[Born Conservative]

He has ALS? I get the impression from reading this that whatever it is that he has, he has had it for a while. I did a search and found this about ALS survival: 50% of ALS patients die within 18 months after diagnosis. Only 20% survive 5 years and 10% live longer than 10 years.

[Our man in washington]

Not only is Hawking a genius, he's a medical miracle. He's survived ALS longer than just about anyone on earth. In fact, I seem to remember reading somewhere that Hawking had set a record as far as anyone knew, but I can't remember the source.

[Ditto]

50% of ALS patients die within 18 months after diagnosis. Only 20% survive 5 years and 10% live longer than 10 years.

I have know two guys who came down with it --- both big, x-Marine types. One lasted less that 18 months, and the other about 5 years. After seeing them, I'm not sure which one was better off.