Karen: I wanted to share this video of Robert Downey Jr., helping present a 3D printed arm to a little boy, Alex, as part of a project to donate limbs to children in need around the world. The arm is the brainchild of a college student, Albert Manero. I think it's a great example of how technology can do real good in the world, and it's really terrific to see Downey engaging Alex and making the moment super-special.
There are many, many things about this that I think are great, and speak very well of RDjr-- but there's a subtler aspect that I like the best: Although I think his intentions and participation are absolutely genuine and right-minded (a 2nd-round father with an infant and a very young toddler, mind you) Downey doesn't strike me as being inherently comfortable in this setting. I honestly read him as being rather nervous (almost like stage fright), BUT he does a champion job of relying on his natural charisma and easy charm and wit to carry him through the event with success. In other words, he looks like he's going chin-first out of his comfort zone for someone else's benefit. To me, this makes him a good guy, no question.
Heh-- it does help that the young boy, although not terribly talkative, is clearly bright and engaged. LOTS of kids simply freeze up in an on-the-spot situation like that. Think, "Picture on Santa's lap", y'know?
Yeah, I really like the way Alex took the whole thing; he's obviously excited and has this big grin on his face, but he also kind of plays along with Downey. Just can't help smiling after seeing that.
Now this is the positive side of celebrity. What cracks me up is even thought Alex knows it's RDJ the actor, not "Tony Stark", RDJ still is in character the whole time here.
Gotta give props to Albert Manero too for all his hard work in helping children with challenges like Alex. Definitely a case of technology being used for good, instead of all the negative news we hear all the time such as hacking, identity theft, cyberwars, etc.
- Mike 'Waiting for the day a 3D printer can make a pizza' from Trinidad & Tobago.
Oh, c'mon, HB, you know what Mike's talking about: the day when 3D printers become the replicators from Star Trek. Mmmmmm, instance pizza (*said while drooling with tongue hanging out a la Homer Simpson*).
Well, Karen, I'm not too impressed - I've seen frozen pizzas that look better. But if this is a step on the way to a replicator (as it says at that link), I say more power to 'em.
There are many, many things about this that I think are great, and speak very well of RDjr-- but there's a subtler aspect that I like the best: Although I think his intentions and participation are absolutely genuine and right-minded (a 2nd-round father with an infant and a very young toddler, mind you) Downey doesn't strike me as being inherently comfortable in this setting. I honestly read him as being rather nervous (almost like stage fright), BUT he does a champion job of relying on his natural charisma and easy charm and wit to carry him through the event with success. In other words, he looks like he's going chin-first out of his comfort zone for someone else's benefit. To me, this makes him a good guy, no question.
ReplyDeleteHeh-- it does help that the young boy, although not terribly talkative, is clearly bright and engaged. LOTS of kids simply freeze up in an on-the-spot situation like that. Think, "Picture on Santa's lap", y'know?
HB
Yeah, I really like the way Alex took the whole thing; he's obviously excited and has this big grin on his face, but he also kind of plays along with Downey. Just can't help smiling after seeing that.
ReplyDeleteNow this is the positive side of celebrity. What cracks me up is even thought Alex knows it's RDJ the actor, not "Tony Stark", RDJ still is in character the whole time here.
ReplyDeleteGotta give props to Albert Manero too for all his hard work in helping children with challenges like Alex. Definitely a case of technology being used for good, instead of all the negative news we hear all the time such as hacking, identity theft, cyberwars, etc.
- Mike 'Waiting for the day a 3D printer can make a pizza' from Trinidad & Tobago.
Well. . . it can, Mike. It's just. . . it'll be plastic. . .
ReplyDelete(Home Depot now has a 3D printer display w/ supplies and such)
HB
Oh, c'mon, HB, you know what Mike's talking about: the day when 3D printers become the replicators from Star Trek. Mmmmmm, instance pizza (*said while drooling with tongue hanging out a la Homer Simpson*).
ReplyDeleteYes, had this on my FB page (like most of us..., well, who have FB pages..).
ReplyDeleteThis with Chris Evan's reported hospital visits last week, embody the spirit of heroes.
We need more of that.., and far less cynicism.
Actually, they already have started using 3D printers to make pizza. You just plug the components in and presto. Well, sort of.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theverge.com/2014/1/24/5342180/watch-this-3d-printer-make-pizza-fit-for-astronauts
Well, Karen, I'm not too impressed - I've seen frozen pizzas that look better. But if this is a step on the way to a replicator (as it says at that link), I say more power to 'em.
ReplyDelete