Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I still think the game is Stairs On A Train :rolleyes:

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

how about loading game pieces into an EVA positioned on a track. Bots then have to turn a crank to move the EVA to the goal and dump to score.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

They cropped it so her watch is cut in half - maybe half the match will be autonomous.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Think it's weird I keep thinking about wiki leaks right now :rolleyes:

Another thing that came to my mind is the actual game piece. If FIRST stuck with tradition, we wouldn't have a ball this year (so how RH1 fits in with this theory I don't know). What if the game piece is a Column baton shape? Yes it would be close to the FTC game this year but you never know....

Back to more Brainstorming!!!!

EDIT: 200th Post!!!!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Maybe, think about a locomotive, a train. There are cars connecting the train so maybe... the robots will somehow be connected? Not for the whole match, maybe just auto or something like that.

Do the Locomotion!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Personally though I loved Little Ea's version... I soooooooo wish they had used the guys that I grew up with Grand Funk!! I remember walking into my aunt's house and there sat Mark Farner getting his hair cut at her dining room table!!

Chug a chug a motion like a railroad train.. come on baby do the locomotion!!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Well in past year's they go off of some thing special thats happening that year. So what is going on this year? That tie with this hint.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Okay, so, I have no life and I've been spending too much time on ther computer... here is what I have found (Probably irrelevant... but I like to research):

On December 21 in 1968 NASA sent Apollo 8 to the moon (First manned spacecraft to orbit the moon). According to the 2000 census there were 1,968 people living in the town where "Little Eva" grew up and is now buried. Not sure if there is a connection there... but seems kind of odd that those two numbers line up... especially with E.V.A standing for Extra Vehicular Activity, one of NASA's terms. EDIT: Today was also the winter solstice!

A man named Bill Lange who was a baseball player was nicknamed "Little Eva". He wasn't really good... but he played Baseball, which could possibly be a field element?

In Bill's Blog he mentioned someone bruising their ankle... I think this may mean that the bumper height has changed, but I don't do much mechanical stuff.

"Little Eva"'s full name is Eva Narcissus Boyd. Narcissus is a guy from Greek mythology who fell in love with his reflection. Maybe this has something to do with mirrors of some sort? The image is reflected and according to tiny eye does not exist anywhere in that orientation.

"Little Eva" was the singer of the song "Locomotion". Robot Locomotion is getting over some sort of rough terrain... bumps anyone? On Wikipedia (although I dislike the site very much) It says "However, coordinating a large number of robot joints for even simple matters, like negotiating stairs, is difficult." on the robot locomotion page. Maybe we're dealing with stairs, or actually carrying things.

I tried to find information about tennis balls or penn or four inches... and nothing really seems to be connecting the way I would like it to. So, nothing with that to report so far.

For now, this is all I have in a coherent fashion so that everyone can understand the way my brain is going. I know this is a lot... and some parts kind of repeating, but I am having way too much fun with this. (:

18 Days until we find out the truth! :D

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Just a point to bring up about "You keep me hangin' on." We just did the whole hanging thing (sorta). Even if it was to take on a major role, would the GDC really do something that similar back to back?.....

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

The mirror image that has been discussed a little in the thread. What does that mean, 'does not exist anywhere in that orientation'? Illusion? Alignment?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I'm guessing some one of the elements of the game is a train. Maybe the robots have to get off and on it. The mirror image may mean something too.
Brian

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

As in, with her body on the right hand side of the picture.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Shake Weights are the game piece. The world is free to end now.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Maybe instead of the robots going on the train, the you score the elements into a train that moves around a track navigating though the field.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I'm somewhat regretting a hint now :p My life is non-existent for 18 days.. We definitely have a good set of ideas here.. good imput everyone!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I told you so:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...&postcount=192

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

i've found something interesting;
there is an american football club in russia named locomotive
could footballs be the game piece?
i have lots of other information and i think i've got it.
more to come
stay tuned;)

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

At the beginning of the thread, someone mentioned the photo looks like a yearbook photo, because of the ring. My guess is that the game is alumni of FIRST focused, or at least Dean will focus on FIRST alumni again. Possible the game will incorporate older elements of previous games?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

that fits with the idea someone had in the "waiting patiently for the 2011" forum.. that the tennis ball said "PENN" on it for pennstate?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I am not a fan of the E.V.A theory but i will bite. The human players drive vehicles on a track suspended above the playing field...

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I find that very interesting.....

We all have said in the past that football would be a good way to go, it's not a sphere, and it sticks with the whole making this a sport, and could be another spectator friendly sport..

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I don't think we should speculate too much on the red herrings, due to the fact that the second was just a google image search of "red herring".

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

i don't know if this is helpful but if you go to the link in the picture its a robotics team from Mexico...just throwing that out there

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

good point: just throwing things out there ::safety::

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

When you Google Image search "Little Eva", the fourth result is the picture they probably used. It has text that they cropped out and this cropping explains the half-uncovered watch. (it does line up exactly i tried).
So the watch clue is pointless and they most probably just did a search for her, not a column AND her (that search does not turn up this picture on the first page at least)

And even if we only know the game name (if they would actually release it this way), that is a clue in itself. Imagine the conversations that would be taking place if the game hint was:
Game Name: Locomotion

Locomotion would have been an easy way to get TO a search for her. If you try "locomotion" on wikipedia, she is on there, but towards the bottom. If I were trying to make a clue for "Locomotion, I think this is just far enough away to work.


So, I would disregard the column and pay attention to the song name because it has something more to do with robots. I like the column-shaped game piece idea but I don't think they would have gotten to this picture if they intended that as the hint.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Nice find. That ties into the PENN thing about football from the other thread. And it would spectator friendly.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

EVA can also stand for Electronic Video Assistant. Couldn't it be possible that it has something to do with robot vision? they've been trying to get teams to do more with vision for awhile now, maybe we're required to do it in endgame or something. Or better yet, earlier people were mentioning a major game change before end game but after auto, maybe the screen darkens in front of the drivers and they have to use their vision code to see what's going on.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

talk about intense game play and going out with a boom! it'd definitely give a few bonus points..

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Going off of someone's idea of it has to do with the eclipse last night, one of Little Eva's hit songs was Swinging on a Star.

Swinging on a coloumn, swinging on a star... maybe a connection?

Also, a 2 story game field would be quite exciting. :)

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

And ridiculous to build a practice field for, FRC is hard enough to build practice fields for, much less a 2 story setup

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Maybe just part of the field has a second story. For example, to score some "super ball" you might have to climb up a ramp or something to a second story goal.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

You never know A train track (locomotion idea) or some form of track could be the 2nd floor of the field.

The columns are the most plausible thing if this is a game piece hint or an important part of the field.

Maybe her name has to do with the game or is relevant to a central idea or set up of the game?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Going off the "Loco-motion" idea, in the same year that song was released (1962) New York City use the first automatic subway train. Could that mean fully autonomous game or is this info have nothing to do with the game. We just have to wait and see!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Two level might work... it could mean the underground rail road??

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Someplace always good to look is important events this year. For the past few years they've taken things that have to do with events going on in the year and based their games off of it.

Also, Haagen Daz, Diet Coke, and Crackerjacks anyone?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Rugby world cup?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I like this theory because it would totally level the playing field with a completely new drive train concept. Its also very interesting that AndyMark will now offer pneumatic muscles as part of the FIRST choice program. Making walking robots is a very difficult and complicated task, but I wouldn't put it past the GDC.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

You have to ask yourself if it is worth the risk of failure. What would be the advantage of that, esp. with the amount of rookie teams that have registered this year? The GDC looks at everything from as many angles and perspectives as they can - and they weigh in factors that only their masterminds can weigh in on. If it is felt that the time has come for walking robots or something along that line, then the risk question has been answered, hasn't it?

Jane

P.S. It may seem that I am contradicting myself regarding never underestimating a rookie. I don't and I also don't underestimate veteran teams experiencing a brand spanking new concept in FRC but... again, I would weigh the risks.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

some people have complained that the robots are too much like big rc cars. This would totally fix that.

great catch on those AndyMark muscles. There is sooooo much evidence pointing at walking robots...

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

It could be that some of the tasks can be done with a wheeled robot while the most difficult task is done best with another mode of locamotion. (Not Loco-Motion.)

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

that goes with the football idea again (: the balls are more round too!

hmm.. there is also a hockey championship too..

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

i just wikipedia'd locomotion and one of the things that came up was "Robot Locomotion"
here's the quote from Wikipedia...

looks like we might have to build some arms and legs
and if we have arms and legs you know what that means...
ROBOT BOXING :P

EDIT: nevermind someone beat me to it

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

If this hint has anything to do with mirrors, what if the field was divided in half by a giant, robust mirror to where the drivers could only see what their alliance is doing. Non-contact game...?

But then if there is, it may be confusing for the drivers who are use to seeing a full field.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Or the second half :ahh:

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I saw many of you have reminded the "train issue"
how about teams will have to work to work together in the "train method" just like in relay races, having to move a game piece from a robot to a robot?
maybe each robot in the alliance will stand on a different stair i.e on different heights?::rtm::

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

The way I have seen some of the drivers drive (myself incuded), the mirror wouldn't last long. By the way, soccer is supposed to be a non-contact sport, but my kids have been the hospital with various contusions and such more times than I like to remember. Non-contact is a relative thing.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

The image is reversed - maybe autonomous in the second half. The first half would be setting yourself up for autonomous mode.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Locomotion reminds us all of trains, and so it's probably related to the game somehow. However, FIRST does a great job of making these clues very vaguely attached to the game.

Example:
In 2009, the Moon fish related to the moon, which relates to Lunacy. Even if they said "MOON GAME", there is no way that we could get the Lunacy game from that.

Until we have the lurking variable, or 'lurking clue', have fun guessing :p

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

There was no baseball in Triple Play. There will be no trains involved in this game.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I wonder if any of us has even come close? We have spread a fairly wide net over some of the possabilities, I just wonder how close we were. Back in 2009, one person guessed that the Zamboni facotory near one of the LAT/LONG clues meant that we would be playing on ice. He was close, but who would have believed it?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

ah yes I strongly agree!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

ooooo - ramp opportunities. Ramps, anyone? :)

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Hmm.. maybe combining something the chairman winner from the last year does into this year's game? (Miss Daisy holds a competition called RAMP Riot!)

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Two points that may interest me:
1. Locomotion, by Little Eva, came out in 1960
2. Haagen Daaz, opened in 1960 - with Vanilla, Chocolate and Coffee ice cream.

Steve

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I like this!

How about different levels, with a pole (or tracks?) to climb to get to them. Bots are on different levels, and have to rely a game piece to them. Auto is at then end, and bots each start on a different level. You can move between them, or rely on your alliance?

Something like that maybe?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I thought that Loco Motion was released in 1962. But whose counting?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

this takes a lot of that and makes a lot of sense.. moving it from level to level.. knowing the need to get your robot up.. maybe there would be a ramp option too :D

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

It would only be a matter of time before the GDC got Haagen Daaz invovled in a game:rolleyes:

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

googling from another direction, another song of hers called the turkey trot brings up Little Eva right away.

perhaps there are ruts on the field... or maybe knees are needed....

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Extra points if you get in/out of the ruts on the field in autonomous mode?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

c'mon guys...remember that the game has be accessible to rookies (which there are a record number of) and cannot cost FIRST a fortune (like leasing and hauling train cars into sports arena)

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I highly doubt that the type of colun is important. If it was, then we would have gotten a top or bottom. I think it might be that it is the fact that it is a column like it was mentioned before, from a dance studio. Also, a lot of photography studios have them, so it may have to do with the camera, also with it being balck and white. i think it plays to the camera thing. And since we have been using cameras the last couple of years a lot, I'm thinking maybe something like FLL has been doing with the cameras following a black line. So maybe something along those lines?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

What if its like this:

Usual autonomus and teleop, but the surface is made out of, rough material(terrain part), and there are bumps and right in the middle there is a stair-case like thing that on all the to its top holds tennis balls in a attached bucket, and we have to drive up to that center, with a arm of some sort, reach all the way up, and get the tennis ball and drive back to the alliance we are in and drop the balls in a bucket. And it has many different sizes or kinds of balls and different points for them. The team with most points win.

Just a thought :)

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Has anyone check out the lyrics to Little Eva's song "The Locomotion"?
Some of the lyrics seem like instructions on how the game is played.

Little Eva The Loco-Motion Lyrics:
Everybody's doing a brand-new dance, now.
(Come on baby, do The Loco-motion.)
I know you'll get to like it,
If you give it a chance, now.
(Come on baby, do The Loco-motion.)
My little baby sister can do it with ease.
It's easier than learnin' your A-B-C's.
So, come on, come on, do The Loco-motion with me.

[Clapping.]

You gotta swing your hips, now.
Come on, baby, jump up, jump back.
Well, now, I think you've got the knack.

Wo, wo.
Now that you can do it, let's make a chain, now.
(Come on baby, do The Loco-motion.)
A chug-a, chug-a motion like a railroad train, now.
(Come on baby, do The Loco-motion.)
Do it nice and easy, now, don't lose control.
A little bit of rhythm and a lot of soul.
Come on, come on, do The Loco-motion with me.

[Instrumental break with clapping.]

(Yay, yay, yay, yeah.)
Move around the floor in a Loco-motion.
(Come on baby, do The Loco-motion.)
Do it holding hands if you get the notion.
(Come on baby, do The Loco-motion.)
There's never been a dance that's so easy to do.
It even makes you happy when you're feeling blue.
So come on, come on, do The Loco-motion with me.
[ Find more Lyrics on http://mp3lyrics.org/pwfv ]

[Backup singers repeat, "Come on, do The Loco-Motion,"
over the following lines:]

You gotta swing your hips, now.
That's right.
You're doin' fine.
Come on baby.
Mmm-mmm-mmm.
[Fade.]
Jump up, Jump back.
You're lookin' good.
Mmm-mmm-mmm.
Jump up, Jump back.
Mmmmm, yay, yay, yay, yeah...

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Ok, also what about the triple conjunction between Uranus and Jupiter in January, also at times a train stop is called a railroad conjunction. We see a connection between the two planet names (they're roman) and the pillar, along with the locomotion. :yikes:

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

You have all missed the something I certainly thought the older mentors would have gotten by now.

Locomotion was covered by "Grand Funk Railroad" in 1974

GFR Bassist Mel Schacher was originally in "Question Mark and the Mysterians" proving that the GDC likes to mess with us.

Question Mark and the Mysterians biggest hit was "96 Tears"

Therefore the game is an updated version of "Hexagon Havoc" from 1996.

It's a logical progression I can't believe no one else came up with already.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

If that was the case (which would be pretty cool if it was). That could easily tie into the titles of several of Bill's Blog Posts.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Potential clues from BB reference different levels and views from high altitudes.

Official game hint shows Little Eva next to a column. Biggest hit was Locomotion, released in 1962.

Combining these together, we need something that is related to trains, involves pylons, different levels, a view from a high(er) altitude, and incorporates the year 1962. This all points towards...



Monorail! Monorail! Mono- doh't!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I solved it...it's a picture of a dead person...clearly FIRST has learned how to bring back the dead....heeelllooo....Zombie game. Arm yourselves appropriately. And don't forget to double tap and wear seatbelts.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

dont see how that would be much of a game...unless robots had to climb scaffolding on a single rail...that would be sick!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I like the idea of optional legs somebody mentioned earlier - it would go along with the "locomotion" theme but would not be restrictive to new teams.

This is also not a huge stretch from the clue (if we assume that "locomotion" is the intended clue).

I also read something here about a bonus pack to the KOP - could this contain a platform or the "muscles" or something to make a walking robot? I don't know if the lists are published or if they occasionally contain bonus items...

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

FIRST Left 4 Dead...it turns out the GDC got lazy, and it was just gonna be a deathmatch tourney :P

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

then presumably veteran teams would have a huge advantage? if i were a rookie team and i saw 50 teams with legs rampaging around and outscoring my alliance 500 to 1, i would be pretty discouraged lol

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Just noticed that Grand Funk Railroad also covered "Some Kind Of Wonderful" another Little Eva hit...

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

well, the legs may open up a new aspect to the game, like being able to grab the pole and flip up onto it in breakaway... that was an advantage to veterans but not too much of one - and it came with risks and complications. the legs would be a tradeoff.

I could almost imagine a game where each team consisted of legged and non-legged robots each with specific tasks, but that is COMPLETE speculation.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Maybe locomotion in terms of other modes of transportation, besides legs. For example, maybe something like treads will be encouraged for the next game.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Just going to reference something Dave said before.....

"I certainly know my ears may never recover..."

Ears get stocked up when in the water. Another indication of water game.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

So I was thinking about those pillars and mirrors....

Where are pillars prominent in Greek architecture, to go along with the Narcissus motif? Well, perhaps...The Acropolis of Athens?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acropolis_of_Athens

The Acropolis was typically the central, highest point in a Greek city state.

Also, I thought, where in the modern world have we seen such architecture? Well, the picture of the Acropolis reminded me of a monument. Specifically, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C... Conveniently located right across from the... REFLECTING POOL.

I see more of the Greek influence, and more of the mirror/reflection influence.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Well it won't be a water game

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

To add yet more confusion to the crazed discussion. The picture of Little Eva is used as the album cover of a compilation that was released in 2001. 2001's game included tall column like goals. Maybe yet another clue that this year's game could be a compilation of previous year's elements?

Just my 0.02

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Telstar was spherical-ish, but we've had a lot of spheres in recent years

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I agree with Mike O. I think that the game may have something to do with previous games, because it is FIRST's 20th anniversary this season.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

so my thought is based off her studio albums along with the picture being reversed.... the game will take place in some sort of reversed position due to the clues "Back on Track" and the flipped pic. Also these reference trains... "do the locomotion" and "back on track" are both prominent train references so it may involve pulling something or a new style of drive etc. I don't know what i'm necessarily saying but this is just an idea. Also i can see the records being the shape of the game pieces used for scoring and the pillar either a game piece to hang off of in the end or to climb up. Almost like a competitive game where the first on to the top wins.

Anyone see any of this from the clue?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I think it is highly likely the column refers to the game pieces. And maybe the lady grasping the pillar is signifying how the robots will interact with the game pieces?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

kinda something I'm surprised nobody has commented on yet. There's all this talk about trains/railroads, but nothing about a train itself. Trains have cars connected to eachother. Could this mean that we see the return of the 2009-style trailer?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

The Locomotion is a song that usually when played starts a conga line...hence train. Maybe we have to latch on to our alliance partner in some way. I actually have no idea but I bet we will find out in 18 days well 17 days and 17 hours...but hey who is counting!!!

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I don't think any game would be a race or other zero-interaction game because any good game they make, if it is to be competitive and repeatable, should have an aspect of impeding your opponent.
It would be pretty boring to watch a bunch of robot races, see teams getting consistent numbers (times), and be able to predict the outcome of the regional before the alliances have been chosen.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I means we'll have trailers again...like in Lunacy. NOOOOOOOOOO. okay that was a informed guess. Locomotion kindof gave me that idea. It's Little Eva...i can't believe i'm saying this but 4chan agrees.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

From my experience with game hints, everybody looked way in to the picture more than could ever be expected, but yet that IS what is expected from the game committee :). My guess is that the two important things are the date of the picture and the pole. What kind of pole does not matter, just, a pole. The date, why the date you ask? Well it could be referring to something in our past, or that the game will involve elements from FIRST's past.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Wait, we have to be logical?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

it's a clue to a multi dimensional game. put on your 3D glasses...you'l be blown away



jk

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Did anyone post yet that the picture is Flipped?

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Yes

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Yes, it's been mentioned. But good observation.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Alrighty then,


Yea, i dont have time to go through this whole topic XD

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I don't think any of us do...but I can't wait for the next clue :D

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I think its gonna be the gamepiece on a rail, something like a mine cart that acts similar to tug of war, the "jump up jump back" part of the song, just my wild idea, though it makes a little sense

Edit- ooh 294th post teehee

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

The game piece is still a mystery....I'm going to assume it's not a ball.

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

Did you get that Idea while playing Team Fortress 2? XD

Re: 2011 Game Hint #1
 

I didn't see anyone mention this:
The goals are on wheels and we can attach to them (like a train)? People have wanted movable goals :rolleyes: