Tall stories

Comedian/actor Steve Rannazzisi has taken a lot of flak for coming clean and admitting that he lied about escaping the Twin Towers on 9/11 - understandably so, of course. But, as clinical assistant professor of psychiatry Jean Kim points out, this lie (and this sort of deceitfulness in general) - while initially shocking - is actually surprisingly common.

As a professional, though, Kim is inclined to be charitable rather than judgemental, arguing that instead of anger we should really feel sorry for such people who are "usually ultimately sad, lonely, empty" and suggesting that the real problem may lie in the way "our individualistic society" leaves "many neglected souls to grow up unsupported and desperate, in emotionally and financially broken families and environments".