Media Healing

Here's a wonderful talk on TED that I thought would be a great follow-up to Finding Your Power Without Your Voice.  I don't always give credit to computers and technology for their role in the healing process.  I mean, physically, technology plays a huge part in people getting well.  But as for spiritual and emotional healing, a computer is the last thing I would think could give that experience.  However, I think differently after hearing Roger Ebert speak about his experience.


I grew up watching "Siskel and Ebert at the Movies" on CBS.  I don't know why I would watch these two "old" guys talk about movies.  Maybe it was something about the rhythm and banter that intrigued me.  Maybe I needed a little something to fill in the gap while waiting for the next fun cartoon to come on.  For whatever reason, the show left an imprint on my life.  Funny thing is, I think my husband and I have the same type of movie talks now.  He sits on his high stool in front of his computer and I sit in front of mine in my swivel chair across from him and we debate, agree or agree to disagree about the quality of the movie.  Two thumbs up, down or one of each?  I must admit, I have pretty low standards when it comes to movies.  I kind of like them all.  But I have learned a few things about what makes a good movie good from my first teachers Siskel and Ebert.

I remember watching the show one day after several months of missing it and Siskel was not there. I didn't know that Gene Siskel was sick. The show had lost some of its zing and I missed the chemistry between him and Ebert. He eventually passed away in 1999 due to a cancerous brain tumor.

I watched for a while with "Ebert and Roeper at the Movies" but then Ebert disappeared.  In 2002, Roger Ebert had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer which resulted in him losing his entire jaw rendering him unable to speak, eat or drink.  I hadn't heard further about Ebert until I happened upon this TED Talks video.  Roger Ebert was known for his voice, true.  But I think this video shows that it was his spirit that won the hearts of moviegoers and critics alike.  He won my heart all over again.

Please enjoy this...