Julie <IDefiweb@netscape.net> wrote in news:41CB3185.D8AACA27
@netscape.net:

Thats because some writers are hacks that never do the proper research,
like the women in Charmed are supposed to be witches. They are certainly
great to look at, but thats about it.

The thing-in-mouth idea in tv/movies is not limited to seizures. One that
comes to mind is a soldier who was very badly wounded and in agony. Dunno
why they did it, since Ive never witnessed anything like that, but Im not
sure whether it was based on reality... or if it was for dramatic effect.

To be fair. Maybe such writers dont have the time, especially on weekly
tv shows, for research. But thats what support staff is for. Then again,
it could always be some spur of the moment "this would look good" idea by
an idiot director who doesnt plan. Thats why writer-directors are
generally the best at such things.

Anyways.... happy holidays.... and merry christmas :-)

Julie,

   It is nice of you to support people with epilepsy.  I remember in high
school that I was teased about my seizures.  One time in band, a person in
the drum section behind me said to another person, "It looks like you are
having a seizure like she does."  He was pointing at me and making a moping
expression like he was making fun of me.  I took that very seriously.  I
picked up my instrument and left the room.  Luckly, the director understood
how I felt and let me go.

I also remember it was hard for me to explain to
others about never sticking something in someone's mouth while they are
having a seizure.  It was hard for them to understand why.

Now I  explain my seizures to others in a better way.  I first say that I am
active during my seizures and that if they put something in my mouth I could
swallow it or choke on it.  I also say how I can't control the actions I do
during the seizure so I might fight them as they put something in my mouth.

Once again, thank-you for supporting people with epilepsy.  Have a good
holiday and a happy new year.

Hi Julie,

I'm a newbie, though I have been lurking around the
group for a while now.  Saw the show, and thought of
you and some of your earlier post.

What angers me most is the inaccuracy about needing
something put in the mouth.  It's worse than just
hurting people's feelings.  Propagating the "myth of
the swallowed tongue" can bring physical damage.

I was in a cafeteria when I had one of 2 grand mal
seizures I've experienced in my life. When I came
around, I learned that a friend (a nursing student, no
less) had placed a spoon in my mouth!  This explained
the bits of broken teeth in my mouth.

The humor level of this particular show is pretty low
in all regards, don't ask me why I still watch it :)
Sometimes I can laugh at myself, and my seizure
disorder, but when I do, my smile just isn't the same
anymore.

Has there been any response to Barkley's letter?
Wouldn't a statement from CBS be nice?!

Chris

 It's probably too late after the program or more difficult to find out,
but sometimes a response might happen quicker if the *Sponsor who paid for
the Commercials is the one that's contacted, rather than the producer, about
a Program's contents.
  Sometimes the Local affiliate might have that information, but might not
share it as willingly.   In Canada there's the CRTC (Canadian Radio and TV
Commission) who Licence stations, I forget what the U.S. equivalent is
(FCC?) -- but those ones measure standards of performance and acceptable
programming content, and can pull a station's licence -- so often get more
*attention from the stations if direct letters don't.    G./