Artificial Limbs Have Come a Long Way

by Chris Vegvary

Remember back in the days of yore, when people would replace their lost limbs with wooden pegs or hooks? I suppose hooks are still around, and then there’s wooden and rubber limbs, and all other kinds of materials, but at any rate, we really are living in the future these days. For instance, now we’ve got artificial limbs that are robotic, have the same exact proportions of a person’s normal-sized hand, and is controlled by the user’s brain. Does that not freak you out? It’s spectacular for someone who’s lost a limb, though, like a disabled veteran, or someone who’s been in a bad accident.

Technology has come a long way, and it just keeps coming. How long will it be before the first artificial limb becomes a weapon of some kind, whether it be projectile or melee? That kind of technology can’t be that far away, what with the ability to control robotics with the mind and all. I can’t imagine the prototype for that sort of thing would work out too well for the test subject, but once it was perfected (assuming no one died from the testing phases), that could really be something. A rocket launcher attached to your arm, or a chainsaw, or even a massive harpoon could make for some interesting times, do you deny that? You needn’t bother.

But if your brain can control the robotic limb, is there also some way to make the robotic limb feel the sensation of touch? And, if there is somehow a way to make a person regain their sense of touch through robotics and such, will that also bring back any sense of pain caused by damage to the artificial limb? These are the questions I need answered before I go accidentally losing a limb and paying a dangerous amount of money in order to have all my parts again, whether they be real or real enough. If technology still isn’t there yet, I suppose I can live with that, because it’s really just a matter of time until we have everything we need to make it all happen. In reality, though, if I absolutely had to have a robotic arm, I’d have to insist on it not having the ability to make me feel pain.

What can this mean for the FUTURE of the future of artificial limbs? Could we be just a head with an entirely artificial body? I don’t see how it’s possible, but the future scientists of the world out there might have some ideas. If I go bald one day, could I possibly get some artificial hairs in the form of tiny robotic strands that grow like natural hair? How would that look? That’s right, it WOULD be awesome. In summation, technology is getting better all the time, and they can apparently rebuild you better, stronger, faster, and…stuff. And by the way, if you happen to like stuff, boy have I got some stuff for you. Come check out all these spectacular military clothes, hunting and camping gear, Zippos, wallets, and more we have over at www.armynavyshop.com and get yourself some good whatnot.

Cheating on Nuclear Reactor Tests?

by Chris Vegvary

You like to feel safe in your comfortable little home or apartment, or wherever it is you live, don’t you? You enjoy the safe feeling you get knowing that there’s people out there that are strictly looking out for your interests, because they know what they’re doing, don’t they? I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to believe that they DON’T all know what they’re doing, especially when I hear things like, for instance, over thirty sailors in the US Navy have been caught cheating on nuclear reactor tests.

First of all, why the hell would you cheat on something like that? I don’t have all the information on what it takes to be in charge of a nuclear reactor, or even what it takes to work on one, but I’m pretty sure that those things can be dangerous in the hands of people who don’t know what they’re doing. You’re not just putting your life in danger with that kind of crap, you’re putting a lot of people at risk, pretending you know how operate a submarine’s nuclear reactor. What’s the appeal in cheating, anyway? Do you get paid more? If so, then money truly is the root of all evil.

But don’t think this is all just on the Navy, because as it turns out, at least ninety-two nuclear missile launch officers in the US Air Force were also caught cheating on monthly tests. What the hell? Why…? I can’t wrap my head around the reason that some of the people who are supposed to look out for us and protect us, or in some cases, the ones that make decisions for us (I’m talking to you, politicians), decide to endanger us all for pretty much no reason. How do we, as a country of people, stop this kind of thing from happening? The problem is, when someone gets in trouble like this, there’s a lot of waiting for any kind of punishment, or there’s no punishment at all. In fact, it seems like in most cases, throwing enough money at a problem like that will just make it go away.

When do we hold people accountable for this type of thing? How can we make it so that instead of a long, drawn-out process that will probably end with nothing bad happening to the guilty party or parties, they are immediately held accountable for the horrible lies they tell in order to make more money or have more power? Just once, I’d like to see someone who has screwed over the American people and put us in danger go to jail for a sentence equal to all the sentences for the lesser crimes that people commit and get sentenced to life for.

Of course, I’m not saying there's anything bad about the military in general; quite the opposite, in fact. For instance, there’s something like 16,000 sailors in the Navy and most of them work hard and are to be respected, and they are not representative of the tiny percentage that makes up the people that cheated. Yes, it was only a few people in the grand scheme of things, but one person is all it takes to do some serious damage. What if this is part of some kind of terrorism plot, did anyone think about that? I’d say this warrants a full investigation by the Navy AND the Air Force.

While I’m probably not likely to be satisfied in that respect anytime soon, YOU, the reader, may be satisfied in showing your support in one or more branches of the military. Have a family member out there protecting us? Show some support by checking out all the military-based clothing, survival and camping gear, and all kinds of other military items at www.armynavyshop.com.

Christmas Wants Your Attention

by Chris Vegvary

It looks like Christmas is just around the corner again. What’s up with that? It’s almost as if it happens every year. Regardless, you can’t very well just set up your tree and then have nothing to put under it, can you? Of course not. With that in mind, here comes a whole bunch of suggestions for those of you who are military, or have military family or friends, or even if you just think some of it looks cool.

If you follow this link, you’ll find a good number of items for you to browse through, but allow me to tell you what’s in store for you there. You know anyone who collects Zippos? There’s a category for all kinds of military-style Zippos, and there are some really great designs on a lot of them. You may prefer one (or more) of the engraved ones, which I would also prefer. No offense to other Zippos, but I find those to be nicer looking. Or perhaps you know someone in need of a good military watch? They have plenty of those.

If you’re looking for the kids, or maybe someone you know who collects military-style games and playsets, then you may be interested in something like these army games and toys. With items like toy guns, playing cards, and boomerangs, what is there not to love? While a boomerang might not be your first choice for a younger child, the military playsets look pretty fun. Don’t be afraid to love them all, because the prices are pretty low on all of it.

But if you’re in the market for something a little more adult, then there’s plenty of that to go around. For instance, there is a category for novelty flasks, featuring military symbols or logos like ARMY, or the Marine Corps. logo, and even Spanish wine botas. Who still drinks out of those? Apparently, anyone can, because they’re sold here. As you can see by the picture off to the side, there’s even more interesting designs, such as a flask resembling a miniature gas can.

You’re going to have a good Christmas, or maybe you’re only going to have a decent one, but with the items offered in the links throughout the article, you’ll get a lot without having to pay a lot. It doesn’t have to be a Christmas that breaks your wallet, because you need something you like, or that you hope others will like, within your budget. There are so many other great items for military-minded people that can be found throughout the site, including clothing and survival gear, so take a look around and you’re sure to find something that suits you.

Showing My Gratitude

Almost every American family has at least someone in it that is currently serving or has served in the military. Not only did my father work very hard to provide for our family but he also served in the Army and was an excellent role model to my brothers, sisters and me. Even though he wasn’t looking for compliments, I always found that a little of encouragement meant a lot to him. And showing my gratitude with a simple gesture really went a long way. He was and still does take pride in his strength but I know there were a few times that I saw tears in his eyes while he opened up and read a card from me.

I know first-hand how hard it is to be far away from our loved ones but it’s important to remember what they’re fighting for. A great way to show our appreciation is with a little hello and a thank you gift. There are so many different kinds of items available for either any occasion or for a special occasion.

I know one thing that my father always loved and put to use was Army Clothing and boots. Not just when he was away but anytime. I still always pick him out gifts from Army Navy Stores when it’s his birthday, Christmas or anything like that. He’s got coffee mugs, key chains, and wallets to last him the rest of his life. And he’s got enough Camouflage gear to be passed down for generations. Are any of your loved ones serving in our Military? What special ways have you found to show your love and appreciation for them?