Tue 27 Feb 2007 @23:11
I happened to run across these two stories on the same day. Coincidence? Synchronicity? The universe smacking me upside the head to get my attention?
The first is about a robotic exoskeleton being tested at the University of Michigan that is “controlled by the wearer’s own nervous system [and] could help users regain limb function.” The second is about Dean Kamen, already well-known for inventing the Segway and several medical devices. Recently his team, working with university researchers, has developed a prototype prosthetic arm for the Department of Defense.
I suffer under the delusion that the work I do is both extremely important and extremely under appreciated. But while I am a soldier in the war on ignorance, I’m not helping people walk again or replacing lost limbs. And I feel humbled. But I also feel elated that there are people working on this. The world is not limited to an endless fascination with sports, awards shows, and Anna Nicole’s legacy.
Are you with me? Stand up, take a step forward, and raise your hand. And don’t take one of those actions for granted.
February 28th, 2007 at 00:52
I couldn’t agree more Tim. You may think I’m crazy with my next statement, but I’m going to say it anyway. Last night I watched Oprah’s school special — about the place she built for South African girls to go to learn. I was so totally moved and sat here wondering what I could do to make a difference in this world. How can I contribute to making this a better place? I have felt it for a while but I really feel a calling (if you will) on my life to do more than am I. The hard part now is figuring out what it is.
I’m with you and standing up.
March 1st, 2007 at 01:40
I don’t know what you do, and I haven’t scoured your blog to find out, but please don’t feel underappreciated because of this fact. I’m just chiming in the good word on Dean Kamen’s many fantastic ideas…..and that Michigan exoskeleton looks good too.
One thing we each can do is to give our voice of support to those doing good things like Dean, et al: write letters of support to government and private companies doing good work, vote with your dollar and buy only what you believe in, chastize governments and companies doing things you deplore. Democracy only works if we participate, and the free market goes where the money flows.
If we as individuals walk the walk and talk the talk others will notice and follow.
Me? On an unexpected day off (today) I attended a public forum on how to solve the problems of homelessness, instead of staying home and having a long-awaited nap.
Who amd I? Just some dude living his life in the middle of the bellcurve.
One day I’ll get my chance to really shine, but sometimes the simple act of caring for others is enough.
April 17th, 2007 at 22:00
[...] Dean Kamen is a hero to me. I mentioned him in this post recently. He’s probably best known for the Segway, but he also invented the iBOT wheelchair, several medical devices, relatively cheap and simple devices for purifying water and generating electricity, and he started a robotics competition to promote the study of science and technology. I know of Rossellini mostly from her film work, although I do recall the flap when she was fired by Lancôme. I learned that she trains service dogs and is involved in charitable work. The two share an interest in humanitarian causes yet have very different ways of contributing. [...]