Stephen Hawking says disease means no 'boring' committees
British physicist Stephen Hawking says his debilitating illness has one big advantage: It keeps him off "a lot of boring committees".

Hawking, 64, who uses a speech synthesiser and a wheelchair because of Lou Gehrig's disease, gave an upbeat account of his life on an Israeli talk show.

The mathematics professor from Cambridge University is visiting Israel for the fourth time.

Hawking's groundbreaking theoretical work has allowed for the classification and greater understanding of black holes.

He earned world fame for his four books, including A Brief History of Time and The Universe in a Nutshell, and for keeping a busy career and lifestyle despite being paralysed.

In the interview, Hawking joked about his physical condition and his celebrity status.

"The downside of my celebrity is that I cannot go anywhere in the world without being recognised," he said.

"It is not enough for me to wear dark sunglasses and a wig. The wheelchair gives me away. People want to be photographed with me, but it can be a nuisance when I am in a hurry."

Hawking was asked if he had ever considered suicide.

"I think a person should have a right to end their life if they want, but I think it would be a great mistake," he replied. "However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.

"While there is life, there is hope."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/phy...685650206.html