Will he or won't he run?

These video snippets were taken from the announcement made by Michael Bloomberg, current Mayor of New York City, concerning his departure from the Republican party. He is now an independent, which brought rise to questions concerning whether or not he would be entering the presidential race.

The photo on the top denotes a basic, middle level anger expression. This reaction reveals Bloomberg's response to being asked repeatedly by the press whether he will run for president.

The second photo shows a tight lipped smile. While Bloomberg's hardly has an easy-going personality, here he seems to be enjoying the "media circus" at least a little.

On the third image, Mark Bloomberg is showing some contempt for the "media circus." On one hand he likes it, while on the other he dismisses it.

The bottom photo shows him with a true smile on his face. This is an example of how much he absolutely likes the limelight, fueling speculation that he might in fact run for president despite the annoyance portrayed initially during his news conference.

"Facetime" Speech by Dan Hill

Dan Hill, the man behind The Face of the Week, will be giving a speech to the Women's Club of Minneapolis. This is free to attend and will be an interesting and fun time. Please feel free to bring a friend or two or to email this page to anyone you know who may be interested.

What: "FACETIME" SPEECH
When: This Monday June 25 at 7:30pm
Where: The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis' Ballroom

Gain a profound and entertaining understanding of the role emotions play in our lives, how they are conveyed in our faces, and how to de-code them in others. The speaker, Dan Hill, will be taking a light-hearted approach to the scientific methodology of “facial coding” at the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis this Monday, June 25, at 7:30pm. After briefly introducing how breakthroughs in brain science have confirmed what everyone knows, that we’re primarily emotional decision-makers, he’ll explain how emotions get shown on our faces and then offer examples and everyday applications for this amazing information such as:

• Romance (speed dating)
• Candid camera moments of celebrities
• Brand characters and icons
• Presidential politics (’04 and ’08 races)
• Poker faces

Directions to:
The Woman's Club of Minneapolis
410 Oak Grove Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-813-5300

Panel Disbars Duke Lacrosse Prosecutor

In a hearing before a disciplinary committee of the North Carolina State Bar Trial on June 16, 2007, District Attorney Mike Nifong gave an eight minute, 47 second statement on his behalf prior to being disbarred for his prosecution of three Duke University lacrosse players falsely accused of rape. Was he truly repentant for engaging in what the committee considered to be dishonest and deceitful conduct, including lying to the court and withholding critical DNA test results?

Let's go to the video tape.

While the committee chair is asking Nifong if there is "Anything else you might want to say to the members of the panel?" Nifong shows disgust, sadness but also fear. Knowing that judgment on losing his license is at hand, Nifong reveals fear for the one key time during his statement.

Nifong says, "Much of the criticism directed against me in this case has been justified." Despite the conciliatory remark, however, his face shows a more mixed response – including contempt, disgust, anger and sadness. The contempt is notable for suggesting that he doesn’t regard the criticism as justified.

In contrast, Nifong now adds that "The allegations, however," that I am a liar are not justified." Here he shows anger only, and is if anything more repentant than in the comment of a moment earlier.

As he asserts that he "never misrepresented," and was raised "to do right" anger gives way to increasing degrees of sadness. He’s obviously shattered by having ruined the image of his character.

Clinton, Obama, and Giuliani

Clinton & Obama

This excerpt from the Democratic presidential candidates' debate held on June 3rd, 2007. The excerpt shows Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's responses after John Edwards has sharply criticized them for not being more outspoken against the war in Iraq on the floor of the Senate.

As you can see here, Hillary Clinton started with a full, social smile, seeking to negate Edwards' attack. Very soon after the smile starts fading. The way the smile turns into a grimace as it fades betrays the extent to which it was not a true smile to begin with.

At the same time, Barack Obama showed some anger and dismissal. Obama turns his head away from Edwards and his lips appear to tighten together in a slight sign of frustration with Edwards' attack.

Giuliani

This excerpt from the Republican presidential candidates debate held on June 5th, 2007. the excerpt shows Rudolph Giuliani's reaction after being read a quote in which a Rhode Island priest has compared Giuliani's position on abortion to Pontius Pilate's personal opposition to the crucifixion Jesus Christ but allowing him to die anyway.

First, note that the normal resting position of Giuliani's mouth is in the form of a disgust reaction with the corners of the mouth turned down (top photo). In the middle of this question, he shows a look of frustration (2nd photo). The 3rd photo shows very intense anger with the lips pressed firmly together while looking down shows signs of sadness. Giuliani finally settles on a smile toward the end of the question (bottom photo).

It's a new blog!!!

Welcome to the Face of the Week blog. Every week we will analyze some of the facial expressions displayed by people in the current news and media. It should be fun, interesting, and unique. So please be sure to check back each week to see what's new in the Face of the Week.