Like the song says, "Age ain't nothing but a number." Of course, that song was sung by a teenager, and it created some serious legal problems for the much older subject described in the lyrics. Perhaps a more helpful adage would be, "It's never too late to break out and begin a new adventure," be it completing a degree, starting a new business, or learning a new skill. If you need a little inspiration, consider the careers of these actors who didn't pop until they were approaching middle age.

1. Don Johnson

   (b. 1949) Breakout age: 35! In 1984, after years of appearing in several failed television pilots and a handful of mostly forgettable films, Johnson was cast as undercover police detective Sonny Crockett in Michael Mann's groundbreaking television series Miami Vice. And hey, if you count Nash Bridges and a third career resurrection in Robert Rodriguez's ultraviolent grindhouse homage Machete, that's two additional middle-age career break outs!

2. Rue McClanahan

   (b. 1934; d.2010) Breakout age: 38! Before she took on the role of the oversexed Southern Belle Blanche Devereaux in the hit series The Golden Girls, McClanahan broke out playing the role of Vivian Harmon on yet another groundbreaking show, the 1972 All in the Family spinoff Maude. In real life, like Bea Arthur's character Maude (and Bea Arthur herself), McClanahan was an outspoken, socially conscious feminist.

3. Fred Rogers

   (b. 1928; d.2003) Breakout age: 40! Fred Rogers became a children's television icon as a result of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood which premiered on public television in 1968. His background as a minister and skills as an actor (he provided the voice for most of the puppets appearing on the show) served him in his mission to inspire healthy social, cognitive, and emotional development in his young viewers.

4. James Earl Jones

   (b. 1931) Breakout age: 40! Sure he provided the unforgettable voice of the evil Darth Vader in George Lucas' 1977 classic Star Wars and subsequent sequels/prequels. But it was Jones' breakthrough performance as boxer Jack Jefferson in the 1970 film The Great White Hope that gave him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Jones was also one of the first celebrities to appear on a then-new and innovative children's show called Sesame Street where, in one of the early pilots, he slowly, and dramatically, counted from one to 10.

5. Dennis Farina

   (b. 1944) Breakout age: 42! Chicago-born and raised Farina served on the Chicago police force for 18 years moonlighting as an actor before being cast by Michael Mann in a couple episodes of Miami Vice and then as the lead in the stylish, controversial, and short-lived series Crime Story.

6. Bernie Mac

   (b. 1957; d.2008) Breakout age: 44! One of the Kings of Comedy, Bernie "Mac" McCullough came up as a stand-up comedian with R- and X-rated routines inspired by the greats Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor. In 2001, Mac brought another layer of emotional depth to his edgy humor in the role of a nearly overwhelmed dad suddenly saddled with three adopted kids on the Fox TV series, The Bernie Mac Show. The show was a hit and brought the Macman's talent into living rooms of "America," as he was wont to address the viewer in recurring segments where he broke the "fourth wall" and addressed the camera directly.

7. Bea Arthur

   (b. 1922; d. 2009) Breakout age: 44! Another alum of The Golden Girls, actress, comedienne, and singer Bea Arthur is well known for her supporting role on the show All In The Family where she played Edith Bunker's outspoken, adamantly feminist sister Maude Findlay. But before her television success, this multifaceted performer won a Tony Award for her performance as Vera Charles in the musical Mame (1966).

8. Pam Grier

   (b. 1949) Breakout age: 48! Grier of course is an icon of classic 1970s blaxploitation films including the classic Foxy Brown. Leave it to Quentin Tarantino to see the scope of her true potential as an actor and cast her as the star of one of his best films, Jackie Brown (1997).

9. Morgan Freeman

   (b. 1937) Breakout age: 52! Freeman made his Broadway debut in 1968 in an all-black version of Hello, Dolly!. Later, he was featured on the 1970s children's television show The Electric Company playing the characters Easy Reader and Vincent the Vegetable Vampire. But it was his award-winning performances in the 1989 films Driving Miss Daisy and Glory that sealed his reputation as one of the great actors of our time. He is also the man you wish narrated your life.

10. John Houseman

    (b. 1902; d. 1988) Breakout age: 71! One of the great producers of early groundbreaking American theater, including the politically charged The Cradle Will Rock, Houseman personified the professor-you-love-but-who-still-scares-the-hell-out-of-you in his career-defining role as Professor Charles Kingsfield in the 1973 film The Paper Chase. Law school would never be the same.

It's a sad fact we have to face: we're all going to kick the bucket eventually. Whether it's from old age or a freak accident, each of us will see a light at the end of the tunnel some day. If you're smart, though, (or just lucky) you'll take the opportunity to leave some words of wisdom or tell a legendary joke on your deathbed. The famed dying words of these people have become a part of history itself and kept our memory of them from dying.

1. Groucho Marx

   The comedian with dozens of famous quotes (and many that he didn't say but are attributed to him anyway) couldn't leave this life without giving us one last zinger. In 1977, at the age of 87, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. Before his death, he said, "Die, my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do!" You've got to wonder how long he'd been saving that line.

2. Nathan Hale

   Hale is often more remembered for his final words than he is for the life he lived. During the American Revolution, Hale was sent to spy on the British troops on Long Island, N.Y., the only person who volunteered for the dangerous job of reporting from behind enemy lines. He ended up being captured by the British and hanged in 1776, but not before delivering the well-known patriotic phrase: "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." Hale is considered a historical American hero for his brave act and catchy one-liner.

3. John Barrymore

   Theater-goers today would probably recognize the name John Barrymore as the grandfather of actress Drew Barrymore, but he was a famous actor in his own right. Part of the celebrated Barrymore acting family, John Barrymore has been considered one of the best actors of his time, with a career that lasted from around 1913 until 1940. He died in 1942, but not before delivering this proud line: "Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him." And then it happened, whether he allowed it or not.

4. Oscar Wilde

   The famed poet and playwright must've known he had to have something great to say as his parting words. After all, his whole life had been about words (his notable works include The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray), and he couldn't go out on a bad note. Just before his death from cerebral meningitis in 1900, he said, "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One of us has got to go." Some historians believe these weren't his final words, but may have been uttered in the weeks leading up to his death. Either way, it seems as if the wallpaper won.

5. Humphrey Bogart

   The American Film Institute named Humphrey Bogart the greatest male cinema star ever, but there's one thing even more certain than that: the man liked to drink. He had once suggested that world peace could be achieved if the world leaders all just had a few drinks together. When the Casablanca star passed away in 1957, he seemed to have just one regret: "I never should've switched from scotch to martinis."

6. Winston Churchill

   Winston Churchill had so much going on in his life that death was the least interesting thing to ever happen to him. He served as the Prime Minister of England twice, won a Nobel Prize in Literature, and became the first Honorary Citizen of the United States. It'd be hard to crack open a history book without finding a mention of Churchill and his great feats. So it's no wonder that as he faced death in 1965 at the age of 90, he told loved ones, "I'm so bored with it all."

7. Charlie Chaplin

   You might not expect a silent-film star to have anything interesting to say, but Charlie Chaplin's last words gave the actor a voice some of us didn't know he had. Well into his career, he did begin to appear in talkies and obviously said something wrong in his personal life because he was exiled to Europe during the McCarthy Era. His dying words, though, are more well remembered. When a priest pronounced "May the Lord have mercy on your soul," Chaplin said to him, "Why not? It belongs to him."

8. James French

   Condemned criminals typically have a lot of time to think about what they're going to say before they're executed. Some express remorse, reassure their families that they love them, or maintain their innocence. But others have a little more fun with the legacy they're leaving. While serving a life sentence, French murdered his cellmate and was ordered to be executed by electric chair in 1966. When he was asked if he had any last words he wanted to say, French said to the members of the press in the audience, "How's this for a headline? 'French Fries.'" Another executed criminal named George Appel told his executioners, "Well, gentlemen, you are about to see a baked Appel."

9. Voltaire

   The noted French philosopher and outspoken voice against the religious dogma of the time spent his life writing thousands of letters and pamphlets as one of the French Enlightenment leaders. A few months before his death, Voltaire believed he was dying and summed up his feelings in writing: "I die adoring God, loving my friends, not hating my enemies, and detesting superstition." He survived though, and got a do-over in May 1778. Though his critics say he repented or died in agony, his supporters say he refused his last rites with a little bit of sass. A priest told him to renounce Satan before his impending death, and Voltaire replied, "Now, now, my good man, this is not the time for making enemies."

10. Jesus Christ

    Whether you're a Christian or not, you probably are familiar with the last words of Jesus as he died on the cross, as recorded in the Bible. Before his death, he is said to have spoken with God, another criminal on the cross, and his mother, but his most well-known line was "It is finished." According to Christian teachings, he was referring to his life and his job on earth as the son of God. Even those who don't believe in him as the messiah know that these last words became important ones in the world's history.

Every culture has its own unique culinary traditions. What one culture might consider repulsive or unappetizing is viewed as a delicacy in another. These gastronomic differences are what make the world interesting, but when it comes to rare delicacies, these 10 are the strangest in the world.

1. Balut, Philippines

   Balut is a delicacy from the Philippines that is enough to make people's blood curl with just its description. Balut is a fertilized duck or chick embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. The eggs are cooked when the fetus is anywhere from 17 to 21 days old, typically before the animal begins to grow bones, claws, a beak, and feathers. Balut is served on the street and is often eaten with chili and vinegar and wash it down with a beer.

2. Casu marzu, Sardinia

   Most people prefer their cheese maggot-free, but that's not what Sardinians would say. Casu marzu is a cheese made from sheep's milk that has been deliberately infested with a cheese fly that lays its eggs inside the cheese. The result is a maggot-infested, stinky cheese. Consumption of the cheese comes with some serious health concerns, including the risk of enteric myiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the larvae that bores itself into the intestinal walls. To no surprise, casu marzu is illegal because it violates the European Union food hygiene-health regulations.

3. Bird's nest soup, China

   Bird's nest soup is a strange Chinese delicacy that has been a part of Chinese culture for more than 1,500 years. Bird's nest soup is made from a swiftlet bird's nest, minus the twigs and leaves. The main ingredient of the bird's nest is saliva, which gives the soup a gelatinous texture and, supposedly, health benefits. Harvesting the nests is no easy task. Workers have to go to great lengths to collect the nests in their native caves.

4. Puffer fish, Japan

   The puffer fish might sound like a normal culinary treat from the sea, but there is nothing normal about the toxic risk of this fish. The puffer fish, also known as fugu, is a Japanese delicacy that contains the poisonous toxin tetrodotoxin. Only trained chefs are allowed to prepare the dish because they know what parts are safe to eat. This is definitely a dish for thrill seekers.

5. Fried tarantulas, Cambodia

   Arachnophobians beware! This eight legged delicacy of Skuon, Cambodia, packs a serious bite. Fried tarantulas are a street food favorite that are fried whole and seasoned with a dash of garlic and salt. At just a few cents per spider, this crispy snack is popular among locals and tourists passing through.

6. Monkey brains, China

   This might sound bananas, but monkey brains are a real Chinese delicacy that has been regarded for its alleged health benefits. Nevermind using a bowl — this strange delicacy is typically served raw inside the monkey's skull. Regardless of its ancient medicinal benefits, you may run the risk of infection by eating raw monkey brains, or any other raw foods for that matter.

7. Live octopus, Korea

   Octopus is enjoyed by many people from around the world, but Koreans have a different way of preparing this eight armed animal. Live octopus is a delicacy in Korea that excites the taste buds and makes for an interesting dining experience. The raw octopus is cut into smaller pieces while still alive and lightly seasoned. It's as chewy and rubbery as you can imagine, and the tentacles are still capable of suctioning to your mouth.

8. Hákarl, Iceland

   Hákarl, a decomposing Greenland shark, is Iceland's odd delicacy. Hákarl is prepared by beheading and degutting the shark. Then, it is placed in a shallow hole of gravel-like sand and covered, allowing the meat to ferment for six to 12 weeks. The shark is cut into pieces and hung to dry for several months. The result is a crusty texture and pungent ammonia smell that is said to be an acquired taste, even in its homeland.

9. Kopi Luwak, Indonesia

   Kopi Luwak is a rare and very strange delicacy of Indonesia. Kopi Luwak is a gourmet coffee that comes from the droppings of a catlike animal called the civet. The animal feasts on fine coffee cherries, which are digested and deposited in their feces. Gatherers collect the droppings and clean them to be sold as coffee for the steep price of $227 per pound.

10. Snake wine, Vietnam

    Yep, you heard correctly. Snake wine is a real thing and it happens to be quite the delicacy in Vietnam. This rice wine comes with a dead, venomous snake inside. The snake soaks in the rice wine to deactivate the venom, making it safe to drink. This odd blood-colored concoction is said to have many health benefits that have yet to be proven.

Being an actor seems like the perfect calling for people who really aren't that interesting on their own. Rather than spending every day being boring old you, you can take on the personality of a character who is much more exciting than you are. Some of the luckiest actors get to portray historical figures; imagine getting to feel like the president or a king for the length of filming. While some of these people may fall short of the important parts they are playing, several have risen to the occasion and really stepped into the shoes of the prominent figures they represent. These 10 actors changed the way we see history with their versions of people we'd previously only read about.

1. Colin Firth as King George VI, The King's Speech

   For a movie that received 12 Oscar nominations, including a win for Colin Firth for Best Actor, it should come as no surprise that Firth's portrayal of King George VI, or Prince Albert as he was known at the time, would top the list. Albert, a lifelong stutterer, was never supposed to become king of England; his brother Edward is in line for the throne. But Edward wants to marry a divorced woman, which would make him ineligible for the position. Albert goes to a speech therapist to overcome his problems so he could take on the power if he needed to since radio broadcasts were so important during the time. Firth plays the role to perfection, with the right mix of anger, regalness, and neuroses that come with playing second fiddle in the royal family for a lifetime. It doesn't take long for you to start cheering for Albert, even though you know he will succeed in becoming King George VI.

2. Ben Kingsley as Mohandas K. Gandhi, Gandhi

   When casting one of the most beloved peacemakers of our time, you've got to get the right man for the job. Luckily for audiences, Ben Kingsley, who is of English and Indian descent, pulled it off beautifully. He understands something that many actors may not have grasped if given the chance to play this man; Gandhi wasn't perfect or supernatural, just a man with convictions. It probably doesn't hurt, either, that Kingsley looks very convincing as Gandhi, the man who effectively employed civil disobedience to gain independence for India. The film's lengthy but it gives great insight into Gandhi's life, with Kingsley bringing relatable and inspiring life to the now-deceased figure.

3. George C. Scott as General George S. Patton, Patton

   The personalities of actor George C. Scott and of the World War II general for the U.S. work together so well that you begin to think you are seeing George S. Patton himself in the movie. Patton was a man who loved war and was in his element on the battlefield. This made up his identity and he often had trouble fitting in when he was in the civilian world. Scott, who had done a stint in the military, seemed to understand this idea of an outsider who is great at his job — he was well known for not belonging to the Hollywood crowd or buying into the culture. Scott's performance, which eludes to a depth in the seemingly shallow, proud character, won him an Academy Award, which he sent back because he didn't want it. He did, however, want to play Patton again, and did so 16 years later in The Last Days of Patton.

4. Paul Giamatti as John Adams, John Adams

   Fine, this isn't technically a movie, but there's no doubt that Paul Giamatti's depiction of President John Adams in this TV miniseries deserves a mention. And basically a miniseries is just a movie franchise where you don't have to wait two years to see the next film, so that makes it even more awesome. Giamatti takes on the role of our second president with ease and gives him a personality that helps bring the legendary revolutionary down to our level. He's passionate and stubborn and often impatient, but his loyalty shines through and the audience is left wondering why he doesn't receive more recognition. Giamatti helps give us a personal connection to a forefather that has largely been forgotten. We should also give due credit to the brilliant acting of Laura Linney, who plays the ever-devoted Abigail Adams.

5. Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I, Elizabeth

   If you play the queen that heralded England's Golden Age and win an award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, you know you've done a good job. In 1998's Elizabeth, Cate Blanchett impressed the English organization and won Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of The Virgin Queen. She later reprised the role in Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Some critics thought Blanchett, under the direction of Shekhar Kapur, played too far from the true queen's personality, but her rendition of the royal was somewhat modern and much more relatable than most British monarchs have come across in movies before. Blanchett brings a lively attitude to the young queen and show's Elizabeth's transformation to strong ruler beautifully.

6. Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote, Capote

   It can be hard for an actor to take on the role of a real-life character who has so many idiosyncrasies. Author Truman Capote is known for his short stories and novels, many of which were made into films, like Breakfast at Tiffany's. He is also famous for his distinct appearance, marked by his short frame and peculiar way of dressing, and his high-pitched voice. He had a knack for making up stories about his life, including affairs with men who were thought to be heterosexual. Philip Seymour Hoffman takes on the curious role, not only nailing Capote's mannerisms, but finding a way to be likeable enough to the audience while still holding on to Capote's deep vanity and self-obsession.

7. Meryl Streep as Julia Child, Julie and Julia

   Chef Julia Child brought French cooking to American kitchens with her cook books, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. She also became a recognizable TV personality, standing tall over her kitchen counters as she taught viewers how to cook in her unique tone of voice. While Dan Aykroyd does a pretty great impression of her on Saturday Night Live (one that Child herself is said to have loved), Meryl Streep really embodies her in the 2009 movie, Julie and Julia. Streep has the movements and vocals down and captures a spirit that is essential in a portrayal of the joyful chef. Streep finds the strong woman behind the silly habits, shows the love Child and her husband share, and gives us the story of the chef's life in a way that makes us feel as if we're watching Child herself.

8. Frank Lagella as President Richard Nixon, Frost/Nixon

   Though Michael Sheen does a bang-up job as David Frost, a British journalist taking on the enormous task of interviewing pardoned President Richard Nixon, Frank Lagella's portrayal of the former president was more fascinating. Maybe it's because we love scandal or because Watergate will always intrigue us; whatever the reason, all eyes were on Lagella when this film came out, and he didn't disappoint. The movie covers the drama surrounding a series of interviews between Nixon and Frost, a risk for the reputations of both men. Nixon historically isn't viewed in the most favorable light and you'd probably expect to hate him in the film, but Lagella's depiction is so well done that you really sympathize with him. Instead of just seeing a corrupt leader, you'll go back and forth over whether you're watching a broken man or one who knows how to work an audience.

9. Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, The Aviator

   Sure, we all loved Leonardo DiCaprio as a heartthrob in Titanic and Growing Pains, but his grown-up roles have earned him a spot among the acting greats. In The Aviator, DiCaprio plays Howard Hughes, a man who furthered the aviation industry and produced hit films while simultaneously starting to come off his rocker. Hughes battles obsessive-compulsive disorder even though he enjoys wild success in film and has obscene amounts of money. DiCaprio finds the balance between charming millionaire romancer and fixated madman and makes them both believable. His boyish looks work to his advantage during the part of the film portraying Hughes' younger years, but it's DiCaprio's acting chops that really bring the character and his downward spiral to life.

10. Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler, Der Untergang

    You may not know the name of this film, also known as Downfall in English, but you've definitely seen at least part of it. The scene in which Adolf Hitler reacts to bad news has been an incredibly popular meme during the past few years, changed to have Hitler get upset over news about football, pop culture, and basically anything you can think of. Despite this now-silly segment, Der Untergang is actually an excellent film tackling Hitler's last 10 days before his death. Not an easy topic or character, Bruno Ganz gives a jaw-dropping performance. Rather than giving a simple caricature of the depraved dictator, Ganz brings us into the world of a man who is at once terrible and human. Hitler was facing his destruction and living with the early stages of Parkinson's disease; Ganz researched Parkinson's patients and brought deep emotions to the outward portrayal of what was a very troubled mind. He doesn't ask you to feel sorry for Hitler, but gives you more realistic insight into how this very real person met his end.

Every day, we each perform thousands of tasks using different senses and parts of our bodies without thinking twice about it. But for some people, these daily activities aren't so easy. People with physical impairments, ranging from the loss of sight to the loss of a leg, face hurdles that most of us don't even consider. Fortunately, as technology makes life easier for everyone, innovations have also made life easier for people with physical disabilities. These nine inventions have helped many of the people in our communities do the things we take for granted each day.

1. Braille

   For those of us blessed with sight, those strange little bumps we see on signs are totally foreign to us, but for blind people, Braille is a way of learning, being independent, and staying safe. Braille is a system that allows those without sight to read using their fingertips by assigning patterns of raised dots to each character in the alphabet and other symbols. Before the invention of Braille, books for the blind were made by embossing traditional letters, but they were time-consuming to produce and hard to read at a normal pace. Lessons were learned verbally, passed down from older students or tutors. A blind Frenchman named Louis Braille developed the idea, building on a rejected idea for a military code, and the system was put into practice in 1825. Today, you can find Braille on signs, telephones, and even the banknotes in some countries.

2. Walker

   The device that aids many of our grandparents, as well as people with other mobility issues, has become so commonplace that we hardly give it a second thought. Less than a century ago, as people grew old and had a hard time getting around, they might use a cane. Once they started having problems with their balance, however, they would have to use a wheelchair or stay in bed most of the time. In 1988, Andrejs Muiza, an immigrant to the U.S. from Latvia, patented the modern-day walker. This device allows people to remain more active, mobile, and independent in old age than they could in the past. Walkers can even contribute to better health since they keep users from being stuck in a chair or bed, which can exacerbate medical issues. There are a variety of walkers in use today, with wheels, seats, and baskets. There are even special kinds for children with disabilities and obese people.

3. Flex-Foot feet

   Among the many difficulties a person faces after losing one or both legs, the idea of never running or playing sports again can be one of the toughest for previously active amputees. Early prosthetics were wooden and difficult to use, causing problems with posture and gait. There have been many advances since the beginning of prosthetic research, such as improvements in the way limbs are attached and how they are controlled. Some of the most exciting prosthetic technology has come from Ossur, a company that moved beyond building prosthetics that looked like the leg they were replacing and focused more on functionality. The Flex-Foot line of products makes legs with feet made from carbon fiber, which is known for its strength and flexibility. With these, amputees can regain the active lifestyle they once knew. Just ask Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee who competes in able-bodied track races on the world stage using a model of Flex-Foot.

4. Cochlear implant

   Many deaf people embrace their hearing disability and become a part of the deaf community and culture, which has its own social cues and language. But the fact that there's even an option for a deaf person to gain the ability to hear is amazing. Parents can now choose to give their deaf children the chance to integrate into the mainstream hearing community. A cochlear implant is a device surgically placed in the skull that stimulates the inner ear. The sounds aren't completely natural, because the implant sends electrical pulses into the ear, but many patients get used to it and learn to use the device effectively. The first cochlear implant was created in 1957, and the practice has now been performed on more than 200,000 people throughout the world.

5. ReWalk exoskeleton

   Most people's first thought after getting in an accident that leaves them paralyzed is "Will I ever walk again?" While some people experience temporary paralysis that allows them to work toward walking again, others may not be able to use their legs on their own. The ReWalk exoskeleton, a product developed within the last few years, allows paraplegics to stand, walk, climb up stairs, and go down again. By wearing leg braces and a device on their back, users can tell the equipment what they want to do, and the ReWalk measures the angle of their torso and then moves the legs in a way that allows the person to keep balanced. Invented in Israel, the ReWalk is on sale now, but its high price might keep many paraplegics from buying it just yet. Even so, it's a literal step in the right direction for paraplegic technologies.

6. Mechanical larynx

   Communication is one of the most vital parts of every relationship, and as a human, it's essential that we are able to talk to each other. When people suffer damage to their larynx, or voicebox, from cancer or another injury, it can be very frustrating for them to try to express themselves and for others to understand them. The first artificial larynx was produced in the 1920s, back before they knew the dangers of smoking, and the first electrolarynx, the popular electric device still used today, was created in the '40s. It's normally a small handheld device that a person can hold up to his or her throat that produces speech from the throat's vibrations. This allows people with injured larynxes to lead normal lives, speaking to people in person and over the phone. Though some users dislike the mechanical voice that the device creates, researchers are getting close to finding ways to create a more natural-sounding voice with inflections and better pronunciation.

7. Text telephones

   In today's world, there are many ways for people to communicate even if they can't hear or speak well. There are web cams that would allow people to use sign language, text messages, and apps on cell phones to convert speech to text and vice versa. But before this technology era, traditional telephones were a major form of communication. Text wasn't a verb yet, so it was difficult for hearing-impaired people to keep in contact with each other or loved ones. In the 1960s, a deaf scientist named Robert Weitbrecht helped solve that problem. He created the teletypewriter, or TTY, a sort of text telephone where users could type messages to each other that were transmitted through a normal telephone line. Though the technology was initially limited to communication between people who both had TTY devices, relay services began to allow TTY users to call people who had regular telephones. As a pre-cursor to today's cell phone, TTY was an innovative aid allowing deaf people (and others) to keep up with relationships and call 911 if necessary.

8. Car hand controls

   There are few things that make you feel more free and independent than getting in your car and driving somewhere. We all remember what it was like before we got our driver's licenses and had to rely on other people to shuttle us around. That's a feeling no one wants to go back to, whether you're physically disabled or not. When a person loses the use of his legs, still being able to drive a car can be incredibly encouraging. Adaptive hand controls for your car can be permanent or portable, and allow you to operate a vehicle without the use of your legs for braking and accelerating. With one hand, you can control the two pedals in your car with a special device and the other hand is used to steer, often with a knob attached to the steering wheel to make it easier. This allows many physically disabled drivers to get back a little piece of their independence.

9. Color identifier

   This invention may not be life-changing for a visually impaired person, but it allows him or her to live as any other person would and "see" parts of their surroundings. Choosing clothes we like with colors that match or complement each other is something most of us take for granted. Determining what to wear each morning is a split-second decision, but one we rely totally on our sight to make. We also rely on color to tell us many other things that we don't think about, such as identifying important signs or pills we're about to take. Color identifiers are hand-held devices (or apps you can put on your smartphone) that can tell you aloud what color an object is. It's an important tool for the blind and visually impaired when shopping and walking around, and can help them fit better into mainstream society.

Pit crews are instrumental parts of the NASCAR team. Functioning in the pit and behind the scenes, each member plays an important part in ensuring the car reaches the finish line. A well-oiled machine can consistently push a driver to the front of the race, but poor teamwork can break him when he's running neck and neck with his opponents. The following interesting facts are both fun and surprising for those who've never really paid close attention to the stuff that happens off the track.

1. Pit crew routines are not regulated by NASCAR

   Although each crew essentially does the same routine, making a few minor changes of their own, they're not required by NASCAR to conduct the same sequence of actions. Because they don't have time to perform major work, strategy revolves around fueling and tire changes — the latter involves determining whether all four tires should be changed, or just the outside tires, which bear the most weight and pressure.

2. Crew members use liberal amounts of duct tape

   The pros are always looking for a quick fix. During a race, a pit crew will use the strong, versatile tape to adjust body panels, hold parts together, fix hoses and hanging wires, and merely to mark where the jack post, left-front tire, and sign board will be located after the car hits the pit. It's such an important tool for the crew that it has earned its own nickname — "200 mph tape."

3. Crew members pound their cars with baseball bats and hammers

   Another seemingly primitive way pit crews adjust their cars during races is to make use of baseball bats and hammers, pounding their uber-expensive machines when the situation calls for it. A misshapen body can affect how a car performs, causing it to fail to generate a sufficient amount of down force. With little time to spare, the strongest, quickest-swinging crew members take their best shots at the problem areas, impersonating their favorite baseball sluggers.

4. Crew members love piano bars

   A heavily damaged car that's difficult to lift needs more than just the jack man. Instead, piano bars — long, sturdy bars; not the bar you visited during your last hotel stay — provide leverage for the crew to get the car off the ground so the members can do their work. Like duct tape and baseball bats, it's a simple tool with plenty of might.

5. Crew members exhibit higher heart rates on asphalt tracks than concrete tracks

   Given the demands that come with being a member of a pit crew, it shouldn't come as a surprise that dealing with stress is a part of the job. But, as with any job, levels of stress can vary depending on the setting and the problems it presents. According to a study conducted by the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, members exhibit higher heart rates on asphalt tracks than concrete tracks. This may have to do with the heat of the tracks caused by the blacktop surface.

6. Crew members can earn close to six-figure salaries

   Of course, pay varies by position and responsibility. For example, Jason Myers, the car chief for Carl Edwards until his termination in 2009, earned $140,000 in 2008 not including bonuses and other compensation. He was second-in-command to the crew chief, who boasted a salary of $500,000. Guys in lower positions but with lots of responsibility — such as those who work in the shop, travel to the races, and work on Sundays — can earn in the neighborhood of $75,000.

7. Crew members may frequently change teams

   A pit crew change for the second consecutive season enabled Kevin Harvick to take the lead in this year's Chase. Out of the running, Clint Boyer, a Richard Childress Racing teammate, lent his crew to give Harvick a boost for the stretch run. An efficient crew can make all the difference in the world, which is why of the best crew members in the biz are highly recruited by opposing teams. Essentially, they can play the field, seeking the best possible offer.

8. It's a year-round job

   Like modern athletes, pit crew members train year-round, sparing just a couple of weeks for rest in December. Beginning in January, they practice pit stops before the start of the season, and then take it up a notch during the season, practicing two times per week and working out rigorously. It's a constant battle to improve their efficiency so they can reduce pit stop times.

9. Many pit crew members are former athletes

   In recent years, NASCAR pit crews have emphasized athleticism to meet the physical demands of pit stops. As every aspect of the sport has become more competitive, shorter pit times have become essential for crews, so meticulously crafted routines have become the norm. Tony Stewart, for example, employs Mike Casto, a former wide receiver from Glenville State College. Mark Martin employs Aaron Walker, who spent five seasons in the NFL. It's a great way for ex-athletes to stay in a competitive field and utilize their physical strengths.

10. Pit crews have their own all-star event

    Held annually in Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena, the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge is a competition featuring seven pit crew members from each team. When given a signal, each team lifts the car, changes the tires, unloads 18 gallons of water substituting as fuel into a fuel tank, and upon approval from NASCAR, pushes the car 40 yards to finish the sequence. If "fuel" is spilled, too much "fuel" is left in the dump can, a jack isn't raised high enough, or lug nuts are improperly tightened, then penalties are given. Through the years, the notable pit crews of Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, and Dale Earnhardt have won multiple times.

When a celebrity dies, the whole world takes notice. Police officers work diligently to get answers and the media goes into overdrive. But just like the people that die every day, there are sometimes holes in the story of how a celebrity died. The recent reopening of Natalie Wood's case brings to mind the dozens of mysterious celebrity deaths that have gone unsolved or should be revisited. Here are 10 celebrity deaths surrounded by mystery.

1. Marilyn Monroe

   The tragic death of Marilyn Monroe has led many to wonder if it was in fact a suicide, or if it was actually a murder. On Aug. 5, 1962, Monroe was found dead in her home after allegedly overdosing on barbiturates. Although the coroner's report called Monroe's death a probable suicide, many people still believe she was murdered. At the time of her death, the 36-year-old starlet was allegedly involved with John F. Kennedy and possibly his brother, Robert, which has led to various conspiracy theories about her mysterious death. Others believe it could have been the work of the CIA or mafia.

2. Notorious B.I.G.

   The death of rap legend Notorious B.I.G. has continued to mystify those investigating the 14-year-old murder case. On March 9, 1997, Notorious B.I.G. and his entourage attended an after party following the Soul Train Awards. After leaving the party, a black Chevrolet Impala SS pulled alongside Notorious B.I.G.'s GMC Suburban and its lone driver fired at the men. The man shot Biggie four times in the chest and the rapper was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. The murder remains unsolved, but there are many theories as to what happened to Biggie that dark night. Many believe it was an act of the West Coast rap rivals, while others suggest corrupt LA police officers were behind the shooting.

3. George Reeves

   The mysterious death of TV's Superman, George Reeves, has caused a great deal of debate over the events of June 16, 1959. After a night of dinner and drinks with friends, Reeves was found lying naked on his bed with a gun between his feet. His house guests made a delayed call to the police and were unable to give officers clear or coherent witness accounts of the night. Police labeled Reeves' death a suicide. Reeves' fiancé, Leonore Lemmon, said he was depressed from his "failed career." Some have attributed his alleged suicide to being type-casted as Superman and not being able to find new work because of his well-known role.

4. Tupac

   The unsolved murder of Tupac Shakur has remained a subject of controversy over who killed the rap artist and why. On the night of Sept. 7, 1996, Shakur was shot multiple times by drive-by shooters in a white, late-model Cadillac. Shakur was taken to a Las Vegas hospital, where he was sedated and placed on life support machines. Shakur remained in the trauma center for six days and died of internal bleeding on Sept. 13, 1996. Several theories surfaced about who was responsible for Tupac's death. Rival East Coast rapper Notorious B.I.G., Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson, and the Southside Crips have been linked to the attack. Tupac's killer or killers have yet to be found and the case remains unsolved.

5. Brittany Murphy

   On Dec. 20, 2009, actress Brittany Murphy collapsed and died from a combination of multiple drug intoxication, pneumonia, and an iron deficiency. At the time of Murphy's death, the 32-year-old was battling laryngitis and flu-like symptoms and was taking a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including an antibiotic, cough medicine, and several prescription pain killers. Although the death was ruled as an accident, many questioned the cause of her death and if her husband was somehow involved. Adding to the mystery of Murphy's death, her husband, Simon Monjack, died five months later from natural causes. The English screenwriter also apparently suffered acute pneumonia and severe anemia. Theories circulated about other possible causes of the deaths, including toxic mold in their house, which was vehemently dismissed by the coroner and her mother.

6. Bob Crane

   The unsolved murder of Bob Crane, the star of Hogan's Heroes, has left many wondering who was actually responsible for the brutal killing. While working on his play, Beginner's Luck, in Scottsdale, Ariz., Crane was found bludgeoned to death with what was believed to be a camera tripod. A day before his death, Crane allegedly called John Henry Carpenter to end their friendship following an argument they had in person. Carpenter was an electronics salesman who videotaped Crane's sexual escapades with women. Carpenter was the accused murderer, but his name was cleared due to insufficient evidence.

7. Elizabeth Short

   The unsolved murder of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short has sparked an enormous amount of interest in her life and subsequent death. On Jan. 15, 1947, Short was gruesomely murdered, stripped naked, mutilated, and severed into two pieces. The incident became known as the Black Dahlia murder. The public was fascinated by the murder and detectives were on a mission to find her killer. The alleged killer sent some of Short's belongings to the editor of the Los Angeles Examiner, and wrote letters to the newsroom calling himself the "Black Dahlia Avenger." Although more than 50 men and women have confessed to Short's murder, the murderer has not yet been caught.

8. Bruce Lee

   The death of martial arts movie icon Bruce Lee shocked the world and left the public with many questions surrounding his untimely demise. On July 20, 1973, Lee was found unconscious and later pronounced dead after allegedly experiencing an allergic reaction to the prescription painkiller Equagesic, which was given to him by his colleague Betty Ting Pei. The coroner's report ruled "death by misadventure." A few months before his death, Lee suffered from seizures and headaches and was diagnosed with cerebral edema. Lee experienced the same symptoms on the day of his death, which has fueled differing views of why he died. Some of the popular theories about Lee's death include that it was a murder involving the triads, and someone was out to curse him and his family. Others believe it was a delayed reaction from a deadly fighting strike.

9. David Carradine

   Kung Fu star David Carradine was found naked and dead in his Bangkok hotel suite on June 3, 2009. The 72-year-old's body was hanging by a rope in the closet of his hotel. His wrists, neck, and genitals had been tied up, leading the media to point to suicide or an accident during autoerotic asphyxiation. Some of Carradine's ex-wives confirmed that the actor liked to engage in dangerous self-bondage and sexually deviant behavior. Autopsies concluded that Carradine did not commit suicide and asphyxiation was the likely cause of death. Although some still speculate that Carradine committed suicide or was murdered, the investigators did not find enough evidence to back these theories.

10. Thelma Todd

    On Dec. 16, 1935, movie star Thelma Todd was found dead in her parked car in actress Jewel Carmen's garage. Carmen was the former wife of Todd's lover. The cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning, but was it suicide or murder? Todd had blood on her head and dress, which indicated that she may have been knocked unconscious before being poisoned, while others believed she was targeted for extortion and decided to end her own life. Two years later, Todd's ex-husband was murdered and the mystery continues.

Traditional Thanksgiving dinner is centered on the almighty turkey and the sides that complement it nicely. Although the turkey has an important role in American heritage and Thanksgiving celebrations, there is no reason why we can't spread our wings and try other main dishes this year. There are plenty of tasty alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Whether you decide to go meatier or meatless, one thing's for sure: No one will miss that bird. Check out these 12 turkey-less Thanksgiving meals everyone will love:

1. Cranberry-stuffed Cornish game hens

   This Thanksgiving, hold the turkey and opt for the incredibly elegant and delicious Cornish game hens. This mouthwatering recipe uses cranberries, shiitake mushrooms, and zesty herbs to bring out the rich flavors of this delicate chicken.

2. Vegan vegetable spread

   Believe it or not, not all vegan Thanksgivings are bland. This chef's heart-healthy harvest-stuffed Portobello mushrooms and maple-roasted Brussels sprouts with toasted hazelnuts sure beat tasteless tofurkeys and other vegan meatless products. And best of all, these easy dishes can be prepared all year long.

3. Roast leg of lamb with rosemary

   Roast leg of lamb is a delightful holiday dish that can easily make its way into your Thanksgiving lineup. This zesty version should be marinated overnight to absorb all of the rich flavors and keep it moist. Be prepared to share this popular recipe with others!

4. Butternut squash lasagna

   If you're looking for a tasty and healthy alternative to turkey, consider making butternut squash lasagna on Thanksgiving. This delectable dish is packed with nutrient-rich butternut squash and topped with mozzarella cheese, making it a favorite among adults and kids.

5. Honey-mustard pork roast with bacon

   Pork roast is a favorite around Christmas, so why not give it a whirl this Thanksgiving? Better yet, try this scrumptious honey-mustard pork roast topped with bacon to satisfy the carnivores. Your taste buds won't know what hit them!

6. Cola-basted ham

   If you're more of a ham fan, then you'll definitely want to try out this savory and sweet ham dish by Paula Deen. Doused in cola and brown sugar and topped with pineapples and cherries, this decadent ham is a sweet-toothed carnivore's dream.

7. Perfect roast beef

   Jamie Oliver's perfect roast beef is a hearty dish that really lives up to its name. Seasoned to perfection and roasted in a medley of onions, carrots, celery stalks, and garlic, this roast beef is a zesty dish that can be made for Thanksgiving and all of your holiday get-togethers.

8. Roasted salmon with cranberry-mustard sauce

   Salmon has become a fan-favorite among Thanksgiving turkey replacers, and this particular recipe really aims to please. The flavorful combination of sweet cranberry and salty Dijon mustard keeps the salmon moist and incredibly delicious.

9. Coriander-crusted duck

   Spice up Thanksgiving with this savory coriander-crusted duck recipe that is sure to impress the guests. After one bite of this robustly flavored duck, your family will forget all about the tired, old turkey.

10. Prime rib and oven-roasted potatoes

    If you want to upgrade from traditional turkey, you can't go wrong with a delicious prime rib like the one listed here. Seasoned to perfection and paired with potatoes, this flavorful prime rib recipe will make your Thanksgiving dinner a memorable one for the whole family.

11. Steaks

    If your Thanksgiving party is small and your budget is flexible, why not turn your dining room into a five-star steakhouse? Steaks are simple to cook and loved by many people. You can really take it up a notch and get fancy with filet mignon, as recommended by this Food Network recipe.

12. Garlic-schmeared rosemary roast chicken

    If you're tired of turkey, shake things up with this delicious garlic-schmeared rosemary roast chicken recipe from Chef Emeril Lagasse. The rich flavors of garlic, rosemary and freshly ground black pepper will satisfy the taste buds and have your guests asking for seconds.

With the latest installment of the Twilight franchise out in theaters, not only are viewers given another dose of the sickeningly romantic (and bizarre) relationship between Edward and Bella, but also a healthy amount of birth control as Bella gets pregnant with a monster baby. The miracle of life is said to be a beautiful thing, but when a pregnant woman is carrying a non-human child, birth is typically a lot more grotesque. If you're thinking of having a kid anytime in the foreseeable future, skip these movies involving murderous, mutant infants and seriously traumatizing births.

1. Twilight: Breaking Dawn

   Though the Twilight saga is drawing to a close with part one of the last novel in theaters, it's not lacking any of the drama audiences (made up of swooning girls) have come to know and love. After Bella and Edward get married, she becomes pregnant with his child — but when the pregnancy starts going at a freaky fast pace, they are afraid she's going to have a scary demon baby. Even Edward, a bit of a weirdo himself, wants to end the pregnancy. What they end up with is a half-human, half-vampire child that makes a mess of Bella's insides, nearly killing her. If any fans were still dreaming of getting it on with Edward (or any vampire, for that matter), this violent birth will make them think twice.

2. Rosemary's Baby

   It's scary enough to find out you're pregnant, but when you were only semi-conscious for the baby's conception and thought you experienced a demon having sex with you, there's a good chance that your pregnancy is going to be horrifying. Rosemary just wants a normal child with her previously normal husband, but she begins to suspect he has made some sort of agreement with her strange neighbors. She has an awful pregnancy, with terrible stomach pains, weight loss, and bizarre cravings. Rosemary eventually discovers that her whole apartment building is part of a witch's coven and her son is actually the offspring of Satan. Every mother's dream.

3. The Brood

   This seriously disturbing Canadian horror flick doesn't deal with conventional pregnancy, but a mentally ill woman does produce the creepiest, murderous offspring you'll ever see. After undergoing untraditional therapy in which patients' psychological issues manifest themselves in a physical way on their bodies, this woman starts producing children that kill people the "mother" doesn't like. Small, toothless, dwarf-like kids are born through disgusting external wombs that grow on the woman, and their psychic connection to her lets them know who to destroy. You might need therapy after watching this movie, but make sure to avoid the kind this lady got.

4. Inseminoid

   As you might guess from the title, the whole plot of this British sci-fi/horror film revolves around a pregnancy. A team of scientists travels to a distant planet to research an ancient civilization that once lived there. An alien creature rapes and impregnates one member of the team, Sandy, who has now been given superhuman strength and is somehow controlled by the alien civilization. She goes on a rampage, savagely murdering the members of her team. After her mutant twins are born, Sandy loses her power and is killed, but that doesn't stop her half-alien babies from chomping on the necks of her remaining human friends. Their mother would've been so proud.

5. Howling III: The Marsupials

   Australians apparently have a completely different set of fears to play on than Americans, but that doesn't make this film's pregnancy any less troubling. The movie's Australian clan of werewolves is somehow related to the now-extinct carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian tiger, which was a large dog-like animal that had a pouch like a kangaroo or koala. When a werewolf woman and a human dude fall in love, she gives birth to a marsupial werewolf baby. To help it crawl up into her pouch, she makes a pathway on her fur out of spit across her furry belly to the pouch opening. Though she's not technically a human giving birth to a monster, this pregnancy is repulsive enough to qualify for this list.

6. Dawn of the Dead

   In the 2004 remake of this film, the director deviates from the original in a few ways. While the situation is basically the same as the 1978 movie (you know, zombies taking over civilization and all), the characters are different and you can't guess their fates just from seeing the original. In the new version, a man and his very pregnant wife, Luda, are among the people seeking refuge from the undead in a mall. Luda received a zombie bite as they fought their way into the shopping center, and it starts to take effect as she goes into labor. She dies before the baby is born, but in true zombie-mom style, comes back and finishes the delivery. Did you know that a baby born to a zombie is also a zombie? This poor child didn't have a chance; in the world of the undead, the living aren't taking any chances even on adorable baby zombies.

7. It's Alive

   Most couples are proud of the babies they bring into this world, but this movie features a man who fears he has created a monster, much like Dr. Frankenstein. You'd probably think the same if your child emerged from the womb with fangs and claws. Imagine the inside of that poor woman's uterus! When a doctor tries to suffocate the newborn, the baby goes on a killing spree, mutilating the doctors, nurses, and everyone he meets on the way to his house. The kid's father completely disowns him and joins in the effort to find and destroy the infant. A pharmaceutical executive reveals that the baby's mutation was caused by a prescription drug given to the mother — just another reason to say "no" to drugs.

8. Species II

   In the first installment of Species, a female alien walks around topless for 90 minutes in her quest to mate with a genetically adequate human in order to create a new, unbeatable race. The second movie, however, features an astronaut infected by alien DNA who wreaks havoc on the reproductive systems of unsuspecting human females. Against the orders of his earthly superiors, he has sex with lots of women immediately after returning to Earth. These unlucky ladies get pregnant with rapidly growing alien babies who are born by splitting the mother's stomach open, killing them. The little monsters are kept in a shed until they can cocoon and emerge as full-grown alien people. Hopefully, this isn't what the future looks like.

9. Slither

   This horror-comedy is supposed to be a little bit stupid and weird, and it succeeds on both counts. A man in a small town is taken over by a slug-like alien overlord, and he creates thousands of creepy-crawly babies that find townspeople to use as their puppets. The production of the offspring is among the most disturbing parts of the movie. The now-overlord, Grant, rapes a woman he had met at a bar (before stupidly getting shot by the infectious alien dart) and she becomes a meat-craving ball of flesh. Picture the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka, but 100 times bigger and more disturbing. After growing to the size of a barn, her skin splits open and hundreds of the alien leech creatures spill out. In this film, men can also become impregnated with the slithering beings, but the audience luckily doesn't have to endure another side-splitting birth scene.

10. Alien

    The scenes from this movie are probably what haunt astronauts' nightmares. Some space workers who are towing a refinery back to Earth stop in on an alien planet, where one guy gets a weird creature stuck to his face. For some reason, his companions bring him back to the ship and their fellow crew members let them inside, even though the guy's unconscious and toting a potentially dangerous life form on his head. Later when the guy appears to be better, an alien bursts out of his chest, killing him, and escapes into the ship. This is definitely far from your traditional pregnancy, but that's what makes alien births so frightening; you never know how they're going to happen. If this scene's too scary for you, you could always try the more entertaining version in Spaceballs where the alien does a darling song and dance after emerging.

In the United States, it is considered illegal to practice law without having the proper license. The laws governing what constitutes the practice of law, and thus what requires a license, varies by state. While the laws may vary, it is generally understood that practicing law involves one individual representing another in a legal matter, with some form of compensation exchanged.

For example, Tom's neighbor accidentally damages Tom's fence, but refuses to pay for the damages. John, another neighbor, offers to file a civil lawsuit on Tom's behalf and represent him in court. In exchange for doing this, Tom pays John $100. Unless John has a license to practice law in that state, he would be guilty of the unauthorized practice of law. Depending on the state, John may be subject to criminal charges, fines, even imprisonment if he fraudulently presented himself as a licensed lawyer.

Are We Really Protecting Consumers or Lawyers?

Attorneys argue that requiring licensure for all lawyers acts to protect consumers. Most states require an appropriate legal education, as well as admission to the American Bar Association, in order for individuals to obtain a law license. Attorneys argue that this protects consumers from inept or uneducated legal representation. Unfortunately, that also means that consumers must pay for the added expense of the lawyer's initial education, malpractice insurance and ongoing educational requirements. Since law firms cannot hire an attorney unless the attorney is licensed, this also limits competition regarding the legal fees charged to consumers. Admission to the bar does not, however, guarantee quality representation.

Consider the example of Kathleen Sullivan, once the dean of Stanford Law School and a graduate of Harvard Law School. Sullivan was once a professor of law at Harvard, publishing numerous articles on constitutional law in various American legal journals. In fact, the National Law Journal named her as one of the top 100 most influential attorneys in America. Even with her years of legal experience, knowledge of constitutional law, and status as dean of a major American law school, Sullivan failed the California bar exam in 2005, making her ineligible for a law license until she passed the test.

By their very nature, the bar exam and similar licensure requirements are meant to weed out a certain percentage of candidates. In limiting the number of candidates available from whom consumers can choose, practicing attorneys can charge more for their services. Demand remains constant, yet supply remains limited, allowing for increased prices. Unfortunately, limiting candidates does not necessarily mean that the quality of legal representation improves, as evident by Sullivan's example. It only means that competition is limited. Licensing requirements create barriers to entry, so fewer candidates make it into the legal profession. Adopting a free market approach could change that, and subsequently, how much lawyers charge.

What Would Happen if Legal Representation Became a Free Market?

Free markets allow for open competition. A car mechanic, for example, does not have to be ASE certified in order to repair someone's car. As such, the number of mechanics who can enter the marketplace equals what the market can support. Too many mechanics mean not enough business and someone will likely close up shop. Not enough mechanics creates an increase in demand, which attracts more mechanics. Competition, the cornerstone of a free market, means that each mechanic has the same opportunity to attract business, but must moderate their fees to maintain an appropriate market share. If one mechanic charges far more than others in the area, he or she will lose business to the less costly shops. Since no license or certification is required, new mechanics can more easily enter the marketplace to help maintain an appropriate level of competition.

Lifting the restriction on practicing law could have the same effect on legal fees. Fewer restrictions make entry into any industry easier. Less restrictive barriers to entry mean an increase in the number of professionals from whom consumers can choose. More choices encourage competition, whether those choices are for auto mechanics or attorneys. In a highly competitive market, the fees charged have to stay within market tolerance; otherwise, consumers will shop elsewhere to save money.

What About the Problem of Inept Representation?

Ineptitude is not necessarily prevented by requiring licensure, as evident by Kathleen Sullivan's failure of the California bar exam. Other notable legal minds have likewise failed the bar exam on more than one occasion. For example, Franklin Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton both failed the bar exam. Even Jerry Brown, Attorney General for the state of California, initially failed the bar exam. Failure to pass the bar and obtain a law license does not mean an individual is not capable of good legal representation. Alternatively, passing the bar and gaining licensure does not guarantee good representation.

Just like a bad mechanic will eventually have to improve or close up shop, bad legal representatives would eventually be weeded out of the industry. Just as legal fees and other monies paid for products or professional services would have to stay competitive, so would the quality of a lawyer's services. After all, when there is increased competition in the marketplace, price is not the only competitive advantage. If given enough choices, consumers consider not only the cost, but what they get in return for their money. By default, quality lawyers who offered good legal representation in a free market would naturally retain a higher percentage of the market share. If they failed to maintain quality standards, consumers could simply go elsewhere.