypocrite?<br /><br />Of course, this is no simple question to answer and I think everyone has different variables to weigh when deciding where they stand on the issue. Perhaps the best step is to start by explaining how I identify with feminism. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDk9pyawRM3boWKqL-t54SutnIsRjlIWWOZwfcgUpSclSSnsitgjY_V-wn9nBXfXvrU9PCJERy6te0MIimnSnPkRbb5yyd8MQB5A6mg5liNa9DV-dC3Nwinaswgx-W8ooGGjuAAO_Hy7g/s1600/feminism2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDk9pyawRM3boWKqL-t54SutnIsRjlIWWOZwfcgUpSclSSnsitgjY_V-wn9nBXfXvrU9PCJERy6te0MIimnSnPkRbb5yyd8MQB5A6mg5liNa9DV-dC3Nwinaswgx-W8ooGGjuAAO_Hy7g/s320/feminism2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546678535994581938" /></a><br /><br /><br />Simply put, I believe women are equal to men and deserve to be treated as such. I believe this because I know all people are equal and deserve to be treated as such. We have the right to the same justices and protections. We have an obligation to defend and secure justice for those who cannot do it themselves. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuHR0894KxLYxR185MSJVmEcqyq76XqUYuiYKtcylunQ1yz09vLs3Fgzz5SfUsx9zoTCDXM5UcWisQYVVLwEigyzqZZlA84PeeNNbbv8P315X16xv1h5cMHZkpjPLf2io5TxN7Ya1Tnk/s1600/we_can_do_it.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuHR0894KxLYxR185MSJVmEcqyq76XqUYuiYKtcylunQ1yz09vLs3Fgzz5SfUsx9zoTCDXM5UcWisQYVVLwEigyzqZZlA84PeeNNbbv8P315X16xv1h5cMHZkpjPLf2io5TxN7Ya1Tnk/s320/we_can_do_it.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546675991413336978" /></a><br /><br />There are those who identify themselves as feminist (1st wave, 2nd wave, 3rd wave, militant - whatever category they feel they fit in best, if any at all) and believe that a woman who participates in submissive sexual behavior, such as Master/slave or BDSM play, is only crippling the progress of womanhood as a whole. There are also those who believe that BDSM is a male-generated form of sexuality and that by participating, a woman is succumbing to this tradition. This was a major issue during the 60s and 70s and lead to conflict between different sects of feminism or some feminists organizations and the pornography industry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm_tD08HV9Fpr1th1m4MxACIJJDZuDiu9N8jZ5hJzo0nZ1wLrH4bQKgV-zX4HZbsHWDHLOBvqKh_eErfuM1ePZTTILLQyaOcQDq2IjAnib3sKqDLNgwVGEatrthbyP26OhX4AxNIqU0s/s1600/xxx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm_tD08HV9Fpr1th1m4MxACIJJDZuDiu9N8jZ5hJzo0nZ1wLrH4bQKgV-zX4HZbsHWDHLOBvqKh_eErfuM1ePZTTILLQyaOcQDq2IjAnib3sKqDLNgwVGEatrthbyP26OhX4AxNIqU0s/s320/xxx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546676460468904866" /></a><br /><br />I resent the idea that women who engage in BDSM are doing so because they are conforming to a male generated fantasy. This line of thinking denies women who enjoy BDSM from any credit for discovering what turns them on. It assumes that in a strictly female society, BDSM would not exist. It also furthers the gender stereotype that only woman play the submissive role in the BDSM community when, in fact, it is extremely varied. Not only do some men prefer being the submissive as opposed to dominant but there are many people who switch between both. Of course, this is assuming both genders are involved. BDSM is prevalent in both gay and lesbian communities. Personally, I know that I did not need a man/society/the media to tell me what aroused me. It was inherent. It felt rooted within me, much like the rest of my sexuality. I did not question it but only awaited the time and place to discover and explore this natural affinity. Assuming that a woman can only learn submission from a man/society/the media robs her of any ownership or responsibility of her own sexuality. <br /><br /><br />There are those who even discourage women being submissive because of their strong conviction that this has an impact on women's progress as a whole. But, if those who believed that truly wanted equality, wouldn't they be encouraging all people not to partake in BDSM, regardless of gender? Or, do they believe it is okay for a man to play that role? In that case, isn't the man enjoying a privilege that has been denied to women by the very people who were trying to ensure their equality? Where is the fairness in that?<br /><br /><br />I'd argue that my being a strong female has actually helped me develop a healthy perspective on my sexuality and I've channeled this into my preference for being a submissive. Any woman with a poor self esteem or a dysfunctional view of their sexual worth is going to find being a submissive exhausting and unfulfilled. My worth as a human being is not decided on my worth as a sex object. Sure, I may subject myself to what others may consider horrendous treatment and what others may view as submitting to my partner's will. Considering oneself a feminist and also a submissive does not have to be a dichotomous situation. In fact, the juxtaposition of both these traits can strengthen each other. Not only does my knowledge that I am worthy of any person's attention and respect make me a great submissive, but knowing myself so well and owning my sexuality encourages a feeling of wholeness and completeness in the world outside my bedroom. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQZjTZpopGD8NsRMd0FS3I82q7sT4cDTs_7D150r_eoOExRTzz5GzSVww6JyMCzinFOA6eV9qQEHorV0ZWmAFMEIDLd46dIhngChqFSddfENM_mLhx7Rw5MqCiJ4f_FNFWPJhNaB94cc/s1600/steal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQZjTZpopGD8NsRMd0FS3I82q7sT4cDTs_7D150r_eoOExRTzz5GzSVww6JyMCzinFOA6eV9qQEHorV0ZWmAFMEIDLd46dIhngChqFSddfENM_mLhx7Rw5MqCiJ4f_FNFWPJhNaB94cc/s320/steal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546676751873385826" /></a><br /><br />Some people do not fully comprehend the active communication that goes on between a Dom and sub, even when no words are spoken. It may seem demeaning to an outsider but there is a huge amount of respect and trust exchanged between those involved in a BDSM relationship. Most might assume that it is only the sub who respects their partner, but it truly starts with the Dom earning the sub's respect and consent. And, in the end, it is the sub who holds all the power. The sub can simply utter one word and everything comes to a halt. It may seem odd to those unfamiliar with this subculture that the common credence is "Safe, Sane and Consensual"<br /><br />My role in feminism is ensuring that my gender is viewed upon with equal regard and respect. That I earn equal pay for equal work and that I enjoy the same rights and privileges that a man may in the same position. That means enjoying the same rights and privileges in my work, my government, my community and my bedroom. If we deny women the right to explore their sexuality because they feel judged, we deny them the ownership of their bodies. If we can vote, run for office and own land, we should be able to own our orgasm too.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-71353430884045460182010-11-26T15:10:00.000-08:002010-11-26T21:01:22.645-08:00My Perceived LifeSometimes I like to think about how I may be perceived. Not so much as a concern, but more as how my actions, my words and my life looks to an outsider. <br /><br />Do I care about what others may think? Not really, to be honest. But I like to people watch and speculate about their lives and I assume others may do the same. I know I am probably wrong all of the time. I don't honestly believe I can surmise all that a person is in the few moments it takes for them to walk past me. Mostly it's just fun for me to create these worlds that people may or may not be living. <br /><br />I don't think I am the only person playing this game. I feel watched (in a not paranoid way haha). I am only curious what kind of worlds people dream up for me. I like that I don't really wear my likes or dislikes visibly. When I dress, it can be very neutral, style wise. I like that my clothes don't necessarily give me away. My shirts don't mention my favourite bands and my shoes don't say I prescribe to any specific type of music. Perhaps if I drove a car, I'd have bumper stickers that let people know what I think, but then again, perhaps not. I like being a bit unknown and having to explore and be explored. <br /><br />I sometimes wish my thoughts and life style were apparent because I think of all the great people I could be meeting if they only knew we were kindred spirits. But, that's what I love about the internet. My comments, my profiles, my likes and dislikes speak for themselves. Though, I've always disagreed with the idea that people with similar interests are compatible. If that were true, I wouldn't be so annoyed at most of the concerts I go to or the stores I shop in.<br /><br />I remember the first day I saw Ryan, who is now one of my best friends. I was waiting for the shift to start at work when I worked as an agent in a market research call centre. My sister, who was a supervisor, and I were hanging out in the break room and this dude walks by. Instantly, I wanted to be his friend. He didn't say anything but I just looked at him and I thought, "That dude is going to make me laugh." After years of sitting next to the class clown in school (and usually having a crush on them), I had honed the skill of recognizing one outside of their native habitat. This dude had class clown written all over him. I couldn't explain why or how I knew. I asked my sister what his name was and from then on I had a goal to not just get to know him but to become BFFs. Thankfully, we eventually sat near each other and my instincts/lucky guess were verified. <br /><br />I'm not sure where I am going with this. I'm curious if other people play this game. Do you wonder how you are perceived or do you think that people can tell what kind of person you are instantly or does it take time to crack the shell and get to know you? I'd guess most of us would like to think we're complex mysterious creatures and no one can truly know us.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-34902127820512458962010-11-19T16:08:00.000-08:002010-11-19T16:54:30.402-08:00Books<blockquote>Have you read more than 6 of these books? The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books listed here.<br />Instructions:<br /><br /> * Copy this<br /> * Bold those books you've read in their entirety.<br /> * Italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read only an excerpt.</blockquote><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen </span><br /> <br />2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien<br /> <br />3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte<br /> <br />4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee </span><br /><br /> 6 The Bible<br /> <span style="font-style:italic;"><br />7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell</span><br /><br /> 9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman<br /> <br />10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott</span> <br /> <br />12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy<br /> <span style="font-style:italic;"><br />13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller</span><br /> <br />14 Complete Works of Shakespeare <br /> <br />15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier<br /> <br />16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien<br /> <br />17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk<br /> <br />18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger<br /> <br />19 The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger<br /> <br />20 Middlemarch - George Eliot<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"> <br />21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald</span><br /> <br />23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens<br /> <span style="font-style:italic;">24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams</span><br /> <br />26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh<br /> <br />27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck</span><br /> <span style="font-style:italic;"><br />29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll</span><br /> <br />30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy</span><br /> <br />32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens<br /> <br />33 Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">34 Emma -Jane Austen</span><br /> <br />35 Persuasion - Jane Austen<br /> <br />36 The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - CS Lewis<br /> <br />37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini <br /> <br />38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden</span><br /> <br />40 Winnie the Pooh - A.A. Milne<br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />41 Animal Farm - George Orwell</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown </span> <br /> <br />43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez<br /> <br />44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving<br /> <br />45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery</span><br /> <br />47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy<br /> <br />48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding</span><br /> <br />50 Atonement - Ian McEwan<br /> <br />51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel<br /> <br />52 Dune - Frank Herbert<br /> <br />53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen</span><br /> <br />55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth<br /> <br />56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon<br /> <br />57 A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens<br /> <br />58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley<br /> <br />59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon<br /> <br />60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez<br /> <br />61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck<br /> <br />62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov<br /> <br />63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt<br /> <br />64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold<br /> <br />65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac</span><br /> <br />67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding</span><br /> <br />69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville</span><br /> <br />71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">72 Dracula - Bram Stoker</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett</span><br /> <br />74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson<br /> <br />75 Ulysses - James Joyce<br /> <br />76 The Inferno - Dante<br /> <br />77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome<br /> <br />78 Germinal - Emile Zola<br /> <br />79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray<br /> <br />80 Possession - AS Byatt<br /> <br />81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens <br /> <br />82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell<br /> <br />83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker<br /> <br />84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro<br /> <br />85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert<br /> <br />86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />87 Charlotte’s Web - E.B. White</span> <br /> <br />88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom<br /> <br />89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle<br /> <br />90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton<br /> <br />91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad<br /> <br />92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery<br /> <br />93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks<br /> <br />94 Watership Down - Richard Adams<br /> <br />95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole<br /> <br />96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute<br /> <br />97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">98 Hamlet - William Shaskespeare</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl</span> <br /> <br />100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo<br /><br /><br />I have this awful habit of starting books and then putting them down to re-read a much loved book. It's not fair to any new books entering my library and I usually do pick them up and start them again...one day. Sometimes I'll get bored in a new novel and turn to a familiar favorite because I know I'll enjoy it where as the new one I am uncertain if I'll end up even liking it. As if, for some reason, I don't want to invest time in a gamble when I can invest it in a sure fire thing. <br /><br />Perhaps I should make a habit of finishing books I start instead of abandoning them on counters, bed side tables and bookshelves through out my house.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26CJtYTA2lX7qyn6qxyckUi8Dvr-TIJrB2vq92ZshOalXhZt-v4_T0DUtrWy1D8AKP5DmX5G0i9bp0dGAEmdEqh4TRCEqNdwaqu-ow4nb6tFFgRM-J5caiQXaqcfleYRloI5D_7v7nfs/s1600/library"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26CJtYTA2lX7qyn6qxyckUi8Dvr-TIJrB2vq92ZshOalXhZt-v4_T0DUtrWy1D8AKP5DmX5G0i9bp0dGAEmdEqh4TRCEqNdwaqu-ow4nb6tFFgRM-J5caiQXaqcfleYRloI5D_7v7nfs/s320/library" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541420682655414034" /></a><br />My slowly evolving reading corner when we first moved in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5eD8bnwR096TimdpPSIYzEDSpt6ZlubJoFcPOiOrMhFZfpbh1cOSVI7Espf5Y80mHfYadyfLYw8goaNGoSWeSTYvt3ujzJF5VX7Ed1GvaUcrDWmZZzvWAFwa3-mlOb3TFTVaVOcHoqE/s1600/library+now"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5eD8bnwR096TimdpPSIYzEDSpt6ZlubJoFcPOiOrMhFZfpbh1cOSVI7Espf5Y80mHfYadyfLYw8goaNGoSWeSTYvt3ujzJF5VX7Ed1GvaUcrDWmZZzvWAFwa3-mlOb3TFTVaVOcHoqE/s320/library+now" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541422949144954978" /></a><br />Most recent photo of my reading area.<br /><br />The area behind the book shelf is where I plan to really make my library but it's taking time to buy the furniture necessary. Part of the reason it takes so long is I rarely buy furniture new and have a very precise vision in my head and refuse to buy pieces just to "fill" the spots. I'll wait till I find the perfect shelf, chair, table and everything. Until then, I'll suffer with a half finished living room/dining room/library.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-25434220758419885122010-11-11T12:28:00.000-08:002010-11-11T12:40:40.351-08:00Remembrance Day<blockquote>Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,<br /> Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,<br /> Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs<br /> And towards our distant rest began to trudge.<br /> Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,<br /> But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;<br /> Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots<br /> Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.<br /><br /> Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,<br /> Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;<br /> But someone still was yelling out and stumbling<br /> And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .<br /> Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,<br /> As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.<br /><br /> In all my dreams before my helpless sight,<br /> He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.<br /><br /> If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace<br /> Behind the wagon that we flung him in,<br /> And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,<br /> His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;<br /> If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood<br /> Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,<br /> Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud<br /> Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, –<br /> My friend, you would not tell with such high zest<br /> To children ardent for some desperate glory,<br /> The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est<br /> Pro patria mori.</blockquote><br /><br /> This is a poem I often think of during Remembrance Day. I know many turn to "In Flanders Fields", which is also a great poem, but at all times of year (not just this one designated day), I think it's important and vital that we not only honor the memory of those who served our country but those who served any country. Those who lost their limbs, their loved ones and their lives. <br /><br /> My other issue with "In Flanders Fields" is the guilt trip. I honestly wonder if someone who died in a war would honestly want others to continue fighting for the same cause. Not all wars are great, noble or honest. So many are plagues upon the country they infest and bring not only violence but are acts of international corruption and power struggles. <br /><br /> <br /> I also think it's important not to glamourize war or to make it more heroic than it is horror. As a pacifist, one might think that I don't honour what men and women have done in the name of their country. That is quiet untrue. It is because of this sacrifice and the atrocities those who fight for a country become witness too or worse, apart of, that I am pacifist. <br /><br /> <br /> For many of us, war has never touched our soil. That is not true for all those that I know and I can only pretend to understand how the affects on those who have seen war in their backyard. But, because I have not seen it, I can only continue to be grateful for that.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-17697943805169506892010-08-30T15:29:00.001-07:002010-08-30T17:42:09.539-07:00Blog challenge #17 - My Top Ten17. Top 10 websites you use<br /><br />This question is kind of vague so I am going to tackle it as a best as possible. Is it 10 websites I use for entertainment, for shopping, for wasting time or just that I use...in general.<br /><br />I dunno, so let's go.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.nutsie.com">Nutsie</a><br /><br />I love using Nutsie to listen to music and discover new bands. You simply sign up, start searching for the music you'd like to hear and then add it to your playlist. In the past the playlists would run uninterrupted. Now, they add in songs the systems thinks you might like. Sometimes they are dead on and sometimes their suggestions are awful. If I am listening to Jewel/Sheryl Crow/Lisa Loeb, why would they suggest Gun & Roses? Wtf?! But, it's still a handy dandy way to get your music fix without having to download a program or songs. I like that I can just log in and listen, no matter where I am - work, a friend's house, home...whatever!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nutsie.com/member/my_home/2295582?playlist_id=23188251">Here is what I am listening to right now!</a><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.foodgawker.com">foodgawker</a><br /><br />Is it weird that I love looking at food? I hope not because if so, I'm not the only one. This website is devoted to pictures of food which then link you to the recipe. This is great when you need inspiration and there is a handy search function as well. As my eating habits and life style have changed over the last 8-9 months this website has been a huge source of help. It's helped me discover new and interesting foods that fit with my low glycemic/no dairy life. <br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.kijiji.ca">Kijiji</a><br /><br />If you've been keeping up with this blog, you'll know that I love decorating my apartment but I especially love doing so with used furniture. It's not that I don't like new stuff (get me in an Urban Barn and I'll drool all over the merchandise) it's just that I have a budget and like a challenge. I love the thrill of finding a piece of $5.00 and making it look like $500.00. I also find that the more limited my resources, the more creative I get. Kijiji is definitely addictive, as I scroll through daily looking for furniture (even when I'm not buying anything). Some days it's like Russian roulette and other days I know exactly what I want to find.<br /><br />4. <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/">Apartment Therapy</a> <br /><br />Speaking of decorating, here is a great site of inspiration from people whoa re facing the same challenges as you - apartment living, small budgets or trying to be green. Whatever is keeping you from having the home you want- nay, deserve, this website will show you how it can be done. Mostly user based and definitely photo based. Everything has pictures, which are perfect for inspiration.<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">Deviantart</a><br /><br />Great for a constant flow of original art all the time! Whatever your style or tastes, you'll find it here. Be warned though, artists are natural pervs which means lots of boobies! haha<br /><br />6. <a href="http://harkavagrant.com/">Hark A Vagrant!</a><br /><br />I love web comics but this is definitely one of my favorites because it often involves literary characters or characters from History and making fun of them. This is no end of fun, for me. <br /><br />7. <a href="http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/">Sartorialist</a> <br /><br />On the eve of my trip (I am leaving for Europe tomorrow) this website is definitely coming in handy. The Sartorialist (Definition of SARTORIAL: of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes; broadly : of or relating to clothes) is a great place to see what is fashionable right now. Of course, tastes differ, but the tone of this website overall is worldly and cultured. You're definitely not going to find any Ed Hardy bullshit here. I check this site out weekly and, although I don't always love what I see, it definitely makes me think about different styles and looks more then I might if I had never saw them.<br /><br />8. <a href="http://www.cracked.com">Cracked</a><br /><br />This is the remains of Cracked magazine (which was very similar to their rival, Mad Magazine). But the website is wholly an improvement. Hilarious articles, comics and videos, this former magazine reinvented itself like a god damn phoenix. Definitely a good time waster or conversation start. Many of my boyfriend's paragraphs start with, "So, I was reading on Cracked..." Either that or <a href="http://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.<br /><br />Every other website I use is more just for communication and keep in touch.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> - Shantique and you can be bored with me in real time!<br /><br /> Blogspot - where I follow plenty of other bloggers while effectively ignoring writing in my own.Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-28039605342990460412010-08-28T16:18:00.000-07:002010-08-28T16:26:46.568-07:00A Weird Realization<blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">James Van Der Beek</span></blockquote><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QiWcszDULqPMXllVAdoI8LH2sJ4TDw_bWj-g8OF99j5i6LOcSU1YmoWX_tF6C1hfVix-MBD71y-OojgMtsHaCj49tBY40kybG4yObq6e7DmSOxa1YSIhgcUUHgT2FG9yNNP9i-i4F6M/s1600/james-van-der-beek.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QiWcszDULqPMXllVAdoI8LH2sJ4TDw_bWj-g8OF99j5i6LOcSU1YmoWX_tF6C1hfVix-MBD71y-OojgMtsHaCj49tBY40kybG4yObq6e7DmSOxa1YSIhgcUUHgT2FG9yNNP9i-i4F6M/s320/james-van-der-beek.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510605556827013234" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Plus the dead kid (simulated, obviously) from "Stand By Me"</span></blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNsRFSmEJKD3k-Et4znSN8JjFsTF5Las8bf_2Bsw8T4lmMU6JadZs6Ols0Rid8YEK6Ud6FxDdIBXV0iRuWTfF6EHJNPdlge5sBLUYZwq__8PS77sIbU23ZmfG_bFrHCzB6MBZ7ynFJkM/s1600/standbyme.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNsRFSmEJKD3k-Et4znSN8JjFsTF5Las8bf_2Bsw8T4lmMU6JadZs6Ols0Rid8YEK6Ud6FxDdIBXV0iRuWTfF6EHJNPdlge5sBLUYZwq__8PS77sIbU23ZmfG_bFrHCzB6MBZ7ynFJkM/s320/standbyme.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510605651273461042" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Equals</span></blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmPHDiKy9v42wwbCjTeT0bAIu7Edu19-SAFnImKu-XKMQO9mxD-y9QaLAktmkEIP1W4SEN_KtMAxOUme3kBBXm1Y9KcAvfOhdQAj7XA8Uv0D_ZFEqZ7SkeihRaIJaw0Z4nf2upaKnHj0/s1600/Haley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmPHDiKy9v42wwbCjTeT0bAIu7Edu19-SAFnImKu-XKMQO9mxD-y9QaLAktmkEIP1W4SEN_KtMAxOUme3kBBXm1Y9KcAvfOhdQAj7XA8Uv0D_ZFEqZ7SkeihRaIJaw0Z4nf2upaKnHj0/s320/Haley.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510604575967178530" /></a><br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You've seen it! You can't unsee it!<br /><br />What I am basically saying here is that James Van Der Beek is a necrophiliac. Make of that what you will.</span><br /></blockquote>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-78188955756714016562010-08-28T14:38:00.000-07:002010-08-28T15:30:05.608-07:00Blog Challenge #16 - Get The Tissues Out16. A song that makes you cry<br /><br />How about a song that *doesn't* make me cry. I am a total sucker for good lyrics, powerful message and a beautiful harmony between voice and instrument. <br /><br />I'm not going to try and explain why each individual song makes me cry because, to be honest, sometimes I'm not sure. I just know some songs make my throat burn up and no matter how hard I swallow that feeling doesn't go away until I give in and let a couple tears fall. Some songs are very personal and some are just beautiful. The End.<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DhT0Pydv4JQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DhT0Pydv4JQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Father and Daugther by Paul Simon<br /><br />This video is retarded (though I actually liked the Wild Thornberrys show)<br /><br />Lyrics that knock my over the edge:<br /><br /><blockquote>But you don't need to waste your time<br />Worrying about the market place<br />Try to help the human race<br />Struggling to survive its harshest night</blockquote><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kxkK06HlgqA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kxkK06HlgqA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Crown of Love by Arcade Fire<br /><br />Oh Win Butler, you break my heart. I've only seen Arcade Fire live once but it was strange witnessing the juxtaposition between Win and the rest of the band. Their celebration of cacophony was perfectly balanced by his calm, sad tone. <br /><br />The kicker:<br /><br /><blockquote>You gotta be the one,<br />you gotta be the way,<br />your name is the only word that I can say</blockquote><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kPL85gl_QGg?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kPL85gl_QGg?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Somedays by Jacksoul<br /><br />I know. My taste is kind of schizophrenic but I think most people have huge varying degree of music that appeals to them. Anyone who limits themselves to one genre gets my pity. Extra sad points go to this song since Jacksoul (Haydain Neale) passed away last November from lung cancer. <br /><br />Here come the waterworks:<br /><blockquote><br />Stopped dreaming of your face<br />Now I don't dream at all</blockquote><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sMsYg_tACZQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sMsYg_tACZQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />And I Am Telling You by Jennifer Hudson<br /><br />I don't care who you are, this song is amazing if only for the vocals (though there is so much more to it then that). I think it appeals to the stubborn woman in me who thinks that I can will things to be the way I want them to be.<br /><br />The one line that always gets me:<br /><br /><blockquote>Stay, stay and hold me</blockquote><br /><br />Totally mess by this point but I can easily cheer up by watching Will Smith sing this on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGVCnle59qI">"Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Wye2XkLbBk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Wye2XkLbBk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Falling Down Blue by Blue Rodeo<br /><br />Blue Rodeo seems to me the quintessential country band that hits the notes and the twangs just right so that you ache. Perhaps they're not classic country but this song might as well be "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams (which is absolutely poetry and I suggest you take a listen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OreFuVSByE">here</a> if you've never heard it).<br /><br />Heartbreak lines:<br /><br /><blockquote>I won't sit here staring<br />At nothing all night<br />Bleary-eyed greeting the dawn</blockquote><br /><br />Okay, one last song (out of hundreds...cause it doesn't take much for me to cry).<br /><br /><object width="660" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6jTBjlAWbmk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6jTBjlAWbmk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Take It All by Marion Cotillard <br /><br />I would totally enter into a polygamous relationship with both the actors in this video. I have such a girl boner for Daniel Day Lewis it's disgusting. And all things Parisian attract my regard so a major girl-crush on Marion Cotillard goes without saying. Of course, I'd keep Dave around cause I need my red headed viking fix to balance out all the brunettes in this equation. <br /><br />The line that breaks:<br /><br /><blockquote>I watch you rise,<br />I watch you fall<br />while I am standing with my back<br />against the wall.</blockquote><br /><br />Now, incase you're feeling a little down, I highly suggest you watch the next video as it will cheer you right up!<br /><br /><object width="660" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qb9jY8yAxgs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qb9jY8yAxgs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />There - now don't we all feel better?Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028468325977761974.post-53238533345903392922010-08-27T18:40:00.000-07:002010-08-28T12:14:27.200-07:00My Top Five Fave Music Videos...with car crashes in themThis is a weird list. A morbid list. A very specific "who the fuck cares' kind of list.<br /><br />I was listening to some music on Youtube the other day and just started thinking, "Jeez, some of my favourite music videos/songs all have car crashes in them....weird."<br /><br />That's it...that's the thought. It wasn't profound or deep. I should've been working instead of thinking of this stupid shit but here we are. <br /><br />This is in no particular order but just some videos I enjoy that also happen to have wrecks as part of the theme.<br /><br />1. Wrong by Depeche Mode<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/886lMf874ZM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/886lMf874ZM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />This is the only video I could find that I could embed. Skip to the 0:30 mark to see the video (instead of some guy with a possible glandular issue and/or addiction to Cheetos. <br /><br />I love that this video is disturbing and without any dialogue or back story, has built suspense and a protagonist within a minute.<br /><br />2. My Favourite Game by The Cardigans<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/styYbRWQYP8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/styYbRWQYP8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />This band does not get the air time they rightly deserve. But every jerk probably thinks that about bands they love, so I'll shut my mouth on that subject. This video is another one from the disturbing category. Just as reckless as the first one only on purpose and deliberately with a good old fashion game of Chicken in the desert (just like mom use to play).<br /><br />3. The Scientist by Coldplay<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eHq90k4itlE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eHq90k4itlE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />I found a version in which someone reversed this video, which obviously ruins the whole lip-syncing effect. It does get down to the knitty gritty much faster though and is more in tune with our current subject. I definitely suggest watching the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gydT_Hfx_nE">original video</a> first if you've never seen it. <br /><br />4. What It Feels Like For A Girl by Madonna<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2lS780CWph0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2lS780CWph0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />I love Guy Ritchie's films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch so a part of me loves this video. But I kind of run hot and cold with Madonna and the weird quasi British accent in this video irks me. I have to admit though, I LOVE the look she gives at 1:54 to the cops.<br /><br />5. Mr. Writer by The Stereophonics<br /><br /><object width="660" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IwOMnIuAGOY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IwOMnIuAGOY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Ahhh...creepy clowns, snow globes and a slow motion car crash. The perfect storm! I love this song without the video but the video definitely adds something. It actually makes me want to dress up as a creepy clown for Halloween (yes, I am already thinking of Halloween. I started thinking about it on November 1st last year). But if I did the clown costume, even if it was extra creepy, people would probably think I was a Juggalo and those guys are assholes (although, the throwing stuff at Tila Tequila thing amused me, despite my pacifist leanings.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA92TVXYpfZtDi87mWiEZ6OeQx3QfmZTApRudPUPg9UfOafsIhiMcRBO6LlCXiFsqT8Lng_hGz4ScTrdPG8yyAm0aVCVkdWV21HnjMZQLD97AZ7tRZu0n-P6bSrRWpCc2jW8eA3_bp_rc/s1600/Juggalo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA92TVXYpfZtDi87mWiEZ6OeQx3QfmZTApRudPUPg9UfOafsIhiMcRBO6LlCXiFsqT8Lng_hGz4ScTrdPG8yyAm0aVCVkdWV21HnjMZQLD97AZ7tRZu0n-P6bSrRWpCc2jW8eA3_bp_rc/s320/Juggalo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510283053206285698" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I'm not sure if looking this ridiculous is worth getting to pelt Tila Tequila with rocks.</span>Shannon Lamberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09022598981534583301noreply@blogger.com1