Festival de Robotique FRC a Montreal Regional

[Steve W]

No threads so I thought that I would do a call out for this great regional. I will be attending for the 3rd time as LRI. I can tell you from experience that the Quebec teams are growing rapidly and will be a major force in the very near future. I have worked with the team there, sharing ideas and helping were I can. They listen to all suggestions on how they can become the best. There is a big movement going on and FIRST will benefit from these folks.

Don't forget to watch the webcast. The show that is put on is amazing and you will be able to see and hear the excitement of the teams. It will probably be all French broadcast buy it will help everyone to brush up on their language skills.

[JCharlton]

Great to hear you're coming back Steve, and glad you enjoy our little party! Montreal is a unique event in a unique city, hope the CD community get a chance to check it out online.

Now back to putting our robot on the Hollywood Diet...

[minhnhatbui]

Thank you so much for your time and your kind words, Steve! We hope you'll enjoy your stay in Montréal

[jlian]

Team 4955 will be there for its first competition ever! Nervous but incredibly excited!

[Racer26]

Originally Posted by Steve W

It will probably be all French broadcast.

In past years (2012, 2013) I've found Montreal to do a pretty good job of bilingualizing the event.

Yes, its predominantly in French, but I found the MC and GA did a good job switching on the fly to English when talking to or about an anglophone team. As an anglophone spectator with a 9th-grade Ontario Curriculum-level French understanding? I had no trouble following the action.

I did find it interesting, though, that the MC in Montreal typically called out teams by individual digits regardless of language (ie. 3990 = trois-neuf-neuf-zero, 1075 = one-zero-seven-five), as compared to the grouped method most FIRSTers have used forever (ie. 1075 = ten seventy-five). At events, I've even heard francophone teams do the same (ie. 3990 = trente-neuf quatre-vingt dix), so I don't think its a language thing, but just that MC's style.

[Sly]

Looking forward to see you all! Especially friends outside out Montreal

[minhnhatbui]

Originally Posted by Racer26

I did find it interesting, though, that the MC in Montreal typically called out teams by individual digits regardless of language (ie. 3990 = trois-neuf-neuf-zero, 1075 = one-zero-seven-five), as compared to the grouped method most FIRSTers have used forever (ie. 1075 = ten seventy-five). At events, I've even heard francophone teams do the same (ie. 3990 = trente-neuf quatre-vingt dix), so I don't think its a language thing, but just that MC's style.

It's definitely that MC's thing. Trust me, in French, it's faster and easier to say 39-90 than 3-9-9-0. He's joyful, sensationalist and dramatic though, so it adds to the suspense!

[Steve W]

Competition has begun. Let fun fun increase!!!

[Bochek]

Just wanted to let everyone know that most of today's matches are archived on http://www.watchfirstnow.com/archives

Search by team number or by event code QCMO

- Bochek

[Bochek]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are aware of the audio hum on the Montreal webcast this morning. We will get it fixed ASAP.

[Joe Ross]

Did anyone record the order of alliance selections?

[mathking]

It was fun to watch the event. Great job. My son is in the 5th grade at a French immersion school in Columbus, and was able to follow the announcer and MC. (We just started Lego robotics there and I am hoping at some point in the future they will be able to go to an FLL event in Quebec.)

[RallyJeff]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

Did anyone record the order of alliance selections?

I did, but I'm on a train back home at the moment and my notebook is tucked away in my bag. If nobody else posts it in the meantime, I'll do it after I get back.

[RallyJeff]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

Did anyone record the order of alliance selections?

Okay - here it is based on my (unofficial) notes.

The format goes ALLIANCE CAPTAIN - FIRST PICK - SECOND PICK (COMMENTS):

#1 - 3990 - 3360 - 4950
#2 - 3387 - 3986 - 3382 (Note: 3386 was the original first pick and declined)
#3 - 5095 - 2626 - 3969
#4 - 1075 - 3986 - 5179
#5 - 3386 - 1846 - 4957
#6 - 3981 - 3550 - 3117
#7 - 4526 - 3987 - 3988
#8 - 4007 - 4492 - 4952

[Steve W]

I would like to thank all of the volunteers in Montreal. A special call out to the inspectors that had to put up with me. You were a great team and because of your dedication and observation skills we were able to get everyone into their first match and keep the quality of the teams up as fixes and improvements were made. This has been a difficult year with changes and a high contact game but you made my job so much more easy with your professionalism.

To the teams, high fives to you all. Every one that we met and identified problems with worked with the inspectors to rectify the problem. No whining of complaining with make the weekend less stressful for all. I have noticed that the Quebec teams are beginning to make better robots every year. Some of the teams would give ANY team in FIRST a run for their money.

To the organizing committee, thank you for inviting this old man. Your event is amazing. The positive atmosphere that is shown all through the program shows your dedication not only to the program but especially for the students. Kudos for one of the best events in FIRST. I was honored to be invited to this event.

Great committee, Great volunteers, great mentors. great student, great attitudes all add up to another GREAT event.