[Karthik]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The alliance of 311, 1114 and 229 was the best alliance I've ever worked with. Once 311 told me they were picking us with the first pick of the draft, I thought "wouldn't it be perfect if 229 slipped to the second round...". As soon as the 8th team didn't pick 229, I gave the look to both of our alliance captains and we all smiled. As they announced our selection of 229, I ran straight across the arena to John. My ribs are still recovering from the bear hug, but it was worth it.

Not only did we form an awesome robotics alliance, but it was just fun. From Thursday morning to Saturday night 229 and 1114 were always joking around and enjoy the whole event. There were so many little moments...

- Thursday morning they lent us a drill with a Robertson head (only available in Canada) when we realized we left the keys to our tool box at the Hotel.
- Telling 229 that I'm sending them an invoice for breaking our carbon fiber gripper (seriously, it's in the mail...).
- Convincing John to call Andy Baker so he could tell me why we should pick 229. (I got to talk to Andy Baker while he was on a pig farm...)
- All the trash talking and little jabs.

Plus numerous other little anecdotes. Thanks to John, Eric, Chris, Joel and everyone else on 229 for making the Long Island regional one of the best weekends of our robotics lives.

I can't wait to see all of you in Atlanta.

P.S. Someone post some pics, all mine are on a tradional camera.