Stem Cells to the Rescue!

Howdy Comrades!

After such a long absence, I considered terminating this blog.  Few read it once my relationship to Blind Confidential ended with its cancellation.  Yet, I've discovered I have more to say that may be of some interest. 

On February 4^th of this year, I travelled to Ft. Lauderdale to participate in experimental ocular stem cell therapy.  My retinas are trashed, as my doctor so eloquently described, but I hoped to see some improvement in visual function and to contribute to the cause of regenerative medicine.  In future posts, I will describe what happened and how my vision has changed because of the stem cell therapy.  I may also move to Word press for enhanced accessibility.  Sign up for email updates if you find it too tedious to visit the blog.

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peepers!

Suggestions for New Features for the Artificial Retina

Howdy Comrades!

A ghastly experience has caused me to consider a new feature for the recently approved artificial retina, an improvement that could make the 150 thousand dollar price tag far more attractive.  Yesterday, I had difficulty locating my backyard raised bed garden.  My alternative technique for locating it proved untenable because the water hose snagged on some old wood someone stored nearby the faucet.  I might have resolved this glitch except that in wandering around the yard, I stepped in a pile of steaming dog shit.  What if researchers could add an early warning shit detector to the artificial retina?  For me, this would be a Godsend!  I'm sure this could be mounted on the tip of a cane or pattern recognition software within the onboard camera might be adjusted to detect skat.  For those poor souls living up North, it could also double as an ice sensor.  I hope one of our tech experts out there can work out how to add these features.  It would beat being able to match black, grey and white socks hands down!

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peeps!

My Thoughts on Getting an Artificial Retina

 

 

 

Howdy Comrades!

It's been quite some time since I've deigned to share my thoughts with the peeps in cyberspace, but I couldn't resist adding my two cents to the discussion of the revolutionary new artificial retina recently approved by the FDA.  As a person whose vision loss resulted from Retinitis Pigmentosa, I'd qualify for one of these prosthetic vision devices.  Actually about a million more photoreceptors would need to undergo apoptosis before I'd actually become eligible.  I still see in patches, faintly and when the light is just right.

Would I want a device that would restore "shadow vision" at a cost of $150,000?    Those who have had the retinal implants report increased function, particularly the ability to sense motion.  Some state that its hard work to learn to see with the new prostheses.  This is most likely a function of how long the person has been without vision and how difficult it is to reestablish the neural pathways needed to allow the brain to make useful information out of the electrical impulses stimulating the ganglia.  On the whole, I've heard that recipients of the artificial retina believe its helped them.

I would not want to pay 150 to 200 thousand bucks to achieve shadow vision, although the ability to detect motion is probably the best argument for buying one.  My own eye doctor, who is also a professor of biomechanics, speculates that a far more sophisticated device is being developed that could offer better definition and some possibility of rudimentary color perception for those who have been recently blinded.  He does not recommend such a device for me, however, because he believes I'm a perfect candidate for an epigenetic clinical trial.

What in blue blazes is an epigenetic "cure?"  The idea is to introduce an innocuous virus into the eye which includes the genetic instructions for the retina to begin processing Vitamin A properly.  My doctor says this would stop cellular death and possibly convert lower layers of the retina into functioning photoreceptors.

With all this in mind, I have decided to forgo an artificial retina at this time.  I may reconsider if they go on sale at Best Buy!

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peeps!

Romney/Ryan Bad for Blind Americans

Hello from Austin,

Tony Jones has made a very disturbing report about a conversation he had with Congressman Ryan at the second Presidential Debate.  So far, I can't confirm his story because the Secret Service confiscates all cell phones, cameras or recording devices not authorized by the Network.  Here's what Mr. Jones published to the NFB-T discussion list.

Mal* * * *

Hello All,

 

I wasn't on stage for the debates, all the people who were qualified to be there showed up. I did sit by Rep. Paul Ryan in the audience, and we talked some about HB 3086, and blindness issues. To say the least he WASN'T receptive on any of it. He will vote against HB 3086, and wants to do away with ALL rehab and V/R and V/T services for ALL the disabled, even job training. He also said that People with Disabilities should be grateful that they get SSI and Social Security." that we don't need to take scarce jobs from the abled bodied." George, I don't know yet if I will be at the White Cane Day event  It depends on work.

 

Respectfully,

 

Tony Jones

·         * *  *

Finally, I do know that during his term as Governor,  Mr. Romney proposed fees for blind folks.  That's right!  He proposed a fee for Certificates of Blindness and Photo ID's indicating that a blind person was a client of the Blind Commission in Massachusetts

·        . 

·        Do we need these clowns running the United States of America?  I think not.

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peeps!

Presidential Candidates May Confront Disability Issues at Town Hall Debate

Howdy Comrades!

For the first time in memory, a blind person may actually get a chance to ask a question at tonight's Town Hall Presidential Debate.  Only about 18 questions will be asked of Gov. Romney and President Obama, but isn't it about time they answer one question of interest to disabled Americans, their families and friends? 

My very cynical comrades claim there's no way a blind man will be allowed to participate in such a crucial national debate.  They may be correct, but if we are denied the right to ask one question, we must conclude that both candidates view the disabled as a marginalized community, unworthy of airtime.  Stay tuned folks!

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peeps!

Presidential Candidates May Confront Disability Issues at Town Hall Debate

Howdy Comrades!

For the first time in memory, a blind person may actually get a chance to ask a question at tonight's Town Hall Presidential Debate.  Only about 18 questions will be asked of Gov. Romney and President Obama, but isn't it about time they answer one question of interest to disabled Americans, their families and friends? 

My very cynical comrades claim there's no way a blind man will be allowed to participate in such a crucial national debate.  They may be correct, but if we are denied the right to ask one question, we must conclude that both candidates view the disabled as a marginalized community, unworthy of airtime.  Stay tuned folks!

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Power to the Peeps!

Chen Guangcheng Begins Change in China

Howdy Comrades!

It's really difficult for me to get my arms around what's happened in China lately.  Many years ago, Chen Guangcheng

 Challenged local officials with a lawsuit demanding that forced abortions and sterilizations to promote China's "One Child" policy be stopped as a violation of the Chinese Constitution.  As a result of his impudence, Chen Guangcheng

 

 Spent time in jail, beaten by other inmates and his family was harassed.  Now that he is safely studying in New York, his family is still persecuted by thugs employed by local old guard communist party members.

Soon the Party Congress will meet to choose new national leaders and there's a serious effort to change the much vaunted one child policy.  Proponents of this change in official policy site abuses of power by local officials and a growing need for younger workers in a technological economy.  It's argued that if the one child policy continues into the foreseeable future, China will have a population of old people incapable of supporting a rising superpower.

Just imagine it, comrades, this seismic shift in changing China for the better arose when one blind man stood up and said "This policy hurts China."

Regards,

Chairman Mal

Roberts Rules!

Howdy comrades!

Ahem!  When I speculated about the outcome of the lawsuit concerning The Affordable Care Act, I got it wrong big-time!  It seemed extremely unlikely that the Chief Justice would join with four liberal members of the Supreme Court to affirm Obama-Care as being constitutional.  He deserves praise for breaking the mold.  I must admit, however, wondering if Judge Roberts had suffered another ideopathic stroke.  Well, comrades, I take everything I wrote last night back, especially suggesting that our Chief Justice planned to outdo those tainted Egyptian judges who recently dissolved Parliament.  I'm sorry Mr. Roberts!

Regards,

Chairman Mal