Tech History Made on January 8, 1942

Today is Stephen Hawking's 66th birthday. If you're reading this blog you're probably familiar with Hawking's work or at least know he's considered the foremost theoretical physicist alive today. You may also know that Hawking has a serious condition known as ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease. This leaves him paralyzed and an emergency tracheotomy leaves him unable to speak on his own. He has overcome this with the help of some really neat technology. It's a custom developed computer system attached to his chair that converts text to voice. He controls this auto complete program with his fingers and is able to communicate freely with those around him. He can now gives lectures and appear on talk shows. The only problem the English Hawking has with the program is that it gives him an American accent.