Shanon Norman
Bio
Stories (130/0)
Singing Contests Are Rigged
As a kid, I watched Lawrence Welk's variety entertainment show with my grandmother. It was lovely. As a teenager, I watched Star Search and dreamed about one day being famous as I hoped there was a competition that would help my dreams comes true. After the turn of the century, American Idol took off and we laughed at Simon's quirky remarks and voted for our favorite singers. We saw American Idol bring fame to several amazing entertainers through the years, and we watched many auditioners get rejected, and many hard working entertainers get lost in the shuffle of the show and business. These days people who still like the singing competition watch The Voice and the only one getting more famous for it seems to be Katy Perry, as if she's not famous enough. I think that show is coming at us like a Dark Horse.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in Geeks
The Crisis of Public Mass Shootings
Many people are currently mourning or discussing the latest tragic school shooting. It's so difficult for us elders (those over 40 years of age) to respond to this the same way we did 30 or more years ago. We've seen it too many times. It's not that we don't care, it's just that we feel it is out of our hands. No matter what we say or do, it's not enough and it doesn't seem to stop it from happening so why should we even talk about it? I'm only mentioning it out of respect and because I still do have compassion. I have compassion for those who want to believe in education. I feel for the families who are crying or mourning the loss of a loved one to a death situation that was shockingly unexpected and unnecessary. And my sadness is that there is nothing I can do about it. Sending a sympathy card or flowers seems pathetic and more callous than I have been accused of being in my bitter, cynical old age.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in The Swamp
Is Hell really for children?
I just saw a headline about Child Labor laws and I thought, 'wow, it's been awhile since this topic of conversation has been brought up.' I immediately thought about Martha Stewart and her time in jail for the crime of employing "underage" workers, or so "they" said. In other countries of course the laws are different, if they even have laws, and there are many children put to work. As a huge fan of the Olympics, I spent most of my "spoiled American childhood" pondering why other countries like Russia, China, and even smaller countries than America could produce better skaters or gymnasts. America has all the equipment and wealth, so how was it possible? How did Japan come out of WW2 as the leader in technology? Sony? Well, I could ponder these things forever I suppose, but I ended my quest for answers about it when I had heard that poor Martha Stewart had to spend time in jail or prison for some kind of "child labor law" infringement. I suppose they had to beat up Martha because they were sick of fine china on the dining room table or that she was a better chef or had more money selling dishes. She should write an anthem for petty American cop wannabes titled "The Vengeance We Seek". I'm sure the experience only made her stronger and wiser, but I am ashamed of that part of American history. As if the crucifying of O.J. Simpson or Bill Cosby isn't bad enough. Some people still ask "Has it really gotten that bad?" as if they are totally unaware of how History can not be separated from the future as long as memory remains loyal. I never forgot the voice of one who said to me, "When will you believe in nothing?" or "When do you stop being a mother?" I wonder if I lacked the power of my conviction.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in The Swamp
What Happened to the Other Parties?
I came from a family of Republicans. They were obsessed with elephants. I laugh about it now. I always registered as an Independent until I had discovered the Libertarian party, then I had registered that way. When I became a felon in 2018, my voting privilege became suspended. When I updated my driver's license, the question of voting came up and I knew not which party to choose so I skipped it. The options I wanted (Green, Libertarian, or Independent) were not listed. If my option isn't there, why should I choose something that is not accurate?
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in The Swamp
The Sexiest Villains in Movies
Everybody wants to be a hero most of the time. When a hero is done right, we admire and want to be like them. If they are good looking and charming also, we might have some delectable fantasies about them. However, there are many villains that are not mentioned in regards to how their portrayel of darkness worked a spell of sexiness upon the viewers. Here are my picks for a top ten list of the sexiest villains to grace the silver screens.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in Geeks
The Court Room is Dangerous
I just saw an article about Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. Before I begin my analysis or defense of either of them, I'd like to say that I have been a fan of Depp since I was a teenager and as a woman I did understand the emotional dilemma that Amber found herself in. having that preface I want to address the topic of Amber's predicament as she faces Perjury charges.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in The Swamp
Top Ten List from a Big Fan
Back when I was happily married, I had written a little poem about two of my favorite actresses: Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence. I said in my poem that either one of them could play me if there was a movie about my life. The fact is that Natalie has an Oscar award and Jennifer does not. It's a numbers game really. Natalie has been in more films. Natalie had over 7 movies as contenders for the award, while Jennifer only had 3 contenders.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in Geeks
Student Loan Forgiveness?
Have you been to your local colleges lately? I recommend you take a visit even if you don't have young ones planning to go there. Even if you are young and you're not planning to go there. Just go look around and tell everyone what you really saw there. Did you see happy college students with their noses in books or engaged in great sport activities? Or did you see abandoned halls and dorms and classrooms that could house plenty of homeless people? You go look and I'll wait for you to tell me. I know what I saw with my own eyes.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in The Swamp
The Price of Convenience
There was an old cliche I had heard ("If you want it done right, do it yourself.") and I knew upon first hear that it was one of those Grey Truths - the kind you know will be true at least half of the time. In a world gone crazy medically, economically, and spiritually, the DIY cliche seems to be the truest links to my sanity and notion of frugality.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in Lifehack
The Price of Convenience
There was an old cliche I had heard ("If you want it done right, do it yourself.") and I knew upon first hear that it was one of those Grey Truths - the kind you know will be true at least half of the time. In a world gone crazy medically, economically, and spiritually, the DIY cliche seems to be the truest links to my sanity and notion of frugality.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in FYI
Chivalry, Gangs, and Hollywood
Remember when schools and teachers were making a big stink out of bullying? I saw signs that read "No Tolerance for Bullies" and it went along with the smiles brought on from the bumper sticker that read "Mean People Suck!" We routed for the underdog and all got copies of "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Stand by Me". All the while Eleven kicked everyone's butt in the fave new Netflix show "Stranger Things" until she lost her powers and the bullies took her down at the skating rink. Oy ve.
By Shanon Normanabout a year ago in The Swamp