Am thrilled about the ice bucket fever that's sweeping the nation...and world (Lindsay Lohan just challenged Prince Harry). ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is challenging my wife's sister and her loved ones on a daily basis. I'm so glad that the disease is getting the attention it deserves since we desperately need research to find a cure for this generally fatal disease that strikes randomly and seems to have no rhyme or reason. I'm also proud of all of our relatives who're risen … [Read more...]
Oscar Pistorius——not mentally disabled, but a psychopath?
No mental disability when fired shots. It's been a month since various media shouted the news that Oscar Pistorius didn't have a mental disability when he killed his girlfriend. So technically, he has only one disability, his amputated legs. However, it's been over a year (Feb 2013) when I speculated that Pistorius might be a psychopath along the lines of fallen and disgraced sports heroes like Lance Armstrong and OJ. Simpson. I'd have to say the "jury is still out" regarding whether … [Read more...]
International Authors’ Day———memoir writing.
Today's a special day! For that reason, I'm taking the opportunity to go "off topic" as candidates often do when campaigning and not focus on cleft lips, lookism, craniofacial issues, and the like. I'd like to share some thoughts about what I believe to be a most challenging genre for authors—the memoir. I'm indebeted to Debdatta, the book-loving blogger who set up this blog hop in honor of International Authors' Day. Please visit him and other bloggers involved at the sites noted … [Read more...]
Three Other Joaquin Phoenix Secrets Besides His Cleft Lip
What's This About a Cleft Lip? My prior blog explained that Phoenix's upper lip "scar is from what's called a microform cleft. Whether or not he's had surgery is a mystery he's perpetuated. * While a microform cleft may not be as obvious as a complete cleft lip , there may still be problems with functionality 'cuz of a disruption of the continuity of the orbicularis oris muscle that encircles the mouth. The disruption may cause eating, drinking, and speech issues. BASIC FACTS ABOUT JOAQUIN … [Read more...]
Celebrities honor heroes at the Oscars. Lookism rears its head again.
Following up on the Self-Absorption of Oscar Celebrities One explanation of why today's celebs seem so self-obsessed (the conclusion in my prior blog) may be that society has empowered them thru celebrity-worship and a double-standard re consequences for their selfie-ness (pun intended) and frequent misbehavior. We know that power corrupts. When fans, judges, and the media give second, third, and umpteen chances to celebs who act selfishly, abuse drugs, or commit crimes, we're further … [Read more...]
Jennifer Lawrence slips, but not on stage. And Celebrities honor Heroes.
First, the easy stuff: Jennifer Lawrence J Law slipped up and lost the best supporting actress award to Lupita Nyong'o for her work in "Twelve Years a Slave." This was a "slip up" on J Law's part since she's been on a seemingly unstoppable roll for the last year or so. Thankfully, she did not literally slip up ascending the stage to present the best actor award ( Matthew McConaughey won for “Dallas Buyers Club"). As she walked to the mic, she asked the audience, “Why are you laughing?” … [Read more...]
Does Appearance Matter? Who are You Looking at?
Does our appearance determine our life chances? A young woman who was born with a visible difference tells you what it's like in the above video, entitled "The Visible Difference." Born with a cleft lip and palate, Alexandria Barker is a psychology student in Britain. Corrective surgeries and a loving family have made her “visible difference” no longer a problem for her, but she knows that not all are as lucky as her. Many people with a visible difference have trouble in the work … [Read more...]