Who Is Shannon McDowell and Why Should You Care?

Shannon McDowell

UPDATED 10-1-09

While looking through the statistics, I’m surprised at the number of people who have checked out the “About Shannon McDowell” page. I really do not have much information there about me, so I decided to be a little narcissistic and write a blog entry about myself. (Thank you, Jess, for the idea.)

Here are a few random facts about me that you might find interesting (or you might find repulsive):

• I was born on New Year’s Day of 1971
• I’m not very tall (5’2”) but I’m stocky
• Tennis is the only sport I follow and used to play until my back injury
• The youngest woman I’ve dated is now 60 years old
• I’m a skeptic who has had UFO encounters which have plagued me throughout my life
• I love to compose music and have done the soundtrack to the movie “Five Across the Eyes” (2006) – I will be working on another soundtrack soon
• I have atypical bipolar disorder (dysfunctional depression) and lost two jobs because of it
• I’ve played keyboards and synthesizers in two bands in the 1990s – I am in a new band called “Gunslinger Saints”
• I have a brother (12 years older) and a sister (15 years older)
• I don’t like to label myself but everyone thinks of me as a New Ager, so I just accepted that label. This does NOT mean I cannot be friends with Christians and people of other faiths.
• I have no allegiance to either the Republicans or Democrats – They have to work to earn my vote
• I’m very fiscally conservative and very socially liberal, which makes it hard for me to decide on a candidate
• I would love to be a journalist or convert this blog into a political discussion one – But for now, I’m am just writing random articles that I hope inform and entertain
• I love to make friends with a wide variety of people, including people I might disagree with politically or on religious matters, as long as the discussions stay civil
• My favorite musicians and bands include (partial list): Elliott Smith, The Cars, The B-52s, Blondie, Talking Heads, David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, and Devo
• I have a wide collection of books, CDs, and DVDs – I love “intellectual property”
• I practically live on the Internet these days, thanks to social media
• I’m an animal lover who is trying (unsuccessfully) to become a vegetarian
• I love to receive comments on my posts (hint, hint)
• My favorite shows are Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Mythbusters. I also love various documentaries and hope to work on one someday
• I love the German language and can read it fairly well
• I HATE driving and I’m a terrible driver (I will freely admit it)

There. That should give you a better scope of who I am. I am a bit eccentric and have “abnormal” interests, but I’m “safe” and friendly.

I can be a bit controversial at times, but I usually keep that part to myself until I feel that it is needed to promote discussion. Despite my high-strung nature, I’m basically an easy-going person who enjoys socializing, although I’m shy at first.

I’m single at the moment and plan to stay that way. However, if I do ever decide to date again, it would be with an older woman. It’s just who I am.

I think I’ve expanded on myself long enough. I’m beginning to feel egocentric now…

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them. Hopefully I haven’t scared anyone off.

Best wishes and blessings,
Shannon 🙂