Stay Positive


"In the midst of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."

- Alert Camus








Friday, August 31, 2018


Help Design a Mobility Scooter

Help Design a Mobility Scooter

I’ve been using a mobility scooter for about 10 years.
I use it anytime I need to walk more than about half a city block. I throw it in the back of my SUV, I’ve taken it on planes and cruise ships (I’ve ridden it in 15 or 16 countries), and I even use it to walk the dog.
I have two scooters. One is lightweight at 35 pounds and can be folded. The other is heavier, but it can be separated into four parts. It’s more comfortable than the first and is better on inclines. The lightweight one is twice as fast, and its battery lasts a lot longer. In other words, one size doesn’t always fit all. That’s the point of this column.

Building the perfect scooter

For the past four years, Emily and Tom Morgan have been trying to design an electric mobility scooter that will do it all. They have two relatives who have MS, and from what they’ve observed, there’s a need for a better scooter.
Tom is a mechanical engineer, and Emily is an information technology specialist. Combining their knowledge with that of friends, some of whom are professional industrial designers and prototypers, they’ve come up with a rough design. But they’d like some input from us — folks with MS who actually ride these things. So, they’ve put together an online survey. It takes about 10 minutes to complete — and I think it’s time well-spent.
If you’d like to help out by providing some input on the design of a new mobility scooter, you can go to the survey here.

Is a scooter right for you?

I’ve heard from a lot of people over the years who never thought they’d use a scooter until they tried one. I was one of them, but I’m sooo glad I bought one. If you’d like to read about some of my scooter experiences you can check out a few columns that I’ve written:
Even if you don’t read my other columns, I suggest you take a few minutes to let your voice be heard by taking the survey. I’m sure Emily and Tom will appreciate it.
You’re invited to follow my personal blog at www.themswire.com.
***
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.

Help Design a Mobility Scooter

Help Design a Mobility Scooter 
 
 
 

I’ve been using a mobility scooter for about 10 years.
I use it anytime I need to walk more than about half a city block. I throw it in the back of my SUV, I’ve taken it on planes and cruise ships (I’ve ridden it in 15 or 16 countries), and I even use it to walk the dog.
I have two scooters. One is lightweight at 35 pounds and can be folded. The other is heavier, but it can be separated into four parts. It’s more comfortable than the first and is better on inclines. The lightweight one is twice as fast, and its battery lasts a lot longer. In other words, one size doesn’t always fit all. That’s the point of this column.

Building the perfect scooter

For the past four years, Emily and Tom Morgan have been trying to design an electric mobility scooter that will do it all. They have two relatives who have MS, and from what they’ve observed, there’s a need for a better scooter.
Tom is a mechanical engineer, and Emily is an information technology specialist. Combining their knowledge with that of friends, some of whom are professional industrial designers and prototypers, they’ve come up with a rough design. But they’d like some input from us — folks with MS who actually ride these things. So, they’ve put together an online survey. It takes about 10 minutes to complete — and I think it’s time well-spent.
If you’d like to help out by providing some input on the design of a new mobility scooter, you can go to the survey here.

Is a scooter right for you?

I’ve heard from a lot of people over the years who never thought they’d use a scooter until they tried one. I was one of them, but I’m sooo glad I bought one. If you’d like to read about some of my scooter experiences you can check out a few columns that I’ve written:
Even if you don’t read my other columns, I suggest you take a few minutes to let your voice be heard by taking the survey. I’m sure Emily and Tom will appreciate it.
You’re invited to follow my personal blog at www.themswire.com.
***
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.




Link:

https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/2018/08/28/ms-help-design-mobility-scooter/




Monday, August 6, 2018

Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

  

Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert


You don't really listen to an Omar Sosa concert so much as experience
it. The Cuban-born pianist's overall demeanor exudes a sense of calm and
deep reflection, while a spiritual connection to music and his
ancestors comes through in his piano playing.

You can hear Sosa draw on more than 100 years of Cuban piano in the
recognizable rhythms of his country's music. But in Sosa's hands, it's
not all fiery and bombastic; he's most effective when he uses Afro-Cuban
tradition as a guide to his distinct, subtle and nuanced approach.

In Paolo Fresu, Sosa has found a sympathetic musical partner. Fresu's
work on trumpet and flugelhorn provides a perfect foil for Sosa's
introspective intersection of jazz, Afro-Cuban sounds and a
chamber-music mentality.

Sosa and Fresu's quietly energetic performance behind Bob Boilen's desk
enveloped everyone in attendance like a soft mist. Fresu's use of
digital delay never clashed with Sosa' acoustic piano, instead adding
another color to the palette; at times, Fresu uses it to add a layer of
rhythm with either the ring on his finger or a blowing technique into
his horn.

Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu were as much fun to watch as they were to
hear.
Watch this Tiny Desk Concert and see for yourself. --FELIX
CONTRERAS




Set List "Alma" "S'Inguldu" Credits Producer: Felix Contreras; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo; photo by Elizabeth Chen/NPR