PUTTING A NAME TO THE FACE AND FUN TV DEBATES
In this issue of the Reader, your diligent correspondent writes about how roses by any other name aren’t necessarily roses, what makes for a lively TV political debate, and how wasps are assholes.
This week: a 4-minute read
A FACE BY ANY OTHER NAME
When I was a kid, I keenly disliked my name. In fact, I informed my parents, my friends and my Grade 4 teacher, Miss Cranston, that I no longer wished to be called “Terry” but instead by my new chosen name, “Rocky” after my childhood hero, the Detroit Tigers’ great slugger Rocky Colavito. I wrote an essay about it a few years back. You will find it here.
However, the new name didn’t stick and, in time, I grew to accept the name “Terry,” warts and all. I would even hazard to say that I now look like a Terry which, amazingly enough, is the premise for a new study. Its proposition? That your face gradually comes to reflect your name as you get older.
I am not making this up.
According to the online magazine PsyPost.org (which I know is at the top of everyone’s reading list), “new research suggests that the name you’re given at birth might subtly shape your appearance as you grow older.” Researchers found adults often look like their names, so much so that people can often match a face to a name more accurately than they would with a random guess.
The same isn’t true for children, though; thus the assertion that our faces grow into our names over time. Either people subconsciously adjust their appearance to what they perceive others’ expectations of them are based on their names OR babies are born with certain facial features that subconsciously influence parents to give them names that “fit.”
NOTHING UP HIS SLEEVE
Awhile back, the CTV station in Calgary noted that viewers were reporting a footloose moose was wandering about the backyards of the city’s south side. On its Facebook page, CTV urged viewers to send them a photo if they saw the moose in question. In response, I sent them this:
NOT JFK AND NIXON
Why can’t the TV political debates we watch be this lively? In Sao Paulo, Brazil, a mayoral candidate was physically attacked by a rival candidate during a live TV debate. The victim suffered a broken rib and taken to hospital after he was slammed with a metal chair by his rival who, according to ABC News, was offended by allegations of sexual misconduct.
It turns out the perpetrator is a former TV news anchor, which just goes to show it’s probably not a good idea to piss off former news anchors.
DOUBLE WHAMMY
Readers of my Facebook page will recall a few weeks back the so-called ill-effects I suffered when a local squirrel bit me. Then earlier this week, I was stung by a wasp. Now I’m dealing with more after-effects. I gotta say, I’ve looked better.
AND THE WINNER …
The winner of our first random giveaway, astute reader Anne Thalen of Edmonton, has received her prize, an autographed copy of Law & Disorder: Confessions of a District Attorney. It took a few extra days because the post office delivered it to her neighbour by mistake. “I did receive your fabulous book,” Anne wrote. “I know I will love it. It’s my kind of book.”
ANOTHER SHAMELESS PLUG
I’ve been giving my 2017 book Cabbage Brain a read-through in preparation for the new edition coming out soon; you know, fixing those pesky typos and tidying up the prose. And what I’ve rediscovered is what a damn fine read it is. Great stories. There is heartbreak to be sure, but lots of joy, too, some outrageous behaviour yet, also, some fine examples of human kindness. It’s an inspiring chronicle of a life well-lived.
Here are just a few examples of the online reviews:
- Like the author Terry McConnell, this is a top-cover effort.
- This book tells the story of a young lad’s journey from England to America with playful exuberance. It is told with passion and humour.
- A great story—humourously and honestly written, highlighting successes and failures. A very enjoyable read.
- Dennis was deftly guided by his writing muse, Terry McConnell. Between them, a special autobiography was produced. I bought 10 copies, one each for my own children and my grandchildren (when they’re old enough to appreciate its content). Read it. It’s an enormously wise book—and hard to put down.
AND FINALLY, A REMINDER
Please forward My Sunday Reader to a friend or family member you think might enjoy it. Remember, past newsletters are available, too. See ya next Sunday. / T.