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The history of the white cane as a mobility aid for blind individuals dates back centuries, but its modern form began to take shape in the early 20th century. Before that, blind individuals often relied on walking sticks or the assistance of sighted guides, but there was no standardized cane specifically designed for their use. In the early 1900s, James Biggs, a British photographer who lost his sight due to an accident, is credited with one of the first recorded instances of painting his cane white. He did this to make himself more visible to motorists, as the rise of automobiles made street navigation increasingly hazardous. Around the same time, in France, Guilly Herbemont also advocated for white canes, formally introducing them in 1931 as a safety measure for blind pedestrians. In the United States, the movement gained traction in the 1930s when Lions Clubs began distributing white canes as a way to increase awareness of blind pedestrians. By the 1940s, the use of white canes expanded significantly due to World War II veterans returning home with vision loss. Dr. Richard Hoover, often called the father of the modern white cane, developed the long cane technique at the Avon Old Farms Army Convalescent Hospital in Connecticut. His design, a lightweight, extended cane, allowed for better detection of obstacles and safe navigation. The 1960s saw legislative advancements recognizing the white cane as a symbol of blindness and mobility. Many countries, including the U.S., established laws granting blind individuals the right-of-way in traffic. Over time, the white cane evolved with materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, improving durability and functionality. Today, it remains a critical tool, with variations such as folding canes, support canes, and canes with electronic sensors enhancing navigation for blind individuals worldwide.

Title: The Kaiju Preservation Society Available on BARD Commercial production Author: John Scalzi Narration: Will Wheaton Duration: about 10 hourS Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction Kaijus are monsters from Japanese pop culture. Godzilla is the most famous of them, but Americans already knows other famous Kaiju maybe without realizing it. Pacific Rim movies and Cloverfield introduce these monster in our side of the planet. They are staple of Japanese nerd culture and it comes as no surprise that the book itself is filled with nerd references that will please the inner-nerd of the reader, a little bit what Ready Player One has done in the past. Nuclear explosions reveal a passage-way to an alternate Earth populated by Kaiju. The Preservation Society helps prevent these monster from crossing over to our Earth. The book is relatively short with some decent character building but is missing detailed descriptions of an alternate Earth and more importantly, Kaiju descriptions . It isn’t really an issue for those who know a bit about these kind of monster but for newcomers, it could be a bit opaque. Action wise, the book is moving fast, you won’t get bored even at the beginning when the whole concept takes a little while to be introduced. The climax of the book, which represents the last quarter of the material, is unfortunately predicable. The audiobook would be the perfect pop culture infused book to go through if the narration wasn’t so cringy to listen to. Will Wheaton is overly enthusiastic while reading and over the top overall; I found myself cringing and hating his performance more than a few times. I moved on because the story was my cup of tea but Wheaton’s work almost made me give it up. A better narrator, like Porter, would have worked better. All in all with the exception of the narration, the book is an enjoyable light sci-fi read that does a good job entertaining while also using the Kaiju lore. Godzilla relationship to nuclear science is well integrated and explained and obscures plots from other Kaiju movies. For example the Cloverfield monster, the little companions wreaking havoc throughout New York, is actually well explained in the audiobook. There is violence, of course but relatively mild compared to what you could expect from this kind of book. No sex whatsoever which makes the book adapted for a young audience. You can count on chapters duration going from 10 to 15 minutes, short enough for a quick read before going to bed or during a quick trip on public transit. There has been talk of a movie adaptation of the book and it is not really a surprise considering the book’s linearity and straightforward-storyline. I will expect some amazing visuals if the project goes through.

What your mobility trainer will teach you about your white cane will end up being very different compared to how you will actually use it. Swinging your cane opposite the foot stepped forward is almost impossible to do without making the whole process very awkward. Keeping the handle of your white cane right in front of your belly button also feels strange. Your hand will move right or left depending on how you handle the cane. All of this is not too important overall. However, what is true and remains true ever since I learned to use the white cane, is how wide the cane needs to swing. It has to swing a slightly wider range than your shoulder width.

The white cane is more than a mobility aid, it’s a profound symbol of independence for people with visual impairments. Its history dates back to the 1920s, when white paint was introduced to enhance visibility. By the 1930s, it became recognized worldwide as a tool for safe navigation. In 1964, the U.S. officially commemorated October 15th as National White Cane Safety Day, promoting awareness about its importance. Over time, advancements have made white canes lighter, more durable, and customizable to individual needs.

A helpful technique for white cane users is mastering the side-to-side sweeping motion. This involves gently moving the cane from one side to the other in front of you, ensuring it covers the entire width of your body. This sweeping motion helps detect obstacles, curbs, and changes in the walking surface before you encounter them. Keep the cane tip in contact with the ground and use a relaxed wrist to maintain a consistent rhythm. This practice not only enhances spatial awareness but also boosts confidence and safety while navigating various environments.

A white cane is more than a mobility tool—it’s a symbol of independence for people with visual impairments. If you see someone using a white cane, remember these key points: 1. Don’t grab or push —ask if they need help before offering assistance. 2. Give space —allow enough room for them to navigate safely. 3. Respect crosswalk stops —a raised cane may signal their intent to wait. For cane users: stay alert to environmental changes and practice routes regularly. White canes empower safe, confident travel—let’s work together to create a supportive, informed community!

iOS 18.2 introduces a series integration with ChatGPT. Currently, there is a rumor circulating that Siri will utilize the most recent version of ChatGPT for a limited number of queries. Subsequently, non-paying customers will be downgraded to a lower version of ChatGPT. However, paying customers will not experience any changes. During this period, Siri users will still have access to the most up-to-date news. Essentially, this means that users can inquire about today’s news and receive actual news updates until they complete their grading. What is peculiar is that when the OpenAI app is opened, ChatGPT only offers its latest update, which is dated back to November 2023, at the very least. I personally checked this morning and was walking with a diversion dated back to April 2023. This situation is quite unusual. I presume that if I pay $19.99 to become a paid OpenAI customer, I should at least have access to the most up-to-date version of ChatGPT that is accessible through Siri. Hopefully, this matter will be resolved in the future.

I have not posted in a while. Time to change that.

World War Z by Max Brook vaults into the realms of the must-read horror novels, securing a prestigious place as number five in my top five favorite horror audiobooks for 2023. A tapestry of tension and terror, the book meticulously unveils a global post-apocalyptic panorama, adorned with tales of survival against a ruthless zombie apocalypse. Brooks delves deep, crafting a multilayered narrative populated by a chorus of diverse voices—from military personnel to civilians—each recounting their unique, harrowing experiences. These interconnected interviews form the spine of the novel, breathing life into the bleak aftermath and the brutal battle against the undead. The audiobook version is an absolute treasure, available for free to members of the BARD service provided by the US Library of Congress. This offering amplifies the novel's immersive nature, allowing the listener to sink into the depths of the narrative fully, carried along by captivating performances that echo with authenticity and emotional resonance. The oral histories reverberate with a profound sense of realism, each account more engrossing, lending voices to the silent screams and unspoken horrors experienced during the calamity. Brooks' storytelling prowess shines brilliantly, embedding each tale with atmospheric tension, capturing the raw human emotions and the tumultuous tides of the global catastrophe. His narrative precision orchestrates a symphony of stories, where every note strikes a chord of existential contemplation, exploring the realms of survival, humanity, and societal collapse. The detailed geopolitical analysis and strategic military maneuvers intricately woven into the plot lend it a substantive weight, providing a formidable backbone to the horror, making World War Z not merely a story of the undead but a profound exploration of the living navigating unprecedented global chaos. In its essence, World War Z is more than a zombie tale—it’s a mirror held up to humanity, reflecting our world's vulnerabilities, resilience, and the terrifying specter of our own undoing. Its place in the horror audiobook realm is indisputably well-deserved, etching its tales of terror into the mind with haunting clarity and formidable impact.

When it comes to horror literature, there's a certain art to crafting a story that truly captures the listener's imagination and transports them to a world of suspense, intrigue, and fear. In 2023, amidst a sea of chilling audiobooks, one title has stood out and secured its place as my runner-up in the top five best horror audiobooks of the year: "Devolution" by Max Brooks. A New Take on Classic Horror At its core, "Devolution" is a tale of survival, but what sets it apart is Brooks' unique approach to the narrative. Drawing inspiration from his earlier work, "World War Z", Brooks presents the story in a series of journal entries, interviews, and reports, lending it an air of authenticity. This format immerses the listener in a way traditional storytelling might not, making it feel as if these events truly transpired. A World Unraveling Set in the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Rainier, the story follows the residents of a secluded eco-community as they grapple with the immediate fallout and the unexpected threat of creatures long believed to be the stuff of legends. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that humanity's place atop the food chain is not as secure as we'd like to believe. Brooks masterfully delves into the psychology of fear and the breakdown of societal norms when faced with an unimaginable threat. Stellar Audio Production A great story can be further elevated by its presentation, and this is where the "Devolution" audiobook truly shines. The cast brings each character to life, infusing them with personality and emotion. Every scream, whisper, and desperate plea is rendered in crisp clarity, making for a listening experience that's both enthralling and terrifying. Accessibility for All In a commendable move, "Devolution" is available for free to those with a BARD account through the US Library of Congress. This ensures that even more horror enthusiasts can experience Brooks' masterful storytelling without any barriers. Final Thoughts "Devolution" is not just a horror story; it's a commentary on human nature, resilience, and the lengths we'll go to survive. Brooks challenges us to question our place in the natural order and what happens when the world as we know it starts to crumble. It's a chilling reminder of the fragility of civilization and the monsters that lurk just beyond the periphery of our understanding. In a year filled with notable horror audiobooks, "Devolution" by Max Brooks stands out not just for its unique storytelling approach but also for its thought-provoking themes. It's a worthy addition to any horror enthusiast's collection and a testament to Brooks' prowess as a writer. If you haven't given it a listen yet, I highly recommend you do. With the nights growing longer and Halloween just around the corner, there's no better time to delve into this chilling tale of survival and the unknown.

Kaiser Permanente had a strike that ended late last week. They are currently having issues to catch up with their backlog. I have seen lines to get flu shot and Covid shot but could last more than one hour. If you are planning on getting your shot, be patient, or reschedule.

There was a nice report on NPR today about facial recognition using artificial intelligence. Apparently a lot of privacy issues for some individuals. The reporter, however, mention that the technology could be useful for blind and low vision people. I am surprised, and PR fought about the issue that deep. Recognition of facial expression on a picture is indeed important for people with vision disability. Could this make an exception to privacy issues for apps such as Be My Eyes for example?