INVICTUS--Old Friend of many freepers

email ^ | 1-31-04 | Basil

[Old Professer]

There are times around this old park bench that it gets really cold.

[zip]

ping

[GeronL]

prayers for invictus

[JohnHuang2]

basil, prayers offered for Invictus. Please keep us posted.

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks for the ping, amigo.

[archy]

If anybody would like to communicate by email with his fine old gentleman, freepmail me for his e-addy. I have a feeling that hearing from some "old friends" would brighten his days.

I didn't know him then but would certainly like to now. But I would think his example would offer a prototype of a methodology for FReepers to suppoort their fellow pals who are visited by such circumstances. Perhaps a fellow FReeper- surely Invictus is still one such- from their community or locale could act as a go-between, or other possibilities might be explored.

I do know that FReepers as a bunch are generally both caring and creative. And I bet that there's a way for Invictus to become more of this unique community again.

And I'd appreciate it if one of those in topuch with him would pass the idea on to him as well. His viewpoint on such things is one to be particularly considered.

Invictus, you take care; but don't get too relaxed. You may yet have some important contributions to make here.

-archy-/-

[archy]

If Invictus has some vision, he might investigate a web browser called FastBrowser. It has a built in audio capability. If he can mark text, it will read that text aloud. The audio uses any of several free text2speech engines.

http://www.fastbrowser.net/

If the technology you describe doesn't apply to Invictus, it could still be applicable to some other FReeper or potential FReeper with a similar permanent or temporary situation. And there will be casualties from Afghanistan and Iraq who have suffered recent injuries who might also find both specific technologies and a online community working to adapt them to those needing them to apply in their cases as well, or to those of others of which they are acquainted.

A ping list for those inclined to note further developments along these lines and work with those FReepers to whom such considerations might apply- not necessarily *just* vision limitations, though that' should certainly be a primary focus- would seem to be a likely starting place.

-archy-/-

[Alamo-Girl]

What a delight to hear from Invictus again! I do hope someone can help or act as a go between. He is greatly missed.

[PGalt]

Your vision can be shared with us. C'mon back.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

My my grandfather and his sister both suffered from macular degeneration. My grandfather had a type of magnifying screen which helped with his television viewing, and I think his sister (my great-aunt -- 101,) still uses such a device, in addition to visiting the gym and teaching fly-fishing. Tell Invictus we are all pulling for him.

The device that reads the computer screen for you sounds wonderful.

[GOPJ]

We miss you too, Invictus.

[TradicalRC]

I like that poem as well but it reminds me of a piece of doggerel that goes:

Due to circumstances beyond my control,
I am Master of my Fate and Captain of my Soul.

[rintense]

Didn't know you that well, Invictus, but my thoughts and prayers are with you!

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

I knew Invictus in one of my previous incarnations (different handle - which I can't reveal). He is truly one of the best - a real sweetheart and gentleman. Always kind.

I don't know why "the Boss" gave him this MD burden to bear, but there must be a reason for it - and only for the good, as hard as that is to understand.

I hope some of the audio options that other FReepers have mentioned will be tried. It would be great to have him back at FR again, sharing his wisdom and sense of fun.

How ironic that he exemplifies the poem Invictus. One would almost think that the poem was named after him, rather than the other way around. <:D

Basil, could you please pass along my sentiments to him? Let him know how much we love him and miss him.

And thank you for sharing his email with us - that's very much appreciated. How sweet of you to email him.

[Born Conservative]

by James Swearingen?

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

A bump for our friend, Invictus!

[maestro]

Yep!

Invictus

(Invincible Sun)

by James Swearingen

Amen,..........More Grace and Mercy,......In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!!!

[OWK]

good to hear from you, Old Friend.

[marty60]

My mother was struck with this 2 years ago. I take care of her full time now. I often ask myself, WHY her EYESIGHT> She love to read. At 87, her mind is sharp but she depends on me to tell her what is on in the news. She has earphones and listens to Michael Savage, Matt Drudge, and her favorite RUSH. But, I hate to hear when someone, falls victim of this disease. Tell Invictus we miss him.

Isn't there some sort of talking program that he could use?