[half geek]

I have had a wonderful experience this year with robotics so far. We started off with a very well-planned game. The game leaves plenty of room for strategizing and demands new techniques.
I am pleased with the aid provided in terms of drive train because it allows well seasoned teams to focus on more advanced features and assists the rookie teams with getting a working robot running so that they too will be ready to participate at the next level in the future.
Somehow, it seems like the teams have even better spirits than in the past. This shows, IMHO, the direction in which FIRST if going. People are happy and really cooperating with each other and having great fun. There of course are the required bumps in the road, but it sure seems like we are working together to get past those with greater ease.
My team hosted teams 851 and 1669 in our shop this year. What an example of the dead-horse saga "the more the merrier!" These two teams helped make my build season more interesting by keeping company. So many good times chatting with happy faces, positive thoughts, and cordial people--good music was a definite plus! I hope you will engage us in helping you all out in the near future! See you in competition.