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| 2 JUN 2009 at 9:06pm |
| Deleted User | [size=16]From 1982 (aged 57) thro' somewhere around 1987 I had a retinal detachment operation followed by the resultant premature cataract operation in my rght eye, followed later by the same in my left eye.
tThe net result of these 4 operations was total permanent blindness in my left eye, but REALLY excellent vision in my right eye which ('unexpectedly') lasted 100% until nearly one year ago.
Then about 10 months ago the vision in my (only workable) right eye began to deteriorate --- apparently 'Macula degeneration'. This is an incurable disease, fairly common for elderly folk.
#1 Google entry on M.D. claims that 10 million people in USA alone suffer from this disease --- but I wouldn’t rely on the accuracy of this enormous figure
There is no cure for, or even improvevement for the visual damage creatrd by M.D. The only thing that can be done is to have injections into the eyeball of (expensive) "Lucentis". Tuis cannot repair any damage at all, but can, if very lucky, slow down the degeneration or with extreme luck arrest it at least for a while.
I had 3 such monthly injections at nthe begunning of 2009 which seemed to be successful. But barely a few weeks later it turned out that the permanent damage to my eyesight got very rapidly & exponentially very much worse.
I am now going to have 3 more jabs of Lucentis. But my pemanent eye damage is now very much more serious and I am not very optimistic for success… so I am extremely visually impaired and getting
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| 2 JUN 2009 at 9:51pm |
JKingSchattenjger
Posts : 2349
Joined: 4 MAY 2008
Location: 0
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By LenG (2 JUN 2009 8:59pm)
This is solely an announcement to the many friends and members here. In no way, I repeat IN NO WAY, is this a cry for sympathy!
You nevertheless have my sympathy, Len. Being disabled can sometimes be quite demoralising, and I can only imagine what such a degenerative afflition would be like.
If anybody is an expert on or well acquainted with text adventures &/or text to speech &/or speech to text programs and applications I would be very grateful for any help, assistance or discussion.
Much as I would like to be, I am not expert on text-to-speech and speech recognition. I have heard it said that Apple has excellent assistive technologies built into OS X, and I do know that Opera (my Web browser of choice) has optional facilities for both reading text aloud and accepting voice input (which might make it a decent stop-gap alternative to exhorbitantly-priced screen-reader software for Web use) as well as good options for zooming Web pages and reformatting them to fit, but there you will find the extent of my knowledge, I am sorry to say.
I've looked at JAWS (the most notable screen reader for Windows), but have never actually used it or otherwise know much about it, as its $900 price tag makes gathering experience about it, first-hand or otherwise, somewhat difficult.
You can't kill someone in a studio.
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| 2 JUN 2009 at 10:11pm |
CBSection31Intergalactic Janitor
Posts : 65
Joined: 10 MAY 2004
Status : Online | Len,
I've said the most important things to you via e-mail regarding this, so let me just say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your assistance in beta testing my games and - much more importantly - for your friendship. I wish you the best of luck and have no doubt that you will find a means to play games in some form for many years to come!
Regarding text-based games. I have heard of an online RPG that uses text and supposedly has options for the vision-impaired, although I haven't ever looked into it myself. The game is called Sryth, and it can be found here: http://www.sryth.com
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| 2 JUN 2009 at 10:13pm |
IviniaGuild Master
Posts : 4459
Joined: 7 JUN 2003
Location: US
Status : Offline | Sorry to hear this Len. While this might not help you since you did mention using a really big magnifying glass, Microsoft does have a mouse that creates a magnifying glass of sorts on your screen that follows your mouse pointer. It's a Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 3000 and the magnifying feature works amazing well.
[img]http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9213/optmouse.jpg [/img]
The size of the magnifying area is easily adjustable too.
You can find it here: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=041
Depending on which browser you use, you can also over-ride the default fonts sizes on web pages.
In Firefox it's Tools->Options->Content. From there you can crank up the default font sizes to whatever you want. Yes, even REALLY huge!
In Internet Explorer it's View->Text Size-> Largest
Again, I don't know how much these things can help you. Maybe even a combination of the two might give you more time to enjoy your second loves (your wife and kids being your first loves. ).
Anyway, as much as you and I have butted heads over the years over things that in reality mean nothing, I know how much it must pain you to have to give up your love of walkthroughs and Beta-testing. Hopefully something can be done for you.
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| 2 JUN 2009 at 11:09pm |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | This is shocking news for anyone Len and for someone so mentally active as yourself it will be doubly hard, although you seem to be attacking the problem with your usual energy and determination.
I wish you well and hope that all your projects succeed and that the rest of your life is not too intolerable, surrounded as you are by a large and loving family.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 12:30am |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
[size=18]In need of sympathy or not Len, please accept my sincerest and most heartfelt expesssion of sadness. I have enjoyed our many diverse discussions over the past couple of years immensely and will miss you as part of this unfortunately text-based community.
Perhaps we can try to keep in touch via e-mails using extra large type sizes or via Skype's VOIP voice-messaging service?
In any event, thank you for all you have done in the AG community and take care.
Cheers, Terry
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 1:39am |
SirDaveGuild Master
Posts : 4941
Joined: 17 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | [size=16]Len, Terry has put it very well. We have been very lucky to have you as part of the forum all these years. Your views on adventure gaming, history, politics and all the other subjects we have discussed either in the main forum, off-topic or ..... P&R .... have always been interesting and an important contribution to the discussion. It also goes without saying how important your contributions to adventure gaming itself have been.
You are in so many ways one of those 'larger than life' people who will alway stand out in our memories (and always in a good way). There is and always will be only one Len Green! I hope you'll find a way to drop in occasionally, but we'll understand if you can't. All the best my friend.
The future ain't what it used to be!
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 2:06am |
AndromusGuild Master
Posts : 5538
Joined: 6 NOV 2002
Status : Offline | Very surprised and sorry to hear this, Len. As has been said, I hope you find a way to stop in from time to time. I know you've said a magnifying glass doesn't help, but I've seen special magnifiers designed to fit over computer screens that can do wonders. An employee with severe vision impairment where I work went from being unable to use computer, to checking inventory, placing orders, etc, with one of those.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 3:24am |
Jenny100Guild Master
Posts : 3510
Joined: 12 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | [size=18]I'm really sorry to hear this, Len. I will miss your walkthroughs, and I'm sure there was no better beta tester in existence. I hope you're able to continue gaming with text/voice recognition software and that this new project you have in mind is successful.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 3:47am |
SusanGuild Master
Posts : 5485
Joined: 13 OCT 2002
Location: 0
Status : Offline | [size=18]Hi Len,
Thank you for keeping us informed! I will miss your presence on the forum, though.
Do pop in now and then if you can. And, good luck with your project!
I miss my Bubba: 1986 - 2006.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 3:54am |
HelenGuild Master
Posts : 3436
Joined: 12 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | [size=15]Im so sorry to hear this. Your kind of a legend to alot of us.
Though we have never really had conversation I have read you alot over the years and your contribution to the gaming world will be missed.
Take care and I wish you the best
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 5:38am |
karlaAdministrator
Posts : 2592
Joined: 27 JUL 2003
Location: US, Close to the Edge
Status : Offline | [size=18]Len, I'm so very sorry this is happening to you. I'll be holding good thoughts for you and yours. Best of luck in whatever you decide to undertake!
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 6:27am |
Lucien21Guild Master
Posts : 4876
Joined: 9 JUL 2003
Location: 0
Status : Offline | [size=18]Sorry to hear this Len. I certainly can't be easy.
Like so many others have said, you contributions to Beta testing has been invaluable. Making the games that little bit better for all the rest of us. For which we will always be grateful.
Good luck with whatever you do in the future.
Dear Diary, My teenage angst bullsh*t now has a bodycount.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 7:04am |
pollodiabloSorcerer Apprentice
Posts : 295
Joined: 4 NOV 2002
Status : Offline | [size=16]Dear Len,
We have worked together on a couple of projects and I was already aware of your condition, but I am very sad to read that is has deteriorated so fast and that you are no longer able to participate in beta testing and/or writing walkthroughs. Thank you for all the wonderful work you did. I hope you find something to keep you occupied!
Best wishes, Astrid
Beta-tester of 'The Path', 'Rhiannon', 'Scratches', 'Hope Springs Eternal', 'Time Stand Still', 'Frasse and the Peas of Kejick', '1893: A World's Fair Mystery', 'Carte Blanche' and 'Oakhaven Plantation' a.o.&&
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 7:47am |
| Deleted User | [size=14]DEAR LEN, I AM SO EXTREMELY SORRY TO HEAR THIS NEWS. I KNOW THAT YOU AND I HAVE HAD SOME LIVELY DEBATES, THOUGH IN THE END WE OFTEN FOUND SOME COMMON GROUND.
BE THAT AS IT MAY, THIS IS TRULY A TRAGEDY FOR SOMEONE AS ABLE AND ACTIVE AS YOU HAD BEEN. AS I HAD MENTIONED SOME TIME ON THE FORUM, MY GRANDMOTHER HAD A SIMILAR CONDITION, AND SHE GAVE IN TO DEPRESSION FROM TIME TO TIME. I KNOW THAT GIVING UP IS NOT YOUR STYLE, AND I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU ARE FIGHTING BACK AS BEST YOU CAN!
I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THE RAPIDITY OF YOUR VISUAL DEGENERATION WILL BE HALTED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AND THAT AS TIME GOES BY, THAT YOU WILL MANAGE TO ADJUST AND COPE, AND BE ABLE TO REMAIN PRODUCTIVE.
GOOD LUCK WITH ANY FUTURE PROJECTS YOU MAY HAVE. IT IS HEARTENING TO SEE SOMEONE ATTACK WHATEVER COMES HIS WAY WITH SUCH ZEAL AND ENERGY.
IN ANY CASE - WHATEVER HAPPENS, YOU HAVE MY SYMPATHY AND BEST WISHES.
TAKE CARE, AND HAVE COURAGE.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 11:16am |
alkis21Schattenjger
Posts : 2112
Joined: 23 OCT 2002
Location: GR
Status : Offline | [size=16]I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY, I'M SORRY TO HEAR THIS. YOU'VE BEEN A VALUABLE ASSOCIATE AND A GOOD FRIEND TO ME FOR MORE THAN 5 YEARS. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 11:35am |
Agustín CordesGuild Master
Posts : 5696
Joined: 23 OCT 2002
Location: AR, Buenos Aires
Status : Offline | [size=14]LEN, YOU'VE BEEN A CONTINUING STRONG PRESENCE IN THE ADVENTURE COMMUNITY OVER MANY YEARS. I'M DEEPLY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS, WHICH COMES AS SHOCK SINCE I WASN'T AWARE OF YOUR ILLNESS, AND HOPE YOU CAN FIND A WAY TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US. ALL THE VERY BEST, AGUSTIN
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 3:51pm |
Simo Sakari AaltonenSpace Cadet
Posts : 130
Joined: 23 APR 2004
Status : Offline | [size=24]Len, I only know you slightly from reading your posts, but I have always admired your forthrightness and willingness to say what you think regardless of things like majority opinion. That is really rare and valuable, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this characteristic of yours. I wish you the best in everything you do.
[url=http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/album.php?u=57439][i]King's Quest[/i] & [i]Space Quest[/i] galleries (Telltale Forums)[/url]&&&&[url=http://www.adventurecompanion.com]The Adventure Companion[/url]
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 6:13pm |
anthonyJourneyman
Posts : 1270
Joined: 11 JUN 2003
Status : Offline | [size=24]Len, sorry to hear about your condition. it is nice that you have lots of family to help you through this.
But I always get a kick out of your posts, particularly the spicy ones, and I don't see why anything has to change. You have all those grandkids and great grandkids, right? Why can't they just type in what you want to say? Surely, you can impose on them--ahem, your potential heirs--for this minor incovenience.
And if they take too long typing or make too many typos, give em a good bop with your cane.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 6:18pm |
JelenaPrivate Detective
Posts : 587
Joined: 30 SEP 2007
Status : Offline | [size=18]Len, I'm sorry to hear that you have come to the point of no longer being able to be with us at the different forums you visit. :'(
I do hope you'll find other ways of entertainment and areas where you can debate interesting topics.
You are truly a great personality and I've enjoyed getting to know you.
Temporary guest in your life.
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 7:49pm |
AubstopperIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 85
Joined: 19 MAY 2008
Status : Offline | [size=20]that's really too bad! I hope there's a way that you can manage because I really enjoy your posts...I know that i've never had much interaction with you, but you were one of my favorite posters!
Perhaps when i find myself back in Jerusalem, which hopefully will be this summer or winter, I could take a pit stop in haifa...
[ch1514][ch1512][ch1490][ch1513] [ch1497][ch1493][ch1514][ch1512] [ch1496][ch1493][ch1489] [ch1500][ch1503]! [ch1488][ch1504][ch1497] [ch1502][ch1511][ch1493][ch1493][ch1492] [ch1513][ch1488][ch1493][ch1500][ch1497] [ch1489][ch1488][ch1495][ch1491] [ch1492][ch1497][ch1502][ch1497][ch1501] [ch1488][ch1508][ch1490][ch1513] [ch1488][ch1497][ch1514][ch1498] :-)
"Man's greatest tragedy is that he can perceive of a perfection that he can never attain."
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 8:52pm |
TCPrivate Detective
Posts : 688
Joined: 14 NOV 2005
Status : Online | [[size=22]Len - Really, really sad hearing this. But I'm actually quite encouraged because I know you're not alone, and that you're surrounded by loved ones. I can only wish you all the well possible, and thank and commend you for all the wonderful work you've done for this community over many, many years! You're truly one of the few compatriots I know who love and appreciate questim, as the best form of video entertainment!
[ch1499][ch1500] [ch1492][ch1499][ch1489][ch1493][ch1491]!
[ch1514][ch1497][ch1492][ch1497][ch1492] [ch1495][ch1494][ch1511]!
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| 3 JUN 2009 at 11:00pm |
jalexSchattenjger
Posts : 2503
Joined: 5 MAR 2003
Status : Offline | Hi Len
[size=18]I am also very sorry to hear that as well. I enjoyed working with you on many beta test. You had said on the last one you were having some trouble but I was hoping it would be solved.
Jim
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| 5 JUN 2009 at 11:33pm |
RecklessJourneyman
Posts : 962
Joined: 14 NOV 2002
Status : Online | [size=16]I really cannot imagine what you've been going through losing your sight! Hope you can find some technology options to at least be of some assistance. Best regards!
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