posted February 16, 2005 11:07 AM            

But few of us take the time to tune into their unseen value. In fact, many of us seem to hate trees for no apparent or rational reason or because of their iconic value to the environmental and conservation movements.

A few years ago I had the misfortune of riding in a cab whose driver was listening to one of Rush Limbaugh's interminable rants. His topic that day was environmentalists and "tree huggers." Somebody somewhere was trying to save old-growth trees from destruction. He railed against such political correctness, arguing something to the effect that there are plenty of trees -- in neighborhoods, in city parks, along highways and the like. And what was it with liberals that they would interfere with someone's ownership rights to save trees?

It was as expansive a display of ideological ignorance as I have ever witnessed (but then again, ideological ignorance is bliss, is it not?). The distinction between young and mature trees completely escaped him.

On another occasion, a former neighbor who had just moved in next door chopped down a perfectly marvelous dogwood as his opening act as a neighbor. The tree stood right beside the neighbor's front door, and turned an otherwise plebian view from my side window into a stunner. I took great pleasure watching it sprout not just one color of blossoms each spring, but a combination of some white and some pink blossoms -- rather rare for a dogwood in my limited experience.

When I asked the neighbor what prompted him to mimic George Washington, he replied, "We have four kids, and trees are dangerous for children." I spat back, "That particular dogwood was of the child-eating genus, wasn't it?" Our quaint neighborhood of old homes and older trees was now down one irreplaceable dogwood, and his front yard stood out, positively denuded.

I raise the subject of trees because I've just learned some fascinating facts about them. Even the tree haters among us should seriously consider the economic damage they do to themselves when they gleefully (as in the case of my dullard ex-neighbor) chop them down.

I now live in a closely knit lakefront community in a suburb of Washington, D.C. The lake is man-made (two creeks that met naturally were dammed up more than a half-century ago to create the lake). The environmentally sensitive community has gone to great pains over the years to preserve and enjoy the abundance of mature trees in our midst. What I never realized before was how much these trees contribute to our economic well-being.

A recent community newsletter recounted that mature trees are not just things of great beauty. They also define the health of the local soil and the quality of the local watershed. Their extensive root systems do a much better job than those of younger trees in holding soil particles and absorbing runoff. The reason is, mature root systems extend two to three times beyond the drip line of the tree and most runoff is absorbed in the top 12 inches of the soil.

The newsletter points to U.S. Department of Energy studies proving the energy savings mature trees afford homeowners. Tree shading and evapotranspiration (how leaves release water vapor) can reduce surrounding summer air temperatures by as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

Homes surrounded by mature trees can save 15 percent to 50 percent on energy costs over those surrounded by small trees. In cool weather, mature trees cut down wind chill, which produces energy savings of between 25 percent and 40 percent. If all that doesn't convince you, the newsletter also cites studies showing mature trees can account for up to 15 percent of the value of a residential property.

So go ahead. Call me a tree hugger. I take it as a compliment and as a reference to my superior financial management skills.

posted March 01, 2005 12:38 PM            

An African woman, Dr. Wangari Maathai, is this year's Nobel Peace
Prize Laureate. Her story...

Thirty years ago, in the country of Kenya, 90% of the forest had been
chopped down.

Without trees to hold the topsoil in place, the land became like a desert.

When the women and girls would go in search of firewood in order to
prepare the meals, they would have to spend hours and hours looking
for what few branches remained.

A woman named Wangari watched all of this happening. She decided that
there must be a way to take better care of the land and take better
care of the women and girls.

So she planted a tree.

And then she planted another.

She wanted to plant thousands of trees, but she realized that it would
take a very long time if she was the only one doing it.

So she taught the women who were looking for firewood to plant trees,
and they were paid a small amount for each sapling they grew.

Soon she organized women all over the country to plant trees, and a
movement took hold. It was called the Green Belt Movement, and with
each passing year, more and more trees covered the land.

But something else was happening as the women planted those trees.
Something else besides those trees was taking root. The women began to
have confidence in themselves.

They began to see that they could make a difference.

They began to see that they were capable of many things, and that they
were equal to the men.

They began to recognize that they were deserving of being treated with
respect and dignity.

Changes like these were threatening to some.

The president of the country didn't like any of this.

So police were sent to intimidate and beat Wangari for planting trees,
and for planting ideas of equality and democracy in people's heads,
especially in women's.

She was accused of "subversion" and arrested many times. Once, while
Wangari was trying to plant trees, she was clubbed by guards hired by
developers who wanted the lands cleared. She was hospitalized with
head injuries.

But she survived, and it only made her realize that she was on the
right path.

For almost thirty years, she was threatened physically, and she was
often made fun of in the press. But she didn't flinch. She only had to
look in the eyes of her three children, and in the eyes of the
thousands of women and girls who were blossoming right along with the
trees, and she found the strength to continue.

And that is how it came to be that 30 million trees have been planted
in Africa, one tree at a time.

The landscapes--both the external one of the land and the internal one
of the people--have been transformed.

In 2002, the people of Kenya held a democratic election, and the
president who opposed Wangari and her Green Belt Movement is no longer
in office.

And Wangari is now Kenya's Assistant Minister for the Environment.

She is 65 years old, and this year she planted one more tree in
celebration and thanksgiving for being given a very great honor:

Wangari Maathai has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

She is the first African woman to receive this award.

After she was notified, she gave a speech entitled, "What Do Trees
Have To Do With Peace?"

She pointed out how most wars are fought over limited natural
resources, such as oil, land, coal or diamonds. She called for an end
to corporate greed, and for leaders to build more just societies.

She added: Our recent experience in Kenya gives hope to all who have
been struggling for a better future.

It shows it is possible to bring about positive change, and still do
it peacefully. All it takes is courage and perseverance, and a belief
that positive change is possible. That is why the slogan for our
campaign was 'It is Possible!'

On behalf of all African women, I want to express my profound
appreciation for this honour, which will serve to encourage women in
Kenya, in Africa, and around the world to raise their voices and not
to be deterred.

When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope. We
also secure the future for our children. I call on those around the
world to celebrate by planting a tree wherever you are.

As she received the Nobel Peace Prize this week in Oslo, she invited
us all to get involved:

Today we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our
thinking, so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system.

We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the
process heal our own.

December 10, 2004 ?This year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wangari
Maathai of Kenya, is both the first environmentalist and the first
African woman to win the prize, which she receives today in Oslo,
Norway - the twelfth woman to be so honored since the first award was
first made in 1901, that is in 103 years.

A biologist by training, Ms Maathai was the first woman in eastern
Africa to receive a doctorate and become a professor. http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/currentaffairs/region/africa/ken041008 Age
64 and going strong.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3726024.stm Tree planting is hard
work, take a look.
http://www.nobel.no/eng_lect_2004b.html Her acceptance speech, at the
Nobel site.
http://www.ilgreenparty.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=502
Green Party affiliation, early photo.

Can we accept Wangari's invitation? As we look around our neighborhood
or city, as we look at our own country, What is needed?

posted March 05, 2005 07:55 AM            

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Introduction

"Emerson Foulke once wrote (I am paraphrasing)
that we know more about what is involved in getting a man to the moon
than about what is involved in getting a blind person across a street."
Andrew Downie
A message on the inventors list serve

The Institute for Innovative Blind Navigation (IIBN) was incorporated in October, 1997. It was created as a response to the steady and accelerating advancements being made in computer technology. Approximately every two years, computers double in power, drop in price, and shrink in size. This computer revolution is resulting in ever more sophisticated and affordable tools. It has fueled a revolution in genetics and molecular medicine.

Those of us who work with blind individuals are seeing a steady stream of new technologies that make it easier for our students to navigate through an unseen world. As computers continue to get cheaper, smaller, and more powerful, we can expect the outpouring of new and improved technologies to continue. There are many trends that will play out as the computer revolution unfolds. Here is a summary of some of these trends:

One
The computer revolution will continue to advance exponentially. It is this "exponential" nature of technological change that is the key to understanding what will happen in the future. Computing (calculations per second) will get exponentially faster. Computers will move exponentially toward the invisible, disappearing into the walls, clothing, and into objects. Therefore, spaces, materials, objects, and life forms will become increasing more intelligent over time.

Two
As the environment becomes loaded with embedded computers, and consequently as spaces (pathways, intersections, rooms) become smarter, new navigation tools and new wayfinding strategies will evolve for people who are blind. To use these new tools, and to interface with smart spaces, will require an expanded and sophisticated spatial literacy. For legal and moral purposes, it is best to refer to this category as "environmental literacy". Tools on the horizon, some of them developed enough to have products on the market, include global positioning satellites, dead reckoning; sentient computing, talking (smart) signage, portable phones; and continuous internet access. The more proficient an individual is using these systems, probably in combination, the more environmentally literate that person will be.

Three
Clothing and objects worn on the body (jewelry, earrings, belt buckles, shirt buttons, etc.) will be the substrate for invisible computers. This is called "wearable computing." The clothing and objects on the body will all be separate computing systems. They will be linked together in a network (a "PAN:" Personal Area Network). This smart "body suit" will interface with smart spaces and smart external objects, as well as PANs worn by other human beings or animals. Computer controlled sensory units will be available that mediate and augment reality, digitally enhancing vision, olfaction, hearing, and touch. This is a fast evolving field with great potential for addressing the disabilities caused by body impairments. Navigation technologies for individuals who are blind will eventually become cheap, ever more powerful, and will become invisible (worn on the body).

Four
Vision substitution strategies will emerge and evolve. These are systems that require alternative perceptual mastery. They are like Braille; they require early and vigorous training, adequate funding, and professionals trained to teach the use of the tools. Like Braille, they will need the support of consumers and professionals if they are to evolve. Perhaps like Braille, the results of using these new tools could be dramatic.

Five
Obstacle detection tools will continue to evolve. These may be very sophisticated and powerful, yet easy to use. They will not be full featured perceptual alternatives, like vision substitution tools, but they will become increasingly effective.

Six
Sensory technology (digital video and audio sensors, as well as olfactory and tactual systems) will be impacted by the computer revolution and will therefore continue to shrink in size, get cheap, and become more powerful. There are four broad areas that will be affected by sensory evolution.
First of all, robotic tools will proliferate. Objects will contain increasingly more intelligent computers. Some of these smart objects will be robotic, they will purposely move. The computer revolution will result in ever more capable, smarter, and cheaper artificial intelligence creatures. As sensors evolve, these robots will become more "life like." They will also evolve into tools for children (for play and companionship) and for adults who have disabilities.

Secondly, sensor technology will provide us with ever more sophisticated tools for understanding the human brain. We will diagnose brain problems ever more precisely, and locate the site of damage very exactly. This will help determine strategies and technologies for addressing disabilities.

Third, computer vision will evolve to provide instant feedback. As part of a wearable computer, this will become a real time navigation system for people who cannot see.

Fourth, internet vision or cyborg vision will allow for individuals to "see out of each others eyes". Steve Mann at the University of Toronto has a Seeing Eye People Project in which cyborgs wearing video systems can log in over the internet to see what others are looking at. This has potential as a system for the blind cyborg (who could request that others on the "seeing net" interpret visual scenes as needed in real time).

Seven
The computer chips that make possible wearable computing and the Personal Area Network, will be increasingly implanted inside the human body. An "Internal Area Network (IAN)" will evolve with the capability of networking with any other internal or external network (from smart spaces to the internet). Nano technology will eventually shrink these implants to the invisible. They will become tiny, smart (programmable), robotic "cells."

Eight
The biotechnology revolution will eventually supplant all the above technologies. We will have tissue repair, tissue engineering, and genetic surgery. Brains and eyes will be rejuvenated and repaired as needed. The beginning of this wonderful journey (filled with moral dilemmas and terrifying hazards) can be seen in stem cell evolution, and in DNA transfer technologies (that have resulted in cloning and in genetic repair). Acceleration of computer technology is making this science fiction speculation look more and more attainable with each passing day.

Nine
All of the above developments are causing an exponential explosion in the amount of knowledge that each of us must attempt to absorb. Industrial institutions are not up to the task of changing fast enough to accommodate, therefore opportunities are missed and dangers go unrecognized.

Ten
Complexity is increasing. Our tools will get ever more complicated. This will cause an increase in the varieties and quantity of jobs available, so economically we are in the middle of a revolution. Practically, however, we are overwhelmed by the knowledge explosion and we cannot be trained fast enough to adequately learn all the new technologies. Set up times, compatibility conflicts, training time, and steep learning curves conspire to reduce the benefits of the new technologies.

Eleven
Specialization is increasing. There is too much new information, arriving too fast, getting more complex with each upgrade. We are going to have to pick our focus, constantly prioritize, and become life long learners. We must also move over and make room for new specialists as they take over segments of our professional world.

Twelve
Human beings are turning more and more into cyborgs. All technologies will converge and become wearable and implantable.

Thirteen
Individuals and small groups are becoming empowered (off the shelf technology is exploding). Cottage industries will increasingly expand on the internet. Consumers will have ever more choice, more variety, and more stimulation. This is what is fueling consumer empowerment. With each passing day, we are closer to custom designed navigation systems. Consumers will be able to receive tailor made wayfinding systems based on their current needs and desires. The technology is awaiting consumer demand.

Fourteen
Wave after wave of innovation is becoming the norm (new surprises, new advancements arrive each day in the news). Dangers and opportunities are growing exponentially. There is increasing need for life long education, minute to minute (real time) education, the consumer and the teacher must become members of an educational guild.

Fifteen
The future is everyone's concern. More and more we need to monitor developments.
We can also invent our future: what kind of future do we want to invent? The quality of our choices becomes very important; ethics is everyone's concern.

Be Careful
Here are some thoughts that people have asked me to remember (usually after one of my pontificating speeches about the wonders of technology):
Technology can be wonderful when it isn't broken (sitting on a shelf waiting for tech support to call back). It is always less wonderful than the hype, and the person who needs the technology turns out to be an individual with specific needs not addressed by universal design (call tech support). Be careful not to fall in love with technologies from the media descriptions. The technologies are wonderful, full of potential and hope, but they also come with "heavy baggage".

"If the number of people using the internet continues to expand exponentially, very soon there will be more people on the internet than there are people!" (from a television commercial). Be careful to remember that human beings are linear creatures, we put one leg at a time into the pants. Exponential growth brings exponentially more complex social, ethical, and emotional issues. Technology comes bundled with these problems.

Human relationships are what is important. Human beings can be kind, empathetic, and determined to help, or they can be something less. Many of us went into human service professions because we wanted to interact with our fellow humans in a quality way. It does not matter how wonderful the technologies are if there is no human warmth, no "poetry in the moment". Be careful not to apply technology insensitively.

Be careful also to remember that technologies are just tools. Don't attach emotion to the inventions themselves. Either use the technology or don't. One man's tool is another man's irritation. Don't judge another human being because of the tools they do or don't choose to use.

Most technology, especially cutting edge, emerging technology, is not easy to understand and/or use. Almost always training is required and there is often a long, steep learning curve.

There are no technologies that solve everybody's needs. Technology has to be adapted to the individual, applied to specific tasks (modified as task demands change), and upgraded as people get older, as their needs change, and as they progress in their training.

Now that I summarized what you wanted to tell me, we can get on with the wonderment.
http://www.wayfinding.net/iibnNECtextintro.htm

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