I am the first person to admit that I am addicted to celebrity news and I would pick up a People's magazine much faster than a Forbes. Having said that, I am in no way interested in owning any of their dental work. But evidently, there are many dentists who are.
Dr. Michael Zuk a Canadian dentist, previously paid $30,000 for one of the Beatle's icon, John Lennon's rotten teeth, and more recently, purchased the Elvis' crown for $10,000 from an auction house in England. A Memphis dentist originally made the crown for the late king of rock and roll, who had chipped several teeth by banging them against the microphones.
Dr. Zuk does not keep these prized possessions in his office. However; he does have their picture up for everyone to enjoy. "It gives patients something to think about other than what I am doing to them", said Dr. Zuk, who has been in practice for more than 25 years.
I guess if you don't have the desire (or the stomach) to collect this kind of thing, it's certainly fun to read about those who do.
The fact that he is gleefully planning to make souveniere necklaces that have a speck of the tooth in it – calling it John Lennon’s DNA Tribute Pendant and market them is the worst case of crass commercialism I have ever heard of. Surely nothing is more personal and more individual in a sacred way that one’s DNA. Check out http://www.johnlennontooth.com. He didn’t use a Canadian designer either. He got a guy in the states to do it. Who knows if it really has that personal element in the silver. Yes – the guy was so creative it’s a peace sign with the Lennon name on it. No real design at all. No mention if he got Yoko’s permission to us the idea and merchansidse T
I love the fact that the Lennon molar was a gift to his housekeeper, and she decided to sell it when she hit 90 years old. If John Lennon could see how famous his tooth is he’d love it. The exploitation of anyone/anything is dependent on one’s perspective.
The science behind the tooth, including the DNA is exciting. For example it allows discussions that teeth may some day be a source of stem cells that can be used for cancer treatment.
Being the owner of the tooth allows me quite a free range of opportunities and I have also mentioned a portion of the proceeds for the JL DNA pendant will go towards ‘Smile Train’ which helps children with cleft lip & palate. If a few kids spend the rest of their lives not being teased and treated like lepers than the venture is worth it.
As odd as it may sound Catholics have gone to the Vadican for centuries and paid their respects to tooth & bone of their popes who lay in visible chambers. Since the tooth was given to someone during Lennon’s lifetime I do not feel the same reverence as if it were a grave dig.
I am simply demonstrating that a motivated person can develop a number of projects that the media finds interesting from what some would call ‘trash’. Frankly these investments are some of the funnest ones I have ever made, and many people spend many times that much on smoking/drinking/gambling…to say I did something crazy and was on the ridiculist/leno/bill o./Time Magazine is a blast.
It’s been a fun ride, and I would have kicked myself if I hadn’t jumped on this idea. : )
Thank you Dr Zuk for taking the time to respond to the blog post. I honestly respect your collection and that you help such a worthy cause as “Smile Train”!
I thought it was a very cool thing.
Imagine there’s no caries. It’s easy if you try…
No calories to fatten us, after mother’s apple pie…
This is disturbing to say the least. This was part of a celebrities’ body who is now dead. It’s gross. I wonder if Dr. Zuk is a http://www.hazzouridental.com ” rel=”nofollow”>cosmetic dentist.
I collect premolar tooth of my young patients-who knows who they would be in the future-and maybe I’ll be reach:)