Ok so I went with my amazing friend Julia and her amazing parents to the coast in the south of mozambique for a pre christmas chillout a few days ago. Must legitamately be the best beach I have ever seen (if any ex team-brill-obrunis are reading this, i think it outdoes Safari Lodge! Shocker!). As I was reasonably close the the South African border I decided to ´pop over´to ZA for the day.
Apparently there was somewhere in this village that does border transfers so at 5am I got up and went in hunt of it.
I walked the 2 miles down to the village from our campsite (acompanied by a stray dog, who didnt inflict rabies on me) and tried to establish how to find the company that does transfers, or, how to get public transport to the border.
However, there is no public transport to the border. Which makes sense really, as its just a load of sandunes and you need a 4 wheel drive. I find out from some locals the place that does transfers is 'cafe do mar'. no one seems to know where this is. I cannot find it in the village, so walk along the beach (dog still in tow, playing with crabs)in search of wisdom. I ask some more locals a) how to cross the border and B) how I can exchange some dollars as I have no Mozambiquan currency left. The answer to these questions seems to be the same from everyone 'OH! YES! you could do it illegally!!!!' )obviously a cause for great excitement. I decline on both counts.
I ask some reasonably friendly south africans who recommend I try to go cross with border with the police. Er, No. I discover that Cafe Do Mar, is actually called 'Prawns', which is why i cant find it. and its closed til 10am.
I then stumble across a dive resort, and ask some worldly looking divers if they have any ideas. they point me in the direction of an awesome mozambiquan dreadlocked guy with a 4x4 pick up truck, who takes me across the ZA border (about 10 miles) and into the nearest town kwanGeese, in exchange for a bottle of water and a banana. we pick up mnay hitchikers, and get across the border easily.
I have great fun in the town, including making people fall about laughing when I asked them if there is a pay phone anywhere (Africa runs on mobile phones, there was about 70 mobile repair shops in the kwanGeese i went to, which maybe says something for the quality of the phones).
Mr Dreadlock (Raphael) said he would only be in town for one hour, so after 6 hours i decide its time to try and find another lift back.
I go back to the place that Raphael parked and see that his car is still there. Good old Africa Time.
He comes back about 30 mins later, and we proceed to buy some 'Juice' (Petrol). this takes 2 HOURS. No lies. We then drive back to the Mozi border, who proceed to charge me $30 to get back in. (Gah)
Oh and despite turning down offers of illegal money and immigration, I did indulge in smuggling a Mango from ZA to Mozi. (not allowed, apparently.) Its inside me now, having cut it open with a pen as nowhere sells cutlery.
Awesome.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The other side of the equator...
Ok so mozambique is amazing. I didnt take to it at first, mainly because it was raining and I dont speak portuguese! Buti LOVE it now, it has to be the most beautiful and laid back place I have ever been to in my life. Such a contrast from west Africa too. Now the sun is shining, I have explored, can speak a little portuguese and am working with my friends momma on her various projects helping vunerable children. May bring one home. Watch this space.
Feli Natal Amigas!! xxxxxx
Feli Natal Amigas!! xxxxxx
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The world is/was a game of risk
BIt of a long one, bare with me!
For one of my first modules in my international relations degree I've been studying 'The making of the Global South', which largely covers issues regarding the G77, Colonialism and the slave trade. It's something I've always had an interest in so not that many of the atrocities of global history came as a large surprise, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing.
Yesterday we were discussing the implications of colonialism on the third world, and whether it was a 'Good' thing. My opinion was that regardless of changes brought about by colonialism, it is intrinsically wrong to take something that does not belong to you in the first place. I honestly can't fathom why 'western' nations felt it was their right to take over other cultures, especially as at the time the western nations were under a largely christian ethos, and so surely would have been intelligent enough to realize that 'The earth is the Lords, an everything in it'(Psalm 24:1). obviously i understand this was all mixed up with the attempt to 'civilize' developing countries by 'converting' them to christianity, but with the colonizers acting in an entirely uncivilized manner, largely using the countries for their own economic gain.
Its like the world was a game of risk.. I'll have that country, and that one, and you can have that little one there, as you were too slow to get a good one.
Or maybe a more appropriate analogy is Monopoly. I'll have that country and that industry, build a hotel, make some money, try and make money off the other countries.
Then comes the problem of decolonization, you run out of money and realize you need to give the country back to its people, or if sticking with the monopoly analogy 'mortgage it' Sure, you may not continue to profit from it, but at least you get out without making a huge loss and overcomplicating your 'game plan'. Incidentally, this is pretty much what happened in the decolonization of Africa, India etc: the popular perception may be that former colonies were granted their independence because they pushed for it, it is far more likely it was due to the huge amount of debt the 'colonial masters' were in at the time, and so got out before they made too much of a financial loss.
Then what happens after that? If you look at any statistics, any photographs, speak to many citizens, it appears that it is probabale that a majority of former colonies are in much worse social, humanitarian and economic states than they were whilst they were ruled by the colonial masters: and more importantly, worse off (in accordance with the current climate...eg: before colonisation most 'developing' countries were economically and industially on a par with, or at least close to the countires that were to become their rulers.)
Therefore it would seem inarguable that colonisation retarded development in these countries.
Firstly by taking something that did not belong, motivated by greed, trying to run another culture and therefore not crediting the people of that county to know the culture better than they did. When Germany/Russia invaded poland (and of course I realise the differences in these situations) world war 2 began. Now I'm not saying that it would have been beneficial to start a world war over the takeover of african, asian and latin american nations, but shouldn't some of the other 'developed countries' have made a fuss? Probably not, because the colonization would probably be likely to assist them financially, and who would have taken on the UK/France/Spain back in the day? (I also find it interesting that Germany didn't successfully colonize anywhere outside of europe... but thats another story.)
Secondly, and this is another abstract analogy, when the colonies were decolonised they were left with little economic and political support. I'm not for one second saying that the people of these cultures were not capable of running things, but when you have relied on someone/thing for 50 years its a bit much to suddenly be cut loose. Broadly speaking, if you have children, you dont support them financially and offer them adviceetc until the age of 16, then when you run out of money/they push for a little more freedom leave them high and dry, with little financial advice, or help in general. You would take responsibility for the person/country you have moulded and try and help them to become successful independent people/nations.
Arguably, this is all water under the bridge. The effects of colonialism are still obvious: the few good ;legacies (some transport, education& democracy) the bad (poverty, reduced/obsolete manufacturing and trade, underdeveloped health care, corruption) and the mediocre (the use of european language in former colonies. However placing blame, no matter how much I may enjoy it is not really going to help. The only thing to do is look to the future, try and mend previous mistakes and ensure they never happen again.
For one of my first modules in my international relations degree I've been studying 'The making of the Global South', which largely covers issues regarding the G77, Colonialism and the slave trade. It's something I've always had an interest in so not that many of the atrocities of global history came as a large surprise, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing.
Yesterday we were discussing the implications of colonialism on the third world, and whether it was a 'Good' thing. My opinion was that regardless of changes brought about by colonialism, it is intrinsically wrong to take something that does not belong to you in the first place. I honestly can't fathom why 'western' nations felt it was their right to take over other cultures, especially as at the time the western nations were under a largely christian ethos, and so surely would have been intelligent enough to realize that 'The earth is the Lords, an everything in it'(Psalm 24:1). obviously i understand this was all mixed up with the attempt to 'civilize' developing countries by 'converting' them to christianity, but with the colonizers acting in an entirely uncivilized manner, largely using the countries for their own economic gain.
Its like the world was a game of risk.. I'll have that country, and that one, and you can have that little one there, as you were too slow to get a good one.
Or maybe a more appropriate analogy is Monopoly. I'll have that country and that industry, build a hotel, make some money, try and make money off the other countries.
Then comes the problem of decolonization, you run out of money and realize you need to give the country back to its people, or if sticking with the monopoly analogy 'mortgage it' Sure, you may not continue to profit from it, but at least you get out without making a huge loss and overcomplicating your 'game plan'. Incidentally, this is pretty much what happened in the decolonization of Africa, India etc: the popular perception may be that former colonies were granted their independence because they pushed for it, it is far more likely it was due to the huge amount of debt the 'colonial masters' were in at the time, and so got out before they made too much of a financial loss.
Then what happens after that? If you look at any statistics, any photographs, speak to many citizens, it appears that it is probabale that a majority of former colonies are in much worse social, humanitarian and economic states than they were whilst they were ruled by the colonial masters: and more importantly, worse off (in accordance with the current climate...eg: before colonisation most 'developing' countries were economically and industially on a par with, or at least close to the countires that were to become their rulers.)
Therefore it would seem inarguable that colonisation retarded development in these countries.
Firstly by taking something that did not belong, motivated by greed, trying to run another culture and therefore not crediting the people of that county to know the culture better than they did. When Germany/Russia invaded poland (and of course I realise the differences in these situations) world war 2 began. Now I'm not saying that it would have been beneficial to start a world war over the takeover of african, asian and latin american nations, but shouldn't some of the other 'developed countries' have made a fuss? Probably not, because the colonization would probably be likely to assist them financially, and who would have taken on the UK/France/Spain back in the day? (I also find it interesting that Germany didn't successfully colonize anywhere outside of europe... but thats another story.)
Secondly, and this is another abstract analogy, when the colonies were decolonised they were left with little economic and political support. I'm not for one second saying that the people of these cultures were not capable of running things, but when you have relied on someone/thing for 50 years its a bit much to suddenly be cut loose. Broadly speaking, if you have children, you dont support them financially and offer them adviceetc until the age of 16, then when you run out of money/they push for a little more freedom leave them high and dry, with little financial advice, or help in general. You would take responsibility for the person/country you have moulded and try and help them to become successful independent people/nations.
Arguably, this is all water under the bridge. The effects of colonialism are still obvious: the few good ;legacies (some transport, education& democracy) the bad (poverty, reduced/obsolete manufacturing and trade, underdeveloped health care, corruption) and the mediocre (the use of european language in former colonies. However placing blame, no matter how much I may enjoy it is not really going to help. The only thing to do is look to the future, try and mend previous mistakes and ensure they never happen again.
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Common Ground
It that time of year again....The time I decide it might be god to verbalize myself on the world wide web, and stay logged into blogger, thus being able to comment on others posts! I've renamed the blog, if you were ever an 'avid' reader, you will know that my blog used to be called 'Let the Sun Shine'. However given my current location I have given up any hope of the sun materializing for at least another 9 months.
I found a couple of other blogs called The Common Ground, my title was inspired by Virginia Woolfes book, however there are other interesting ones with varying inspiration....
http://www.commongroundfellowship.com/plog/?page_id=3&cp=16 This one appears to be a unitarian (is that the word?) prayer blog...
http://www.findingcommonground.info This one seems to be a commentary on contentious church/state issues.
http://oncommonground.blogspot.com/ Not too sure on this one but the soup at the top looks nice!
Today, I went to Leeds market and bought cheap vegetables and am Just in the middle of watching the BBCs series of 'The British Empire In Color', very mind turmoiling. But overall life is peachy.
I found a couple of other blogs called The Common Ground, my title was inspired by Virginia Woolfes book, however there are other interesting ones with varying inspiration....
http://www.commongroundfellowship.com/plog/?page_id=3&cp=16 This one appears to be a unitarian (is that the word?) prayer blog...
http://www.findingcommonground.info This one seems to be a commentary on contentious church/state issues.
http://oncommonground.blogspot.com/ Not too sure on this one but the soup at the top looks nice!
Today, I went to Leeds market and bought cheap vegetables and am Just in the middle of watching the BBCs series of 'The British Empire In Color', very mind turmoiling. But overall life is peachy.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Getting...
As I have a blog, should I write what I'm up to? Well, not much.
Getting good marks in college(still in a slight state of shock), Getting tired of studying and petty college cat-fights (not literally, although there were some moggies fighting on our street yesterday...made the dog look serene...), Getting excited about Uni, Getting my butt into gear and seeing lots more of my Little sister, which has been lovely! And getting SO HORRIFICALLY SUNBURNED MY SHOULDER IS BLISTERED...and will not be allowed in the sun for a very significant period. Sad.
Getting good marks in college(still in a slight state of shock), Getting tired of studying and petty college cat-fights (not literally, although there were some moggies fighting on our street yesterday...made the dog look serene...), Getting excited about Uni, Getting my butt into gear and seeing lots more of my Little sister, which has been lovely! And getting SO HORRIFICALLY SUNBURNED MY SHOULDER IS BLISTERED...and will not be allowed in the sun for a very significant period. Sad.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
American Politics
Carls post on the US democratic candidate contest reminded me of this:
Don't watch if you'd be offended by a Christina Aguilera Music Video
I don't remember anyone doing ntyhing like that for Blair/Brown/Cameron. You gotta hand it to her for dedication. Or trying to make a music career. this is why I think America/ns are fabulous, albeit nuts. And soooo much more passtionate about politcs than the Brits. Or, at least, my generation. A couple of months ago I sat in a Taxi in New York for 30 minutes inbetween two american students, I learned a lot about The American Political Situation, and it did suprise me that at such a young age they were so passionate.
But maybe it used to be like that in the 'old days' in the UK. When clearing out my nan's house, me and my Dad found his GCSE maths book, 'Graffiti'd' with slogans of support for the Labour Party and its leader of the time, Harold Wilson. Haha.
Don't watch if you'd be offended by a Christina Aguilera Music Video
I don't remember anyone doing ntyhing like that for Blair/Brown/Cameron. You gotta hand it to her for dedication. Or trying to make a music career. this is why I think America/ns are fabulous, albeit nuts. And soooo much more passtionate about politcs than the Brits. Or, at least, my generation. A couple of months ago I sat in a Taxi in New York for 30 minutes inbetween two american students, I learned a lot about The American Political Situation, and it did suprise me that at such a young age they were so passionate.
But maybe it used to be like that in the 'old days' in the UK. When clearing out my nan's house, me and my Dad found his GCSE maths book, 'Graffiti'd' with slogans of support for the Labour Party and its leader of the time, Harold Wilson. Haha.
How hard is it NOT to electrocute a kitten?
Apparently, very.
I have just had the pleasure of watching Derren Brown's 'Trick or Treat', I've never watched it before, and despite expecting it to be some crazy occult shindig, it was actually just about psychology.
The whole programme centred around Negativity, and the negative messages that our brain gives us that can cause us to fail.
One example was a guy who could jump-rope on a tight-rope, and had never fallen off in his life. Until, he was told to focus on NOT wobbling or falling off, and a crash mat was placed beneath him. He fell off.
More bizarrely, a girl was placed into a room, and told explicitly not to press a large red button, as It would electrocute the fluffy kitten in a glass cage in the same room. Despite liking cats, and gazing fondly at the kitten for 5 minutes, she eventually pressed the button.*
This supposedly proves the theory that the more we try not to do something, the more we want to do it, and the power of negative thoughts on our ability to make the choices. And it was probably all staged.
But I think there's some real truth in that. For example, there more I tell myself not to waste time, I find, the more time I waste. And the more effort we spend focusing on stuff that isn't good for us, the more tempting it becomes to do it. So, I will try and think about what I will do, rather than what I'll try not to do.
Or perhaps I could try the negative thought test on myself for useful purposes: 'Whatever you do Louise, do NOT tidy your room/write your research Essay'. Hm.
*No animals were harmed, actually, the cat didn't die in the end, she was just lead to believe it would. It may have been 11pm at night but I guess there are limits to what they will show on TV...
I have just had the pleasure of watching Derren Brown's 'Trick or Treat', I've never watched it before, and despite expecting it to be some crazy occult shindig, it was actually just about psychology.
The whole programme centred around Negativity, and the negative messages that our brain gives us that can cause us to fail.
One example was a guy who could jump-rope on a tight-rope, and had never fallen off in his life. Until, he was told to focus on NOT wobbling or falling off, and a crash mat was placed beneath him. He fell off.
More bizarrely, a girl was placed into a room, and told explicitly not to press a large red button, as It would electrocute the fluffy kitten in a glass cage in the same room. Despite liking cats, and gazing fondly at the kitten for 5 minutes, she eventually pressed the button.*
This supposedly proves the theory that the more we try not to do something, the more we want to do it, and the power of negative thoughts on our ability to make the choices. And it was probably all staged.
But I think there's some real truth in that. For example, there more I tell myself not to waste time, I find, the more time I waste. And the more effort we spend focusing on stuff that isn't good for us, the more tempting it becomes to do it. So, I will try and think about what I will do, rather than what I'll try not to do.
Or perhaps I could try the negative thought test on myself for useful purposes: 'Whatever you do Louise, do NOT tidy your room/write your research Essay'. Hm.
*No animals were harmed, actually, the cat didn't die in the end, she was just lead to believe it would. It may have been 11pm at night but I guess there are limits to what they will show on TV...
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Let the sun shine?
I considered starting up my blog again, and thought of renaming it. What would I call it? Who would read it? Who knows?
I decided I should keep blog as is, not least because I look back over my old posts and laugh, at either what I was writing, or the crappy typing and punctuation in it! But mostly because I think the sun should shine. Its a beautiful day today (and I have funky tan lines from yesterday, singing in the park.) and it makes so so much difference. If I could live somewhere with constant sun, I'd be a much nicer person, but I'm not sure that place exists.
Re: Laughing at previous posts, If you're reading this you probably know me and therefore probably know that the trip depicted oh-so-technically in the below post never came to fruition. Mainly because I haven't been very well, and it would have just been a bad idea. But I'm sure one day, my itchy feet will be aloud to escape England (I should note here my excessive jealousy of a certain Miss Gathercole).
Er so, that's it. I guess I've started this back up in anticipation for when my life becomes exciting enough to blog about! For now, my life consists of a Psychology paper I can only describe as 'Impending doom', the fear of going back to work on Saturday after 4 months off sick, and the excitement of going to Leeds Uni in September, to pretend I'm 18 again and haven't been dossing around for the last years.....honest ;-).
But for now....sunshine.
I decided I should keep blog as is, not least because I look back over my old posts and laugh, at either what I was writing, or the crappy typing and punctuation in it! But mostly because I think the sun should shine. Its a beautiful day today (and I have funky tan lines from yesterday, singing in the park.) and it makes so so much difference. If I could live somewhere with constant sun, I'd be a much nicer person, but I'm not sure that place exists.
Re: Laughing at previous posts, If you're reading this you probably know me and therefore probably know that the trip depicted oh-so-technically in the below post never came to fruition. Mainly because I haven't been very well, and it would have just been a bad idea. But I'm sure one day, my itchy feet will be aloud to escape England (I should note here my excessive jealousy of a certain Miss Gathercole).
Er so, that's it. I guess I've started this back up in anticipation for when my life becomes exciting enough to blog about! For now, my life consists of a Psychology paper I can only describe as 'Impending doom', the fear of going back to work on Saturday after 4 months off sick, and the excitement of going to Leeds Uni in September, to pretend I'm 18 again and haven't been dossing around for the last years.....honest ;-).
But for now....sunshine.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
30th June 2008 - 8th September 2008
And all the flights were... £700!! I did bargain between two travel agents though (thanks to inside information from Miss B K. )
SO...bascailly I have 8 months left living in Norfolk before this adventure and my relocation to where ever takes me in for Uni! Not that I really see any of my fellow Norfolkish citizens due to working (inc college) 52 hours a week.....my maths is getting better! (I worked it out as 40 the other day.) which is good because I need to retake my GCSE maths and get an 'A' if I want to be able to relocate to bath.
So if you know maths, a free holiday to bath could be in it for you! :-)
Conversation with unspecified customer
me 'do you have double glazing madam?'
them 'oh yes'
me 'which pane of glass is broken? the outer or the inner?'
them 'the one in the middle'
me 'um, do you have triple glazing?'
them 'no..'
(it later gets pointed out to me that I am a doofus because how could the middle pane of triple glazing be broken without the outer two?
them 'oh yes'
me 'which pane of glass is broken? the outer or the inner?'
them 'the one in the middle'
me 'um, do you have triple glazing?'
them 'no..'
(it later gets pointed out to me that I am a doofus because how could the middle pane of triple glazing be broken without the outer two?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
If you've ever been to Africa....
...and been mildly frustrated by the wait for public transport to depart, thank your stars you've never been to The Democratic Republic of The Congo (unless you have which, I'd be fascinated to learn)
The main form of trade transport is along the river Congo, Where large barges transport up to 500 people. In Ghana it was not unusual to for me to wait a few hours for transport to fill up so it could depart.
Transport in Ghana, just after we crashed ;-)
In the DRCC, if one wants to travel to another town on such a barge (which is common due to the only vehicles being military or UN ones) a minimum wait of one month is expected for the barge to accumulate enough passengers to depart, with a maximum wait of THREE MONTHS on a dirty, overcrowded metal barge with one 'toilet'
A river barge...finally on it's way.
True, Public transport is probably the leaset of concern for the population of DRCC, I'm quite sure they are more concerned about the mass slaughter of innocent people due to civil war. And time doenst exsist in Africa so it's not like anyone will be late for anything. But geez, I get narked about waiting 5 minutes for a bus.
I first became aware of this having watched a programme called 'Equator' on 'Dave- the home of witty banter',though actually a repeat from the BBC). If you've got a spare 40 minutes please go here >
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/equator/5264140.stm
And watch the programme titled 'Africa'. Thanks. It's not your bog-standard geographical documentary. It is in fact, really really good.(if you have a spare 3x 40 mins then by all means watch all 3 programmes!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana
The main form of trade transport is along the river Congo, Where large barges transport up to 500 people. In Ghana it was not unusual to for me to wait a few hours for transport to fill up so it could depart.
Transport in Ghana, just after we crashed ;-)
In the DRCC, if one wants to travel to another town on such a barge (which is common due to the only vehicles being military or UN ones) a minimum wait of one month is expected for the barge to accumulate enough passengers to depart, with a maximum wait of THREE MONTHS on a dirty, overcrowded metal barge with one 'toilet'
A river barge...finally on it's way.
True, Public transport is probably the leaset of concern for the population of DRCC, I'm quite sure they are more concerned about the mass slaughter of innocent people due to civil war. And time doenst exsist in Africa so it's not like anyone will be late for anything. But geez, I get narked about waiting 5 minutes for a bus.
I first became aware of this having watched a programme called 'Equator' on 'Dave- the home of witty banter',though actually a repeat from the BBC). If you've got a spare 40 minutes please go here >
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/equator/5264140.stm
And watch the programme titled 'Africa'. Thanks. It's not your bog-standard geographical documentary. It is in fact, really really good.(if you have a spare 3x 40 mins then by all means watch all 3 programmes!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana
Sunday, October 21, 2007
What a load of rubbish....
...I talk.
Don't know if anyone still reads this/blogs in general, so this is a test, due to my complaint I recieved from one of my fans about my blogs one year.....(I want
to use the word here that vicars use when they are on holiday...Amnesty?). So this is a test, I'll write something proper when I've worked out whether the blog community is still active. For now, I'll leave you with quotes from some of my wittier previous posts. Forget Dave, I am the home of witty banter.
"A thought to leave you on,how do you know what someones opinion of you is if the only indication of it is in a dream that you had ??
(unrelatedly in the same dream I walked the entire English coastlitne whilst escaping from and avalanche with Katie and played Keiths' bass which was, in fact, a baguette.)"
"Whats the stupidest animal in the rainforest?
A Polar Bear"
That is all.
Don't know if anyone still reads this/blogs in general, so this is a test, due to my complaint I recieved from one of my fans about my blogs one year.....(I want
to use the word here that vicars use when they are on holiday...Amnesty?). So this is a test, I'll write something proper when I've worked out whether the blog community is still active. For now, I'll leave you with quotes from some of my wittier previous posts. Forget Dave, I am the home of witty banter.
"A thought to leave you on,how do you know what someones opinion of you is if the only indication of it is in a dream that you had ??
(unrelatedly in the same dream I walked the entire English coastlitne whilst escaping from and avalanche with Katie and played Keiths' bass which was, in fact, a baguette.)"
"Whats the stupidest animal in the rainforest?
A Polar Bear"
That is all.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Safety pins
Article here
Although whilst I think this is a good thing, I think its dreadfully sad that it has to be implemented in the first place.
Although I was pleased to read that the people dismissing the models were advising them to seek medical help. I just hope they do it in a constructive and sesitive way, as loosing something youve worked hard for(a modelling career) because of something most of these women have probably worked even harder for (an unaturally low weight) must be incredibly messing with the head, and could have quite serious consequences to their mental wellbeing.
Maybe I'm being over dramatic. Also whilst it is good that these models are being told to seek help, it still concerns me that just as many, if not more, beautiful women are told they are 'fat' by the modelling industry, and there's certainly nothing constructive or sesitive about that one, thus runing confidence and any sense of self worth and potentially sparking on more serious problems.
I Just felt I should post on this. And I also think that if this is being implemented, then Jane Norman should get real sized mannequins. The size 6/8 clothes that are put on them are saftey pinned at the back of the mannequins as they are too big. And 13 year old girls shop in there and wonder why the clothes don't look as good on them as on the plastic doll in the window.
Conclusion: Inconclusive.
Good site
Although whilst I think this is a good thing, I think its dreadfully sad that it has to be implemented in the first place.
Although I was pleased to read that the people dismissing the models were advising them to seek medical help. I just hope they do it in a constructive and sesitive way, as loosing something youve worked hard for(a modelling career) because of something most of these women have probably worked even harder for (an unaturally low weight) must be incredibly messing with the head, and could have quite serious consequences to their mental wellbeing.
Maybe I'm being over dramatic. Also whilst it is good that these models are being told to seek help, it still concerns me that just as many, if not more, beautiful women are told they are 'fat' by the modelling industry, and there's certainly nothing constructive or sesitive about that one, thus runing confidence and any sense of self worth and potentially sparking on more serious problems.
I Just felt I should post on this. And I also think that if this is being implemented, then Jane Norman should get real sized mannequins. The size 6/8 clothes that are put on them are saftey pinned at the back of the mannequins as they are too big. And 13 year old girls shop in there and wonder why the clothes don't look as good on them as on the plastic doll in the window.
Conclusion: Inconclusive.
Good site
Monday, July 31, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
come up smelling of lavender
Sorry for the lack of blogging, sometimes it feels like effort to collect my thoughts into typable format! Crrently I'm sitting on Phils Sofa watching the kaiser cheifs on T in the Park (oh how I wish I hadnt sold my reading ticket), Elle is asleep and one of their cats (not sure which) is drooling on me.
Not been up to much, except getting unfairly fired from my early start job, but in the same day (after muchos freaking out along the lines of 'I CANT AFFORD TO NOT BE WORKING I HAVE A £2000 TRIP TO PAY FOR') my part time evening job offered me more hours. So one could say I came up smelling of roses (although I do prefer lavender).
I really must start thinking about fundrasing for my trip in January, Though I am so so lacking in ideas and motivation, so If anyone has any ideas or experience of this type ofthing please let me know!
A thought to leave you on,how do you know what someones opinion of you is if the only indication of it is in a dream that you had ??(unrelatedly in the same dream I walked the entire english coastlitne whilst escaping from and avalance with katie macinnes and playes keiths bass which was, infact, a baguette.)
Not been up to much, except getting unfairly fired from my early start job, but in the same day (after muchos freaking out along the lines of 'I CANT AFFORD TO NOT BE WORKING I HAVE A £2000 TRIP TO PAY FOR') my part time evening job offered me more hours. So one could say I came up smelling of roses (although I do prefer lavender).
I really must start thinking about fundrasing for my trip in January, Though I am so so lacking in ideas and motivation, so If anyone has any ideas or experience of this type ofthing please let me know!
A thought to leave you on,how do you know what someones opinion of you is if the only indication of it is in a dream that you had ??(unrelatedly in the same dream I walked the entire english coastlitne whilst escaping from and avalance with katie macinnes and playes keiths bass which was, infact, a baguette.)
Friday, June 09, 2006
Hooray for the NHS
well today I saved myself a grand total of £212.00
I was going to have to p[ay £100 each for cholera and rabies vaccinations for when I go to Ghana, but because I'm doign volunteer work in a community centre, although its not strictly listed as eligibility for a free vaccination (only volunteer medical work is) she let me have it free. And the £12.00 precription fee i didnt have to pay because until July 7th im techincally still in FT education.
So I might actually have some money to live on when I'm out there :-)
In other news, I have a new job waitressing on 1st class trains (alongside my other job), early morning service from Norwich to London. So some days I'll have been from Norwich to London and Back before you've had breakfast ;-)
Now off to appreciate the wonderful creation that is scorching sunshine :-)
I was going to have to p[ay £100 each for cholera and rabies vaccinations for when I go to Ghana, but because I'm doign volunteer work in a community centre, although its not strictly listed as eligibility for a free vaccination (only volunteer medical work is) she let me have it free. And the £12.00 precription fee i didnt have to pay because until July 7th im techincally still in FT education.
So I might actually have some money to live on when I'm out there :-)
In other news, I have a new job waitressing on 1st class trains (alongside my other job), early morning service from Norwich to London. So some days I'll have been from Norwich to London and Back before you've had breakfast ;-)
Now off to appreciate the wonderful creation that is scorching sunshine :-)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Oneofakind
This is a pjama top I made fliss for her birthday. I like making things, although it takes so much effort once ive made one it puts me off for life. Even though my 'one of a kind' valentines cards sold so well, i couldnt be bothered to repeat the prescription for easter. Fliss suggested I made more tops, but I pointed out that the whole reason the stuff I make is one of a kind, is because more than one of each kind will never be produced, becuase I'm too lazy.
Hvae a job interview for freedom finance processing loan aplications on thursday. a lot of people have turned their nose up at this as its 'telesales'. However, its all inbound calling, at with money from £6 an hour im not going to complain. There will probably be less snotty people than i encountered in the chocolate shop (Which my carreer in ended one and a half days ago :-D )And if its that awful, never mind, ill take the money and run (somewhere really really far away :-D )
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Where oh where has lou been?
To be truthful, nowhere. And nothing particularly exciting to report, but for the purposes of this post I am going to try and find ten things that will interest any readers (if you havent all gone with my lack of commitment to blogging)
1. Friday is my last day of employment at the chocolate shop, leaving in preference to be a nanny for my cousins, and myabe work somewhere else, to get money to save for something very exciting (see a later point)
2. Today I had a chocolate crossaint for lunch(and very nice and cheap it was too)
3. I have aqquired a ticket to go to reading festival. Unsure as to whether I want to go as to be truthful I'm not sure if I'm hardcore enough, so Ill see how I feel in a couple of months as whatever happens I cant lose, they are selling for ridiculous amounts on ebay.
4.I went to london and saw faem in a covent garden theatre. It sucked.
5. I need to read. I cannot seem toread anything except health magazines at the moment, and its just sad. I want to read entertaining/intellectually developmental books that will hold my attention for more than 2 minutes. Suggestions welcome.
6. In the summer I'll be working in Cafe Life. Another reason to come (though I realise what an insane amount of money it is, I suggest sneaking under the fence)*
7. In 7 months time I will be somwhere very very different :-D
8.I'm leaving the chocolate shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Repetiotion I realise but oh so long I have waited to leave of my own free will.
9. The end to my AS level english is nigh. I really want to do my best but I have the issue of not being able to read for more than 2 minutes as mentioned above.
10. I'm in quite a lot of pain at the moment a) due to my auntie getting a 14ft trampoline and lou being slightly over ambitious and b) due to playing 'lets see how far we can run up a cliff' with some of my friends. The answer in my case is: Not very far without falling down and scraping all the skin of my leg. Several times.
* Not an official cafe life staff comment.
So theres a brief update on m,y life. I will post something insightful/intersting/intellectual soon, but had to get started on something simple!
Lots of love to you all xxx
1. Friday is my last day of employment at the chocolate shop, leaving in preference to be a nanny for my cousins, and myabe work somewhere else, to get money to save for something very exciting (see a later point)
2. Today I had a chocolate crossaint for lunch(and very nice and cheap it was too)
3. I have aqquired a ticket to go to reading festival. Unsure as to whether I want to go as to be truthful I'm not sure if I'm hardcore enough, so Ill see how I feel in a couple of months as whatever happens I cant lose, they are selling for ridiculous amounts on ebay.
4.I went to london and saw faem in a covent garden theatre. It sucked.
5. I need to read. I cannot seem toread anything except health magazines at the moment, and its just sad. I want to read entertaining/intellectually developmental books that will hold my attention for more than 2 minutes. Suggestions welcome.
6. In the summer I'll be working in Cafe Life. Another reason to come (though I realise what an insane amount of money it is, I suggest sneaking under the fence)*
7. In 7 months time I will be somwhere very very different :-D
8.I'm leaving the chocolate shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Repetiotion I realise but oh so long I have waited to leave of my own free will.
9. The end to my AS level english is nigh. I really want to do my best but I have the issue of not being able to read for more than 2 minutes as mentioned above.
10. I'm in quite a lot of pain at the moment a) due to my auntie getting a 14ft trampoline and lou being slightly over ambitious and b) due to playing 'lets see how far we can run up a cliff' with some of my friends. The answer in my case is: Not very far without falling down and scraping all the skin of my leg. Several times.
* Not an official cafe life staff comment.
So theres a brief update on m,y life. I will post something insightful/intersting/intellectual soon, but had to get started on something simple!
Lots of love to you all xxx
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