The Wordsmith's Forge

This is the standard.

I disagree with some of the phrasing and content.



Warning: The following debate concerns a controversial topic and strong opinions.  If you are sensitive about any of that, please consider your headspace before reading further.



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 Thanks to a donation from LJ user The_vulture, there are six new verses in "The Gravity of Loss."  Graham and Cash discuss more possible solutions to address Cash's issues.

This poem came out of the February 17, 2015 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from ellenmillion and Shirley Barrette. It also fills the square in my 1-31-15 card for the Valentine's Day Bingo Fest. This poem has been sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette. It belongs to the series Fiorenza the Wisewoman.

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My partner Doug found this awesome article about 3D printed hands.  I've been following similar advances but this one is different -- the patterns are public domain so anyone can customize, print, and assemble a manual prosthesis.  Awesome!  If you're into model kits or 3D printing, and looking for volunteer opportunities, seriously consider this.  

I am particularly pleased that the people behind the design released it to the public so it could be used freely as needed, instead of holding it hostage for exorbitant amounts of money like conventional prosthetics.  A 3D hand costs $20-50.  Compare that to the cost of conventional prosthetics: $5000 for a merely cosmetic arm, $10,000 for a simplistic hook, and $20,000-$100,000 for a high-performance myoelectric arm.  Granted the high-end model currently does things the 3D one can't, but people are already improving the 3D version, and it's a lot better to have something  than nothing at all.  Regarding cosmetic aspects, children and geeks seem to find the robotic-looking 3D hands cool and appealing.  Instead of hitting the "uncanny valley" they hit the "nifty toy" category.

This is what open source can do when you turn it loose.  :D