What was the most amazing thing you saw or read on the internet this week? I watched this TED talk. If you are not familiar with TED talks, you definitely should investigate. Videos are produced by a non-profit organization, shared globally, and are intended to both educate and inspire us all in 18 minutes or less.
The video I watched explains Biomechatronics. What’s that, you ask? That, my friends, is something many of us loved more than 35 years ago. The catch phrase; “Gentlemen, we can rebuild him.” became part of our vocabulary for many years. The opening of each episode of the Six Million Dollar Man started with our hero, Steve Austin, a man barely alive.
I adored that show and the spinoff, The Bionic Woman, with Lindsay Wagner. I loved the idea that science and technology could repurpose a life, save someone from near complete destruction, and make them “better, faster, stronger” than they were before.
The TED talk features Hugh Herr, who lost both legs in a climbing accident 30 years ago. He is now the head of the MIT Media Lab’s Biomechatronics group. The TED video shows his incredible technology in a talk that’s both technical and deeply personal — with the help of ballroom dancer Adrianne Haslet-Davis, who lost her left leg in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and performs again for the first time on the TED stage.
Similarly, another 30 year old technology has arrived in the current world with the advent of affordable 3-D printers. People are printing cars you can drive, guns that will shoot, jet parts, football cleats, toys…HOUSES!
Once again, though, the medical field is the notable arena for 3-D printers. We are already manufacturing artificial limbs. We are already printing bones and skin, hearts and lungs. The future is nearly unrecognizable as we develop and perfect organs and tissues that combined with our own stem cells to make replacement parts as needed. Here’s a great interactive video from CNN to help you understand the implications of 3-D printing.
It’s sometimes hard for me to fathom how, in our modern world with so many exciting inventions, children are still starving. Millions of people are still out of work. In many parts of the world death comes from lack of clean drinking water or simple medications.
I ponder the possibilities of life not just improved by technology, but extended. What will that longevity mean to the scarce resources of our world? Will we become so overcrowded by bringing new life into the world without losing old folks, we will be forced to fight for food and water?
More likely, the reality will be much as it is now. Very wealthy people will have access to the 3-D health enhancements to extend their lives, while those without resources will live their “normal” life span.
Those question may seem inconceivable today, but don’t forget 45 years ago, we thought those portable Star Trek communicators were impossible.
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Icy Conditions Possible Wednesday Night – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Prince William County from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday, with freezing rain and sleet expected. VDOT crews are treating roads, but travel may be hazardous. Limit travel, prepare for icy spots, and stay updated on changing conditions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
For the first time, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for an exclusive interview with Potomac Local News as she begins her second term. In a candid conversation, she addressed the city’s stance on immigration enforcement, the future of development in downtown Manassas, the impact of potential state and federal funding cuts, and her vision for the next four years.
What’s next for Manassas? Will taxes go up? How will the city navigate potential financial challenges? And what’s her take on the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass project?
Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
The Northern Virginia real estate market is shifting, with demand growing in Prince William, Stafford, Manassas, and Fredericksburg, outpacing Fairfax County. Mark Worrilow, a real estate expert with Fathom Realty, attributes this to affordability, improved commuting options, and enhanced quality of life. Homebuyers find better value in these areas without sacrificing convenience. Inventory is rising, offering more options for buyers, though competition remains strong. Interest rates have stabilized, leading more buyers to enter the market. Worrilow emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced realtor to navigate these trends and make informed real estate decisions in this evolving market.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
