shazia hasan

our eyes Things you did not know about your EYES.

2012-01-18T23:05:00.000-08:00

Things you did not know about your EYES.

Few people could argue that without our 5 senses life would be pretty dull. All our senses are extremely important but I think if you asked most people which sense would they least like to lose they would probably say their vision.

As with most of our abilities our vision is something that many of us take for granted. If you stop and think for a moment, you will realize that just about everything we do in our day to day life involves our vision. During this article I am going to try and see if I can get you to start thinking a little bit more about your eyes. Listed below is my top 10 list of weird and wonderful things you didn’t know about your eyes.

1. Everyone needs reading glasses as they get older

This is assuming that you already have perfect distance vision. If you are currently reading this article and are under 40 years of age with perfect distance vision, I can say with absolute certainty that you will need reading glasses at some point in the future. For about 99% of the population the age that you will first start needing reading glasses is between 43 and 50 years old. This is because the lens in your eye slowly loses its focusing ability with age. In order to focus things near to you, your lens has to change from a flat to a more spherical shape and it loses the ability to do this as you get older. As you get to around 45 years old you will start to hold things further away from you to keep them focus.

2. The lens in your eye is quicker than any camera lens

Just behind the pupil sits the eyes natural lens, whose function is to focus on the object you are looking at. Just take a minute to glance around the room and think about how many different distances you are focusing at. Every time you do this, the lens in your eye is instantly changing focus without you even being aware of it! Compare that with a camera lens which takes a few seconds to focus between one distance and another. Just be thankful that the lens in your eye is as quick as it is, otherwise things would be continually going in and out of focus.

3. Your eyes are fully developed by the age of 7 years old

By the age of 7 years old our eyes are fully developed and are physiologically the same as adult’s eyes. It is for this reason that it is vitally important to pick up a lazy eye before we reach this age. The earlier a lazy eye is diagnosed, the greater the chance it will respond to treatment, as the eyes are still developing and capable of an improvement in vision. Beyond 7 years old no amount of treatment will result in any improvement in vision.

4. You blink approximately 15,000 times each day

Blinking is a semi- involuntary function meaning we do it automatically, but can also choose to blink if we so require. Blinking is an extremely important function of your eyes as it helps remove any debris on the surface of your eye, by spreading fresh tears over them. These tears help to nourish your eyes with oxygen and also have important anti bacterial properties. You can think of the function of blinking as being similar to the action of the windscreen wipers on your car, cleaning and removing everything to keep you seeing clearly.

5. Everyone gets cataracts as they get older

People don’t realize that cataracts are just a normal consequence of getting older and everyone gets them at some point in their life. You can think of cataracts as being similar to getting grey hair, in that it is just a normal natural age change. The average age people first get cataracts is about aged 70 years old and by 80 years old you are guaranteed to have cataracts. In the same way that you could not find any aged 80 years old without grey hair, it would be equally impossible to find anyone over 80 years old without cataracts. Cataracts refer to a gradual clouding of the lens in your eye and typically take about ten years from onset to them needing treatment.

6. Diabetes is often first detected during an eye test

People who suffer from type 2 diabetes (the type you develop later in life) are often symptom free, meaning they often don’t even know that they have it. This type of diabetes is commonly picked up during an eye test as it can be seen as tiny hemorrhages from leaking blood vessels at the back of your eye. This certainly is good reason to get your eyes tested regularly.

7. You see with your brain and not your eyes

The function of your eyes is to collect all the required information about the object you are looking at. This information is then passed from your eye to the brain via the optic nerve. It is the brain (visual cortex) where all this information is analyzed to enable you to ‘see’ the object in its finished form. This is not to say that your eyes don’t play an important role as they certainly do.

8. Your eyes can adapt to blind spots in your vision

Certain eye conditions such as Glaucoma and certain general health conditions such as having a stroke, can lead to you developing blind spots in your vision. This would be extremely debilitating if it wasn’t for your brain and your eyes ability to adapt to make these blind spots disappear. It does this by suppressing the blind spot in your affected eye and letting your other good eye ‘fill in the gaps’. It is adaptation like this that makes your eyes so resilient.

9. 20:20 vision is not the best vision you can have

When people hear the phrase 20:20 vision they assume that this is the best vision possible. However this is not true as 20:20 vision refers to what the average adult should be able to see. If you imagine a typical eye test chart the 20:20 vision is probably only the line second from the bottom. The line below it is even smaller than 20:20 vision and would mean you have 20:16 vision. So don’t be so impressed next time someone tells you they have 20:20 vision!

10. Your eyes water when they are dry

I know this might sound crazy but this is one of strange facts about your eyes. Your tears are made up of 3 different components and they are water, mucus and fat. If these 3 components are not in exactly the right quantities, your eyes can become dry as a consequence. Your brain responds to this dryness by producing extra water and hence your eyes water.

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tennis for blind

2012-01-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

Blind Tennis? As we know the Japanese people was an expert in making a weird and bizarre things. this blind tennis was a sport for the blind people. The blind people could track the ball movement with their ears, the ball used for this blind tennis is different from the usual tennis sport.

The creation of this sport is largely credited to Miyoshi Takei, who in spite of his blindness, started to play tennis as a kid with the encouragement of his high school teacher. His only aim at the time was to hit a ball that was flying through the air as hard as he could, even though he couldn’t see it. After several trials, he finally invented a special kind of tennis ball that is spongy and light in weight. The ball rattles, so that blind players can track its movement with their ears. Miyoshi’s endeavors met with success and the first national blind tennis championships were held in Japan in the year 1990. Today, hundreds of Japanese players take part every year and a few from other countries too, such as China, Korea, Taiwan, Britain and the United States.

Interestingly, blind tennis is played on a badminton court with string taped to the lines so players can feel the boundaries. Junior-sized rackets are used to hit the ball. Players who are deemed legally blind wear eye masks to level the field. They are expected to hit the ball after it bounces two to three times, depending on the level of their visual impairment. Sadly, Miyoshi is no longer alive to see the progress made by the sport he invented. He passed away a year ago, at the age of 42, when he was returning home with his blind wife and fell in front of an oncoming train in Tokyo. He is considered a role model for aspiring blind tennis players around the world. Beside this blind tennis there's another sports for blind people such as this Blind Soccer.

US: Young Girl Bringing Gift Of Sight To Children Around The World

2012-01-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

US: Young Girl Bringing Gift Of Sight To Children Around The World

amazing boy

2012-01-04T04:24:00.001-08:00

Posted By MJ On March 1, 2011 @ 7:34 pm In Cover Stories,Features CLICK HERE to print________________________________________Daniel Kish has been sightless since he was a year old. Yet he can mountain bike. And navigate the wilderness alone. And recognize a building as far away as 1,000 feet. How? The same way bats can see in the dark.by Michael Finkelphotograph by Steve PykeThe first thing Daniel Kish does, when I pull up to his tidy gray bungalow in Long Beach, California, is make fun of my driving. “You’re going to leave it that far from the curb?” he asks. He’s standing on his stoop, a good 10 paces from my car. I glance behind me as I walk up to him. I am, indeed, parked about a foot and a half from the curb.The second thing Kish does, in his living room a few minutes later, is remove his prosthetic eyeballs. He does this casually, like a person taking off a smudged pair of glasses. The prosthetics are thin convex shells, made of acrylic plastic, with light brown irises. A couple of times a day they need to be cleaned. “They get gummy,” he explains. Behind them is mostly scar tissue. He wipes them gently with a white cloth and places them back in.Kish was born with an aggressive form of cancer called retinoblastoma, which attacks the retinas. To save his life, both of his eyes were removed by the time he was 13 months old. Since his infancy — Kish is now 44 — he has been adapting to his blindness in such remarkable ways that some people have wondered if he’s playing a grand practical joke. But Kish, I can confirm, is completely blind.He knew my car was poorly parked because he produced a brief, sharp click with his tongue. The sound waves he created traveled at a speed of more than 1,000 feet per second, bounced off every object around him, and returned to his ears at the same rate, though vastly decreased in volume.But not silent. Kish has trained himself to hear these slight echoes and to interpret their meaning. Standing on his front stoop, he could visualize, with an extraordinary degree of precision, the two pine trees on his front lawn, the curb at the edge of his street, and finally, a bit too far from that curb, my rental car. Kish has given a name to what he does — he calls it “FlashSonar” — but it’s more commonly known by its scientific term, echolocation.Bats, of course, use echolocation. Beluga whales too. Dolphins. And Daniel Kish. He is so accomplished at echolocation that he’s able to pedal his mountain bike through streets heavy with traffic and on precipitous dirt trails. He climbs trees. He camps out, by himself, deep in the wilderness. He’s lived for weeks at a time in a tiny cabin a two-mile hike from the nearest road. He travels around the globe. He’s a skilled cook, an avid swimmer, a fluid dance partner. Essentially, though in a way that is unfamiliar to nearly any other human being, Kish can see.This is not enough for him. Kish is seeking — despite a lack of support from every mainstream blind organization in America — nothing less than a profound reordering of the way the world views blind people, and the way blind people view the world. He’s tired of being told that the blind are best served by staying close to home, sticking only to memorized routes, and depending on the unreliable benevolence of the sighted to do anything beyond the most routine of tasks.Kish preaches complete and unfettered independence, even if the result produces the occasional bloody gash or broken bone. (He once fractured the heel of his left foot after leaping from a rock and has broken a couple of teeth.) He’s regarded by some in the blind community with deep veneration. Others, like a commenter on the National Federation of the Blind’s listserv, consider him “disgraceful” for promoting behavior such as tongue clicking that could be seen as off-putting and abnormal.Kish and a handful of coworkers run a nonprofit organization called World Access for the Blind, headquartered in Kish’s home. World Access offers training on how to gracefully interact with one’s environment, using echolocation as a primary tool. So far, in the decade it has existed, the organization has introduced more than 500 students to echolocation. Kish is not the first blind person to use echolocation, but he’s the only one to meticulously document it, to break it down into its component parts, and to figure out how to teach it. His dream is to help all sight-impaired people see the world as clearly as he does.—- Kish, here biking in Long Beach, preaches total independence. Photo courtesy Daniel KishIt begins with the lid of a pot. “Stand up,” Kish instructs, then guides me to the center of his living room and ties a blindfold around my head, while mentioning, in a schoolteachery tone, that I should not for an instant think that wearing a blindfold represents the experience of being blind. A blindfold almost always causes someone who can see to feel frightened, confused, and disoriented. Kish is none of these things.“Now wait here,” he says. Though he was born and raised in Southern California, Kish has an odd, almost foreign-sounding accent — a bouillabaisse of Canadian, British, and relaxed Los Angeleno. He says it’s a result of his many travels. “I’m a natural mimic,” he explains. Kish is 5-foot-7, thin and fit, with an impressive mane of dark brown hair and a meandering winestain birthmark on his left cheek.I hear him walk into his kitchen, his bare feet padding faintly on the hardwood floor. “I’m very particular about feeling life and air around my feet,” he once wrote in the journal he braille-typed and shared with me. I’m barefoot as well. Kish asked me to remove my shoes, which is one of his many little rules you quickly learn to adopt. Like: He’s Daniel Kish, and anyone who calls him “Dan” more than once may be struck with withering disdain. And don’t disturb him during his sleep time — lately, he’s been sleeping just two hours twice a day, usually from 5 to 7 in the morning and again from 5 to 7 in the evening. He often stays up all night dealing with World Access logistics. He lives alone and does not have a significant other. He plays a lot of Celtic hymnal music.I listen as Kish opens a cabinet and rummages amid his pots. He returns and stands behind me. “Make a click,” he says.It’s a terrible click, a sloppy click; what Kish calls a “clucky click.” Kish’s click is a thing of beauty — he snaps the tip of his tongue briefly and firmly against the roof of his mouth, creating a momentary vacuum that pops upon release, a sound very much like pushing the igniter on a gas stove. A team of Spanish scientists recently studied Kish’s click and deemed it acoustically ideal for capturing echoes. A machine, they wrote, could do no better.My click will work for now. Kish tells me that he’s holding a large glass lid, the top to a Crock-Pot, a few inches in front of me. “Click again,” he says. There’s a distinct echo, a smearing of sound as if I’m standing in my shower. “Now click,” he says. The echo’s gone. “I’ve lifted it up. Can you tell?”I can, quite clearly. “Click again,” he instructs. “Where is it?” I click; there’s no echo.“It’s still lifted,” I say.“Try again,” says Kish. “But move your head, listen to your environment.”I turn my head to the right and click. Nothing. Then I click to the left. Bingo. “It’s over here,” I say, tilting my head in the direction of the lid.“Exactly,” says Kish. “Now let’s try it with a pillow.”There are two reasons echolocation works. The first is that our ears, conveniently, are located on both sides of our head. When there’s a noise off to one side, the sound reaches the closer ear about a millisecond — a thousandth of a second — before it reaches the farther ear. That’s enough of a gap for the auditory cortex of our brain to process the information. It’s rare that we turn the wrong way when someone calls our name. In fact, we’re able to process, with phenomenal accuracy, sounds just a few degrees off-center. Having two ears, like having two eyes, also gives us the auditory equivalent of depth perception. We hear in stereo 3-D. This allows us, using only our ears, to build a detailed map of our surroundings.The second reason echolocation works is that humans, on average, have excellent hearing. We hear better than we see. Much better. On the light spectrum, human eyes can perceive only a small sliver of all the varieties of light — no ultraviolet, no infrared. Converting this to sound terminology, we can see less than one octave of frequency. We hear a range of 10 octaves.We can also hear behind us; we can hear around corners. Sight can’t do this. Human hearing is so good that if you have decent hearing, you will never once in your life experience true silence. Even if you sit completely still in a soundproof room, you will detect the beating of your own heart.—-Kish does not go around clicking like a madman. He uses his click sparingly and, depending on his location, varies the volume. When he’s outside, he’ll throw a loud click. In good conditions, he can hear a building 1,000 feet away, a tree from 30 feet, a person from six feet. Up close, he can echolocate a one-inch diameter pole. He can tell the difference between a pickup truck, a passenger car, and an SUV. He can locate trail signs in the forest, then run his finger across the engraved letters and determine which path to take. Every house, he explains, has its own acoustic signature.He can hear the variation between a wall and a bush and a chain-link fence. Bounce a tennis ball off a wall, Kish says, then off a bush. Different response. So too with sound. Given a bit of time, he can echolocate something as small as a golf ball. Sometimes, in a parking garage, he can echolocate the exit faster than a sighted person can find it.I accompanied Kish on several occasions as he cruised the busy streets of Long Beach. The outside world is an absolute cacophony. Every car, person, dog, stroller, and bicycle makes a sound. So do gusts of wind, bits of blowing garbage, and rustling leaves. Doors open and close. Change jangles. People talk. Then there are the silent obstacles — what Kish calls urban furniture: benches, traffic signs, telephone poles, postal boxes, fire hydrants, light posts, parked vehicles. Kish hears the sonic reflections from his click even in a place teeming with ambient noise. “It’s like recognizing a familiar voice in a crowd,” he says. The load upon his mind is undoubtedly immense. Yet he casually processes everything, constructing and memorizing a mental map of his route, all while maintaining an intricate conversation with me. It’s so extraordinary that it seems to border on the magical.When we walk into a restaurant — never a simple choice with Kish, since he’s a strict vegan — he makes a much quieter click. Kish describes the images he receives as akin to a brief flick of the lights in a dark room; you get enough essential information — tables here, stairway there, support pillars here — to navigate your way through. “It becomes as ridiculous for blind people to run into a wall as it is for sighted people,” he once wrote in his FlashSonar manual. He strolls casually across the restaurant, making one or two more clicks as we approach our table, then sits down. It’s both smooth and subtle. Kish says that it is rare a sighted person even notices he’s making an unusual noise. Almost all blind people instantly do.What people do notice about Kish is his long white cane. His blind person’s cane. Using echolocation, Kish could get around without one. For most of his youth, in fact, he never carried a cane, seeking to avoid the stigma attached to it. Now, as he approaches middle age, he’s come to believe that whatever can conveniently provide him with more information about his environment he will use. Echolocation’s chief liability is that it is not good at detecting holes in the ground, or small dropoffs, which a cane can do. There are also some figure-ground issues with echolocation — a park bench can “disappear” when it’s directly in front of a stone wall — and a cane, in essence, increases the length of your arm by as much as five feet.Kish also keeps aware, during the day, of where the sun is striking him — a good way to determine direction — and how the cracks between sidewalk blocks line up; if you remain steadily perpendicular to them, you’re not veering.When it’s all put together, says Kish, he has very rich, very detailed pictures in his head.“In color?” I ask.“No,” he says. “I’ve never seen color, so there’s no color. It’s more like a sonar, like on the Titanic.”—- At his high school graduation in 1984, Kish was voted "most likely to succeed." Photo courtesy Daniel KishKish can hardly remember a time when he didn’t click. He came to it on his own, intuitively, at age two, about a year after his second eye was removed. Many blind children make noises in order to get feedback — foot stomping, finger snapping, hand clapping, tongue clicking. These behaviors are the beginnings of echolocation, but they’re almost invariably deemed asocial by parents or caretakers and swiftly extinguished. Kish was fortunate that his mother never tried to dissuade him from clicking. “That tongue click was everything to me,” he says.He has a vivid recollection of sneaking out his bedroom window in the middle of the night, at age two and a half, and climbing over a fence into his neighbor’s yard. “I was in the habit of exploring whatever I sensed around me,” he writes in his journal. He soon wondered what was in the yard of the next house. And the one after that. “I was on the other side of the block before someone discovered me prowling around their backyard and had the police return me home to completely flummoxed parents.”Kish was born in Montebello, California, into a difficult family situation. His younger brother, Keith, was also born with retinoblastoma — it’s genetic, though neither of Kish’s parents had the disease. Doctors managed to save enough of Keith’s eyesight so that he doesn’t need echolocation. He’s now a middle school English teacher. Kish’s father, who worked as an automobile mechanic, was a physically abusive alcoholic, and his mother left him when Kish was six.“I was a violent kid,” says Kish. He frequently got into fistfights. “I rarely lost. My strategy consisted of immobilizing opponents before they could hit me too often.” He went to mainstream schools and relied almost exclusively on echolocation to orient himself, though at the time neither he nor his mom had any concept of what he was doing. “There was no one to explain it, there was no one to help me enhance it, and we all just kind of took it for granted,” he says. “My family and friends were like, ‘Yeah, he does this funny click thing and he gets around.’ ” They called it his radar. Navigating new places, he says, was like solving a puzzle.He rode his bike with wild abandon. “I used to go to the top of a hill and scream ‘Dive bomb!’ and ride down as fast as I could,” he says. This is when he was eight. The neighborhood kids would scatter. “One day I lost control of the bicycle, crashed through these trash cans, and smashed into a metal light pole. It was a violent collision. I had blood all over my face. I picked myself up and went home.”He was raised with almost no dispensation for his blindness. “My upbringing was all about total self-reliance,” he writes, “of being able to go after anything I desired.” His career interests, as a boy, included policeman, fireman, pilot, and doctor. He was a celebrated singer and voracious consumer of braille books. He could take anything apart and put it back together — a skill he retains. Once, when I was driving Kish to an appointment with a student, the GPS unit in my car stopped working. Kish examined the unit with his hands, instructed me from the passenger seat how to get to the nearest Radio Shack, and told me which part to buy (the jack on the power cord was faulty). He was named “best brain” in middle school and graduated high school with a GPA close to 4.0. He was voted “most likely to succeed.”He attended the University of California Riverside, then earned two master’s degrees — one in developmental psychology, one in special education. He wrote a thesis on the history and science of human echolocation, and as part of that devised one of the first echolocation training programs. The ability of some blind individuals to perceive objects well before they could touch them was noted as early as 1749 by French philosopher Denis Diderot. He theorized it had something to do with vibrations against the skin of the face. In the early 1800s, a blind man from England named James Holman journeyed around the world — he may have been the most prolific traveler in history up to that point, Magellan and Marco Polo included — relying on the echoes from the click of his cane. Not until the 1940s, in Karl Dallenbach’s lab at Cornell University, was it irrefutably proven that humans could echolocate.The thesis was the first time Kish really studied what he’d been doing all his life; it was the beginning, as he put it, of “unlocking my own brain.” He then became the first totally blind person in the United States (and likely the world) to be fully certified as an orientation and mobility specialist — that is, someone hired by the visually impaired to learn how to get around.—- Kish teaching echolocation. Photo courtesy Daniel KishIt was never Kish’s goal to run a foundation dedicated to the blind. He planned to be a psychologist. But he could not ignore the fact that few blind people enjoyed anything close to his freedom of movement, and he had grown weary of society’s attitude toward the blind. “I am belittled, patronized, disrespected, invaded, restricted, and presumed weak, vulnerable, or otherwise incapacitated,” he wrote in his journal. It still drives him crazy when he’s congratulated for simply crossing the street or preparing dinner.In a letter he posted on his website a few years ago, Kish responded to a public school program in New Jersey called Kindness Beats Blindness, in which hundreds of middle school students were blindfolded while others led them around, to develop sympathy for the blind. “I have felt beaten and pummeled by many things,” he wrote, “misplaced kindness foremost among them.” When I asked Kish about the letter he said, “I have a reputation for being a pain in the ass.” One of his closest friends sometimes refers to him as “the bridge burner.”Young people, says Kish, are especially hard-hit. “Most blind kids hear a lot of negative talk. ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that, don’t move. No, here, let me help you.’ The message you get, if you’re blind, is you’re intellectually deficient, you’re emotionally deficient, you’re in all ways deficient.” A few sighted people have commented to Kish that they’d rather be dead than blind.So in 2001 he started World Access for the Blind. One of its missions is to counter every no that blind people hear. Blindness, Kish says, should be understood — by both the blind and the sighted — as nothing more than an inconvenience. “Most of my life,” he writes, “I never even thought of myself as blind. In fact, I saw myself as smarter, more agile, stronger, and generally more capable than most other boys my age.”World Access operates on what Kish calls “an annual budget of silliness” — less than $200,000 a year. (Kish himself makes only “a survival wage.”) He depends on the “blind vine,” the chattery network of the visually impaired, to spread the word. When a potential student, or a parent of a student, agrees to hire World Access, either Kish or one of three other World Access teachers — all blind or visually impaired — will pay a visit, whether it’s on the other side of Los Angeles or the other side of the world.Lessons can consist of private meetings a few times a month, or an intensive week of training for students farther afield. He’s visited a group of blind students in northern Mexico three times and traveled to Scotland eight times. In all, Kish has taught in 14 countries, including Armenia, South Africa, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Blind students or organizations in more than a dozen other nations, from Afghanistan to Guatemala, are now on his waiting list. The chief focus of World Access classes is setting students on the path to complete autonomy. Echolocation is an essential element of what Kish terms “a holistic approach” that also includes lessons on comfortable social interactions, confident self-image, and nonvisual conversational cues (a head turn can be noted by the sound of hair swishing; arm gestures by the whisper of skin brushing against clothing; the shift of someone’s body by the creaking of furniture).World Access doesn’t turn anyone away for lack of resources. But there are a couple of reasons why the organization hasn’t trained more students. The first is Kish’s general ethos about how blind children should be raised. “Running into a pole is a drag, but never being allowed to run into a pole is a disaster,” he writes. “Pain is part of the price of freedom.” This attitude is not wildly popular, especially in a safety-first nation like the United States. Also, echolocation is not easy to master. Kish compares it with piano lessons — anyone can learn basics; very few will make it to Carnegie Hall. Only about 10 percent of the people who learn echolocation, he admits, find their abilities immediately enriched.And then there is resistance from mainstream organizations. The National Federation of the Blind, the largest blind organization in America, does not endorse Kish’s work. “Let’s just say he’s unique,” says John Paré, the federation’s executive director for strategic initiatives, clearly straining to be polite. Paré believes that for most people, echolocation is not worth the tremendous effort required to grasp it. “We urge people to learn how to use a long white cane,” he says. According to Kish, a colleague once overheard members of the federation refer to him as Clicker Boy. “The blindness field is firmly based in tradition and dogma and is very slow to evolve,” says Kish. “It’s been traditionally dominated by sighted people who feel the need to tell blind people what to do.”The same afternoon I first visit Kish, I also meet Brian Bushway and Juan Ruiz. Bushway became blind at age 14 due to a genetic condition known as optic nerve atrophy and was introduced to Kish soon after. Ruiz was born blind and was one of Kish’s first students; Kish began working with him while preparing his echolocation thesis. They both told me, individually, that Kish’s teaching transformed them, allowing them to feel at peace with their blindness and at one with the world.Bushway and Ruiz are now in their late 20s and have become instructors with World Access. They often hang out at Kish’s home, forming a foul-mouthed and funny little gang. (Bushway: “You know why echolocators get all the girls? ’Cause they’re skilled with their tongues and comfortable in the dark.”) They’ve become so adept at echolocation that, in many ways, they have surpassed their teacher — at least in terms of fearlessness, sociability, and willingness to run into poles. They’re the next generation of echolocators, ready to take Kish’s work and see how far they can push it.————————————————————————-—-If you happen to be blind and want to live a bold, stereotype-smashing life, there will be blood. I witness this firsthand when I spend a day mountain biking with Bushway and Ruiz. (Kish, acceding to the realities of near–middle age, stays home.) We ride on a roller-coastery ridgetop trail in the Santa Ana Mountains, above the town of Mission Viejo. Clipped to the rear fork of each of our bikes is a plastic zip tie, attached so that the end flicks through our spokes, creating a constant snapping sound that lets Bushway and Ruiz know where the other bikes are. But to determine where the trail is going, and where the bushes and rocks and fence posts and trees are, the boys rely on echolocation.Bushway is a fearless biker. He often flies down the dirt trail in aerodynamic form, hands off the brakes, clicking as fast and as loud as he can. “Your brain is on overload,” he says to me during a water break. “You feel like you can hear every bush, every tree. Your body is hyperaware.” I try and warn them when the trail presents a serious consequence, like a long drop-off on one side or a cactus jutting out. But mostly I’m just along for the ride. It’s difficult to believe, even though it’s happening right in front of me. It’s incredible.And then, suddenly, it’s not. When I look behind me and see that Ruiz has drifted back, I stop and wait for him. I’m just standing there, silently, and before I realize what’s happening, he is bearing down on me. I shout, and he pulls the brakes, but it’s too late. He smashes into me and crushes his left hand between his handlebar and the back of my seat post. He falls off his bike and rolls about in pain, clutching his hand. There’s a trickle of blood, though nothing seems broken. I feel terrible, but Ruiz says it’s his fault — he should have echolocated my bike, even if I wasn’t moving. We finish the ride, with Ruiz using only one hand.The next day I join Kish and Bushway as they teach Sebastian Mancipe, who is 15 and has been working with World Access for three years. When he started, he rarely came out of his bedroom. He had little interaction with the outside world. He developed infant glaucoma and was blind by age three months. His parents moved from Colombia to the United States to give him a chance at a better life. His mother, Viviana, saw a brief appearance by Kish on the Ripley’s Believe It or Not television show, and soon hired World Access to work with Sebastian.He now rides a skateboard. He ice-skates. He’s popular at school, stocked with friends and a busy social life. I follow as Kish and Bushway stroll around Sebastian’s neighborhood, in a busy section of Burbank. He’d obviously mastered the echolocation basics — the pot lid, the pillow, general shapes. Kish and Bushway encourage him to push his skills further. “A tree,” says Kish, clicking a couple of times, “is like a bush on a pole.” They walk on. “A tree without a bush on top is probably a telephone pole.” They pass a parking lot. “A large object that starts out low at one end, rises in the middle, and drops off again at the other end — that’s a parked car.”Back at home, I ask Sebastian’s mother about the impact World Access has had on her son. “It was an awakening,” she says. “He believes he can do anything. To see Sebastian as a normal child…” She can’t complete the sentence before the tears come.—-The longer the waiting list for his services grows, the more conflicted Kish feels. He knows what he’s doing is important. But what he really wants, as more people clamor for his time, as the frequent-flier miles add up, is to hand over the reins of World Access and run away from it all.He’s essentially a loner. “My constitution,” he says, “is that of Grizzly Adams.” In 2003 he purchased a 12-foot by 12-foot cabin deep in the Angeles National Forest. It was built in 1916; he paid $10,000 for it. To get there he’d take a taxi to the end of the road and hike in. “My only company,” he wrote in his journal at the time, “is a small family of mice.” He explored the wilderness. “I taught myself how to negotiate tricky, winding trails with sharp switchbacks, how to cross rushing streams on slippery stones. I’ve gone for miles and days without meeting another soul.”He was once asked by a colleague what he thought the biggest problem was with being blind. “My biggest barrier is people,” he answered. “Especially sighted people.” He has never once in his life had a girlfriend or, for that matter, a boyfriend. When I ask him, via e-mail, to explain why, his response is three words: “Lack of interest.”Two tragedies, nearly 20 years apart, have bookended his adult life. The first was the death of his dog, a black lab named Whiska. This was in 1990. She was run over by a car while Kish was walking with her. Kish has always blamed himself for the accident. “I loved Whiska with an intensity that completely distorted my better judgment,” he wrote. “I spoiled her rotten and took over her job. She forgot to watch for traffic, because I’d always done that for her.” He had nightmares for a year after the accident. “The chain’s just dangling and there’s no dog. I’ll never forget that moment.” Not long after, he got another dog, but soon started traveling and gave him away. That was his last pet.The second tragedy occurred in January 2007 when his cabin burned down. He’d had a wood-burning stove installed, and the wrong materials were used for the chimney. The fire was fast-moving and horrific — “my last memories of my cabin are the ominous crackle and rumble of advancing flames” — and Kish had no idea if it would engulf the entire canyon, incinerating him as well. The disaster haunts him; he keeps a chunk of melted glass from the cabin in his home in Long Beach. “A piece of my own heart has gone up in flames,” he wrote. He plans to one day return to the woods, perhaps permanently. “I find people,” he says, “to be incredibly draining.”—-Kish has an idea. Beyond the pot lid and the pillow, beyond the mission of World Access, there is something he has been quietly working on for more than a decade. If his wish is fulfilled — if someone else takes over World Access and he’s able to escape from life’s perpetual rush hour — it may prove to be his true legacy. What Kish envisions is the next leap in human echolocation. His idea is to become more like a bat.Bats are the best. Some can fly in complete darkness, navigating around thousands of other bats while nabbing insects one millimeter wide. Bats have evolved, over millions of years, to possess the ideal mouth shape and the perfect ear rotation for echolocation. They can perceive high-frequency sound waves, beyond the range of human hearing — waves that are densely packed together, whose echoes give precise detail.There is evidence that humans could be that good. Bats have tiny brains. Just the auditory cortex of a human brain is many times larger than the entire brain of a bat. This means that humans can likely process more complex auditory information than bats. What we’ll require, to make up for bats’ evolutionary head start, is a little artificial boost.Actually, two boosts. We need a way to create batlike sound waves, and we need to be able to hear those waves. In pursuit of these goals, Kish has spent time in New Zealand with Leslie Kay, who worked on underwater sonar for the British Navy during the Cold War. For nearly 50 years, Kay tinkered with ideas for helping the blind to see with sound. He eventually introduced, after many weeks of consultation with Kish, a product called the K-Sonar, a flashlight-size machine that attaches to a blind person’s cane and emits ultrasonic pulses. The pulses are then digitally translated into tones humans can hear, through earphones. “Flowers actually sound soft,” says Kish. “Stones sound hard and crisp. It pretty much represents the physical environment as music.” The problem is range: The K-Sonar can detect a postage stamp from 15 feet, but not the side of a barn from 30 feet.If money were no object, Kish believes that blind people could essentially mimic bats within five years. A next generation of K-Sonar, using the input from a global consortium of scientists that Kish has been corresponding with, should have a nearly limitless range. Our hearing, Kish says, can be increased tenfold through surgical augmentation — basically, inner-ear microphone implants. Combine the two and it’s possible that the blind will be able to take up tennis. Kish figures it would require $15 million to prove whether or not his idea is feasible. He fears he’ll never get the opportunity.“It’s virtually impossible to gather funding for experimental devices for the blind,” he says. “The blind population is seen as a lost cause.” Kish’s patience is running thin. He is still reaching out to scientists and studying scholarly journals and pondering ways to conjure the money. But more and more these days, he finds himself daydreaming about rebuilding his cabin and devoting himself to playing music, to writing. Let the new crop of echolocators take over the research and the networking and the panhandling. So for the foreseeable future, at least, Kish will continue to click in his usual way. And the sighted world will c

experience of a father

2011-10-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

Kindly share my voice with your blog

Dear Madam Shazia hasan, I found your blog a big support for me and my wife. Please do us know if you are working from another plateform. I am a father of 4 daughters. When my fourth daughter was born, at first I was very disturbed, naturally we all were praying for a son. But slowly we accept that anyway having daughters is not crime. My sister helped me and my wife to be thankful of having 4 princess in our family.
But when our youngest daughter was a few months old we realized that there is something wrong with her. So we took her for check up. Dr.diagnosed her with blindness. We shared her case with almost all opthomologists of Pakistan, but the response was same. There is no chance to restore her sight back.

Now my daughter is 7 years old. As me and my wife dreamed to provide good quality education to our all children, we were unable to fine any good school for blind children in Pakistan. Most schools for blind are for poor welfare, but according to my understanding having blindness is not mean that a child is poor. My 3 daughters are in city school and having good quality education. Saima my youngest daughter often spent time sitting alone with her dreams. We often tried to talk with her, but she never share her feelings with us. Being a father I want to make my all daughters independent, specially saima. I don’t want her to be dependent on her sisters. The main problem which we suffered was, we don’t knew that how to brought up a blind child. But when my wife found your blog and contacted you, we learned many things. Thanks for your support.
If anyone have any idea about any good school for blind please share with us, because I don’t want to give emotional abuse to my daughter, according to my view environment is equal important than education. I often visited the welfare schools for blind and found the environment very tence. perhaps i am wrong but i visited their montisorri sections and the attitute of teachers were very harsh.

half mann

2011-10-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

In life we keep complaining.............

Half the time we seem dissatisfied, though full-bodied and free to choose. Fat people say, “I want to be slim." Skinny people say,” I want to be fatter."

Poor people want to be rich and rich are never satisfied with what they have.

PENG Shuilin is 78cms high. He was born in Hunan Province , China .

In 1995, in Shenzhen, a freight truck sliced his body in half.

His lower body and legs were beyond repair.

Surgeons sewed up his torso.

Peng Shuilin, 37, spent nearly two years in hospital in Shenzhen, southern C hina ,

undergoing a series of operations to re-route nearly every major organ or system inside his body.

Peng kept exercising his arms, building up strength, washing his face and brushing his teeth.

He survived against all odds.

Now Peng Shulin has astounded doctors by learning to walk again after a decade.

C onsidering Peng's plight, doctors at the C hina Rehabilitation Research C entre in Beijing devised an ingenious way to allow him to walk on his own,

creating a sophisticated egg cup-like casing to hold his body, with two bionic legs attached.

It took careful consideration, skilled measurement and technical expertise.

Peng has been walking the corridors of Beijing Rehabilitation C entre

with the aid of his specially adapted legs and a re-sized walking frame.

RGO is a recipicating gait orthosis, attached to a prosthetic socket bucket.

There is a cable attached to both legs so when one goes forward, the other goes backwards.

Rock to the side, add a bit of a twist and the leg without the weight on it advances, while the other one stays still, giving a highly inefficient way of ambulation.

Oh so satisfying to 'walk' again after ten years with half a body!

Hospital vice-president Lin Liu said: "We've just given him a checkup; he is fitter than most men his age."

Peng Shuilin has opened his own bargain supermarket,

called the Half Man-Half Price Store.

The inspirational 37-year-old has become a businessman

and is used as a role model for other amputees.

At just 2ft 7ins tall, he moves around in a wheelchair giving lectures on recovery from disability.

His attitude is amazing, he doesn't complain.

"He had good care, but his secret is cheerfulness. Nothing ever gets him down."

You have a whole body. You have feet.

Now you have met a man who has no feet.

His life is a feat of endurance, a triumph of the human spirit in overcoming extreme adversity.

Next time you want to complain about something trivial, don't.
Remember Peng Shulin instead.

Life Is a priceless Gift

Today, before you say an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early .....

Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job-Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they
had your job.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you’re alive and still
around which means opportunity to do good, opportunity to make amends, opportunity to improve

Wish for the other what you would want for yourself.

help the other achieve rather than pulling them down.

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Glaucoma patients report a wide range of emotional and psychological changes

2011-10-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

Glaucoma patients report a wide range of emotional and psychological changes

remarkable differently abled person

2011-09-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

A visually impaired man & his will to live life to the fullestDNA / Daniel Pinto / Monday, September 19, 2011 21:08 IST Heinrich Wagner is a visually impaired man, one who has brazenly performed numerous feats that would reduce most 'normal' human beings to quivering, cowering messes. Apart from participating in several endurance-testing marathons, the Capetonian has broken two land speed records, sky-dived from a height of 10,000 feet and bungee-jumped from one of the highest bridges in the world. Apart from cycling solo for 39km, Wagner has completed the 2011 ABSA Cape Epic (regarded as the Tour de France of mountain biking). Wagner took part in the Hong Kong Iron Man in 2006, completing 180km on a tandem bicycle in extreme weather conditions. He also tried his hand, successfully, at mountaineering and rafting. Oh, and he played in the 1998 blind cricket World Cup, which his side won. DNA's Daniel Pinto spoke to this indefatigable and unvanquished individual who is also a sought-after motivational speaker and was in Mumbai last week to address a gathering of top business executives. Excerpts: It's natural for people to dwell on things they can't change and attribute their failures to it. What made you different? I was born blind. For 25 years I was cross with god, the universe. Eighteen years ago I set sail on a 28-day journey from Cape Town to Rio [de Janeiro] with two blind mates and a hearing-impaired skipper. It was there that I experienced this big, beautiful world and realised that I was so small in the universe. It was then that I decided to live a full life and stop feeling sorry for myself and blaming the world for the fact that I couldn't see. What made you go in for adrenaline-pumping, physically challenging sports? It started out with me wanting to show the world, but then it came full circle after it became an option to market the abilities of differently abled people. I founded an organisation, VisionTree, in 2004 and all the adventurous activities I tackle are to fund it. After I completed a race on a tandem, the organisation was able to put six blind girls through six months of computer training. And the adrenaline rush, of course, is probably the closest I get to the sensation of sight. How do you deal with the concerns of family and friends about your physical well being? I respect them very much. I care for them, which is why when I'm about to face danger, I surround myself with professionals and people in the know, like terrain experts. When I broke the land speed record for the second time (after Wagner became the first South African to break a world land speed record in 2005, he went on to break the world blind land speed record by averaging a speed of 322.5kph in 2009), I consulted a professional racer in the UK and drove a Mercedes SL65 AMG which is a safe car. Adventure sports will always be risky. The element of risk adds to the adventure. My family has always been very supportive. When I broke the land speed record, it was two weeks before my wedding, and my wife was there at the event. So you can imagine! When it comes to making judgments and decisions, a lot depends on visual input. What system have you developed to aid you in your endeavours? Most of it comes from feeling. I'm good at picking things up through my senses. I've used my gut feeling. And, of course, I make mistakes, but that's why I travel. If you travel across different countries and experience different cultures, it expands your point of view and your frames of reference. How was your last visit to India? The last time I was in your country it was for the 1998 blind cricket World Cup in Delhi. I was playing for South Africa and there was huge support from the local crowd because we were up against Pakistan in the final. Are you a spiritual person? Yes, very much so. I think I am guided by my spirit. I believe in my instinct. I try to be in balance with my spiritual side. I spend time thinking about where I am at and I consider my opportunities. Tell us about your autobiographical show 'Bat Magic' that you perform at art festivals. The main driving force behind the show, which started in 2003, was to show the lighter side of living in darkness. The show managed to put across humour. It was very well received and when corporate presentations came along I was able to reuse material. Incidentally, the festival we launched the in 2003 was the place where I met my wife Melindi. As a man who has risen above circumstance, how would you define success? To use a quote, success is a progressive realisation of a worthwhile dream. Success is a vastly individual thing. But what's important is you have to live the ideal and it will become a reality. You have accomplished several things that are, in an understatement, astounding. What achievement are you proudest of? Accepting that I can't see since birth, and I've decided to accept things I can't change, I'm proud of everything that I've achieved so far. One of the best, though, was South Africa's victory at the blind cricket World Cup. That was amazing because teams of every cricket-playing nation took part! But I would say my greatest adventure was marrying my wife eight years ago. Life presents many adventures if you open your mind and heart to them. URL of the article: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/interview_a-visually-impaired-man-and-his-will-to-live-life-to-the-fullest_1589221

Tony Melendez, english subtitles must watch . http://michaeljournal.ca

2010-12-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

First talking computer

2010-11-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

(taken from the internet)
First Talking Computer
By

Leonard A. McHugh
February 1968, I began my career with the Pennsylvania Department of Highways later to become the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Here is where I first started working with the Burroughs Computers. By having the computer punched cards processed by a machine called an interpreter I was able to read them. This machine reads the card punches and types the character near the top. I would do this process two or three times making the print very dark. I would also request all printed output on carbon copied paper. The second copy was always dark. This allowed me to be able to read the program listings as well as locating cards that needed corrections.

As time went by technology improved as my sight simultaneously decreased. In the mid 1970s I acquired a full size close circuit television system that had a magnifying lens. With this I could read listings and some cards when necessary.

As upgrades to the computer were made a computer terminal called a CONRAC replaced the Teletype unit used by the computer operators at the main console. One of the Burroughs' field engineers discovered that he could greatly increase the height and width of the displayed characters. He could also change the contrast of the display to bright white letters on a total black background. I was able to utilize this terminal for many years. Finally in 1981 the decision to convert from Burroughs to IBM computers was made. This modified CONRAC was not compatible with the new IBM computers.

Unfortunately there was not enough contrast with the new IBM terminals to allow me to see the text. I became fearful that I could no longer work in this environment.

It was around this time that Maryland Computer Systems was developing a talking computer. This unit was built from a HP computer and was called ITS, Information Through Speech. Now another problem, like the CONRAC, ITS could not interface with an IBM computer.

I found a company in Boston called Industrial Computer Control. They were developing a converter that would make the HP computer function as an IBM terminal.

The converter cost $9,000 and ITS was $6,000. Success, I was the first person to have a talking terminal on an IBM mainframe computer. (See picture above. )

When all the bugs were worked out a press release was sent to the local papers. This story also was sent to wire services across the country as well as international.

I started receiving telephone calls from around the world. I had some long and interesting calls from England, Ireland, Canada as well as many from around the country.

I ended up giving many demonstrations of this new technology to other employers and caseworkers of blind clients.

Some of the phone calls were very interesting, although one particularly upset me. A woman called from Bell of Michigan. She informed me that she was reading a newspaper article about my talking computer. She went on to ask if I would like to move to Michigan and work for her. She then said "we have many government contracts and must hire some disabled people. It would be nice to hire someone who can do something." This upset me so much that I found myself speechless. If I remember correctly, I slammed down the phone.

Another call that was very interesting was from a man asking some very detailed questions. He went on to tell me that they were thinking of purchasing one hundred units. I asked him if they were hiring, it sounded like a great place to work. He went on telling me "No, they are not." He explained that they have a lot of people in a warehouse that can't read. He thought that these talking computers could solve their problem.

White Cane Safety day is coming

2010-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Ida Rieu teachers’ resource centre

Ida Rieu Teachers’ Resource Centre is organizing an awareness program on WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY. White cane day is celebrated all over the world on 15th October each year.

The program is designed for anyone who is interested in helping visually impaired persons of Pakistan.
The program will deal on
1. About white cane.
2. The importance of white cane.
3. Role of society in improving mobility of vi person.

Venue: Dr. Mohammad Hussain Panjwani school complex for the blind at the premises of Ida rieu welfare organization.

Date: Thursday 14, October 2010. Timings: 10 am sharp till 12 pm.

There is no registration fee,

Seats are limited so kindly book your seat.

For confirmation contact Shazia Hasan Program Manager Ida rieu teachers’ resource centre

E mail: s_hasan21@hotmail.com.

visually impair person can drive in future

2010-07-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

A car for blind drivers coming next year The National Federation of the Blind and Virginia Tech say they hopeto demonstrate a prototype equipped with technology that helps asightless personto get behind the wheel in 2011. The technology, called non-visualinterfaces, will guide its driver through traffic by transmittinginformation aboutnearby vehicles or objects. Vibrating gloves or streams of compressed air directed towards thedriver are among the options for communicating the information neededto avoid collisionsand reach a destination. Advocates for the blind describe the project as a “moon shot”, drawingparallels with President John F. Kennedy’s pledge to land a man on themoon. “We’re exploring areas that have previously been regarded asunexplorable,” said Mark Maurer, president of the National Federationof the Blind. “We’removing away from the theory that blindness ends the capacity of humanbeings to make contributions to society.” Here’s how the vehicle works: The steering wheel is hooked up to adistance monitor that gathers information from laser range finders. Voice software is used to direct the driver every second on exactlyhow far to turn the steering wheel. For example, the monitor will tellthe driver “turnleft three clicks.” As the driver does that, the monitor makes three clicking noises. Avibrating vest provides cues to follow when accelerating anddecelerating. The vest will vibrate in various spots–the back, abdominal area andthe shoulders–to relay a variety of commands. When a driver needs to“Hit the brakes!”the entire vest will vibrate to a fare-thee-well!
)taken from the internet)

great news for vi persons

2010-06-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

(taken from the internet)
June 18 (Bloomberg) -- Patients blinded in one or both eyes bychemical burns regained their vision after healthy stem cells wereextracted from their eyes and reimplanted, according to a report byItalian researchers at a scientific meeting. The tissue was drawn from the limbus, an area at the junction of thecornea and white part of the eye. It was grown on a fibrous tissue,then layered onto the damaged eyes. The cells grew into healthycorneal tissue, transforming disfigured, opaque eyes into functioningones with normal appearance and color, said researchers led byGraziella Pellegrini of the University of Modena’s Center forRegenerative Medicine. The stem-cell treatment restored sight to more than three- quarters ofthe 112 patients treated, Pellegrini said yesterday in a presentationat the International Society for Stem Cell Research meeting. Thepatients were followed for an average of three years and some for aslong as a decade, Pellegrini said. “The patients, they are happy, even the partial successes,” she saidin an interview at the meeting in San Francisco. “We have a couple ofpatients who were blind in both eyes. Can you imagine for thesepatients the change in their quality of life?” The work was praised by Ivan Schwab, an ophthalmology professor andstem cell researcher at the University of California, Davis, who hastreated patients in clinical trials with a procedure based onPellegrini’s work. While his patients improved for a time, thebenefits didn’t endure, he said in a June 15 telephone interview.Pellegrini’s patients appear to have long-term improvement, he said. “The powerful part of her work is she has such long-term follow-up,”Schwab said. Many of the patients she treated had been blind for years as result oftissue and blood vessels growing over damaged parts of the eye. Somehad been through failed surgeries and alternative treatments.Pellegrini estimated 1,000 to 2,000 patients in Europe suffer fromburns with chemicals such as bleach or industrial solvents and maybenefit from the procedure. The key to success is to be certain that when the stem cells extractedfrom the limbus are grown in culture they have the right mix of stemcells and the differentiated cells that form the corneal tissue,Pellegrini said. If there are too few stem cells in the transplant,the improvement won’t last because there will be no reservoir to formthe new corneal cells needed with the normal recycling of cells overtime, she said. The procedure succeeded after a single transplant in 69 percent ofcases. A second procedure was performed on some patients, boosting thesuccess rate to 77 percent, she said. The procedure was deemed apartial success in 13 percent of cases and a failure in 10 percent,she said. Depending on the depth of the injury, some patients regained sight inas little as two months, Pellegrini said. Others with deeper injuriesneeded a second procedure and waited a year before sight was restored,she said. The applications of the work may extend to other organs, Schwab said. “This is bigger than just the surface of the eye,” he said. “She maybe making a model for how to regenerate livers or other organs.”

The Best Motivation Video

2010-05-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Golfer or not!

2010-04-14T20:13:00.001-07:00

The Amazing Story of courage and determination

And we complain about anything....

GOLFER OR NOT: WATCH THIS.

AMAZING VIDEO

Whether you're a golfer or not, this is something to see
Near the end of video watch how this guy tees up his ball.

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/meet-butch-lumpkin-9477/?ref=26000

always be calm

2010-03-30T22:00:00.001-07:00

ANGER MANAGEMENT

“Anger is the key that opens the door to all kinds of vices” – Imam Hassan Askari (a.s)
A man came out of his home to admire his new car. To his horror his little son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, and hammered the little boy’s hand into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital. Upon taking a closer look, the man saw that his little boy had etched the words, “I LOVE YOU DAD” on the car.
Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy’s hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said “Dad, I’m sorry about your car.” Then he asked, “But when are my fingers going to grow back?’
Harmful effects of anger:
· Increases frustration
· Prevents one from finding a solution to the problem.
· Makes one physically sick
· It’s a cause for break in human relationships
· Anger is responsible for one of the most depraved human behavior – child & wife abuse.
Anger Management:
· "And if an evil suggestion comes to you from shaytan, then seek refuge in Allah, He is hearing and knowing." (Qur'an 7:200) Therefore when one is angry he should immediately say “`ûdhû billâhi min ash-shaytân ir rajîm”

· Do wudu The holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) has said "Anger from shaytan, shaytan from fire; fire is put out by water; so when angry do wudu"
· Change body position. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) said, "If one of you gets angry while standing, he should sit. If he is still angry, he should lie down."
· Divert attention away from the cause of anger and participate in strenuous physical activity aiming at letting steam out and relaxing muscles
· Be silent, don't speak. The Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) said, "Teach, simplify, don't complicate and if you get angry be silent
· Try to pinpoint the exact reasons why you feel angry. Once you identified the problem, consider coming up with different strategies on how to remedy the situation.
· Forgive & forget. Remember the rewards and virtues of patience, mercy, and forgiveness. The Qur'an 42:47 speaks of forgiveness, "And those who avoid major sins and immoralities and when angry they forgive."

Hope is the key of success

2010-03-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

(taken from the internet)
a Guy who got into Google

God has always been planning things for me'
July 28, 2008
Shobha Warrier

Naga Naresh Karutura has just passed out of IIT Madras in Computer Science and has joined Google in Bangalore.

You may ask, what's so special about this 21-year-old when there are hundreds of students passing out from various IITs and joining big companies like Google?

Naresh is special. His parents are illiterate. He has no legs and moves around in his powered wheel chair. (In fact, when I could not locate his lab, he told me over the mobile phone, 'I will come and pick you up'. And in no time, he was there to guide me)

Ever smiling, optimistic and full of spirit; that is Naresh. He says, "God has always been planning things for me. That is why I feel I am lucky."

Read why Naresh feels he is lucky.

Childhood in a village

I spent the first seven years of my life in Teeparru, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the river Godavari. My father Prasad was a lorry driver and my mother Kumari, a house wife. Though they were illiterate, my parents instilled in me and my elder sister (Sirisha) the importance of studying.

Looking back, one thing that surprises me now is the way my father taught me when I was in the 1st and 2nd standards. My father would ask me questions from the text book, and I would answer them. At that time, I didn't know he could not read or write but to make me happy, he helped me in my studies!

Another memory that doesn't go away is the floods in the village and how I was carried on top of a buffalo by my uncle. I also remember plucking fruits from a tree that was full of thorns.

I used to be very naughty, running around and playing all the time with my friends.. I used to get a lot of scolding for disturbing the elders who slept in the afternoon. The moment they started scolding, I would run away to the fields!

I also remember finishing my school work fast in class and sleeping on the teacher's lap!

January 11, 1993, the fateful day

On the January 11, 1993 when we had the sankranti holidays, my mother took my sister and me to a nearby village for a family function. From there we were to go with our grandmother to our native place. But my grandmother did not come there. As there were no buses that day, my mother took a lift in my father's friend's lorry. As there were many people in the lorry, he made me sit next to him, close to the door.

It was my fault; I fiddled with the door latch and it opened wide throwing me out. As I fell, my legs got cut by the iron rods protruding from the lorry. Nothing happened to me except scratches on my legs.

The accident had happened just in front of a big private hospital but they refused to treat me saying it was an accident case. Then a police constable who was passing by took us to a government hospital.

First I underwent an operation as my small intestine got twisted. The doctors also bandaged my legs. I was there for a week. When the doctors found that gangrene had developed and it had reached up to my knees, they asked my father to take me to a district hospital. There, the doctors scolded my parents a lot for neglecting the wounds and allowing the gangrene to develop. But what could my ignorant parents do?

In no time, both my legs were amputated up to the hips.

I remember waking up and asking my mother, where are my legs? I also remember that my mother cried when I asked the question. I was in the hospital for three months.

Life without legs

I don't think my life changed dramatically after I lost both my legs. Because all at home were doting on me, I was enjoying all the attention rather than pitying myself. I was happy that I got a lot of fruits and biscuits.

'I never wallowed in self-pity'
July 28, 2008

The day I reached my village, my house was flooded with curious people; all of them wanted to know how a boy without legs looked. But I was not bothered; I was happy to see so many of them coming to see me, especially my friends!
All my friends saw to it that I was part of all the games they played; they carried me everywhere.

God's hand

I believe in God. I believe in destiny. I feel he plans everything for you. If not for the accident, we would not have moved from the village to Tanuku, a town. There I joined a missionary school, and my father built a house next to the school. Till the tenth standard, I studied in that school.

If I had continued in Teeparu, I may not have studied after the 10th. I may have started working as a farmer or someone like that after my studies. I am sure God had other plans for me.

My sister, my friend

When the school was about to reopen, my parents moved from Teeparu to Tanuku, a town, and admitted both of us in a Missionary school. They decided to put my sister also in the same class though she is two years older. They thought she could take care of me if both of us were in the same class. My sister never complained.

She would be there for everything. Many of my friends used to tell me, you are so lucky to have such a loving sister. There are many who do not care for their siblings.

She carried me in the school for a few years and after a while, my friends took over the task. When I got the tricycle, my sister used to push me around in the school.

My life, I would say, was normal, as everyone treated me like a normal kid. I never wallowed in self-pity. I was a happy boy and competed with others to be on top and the others also looked at me as a competitor.

Inspiration

I was inspired by two people when in school; my Maths teacher Pramod Lal who encouraged me to participate in various local talent tests, and a brilliant boy called Chowdhary, who was my senior.

When I came to know that he had joined Gowtham Junior College to prepare for IIT-JEE, it became my dream too. I was school first in 10th scoring 542/600.

Because I topped in the state exams, Gowtham Junior College waived the fee for me. Pramod Sir's recommendation also helped. The fee was around Rs 50,000 per year, which my parents could never afford.

Moving to a residential school

Living in a residential school was a big change for me because till then my life centred around home and school and I had my parents and sister to take care of all my needs. It was the first time that I was interacting with society. It took one year for me to adjust to the new life.

There, my inspiration was a boy called K K S Bhaskar who was in the top 10 in IIT-JEE exams. He used to come to our school to encourage us. Though my parents didn't know anything about Gowtham Junior School or IIT, they always saw to it that I was encouraged in whatever I wanted to do.. If the results were good, they would praise me to the skies and if bad, they would try to see something good in that. They did not want me to feel bad.

They are such wonderful supportive parents.

Life at IIT- Madras

Though my overall rank in the IIT-JEE was not that great (992), I was 4th in the physically handicapped category. So, I joined IIT, Madras to study Computer Science.

Here, my role model was Karthik who was also my senior in school. I looked up to him during my years at IIT- Madras.

He had asked for attached bathrooms for those with special needs before I came here itself. So, when I came here, the room had attached bath. He used to help me and guide me a lot when I was here.

I evolved as a person in these four years, both academically and personally. It has been a great experience studying here. The people I was interacting with were so brilliant that I felt privileged to sit along with them in the class. Just by speaking to my lab mates, I gained a lot..

'There are more good people in society than bad ones'

July 28, 2008

Words are inadequate to express my gratitude to Prof Pandurangan and all my lab mates; all were simply great. I was sent to Boston along with four others for our internship by Prof Pandurangan. It was a great experience.

Joining Google R&D

I did not want to pursue PhD as I wanted my parents to take rest now.

Morgan Stanley selected me first but I preferred Google because I wanted to work in pure computer science, algorithms and game theory.

I am lucky

Do you know why I say I am lucky?

I get help from total strangers without me asking for it. Once after my second year at IIT, I with some of my friends was travelling in a train for a conference. We met a kind gentleman called Sundar in the train, and he has been taking care of my hostel fees from then on.

I have to mention about Jaipur foot. I had Jaipur foot when I was in 3rd standard. After two years, I stopped using them. As I had almost no stems on my legs, it was very tough to tie them to the body. I found walking with Jaipur foot very, very slow. Sitting also was a problem. I found my tricycle faster because I am one guy who wants to do things faster.

One great thing about the hospital is, they don't think their role ends by just fixing the Jaipur foot; they arrange for livelihood for all. They asked me what help I needed from them. I told them at that time, if I got into an IIT, I needed financial help from them. So, from the day I joined IIT, Madras, my fees were taken care of by them. So, my education at the IIT was never a burden on my parents and they could take care of my sister's Nursing studies.

Surprise awaited me at IIT

After my first year, when I went home, two things happened here at the Institute without my knowledge.

I got a letter from my department that they had arranged a lift and ramps at the department for me. It also said that if I came a bit early and checked whether it met with my requirements, it would be good.

Second surprise was, the Dean, Prof Idichandy and the Students General Secretary, Prasad had located a place that sold powered wheel chairs. The cost was Rs 55,000. What they did was, they did not buy the wheel chair; they gave me the money so that the wheel chair belonged to me and not the institute.

My life changed after that. I felt free and independent.

That's why I say I am lucky. God has planned things for me and takes care of me at every step.

The world is full of good people

I also feel if you are motivated and show some initiative, people around you will always help you. I also feel there are more good people in society than bad ones. I want all those who read this to feel that if Naresh can achieve something in life, you can too. (via : email)

brain port

2010-03-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

How BrainPort Works
by Julia Layton

Browse the article How BrainPort WorksIntroduction to How the BrainPort Works

The BrainPort technology maniuplates the brain's sensory input and can allow the blind to see. See more BrainPort images.

A blind woman sits in a chair holding a video camera focused on a scientist sitting in front of her. She has a device in her mouth, touching her tongue, and there are wires running from that device to the video camera. The woman has been blind since birth and doesn't really know what a rubber ball looks like, but the scientist is holding one. And when he suddenly rolls it in her direction, she puts out a hand to stop it. The blind woman saw the ball. Through her tongue.
Well, not exactly through her tongue, but the device in her mouth sent visual input through her tongue in much the same way that seeing individuals receive visual input through the eyes. In both cases, the initial sensory input mechanism -- the tongue or the eyes -- sends the visual data to the brain, where that data is processed and interpreted to form images. What we're talking about here is electrotactile stimulation for sensory augmentation or substitution, an area of study that involves using encoded electric current to represent sensory information -- information that a person cannot receive through the traditional channel -- and applying that current to the skin, which sends the information to the brain. The brain then learns to interpret that sensory information as if it were being sent through the traditional channel for such data. In the 1960s and '70s, this process was the subject of ground-breaking research in sensory substitution at the Smith-Kettlewell Institute led by Paul Bach-y-Rita, MD, Professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Now it's the basis for Wicab's BrainPort technology (Dr. Bach-y-Rita is also Chief Scientist and Chairman of the Board of Wicab).

Vibration
Electricity isn't the only type of stimulation used in high-tech sensory substitution devices. There are devices that use"vibrotactile" stimulation, among other means, to send information to the brain through an alternate sensory channel. In a vibrotactile stimulation device, encoded sensory signals are applied to the skin by one or more vibrating pins. Tactaid, an auditory substitution device, uses this type of technology.

Most of us are familiar with the augmentation or substitution of one sense for another. Eyeglasses are a typical example of sensory augmentation. Braille is a typical example of sensory substitution -- in this case, you're using one sense, touch, to take in information normally intended for another sense, vision. Electrotactile stimulation is a higher-tech method of receiving somewhat similar (although more surprising) results, and it's based on the idea that the brain can interpret sensory information even if it's not provided via the "natural" channel. Dr. Bach-y-Rita puts it this way:

... we do not see with the eyes; the optical image does not go beyond the retina where it is turned into spatio-temporal nerve patterns of [impulses] along the optic nerve fibers. The brain then recreates the images from analysis of the impulse patterns.
The multiple channels that carry sensory information to the brain, from the eyes, ears and skin, for instance, are set up in a similar manner to perform similar activities. All sensory information sent to the brain is carried by nerve fibers in the form of patterns of impulses, and the impulses end up in the different sensory centers of the brain for interpretation. To substitute one sensory input channel for another, you need to correctly encode the nerve signals for the sensory event and send them to the brain through the alternate channel. The brain appears to be flexible when it comes to interpreting sensory input. You can train it to read input from, say, the tactile channel, as visual or balance information, and to act on it accordingly. In JS Online's "Device may be new pathway to the brain," University of Wisconsin biomedical engineer and BrainPort technology co-inventor Mitch Tyler states, "It's a great mystery as to how that process takes place, but the brain can do it if you give it the right information."

In the next section, we'll look more closely at the concepts of electrotactile stimulation.

Concepts of Electrotactile Stimulation

The concepts at work behind electrotactile stimulation for sensory substitution are complex, and the mechanics of implementation are no less so. The idea is to communicate non-tactile information via electrical stimulation of the sense of touch. In practice, this typically means that an array of electrodes receiving input from a non-tactile information source (a camera, for instance) applies small, controlled, painless currents (some subjects report it feeling something like soda bubbles) to the skin at precise locations according to an encoded pattern. The encoding of the electrical pattern essentially attempts to mimic the input that would normally be received by the non-functioning sense. So patterns of light picked up by a camera to form an image, replacing the perception of the eyes, are converted into electrical pulses that represent those patterns of light. When the encoded pulses are applied to the skin, the skin is actually receiving image data. According to Dr. Kurt Kaczmarek, BrainPort technology co-inventor and Senior Scientist with the University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, what happens next is that "the electric field thus generated in subcutaneous tissue directly excites the afferent nerve fibers responsible for normal, mechanical touch sensations." Those nerve fibers forward their image-encoded touch signals to the tactile-sensory area of the cerebral cortex, the parietal lobe.

Mouse-over the part labels of the brain to see where those parts are located.

Under normal circumstances, the parietal lobe receives touch information,
the temporal lobe receives auditory information, the occipital lobe receives
vision information and the cerebellum receives balance information.
(The frontal lobe is responsible for all sorts of higher brain functions,
and the brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord.)

Within this system, arrays of electrodes can be used to communicate non-touch information through pathways to the brain normally used for touch-related impulses. It's a fairly popular area of study right now, and researchers are looking at endless ways to utilize the apparent willingness of the brain to adapt to cross-sensory input. Scientists are studying how to use electrotactile stimulation to provide sensory information to the vision impaired, the hearing impaired, the balance impaired and those who have lost the sense of touch in certain skin areas due to nerve damage. One particularly fascinating aspect of the research focuses on how to quantify certain sensory information in terms of electrical parameters -- in other words, how to convey "tactile red" using the characteristics of electricity.

This is a field of scientific study that has been around for nearly a century, but it has picked up steam in the last few decades. The miniaturization of electronics and increasingly powerful computers have made this type of system a marketable reality instead of just a really impressive laboratory demonstration. Enter BrainPort, a device that uses electrotactile stimulation to transmit non-tactile sensory information to the brain. BrainPort uses thetongue as a substitute sensory channel. In the next section, we'll get inside BrainPort.

BrainPort

Photo courtesy Wicab, Inc.
BrainPort balance device

Scientists have been studying electrotactile presentation of visual information since the early 1900s, at least. These research setups typically used a camera to set current levels for a matrix of electrodes that spatially corresponded to the camera's light sensors. The person touching the matrix could visually perceive the shape and spatial orientation of the object on which the camera was focused. BrainPort builds on this technology and is arguably more streamlined, controlled and sensitive than the systems that came before it.
For one thing, BrainPort uses the tongue instead of the fingertips, abdomen or back used by other systems. The tongue is more sensitive than other skin areas -- the nerve fibers are closer to the surface, there are more of them and there is no stratum corneum (an outer layer of dead skin cells) to act as an insulator. It requires less voltage to stimulate nerve fibers in the tongue -- 5 to 15 volts compared to 40 to 500 volts for areas like the fingertips or abdomen. Also, saliva contains electrolytes, free ions that act as electrical conductors, so it helps maintain the flow of current between the electrode and the skin tissue. And the area of the cerebral cortex that interprets touch data from the tongue is larger than the areas serving other body parts, so the tongue is a natural choice for conveying tactile-based data to the brain.

Wicab is currently seeking FDA approval for a balance-correction BrainPort application. A person whose vestibular system, the overall balance mechanism that begins in the inner ears, is damaged has little or no sense of balance -- in severe cases, he may have to grip the wall to make it down a hallway, or be unable to walk at all. Some inner-ear disorders include bilateral vestibular disorders (BVD), acoustic neuroma and Meniere's disease, and the sense of balance can also be affected by common conditions like migraines and strokes. The BrainPort balance device can help people with balance problems to retrain their brains to interpret balance information coming from their tongue instead of their inner ear.

Photo courtesy Wicab, Inc.
BrainPort balance components simplified

An accelerometer is a device that measures, among other things, tilt with respect to the pull of gravity. The accelerometer on the underside of the 10-by-10 electrode array transmits data about head position to the CPU through the communication circuitry. When the head tilts right, the CPU receives the "right" data and sends a signal telling the electrode array to provide current to the right side of the wearer's tongue. When the head tilts left, the device buzzes the left side of the tongue. When the head is level, BrainPort sends a pulse to the middle of the tongue. After multiple sessions with the device, the subject's brain starts to pick up on the signals as indicating head position -- balance information that normally comes from the inner ear -- instead of just tactile information.

Wicab conducted a clinical trial with the balance device in 2005 with 28 subjects suffering from bilateral vestibular disorders (BVD). After training on BrainPort, all of the subjects regained their sense of balance for a period of time, sometimes up to six hours after each 20-minute BrainPort session. They could control their body movements and walk steadily in a variety of environments with a normal gait and with fine-motor control. They experienced muscle relaxation, emotional calm, improved vision and depth perception and normalized sleep patterns.

In the next section we'll look at the BrainPort vision device.

The BrainPort Vision Device

Test results for the BrainPort vision device are no less encouraging, although Wicab has not yet performed formal clinical trials with the setup. According to the University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology, 100 million people in the United States alone suffer from visual impairment. This might be age-related, including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, from diseases like trachoma, diabetes or HIV, or the result of eye trauma from an accident. BrainPort could provide vision-impaired people with limited forms of sight.

Photo courtesy Wicab, Inc.
Prototype BrainPort vision components simplified

To produce tactile vision, BrainPort uses a camera to capture visual data. The optical information -- light that would normally hit the retina -- that the camera picks up is in digital form, and it uses radio signals to send the ones and zeroes to the CPU for encoding. Each set of pixels in the camera's light sensor corresponds to an electrode in the array. The CPU runs a program that turns the camera's electrical information into a spatially encoded signal. The encoded signal represents differences in pixel data as differences in pulse characteristics such as frequency, amplitude and duration. Multidimensional image information takes the form of variances in pulse current or voltage, pulse duration, intervals between pulses and the number of pulses in a burst, among other parameters. According to U.S. Patent 6,430,450, licensed to Wicab for the BrainPort application:

To the extent that a trained user may simultaneously distinguish between multiple of these characteristics of amplitude, width and frequency, the pulses may convey multidimensional information in much the same way that the eye perceives color from the independent stimulation of different color receptors.
The electrode array receives the resulting signal via the stimulation circuitry and applies it to the tongue. The brain eventually learns to interpret and use the information coming from the tongue as if it were coming from the eyes.
After training in laboratory tests, blind subjects were able to perceive visual traits like looming, depth, perspective, size and shape. The subjects could still feel the pulses on their tongue, but they could also perceive images generated from those pulses by their brain. The subjects perceived the objects as "out there" in front of them, separate from their own bodies. They could perceive and identify letters of the alphabet. In one case, when blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer was testing out the device, he was able to locate his wife in a forest. One of the most common questions at this point is, "Are they really seeing?" That all depends on how you define vision. If seeing means you can identify the letter "T" somewhere outside yourself, sense when that "T" is getting larger, smaller, changing orientation or moving farther away from your own body, then they're really seeing. One study that conducted PET brain scans of congenitally blind people while they were using the BrainPort vision device found that after several sessions with BrainPort, the vision centers of the subjects' brains lit up when visual information was sent to the brain through the tongue. If "seeing" means there's activity in the vision center of the cerebral cortex, then the blind subjects are really seeing.

The BrainPort test results are somewhat astonishing and lead many to wonder about the scope of applications for the technology. In the next section, we'll see which BrainPort applications Wicab is currently focusing on in clinical trials, what other applications it foresees for the technology and how close it is to commercially launching a consumer-friendly version of the device.

Current and Potential Applications

Photo courtesy Wicab, Inc.
BrainPort Balance Device

While the full spectrum of BrainPort applications has yet to realized, the device has the potential to lessen an array of sensory limitations and to alleviate the symptoms of a variety of disorders. Just a few of the current or foreseeable medical applications include:
providing elements of sight for the visually impaired
providing sensory-motor training for stroke patients
providing tactile information for a part of the body with nerve damage
alleviating balance problems, posture-stability problems and muscle rigidity in people with balance disorders and Parkinson's disease
enhancing the integration and interpretation of sensory information in autistic people
Beyond medical applications, Wicab has been exploring potential military uses with a grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The company is looking into underwater applications that could provide the Navy SEALs with navigation information and orientation signals in dark, murky water (this type of setup could ultimately find a major commercial market with recreational SCUBA divers). The BrainPort electrodes would receive input from a sonar device to provide not only directional cues but also a visual sense of obstacles and terrain. Military-navigation applications could extend to soldiers in the field when radio communication is dangerous or impossible or when their eyes, ears and hands are needed to manage other things -- things that might blow up. BrainPort may also provide expanded information for military pilots, such as a pulse on the tongue to indicate approaching aircraft or to indicate that they must take immediate action. With training, that pulse on their tongue could elicit a faster reaction time than a visual cue from a light on the dashboard, since the visual cue must be processed by the retina before it's forwarded to the brain for interpretation.
Other potential BrainPort applications include robotic surgery. The surgeon would wear electrotactile gloves to receive tactile input from robotic probes inside someone's chest cavity. In this way, the surgeon could feel what he's doing as he controls the robotic equipment. Race car drivers might use a version of BrainPort to train their brains for faster reaction times, and gamers might use electrotactile feedback gloves or controllers to feel what they're doing in a video game. A gaming BrainPort could also use a tactile-vision process to let gamers perceive additional information that isn't displayed on the screen.

BrainPort is currently conducting a second round of clinical trials as it works its way through the FDA approval process for the balance device. The company estimates a commercial release in late 2006, with a roughly estimated selling price of $10,000 per unit.

Already more streamlined than any previous setup using electrotactile stimulation for sensory substitution, BrainPort envisions itself even smaller and less obtrusive in the future. In the case of the balance device, all of the electronics in the handheld part of the system might fit into a discreet mouthpiece. A dental-retainer-like unit would house a battery, the electrode array and all of the microelectronics necessary for signal encoding and transmitting. In the case of the BrainPort vision device, the electronics might be completely embedded in a pair of glasses along with a tiny camera and radio transmitter, and the mouthpiece would house a radio receiver to receive encoded signals from the glasses. It's not exactly a system on a chip, but give it 20 years -- we might be seeing a camera the size of a grain of rice embedded in people's foreheads by then.

For more information on BrainPort and related topics, check out the links on the next page.

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

How the Brain Works
How Corrective Lenses Work
How Digital Cameras Work
How Light Works
How Vision Works
More Great Links

JS Online: Device may be new pathway to the brain
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development: Form perception with a 49-point electrotactile stimulus array on the tongue: A technical note
Seeing with Sound: The vOICe
University of Wisconsin: Tongue Display Technology
U.S. Patent #6,430,450: Tongue placed tactile output device
Wicab, Inc.
Sources

Bach-y-Rita, Paul et al. "Form perception with a 49-point electrotactile stimulus array on the tongue: A technical note." Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 1998.
http://kaz.med.wisc.edu/Publications/1998-BachyRita-JRRD-Tongue.pdf
Blakeslee, Sandra. "New Tools to Help Patients Reclaim Damaged Senses." New York Times, Nov. 23, 2004.
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041123/ZNYT05/411230391/1051/NEWS01
Kaczmarek, Kurt, Ph.D. "Tongue Display Technology." University of Wisconsin, Aug. 18, 2005.
http://kaz.med.wisc.edu/Publicity/Synopsis.html
Kupers, Ron et al. "Activation of visual cortex by electrotactile stimulation of the tongue in early-blind subjects." Human Brain Mapping 2003.
http://208.164.121.55/hbm2003/abstract/abstract1557.htm
Manning, Joe. "Device may be new pathway to the brain." JS Online, Dec. 7, 2004.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=282145
Phone interview with Kurt Kaczmarek, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Medicine. July 7, 2006.
Ptito, Maurice et al. "Cross-modal plasticity revealed by electrotactile stimulation of the tongue in the congenitally blind." Brain, 2005.
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/128/3/606
U.S. Patent #6,430,450. "Tongue placed tactile output device."
Wicab, Inc.
http://www.wicab.com/
"Wicab to present BrainPort at Boston conference." WTN News. Oct. 4, 2005.
http://wistechnology.com/printarticle.php?id=2319

proud to be a teacher!

2010-03-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

WHAT DO TEACHERS MAKE....?

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Barbara. Be honest. What do you make?"

Barbara, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, and then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents CAN'T make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding ISN'T EVERYTHING.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in maths. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life (Barbara paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER, EVERY CEO, AND EVERY PERSON YOU KNOW.

Even all your personal teachers like mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, coaches, and others.

A profound answer!!!

this is life

2010-02-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

This is UTUBE clip of the person who has no legs and limbs (arms) and lives a full life

Subject: i love living life and i m happy(inspirational)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY&feature=related

oratio

2010-02-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

taken from internet
Oratio for BlackBerry ® is now availableLongueuil, QC, Canada and Barcelona, Spain, February 1st, 2010 –HumanWare and Code Factory are pleased to announce that Oratio forBlackBerry(R) smartphones is now available for purchase. Formallyknown as Orator for BlackBerry smartphones, Oratio is the first screenreader software solution that enables visually impaired users toaccess and operate BlackBerry smartphones using state of the artText-To-Speech technology to convert the visual information displayedon the BlackBerry smartphone screen into a intuitive speech output.This enables its users to use BlackBerry smartphones to increase theirindependence and productivity in today’s competitive world.The name was changed from Orator to Oratio to avoid any confusionwith an existing product called Orator being manufactured by atelecommunications company in the USA. “Although we got accustomed tothe name Orator for BlackBerry in the last few months, Oratio is lessgeneric and provides a more personalized name and sound for theproduct” says Michel Pepin, Product Manager at HumanWare. Availability:Oratio will first be released in North America in English, supportingthe BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone from AT&T, available throughonline purchasing from www.oratio4bb.com for $449 US for a singlelicense. Support for additional BlackBerry smartphone models andlanguages will be available in subsequent versions of Oratio.Oratio is the product of the joint collaborative efforts betweenHumanWare, Code Factory, the leading provider of screen readertechnology and maker of Mobile Speak, and Research In Motion (RIM),the maker of the award winning portfolio of BlackBerry products andsolutions. Oratio users will experience more freedom and independencein their activities with the ability to stay connected anytime,anywhere. Users will also experience greater flexibility to managetheir day-to-day activities in ways that are most convenient for them,increase their productivity and achieve more by quickly andefficiently accessing information they need.Oratio also provides employers with an accommodation solution forblind and visually impaired employees that leverages an organization'sexisting investment in BlackBerry infrastructure and technologies.Feature rich, through its easy to use menu and efficient shortcutkeys, Oratio will provide users with:Intuitive and familiar audio user interface.Easy-to-use customization options for frequently used settings.Auto start mode when the device turns on.Different verbosity levels to allow users to define the amount ofinformation provided.Keyboard echo settings for text entry.Easy to use command structure.Support for BlackBerry smartphone's core applications.BlackBerry smartphones offer multiple applications essential in abusiness environment. Oratio was designed to support the coreapplication found on the BlackBerry smatrtphones allowing visuallyimpaired users to:Manage instant messaging, emails, SMS and MMS.Make and receive calls with access to caller ID on incoming calls.Manage contact list and call log.Schedule appointments and tasks with alarms and reminders.Access to the phone's settings, ring tones, speed dials and voice tags.“Oratio is the first screen reader solution for a JavaME operatingsoftware (O/S). While this first release version may not answer eachspecific individual user's needs, HumanWare, with the jointcollaboration of RIM and Code Factory, remain dedicated and committedto the future development growth of the product. We invite Oratiousers to share their experiences with the product. This will provideus with directions on how to improve their BlackBerry smartphoneexperience” says Michel Pepin. “Our goal is to provide equal access tovisually impaired users by enabling them to access and operateBlackBerry devices in a manner that is functionally equivalent tosolutions offered to sighted BlackBerry users”.

new technology

2010-01-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

(taken from the internet)
otes)

During the past ten years, evolutions in many fields of technology have influenced the lives of all of us, and especially the world's blind population. Advancements in speech synthesis have led to the usability of many different operating systems, Linux among them. One of these programs, and by far one of the best, is a screen review package called Speakup, written by Kirk Reiser with assistance from the user community. Speakup is unique in the sense that it integrates seamlessly into the kernel, allowing it to talk from startup to shutdown, and even to debug kernel errors, which I can testify to from personal experience. It also makes the installation of a Linux system much easier, because one does not usually require a serial console or sighted assistance to complete the installation process.

A screen review package is a program that takes the text displayed on the screen, and outputs it in spoken words. The actual speaking is done by a speech synthesizer, which can come in either hardware or software versions. Hardware synthesizers are either external boxes with headphone jacks and volume knobs that plug in to your computer via serial or USB ports, or ISA or PCI cards that have an output jack for a speaker or headphones. Software synthesizers are actual software programs that handle all the processing of the text into spoken words and output it through the computer's sound card. Speakup supports both hardware and software synthesizers, though software synthesizers require a user-space program and thus can't load at kernel boot, as we'll discuss later. Speakup's key features include seamless integration, logical key layout, support for laptop keyboards, easy adjustability of speech settings and support for software synthesizers.

Features
Speakup is packed full of features, some of which you won't find in any other screen reader. In order to read text, Speakup uses an invisible review cursor. At the same time, however, Speakup tracks the system cursor, to facilitate navigation in menus, editors and similar situations. To perform tasks such as moving the review cursor around, Speakup uses the numeric keypad, hereafter referred to as the numpad.

The numpad Enter key silences speech until the next key press, which is very useful for quieting boot-up messages and/or frequently heard text. It also synchronizes the location of the review cursor with the system cursor, facilitating many different operations. Insert plus numpad Enter silences reading of new text until this combination is pressed again, but still allows you to move around the screen.

The numpad plus key reads the entire screen. The numpad 0, or insert, is used as a key modifier similar to Alt, Ctrl or Shift. Speakup also respects numlock, still allowing the user to enter numbers from the numpad if necessary. Numpad keys 7–9 go up a line, read the current line and go down a line, respectively. A similar arrangement is used for words on numpad 4–6, and with characters on numpad 1–3. The numpad slash marks a spot on the screen, and if there is a spot already marked, it copies the text into memory. Insert plus numpad slash inputs any previously copied text, which usually results in pasting it to the location of the system cursor.

The numpad minus parks the review cursor. Parking means that the review cursor's location will not be moved unless the user moves it; this is useful for tracking text that changes but is not at the cursor, requiring you to move to it constantly. This functionality is also in the windowing system, which will be covered shortly. Numpad star toggles on and off cursor tracking. This is different from parking the review cursor, because parking does not affect what is actually spoken, just where the review cursor is. Cursor tracking always speaks what is at the cursor, which is optimum for menus and editors, but occasionally you may need to turn it off.

Laptops
For laptops, Speakup has a set of key assignments as well. These center around the Caps Lock key or Windows logo key if it is present on the keyboard. While the Caps Lock key is down, the letters I, O and U act as the numpad 7–9. Thus, you have a very similar arrangement to what you have on the numpad. Some things are different—for instance, Caps Lock plus Enter acts as numpad Enter, but overall it's very similar and easy to learn. When referring to either the the Caps Lock/Windows key or numpad Insert key simultaneously, they are called the Speakup key.

Adjusting Settings
Adjusting speech settings, such as volume, rate, pitch and tone, can be done in two ways.

The first, and probably the easiest, is to use the Speakup key plus the numbers on the number row. The Speakup key plus 1 and 2 decrement and increment the volume, respectively; 3 and 4 do the same with pitch; and finally 5 and 6 do the same with rate. The Speakup key plus F9 and F10 control punctuation, and the Speakup key plus F11 and F12 control the punctuation only for reading.

The Speakup key plus F5 lets you edit the “some” punctuation level. It works by toggling the punctuation that you press, as to whether it is spoken in the specified level. The Speakup key plus F6 does the same for the “most” punctuation level, and Speakup key plus F7 lets you edit what delimiters are used when moving by words; usually it is spacing and certain punctuation.

The other method of changing speech settings is to use the Speakup entry under /proc. Under /proc/speakup, there are the usual items, such as volume, rate, pitch, voice, version and synth_name, as well as some more-advanced items dealing with timing and other things. Some of these values are read/write, and some are read-only. For instance, version gives the current revision of Speakup, including the CVS build date if applicable, but synth_name can be used both to get and set the synthesizer in use. synth_direct is a write-only entry that sends all text directly to the synthesizer. It is even possible to load a new keymap while the system is running, rather than having to rebuild the kernel. There are also values for punct_some, punct_most and delimiters, which do the same things as the key functions described above. There is also a script called speakupconfig, which saves all of your entries in /proc/speakup for the particular synthesizer in use and allows you to restore these settings later, allowing automated loading of settings.

Windows
Speakup has a windowing system, which can be very useful in certain programs where a specific area of the screen that is not tracked by the cursor is updated frequently. The Speakup key plus F2 is used to set the window dimensions; the Speakup key plus F3 clears the window settings, allowing you to set a new one; and the Speakup key plus F4 silences the window, preventing it from being read automatically. However, you can read windows manually with the Speakup key plus the numpad plus key.

Work is now being done on color and highlighting recognition, which will allow ncurses-based programs to function even better than they do now, especially in menus. This means that text that is a different color from surrounding text will be given a higher priority, thus read first.

Help
There are several ways to get help on Speakup. First, you can load the module called speakup_keyhelp, and press the Speakup key plus F1. This puts you in a key identification mode, which can be exited by pressing the spacebar. When in this mode, Speakup speaks the description of any key that is assigned to a Speakup function, and allows you to arrow through the list of assignments. Another way to get help is to consult the guide provided with Speakup under Documentation in the kernel tree, or on the Web site. This document has many useful instructions, which can get a new user started with Speakup, as well as refresh an existing user's memory.

Installation
The number one thing that sets Speakup apart from other screen reader programs is the fact that it is literally part of the kernel. The install script applies a few patches to some kernel source files and copies the relevant Speakup sources to drivers/char in the kernel tree. Then, when make config is executed, there is a section for console speech output and Speakup. There you can choose what synthesizers you would like to build directly in to the kernel or as modules, though software speech support can be built only as a module.

You can also select what synthesizer you want to be the default at startup. Thus, if you build everything in to the kernel, you have a fully talking Linux system from startup to shutdown. This allows a blind person to install Linux without any sighted assistance whatsoever, because every step in the installation talks.

There are Speakup-modified ISO images for three major distros: Debian, Fedora and Slackware. Slackware has actually incorporated Speakup into its official installation setup, simplifying things even further. There is also a Speakup-enabled version of Knoppix, which is a basic Linux distro on CD. This allows people wanting a quick look at a Linux system simply to boot the CD, have it come up talking and not have to worry about installation unless they're interested. It also can be very useful for crash recovery.

Software Speech
As previously mentioned, Speakup supports software speech synthesizers with some user-space support. Some of the more famous software synthesizers include Festival, Flite, Freetts and IBM's VivaVoice Outloud, which is no longer supported. Software speech in Speakup centers around another program called Speech Dispatcher. Speech Dispatcher is a framework to provide a single interface to multiple software synthesizers. It does this through a series of programs that provide a Speech Dispatcher interface to elements such as Emacs as well as libraries for a number of languages. It also has a tcp protocol for transmitting speech from a server to client that does the actual output.

Speakup has a generic software synthesizer driver called /dev/softsynth, which outputs the text that would normally be sent to a hardware synthesizer. A module for Speech Dispatcher, called speechd-up, takes the text from /dev/softsynth and sends it to Speech Dispatcher and a software synthesizer of the user's choice. Support exists for Festival, Flite, Dectalk software and generic synthesizers. You also can integrate other synthesizers with some tweaking of configuration files. Performance-wise, software synthesizers have a slight lag in responsiveness compared to hardware synthesizers, but the overall result is not that bad given the circumstances.

The first step is to get Speech Dispatcher working, which is not hard at all; just compile it and you're set to go. You have to edit the configuration file to tell it what synthesizer you want to use; by default it uses Flite. Then, compile and install speechd-up. To start software speech, load the speakup_sftsyn module if you haven't already, and run speechd-up. If you do this through an init script, you still will get an early-talking system, though not entirely in the kernel.

Future
Many things are planned for Speakup in the future. As has been previously mentioned, work has been started on color recognition and highlight tracking, thanks to some folks at the American Printing House for the Blind. This will enable many menu-based programs to talk much more smoothly.

Another new feature that is planned is keyboard macros, allowing the user to accomplish many different tasks with the press of one key. We eventually want to have a screen memory find function, as well as a goto function to go to a specific set of coordinates on the screen.

Another matter that is under consideration and analysis is configuration files. These files would somehow have to be loaded in on execution of their corresponding program, and would contain voice, macro and other information necessary for the operation of that program.

All of these and more features are planned for Speakup in the future, provided that people are willing to help and contribute their time to the effort of making Linux accessible to the world's blind population.

Conclusion
Today, technology has revolutionized the lives of the world's blind population. Computers allow us to access data more easily than ever, and the arrival of the Internet into the mainstream has made communication and linking with others easier than ever before for everyone. Linux systems are economical by their nature, not requiring the absolute latest hardware to run well. This is especially helpful for the world's blind, who may not have access to as much funding as would be ideal. Now there is a cheap and workable solution for those people, a fully talking Linux system with Speakup; and with the introduction of software speech and Speech Dispatcher, it just got even cheaper.

Resources for this article: /article/8586.

Ameer Armaly is a sixteen-year-old junior in high school. He has been blind since birth, and enjoys programming, food and science fiction. He uses computers with the aid of talking programs that read the text aloud, sometimes as f

story of courage

2010-01-23T02:37:00.000-08:00

(taken from the internet)
Armless Girl Gets A Pilot License - Bravo

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“WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY”

Jessica Cox, 25, a girl born without arms, stands inside an aircraft. The girl from Tucson, Arizona got the Sport Pilot certificate lately and became the first pilot licensed to fly using only her feet.

Jessica Cox of Tucson was born without arms, but that has only stopped her from doing one thing: using the word "can't."

Her latest flight into the seemingly impossible is becoming the first pilot licensed to fly using only her feet.

With one foot manning the controls and the other delicately guiding the steering column, Cox, 25, soared to achieve a Sport Pilot certificate. Her certificate qualifies her to fly a light-sport aircraft to altitudes of 10,000 feet.

"She's a good pilot. She's rock solid," said Parrish Traweek, 42, the flying instructor at San Manuel's Ray Blair Airport.

Parrish Traweek runs PC Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Services and has trained many pilots, some of whom didn't come close to Cox's abilities.

"When she came up here driving a car," Traweek recalled, "I knew she'd have no problem flying a plane."

Doctors never learned why she was born without arms, but she figured out early on that she didn't want to use prosthetic devices.

In Happy moments, praise God.
In Difficult moments, seek God.
In Quiet moments, worship God.
In Painful moments, trust God.
In Every moment, thank God.

aussome news

2009-11-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

(taken from the internet)
Intel will be releasing a win for visually impaired people, a newdevice called the Intel Reader. It allows visually impaired people totake a snapshot of a newspaper, book, or magazine and have it readback to them. It's estimated that in the US alone there are as many as55 million people who could make use of such a device. It comes athefty price though: the paperback-sized device costs $1,499. Thedevice contains a 5-megapixel camera and is powered by a Linux OCRsystem that converts text into spoken words. The device can hold up to2GB of data, which would equate to around 600 snapshots. In additionto reading text, the device can also play back audio books in a numberof supported formats such as MP3 and WAV. The Intel Reader is expectedto be released next Tuesday. The device won't be speedy: Intel says ittakes about 30 seconds to process each page of text... It took...about 30 minutes to scan in the pages of a 250-page book and then onehour to process them. http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/11/10/intel-offers-an-e-reader-with-a-difference/tab/print/

know your eyes

2009-11-09T02:49:00.000-08:00

(taken from the internet)
Know your Eyes

1.Eyes are the most complex organs you possess except for your brain.

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2.Eyes are composed of more than two million working parts.

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3.Eyes can process 36,000 bits of information every hour.

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4.Under the right conditions, can discern the light of a candle at a distance of 14 miles.

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5.Eyes contribute towards 85% of your total knowledge.

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6.Eyes utilize 65% of all the pathways to the brain.

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7.Eyes can instantaneously set in motion hundreds of muscles and organs in your body.

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8.In a normal life-span, will bring you almost 24 million images of the world around you.

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9.The external muscles that move the eyes are the strongest muscles in the human body for the job that they have to do. They are 100 times more powerful than they need to be.

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10.The adult eyeball measures about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Of its total surface area only one-sixth is exposed -- the front portion.

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11.The eye is the only part of the human body that can function at 100% ability at any moment, day or night, without rest. Your eyelids need rest, the external muscles of your eyes need rest, the lubrication of your eyes requires replenishment, but your eyes themselves "never" need rest. But please rest them!

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12.Eyes are your most precious sense... cares for them properly!
always thank God! because there are many person who are living with out sight! always be kind with everyone.

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a lesson to learn

2009-10-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

(taken from the internet)
One old man was sitting with his 25 years old son in the train.
Train is about to leave the station.
All passengers are settling down their seat.
As train started young man was filled with lot of joy and curiosity.
He was sitting on the window side.
He went out one hand and feeling the passing air. He shouted, "Papa see all trees are going behind".
Old man smile and admired son feelings.
Beside the young man one couple was sitting and listening all the conversation between father and son.
They were little awkward with the attitude of 25 years old man behaving like a small child.
Suddenly young man again shouted, "Papa see the pond and animals. Clouds are moving with train".
Couple was watching the young man in embarrassingly.
Now its start raining and some of water drops touches the young man's hand.
He filled with joy and he closed the eyes.
He shouted again," Papa it's raining, water is touching me, see papa".
Couple couldn't help themselves and ask the old man.
"Why don't you visit the Doctor and get treatment for your son."
Old man said, “Yes, We are coming from the hospital as Today only my son got his eye sight for first time in his life".

Moral: "Don’t draw conclusions until you know all the facts".

always be calm

2009-10-21T00:18:00.001-07:00

Why Do We Shout In Anger?

A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'

Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'
'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.

Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'

Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...'

The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'

MORAL: When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.

great tips

2009-10-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

Five ways to de-stress at work

On top of the daily stresses of work, you may have been facing additional worries lately with the economic downturn. News of employee layoffs, salary and hiring freezes and increasing workloads might be piling on the stress.

By Heart and Stroke Foundation

http://ca.lifestyle .yahoo.com/ health-fitness/ articles/ body-mind/ heartandstroke/ healthy_eating- five_ways_ to_de-stress_ at_work_/ 2

On top of the daily stresses of work, you may have been facing additional worries lately with the economic downturn. News of employee layoffs, salary and hiring freezes and increasing workloads might be piling on the stress. If your life is full of stress, it can be difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle. Instead of being physically active to relieve stress, some people respond by overeating, eating unhealthy foods, consuming too much alcohol or smoking – reactions that can increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Recent research from the American Journal of Epidemiology has found that people who already have a high body mass index (BMI) may experience additional weight gain if they report stress from personal relationships, work, life constraints or finances. But there are ways to cope in your workplace and at home to help you stay calm throughout your day.

Dr. Brian Baker, a Heart and Stroke Foundation researcher and specialist on the health effects of stress, says that job strain basically comes down to two definitions: either there are too many demands with too little control over your work or there is too much effort compared to the rewards you get back. With that in mind, he shares some of his top tips for making work as stress-free as possible.

Keep an open dialogue with your manager or employer. Dr. Baker says that it can be stressful if you have a bad relationship with your boss or don't feel comfortable voicing concerns. "When a supervisor is riding someone and giving that person a hard time, that employee can start to freeze up and get anxious at his or her workplace," he says. "But most employers want their employees to be happy. It leads to better productivity and a more positive workplace." He suggests trying to speak to the person above you to try to develop more flexibility in your job demands. "Assertiveness is a very important skill. Use a logical but firm approach and be polite. You can't offend the people in charge of you, but you can stay calm, ask for a slight adjustment in workload – just don't be aggressive."
Get support from co-workers. Whether you are asking for help with your workload or simply want someone to relax with at lunch time, co-workers may lend a hand to lessen your stress. "It helps to have a support network – especially if you find yourself sensitive to social stresses. This can be support from colleagues, supervisors or friends at the office," Dr. Baker says.
Make use of employee health programs. If your company partially or completely covers the cost of a counsellor or massage therapist in its benefits program, take advantage it. You may also want to check into your benefits plan or ask Human Resources if employee counselling programs for stress or debt management are available.
Talk to your spouse or friends outside the office to gain additional support. Gossiping about office politics is not helpful. Instead, discuss your problems with your best friend, family or spouse to avoid consequences. In fact, a study from Heart and Stroke Foundation researchers Dr. Sheldon Tobe and Dr. Baker has shown that supportive marriages are key. "We found that people who had a supportive spouse at home were more immune to the effects of job strain overall," Dr. Tobe says. In particular, they found that women are less likely to experience the blood-pressure- raising effects of a stressful job when their spouses were supportive. Other studies have found that men also benefit from the stress-reducing benefits of marriage, whether or not they rate it as a good marriage. Support of friends or family members can also reduce stress.
Look for the rewards in your work. When work is stressful, it can be challenging to see the positive. But Dr. Baker says it's really helpful if you can focus on the other benefits from your job besides a paycheque. "You need a balance between the effort you put into work and the rewards you get back," he says. So, look for ways that your work rewards you. Do you learn something new every day? Do you use it as a way to make new friends? Do you help people with the work you do? Take advantage of social situations at work and try to focus on the parts that make you happy.
In extreme cases of job strain, getting a new job may be the best solution, but in the meantime, Dr. Baker says, you still have to get the job done so you just need to find the ways that make your situation the best it can be. "Maybe you can get in early, leave early and avoid people who cause problems or you can try relaxation techniques like meditation. If you've been really bothered, talk to your doctor if the stress is becoming overwhelming. "

On top of the daily stresses of work, you may have been facing additional worries lately with the economic downturn. News of employee layoffs, salary and hiring freezes and increasing workloads might be piling on the stress.

By Heart and Stroke Foundation

tips for parents

2009-10-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

(received from email)
Media Management Tips
Parents have tough jobs. They must be cheerleaders and goalkeepers, fence builders and fence menders. Parents must do their best to keep their children safe, keep them well, open their minds … and remember to shut the back door. Managing children’s media diets – the content and its accessibility - is as important as making sure they eat healthy balanced meals. Leisure media time should be used as a snack, not a main course.

Following are ten simple Media Management Tips from Parents’ Choice:

1. The Right Time, The Right Place
Establish and follow ground rules about when and where small screen media – TV, DVDs, Software, Internet and Video Games - can be used. Schoolwork first, small screen media second. Make children’s bedrooms off limits to small screen media.

2. Make Play Dates With Children, Not Channels
TV should not serve as a child’s constant companion. Limit the daily dose of small screen time. For children under two, many experts and pediatricians say no screen time is acceptable. Unless a child is using the computer to research homework assignments, small screen media use should be limited to one - two hours per day.

3. Broadcast The Right Signals
Kids love to imitate. If your children see you spending hours as a couch potato or tethered to a laptop or PDA, the message will be “what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.” Limiting your leisure media time will send the right signals to your children: that rules and limits apply to the whole family.

4. Media Is Not A Condiment
Do not use television to season a meal. Turn it off while eating.

5. What’s OK for 8 isn’t OK for 4
Children’s media selections should be age appropriate. Use guidelines, ratings and independent reviews as a starting point. Use your judgment and your family’s values to determine what is right for your children. Consult Parents’ Choice Foundation’s website for children’s media recommendations.

6. Ratings Exist For A Reason
Just as food labeling made us more nutrition-conscious consumers, ratings help identify age appropriate “nutritional” media content. Learning what the TV, Movie and Video Game ratings mean, will make you a better dietician for your children’s media.

7.Watch What Your Children Watch
Show your children that you enjoy the shows they like to watch. Use media time to talk about what you’re watching and ask questions. Watch, laugh and learn together.

8. Make Media Matter
Whether watching a show about friendship or fish, take your children to the library to find a book that further explores the program’s themes or subjects.

9. Join in the Fun
If your children ask to play a video game, play age appropriate video games with them. If they are old enough to use the computer, visit Internet sites together. Show them where they’re allowed to go, not just where they’re not.

10. Use the Tools
Parental controls help. Use filters to block Internet sites, the V-Chip to block inappropriate television shows, and use the impressive technology of TiVo KidZone to find and select good television choices for children.

leading tips

2009-08-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

Nobody has articulated the precepts of good governance better than Hazrat Ali (RA) in his historic treatise in the form of a letter to Malik Ashtar, governor of Egypt. It is worth paraphrasing selected portions from the letter:
‘Be it known to you, O Malik, that people speak well only of those who do good. It is they who furnish the proof of your actions. Hence the richest treasure you may covet must be the treasure of good deeds. Keep your desires under control and deny yourself that which you have been prohibited. Develop in your heart the feelings of love for your people and let it be the source of kindliness and blessing to them.’
‘Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. And then there is God even above him who has given you the position of a governor in order that you may look after those under you and to be sufficient unto them.’
‘Maintain justice in administration and impose it on your own self and seek the consent of the people, for the discontent of the masses sterilises the contentment of the privileged few and the discontent of the few loses itself in the contentment of the many.’
‘Remember, the privileged few will not rally around you in moments of difficulty: they will try to sidetrack justice, they will ask for more than what they deserve and will show no gratitude for favours done to them. They will feel restive in the face of trials and will offer no regret for their shortcomings. It is the common man who is the strength of the state and of religion. It is he who fights the enemy. So live in close contact with the masses and be mindful of their welfare.’
‘Do not take counsel of the one who is greedy, for he will instil greed in you and turn you into a tyrant. The worst of counsellors is he who has served as a counsellor to unjust rulers and shared their crimes. So never let men who have been companions of tyrants or shared their crimes be your counsellors.’
‘Keep near to you the upright and the God-fearing, and make clear to them that they are never to flatter you and never to give you credit for anything that you may not have done. For the tolerance of flattery and unhealthy praise stimulates pride in man and makes him arrogant.’
‘Do not treat the good and the bad alike. That will deter the good from doing good, and encourage the bad in their pursuits. Give credit where it is due.’
‘Select for your chief judge the one who is by far the best among the people, one who cannot be intimidated; one who does not turn back from the right path; one who is not self-centred and avaricious; one whom flattery cannot mislead or one who does not exult over his position.’
‘Never select men for responsible posts either out of any regard for personal connections or under any influence, for that will lead to injustice and corruption. Select for higher posts men of experience, firm in faith and belonging to good families. Such men will not fall an easy prey to temptations.’
‘Great care is to be exercised in revenue administration, to ensure the prosperity of those who pay the revenue to the state, for it is on their prosperity that the prosperity of others depends; particularly the prosperity of the masses. Indeed, the state exists on its revenue.’
‘You should regard the proper upkeep of the land in cultivation for revenue cannot be derived except by making the land productive. He who demands revenue without helping the cultivator to improve his land, inflicts unmerited hardships on the cultivator and ruins the state. The rule of such a person does not long last.’
‘Adopt useful schemes for those engaged in trade and industry and help them with wise counsels. Visit every part of the country and establish personal contact with this class, and inquire into their conditions. But bear in mind that a good many of them are intensely greedy. They hoard grain and try to sell it at a high price; and this is most harmful to the public.’
‘Beware! Fear God when dealing with the problems of the poor who have none to patronise, who are forlorn, indigent and helpless. Among them are some who do not question their lot in life and who, notwithstanding their misery, do not go about begging. For God’s sake, safeguard their rights.’
‘Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically in open conferences, and be conscious of the divine presence there. Never for any length of time keep yourself aloof from the people. The ruler is after all human, and he cannot form a correct view of anything which is out of sight.’
‘It is imperative on you to study carefully the principles which have inspired just and good rulers who have gone before you’.

new Braille technology

2009-08-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Braille Displays Get New Life With Artificial Muscles

Research with tiny artificial muscles may yield a full-page active Braille system that can refresh
automatically and come to life right beneath your fingertips.

Yosi-Bar Cohen, a senior researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif,
was inspired during a business trip to Washington, D.C., where a convention for people with
visual impairments was taking place.

Bar-Cohen came up with an idea to create a "living Braille," a digital, refreshable Braille device
using electroactive polymers, also known as artificial muscles. He wrote up a technology report
and included information in a related book that he published. His writings inspired other
scientists and engineers to create active displays using this technology, and prototypes are now
under development around the world.

"I hope that sometime in the future we will have Braille on an iPhone. It will be portable and
able to project a picture of a neighborhood popping up in front of you in the form of raised dots,"
said Bar-Cohen. "A digital Braille operated by artificial muscles could provide for rapid
information exchange, such as e-mail, text messaging and access to the web and other electronic
databases or archives."

According to the World Health Organization, about 314 million people are visually impaired
worldwide; 45 million of them are blind.

Recently, Bar-Cohen was contacted by the Center for Braille Innovation of the Boston-based
National Braille Press to reach out to the Electroactive Polymer community and take advantage
of his role in this field. The National Braille Press is a non-profit Braille printing and publishing
house that promotes the literacy of blind children through Braille.

Current Braille Display Technologies

The challenge for creating an active Braille display is in packing many small dots into a tiny
volume.

Unlike hardcopy Braille, a refreshable display requires the raising and lowering of a large number
of densely packed dots that allow a person to quickly read them. Currently, commercial active
Braille devices are limited to a single line of characters. A full page of Braille typically has 25
lines of up to 40 characters per line. Characters are represented by six or eight dots per cell,
arranged in two columns. To produce a page of refreshable Braille using electroactive polymers
requires individually activating and controlling thousands of raiseable dots.

Developing New Braille Technologies

Some of the leading-edge work in Braille technology was developed at SRI in Menlo Park, Calif.
Richard Heydt, a senior research engineer there who was involved in developing a prototype
says, "The electroactive polymer technology seems to be a natural fit for Braille and tactile
display applications."

The Braille display developed at SRI is based on activating a type of polymer consisting of a thin
sheet of acrylic that deforms in response to voltage applied across the film. The individual Braille
dots are defined by a pattern on this film, and each dot is independently activated to produce the
dot combinations for Braille letters and numbers.

In currently available active refreshable Braille displays, each dot is a pin driven by a small motor
or electromagnetic coil. In contrast, in the SRI display the actuators are defined regions on a
single sheet of film. Thus, while each dot is raised or lowered by its own applied voltage, there
are no motors, bulky actuators, or similar components. Since the system has far fewer discrete
components for a Braille dot array, it would be potentially much lower in cost.

"The contributions of the developers of electroactive materials to making a low-cost, active
Braille display would significantly improve the life of many people with visual impairments,
while advancing the field to benefit other applications" said Bar-Cohen.

Looking for the 'Holy Braille'

The Boston-based National Braille Press has recently established a Center for Braille Innovation.
They're looking for the "Holy Braille," a full-page electronic Braille display, at a low cost.

"We feel that the exciting field of electroactive polymer technology has matured to the point
where it can provide real solutions for Braille displays. We welcome and encourage anyone who
wants to take part in Braille innovation," said Noel H. Runyan, National Braille Press, Center for
Braille Innovation

In the spring of 2010, Bar-Cohen is including a special session on tactile displays at an SPIE
conference. SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics. Tactile displays will be
presented and possibly demonstrated at the conference. He hopes these baby steps may someday
lead to a full-page Braille system that will allow people to feel and "see" the universe beneath
their fingers.

JPL is managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

-end-
taken from internet

2009-08-16T03:22:00.000-07:00

Conversation Starters
Practicing good parent-child communication is an excellent avenue for teaching social skills and communication skills, which young children will need more and more as they get older. Use these conversation starters to work with your child on active listening and communication.

Does your child copy your disciplinary style? Ask, “If your teddy bear makes a mess or tells a lie, how will you deal with it?”
I see you had a problem with your teacher today. Tell me what happened and let’s see if we can work together on a way to clear up the problem.
I think you made a great drawing. Tell me why you picked the colors that you did. How did you think to draw that?
I’d like you to play on a neighborhood team this summer. What kind of team would you like to play on?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Is there someone you know whom you would almost always be willing to do what he or she says? Who is that person?
Let’s do something fun tomorrow. What do you think would be fun?
Let’s go for a walk around the neighborhood and see how many doors we can count. You can practice riding on your bike while I walk.
Let’s play copycat. You do everything I do. Later I’ll copy everything you do. What did I do that you had the most fun copying? Why? What else do I do that you do?
Let’s play with clay today. What do you like to make with clay?
Our church is having a picnic tomorrow night and the whole family is going. Can you be in charge of getting together things to play with, like flying discs or a baseball?
Tell me about a time you felt (happy, sad, afraid, angry) during the day today.
Tell me about one person you met or played with today.
Tell me about one thing that happened today.
Tell me one good thing that happened at school today.
Tonight, we’re going to have a family meeting to talk about taking care of the dog. Everyone will sign up for feeding and walking the dog during the week.
What are our family rules? Why do we need them?
What are some of the rules in Grandma’s (or another family member’s) house?
What do you like best to do with (a member of the family)? Why?
What do you want to be when you grow up? What makes you want to be that?
What is a rule?
What is your favorite thing to do?
What is your favorite thing to eat?
What makes you angry? What do you do when you’re angry?
What rules do you follow at school? Why?
What scares you? What do you do when you’re scared?
What should happen if you break a rule?
What three words would you use to tell another person about yourself? Why those three words?
What would you like to help me make for dinner tonight?
When do you feel bored? What do you do to stop being bored?
Which would you rather do—play ball or play cards? Why?
Who is your favorite character on TV or in a book? What makes them your favorite? Would you like to be like the character? What would you copy?
Who’s your favorite friend?
(taken from internet)

Brave young lady

2009-08-12T04:49:00.002-07:00

Brave young lady

2009-08-12T04:49:00.001-07:00

the nation, lahore.

A blind girl from Multan has found a novel way to brighten her life - reporting cricket matches.
In an astounding tale of courage and determination, a Multan-based girl Sania Zaidi has traveled with the Pakistan team to Sri Lanka and is currently working as a reporter. In A BBC journalist said he was surprised to see Sri Lankan skipper Sangakkara addressing her by her name in the post-match press conference at Dambulla. Sania reports cricket matches with the help of her brother. She says she takes her notes most of her notes via TV commentary and her brother accompanies who also renders great help. A lecturer in Mass Communication department in Bahauddin Zakeriya University Multan, she says glaucoma is in her family. The disease is associated with blindness and one of her brother has also suffered from it. By the age of two, doctors had declared that she won't ever be able to see. Her father is a businessman and she has two brothers and one sister. One of her brother also lost his eye sight.. Despite the blindness, she participated in Physical Education practical examinations and was successful. She said she started taking interest in cricket when her father brought a model cricket pitch from Britain with players placed in different fielding positions. She liked the game so much that she started keen interest in matches, and finally decided to become a sports reporter. Sania added that she was a big fan of Sanath Jayasuriya and she had interviewed him as well. She had also interviewed Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, Jonty Rhodes, Muttia Muralitharan and Mohammad Yousuf. She use a software 'Jose' in her laptop that reads out the text and after listening, she finetunes her work. She spires to report international cricket matches and Sri Lankan tour fulfilled one of her big dreams.
"As a cure for worrying, work is better than whisky"

tips

2009-08-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

The road to depression recovery
Recovering from depression requires action. But taking action when you’re depressed is hard. In fact, just thinking about the things you should do to feel better, like exercising or going out with friends, can be exhausting.
It’s the Catch-22 of depression recovery. The things that help the most are the things that are most difficult to do. But there’s a difference between difficult and impossible.
Start small and stay focused
The key to depression recovery is to start with a few small goals and slowly build from there. Draw upon whatever resources you have. You may not have much energy, but you probably have enough to take a short walk around the block or pick up the phone to call a loved one.
Take things day by day and reward yourself for each accomplishment. The steps may seem small, but if you make time for them each day, they’ll quickly add up. And for all the energy you put in to your depression recovery, you’ll get back much more in return.
Depression self-help tip 1: Cultivate supportive relationships
Getting the support you need plays a big role in lifting the fog of depression and keeping it away. On your own, it can be difficult to maintain perspective and sustain the effort required to beat depression. But the very nature of depression makes it difficult to reach out for help. However, isolation and loneliness make depression even worse, so maintaining your close relationships and social activities are important.
The thought of reaching out to even close family members and friends can seem overwhelming. You may feel ashamed, too exhausted to talk, or guilty for neglecting the relationship. Remind yourself that this is the depression talking. You loved ones care about you and want to help.
Turn to trusted friends and family members. Share what you’re going through with the people you love and trust. Ask for the help and support you need. You may have retreated from your most treasured relationships, but they can get you through this tough time.
Try to keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it. When you’re depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell. But being around other people will make you feel less depressed.
Join a support group for depression. Being with others who are dealing with depression can go a long way in reducing your sense of isolation. You can also encourage each other, give and receive advice on how to cope, and share your experiences. To locate a depression support group in your area, use the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance's Support Group Locator.
10 tips for reaching out and building relationships
Talk to one person about your feelings.
Help someone else by volunteering.
Have lunch or coffee with a friend.
Ask a loved one to check in with you regularly.
Accompany someone to the movies, a concert, or a small get-together.
Call or email an old friend.
Go for a walk with a workout buddy.
Schedule a weekly dinner date
Meet new people by taking a class or joining a club.
Confide in a counselor, therapist, or clergy member.
Depression self-help tip 2: Take care of yourself
In order to overcome depression, you have to nurture yourself. This includes making time for things you enjoy, asking for help from others, setting limits on what you’re able to do, adopting healthy habits, and scheduling fun activities into your day.
Do things you enjoy (or used to)
While you can’t force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you can choose to do things that you used to enjoy. Pick up a former hobby or a sport you used to like. Express yourself creatively through music, art, or writing. Go out with friends. Take a day trip to a museum, the mountains, or the ballpark.
Develop a wellness toolbox
Come up with a list of things that you can do for a quick mood boost. Include any strategies, activities, or skills that have helped in the past. The more “tools” for coping with depression, the better. Try and implement a few of these ideas each day, even if you’re feeling good.
Spend some time in nature.
List what you like about yourself.
Read a good book.
Watch a funny movie or TV show.
Take a long, hot bath.
Listen to music.
Take care of a few small tasks.
Play with a pet.
Write in your journal.
Do something spontaneous.
Push yourself to do things, even when you don’t feel like it. You might be surprised at how much better you feel once you’re out in the world. Even if your depression doesn’t lift immediately, you’ll gradually feel more upbeat and energetic as you make time for fun activities.
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
Aim for 8 hours of sleep. Depression typically involves sleep problems. Whether you’re sleeping too little or too much, your mood suffers. Get on a better sleep schedule by learning healthy sleep habits.
Expose yourself to a little sunlight every day. Lack of sunlight can make depression worse. Make sure you’re getting enough. Take a short walk outdoors, have your coffee outside, enjoy an al fresco meal, people-watch on a park bench, or sit out in the garden.
Practice relaxation techniques. A daily relaxation practice can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.
Fight depression by managing stress
Not only does stress prolong and worsen depression, but it can also trigger it. In order to get over depression and stay well, it’s essential to learn how to minimize and cope with stress.
Identify your stressors. Figure out all the things in your life that are stressing you out. Examples include: work overload, unsupportive relationships, substance abuse, taking on too much, or health problems. Once you’ve identified your stressors, you can make a plan to avoid them or minimize their impact.
Go easy on yourself. Many depressed people are perfectionists, holding themselves to impossibly high standards and then beating themselves up when they fail to meet them. Battle this source of self-imposed stress by challenging your negative ways of thinking.
Plan ahead. If you know your stress triggers and limits, you will be able to identify and avoid many landmines. If you sense trouble ahead, protect yourself by dipping into your wellness toolbox and saying “no” to added responsibility.
Depression self-help tip 3: Get regular exercise
When you’re depressed, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. But exercise is a powerful tool for dealing with depression. In fact, studies show that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication at increasing energy levels and decreasing feelings of fatigue.
Scientists haven’t figured out exactly why exercise is such a potent antidepressant, but evidence suggests that physical activity increases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain, raises endorphins, reduces stress, and relieves muscle tension – all things that can have a positive effect on depression.
To get the most benefit, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. But you can start small. Short 10-minute bursts of activity can have a positive effect on your mood. Here are a few easy ways to get moving:
Take the stairs rather than the elevator
Park your car in the farthest spot in the lot
Take your dog for a walk
Pair up with an exercise partner
Walk while you’re talking on the phone
As a next step, try incorporating walks or some other enjoyable, easy form of exercise into your daily routine. The key is to pick an activity you enjoy, so you’re more likely to keep up with it.
Exercise as an Antidepressant
The following exercise tips offer a powerful prescription for boosting mood:
Exercise now…and again. A 10-minute walk can improve your mood for two hours. The key to sustaining mood benefits is to exercise regularly.
Choose activities that are moderately intense. Aerobic exercise undoubtedly has mental health benefits, but you don't need to sweat strenuously to see results.
Find exercises that are continuous and rhythmic (rather than intermittent). Walking, swimming, dancing, stationery biking, and yoga are good choices.
Add a mind-body element. Activities such as yoga and tai chi rest your mind and pump up your energy. You can also add a meditative element to walking or swimming by repeating a mantra (a word or phrase) as you move.
Start slowly, and don't overdo it. More isn't better. Athletes who over train find their moods drop rather than lift.
Adapted from Johns Hopkins Health Alerts

tips to cope with depression and anxiety

2009-08-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

(taken from internet
Top Ten Tips to Cope With Depression and Anxiety
Feeling blue? Down in the Dumps? Anxious? Depression and Anxiety can be tough to take.
HERE'S HOW TO WIN OVER DEPRESSION&ANXIETY;:
1. Don't fight it; Acknowledge your emotion; allow yourself to feel your sadness . Fighting depression only strengthens it. As paradoxical as this seems, it works! You don't have to act on it; just feel what you feel–and then release it, like you do with catch-and-release fishing, or like you do when you're in an ocean wave. Like a wave, it will come and it will go.
2. Identify what other emotions you are also feeling. Do you also feel angry, scared; sad? What saddens you? Have you had some losses or disappoint-ments? It can help to Remember: in abnormal circumstances, abnormal feelings are normal.
3. Recognize what's happening in your life that is depressing. What events in your life are your emotions connected to? Does the intensity of your emotion match the events in your life? If not, what else could your emotions be about?
4. Does something need to be done about your difficult circumstances? Do what you CAN do; i.e. balance your checkbook, make a doctor's appointment, talk to your boss, call a plumber, apologize to your friend.
5. Let go of what CAN'T be done. Grieve the losses, forgive your mistakes,and forgive others' mistakes.
6. Don't wait until you feel good to treat yourself well. What would you do IF you felt good? DO IT NOW, even though you don't feel like it. Eat regular, healthy meals , call a friend, take a walk, clean your house, do your laundry, answer the phone, etc.
7. Express your emotions creatively. Play (or write) some music. Write an essay, story or a poem. Draw, paint, knit, carve, stitch, whittle–make something that demonstrates how you feel.
8, Turn your emotion into motion. Exercise, take a walk, ride a bike, go to the gym and work out, throw some ice cubes at a sidewalk, scrub your kitchen floor or bathroom; DO something physical, and do it often.
9. Give Thanks for what is going well in your life. Did you eat today? Do you have clothes? Do you have a roof over your head? Can you read? Did the sun come up today? Start with basics you are grateful for, and expand from there.
GET HELP: when none of these things work; when you do these things, and you still are sinking deep into depression; or when you try, but can't do what you know you could do,Get Help!
Please let me know which of these have been most helpful to you. Can I answer a question for you? I am happy to be of assistance.
Sharon M. Barnes, MSSW, LCSW

Wonder drug

2009-08-07T19:46:00.001-07:00

(taken from internet)

Could hot cocoa be the next "wonder drug" For high blood pressure? Harvard researchers praise stunningly simple discovery!
According to recent estimates, nearly 1-in-3 American adults has high blood pressure. But for the Kuna Indians living on a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama , hypertension doesn't even exist. In fact, after age 60, the average blood pressure for Kuna Indian islanders is a perfect 110/70. Is it because they eat less salt? No. Kuna Indians eat as much, if not moresalt, than people in the U.S. Is it due to their genes? No. Kuna Indians who move away from the islands are just as likely to suffer from high blood pressure as anyone else! So what makes these folks practically "immune" to hypertension -- and lets them enjoy much lower death rates from heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancer? Harvard researchers were stunned to discover it's because they drink about 5 cups of cocoa each day. That's right, cocoa! Studies show the flavonols in cocoa stimulate your body's production ofnitric oxide -- boosting blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. In fact, one study found cocoa thins your blood just as well as low-dose aspirin! But that's not all. A Harvard Medical School professor claims cocoa can also treat blocked arteries, congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, even impotence!
Painless cholesterol cure works in just 7 days -- and drives the "food police" crazy! Want to lower your cholesterol so fast it'll make your head spin? It's a breeze, just eat guacamole -- or any dish containing avocados! Most health experts and nutritionists will tell you this rich, delicious Mexican dish is BANNED from any cholesterol- watcher's menu. But not Dr. Steven Pratt. That's because new research shows eating avocados can lower your cholesterol even faster than drugs.... without the side effects!One study found after just 7 days on a diet including avocados, LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped by 22 percent. Meanwhile, HDL ("good") cholesterol shot up 11 percent -- something most cholesterol- lowering drugs won't do!
The cinnamon cure for high blood sugar
Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your toast, cereal, oatmeal, or sliced apples. It not only tastes good, it lowers your blood sugar!
In a recent study, people reduced their blood sugar levels by as much as 29 percent in just 40 days. That's with NO drugs, NO diet changes -- just plain old cinnamon! The fat that blasts away cancer You've been told cancer runs in families. You've been told what to eat and what NOT to eat -- including LESS fat. Yet Dr. Steven Pratt says there'sone fat you should eat MORE of. It's the monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, found in olive oil! It should come as no surprise. After all, olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. And people inSpain and Greece are far less likely to develop cancer than in the U.S. But what's really interesting is how olive oil not only prevents cancer, it blasts away cancer cells that already exist! So if you're even the slightest bit worried about cancer, this is oneSuperFood you don't want to be without! NEW prostate-protecting champ trumps tomatoes! Unless you've been asleep under a rock for the past decade, you've heard the news about tomatoes. They contain a potent antioxidant calledlycopene that's been proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers -- in particular, prostate cancer. A famous Harvard study back in 1995 found that out of 48,000 men surveyed, those who ate 10 or more servings of tomatoes a week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by more thanone-third. What's more, they lowered their risk of aggressive prostate tumors (the kind that are really tough to treat) byHALF! But before you reach for that slice of pizza or bottle of ketchup, listen up. What if I told you about a sweet, refreshing food Dr. Steven Pratt recommends that's even better for your prostate than tomatoes? This NEW prostate protecting champ is watermelon! Ounce for ounce, watermelon is even richer in lycopene than tomatoes. And since you probably eat more watermelon in one sitting than you do tomatoes, you don't have to gorge on it 10 times a week in order to slash your cancer risk! Just a few times a week should do it.
Knock out an ulcer with broccoli?! About 25 million Americans will suffer from a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. To get rid of their ulcers, most will take an antibiotic likeamoxicillin. Pretty tame stuff, right? Wrong! Amoxicillin can bring with it unwanted side effects like fever, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, even a yucky condition called "hairy tongue"! And if you think that's bad, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the cost of treating an ulcer with antibiotics over an average 17-day period can run upward of $1,000!Fortunately, there's oneunconventional treatment with NO side effects Dr.. Pratt swears by. "Eat broccoli!" he says. Why?Broccoli contains a remarkably potent compound called sulforaphane, that kills off the H. pylori bacteria that cause most ulcers. Not only can it knock out an ulcer, eating one serving a day for a month might run you 20 bucks... a fraction of the cost of drugs.

Eye drops may reverse Glaucoma

2009-08-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Eye drops 'may reverse glaucoma' A new type of medicated eye drop may be able to reverse symptoms of glaucoma, an Italian study has suggested. Glaucoma, the world's leading cause of blindness, is caused by pressure inside the eye - intraocular pressure - which damages cells in the optic nerve. The study of rats and human patients found drops containing a nerve growth factor may stop these cells dying, and actually improve vision. It is reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It is estimated that 77m people have glaucoma around the world. The build up of intraocular pressure can sometimes be controlled through other techniques. But once pressure has started to damage optic nerve cells, called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), it has proved impossible to recover that lost function. And often people with glaucoma do not seek expert help until the condition is already relatively advanced. “ This research would seem to indicate both effectiveness and acceptability as to the means of drug delivery ” David Wright International Glaucoma Association The researchers, from the University of Rome, treated rats with symptoms of glaucoma with eye drops containing nerve growth factor. The animals who were given the eye drops showed decreased levels of RGC death compared with those who did not receive the treatment. The researchers went on to test the drops in three human patients whose intraocular pressure had started to be controlled, but who still showed signs ofprogressive deterioration in their vision. In two of the patients vision improved, while in the other it was stabilised. The improvements lasted up to 18 months after the eye drops were applied. Nerve growth factor appears to trigger chemical changes within cells that prevent them from dying in response to damage. It might also enable cells whose function had begun to be damaged to bounce back. And it might boost the capacity of healthy RGCs to form new connections within the optic nerve, to compensate for any damage that had already taken place. However, nerve growth factor cannot rescue RGCs that have already died - in common with brain tissue, the optic nerve cannot regenerate. Encouraging results Lead researcher Dr Stefano Bonini said: "Although neuroprotection in glaucoma has already been attempted with several compounds, this is the first timethat an improvement in visual function is observed in patients with advanced optic nerve damage." David Wright, chief executive of the International Glaucoma Association, warned against drawing firm conclusions from such a small study - but said theresults were encouraging. He said: "There have been many false dawns in the search for neuro-protective agents for the treatment of glaucoma and it is a feature of research on othercompounds that early promise does not always translate into clinical effectiveness when larger studies are undertaken. "However, this research would seem to indicate both effectiveness and acceptability as to the means of drug delivery. "If these early indications are carried through to wider trials and there are no other problems, then this has the potential to open a completely new methodof treating glaucoma and of preventing unnecessary visual loss in the future." Professor Peng Khaw is director of the National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute ofOphthalmology. He said many other substances had achieved good results in animals, only to fail in humans. However, he said, if the researchers could perfect an easy-to-use eye drop formulation that would represent a huge step forward. Story from BBC NEWS:

Smart cane

2009-08-05T19:52:00.001-07:00

'Smart cane' reads e-tags to help blindAP 5 August 2009, 12:28am IST DETROIT: A cane equipped with the technology that retailers use to tag merchandisecould help blind peopleavoid obstacles.An engineering professor at Central Michigan University has created a 'Smart Cane'to read electronic navigational tags installed between buildings to aid the blindin reaching their destinations more easily.During the spring term, Kumar Yelamarthi, the project leader, and five engineeringstudents tested the cane, which is equipped with Radio Frequency Identification technology,similar to what retailers put on products to keep them from being stolen.The students also created a vibrating glove to assist those who are both visuallyand hearing-impaired. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Smart-cane-reads-e-tags-to-help-blind/articleshow/4858002.cms

work progress

2009-08-04T04:53:00.000-07:00

By Shazia Hasan.

2008-2009
Annual Progress Report
Jaws Section

Introduction

The Computer Section in Ida Rieu which existed since long was using key board memorizing and typing without ability to know if the matter is being correctly typed. This was extremely limited use and provided no practical use. The students found this very monotonous and did not show much interest in pursuing it.

Ida Rieu management decided to upgrade the computer section on the modern lines and in December 2001 launched software based PC training for the visually impaired.

In December 2001, a modest start was made by establishing JAWS based computer training programme with one PC. The Jaws software revolutionized the possibility of PC usage by the visually impaired persons and started attracting a number of students. The user is able to use most of prime features of PC like any sighted person, including internet, surfing, emailing, reading books, exchanging information etc.

As with the help of Jaws a blind person can work par with sighted persons or peep out from isolation, a blind person can get every kind of information by using internet and read ink print books by scanning them. A large group of blind persons who have received computer training from Ida Rieu’s jaws section are now working with mainstream like other sighted persons.

The Jaws Section grew from one PC to four PC and has successfully provided training in the use of computers to a large number of persons. Now we have 4 computers, internet facility and one Braille embosser in our jaws section. Many blind persons have been trained in the use of computers and have been employed with various corporations and Banks..

Some out standing achievements

With limited resources Ida Rieu’s Jaws section have the following achievements of which we are very proud. This is in addition to providing the jaws training program to the students as detailed below in the schedule.

Ten blind students have been trained for KESC who are working at par with sighted persons.

One fairy tale book has been prepared using Jaws and printed in Braille.

English language being a backbone for use of computers, a short English language course was arranged for blind students.

The students from jaws section are efficiently using the internet, exchanging emails and browsing.

Time table

Days
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
P1
Outsider girls
Out sider girls
Firstyear
Firstyear
Out sider girls
firstyear
P2
BA Part 1-g
Ba part 1-g
Ba part 1-g
Ba part 1-b
BA part 1-b
BA part 1-b
P3
Class six
Class six
Second year
Second year
Class six
Second year
P4
Class 9
Class 9
Class 10
Class 10class 9
class 10

P5
Out sider boys
Out sider boys
Out sider boys
Out sider boys
Out sider boys
Out sider boys
P6
Class 8
class 8
Class 8
Class 8
Class 8
Class 8
P7
Class 7
Class 7
Class 7
Class 7
Class 7
Class 7

Some out standing students who have been trained by the
Ida Rieu Jaws section

Mr. Amjad Sohail, came from Almaktoom special education school Islamabad, now he is computer teacher there.
Miss Saima. came from Almaktoom school for special education Islamabad.
Mrs. Shaista came from Almaktoom school Islamabad.
Tasneem Maqbool. Done MA in special education from KU. Now working in SCB.
Mr. Ali Azghar. Done MA in Urdu from KU. Currently teaching in National college.
Miss Humaira Aslam. Working in SCB..
Anum Ashraf. She lost her sight 2 years ago, was suffering from brain tumor. Now she is continuing her education.
Ms. Norriya lost her sight 8months ago was suffering from Brain tumor now she is continuing her education.
Mr. Ali Akhtar done BA from KU. Working in KESC.
Mr. Fawad Ahmad Memorising the Holy Quran.
Mr. Abdul Basit now running his shop.
Mr. Sulman Ahmed doing BA from KU.
Mr. Waqar. Teaching at Shaheed-e-Millat special education center.
Ms. Aaisha Aziz living active and socially involved life..
Mr. Shamim Nasir working as Music teacher at happy home school.
Mr. Nasir Hussain doing his business.
Ms. Ambreen Anwar working with GEO TV..
Mrs. Rizwana Tharia. House wife. Now she is living a better life. She is happy because with the help of computer she can read daily news paper.
Mrs. Farhana Lakhani. House wife. With the help of computer she has overcome her limitations. Now she is doing research with the help of internet.
Ms. Amina Abbas. Teaching in Islamia College.
Mr. Shahid Ansari. Done BA from Ida Rieu degree college. Working in KESC.
Mr. noman ahmad. Done MA from KU.
Ms. Anum Naqvi. Doing BA. computer technology has helped her in mixing with mainstream.

We are thankful to Allah for enabling us to assist our visually impaired brothers and sisters to blend in the social mainstream and become a useful member of the society
if anyone of you are interested in helping me in this mission, please contact me at s_hasan21@hotmail.com

smellinng the roses

2009-08-02T04:36:00.001-07:00

smellinng the roses

2009-08-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

Smelling the Roses Relieves StressBy RICK NAUERT PHD Senior News Editor on July 23, 2009 A novel technique to relieve stress is an age old naturopathic remedy. New research demonstrates the scent of lemon, mango, lavender, or other fragrant plants are beneficial for stress reduction.Scientists in Japan report the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alters gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels. Their study appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.In the new study, researchers sought to determine the physiological reason for why people have inhaled the scent of certain plants since ancient times to help reduce stress, fight inflammation and depression, and induce sleep. Aromatherapy, the use of fragrant plant oils to improve mood and health, has become a popular form of alternative medicine today. And linalool is one of the most widely used substances to soothe away emotional stress. Until now, however, linalool's exact effects on the body have been a deep mystery. The scientists exposed lab rats to stressful conditions while inhaling and not inhaling linalool. Linalool returned stress-elevated levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes - key parts of the immune system - to near-normal levels. Inhaling linalool also reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that go into overdrive in stressful situations. The findings could form the basis of new blood tests for identifying fragrances that can soothe stress, the researchers say. Source: American Chemical Society

amazing information

2009-07-29T02:40:00.001-07:00

It Is Not the Eye That Sees
We provide this technical information about various forms of radiation simply to explain that they don't give rise to the effect known as "light." These radioactive particles strike, bounce, and give rise to physical and chemical effects that sometimes cause damage. Yet the effects they cause can never be referred to as light.
The only reason we describe some of these particles as "light rays" is that they're perceived by our eyes. Photons falling on our eyes' retinal layer are turned into electrical impulses by the receptor cells there. The optical nerves carry this electrical current to the visual center at the rear of the brain. This center interprets the current and gives rise to images..
When we investigate this system, we arrive at a most interesting conclusion: In fact, our eyes have no ability to "see" at all. The eye is merely an intermediate organ that converts photons into electrical signals. It has no ability to understand and interpret. It is not the eye which regards at the bright world all around us. No sensations of light or color are formed in the eye.
In order to better understand this concept, let's consider the technical definition of sight in slightly more detail.
In fact, our eyes have no property of "sight." The eye is merely an intermediary unit whose retina transforms the photons reaching it into electrical signals
We give the name of a color to photons at various frequencies of vibration. Depending on those photons' intensity of vibration, we refer to the visible effects they produce as red, blue or yellow. When all frequencies are combined together, the result is white. Snow appears white, because it reflects all the frequencies in sunlight, the combination of which produces white. Leaves are green, because they only reflect only those photons at a frequency that gives the sensation of green, while absorbing all the others. Glass is transparent, just like the air, because photons pass through them both and reach us encountering hardly any obstacles-such as clouds or flyspecks. A piece of black cloth reflects no color because it absorbs practically all the photons that strike it. In other words, no photons reach our eyes from it, and we perceive it as only a dark or black shape. A mirror copies an image because its smooth reflective surface absorbs almost none of the photons striking it, but bounces them back. They follow a parallel course to one another, undergoing almost no deformation.
In short, the concepts of "light," "white," "green" or "transparent" refer to perceptions in the brain, and are purely relative descriptions. The truth is that in the outside world there is no light or color. There are only forms of radiation which we perceive in that form. The interpretation belongs solely to us. Even if the arriving photons are turned into electrical signals and the visual center in the eye possesses the same properties, an error or structural difference which might occur in the eye will lead to the same object being perceived in very different ways. That is why color-blind people perceive and interpret certain colors differently from normal people.
In short, the photon movements which we interpret as light or color are nothing more than physical phenomena that transpire in the pitch blackness of the brain. Our bodies-including our eyes, and the whole material world that we perceive as a bright, three-dimensional vision that some people claim represents an absolute reality-all exist within that same darkness.

seeing by the tongue

2009-05-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

This technology has been in development for some time now and it appears it's about to be released. When you've read this you'll know as much as we do about it.Seeing with your tongue. By RON SEELY, 608-252-6131,rseely@madison.comRoger Behm lost his sight at 16, the victim of an inherited disease that destroyedhis retinas. Both of his eyes were surgically removed.Now 55, Behm has made himself at home in a sightless world. He started his own businessin Janesville selling devices that help the blind cope with day-to-day tasks. Heand his wife have raised five children and just adopted another child from Chinawho is also blind. He fishes, canoes, camps and scuba dives.But Behm can remember seeing. Which is why he couldn't believe it when, three yearsago, he slipped a device over his head, turned it on, and was once again able todiscern light and dark, shapes and shadows, letters and numbers, and even a rollinggolf ball."I could look down and and see the ball, white on black, and I could see myself swingingmy putter," Behm said. "And, of course, I missed. But I could reach down and pickup my ball, like any other sighted person."The device is called BrainPort and, though it seems like a gadget from Star Trek,it may be available commercially by the end of the year.It works by converting images from a video camera to electrical impulses that aretransmitted via the tongue to the brain of the blind person and turned again intoblack-and-white images that the user sees.It takes advantage of groundbreaking work by a UW-Madison scientist that showed thebrain will reprogram itself to accept and use different sensory signals - in thiscase touch instead of sight - to replace signals that can no longer be received dueto injury or disease.The device, which consists of a miniature camera mounted on a pair of sunglasses,a tongue sensor and a small control unit, was developed by Wicab of Middleton. Itbuilds on another of the company's devices that uses the same underlying ideas tohelp restore users' balance.The company is applying to the federal Food and Drug Administration to get approvalfor a marketable version of the vision device that could be available by the endof the year, Wicab CEO Robert Beckman said.Trying circumstances.Few have tested BrainPort under more trying circumstances than Erik Weihenmayer,the only blind man to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Weihenmayer, totally blindsince the age of 16, has used the device to help him hike in the woods, even ascendclimbing walls. But he has most appreciated it for letting him do such simple butrewarding tasks as playing tic-tac-toe with his daughter or reaching down to pethis dog."I have a climbing friend who didn't believe me when I told him about this," Weihenmayersaid. "So he put a Pepsi can on my table in my kitchen while I was out of the room.Then he called me back in and told me to grab it. I reached out and grabbed the Pepsican. He was blown away. He was speechless. He had tears in his eyes."I mean, it may not seem like a real big deal to people, but to be able to see yourcoffee cup ... ."Neither Behm nor Weihenmayer are paid consultants to Wicab, although the companypays some of their expenses.The late Paul Bach-y-Rita, a UW-Madison physician and specialist in rehabilitation,first came up with the ideas that inspired BrainPort in the 1960s. The technologywas patented by UW-Madison in 1998, and commercial development has been under wayfor more than 10 years.New ways to work.Bach-y-Rita's earliest thinking about the brain's ability to adapt to new ways ofreceiving and processing information - its "plasticity," as it is known now - waslikely sparked by the dramatic struggle of his father, Pedro, to recover from a devastatingstroke in the mid-1960s, Beckman said.Neurologists in those days believed brain damage could not be reversed. But Bach-y-Rita'sbrother, George, soon put their father to work doing chores such as sweeping theporch of the house. Forced to accomplish more and more difficult tasks, their fathereventually recovered completely and even went back to his job teaching.He died at the age of 73 of a heart attack while climbing in the mountains of Columbia.Remarkably, studies of Pedro's brain after his death showed massive damage to hisbrain from the stroke. Yet he recovered. Somehow, his brain had found new ways towork.At the UW-Madison, Bach-y-Rita focused his studies on sensory substitution, the ideathat the brain can learn how to use other senses to replace one that has been lostor damaged. He concentrated on the power of touch, studying what happens in the brainwhen visual cues come from the sensitive nerves of the skin, such as those on thefingertips.Perfect organ.Those studies buttressed others that showed the brain can indeed learn how to usenerve impulses, delivered through touch, to create images. Exactly what happens remainssomewhat of a mystery. But more recently, MRI images taken of the brain while itis working do show the visual cortex of the brain lighting up when receiving sensorydata retrieved through touch."The information does get to the area of the brain that is responsible for vision,"said Kurt Kaczmarek, a UW-Madison engineer and scientist who was involved in theearly work on BrainPort.The tongue is the perfect organ for the task, Beckman said, because it is moist andan excellent transmitter of electrical signals, and it has more tactile nerve endingsthan any other part of the body except for the lips.Though one can read the science over and over again, it still requires somewhat ofa leap of faith to grasp the idea of "seeing" through the tongue. Simply, the patternsof light picked up by the camera are converted by a tiny computer into electricalpulses across 100 stainless steel electrodes. Users say it feels similar to touchinga weak battery to your tongue, a bubbly or tingling sensation.The pulses are spatially encoded, meaning the person receiving those signals on thetongue can perceive depth, perspective, size and shape. That information is translatedby the brain into images - fuzzy images, because of the low resolution, but imagesnonetheless. Those who have used the device explain that they perceive the objectsin front of them, separate from their own bodies.A milestone of sorts.Weihenmayer recalled how when he first tried BrainPort, the researchers sat him downat a table, fitted him with the device, and then rolled a ball toward him."It's a hard thing to wrap your brain around," said Weihenmayer. "But when they rolleda white tennis ball toward me, I could feel the ball rolling. First I could feelthe ball starting at the back of my tongue and getting bigger and bigger, comingtoward me. And then I reached out and grabbed it."When he ascends a rock climbing wall with BrainPort, Weihenmayer said, he can seethe handholds, their differences in shape and the contrast in light between themand the background. What he sees, he explained, is largely shapes and light variations,sort of an out-of-focus image.Last month, Weihenmayer joined Beckman at the National Eye Institute's 40th anniversarycelebration to demonstrate BrainPort and some of its powers. It seemed a milestoneof sorts.But the man whose genius led to the creation of such a useful invention was not present.Bach-y-Rita died of cancer in November of 2006."He would have loved to have been there," said Beckman.Source URL:http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/451

for mothers of hearing impaired children

2009-04-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Children suffering from hearing impairment need early identification and intervention for proper rehabilitation, which can be done best by the mother by becoming a link between rehabilitation professionals and the child, an audiology expert said on Sunday.
“Hearing is prerequisite for a child’s speech language development. This could be severely hampered in the absence of hearing ability. Here mothers can play a very important role. Mother spends the most time with the child. Hence she can identify the handicap in the child and approach professionals like ENT specialist or pediatrician for help,” Reader and Head, Department of Audiology, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Rajeev R Jalvi told Sakal Times.
The national institute is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, based in Mumbai. Jalvi was in the city to attend a programme on hearing disability organised by city-based NGO Cochlea Pune.
“As soon as the disability is detected, the child should be given a hearing aid. Then pictorial depiction of everyday activities and their physical imitation is the best way to teach the child. For example, regarding brushing teeth, mother should give a running commentary of the activity involving in the brushing activity explaining each action in detail and imitate it before the child. Then get the child repeat the process with her,” Jalvi said.
Similarly for animal or bird sounds, she should show pictures of the animal or bird or a film based on animals. Show the association between object and the sound by showing it and pronounce the sound, he said.
“It is the birthright of every child to get a hearing aid by six months of age. Parents should ensure that by the first birthday, the child is able to pronounce at least 10 to 15 words,” he said, adding the mother should also involve other family members in the rehabilitation process.
According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) survey of disabled people in 2002, three million children were found hearing impaired between 0 to 4 years.
“This is a very high number. It signifies that society is not serious in finding a solution. There are 70 affected children born everyday in a district with 25 lakh population. There is 70 to 80 per cent delay in intervention due to lack of awareness and resources,” the expert said.
Source: http://www.sakaaltimes.com/2009/04/27142828/Mothers-role-vital-for-hearin.html

what sugar causes

2009-04-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

1. Sugar can suppress your immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease.
2.
Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in your body: causes chromium
and copper deficiencies and interferes with absorption of calcium and
magnesium.
3. Sugar can cause can cause a rapid rise of
adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and
crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can produce a significant rise
in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol and a decrease
in good cholesterol.
5. Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function.
6. Sugar feeds cancer cells and has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, biliary tract, lung, gallbladder and stomach. 7. Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose and can cause reactive hypoglycemia.
8. Sugar can weaken eyesight.
9. Sugar can cause many
problems with the gastrointestinal tract including: an acidic digestive
tract, indigestion, malabsorption in patients with functional bowel
disease, increased risk of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
10. Sugar can cause premature aging.
11. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
12. Sugar can cause your saliva to become acidic, tooth decay, and periodontal disease
13. Sugar contributes to obesity.
14. Sugar can cause autoimmune diseases such as: arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis.
15. Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections)
16. Sugar can cause gallstones.
17. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
18. Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.
19. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
20. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users.
21. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
22.
Sugar can cause a decrease in your insulin sensitivity thereby causing
an abnormally high insulin levels and eventually diabetes.
23. Sugar can lower your Vitamin E levels.
24. Sugar can increase your systolic blood pressure.
25. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
26.
High sugar intake increases advanced glycation end products
(AGEs)(Sugar molecules attaching to and thereby damaging proteins in
the body).
27. Sugar can interfere with your absorption of protein.
28. Sugar causes food allergies.
29. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
30. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
31. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
32. Sugar can impair the structure of your DNA.
33. Sugar can change the structure of protein and cause a permanent alteration of the way the proteins act in your body.
34. Sugar can make your skin age by changing the structure of collagen.
35. Sugar can cause cataracts and nearsightedness.
36. Sugar can cause emphysema.
37. High sugar intake can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in your body.
38. Sugar lowers the ability of enzymes to function.
39. Sugar intake is higher in people with Parkinson's disease.
40. Sugar can increase the size of your liver by making your liver cells divide and it can increase the amount of liver fat.
41. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney such as the formation of kidney stones.
42. Sugar can damage your pancreas.
43. Sugar can increase your body's fluid retention.
44. Sugar is enemy #1 of your bowel movement.
45. Sugar can compromise the lining of your capillaries.
46. Sugar can make your tendons more brittle.
47. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
48. Sugar can reduce the learning capacity, adversely affect school children's grades and cause learning disorders.
49. Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha, and theta brain waves which can alter your mind's ability to think clearly.
50. Sugar can cause depression.
51. Sugar can increase your risk of gout.
52. Sugar can increase your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
53. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalances such as: increasing estrogen in men, exacerbating PMS, and decreasing growth hormone.
54. Sugar can lead to dizziness.
55. Diets high in sugar will increase free radicals and oxidative stress.
56. High sucrose diets of subjects with peripheral vascular disease significantly increases platelet adhesion.
57.
High sugar consumption of pregnant adolescents can lead to substantial
decrease in gestation duration and is associated with a twofold
increased risk for delivering a small-for-gestation al-age (SGA) infant.
58. Sugar is an addictive substance.
59. Sugar can be intoxicating, similar to alcohol.
60. Sugar given to premature babies can affect the amount of carbon dioxide they produce.
61. Decrease in sugar intake can increase emotional stability.
62. Your body changes sugar into 2 to 5 times more fat in the bloodstream than it does starch.
63. The rapid absorption of sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese subjects.
64. Sugar can worsen the symptoms of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
65. Sugar adversely affects urinary electrolyte composition.
66. Sugar can slow down the ability of your adrenal glands to function.
67.
Sugar has the potential of inducing abnormal metabolic processes in a
normal healthy individual and to promote chronic degenerative diseases.
68. I.V.s (intravenous feedings) of sugar water can cut off oxygen to your brain.
69. Sugar increases your risk of polio.
70. High sugar intake can cause epileptic seizures.
71. Sugar causes high blood pressure in obese people.
72. In intensive care units: Limiting sugar saves lives.
73. Sugar may induce cell death.
74.
In juvenile rehabilitation camps, when children were put on a low sugar
diet, there was a 44 percent drop in antisocial behavior.
75. Sugar dehydrates newborns.
76. Sugar can cause gum disease.

If you buy honey or maple syrup, make sure it's 100% pure. The cheaper versions are often mixed with corn syrup.

Hippocrates once said “Give me a fever and I can cure the child”. By understanding that a simple fever is a symptom rather than a condition orillness in itself, you soon come to realise that it is an ally and notan enemy. Fevers are the first sign that your child’s immune symptom isfunctioning as it should. By increasing core body temperature, feversenable the immune system to swing into action, indicating the body’sdefences are fighting an infection and consequent temperaturefluctuat ions indicate how the body is coping. - Natural Parenting.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

2009-04-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

FOR KIDS’ EYES ONLY

Ever wondered why:
Some children don’t answer when you talk to them.
Some children don’t talk at all, even though they are big and at school.
Some children talk only about dinosaurs or space.
Some children flap their hands or twirl around.
Some children play with string or other funny things.
Some children don’t go away even when you ask them to.
Some children walk round and round the playground all by themselves.

These children may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) occurs when a baby’s brain develops a little differently before or just after the baby is born. The brain then processes or interprets information differently.

People who have an ASD have difficulty communicating and learning how to be friends with other people. They often want things to be the same and may need to do things in exactly the same way every time.

People who have an ASD also sense things differently from many other people. Loud noises, like the school bell, can hurt their ears and they may not like the way certain things feel. They may like to stare at leaves moving in the trees but hate the swirling lights at the school disco. They may only want to eat exactly the same things or they may not like the way some food smells.

Is everyone who has an ASD just the same?

No. People who have an ASD are different from each other just like you and your friends are different.

Some people who have an ASD can talk, but they usually expect you to say exactly what you mean, if you say “Jump to it!” when you mean “Hurry up,” the child who has an ASD will probably start jumping.

Other people, who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, use pictures or photographs to communicate with other people.

Some people who have an ASD can do their school work quickly, while other people find it difficult to learn to read and write. Some people who have an ASD want to be alone while others want to have friends, but don’t know how to make them.

There are different types of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which have different names; these include Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Can I catch Autism Spectrum Disorder?

No. You can’t catch an Autism Spectrum Disorder like you catch a cold or chickenpox. People are born with an ASD. As they grow older many people who have an ASD learn to do lots of things just like you.

Will ASD go away?

No. An ASD is something that people have all their lives. However, as they grow they learn more and more about the world. Many people who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder will have a job and live independently when they grow up, just like you will.

How can I help someone who has an ASD?

Be nice and don’t tease.
Ask them to join in your games.
Sometimes people who have an ASD like it when you talk to them.
Speak clearly and don’t use too many big words.
Say what you mean.
Tell the person to take a step back if they come too close.
Remind the person that we only need to say things once.
Warn the person if there is going to be a loud noise.
People who have an ASD usually like to play with a few friends, they may
not feel comfortable in a large group.
Explain the rules of the game just before you start to play.
Understand that sometimes the person who has an ASD may need time alone.

Remember it’s OK to be different!
We all are!!

interesting tips

2009-03-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

How to increase download speeds in firefoxFirefox is configured by default for dial-up speeds. If you have high speed internet access such as DSL or cable, you can change a few settings in Firefox and increase your download speeds. If you change the number of connections that Firefox uses to download, you will see a dramatic increas in your bandwidth. The larger the file you are downloading, the greater the speed will be, because more connections can be made to the server.1. Change Firefox connection setting by typing "about:config" in the address bar of Firefox.2. In the "Filter:" bar, type "persistent"3. You should now see two preference names with their values:network.http. max-persistent-
connections- per-proxy user set interger 4network.http. max-persistent- connections- per-server user set interger 24. Double click on each of the preference names. A window will pop-up allowing you to change the values for each. If you have cable or DSL use a number between 20 and 30!. Click OK.5.Restart Firefox and you will be able to download more files simultaneously and each file a lot faster.

computer commands

2009-03-16T00:51:00.001-07:00

Accessibility controls access.cpl

Accessibility Wizard
accwiz
Add Hardware Wizard
hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs
appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools
control admintools
Adobe Acrobat (if installed)
acrobat
Adobe Designer (if installed)
acrodist
Adobe Distiller (if installed)
acrodist
Adobe ImageReady (if installed)
imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed)
photoshop
Automatic Updates
wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard
fsquirt
Calculator
calc
Certificate Manager
certmgr.msc
Character Map
charmap
Check Disk Utility
chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer
clipbrd
Command Prompt
cmd
Component Services
dcomcnfg
Computer Management
compmgmt.msc
Control Panel
control
Date and Time Properties
timedate.cpl
DDE Shares
ddeshare
Device Manager
devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*
directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter
dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility
cleanmgr
Disk Defragment
dfrg.msc
Disk Management
diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager
diskpart
Display Properties
control desktop
Display Properties
desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)
control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility
drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility
verifier
Event Viewer
eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool
sigverif
Files and Settings Transfer Tool
migwiz
Findfast
findfast.cpl
Firefox (if installed)
firefox
Folders Properties
control folders
Fonts
control fonts
Fonts Folder
fonts
Free Cell Card Game
freecell
Game Controllers
joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)
gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game
mshearts
Help and Support
helpctr
HyperTerminal
hypertrm
Iexpress Wizard
iexpress
Indexing Service
ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard
icwconn1
Internet Explorer
iexplore
Internet Properties
inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard
inetwiz
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration)
ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /setclassid
IP Configuration (Refreshes/Re- Registers DHCP)
ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections)
ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)
ipconfig /renew
Java Control Panel (If Installed)
jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed)
javaws
Keyboard Properties
control keyboard
Local Security Settings
secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups
lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows
logoff
Malicious Software Removal Tool
mrt
Microsoft Access (if installed)
access.cpl
Microsoft Chat
winchat
Microsoft Excel (if installed)
excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed)
frontpg
Microsoft Movie Maker
moviemk
Microsoft Paint
mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed)
powerpnt
Microsoft Syncronization Tool
mobsync
Microsoft Word (if installed)
winword
Minesweeper Game
winmine
Mouse Properties
control mouse
Mouse Properties
main.cpl
Nero (if installed)
nero
Netmeeting
conf
Network Connections
control netconnections
Network Connections
ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard
netsetup.cpl
Notepad
notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed)
nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager
packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator
odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard
osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed)
ac3filter.cpl
Outlook Express
msimn
Paint
pbrush
Partition
x: (X=driveletter)
Password Properties
password.cpl
Performance Monitor
perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor
perfmon
Phone and Modem Options
telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer
dialer
Pinball Game
pinball
Power Configuration
powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes
control printers
Printers Folder
printers
Private Character Editor
eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed)
QuickTime.cpl
Quicktime Player (if installed)
quicktimeplayer
Real Player (if installed)
realplay
Regional Settings
intl.cpl
Registry Editor
regedit
Registry Editor
regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook
rasphone
Remote Desktop
mstsc
Removable Storage
ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests
ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof)
rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras
sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks
control schedtasks
Security Center
wscui.cpl
Services
services.msc
Shared Folders
fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows
shutdown
Sounds and Audio
mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game
spider
SQL Client Configuration
cliconfg
System Configuration Editor
sysedit
System Configuration Utility
msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)
sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)
sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)
sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot)
sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)
sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)
sfc /cachesize=x
System Information
msinfo32
System Properties
sysdm.cpl
Task Manager
taskmgr
TCP Tester
tcptest
Telnet Client
telnet
TEMP Folder
%temp%
Tweak UI (if installed)
tweakui
User Account Management
nusrmgr.cpl
User Profile
%USERPROFILE%
Utility Manager
utilman
Windows Address Book Import Utility
wabmig
Windows Address Book
wab
Windows Backup Utility (if installed)
ntbackup
Windows Explorer
explorer
Windows Firewall
firewall.cpl
Windows Folder
%windir%
Windows installed Directory
\
Windows Magnifier
magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure
wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player
wmplayer
Windows Messenger
msmsgs
Windows Picture Import Wizard
wiaacmgr
Windows System Security Tool
syskey
Windows Update Launches
wupdmgr
Windows Version
winver
Windows XP Tour Wizard
tourstart
Wordpad
write

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health is welth

2009-03-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Researchers shed light on new heart condition AnergiaWashington (IANS): Researchers are shedding new light on a syndrome affecting nearly 40 percent of older adults with heart failure: anergia.Anergia, or lack of energy, is a newly delineated, criterion-based geriatric syndrome that is often overlooked or dismissed by doctors and patients alike as simply a natural tiredness associated with "old age".Whether anergia is a result of heart failure or perhaps a potential underlying contributing factor is not entirely clear.However, one thing is certain, researchers say: Fatigue has been shown to have independent long-term prognostic implications in patients with heart failure.Mathew Maurer, associate professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University Medical Centre (CUMC), is the senior co-author of the study.As part of the nine-month prospective cohort study, heart failure patients were provided an actigraph - a device worn on the wrist like a watch that was used to assess physical activity, energy expenditures and sleep by measuring and recording limb movement.Participants were instructed to wear it continuously on their non-dominant wrist for the nine months of the study.At baseline and at every three months for a total of four visits, each subject underwent a targeted physical exam including measurement of heart failure severity and distance walked during a six-minute hall walk as well as other mediating factors, said a CUMC release.An earlier study by Dr. Maurer showed that anergia may stem from many conditions, including heart and kidney dysfunction, arthritis, lung disease, anaemia and depression.These findings were published in the March 2009 edition of the Journal of Cardiac Failure.

out standing man

2009-01-16T19:21:00.001-08:00

A U.S. space agency team led by a blind engineer built a system to receive data from a Soyuz spacecraft just days after Russia asked for assistance.National Aeronautics and Space Administration officials said the request from the Russian Federal Space Agency was to devise a way to capture telemetry data from a Soyuz space capsule during de-orbit and re-entry.Marco Midon, a blind NASA electronics engineer, proposed a mobile system be deployed at a ground site below the Soyuz re-entry path after its separation from the International Space Station. Midon ordered the equipment.He and other NASA engineers then traveled to Athens, Greece, to set up the equipment on the roof of the American Embassy. Just after 6 a.m. on a morning in late October, only days after the Russian request, the system began receiving data from the Soyuz capsule as it re-entered Earth's atmosphere."I think the real story here is that we only had two or three days to come up with a solution to something and were then able to implement it in Europe," he said. "I may have been the technical guy who figured out how to do it, but there were a lot of other folks whose willingness to pitch in provided us with an opportunity to succeed."

bitter truth

2008-12-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

Handicapped doctor forced to climb three floors to meet Health Ministry officials

Story by Sinniah Gurunathan, Trincomalee correspondent

It was a cruel and embarrassing irony that a disabled doctor who uses crutches to get about had to haul himself, step by painful step, up several flights of stairs to reach an office of the Ministry of Health, in Colombo.

Dr. Kanagarajah Nandakumaran, a polio victim since childhood, was describing his ordeal to the audience at a special event held in Trincomalee to mark International Disabled Persons Day.

Dr. Nandakumaran

Dr. Nandakumaran is the Provincial Director of Health Services for the North. The Disabled Persons Day programme was organised by the Eastern Province Department of Social Services, with the support of several non-government organisations. The event took place in the auditorium of the Trincomalee Vigneswara Maha Vidiyalayam.

“It is a pity that the authorities have no thought for disabled people when they construct buildings,” said the doctor, who had to climb three floors to meet Health Ministry officials in Colombo.

Dr. Nandakumaran was stricken by poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) at the age of two, and has used crutches all his life. After qualifying as a medical practitioner, he served in several government hospitals before taking up his job as a medical overseer in the North and East.

Speaking seated on a chair in front of the stage, Dr. Nandakumaran told his audience that there were laws to ensure equal treatment for disabled persons.

“Unfortunately, these laws are only in writing and not sufficiently enforced,” the doctor said. “The disabled should not have to be confined to their homes. They should be given all the facilities they need to enjoy a normal life, just like other normal people.

“The days of treating disabled persons as sympathy-seeking social outcasts are long over. The public and the authorities have a duty to ensure that the disabled enjoy equal rights, equal opportunity and parity of status in every aspect of life.

“A person’s physical mobility is something he or she can lose very easily, in a matter of minutes, irrespective of caste, creed and race. The number of disabled in this country is increasing by the day. People are losing limbs and the use of their limbs in different situations – the conflict in the north, accidents and natural disasters. On average, some 180 citizens are disabled every day.

“Considering the alarmingly high, and growing, number of permanently disabled people, it is surprising we have so few disabled-friendly buildings,” Dr. Nandakumaran said.

The chief guest at the International Disabled Persons Day event was Trincomalee High Court Judge, M. Ilancheliyan.

In his address, the judge appealed to the public to bring to the notice of the police or other relevant authorities any instance of disabled persons being treated badly or with disrespect.

He said the law protected the disabled, and that legal action could be taken against parents who failed to provide their disabled children with a proper education and the facilities they needed.

new approach

2008-12-17T03:18:00.001-08:00

To Sea with a Blind Scientistby Geerat J. VermeijReprinted from the Braille Monitor
Editor's Note: Scientific research is not a career most people believe to be suitable for the blind, but such beliefs are changing. Dr. Geerat Vermeij isa nationally recognized marine biologist. He conducts research and teaches students at the doctoral level. Dr. Vermeij tells us that science is competitive,tedious, and hard—and, that he loves it. Here is what he has to say:
How, a skeptic might ask, could a blind person ever hope to be a scientist? After all, science is difficult if not impenetrable even for many sighted people;and, in any case, there is almost nothing in the way of books about science available to the blind. How would one carry out experiments? How would onegain access to the huge scientific literature? Perhaps a blind person could be a physicist, at least a theoretical physicist, but surely not a biologist.Why would the blind willingly choose biology, that most visual of all the sciences?
The answer is very simple. Science, and for me biology in particular, is absolutely fascinating. Someone is actually paying me to study shells—some of themost beautiful works of architecture in all of nature—in the expectation that broad principles with implications for our own species will emerge.
What is more, I get to travel to exotic places, to read the scientific literature in all its fantastic diversity, to see my own papers and books published,and to teach others about science, that most powerful of all ways of knowing. What more could one ask of a profession?
Like many of my colleagues, I came to science early in life. Even as a small boy growing up in the Netherlands, I picked up shells, pine cones, pretty stones,and the like. My parents, both of whom are avid natural historians, took pains to acquaint me with all kinds of creatures that lived in the grassy poldersand in the innumerable ditches that crisscrossed the Low Land. The fact that I was totally blind made no difference at all. At the age of ten, shortlyafter moving to the United States, I became seriously interested in shells. Almost immediately I started my own collection, which soon grew to includeall manner of other objects of natural history. My parents and brother were enthusiastic; they read aloud, transcribed, or dictated every book on naturalhistory they could find.
The reactions of my teachers in the local public elementary school ranged from polite acceptance to genuine enthusiasm when I told them of my intentionsto become a conchologist, a malacologist, or a biologist. If they thought about the incompatibility between blindness and biology, they kept it to themselves,or perhaps they expected my obsession to be a passing fancy soon to be replaced by more realistic plans.
The interest in biology did not flag. As counselors more openly expressed their fears that I would be unable to find employment if I persisted in my plansto study biology, I entered Princeton University to concentrate on biology and geology. There I received strong support from nearly all my professors;they were giants in their fields, and their enthusiasm sustained my youthful confidence.
I applied to do doctoral work at Yale. When I arrived for my interview in the biology department, the director of graduate studies was more than a littleapprehensive. During my talk with him, he took me down to the university's shell collection in the basement of the Peabody Museum. Casually he picked uptwo shells and asked me if I knew them. He fully expected me to draw a blank, in which case he planned to tell me as gently as possible that biology wasnot for me after all.
Fortunately, however, the shells were familiar to me. All of the misgivings of the director instantly evaporated. Thanks to his enthusiastic endorsement,I was able to enter Yale with a full graduate fellowship that left me free to travel and to carry out an ambitious research project culminating in thePh.D. dissertation. After Yale, I joined the Department of Zoology at the University of Maryland at College Park in 1971, first as an instructor. Movingup through the academic ranks, I was appointed professor in 1980. Along the way, I married Edith Zipser, a fellow biologist whom I had met at Yale, andwe had a daughter Hermine, who is now six. Very recently I accepted a new appointment to become Professor of Geology at the University of California, Davis.What do I actually do in my job that seemed so improbable to the skeptics? Again the answer is simple. I do what my sighted colleagues do: research, teaching,and service.
My research centers on how animals and plants have evolved to cope with their biological enemies—predators, competitors, and parasites—over the course ofthe last six hundred million years of earth history. When I was still a graduate student, working at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory, I noticedthat many of the shells I was finding on the island's reef-flats were broken despite their considerable thickness and strength. It soon became clear thatshell-breaking predators, especially crabs and fishes, were responsible for this damage. I began to suspect that many of the elegant features of tropicalshells—their knobby and spiny surfaces, their tight coiling, and the narrow shell opening often partially occluded by knob-like thickenings—were interpretableas adaptations which enabled the snails that built the shells to withstand the onslaughts of their predators.
Most interestingly, the shells I had collected in the West Indies and the Atlantic coasts of South America and Africa seemed to be less well endowed withthis kind of armor than were the shells from comparable sites in the tropical Western Pacific. Armed with these observations and hypotheses, I appliedfor funding from the National Science Foundation to continue my work upon my arrival at Maryland.
When the program director called me to say that I would be funded, he also informed me that the Foundation would not sponsor my proposed field work in theIndian Ocean because he could not conceive of a blind person's doing field work. I reminded him that I had already worked in field situations throughoutthe tropics, and that the proposed research critically depended on the work in the Indian Ocean. After a few minutes of conversation he relented and awardedme the full amount.
How do I do my research? It is a combination of field, laboratory, museum, and library work that has taken me all over the world to coral reefs, mangroveswamps, mud-flats, rock-bound open coasts, deserts, rain forests, research vessels, marine biological stations, secret military installations, great libraries,and big-city museums.
I make large collections of specimens in the field, work with living animals in laboratory aquaria, measure shells in museums and in my own very large researchcollection, and read voraciously. Wherever I go I am in the company of a sighted assistant or colleague.
Often this is my wife, but there are many others as well. There is nothing unusual about this; every scientist I know has assistants. I keep detailed fieldand laboratory notebooks in Braille, usually written with slate and stylus. Once a week I go to the U.S. National Museum of Natural History, part of theSmithsonian Institution in Washington in order to work with the outstanding collection of mollusks and to peruse carefully all the scientific periodicalsthat came into the library the previous week. While my reader reads to me, I transcribe extensive notes on the Perkins Brailler. Sometimes I will makejust a few notations of the main point of a scientific paper, but at other times I transcribe all the data contained in a paper. My Braille scientificlibrary now comprises more than eight thousand publications compiled in more than one hundred forty thick Braille volumes.
Like many of my colleagues, I spend a great deal of time writing. First, I prepare drafts on the Perkins Brailler, using the seemingly inexhaustible supplyof memos and announcements that flood my mailbox daily. Once I am satisfied with the text, I type the manuscript on an ink typewriter. An assistant proofreadsand corrects the manuscript, which is then submitted to an appropriate scientific periodical or book publisher for a thorough evaluation.
In all my work I find Braille to be vastly more efficient than any other form of communication. I also prefer live readers to tape recorders. How can youask a machine to spell words, to ferret out a detail in a graph or table, and most importantly to skip whole sections or to scan the text for a particularpoint?
Teaching has always been inextricably intertwined with research for me. I can point to several papers that would not have been written were it not for thefact that I was forced to think about problems in connection with a lecture on a topic quite far removed from my immediate research interests.
Over the years I have taught a great variety of courses—animal diversity, evolutionary biology, ecology, marine ecology, malacology, the mathematics andphysics of organic form, and a seminar on extinction—ranging from the introductory to the advanced graduate level.
In the large introductory courses, teaching assistants take charge of the laboratory sections and help in grading papers. Again, there is nothing unusualin this. Professors in science departments at most universities depend heavily on teaching assistants. Like other research-oriented professors, I traingraduate students. Thus far, seven students have received their Ph.D. degrees under my direction.
The service part of the job is highly varied as well. There are the inevitable committee meetings and the many tasks that help make the department or theuniversity run smoothly. I head search committees to find new faculty members, I conduct reviews of faculty performance, and I write as few memos as Ican. An important service to the profession is the review of dozens of manuscripts and grant proposals. If one writes them, one ought to be willing toreview them as well.
Of course, science isn't all fun and games. Science is competitive; it is hard work, full of tedious calculations, revising manuscripts for the tenth time,of coping with the disappointment of having a cherished paper or grant proposal summarily rejected, and of quibbling about grades with a frustratinglyinept student. Nobody in science is exempt from pressures and feelings such as these, but in the end the work is immensely rewarding and intellectuallyfulfilling.
In short, there is nothing about my job that makes it unsuitable for a blind person. Of course, there are inherent risks in the field work; I have beenstung by rays, bitten by crabs, and detained by police who mistook my partner and me for operatives trying to overthrow the government of their Africancountry, and I have slipped on rocks, scraped my hand on sharp oysters and pinnacles of coral, and suffered from stomach cramps. There isn't a field scientistalive or dead who hasn't had similar experiences. Life without risk is life without challenge; one cannot hope to understand nature without experiencingit firsthand. The blind, no more than the sighted, must act sensibly and with appropriate caution. Along with independence comes the responsibility ofassuming risks.
What would I say to a blind person who is contemplating a career in science? Very simple. I would tell that person exactly what I would tell a sighted one:Love your subject, be prepared to work hard, don't be discouraged by doubters and by the occasional failure, be willing to take risks, get as much basicscience and mathematics as you can take, and perhaps above all display a reasoned self-confidence without carrying a chip on your shoulder. You will needstamina, good grades, the support of influential scientists, and a willingness and ability to discover new facts and new ideas. It is not enough to dowell in courses; one must make new observations, design and carry out tests of hypotheses that have been carefully thought out, and interpret and presentthe results in such a way that the work is both believable and interesting to others. Science is not for everyone, but I can think of no field that ismore satisfying.
What would I say to the educational establishment? I would tell them that the prevailing attitudes about science and the blind must be reformed. For toolong the scientifically inclined blind have been steered only toward the social sciences and other "safe" disciplines, and away from fields in which laboratoryand outdoor studies are important.
I believe that the chief factor holding the blind back from science is ignorance, not only by virtue of woefully inadequate reading materials in the schoolsand libraries, but also because of the pervasive fear and discouragement by the establishment to let the blind observe nature firsthand. I once met a blindwoman who professed an interest in biology, yet she had never been encouraged to touch the spiny leaves of the holly.
Observation is the first, and in many ways the most important, step in a scientific inquiry. Without the freedom and encouragement to observe, a blind person(or anyone else, for that matter) is subtly but decisively turned away from science.

improving the lives of partially sighted children

2008-12-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

Tips to improve daily living skills
Empathy, common sense and creative thinking can vastly improve the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired. Many people experience feelings of
isolation, anxiety and frustration with vision loss.

Allow time to listen and to acknowledge.
Never presume how a person will respond to vision loss.
Lighting and glare

Lighting needs differ and can be significant. Some people see better with stronger light, while others do not. The most common concern is glare.
For overhead lighting, use florescent lights for even coverage.
The light source should come from behind or beside the person.
Use venetian blinds or curtains, or tint the windows to control glare.
Use general and direct lighting from a lamp. A lamp with a shade and extendable arm is best. Check the electrical cord position for safety.
Encourage the person to experiment with lighting.
Avoid major changes in lighting (e.g. a bright room leading to a dim corridor and vice versa).
Maintain even lighting throughout buildings.
Reading and writing

Most people with vision loss have difficulty reading and writing. However, the following may help:
Magnifiers can be useful
Use a black text marker on white paper. Check print size and thickness.
A sighted person can assist in reading materials.
Use upper and lowercase letters for better visibility as this gives more shape to words. Do not use capital letters only.
Do not underline words.
For typed print use the strongest contrast possible (e.g. black type on white paper). Univers or Arial font style above 12pt is recommended.
Colour contrast

High contrast colours, such as black on white, make objects easier to see. Tips:

Use dark liquid in light cups and vice versa.
Crockery and cutlery should contrast with tablecloths or tabletops.
Use plain colours rather than patterns.
Use contrast to assist with home and office environments (e.g. contrasting black stair railing on a white wall).

Meal times

Dining and eating can be stressful, embarrassing and frustrating if people cannot see the food. Tips:

When setting the table use contrasting colours (e.g. contrasting napkins and tablecloths) and appropriate lighting.
Inform the person about what is on the table and where it is located (e.g. Your drink is on your right and the salt is straight in front." )
Explain the location of the food on the dinner plate (e.g. "The meat is nearest to you at six o'clock, the potatoes are on the right at three o'clock, and
the carrots are on the left at nine o'clock"). Meat should be placed near the person to assist with cutting.
When filling glasses or cups, leave approximately one centimetre to help prevent spills.
Recreation tips
Make information accessible by putting newsletters or brochures into accessible formats (e.g. Braille, large print, audio cassette or electronic).
Use the 'bigger, bolder, brighter' and 'using other senses' principles when designing activities.
Mark containers, appliance settings and equipment with coloured elastic bands, liquid paper, tape, coloured stickers or Velcro to help identify them.
Facilitate non-sight activities such as music, reminiscence, quizzes or discussions. Massage and aromatherapy are activities which can stimulate touch and
smell. Handicrafts such as pottery, wool craft and gardening are also recommended.
Modifying activities involves, trial and error, time and encouragement.
Keep conflicting or background noise to a minimum during activities, as it can interfere with the use of hearing as a substitute for vision.
Have a place for activity equipment and always return it there. This will help the person know where to locate it. If you move things, tell them.
Keep a few chairs near windows for reading or doing handcraft in natural light.
Readers can access Braille, large print or talking books from the Vision Australia Library. Audio described videos, newspapers and magazines, and information
in other languages is also available. Materials are posted free to borrowers.
Tactile and large print board games are available from Vision Australia.
Mark on/off buttons on appliances using contrasting colours markers, stickers or textures (e.g. Velcro or Polymark paint) for easy identification. This
is useful for cassette players and remote controls.
Braille, large print or talking watches and clocks can assist with daily routines.
Using the telephone can be made easier by using tactile markers, large print number stickers or large button phones.
When watching TV, the closer the person is to the TV, the better the picture.
Through radio station RPH for the Print Handicapped, information can be obtained from newspapers and magazines. Call Vision Australia RPH radio for more
information.
Helpful products
Magnifiers
Torch magnifiers
Hand-held magnifiers
Stand magnifiers
Telescopic aids
Closed Circuit Television*
Large print
Diary and teledex
Pill dispensers
Clocks and Watches
Talking
Clocks and watches
Bathroom and kitchen scales
Computers

GLOBAL BLINDNESS

2008-12-13T01:41:00.001-08:00

GLOBAL BLINDNESS - A Preventable Tragedy
Over the next decade the need for effective blindness prevention and treatment programs will become an increasingly urgent problem on a global level.
The number of people in need is growing far more rapidly than the eye care services to help them. It is commonly estimated that without proper interventions,the number of blind people in the world will increase from 37 million today to 75 million by 2020. At present, another 135 million have debilitating lowvision.
• Every 5 seconds a person in the world goes blind and a child goes blind every minute.• Ninety percent of the world’s blind people live in developing countries.• Two out of three blind people in the world are women, yet they are the least likely to obtain sight restoring services.

amazing tool for blind children

2008-12-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

When computer science professor
Gary Bishop
looks at a Dance Dance Revolution video game, he doesn't see just the latest gadget, he sees a tool he can adapt for kids with disabilities.

For instance, Bishop, a 2008 Kauffman Fellow, and a team of students from his 2004 software engineering class hijacked a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) pad
to create a "Braille twister" game for children ages 2 to 8 who are visually impaired or blind.

The team used a $15 adapter to plug the DDR pad into an ordinary computer, then programmed software that allows kids to spell Braille symbols using the
DDR pad. (The six outer squares on the pad correspond to the six dots in a Braille cell.)

Braille twister is part of a suite of games that Bishop and students developed when they found out that when students in N.C. schools go to computer class
each week, there was nothing for the blind students to do.

There just aren't enough cool tools out there for kids with disabilities, Bishop says, especially affordable ones. But by making small modifications to
the hardware that's already available, he works to fill that void and make a big difference in children's' lives.

Kauffman Faculty Fellowships have been offered the past three years by the Institute for the Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences as
part of the Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative (CEI).

Simple adaptations yield huge returns

Since they don't see, blind babies often delay exploring and crawling, which means they don't develop upper body strength.

Braille twister helps the children not only learn Braille but also improve their upper body strength. The children know which square they've pressed because
each square plays a different animal sound, like a cow or horse, but they've got to press pretty hard to hear the sound. So, they get a little workout.

Bishop's passion for accessibility software began back in 2001 when he met Jason Morris, who was a classics graduate student at the time and is blind. The
two worked together to improve software that Bishop and students had designed that uses sound to allow blind people to use maps.

Since then Bishop and generations of students in his computer science classes have developed games that enable blind children and, more recently, students
with other disabilities, to learn and have fun at the same time.

Like the other applications Bishop has developed, the "Braille twister" software is available to anyone for free. And it doesn't cost much for users to
get the equipment needed. A DDR pad can be purchased on Amazon.com for $6.79. A computer adapter costs about $15.

Bishop plans to keep pursuing this model of making simple adaptations to games and tools that are already widely available and don't cost much.

"The intersection between disabled people and rich people is very small," Bishop said.

Sustainability would expand access to more children in need

With support from the department of computer science in UNC's College of Arts and Sciences, Bishop pursues such projects to the exclusion of the research
he once conducted in such areas as 3D computer graphics. But he wants to ensure the software stays free of charge, and he wants to reach more children.

So this semester, with the help of a Kaufmann Fellowship, Bishop is exploring ways to make his social enterprise sustainable.

"I'm looking at ways to get a sufficiently continuous revenue stream to support students, and maybe a staff person to provide some continuity. Students
come and go," he said.

He's also exploring ways he might charge small fees for some aspects of the software while still making it available to kids who need it.

"Schools actually have some money to pay for accessibility tools that their students need, but very often there's not enough of that money," he said. "And
I really hate the idea of a kid not having access for want of a few dollars."

One possible model is to continue to provide the software to all students for free, but charge schools reasonable fees for an enhanced version that enables
teachers to measure and track progress.

Bishop also pursues additional partnerships such as those he's formed with orientation and mobility teachers in the public schools.

In conjunction with the UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies, Bishop and students are beginning to develop software to enable communication for
children with cerebral palsy and other conditions.

He's also exploring a partnership with UNC's School of Education.

Bishop and his students take every chance they get to test their software in schools. Once a year the computer science department hosts Maze Day. Visually
impaired and blind students in grades K-12 and their parents and teachers visit the computer science department to test the latest games from Bishop and
students. This year, about 75 children from around North Carolina and a few other states will attend.

That means the undergraduates who program the software often get to meet children who use the games they've created.

"One of my students said, 'This is the first thing I've done in school that's mattered,'" Bishop said.

"You learn a ton getting kids to use this stuff," he said. "You thought your software was perfect, and they break it."

Blind pilot’s adventure

2008-12-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Miles has achieved more than many others would even dare consider.
Despite being blind for over 25 years, Miles has still lived his dreams, encouraging us to realise that "The only limits in our lives are those we acceptourselves."
His remarkable adventures in recent years, setting numerous world records in the process, include:
list of 11 items• Attempting to be the first blind person to reach the South Pole, in the process man-hauling a sledge over 250 miles across Antarctica • Completing "The Toughest Foot-race on earth" - 150 miles across the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables • Climbing to 17,500 feet in the Himalayas • Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt. Blanc- Africa's/Europe's highest mountains • Running the 11-day Ultra-Marathon race across China from Gobi Desert to Great Wall • Completing the "Coldest Marathon on Earth"- the Siberian Ice Marathon • Crossing entire Qatar Desert non-stop day/night in 78 hours without sleep • Circumnavigating 38,000 miles around world using 80 forms of transport • Setting Malaysian Grand Prix lap record for blind driver in 200kph Lotus • Setting new British high-altitude record for a tandem microlight • Completing more than 40 skydiving jumps to date list end
He is currently preparing to undertake a 35-day, 12,500 microlight flight more than half way around the world, from London to Sydney, Australia, with StormSmith, relying on speech-output (developed by Software Express) on his instruments for navigation.

some useful web addresses

2008-12-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

www.hj.com
visit the website of jaws and read about other powerful softwares
www.webvisum.com
uniques website.
www.idarieu.org
visit Ida Rieu welfare organization online.
www.dawn.com
read dawn news paper online.
www.jang-group.com
read the news online.

role of parents of special children

2008-12-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

Role of parents
Role of parents
As soon as the baby is born, the mother and father become attached to their child through touch – through holding, carrying, and playing with their baby.

The world of movement begins, and it is the parents who are the first educators of their child.
This holds true for visually impaired children too.

Guiding
Parents have a much longer, sustained, and intimate relationship with their child than anybody else. When children are young they are learning to identify
and label the world. Blind children are no different. They need to become familiar with the world, too. Familiarisation develops orientation. For the sighted
child, vision puts them in the action.

Vision

Vision is the sense that allows us to integrate all of the things we learn about the world. Without normal vision, the child must learn to "see" and understand the world in new ways. As the child's parents, one needs the opportunity to understand how loss of vision affects their child's early development; learn how they, as parents, can most effectively teach their child to see the world.
Vision continued
One must realise that every child, whether visually impaired or not, is
a learner. Besides this, what every child learns in the first three years of life is learned visually, primarily through imitation, says a research.

Research
Visually impaired children learn by touching, listening, smelling, tasting, moving, and using whatever vision they have. A parent teaches his/her child by talking, touching, and playing during natural interaction times. One also teaches by providing toys and ordinary household objects that vary in texture, weight, smell, sound, and colour.

Research
The more sensory experiences provide, both one at a time and simultaneously, during everyday routines and special family occasions, the better. The fact is that just about all your interactions–playing, talking, putting on clothes, feeding are natural teaching experiences for you and learning opportunities for your child. However, children have different learning styles and, therefore, effective teaching approaches should be geared to individual needs.

What the parents are!
Parents are the natural teacher because they know their child better than anyone else does and have a better idea of what he/she is ready to learn.
They spend more time with the child .

What the parents are!
Therefore they're able to take advantage of the many ordinary events – things that happen throughout the day in the normal
course of family life – that are teaching opportunities. As a parent you give your child toys and common, everyday objects to help him / her learn in natural
situations that can be applied to other situations outside the home.

Or!

Also, as a parent you must keep on providing opportunities to your child to practice what he has learned and a chance to experience the world under your guidance.

Or!
You act as a role model. By starting early, you teach your child good habits that will last a lifetime. And, above all involve your child in
family life so friends and relatives learn how to interact with your visually impaired child and he / she learns how to act with others.

Or!
Also, as a parent you must keep on providing opportunities to your child to practice what he has learned and a chance to experience the world under your guidance. You act as a role model. By starting early, you teach your child good habits that will last a lifetime. And, above all involve your child in family life so friends and relatives learn how to interact with your visually impaired child and he / she learns how to act with others.

No guidance to parents is complete, keep discovering……… remain involved with your special child, give him as much time and attention as you do to others.

Thankyou

teaching tips and use of technology

2008-12-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Some Blind Achievers

Depending on the social support,
visually impaired persons have made headway in almost every sphere of life.

Help them integrate in the mainstream society

Born : 27 June 1880
Died : 1 June, 1968

In Helen's own words: "The public must learn that the blind man is neither genius nor a freak nor an idiot. He has a mind that can be educated, a hand which can be trained, ambitions which it is right for him to strive to realise, and it is the duty of the public to help him make the best of himself so that he can win light through work."

Ted Henter: Mr. Henter, a member of the Freedom Scientific board of directors, is an engineer by training, and he first learned computer programming after losing his sight as a result of an automobile accident. In 1987, nine years after having lost his sight, he founded Henter-Joyce and began developing software designed to convert computer text to speech so that visually-impaired people could use a computer. Mr. Henter’s goal in the development of JAWS was to enable people who are blind or who have low vision to be able to achieve the same or higher productivity in computer-based jobs as sighted people. Henter-Joyce also developed MAGic screen magnification software and other assistive technology software that the visually-challenged have used to significantly improve their lives.

The first hole-in-one recorded by a blind or visually impaired golfer in a National Open was scored on September 15, 2004 by Jan Dinsdale. In March 2005, American blind golfer Joel Ludvicek, 78, scored a hole-in-one in the 168-yard No. 11 hole at the Twin Pines golf course in Iowa, USA.

• Blind golfer hits hole-in-oneA 92-year-old blind golfer has hit a hole-in-one in Florida. Leo Fiyalko was playing a 110-yard, par-3 hole in Clearwater.“It was my first hole-in-one, and I never saw it,” he said. “I was just trying to put the ball on the green.” Mr Fiyalko once played to a seven handicap but he began suffering macular degeneration 10 years ago. He is now legally blind and needs help lining up his shots and finding his golf balls.Mr Fiyalko was playing with a group-of-friends when he hit his hole-in-one but they were all looking for a lost ball as he prepared to tee off. His friends in the Twilighters Club golf group presented him with a plaque to commemorate the feat. Ananova

Miles Hilton-Barber (Blind) flew from London to Sydney, via Karachi, to support Standard and Chartered Bank’s
SEEING IS BELIEVING PROGRAMME

Honorable David A. Paterson, legally blind, was sworn-in by Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye as the 55th Governor of New York on Monday afternoon. Here with wife Michelle, daughter Ashley.

Henry, Sarah and Chris celebrating their first London Marathon!

Teaching tips
Use of Technology for teaching blind persons.
Before I start my presentation, let us remind ourselves that………..

LOOSING SIGHT DOES NOT MEAN LOOSING VISION
Know the extent, intensity of blindness
Begin by understanding the visual condition of the blind student. Assess how much residual vision a person is left with. This fact-finding is an indispensable exercise in the case of a low vision or partially blind student, as the vision they are left can still be made optimum use of. And accordingly ways of learning could be devised, for example, the use of large font print books.

Know the history
Next, get to know about how and when the person became blind. This information would be useful because if a person became blind at the age of nine or later, he or she has certain visual memory. They would perceive ideas and concepts differently from someone who became blind at birth.

Know the history
Persons who lost their sight at the age of about 9 or 10 have concepts of FONTS, TABLES, SHAPES, COLOURS etc.
Establish a rapport
Any child, whether blind or not is just a child first. The aim of teaching any child is to make them independent, to teach them to adapt themselves to situations, environment. However, learning to adapt comes more naturally when one is given a chance to interact and communicate. And for this, establishing rapport becomes vital. So, talk to the blind child, give them confidence and ask whether there is any special requirement.

Get Reader’s help: check with peers
There is no real substitute to actual reading. A blind person has to depend on somebody who reads to them.

Use of JAWS however eliminates such dependence and provides freedom to the Blind person to “hear” the reading material of his choice at a time convenient to him.

Computer aided learning
In the past few years huge strides have been made in the area of adaptive technology in the realm of computers. The use of this enables people with vision impairment to be at par with others when it comes to participation and contribution both within the classroom and in extra curricular activities.

Computer aided learning
Not knowing Braille is the least of problem for a teacher today and even a student, provided they have been trained in using computers with speech software such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech). Other software programmes such as Kurzweil enable users to scan in books, articles, bills, and advertisements - almost anything that fits on a scanner so they can quickly have the information read aloud. Similarly computers would be of great help when examining progress of a blind student, as they pose minimal interference, aid independence and confidence in the student. So, use the technology to its best advantage.

Attention to detail while teaching
A blind student cannot read from the blackboard, cannot read and follow line-to-line decipherers from a book. Thus, a teacher should pay attention to detail while teaching. For example, teaching the format of a letter say out, 'On the left hand corner of your page you write the address. The address of this college is Nizami Road, near Purani Numaish.
Attention to detail while teaching
Remember the blind student cannot see the board but he or she can hear well. When plans or diagrams are used, you can emboss them for your students by sticking string to cardboard. When explaining texture, use real objects like a metal button, a plastic button or a wooden button. So, where ever possible try to give first hand experience, use real life objects and try to be innovative.

Conclusion
A visually impaired student loses only his sight but not his vision to see the world. Their other senses are intact, so focus on developing and utilizing these remaining senses. Learning is very much tied up with culture, exposure and experiences. Blind students may not be able to acquire exposure and experiences the same way as sighted students. So teachers of the blind may have to go an extra edge than other teachers. Bring experiences and exposure to the blind students.

I will be happy to answer if you have any questions on this subject.

Web visum

2008-12-05T02:08:00.001-08:00

Web visum is unique browser add on which greatly enhances web accessibility and empowers the blind and visually impaired community by putting the control
In your hands! Its aim is to allow you to better enjoy surfing the net and be significantly less dependent upon outside help. Now available in English,
German, Russian, Italian, Slovak, Bulgarian, Dutch, Croatian, Romanian, Portugese, Turkish and Spanish! If you want to help, login into your account and
Visit the Community page!

Just a few exciting features that they already offer:
List of 5 items
• Community driven tagging and page enhancements.
• Automated and instant CAPTCHA image solving, sign up to web sites and make forum posts and blog comments without asking for help!
• Built in helper functions for easier page navigation and less confusion.
• Numerous under the hood page tweaks designed to help screen reader users.
• Visually Impaired users benefit from features such as high contrast page viewing, link and focus highlighting, and more.
It is only available for the Firefox browser. If you have not used Firefox, or used an old version, they highly recommend that you
Download Firefox version 3.0
Which is probably the most accessible, fast and overall best web browser on the Internet? You won't regret it!

Start using the service straight away by first creating an account with them through the
Register
Page and then installing the add on in your Firefox. For more information on how to use the service, please read the
http://www.webvisum.com/wiki/Tutorial
wiki/Tutorialthrough. Once you are running Firefox with Web Visum installed, you can press CTRL+F1 at any time for the quick help screen.

They have an extensive list of exciting features and enhancements and are planning to continue developing this product further to its fullest potential.
In order to accomplish these goals they need to reach the entire blind and visually impaired Internet users community and need your help in spreading the
Word.

The web has just become much more accessible!
For blind persons!

inventions and inventors

2008-10-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

BAIRD, JOHN LOGIEJohn Logie Baird (1888-1946) was a Scottish inventor and engineer who was a pioneer in the development of mechanical television. In 1924, Baird televised objects in outline. In 1925, he televised human faces. In 1926, Baird was the first person to televise pictures of objects in motion. In 1930, Baird made the first public broadcast of a TV show, from his studio to the London Coliseum Cinema; the screen consisted of a 6-ft by 3-ft array of 2,100 tiny flashlamp bulbs. Baird developed a color television in 1928, and a stereo television in 1946. Baird's mechanical television was usurped by electronic television, which he also worked on.
BAEKELAND, L.H.Leo Hendrik Baekeland (November 14, 1863 - February 23, 1944) was a Belgian-born American chemist who invented Velox photographic paper (1893) and Bakelite (1907), an inexpensive, nonflammable, versatile, and very popular plastic.

BAKELITEBakelite (also called catalin) is a plastic, a dense synthetic polymer (a phenolic resin) that was used to make jewelry, game pieces, engine parts, radio boxes, switches, and many, many other objects. Bakelite was the first industrial thermoset plastic (a material that does not change its shape after being mixed and heated). Bakelite plastic is made from carbolic acid (phenol) and formaldehyde, which are mixed, heated, and then either molded or extruded into the desired shape.
Bakelite was patented in 1907 by the Belgian-born American chemist Leo Hendrik Baekeland (November 14, 1863 - February 23, 1944). The Nobel Prize winning German chemist Adolf von Baeyer had experimented with this material in 1872, but did not complete its development or see its potential.
Baekeland operated the General Bakelite Company from 1911 to 1939 (in Perth Amboy, N.J., USA), and produced up to about 200,000 tons of Bakelite annually. Bakelite replaced the very flammable celluloid plastic that had been so popular. The bracelet above is made of "butterscotch" bakelite.
BALLPOINT PENThe first non-leaking ballpoint pen was invented in 1935 by the Hungarian brothers Lazlo and Georg Biro. Lazlo was a chemist and Georg was a newspaper editor.
A ballpoint marker had been invented much earlier (in 1888 by John Loud, an American leather tanner, who used the device for marking leather) but Loud's marker leaked, making it impractical for everyday use. A new type of ink had to be developed; this is what the Biro brothers did. The brothers patented their invention and then opened the first ballpoint manufacturing plant in Argentina, South America.
BAND-AID®Bandages for wounds had been around since ancient times, but an easy-to-use dressing with an adhesive was invented by Earle Dickson (a cotton buyer at the Johnson & Johnson company). Dickson perfected the BAND-AID® in 1920, making a small, sterile adhesive bandage for home use. Dickson invented the BAND-AID® for his wife, who had many kitchen accidents and needed an easy-to-use wound dressing. Dickson was rewarded by the Johnson & Johnson company by being made a vice-president of the company.
BAR CODEBar codes (also called Universal Product Codes or UPC's) are small, coded labels that contain information about the item they are attached to; the information is contained in a numerical code, usually containing 12 digits. UPC's are easily scanned by laser beams. UPC's are used on many things, including most items for sale in stores, library books, inventory items, many packages and pieces of luggage being shipped, railroad cars, etc. The UPC may contain coded information about the item, its manufacturer, place of origin, destination, the owner, or other data. The first "bullseye code" was invented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver, from work which they began in 1948. On October 20, 1949, they patented their bullseye code (a series of concentric circles that were scannable from all directions, using regular light). Woodland and Silver patented a new UPC in October 1952; the UPC was also improved and adapted by David J. Collins in the late 1950's (to track railroad cars). UPC's were first used in grocery stores in the early 1970's.
BARNARD, CHRISTIAAN N.Christiaan Neethling Barnard (1923- ) is a South African heart surgeon who developed surgical procedures for organ transplants, invented new heart valves, and performed the first human heart transplant (on Dec. 3, 1967, in a five-hour operation with a team of 20 surgeons). The 55-year-old Louis Washkansky received the heart transplant; Washkansky lived for only 18 days after the operation, dying from pneumonia (his immune system had been weakened by drugs designed to suppress the rejection of the new heart). The donor of the heart was a woman who had been fatally injured in a car crash. Barnard performed more successful transplants later in his career; some of his later transplant recipients survived for years. Barnard was the head of the cardiac unit at Groote Schuur Hospital until he retired in 1983.
BAROMETERA barometer is a device that measures air (barometric) pressure. It measures the weight of the column of air that extends from the instrument to the top of the atmosphere. There are two types of barometers commonly used today, mercury and aneroid (meaning "fluidless"). Earlier water barometers (also known as "storm glasses") date from the 17th century. The mercury barometer was invented by the Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli(1608 - 1647), a pupil of Galileo, in 1643. Torricelli inverted a glass tube filled with mercury into another container of mercury; the mercury in the tube "weighs" the air in the atmosphere above the tube. The aneroid barometer (using a spring balance instead of a liquid) was invented by the French scientist Lucien Vidie in 1843.
BASKETBALLThe game of basketball was invented by James Naismith(1861-1939). Naismith was a Canadian physical education instructor who invented the game in 1891 so that his students could participate in sports during the winter. In his original game, which he developed while at the Springfield, Massachusetts YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), Naismith used a soccer ball which was thrown into peach baskets (with the basket bottoms intact). The first public basketball game was in Springfield, MA, USA, on March 11, 1892. Basketball was first played at the Olympics in Berlin Germany in 1936 (America won the gold medal, and Naismith was there).
BATHYSPHEREA bathysphere is a pressurized metal sphere that allows people to go deep in the ocean, to depths at which diving unaided is impossible. This hollow cast iron sphere with very thick walls is lowered and raised from a ship using a steel cable. The bathysphere was invented by William Beebe and Otis Barton (around 1930). William Beebe (1877 - 1962), an American naturalist and undersea explorer, tested the bathysphere in 1930, going down to 1426 feet in a 4'9" (1.45 m) diameter bathysphere. Beebe and Otis Barton descended about 3,000 ft (914 m) feet in a larger bathysphere in 1934. They descended off the coast of Nonsuch Island, Bermuda in the Atlantic Ocean. During the dive, they communicated with the surface via telephone.
BATTERYA battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Each battery has two electrodes, an anode (the positive end) and a cathode (the negative end). An electrical circuit runs between these two electrodes, going through a chemical called an electrolyte (which can be either liquid or solid). This unit consisting of two electrodes is called a cell (often called a voltaic cell or pile). Batteries are used to power many devices and make the spark that starts a gasoline engine.
Alessandro Volta was an Italian physicist invented the first chemical battery in 1800.
Storage batteries are lead-based batteries that can be recharged. In 1859, the French physicist Gaston Plante (1834-1889) invented a battery made from two lead plates joined by a wire and immersed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte; this was the first storage battery.
The dry cell is a an improved voltaic cell with a cylindrical zinc shell (the zinc acts as both the cathode and the container) that is lined with an ammonium chloride (the electrolyte) saturated material (and not a liquid). The dry cell battery was developed in the 1870s-1870s by Georges Leclanche of France, who used an electrolyte in the form of a paste.
Edison batteries (also called alkaline batteries) are an improved type of storage battery developed by Thomas Edison. These batteries have an alkaline electrolyte, and not an acid.
BEHAIM, MARTINMartin Behaim (1459-1537) was a German mapmaker, navigator, and merchant. Behaim made the earliest globe, called the "Nürnberg Terrestrial Globe". It was made during the years 1490-1492; the painter Georg Glockendon helped in the project. Behaim had previously sailed to Portugal as a merchant (in 1480). He had advised King John II on matters concerning navigation. He accompanied the Portuguese explorer Diogo Cam (Cão) on a 1485-1486 voyage to the coast of West Africa; during this trip, the mouth of the Congo River was discovered. After returning to Nürnberg in 1490, Behaim began construction of his globe (which was very inaccurate as compared to other maps from that time, even in the areas in which Behaim had sailed). It was once thought that Behaim's maps might have influenced Columbus and Magellan; this is now discounted. Behaim may have also developed an astrolabe. Behaim's globe is now in the German National Museum in Nürnberg.
BELL, ALEXANDER GRAHAMAlexander Graham Bell (March 3, 1847, Edinburgh, Scotland - August 2, 1922, Baddek, Nova Scotia) invented the telephone (with Thomas Watson) in 1876. Bell also improved Thomas Edison's phonograph. Bell invented the multiple telegraph (1875), the hydroairplane, the photo-sensitive selenium cell (the photophone, a wireless phone, developed with Sumner Tainter), and new techniques for teaching the deaf to speak. In 1882, Bell and his father-in-law, Gardiner Hubbard, bought and re-organized the journal "Science." Bell, Hubbard and others founded the National Geographic Society in 1888; Bell was the President of the National Geographic Society from 1898 to 1903.
BELL, HENRYHenry Bell (1767-1830) was a Scottish engineer and inventor who built a steam-powered boat in 1812. His 12-foot (3.5-meter) steamboat, called the Comet, was the first commercially successful steamship in Europe. This boat regularly sailed between Greenock and Glasgow (Scotland) along the River Clyde. The Comet was the beginning of a revolution in navigation.
BERNERS-LEE, TIMTim Berners-Lee (1955, London, England - ) invented the World Wide Web. His first version of the Web was a program named "Enquire," short for "Enquire Within Upon Everything". At the time, Berners-Lee was working at CERN, the European Particle Physics Laboratory located in Geneva, Switzerland. He invented the system as a way of sharing scientific data (and other information) around the world, using the Internet, a world-wide network of computers, and hypertext documents. He wrote the language HTML (HyperText Mark-up Language), the basic language for the Web, and devised URL's (universal resource locators) to designate the location of each web page. HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) was his set of rules for linking to pages on the Web. After he wrote the first browser in 1990, the World Wide Web was up and going. Its growth was (and still is) phenomenal, and has changed the world, making information more accessible than ever before in history. Berners-Lee is now a Principal Research Scientist at the Laboratory for Computer Science at the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge, Massachusett, USA) and the Director of the W3 Consortium.
BERSON, SOLOMON A.Dr. Solomon A. Berson (1919-1972) and Dr. Rosalyn Sussman Yalow (1921- ) co-invented the radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 1959. The radioimmunoassay is a method of chemically analyzing human blood and tissue that is used diagnose illness (like diabetes). RIA revolutionized diagnoses because it used only a tiny sample of blood or tissue and is a relatively inexpensive and simple test to perform. Blood banks use RIA to screen blood; RIA is used to detect drug use, high blood pressure, infertility, and many other conditions and diseases. For inventing RIA, Yalow won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1977 (Yalow accepted for Berson, who died in 1972). Yalow and Berson did not patent the RIA; instead they allowed the common use of RIA to benefit human health.
BICYCLEThe earliest bicycle was a wooden scooter-like contraption called a celerifere; it was invented about 1790 by Comte Mede de Sivrac of France. In 1816, Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun, of Germany, invented a model with a steering bar attached to the front wheel, which he called a Draisienne. It has two wheels (of the same size), and the rider sat between the two wheels, but there were no pedals; to move, you had to propel the bicycle forward using your feet (a bit like a scooter). He exhibited his bicycle in Paris on April 6, 1818.
BIFOCAL GLASSESBenjamin Franklin invented bifocal glasses in the 1700s. He was nearsighted and had also become farsighted in his middle age. Tired of switching between two pairs of glasses, Franklin cut the lenses of each pair of glasses horizontally, making a single pair of glasses that focused at both near regions (the bottom half of the lenses) and far regions (the top half of the lenses). This new type of glasses let people read and see far away; they are still in use today.

BLODGETT, KATHERINEKathering J. Blodgett (1898-1979) was an American physicist and inventor who invented a micro-thin barium stearate film that makes glass completely nonreflective and "invisible" (patent #2,220,660, March 16, 1938). Blodgett's invention has been used in eyeglasses, camera lenses, telescopes, microscopes, periscopes, and projector lenses. Blodgett also invented a gauge that measured the thickness of this type of coating (which can be only a few molecules thick), called a "color gauge."
BLOOD BANKThe idea of a blood bank was pioneered by Dr. Charles Richard Drew(1904-1950). Dr. Drew was an American medical doctor and surgeon who started the idea of a blood bank and a system for the long term preservation of blood plasma (he found that plasma kept longer than whole blood). His ideas revolutionized the medical profession and saved many, many lives. Dr. Drew set up and operated the blood plasma bank at the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, NY. Drew's project was the model for the Red Cross' system of blood banks, of which he became the first director.
BLUE JEANSLevi Strauss (1829-1902) was an entrepreneur who invented and marketed blue jeans. Trained as a tailor in Buttenheim, Bavaria, Germany, Strauss went to San Francisco, USA from New York in 1853. Strauss sold dry goods, including tents and linens to the 49ers (the people who came to the California gold rush, which began in 1849). In 1873, Strauss and Jacob Davis, a Nevada tailor, patented the idea (devised by Davis) of using copper rivets at the stress points of sturdy work pants. Early levis, called "waist overalls," came in a brown canvas duck fabric and a heavy blue denim fabric. The duck fabric pants were not very successful, so were dropped early on. His business became extremely successful (and still is), revolutionizing the apparel industry.
BRADENBERGER, JACQUESCellophane is a thin, transparent, waterproof, protective film that is used in many types of packaging. It was invented in 1908 by Jacques Edwin Brandenberger, a Swiss chemist. He had originally intended cellophane to be bonded onto fabric to make a waterproof textile, but the new cloth was brittle and not useful. Cellophane proved very useful all alone as a packaging material. Chemists at the Dupont company (who later bought the rights to cellophane) made cellophane waterproof in 1927.
BRAILLEBraille is a coded system of raised dots that are used by the blind to read. Louis Braille (1809-1852) invented this system in 1829. Braille published "The Method of Writing Words, Music, and Plain Song by Means of Dots, for Use by the Blind and Arranged by Them," and his method is still in use around the world today.
BRAILLE, LOUISLouis Braille (1809-1852) invented a coded system of raised dots that are used by the blind to read. He was blinded as a child, and invented his extraordinary system in his early teens. In 1829, Braille published "The Method of Writing Words, Music, and Plain Song by Means of Dots, for Use by the Blind and Arranged by Them." His method, called Braille, is still in use around the world today. Louis Braille is buried in the Pantheon in Paris, as a French national hero.
BRAILLE TYPEWRITERThe Hall Braille typewriter (also called a Braillewriter or Brailler) was invented in 1892 by Frank Haven Hall. Hall was the Superintendent of the Illinois Institution for the Blind. The Hall Braille typewriter was manufactured by the Harrison & Seifried company in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Hall introduced his invention on May 27, 1892, at Jacksonville, Illinois.
BREAD SLICERThe automatic commercial bread slicer was invented in 1927 by Otto Frederick Rohwedder from Iowa, USA (Rohwedder had worked on his machine since 1912). His machine both sliced and wrapped a loaf of bread. In 1928, the bread slicer was improved by Gustav Papendick, a baker from St. Louis, Missouri.
BUBBLE GUMBubblegum was invented by Frank Henry Fleer in 1906, but was not successful; the formulation of Fleer's "Blibber-Blubber," was too sticky. In 1928, Walter E. Diemer invented a superior formulation for bubble gum, which he called " Double Bubble."
BUDDING, EDWIN B.The first lawn mower was invented in 1830 by Edwin Beard Budding. Budding (1795-1846) was an engineer from Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. His reel mower was a set of blades set in a cylinder on two wheels. When you push the lawn mower, the cylinder rotates, and the blades cut the grass. Budding patented his lawn mower on August 31, 1830. Before his invention, a scythe was used (or sheep or other grazing animals were allowed to graze on the grass). The first reel lawn mower patent in the US (January 12, 1868) was granted to Amariah M. Hills, who formed the Archimedean Lawn Mower Co.
BUNSEN BURNERThe laboratory Bunsen burner was invented by Robert Wilhelm Bunsen in 1855. Bunsen (1811-1899) was a German chemist and teacher. He invented the Bunsen burner for his research in isolating chemical substances - it has a high-intensity, non-luminous flame that does not interfere with the colored flame emitted by chemicals being tested.

BURBANK, LUTHERLuther Burbank (1849-1926) was an American plant breeder who developed over 800 new strains of plants, including many popular varieties of potato, plums, prunes, berries, trees, and flowers. One of his greatest inventions was the Russet Burbank potato (also called the Idaho potato), which he developed in 1871. This blight-resistant potato helped Ireland recover from its devastating potato famine of 1840-60. Burbank also developed the Flaming Gold nectarine, the Santa Rosa plum, and the Shasta daisy. Burbank was raised on a farm and only went to elementary school; he was self-educated. Burbank applied the works of Charles Darwin to plants. Of Darwin's The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication, Burbank said, "It opened up a new world to me."
BUTTS, ALFREDThe word game Scrabble® was developed by Alfred Mosher Butts in 1948. James Brunot did some rearranging of the squares and simplified the rules. A copyright was granted on December 1, 1948. Alfred Butts had been an architect, but lost his job in 1931 (during the depression). He then began developing games, including Lexico, Criss-Crosswords, and them Scrabble®. After about 4 years of paltry sales, Scrabble® became a hit.

some useful tips

2008-10-18T00:00:00.001-07:00

: Some useful tips! IMPORTANTTo:
Some important TIPS you may like to keep.............................
 Almonds: To remove the skin of almonds easily, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes.  Ants: Putting 3-4 cloves in the sugar container will keep the ants at bay.  Biscuits: If you keep a piece of blotting paper at the bottom of the container, it will keep biscuits fresh for a longer time.  Butter: Avoid the use of butter. If it is essential to use, use a butter containing low saturated fat or with plant stanols (which avoid absorption ofcholesterol by our body) or similar substitutes.  Apples: Apply some lemon juice on the cut surface of the apple to avoid browning. They will look fresh for a longer time.  Banana: Apply mashed banana over a burn on your body to have a cooling effect.  Bee and Scorpion Sting Relief: Apply a mixture of 1 pinch of chewing tobacco and 1 drop of water. Mix and apply directly and immediately to the sting;cover with band aid to hold in place. Pain will go away in just a few short minutes  Bitter Gourd (Karela): Slit Karelas at the middle and apply a mixture of salt, wheat flour and curd all round. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour and then cook.StuffedKarela
 Celery: To keep celery fresh for long time, wrap it in aluminium foil and place in the refrigerator.
 Burnt Food: Place some chopped onion in the vessel having burnt food, pour boiling water in it, keep for 5 minutes and then clean.
 Chilli Powder: Keeping a small piece of hing (asafoetida) in the same container will store chilli powder for long time.
 Chopping: Use a wooden board to chop. It will not blunt the knife. Don't use a plastic board, small plastic pieces may go with the vegetables.
 Coriander/Mint: You can use dried coriander and mint leaves in coarse powder form in vegetable curry or chutney, if fresh ones are not available.To keepthem fresh for a longer time, wrap them in a muslin cloth and keep in a fridge.
 Cockroaches: Put some boric powder in kitchen in corners and other places. Cockroaches will leave your house.
 Coconut: Immerse coconut in water for 1/2 an hour to remove its hust.
 Dry Fruits: To chop dry fruits, place them in fridge for half an hour before cutting. Take the fruits out and cut them with a hot knife (dip it in hotwater before cutting).
 Dough/Rolling pin: If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, place it in freezer for a few minutes.
 Egg peeling off: Make a small hole in the egg by piercing a pin before boiling it. You will be able to remove its skin very easily.
 Egg fresh: Immerse the egg in a pan of cool salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh; if it rises to the surface, it is certainly quite old.
 Garlic: Garlic skin comes off easily if the garlic cloves are slightly warmed before peeling.
 Ghee: Avoid the use of ghee. If it is necessary, substitute it with canola oil. Even for making halwa, you can partly substitute it with oil.
 Green Chillies: To keep the chillies fresh for a longer time, remove the stems before storing.
 Green Peas: To preserve green peas, keep them in a polythene bag in the freezer.
 Idlies: Place a betel (paan) leaf over the leftover idli and dosa batter to prevent them sour. Do not beat idli batter too much, the air which has beenincorporated during fermentation will escape.If you add half a tsp of fenugreek seeds to the lentil and rice mixture while soaking, dosas will be morecrisp.
 Fruits: To ripen fruits, wrap them in newspaper and put in a warm place for 2-3 days. The ethylene gas they emit will make them ripe.
 Frying: Avoid deep frying. Substitute deep frying with stir frying or oven bake. Don't pour the oil, but make a habit of spraying the oil in the utensilfor cooking. Heat the utensil first, then add oil. This way oil spreads well. You will use less oil this way.
 Left Over: Don't throw away the foods left over. Store them in Fridge. Use them in making tasty dishes.
 Lemon/Lime: If the lemon or lime is hard, put it in warm water for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to squeeze.
 Lizards: Hang a peacock feather, lizards will leave your house.
 Milk: Moisten the base of the vessel with water to reduce the chances of milk to stick at the bottom.Keep a spoon in the vessel while boiling milk atmedium heat. It will avoid sticking the milk at the bottom of the vessel.Adding half a tsp of sodium bicarbonate in the milk while boiling will not spoilthe milk even if you don't put it in the fridge.
 Mixer/Grinder: Grind some common salt in your mixer/grinder fro some time every month. This will keep your mixer blades sharp.
 Mosquitoes: Put a few camphor tablets in a cup of water and keep it in the bed room near your bed, or in any place with mosquitoes.
 Noodles: When the noodles are boiled, drain all the hot water and add cold water. This way all the noodles will get separated.
 Onions: To avoid crying, cut the onions into two parts and place them in water for 15 minutes before chopping them.Wrap the onions individually in anewspaper and store in a cool and dark place to keep them fresh for long time.
 Oven: Watch from the oven window to conserve energy because the oven temperature drops by 25 degrees every time its door is opened,To clean the oven,apply a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water on the walls and floor of the oven and keep the oven on low heat for about half an hour. Dried food can easilybe removed.
 Paneer: To keep paneer fresh for several days, wrap it in a blotting paper while storing in the refrigerator.Do not fry paneer, immerse it in boilingwater to make it soft and spongy.
 Papad: Bake in microwave oven.Wrap the papads in polythene sheet and place with dal or rice will prevent them from drying and breaking.
 Pickles: To prevent the growth of fungus in pickles, burn a small grain of asafoetida over a burning coal and invert the empty pickle jar for some timebefore putting pickles in the jar.
 Popcorn: Keep the maize/corn seeds in the freezer and pop while still frozen to get better pops.
 Potato: To bake potatoes quickly, place them in salt water for 15 minutes before baking.Use the skin of boiled potatoes to wipe mirrors to sparklingclean.Don't store potatoes and onions together. Potatoes will rot quickly if stored with onions.
 Refrigerator: To prevent formation of ice, rub table salt to the insides of your freeze.
 Rice: Add a few drops of lemon juice in the water before boiling the rice to make rice whiter.Add a tsp of canola oil in the water before boiling therice to separate each grain after cooking.Don't throw away the rice water after cooking. Use it to make soup or add it in making dal (lentils).Add 5g ofdried powdered mint leaves to 1kg of rice. It will keep insects at bay.Put a small paper packet of boric powder in the container of rice to keep insectsat bay. Put a few leaves of mint in the container of rice to keep insects at bay.
 Samosa: Bake them instead of deep frying to make them fat free. Don't fry the filling potato masala. Preserve the samosas in freezer. For eating, takeout of the freezer two hours in advance and bake them over low temp.
 Sugar: Put 2-3 cloves in the sugar to keep ants at bay.
 Tadka: Use sprouted mustard seeds (rayee) and fenugreek (methi) seeds for your tadkas. Both of them when sprouted have more nutritional values. Alsothis add flavour to the dish and can be more beneficial, besides giving decorative look to the dish. Submitted by MS Itisha Madhav
 Tomato: To remove the skin of tomatoes, place them in warm water for 5-10 minutes. The skin can then be easily peeled off.When tomatoes are not availableor too costly, substitute with tomato puree or tomato ketchup/sauce.Place overripe tomatoes in cold water and add some salt. Overnight they will becomefirm and fresh.
 Tamarind: Tamarind is an excellent polish for brass and copper items. Rub a slab of wet tamarind with some salt sprinkled on it on the object to be polished.Gargleswith tamarind water is recommended for a sore throat.
 Utensils: Use nonsticking utensils. Use thick bottom utensils, they get uniformly heated. For electric stoves, use flat bottom utensils.Add a littlebit of common salt to the washing powder for better cleaning of utensils.
 Vegetables: Don't discard the water in which the vegetables are soaked or cooked. Use it in making soup or gravy. To keep the vegetables fresh for alonger time, wrap them in newspaper before putting them in freeze.Chop the vegetables only when you are ready to use them. Don't cut them in too advance.It would spoil their food value.
 Sink (Blocked): To clear the blocked drain pipe of your kitchen sink, mix 1/2 cup sodium bicarbonate in 1 cup vinegar and pour it into the sink, andpour about 1 cup water. In an hour the drain pipe will open.
 Soup Salty: Place a raw peeled potato in the bowl, it will absorb the extra salt.
 Yoghurt (Home Made): To set yogurt in winter, place the container in a warm place like oven or over the voltage stabliser.
 Yogurt: If the yogurt has become sour, put it in a muslin cloth and drain all the water. Then add milk to make it as good as fresh in taste. Use thedrained water in making tasty gravy for vegetables or for basen curry.To keep the yogurt fresh for many days, fill the vessel containing yogurt with waterto the brim and refrigerate. Change the water daily..

some logical thoughts

2008-10-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Whenever I find the key to success, someone changes the lock. _____
To Err is human; to forgive is not a COMPANY policy. _____ The road to success? Is always under construction. _____ In order to get a Loan, you first need to prove that you don't need it. _____ All the desirable things in life are illegal, expensive, or fattening.
_____ Since Light travels faster than Sound, people appear brighter before you hear them speak.
_____ Everyone has a scheme of getting rich? This never works. _____ If at first you don't succeed? Destroy all evidence that you ever tried. _____ You can never determine which side of the bread to butter. If it falls down, it will always land on the buttered side. _____ Anything dropped on the floor will roll over to the most inaccessible corner. _____
***** 42.7% of all statistics is made on the spot. ***** _____ As soon as you mention something? If it is good, it is taken. If it is bad, it happens. _____ He, who has the gold, makes the rules ---- Murphy's golden rule. _____ If you come early, the bus is late. If you come late? The bus is still late. _____
Once you have bought something, you will find the same item being sold somewhere else at a cheaper rate. _____ When in a queue, the other line always moves faster and the person in front of you will always have the most complex of transactions. _____ If you have paper, you don't have a pen. If you have a pen, you don't have paper. If you have both, no one calls. _____
Especially for Engineering Students----If you have bunked the class, the professor has taken attendance. _____
You will pick up maximum wrong numbers when on roaming. _____ The doorbell or your mobile will always ring when you are in the bathroom. _____ After a long wait for bus no.20, two 20 number buses will always pull in together and the bus which you get in will be crowded than the other. _____ If your exam is tomorrow, there will be a power cut tonight. _____ Irrespective of the direction of the wind, the smoke from the cigarette will always tend to go to the non-smoker.
__._,_.___

Gene therapy

2008-10-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Gene therapy could help blind people see again Washington (IANS): Researchers relied on gene therapy to restore vision to mice which suffered from degeneration of the light-sensing retinal rods andcones, a common cause of human blindness, because of lack of protein. "This is a proof of principle that someday we may be able to repair blindness in people with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration,"said Richard Masland, director of Cellular Neurobiology Lab at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). "There are several limitations we need to overcome before we can begin clinical trials, but I'm optimistic that this work may someday make a big differencefor people who otherwise would have no vision at all." The study was designed to investigate the effect of light-sensitive protein melanopsin in retinal ganglion cells of the eye. These specialised neuronsreceive light signals from the rods and cones and convey them to the brain via the optic nerve. Melanopsin is usually produced in a set of cells involved with establishing circadian rhythms but not with vision. The MGH team used the standard viralvector to deliver the gene encoding melanopsin throughout the retinas of mice whose rod and cone receptors had degenerated from lack of a crucial protein.
Four weeks after delivery of the gene, melanopsin - normally produced in one percent of retinal ganglion cells - was found in about 10 percent of ganglioncells in the treated eyes but not in eyes that received a sham injection, according to a MGH press release. Examination of the melanopsin - expressing cells revealed that all responded to light, although the neuronal signal was delayed and persisted after thelight signal had stopped, which is typical for a melanopsin - mediated signal. Two behavioural tests verified that the treated mice - which otherwise would have been essentially blind - had enough vision to find a darkened refugein an otherwise brightly - lit area and to successfully learn that a light indicated a safe platform to which they could swim. "The same level of melanopsin expression in a human retina might allow someone who otherwise would be totally blind to read newspaper headlines, but theslowness of the response would be a problem," Masland said. These findings were published in Tuesday's edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

psychology of a blind child

2008-05-01T06:08:00.008-07:00

A child sighted or blind is born into this world with all the building blocks for what they can become. This physical material is impacted by the child’senvironment over a life time while the “self” evolves. The self is the same in blind children as it is in the sighted, only the developmental process isdifferent. Both children have the same starting materials: mind, body, and spirit. With these parts the child develops a process of thinking, feeling,and behaving toward other people, objects and situations, and they recognize that others also think, feel and behave in their environment. It is with theirthoughts, emotions, and actions that children relate to their world using physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and moralistic attributes and throughthis interrelationship the self evolves. The self is everything that exists in a person’s unique world and it exists because of their self-concept andself-esteem. Aspects of self-concept are the elements of well-being that assists our survival in our environment. They consist of all the physical things,our personality, feelings toward life, our knowledge and problem solving techniques, how we successfully interface with others; and our social and spiritualvalues in life. If our self-concept contains the important things, and issues in life, and there is a high regard for them, then our self will evolve ina manner conducive to peace and harmony. If not, the opposite will occur. The blind child must build a self with a missing part. Granted self will evolvefor a blind child, but it must be augmented by all other senses of the body in order to enhance the mind and spirit. A blind child’s thoughts, feelings,and behaviors serve the same purpose as they do for a sighted child, but will evolve differently. The physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and moralconcepts are necessary, but are obtained without the benefit of the automatic process of seeing. The self evolves but the conduit for inputting their environment

what is blind?

2008-05-01T06:08:00.007-07:00

INFORMATION ABOUT BLINDNESS
The term blind does not necessarily mean complete loss of sight, but could also describe varying degrees of functional vision. Over 90% of individuals whoare blind have some remaining vision which can be used for a variety of tasks such as reading or travel. With the use of adaptive techniques, other sensoryinformation or special equipment, most persons who are blind or visually impaired can remain independent.
The incidence of blindness is increasing primarily because people are living longer. Major causes of visual impairment are macular degeneration, diabeticretinopathy, glaucoma, and, to a lesser degree, cataracts.
Extend the same courtesies and respect to persons who are blind or visually impaired that you would to anyone you meet.

tips to meet a blind person

2008-05-01T06:08:00.006-07:00

WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO IS BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Photo of a young man standing in an office holding a white cane.
WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
Some people may feel uneasy when thinking about assisting a person who is blind or visually impaired. Listed below are some helpful suggestions.
Bullet Identify yourself.
Bullet Speak in a normal and comfortable tone. Do not shout. Most persons who are blind can hear well.
Bullet Look at and speak directly to the person, not to a third party.
Bullet Remember that nods, shrugs and gestures may not be noticed as clues to what you are conveying.
Bullet Do not avoid words like blind, look, or see. These words are part of everyday conversation.
Bullet Feel free to discuss and attend movies or sporting events with persons who are blind or visually impaired. They enjoy common activities as much as anyone.
Remember that persons who are blind choose the areas of their lives in which to remain independent and the areas in which they welcome assistance.
WHEN YOU GUIDE A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
The Sighted Guide Technique is popularly accepted as the safest, most efficient way for a person with a visual impairment to walk with a sighted person.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane who holds her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify yourself and ask if assistance is needed.
Bullet Let the person take your arm just above your elbow with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other pointing straight ahead. You can guide with eitherthe right or the left arm, which can either hang straight at your side or bend at the elbow.
Bullet The person follows a half step behind you at a pace which is comfortable for both of you.
Bullet To sit, bring the person into contact with the chair. Describe which way the chair faces.
Bullet Say right and left when giving directions based on the way the person is facing.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane, walking up steps. He is holding onto her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify steps, curbs, or other obstacles.
Bullet Inform the person if you need to leave. Put the person in contact with an object such as a wall or piece of furniture.
Bullet Do not pet, feed or distract a dog guide from doing its job.

what is sighted person?

2008-05-01T06:08:00.005-07:00

What To Do When You Meet A Sighted Person (Author Unknown)
People who use their eyes to receive information about the world are called sighted people or "people who are sighted." Legal "sight" means any visual acuitygreater then 20/200 in the better eye without correction or an angle of vision wider than 20 degrees. Sighted people enjoy rich full lives, working, playing,and raising families. They run businesses, hold public office, and teach your children!
How do Sighted People Get Around? People who are sighted may walk or ride public transportation, but most choose to travel long distances by operating theirown motor vehicles. They have gone through many hours of training to learn the "rules of the road" in order to further their independence. Once that roadto freedom has been mastered, sighted people earn a legal classification and a "Driver's License" which allows them to operate a private vehicle safelyand independently.
How Do You Assist A Sighted Person? Sighted people are accustomed to viewing the world in visual terms. This means that in many situations, they will notbe able to communicate orally and may resort to pointing or other gesturing. Subtle facial expressions may also be used to convey feelings in social situations.Calmly alert the sighted person to his surroundings by speaking slowly, in a normal tone of voice. Questions directed at the sighted person help focusattention back on the verbal rather than visual communication.
At times, sighted people may need help finding things, especially when operating a motor vehicle. Your advance knowledge of routes and landmarks, particularlybumps in the road, tums, and traffic lights, will assist the "driver" in finding the way quickly and easily. Your knowledge of building layouts can alsoassist the sighted person in navigating complex shopping malls, and offices. Sighted people tend to be very proud and will not ask directly for assistance.Be gentle yet firm.
How Do Sighted People Use Computers? The person who is sighted relies exclusively on visual information. His or her attention span fades quickly when readinglong texts. Computer information is presented in a "Graphical User Interface" or GUI. Coordination of hands and eyes is often a problem for sighted people,so the computer mouse, a handy device that slides along the desk top, saves confusing keystrokes. With one button, the sighted person can move around hisor her computer screen quickly and easily. People who are sighted are not accustomed to synthetic speech and may have great difficulty understanding eventhe clearest synthesizer. Be patient and prepared to explain many times how your computer equipment works.
How Do Sighted People Read? Sighted people read through a system called "Print" this is a series of images drawn in a two dimensional plain. People whoare sighted generally have a poorly developed sense of touch. Braille is completely foreign to the sighted person and he or she will take longer to learnthe code and be severely limited by his or her existing visual senses.
Sighted people cannot function well in low lighting conditions and are generally completely helpless in total darkness. Their homes are usually very brightlylit at great expense, as are businesses that cater to the sighted consumer.
How Can I Support A Sighted Person? People who are sighted do not want your charity. They want to live, work, and play along with you. The best thing youcan do to support sighted people in your community is to open yourself to their world. These are vital contributing members to society. Takea sighted person to lunch today!

tips to meet a blind person

2008-05-01T06:08:00.004-07:00

* Practical Hints for Relating to a Blind Person
1. Before you decide that a blind person is confused, be sure it isn't due only to lack of orientation. Do not "over-assist". Check before providingunnecessary, and unwanted, help.
2. A blind person doesn't have to "save" their remaining vision. Eyes cannot be weakened or damaged by normal use.
3. Don't be overprotective. Encourage the blind person should do as much as possible by himself, and for himself.
4. Identify yourself upon entering and exiting a room or area. It is very embarrassing to discover that you are "talking to yourself", thinking someoneis in the room with you or to be frightened when discovering that you are not alone.
5. Eliminate the use of the words "over there" and "over here". Preface the directional words "left" and "right" with the word "your"...
6. Write notes with black felt-tip pen on white paper or use audio cassettes for messages.
7. Allow the blind person to make contact with the environment by placing their hand on a stable object when leaving them alone for a minute.
8. Don't be afraid to use the words "see", "watch", "look" or "I want to show you something". These are used in speech and their omission would be evident,making conversation unnatural and uncomfortable.
9. When you're in a blind person's room or home, leave items where they were placed. If you move them, it may be difficult to find them again.
10. When guiding a blind person, let him or her take your arm and follow you. DON'T push them ahead of you!!
11. Always talk directly to a blind person, not through the companion. He or she is quite able to talk for themselves.

guideline to deal with a blind

2008-05-01T06:08:00.003-07:00

How to Interact with Blind People by Stephanie Samuelson
This article highlights statistics, guide lines which may not appear to be in any logical order as they are all equally important and, further elaborationin that order. This article will address common issues and how to affectively communicate with blind people as well as give you insight about blind peopleas a whole.
Often, sighted people make it harder than it needs to be because when we are faced with the unfamiliar, it can appear like there is more difficulty tothe situation than there really is thus, leading to over estimation or under estimation of what is most efficient. Basically to effectively interact withblindpeople, simply apply effective communication and effective listening skills as well as the golden rule. Always aim to think of it from another perspective,the perspective that you are in that situation. It's most likely you, as a sighted individual, would want the same respect if you were a blind individual.This is logical because we as humans all want to be valued and respected.
UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
Did you know?76% of blind people are unemployed?40% of employed people with disabilities report said that they have encountered job discrimination?33% of employed people with disabilities report that they have encountered "unfavorable attitudes" toward their disabilities on the job?22% of employers cite supervisor/co-worker attitudes and stereotypes as a major barrier to employment & advancement of employees with disabilities?15% of non-disabled people report they do not feel comfortable working for, or nearby, a person with a disability?
It is no wonder that most places of employment are not effective at hiring/retaining employees with disabilities.
Steps1. Always treat blind people as just another person as they simply do things differently.Blind does not mean can't nor does it mean stupid. It is only a physical challenge.2. Bear in mind that blind people treat their dogs and canes as extensions of their bodies. Never distract a work animal from their job or touch, moveor grab a cane without the owner's permission.Imagine if someone moved your keys once you've established a location in which you can readily and quickly retrieve them. That'd slow you down. Plus, it'spersonal property. The keys allow the sighted person to drive a car which is a mobility tool and the "cane" allows the blind individual to traveleffectively, independently and safely which also acts as a mobility tool.3. Identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone who is blind.When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.Never talk to a third party who might be with them such as their driver or reader or teacher or tutor, etc. Remember, you are ADDRESSING, them.4. If you offer assistance; wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions.Many blind people will accept help, however, make sure that they are aware that you are going to help them, and offer your arm, not your whole body.5. Never touch or grab a blind person in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.See step #4 for what to do.6. Never place an item in their pockets or grab an item of theirs in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.Remember they are blind, not quadriplegic.7. Do not clap point, repeat, or sing when attempting to guide a blind person. This is socially awkward.See step #4 for what to do.8. Be consistent and specific when you are describing things and giving directions.The more accuracy, the more consistency, the more direct and the more description you use, the more effective your interaction will be. Blind people respondto intelligence.9. Do not do for them what they can do for themselves such as serving themselves, finding things, getting things, carrying things, etc.The last thing anyone needs is enablement for disablement.10. Do not shout just speak in a normal tone of voice as usual.Remember, they are blind, not deaf.11. Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as "See you later" or "Did you hear about this?" that seems to relate to a person whois blind.Blind people use the same expressions.12. Avoid stigmatizing words such as handy-capped. Blind people do not use that word in reference to themselves and few sighted people use it. Many blindindividuals go as far to avoid the word disabled as it doesn't accurately describe them.They are simply blind; a physical challenge so blind is the word they prefer. It's nothing more, nothing less. They cope by adapting and/or using alternativemeans. There is nothing amazing about it.
TipsDon't Assume.Drop the negative/misleading attitudes/beliefs.Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through interaction.Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through research.Spread the word.
WarningsIf you do not comply with the above guide lines, you could face legal or social Repercussions possibly concerning but not limited to:AssaultDiscriminationPrivacyProperty
Things You'll NeedEffective Communication SkillsEffective Listening SkillsPatientsSocial SkillsUnbiased Attitude
"hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our strength and courage."

bionic eye

2008-05-01T06:08:00.002-07:00

Wednesday, 18 June , 2008, 12:39Hamburg:German scientists have invented a wireless bionic eyeball that canrestore visionto patients who have become blind due to retina damage or disease.The new prosthetic device caps 12 years of research to help thesepatients. Thiswork has resulted in a unique system - a fully implantable visualprosthesis. Thescientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuitsand Systemsin Duisburg, Germany, say that the bionic eye can bypass the damaged retina.For more news, analysisFor more Science and Medicine newsThe system comprises an implant and an external transmitterintegrated in an eyeglasses-frame.The implant system converts the image patterns into interpretablestimulation signals,and data and energy are transferred to the implant by a telemetriclink. Nerve cellsinside the eye are then stimulated according to the captured images.The intact cellsare innervated by means of 3-D stimulation electrodes that restagainst the retinalike small studs.As long as there is no damage to the optic nerve, the vision signalscan be sentto the brain just like they are with healthy eyes. "For normallysighted people thatmay not seem much, but for the blind, it is a major step," commentsHoc Khiem Trieuof the Fraunhofer Institute. "After years of blindness, the patientswere able tosee spots of light or geometric patterns, depending on how the nervecells were stimulated."Trieu has been involved from the outset of this project, which wasfunded by theGermany's Education and Research Ministry. Together with two otherscientists, IngoKrisch and DMichael Goertz, he translated the specifications given bythe medicalexperts and material scientists into an implant and chip design. "Amilestone wasreached when the prosthetic system finally operated wirelessly andremotely controlled,"explains Dr. Krisch."A great deal of detailed work was necessary before the implant couldbe activatedwithout any external cable connections. "The designs became smallerand smaller,the materials more flexible, more robust and higher in performance,so that the implantnow fits comfortably in the eye," reports Goertz.The scientists are to receive the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2008for their work.

A ray of hope! Gene tharapy provide sight to young persons!

2008-05-01T06:08:00.001-07:00

Breaking News from the Foundation Fighting Blindness
04/28/2008
Now They SeeLandmark Gene Therapy Provides Vision to Nearly Blind Young Adults
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D.,lead investigator of the study, with her husband, Albert Maguire, M.D.,the study's lead surgeon.
Three young adults with virtually no vision can now read several lineson an eye chart and see better in dimly lit settings thanks to aninnovative genetherapy aiming to reverse blindness in a severe form of retinitispigmentosa known as Leber congenital amaurosis or LCA. One person waseven able to betternavigate an obstacle course several weeks after receiving the therapy.
The three individuals are participating in a Phase I clinical trial atThe Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which is funded in part bythe FoundationFighting Blindness.
"I am overwhelmed with delight. We are delivering vision to people whowere blind. This is the biggest advancement in the 37-year history ofthe FoundationFighting Blindness," says Gordon Gund, Co-Founder and Chairman of theFoundation Fighting Blindness. "We have achieved an incrediblemilestone in curingblindness, and this advancement will help pave the way for thedevelopment of gene therapies to treat and cure a variety of retinaldiseases including:retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and maculardegeneration. This is a great day for the Foundation and all peopleaffected by blindingretinal diseases."
The development of the approach began when a form of LCA was linked tothe RPE65 gene in 1997. Three years later, researchers began givingvision to dogsborn blind from LCA, including the world-famous Lancelot. More than 50dogs have been treated and all continue to see well. The FoundationFighting Blindnesshas been funding this research virtually every step of the way.
Though the Phase I studies are primarily focused on safety, the firstdose used in this study resulted in improved vision. An additional sixindividualswill be enrolled in a continuation of this study to evaluate safetyand efficacy of differing doses. The vision improvement in youngadults seen so farat the lowest dose gives researchers optimism that the treatment mayprovide near-normal vision to children in Phase II studies.
Results of the clinical trials, funded in part by the Foundation, werepublished on April 28, 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine.The journal publishedthe results of gene therapy trials taking place at CHOP and MoorfieldsEye Hospital in London. A third trial of the gene therapy, sponsoredby the NEI,is also taking place at the University of Pennsylvania and theUniversity of Florida.
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., lead investigator of the CHOP trial,reports that the team studied three participants, who ranged in agefrom 19 to 26. All threehad one eye treated.
Bennett says that all three individuals reported improved vision indimly lit environments and in visual acuity in their injected eyesstarting two weeksafter treatment. Nystagmus- the roving eye movement associated withsevere vision loss from LCA- was also reduced in all threeindividuals.
The treatment developed by this team of investigators involvesdelivery of a normal RPE65 gene to the retina to augment function ofthe defective RPE65gene that leads to one form of LCA. Twelve different genes that leadto LCA have been identified.
The gene is delivered using a therapeutic virus known as anadeno-associated vector or AAV.
Researchers believe the vision improvement from a single injectionwill last for many years. In earlier laboratory studies, a singleAAV-based gene therapyin more than 50 dogs born blind from LCA has been effective for morethan seven years.
This study is being carried out by an international team led by TheUniversity of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,the Second Universityof Naples and the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (both inItaly), and several other American institutions.
http://www.blindness.org/research.asp?id=326

great news!

2008-05-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

A group of American scientists have given avisually-impairedgrandmother a chance to see her grandchildren danceand play football.
Linda Moorfoot, who suffers from the eye conditionretinitispigmentosa that causes blindness, is thrilled afterhaving part of hersight restored by a bionic eye.
The new invention is a tiny camera that scientistshope to actuallyinsert into the eye within the next five years.
The new technology tested by Moorfoot uses an externalcamera worn ona pair of dark glasses. The camera sends images to aradio receiverimplanted near the eye, which transmits a signal on toa tiny siliconand platinum chip that sits on the retina.
This information then goes down the optic nerve intothe brain.
Scientist Dr Mark Humayun has developed a small andpowerful camerathat could be implanted inside a patient's eye, ratherthan worn on apair of glasses"When I go to the grandkids' hockey game or soccergame I can seewhich direction the game is moving in," Moorfoot said.
"I can shoot baskets with my grandson. And I can seemy granddaughterdancing across the stage. It's wonderful," she added.
The team led by Dr Mark Humayun - a professor ofophthalmology andbiomedical engineering at the Doheny Eye Institute inLos Angeles -have now developed a small and powerful camera thatcould be implantedinside the patient's eye, rather than worn on a pairof glasses.
"The camera is very, very small and very low power, soit can goinside your eye and couple your eye movement to wherethe camera is,"said Dr Humayun. "With this kind of missinginformation, the brain canfill in. This field is really blossoming."
"So in the next four to five years I hope, and we allhope, that wewill see technology that's much more advanced," headded.
"There are millions of people around the world withsight loss. Wewould welcome any developments that could preventsight loss andrestore sight," said Christina Nicolaidou, spokeswomanfor theUK-based Royal National Institute of Blind (RNIB).
"This research could be exciting and we will befollowing it over thenext few years to see how it develops," she added.

a ray of hope

2008-03-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

New drug to treat blindnessLondon (PTI): A ray of hope for millions of visually challenged people worldwide! A new drug totreat common forms of blindness is all set to go for clinical trial.Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed the drug to treat eye diseases affectingthe elderly and diabetics, such as age-related muscular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic etinopathy,the British media reported on Friday.The research team, led by Prof Dave Bates and Dr Steve Harper of the varsity's MicrovascularResearch Laboratories, has identified a novel, naturally occurring form of a compound whichinhibits the formation of new blood vessels -- a major cause of the "wet" type of AMD and alsodiabetic retinopathy. The research has been funded by Britain's leading eye research charity, Fightfor Sight.The news of the drug comes just days after scientists in the United States had claimed that abionic eye which can restore sight to the blind would be available commercially within two years.The second-generation device, current being trialled, consists of three elements. First, aminiature camera worn in a pair of dark glasses, which transmits images to a radio receiverimplanted near the patient's eye.This then sends a signal on to a tiny silicon and platinum chip, about four millimetre square, thatsits on the retina. The chip's electrodes stimulate the ganglion cells that transmit visualinformation to the optic nerve and onwards to the brain, which can then construct a visual image."A plate is seen as a saucer of light, and a knife as a runway of light. It works by building upimages like a dot-matrix printer, or pixels on a computer screen," lead researcher Prof MarkHumayun had said.

amazon kindle

2008-02-02T04:42:00.000-08:00

Amazon Kindlecontributor : Rithish Saralaya fromMedia&Entertainment Vertical Initiative (MphasiSSoftware Services) What is the Amazon Kindle?Amazon Kindle is an electronic book (e-book) devicelaunched in the United States by Amazon.com inNovember 2007. It uses an electronic paper display,readsthe proprietary Kindle (AZW) format, and downloadscontent over Amazon Whispernet, which uses the SprintEVDO network. This means that the Kindle can beused without the need for a computer. Whispernet isaccessible through Kindle without any fee. On therelease day, the Kindle Store had more than 88,000digital titles available for download. Amazon's firstoffering of the Kindle sold out in five and a halfhours. It retails for $399 from Amazon.com.Further info on the Kindle.• Although it supports unprotected Mobipocket books(.MOBI, .PRC), plain text files, and HTML and Worddocuments, Kindle also uses its own proprietary,DRM-restricted format (AZW). It does not fully supportthe widely accepted PDF format, but Amazon provides"experimental" conversion to the native AZWformat. A user may also convert PDF files to supportedformats using third-party software.• The Kindle Terms of Use forbid transferring eBooksto someone else or using them on a different device.This has been criticized by the Free SoftwareFoundation and free software advocates.• The Kindle allows RSS subscription to select blogsfor a monthly amount, even though one may use theexperimental web browser to navigate to and read blogswithout cost.• Amazon does not sell the Kindle outside the UnitedStates, and Whispernet only works in the U.S. However,U.S. owners traveling abroad have the option ofmanaging their Kindle purchases via PC and can then inturn download items from the PC to their Kindle.Further ReferencesWikipedia :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_KindleAmazon Kindle Store :http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Device/dp/B000FI73MAmeet amazon's e-book reader : http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/11/amazon-kindle-meet-amazons-e-book-reader/

tips for powerpoint users

2008-01-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

Powerpoint
To select an object from a list use JAWSKey+F8.
To select a hyperlink from a list use JAWSKey+F7.
To follow the selected object's hyperlink if it has one use Control+Shift+Enter.
To speak information about the current slide view or show use Control+Shift+S.
To read the current slide use JAWSKey+DownArrow.
To read the selected text, object or slide use JAWSKey+Shift+DownArrow.
To hear the selected object use JAWSKey+Tab.
To read the selected table row by row use JAWSKey+Shift+R.
To read the selected table column by column use JAWSKey+Shift+C.
To toggle the table reading method use Control+Shift+T.
To hear the selected shape's animation status and description use Control+Shift+A.
To toggle text format announcement while reading slide text use the Verbosity Dialog
To read the speaker's notes use control+shift+n.
To hear the dimensions and location of the selected object use Control+Shift+D.
To speak the status line use JAWSKey+Delete.
To close the Office Assistant use Control+JAWSKey+F4.

tips for jaws users

2008-01-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Notes for excel users

Say a list of some common Excel shortcuts JAWSKey+W
Say the coordinates of the current cell JAWSKey+C
Say a cell's formula Control+F2
Present the cell's formula in a message box Control+F2 twice quickly
Review selected cells JAWSKey+Shift+DownArrow
Set or clear title, total or monitor cell definitions use the Verbosity Dialog JAWSKey+V
Say the row title Alt+Shift+R
Say the column title Alt+Shift+C
Say the row total JAWSKey+Delete
Say the column total JAWSKey+Enter
Set up to 10 monitor cells for the current worksheet JAWSKey+Shift+1 through 0 on the number row
Say any of the ten monitor cells for this sheet Alt+Shift+1 through 0 on the number row
Move to a monitor cell control+shift+m
Return to the last cell which had focus before moving to a monitor Cell control+shift+GraveAccent
Say the contents of the first 4 cells in the column alt key with 1 through 4 on the number row,
Say the contents of the first 4 cells in the row alt+control key with 1 through 4 on the number row
Move to the prior or next worksheet control+page up or control+page down
Move to a particular worksheet Control+Shift+S
List cells with comments visible in the active window Control+Shift+Apostrophe
Say a cell's comment if visible Alt+Shift+Apostrophe
List cells with data visible in the active window Control+Shift+D
List cells with data in the current row Control+Shift+R
List cells with data in the current column Control+Shift+C
List cells at horizontal and vertical PageBreaks Control+Shift+B
Select an object on the worksheet Control+Shift+O
Select a hyperlink on the worksheet JAWSKey+F7
Say the hyperlink address for a cell containing a hyperlink Alt+Shift+H
Describe the border of the active cell alt+Shift+B
Focus on the autoFilter Menu Control+Shift+A
Announce the coordinates of the range of cells visible in the active window Alt+Shift+V
Say the status of gridlines in the active window Alt+Shift+G

tips for MSN messenger users! with the help of Jaws!

2008-01-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

MSN Messenger Hotkeys:Use JAWSKey+V to toggle JAWS verbosity items, as well as those specific to MSN Messenger.
The MSN Messenger-specific verbosity items are:*Typing sounder: Generates clicking noise when someone is typing an incoming message.*Typing announcement: Announces the message that the current contact is writing you a message.*Automatically speak incoming messages: Speak message threads as they come into the History window.*Announce contacts signing in: Notify you when a contact signs in.*Online status in Contact list: suppresses [Online] status in Contact list.*Speak contact's name with message.: Announces Contact's name with message thread.
These settings are saved and automatically loaded whenever you launch MSN Messenger.

tips for MS,word users with the help of Jaws

2008-01-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

Notes for learners
Say the current field Control+JAWSKey+NumPad5
Say the line and column of the caret JAWSKey+Delete
Toggle the writing mode from Insert to Overtype Alt+Control+I
Say the first cell in the current column Alt+1
Say the first cell in the current row Alt+7
Close the office assistant Control+JAWSKey+F4
Say the version of MS Word being used Control+JAWSKey+V
Move the focus to the first form field Control+JAWSKey+Home
Select a field JAWSKey+F5
toggle context detection and set table title reading parameters JAWSKey+V
Select a table control+JAWSKey+t
List words marked as misspelled Alt+Shift+L
List grammatical errors Control+Shift+G
List document revisions JAWSKey+Shift+R
Describe the border around the active cell, table, paragraph or section Alt+Shift+B
Convert all drawing layer objects to text layer objects Alt+Control+Shift+C
List inline objects such as clipart Control+Shift+O
Say the column or row title for the current cell JAWSKey+Alt+Shift+C
Say the current table column or row
Announce the detected language Alt+Control+Shift+A
List reviewers' comments Control+Shift+apostrophe
Announce the comment referenced at the cursor location Alt+Shift+Apostrophe
Announce the footnote or endnote referenced at the cursor location Alt+Shift+e
Switch between open panes and the main document text F6
List hyperlinks in the current document JAWSKey+F7
List ms word short cut keys JAWSKey+W

For Office XP:
List smart tags in this document JAWSKey+Alt+Shift+S
Show Smart Tag Actions menu JAWSKey+Control+Alt+S

net useing tips for jaws users

2008-01-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

Notes for learners
Notes for learners
Go Back a page, ALT+LEFT ARROW.
Read the Address bar, INSERT+A.
Next link, TAB.
Prior link, SHIFT+TAB.
Open a link, ENTER.
Display a list of links, JAWSKey+F7.
Display and manage PlaceMarkers, control+shift+k
Display a list of form fields, JAWSKey+f5.
Display a list of headings, JAWSKey+f6.
Display a list of frames, JAWSKey+F9.
To move through a web page:
Next Anchor, A.
Next Button, B.
Next ComboBox, C.
Next different element, D.
Next Edit, E.
Next Form Field, F.
Next Graphic, G.
Next Heading, H.
Next List Item, I.
Jump to a specific line with J,
And return to the starting point before the jump with Shift+J.
Next Place Marker, K.
Next List, L.
Next Frame, M.
Skip past links, N.
Next Object, O.
Next Paragraph, P.
Next Block Quote, Q.
Next RadioButton, R.
Next Same Element, S.
Next Table, T.
Next unvisited link, U.
Next visited link, V.
Next Checkbox, X.
Next Division, Z.
Step past element, > (greater than).
Step prior to element, < (less than).
Add SHIFT to these commands to move to the prior item.
Add Control+JAWSKey to the applicable quick keys to bring up a list of that element,
For example, Control+JAWSKey+z will bring up a list of the divisions on the page.
To move and read in tables:
Next row, WINDOWS KEY+DOWN ARROW.
Prior row, WINDOWS KEY+UP ARROW.
Read Row, WINDOWS KEY+COMMA.
Read Column, WINDOWS KEY+PERIOD.
Next cell in a row, ALT+CTRL+RIGHT ARROW.
Prior cell in a row, ALT+CTRL+LEFT ARROW.
Cell below in a column, ALT+CTRL+DOWN ARROW.
Cell above in a column, ALT+CTRL+Up ARROW.
Jump to cell,Control+ j.

by Arun Mehta

2007-12-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

Empowering the blind
Technology can empower the blind to compete shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world. Software developed for the blind can also potentially revolutionisethe use of technology across all sections of society
By Arun Mehta
The highlight of the December 2005 workshop on “ICT and Special Needs” organised by Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) in Karachi, was a keynotepresentation by Shazia Hasan, a teacher at the Ida Rieu School for the deaf and blind, Karachi who showed how easily the blind can operate computers andwhat a difference it makes in their lives.
Before the invention of the digital computer, the written word was almost entirely inaccessible to the blind. Very little text has been available in theform of Braille and for everything else, they had to depend on someone reading out the text to them. Once it became possible to record and replay humanvoice, audio books provided some relief. But referring to these audio cassettes as books is over-ambitious as one cannot turn the pages, nor use the indexto locate any specific information.
The personal computer has dramatically narrowed the gap between the blind and the sighted. Text to speech software provided audio access to electronictext, but suffered from the same limitations as the audio book. It needed special software and a screen reader to make the computer genuinely accessibleto the blind.
To understand how a screen reader works, imagine sitting next to a blind person who is operating a computer keyboard. As windows open on the screen, youkeep telling them what is happening and what decisions they need to take. As they type or move the cursor, you keep prompting them. Your task, effectively,is automated by a screen reader.
Why is all this important for the sighted, beyond whatever social obligations they might feel for those less fortunate? There are several relevant applicationsof this technology. When you drive, for instance, you are effectively blind from the point of view of the on-board screen in the car, as one cannot belooking at it at all times. That is why, for instance, navigation software relies on voice replays. Therefore, in theory, the sighted could only use thecomputer when the car is stationary. Speech enabled software, which has been used in car navigation systems for quite sometime now, provides them withthe freedom to make calls, change music tracks or activate navigation without looking at or touching the screen.
Furthermore, roughly half the developing world is illiterate and lacks access to the written word. Software developed for the blind allows this sectionof society to use the computer and access the internet as well, which is an act of profound political importance.
So far, as illiteracy and poverty run rampant across most of the under-developed countries of the world, governments that constantly ignore the demandsof the people are less fearful of the consequences, as the people are unable to prevail upon them with considerable impact. Problems such as terrorism,retaliation based on ignorance and economic disparity that afflict the world today have taught us the importance of bringing the disempowered into themainstream. But how do we achieve that in a short period of time? In South Asia, where nearly a billion people are illiterate, we simply lack the resources,such as trained educators and established schools. The only way we can address this gigantic issue, is via distance learning, for which the illiteratemust be able to access computers. This can be made possible by incorporating software developed for the blind. The term “print disabled” aptly combinesthe blind and the illiterate into a common category – people who cannot read the printed word, but can understand the spoken.
The blind have been at the forefront of developing standards for making access to information easier. Since so-called audio books are inadequate, the blindhave consequently evolved the Daisy standard (Digitally Accessible Information System). In this system, text is synchronised with speech. If the user wishesto scroll or search, the computer uses the text to find the appropriate position and then plays the corresponding audio. The advantages of this systemclearly extend well beyond the needs of the blind.
Podcasting, for instance, is becoming increasingly popular, as the rest of us are discovering the need for scrolling and searching audio content. It wouldtherefore be extremely useful if the Daisy standard were to be used for features such as podcasting.
However, an even bigger advantage of Daisy could well be found in audio and video editing. In a typical situation, when someone conducts an interviews,they may end up with for instance, half an hour of recorded material, which needs to be edited down to approximately five minutes. It takes hours for aprofessional editor to do this, but by utilising Daisy, this could be done far more efficiently. The software could automatically detect pauses in thespeech, slice the audio at those places and play back the audio one slice at a time. A typist, who could even be blind, might hear the audio slice andtype in the corresponding text. The software would then synchronise the audio slice with the corresponding text and produce a Daisy book. For any of thetext that was thrown out or rearranged in the file, the computer would discard or rearrange the corresponding audio as well.
There would also be significant advantages if the blind were to adopt open-source software. The screen readers on proprietary software platforms use OpticalCharacter Recognition (OCR) techniques to decipher what other programs write on the screen, in order to be able to communicate this to a blind user. Thisfails when the software uses a very small font size. In the case of open source software, it would be much easier to simply make appropriate additionsto the code, so that when it communicates with the user via the screen, it does so using audio as well. When application software is written for the blindon a proprietary platform, one practically has to start from scratch. Alternatively, in the world of open source, there are plenty of existing startingpoints.
There are intriguing synergies possible between technology and persons of different kinds of disabilities. Imagine a blind person at a street corner, whowants to know where she is. She might click a snapshot in the direction she imagines the road signs to be and the phone automatically transmits the pictureto someone at a call center, possibly wheelchair bound, who then communicates with the blind person via the same phone telling her what the picture shows.This task can be automated as well.
Robotics offer another interesting possibility. A small robot could easily be built and instructed to follow a sighted person once for example, to thebathroom or dining hall and could then be used as a guide for blind people who could tell it where they wanted to go, with the robot producing a beep asit walked in the specified direction.
As we study the problem, we quickly realise that we have hardly scratched the surface with regard to providing the disabled with information technologyrelated products and services. Ideally, the best people to experiment with this technology would, of course, be the disabled themselves. They could betterconceptualise the required software and equipment as well as perform feasibility tests. The need, therefore, is for an IT training institute with a focuson persons with disabilities. The disabled need to take empowerment to a new level, one in which they take charge of technological development for theirown needs. And the products and services produced as a result will undoubtedly be of tremendous benefit to them as well as other sections of society acrossthe world.
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