Transformers (the movie)

[Madison]

I enjoyed it well enough. I went into the theater more excited to see the teaser for J.J. Abrams untitled movie, but left with a big smile on my face from the feature.

I hope that kids will stop asking us if we build Battlebots and start asking us if we build Transformers. To that, I will answer with a resounding yes.

[Rafi Ahmed]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

I enjoyed it well enough. I went into the theater more excited to see the teaser for J.J. Abrams untitled movie, but left with a big smile on my face from the feature.

I hope that kids will stop asking us if we build Battlebots and start asking us if we build Transformers. To that, I will answer with a resounding yes.

Haha that would be pretty cool if people asked that. I saw that trailer and i was waiting for what ever was flying to be shown but very happy it wasnt so it wouldnt ruin the movie.

Transformers was good. Although I checked the time once it had amazing visual effects.

[Molten]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

I enjoyed it well enough. I went into the theater more excited to see the teaser for J.J. Abrams untitled movie, but left with a big smile on my face from the feature.

I hope that kids will stop asking us if we build Battlebots and start asking us if we build Transformers. To that, I will answer with a resounding yes.

I would hope that you would answer yes to the Battlebots question too. I would go into the differences between the Battlebot and the FIRST robot. But the actual fact is, get kids interested in listening first. Even if you do not approve Battlebots, everyone must understand that it is a great way to get a newcombers interest. If you answer no, then you might have lost a member. If you answer yes, you will probably get a listener and a future member.

[Madison]

Originally Posted by Temper Metal

I would hope that you would answer yes to the Battlebots question too. I would go into the differences between the Battlebot and the FIRST robot. But the actual fact is, get kids interested in listening first. Even if you do not approve Battlebots, everyone must understand that it is a great way to get a newcombers interest. If you answer no, then you might have lost a member. If you answer yes, you will probably get a listener and a future member.

At the risk of going off-topic (by talking about FIRST, no less), I disagree with this sentiment. This topic is the proverbial dead horse, of course, but I like to think that this program and engineering have enough good things going for them that they ought not have to accept any association with popular culture that may, in the end, net some interest. We're doing really cool things on our own and the popularization of Battlebots and its ilk has done little else but reinforce cultural stereotypes about "genuine" robotics and narrow the ambition and imagination of kids and adults alike who see robots and technology only as toys.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

At the risk of going off-topic (by talking about FIRST, no less), I disagree with this sentiment. This topic is the proverbial dead horse, of course, but I like to think that this program and engineering have enough good things going for them that they ought not have to accept any association with popular culture that may, in the end, net some interest. We're doing really cool things on our own and the popularization of Battlebots and its ilk has done little else but reinforce cultural stereotypes about "genuine" robotics and narrow the ambition and imagination of kids and adults alike who see robots and technology only as toys.

I've found this to be quite true. I've been known to denounce combat robotics mainly because of this sad fact. And also because they have one main goal, destroy eachother.

[kawelch]

Here is the RT link.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/

I enjoyed it for a Micheal Bay film.

Not a great masterpiece but entertaining. And I saw it as a Matinee so it was only $6.

[Pavan Dave]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

At the risk of going off-topic (by talking about FIRST, no less), I disagree with this sentiment. This topic is the proverbial dead horse, of course, but I like to think that this program and engineering have enough good things going for them that they ought not have to accept any association with popular culture that may, in the end, net some interest. We're doing really cool things on our own and the popularization of Battlebots and its ilk has done little else but reinforce cultural stereotypes about "genuine" robotics and narrow the ambition and imagination of kids and adults alike who see robots and technology only as toys.

As long as students and the masses are introduced to robotics and engineering and people are persuaded to pursue careers in those subjects, should it matter what form of inspiration is/was? Whether it is FIRST, BattleBots IQ, Botball, even Transformers (the movie) the bottom line is we are exposing people to robotics/engineering and I think that is what is most important.

The medium is irrelevant as long as the message gets across.

Pavan.

[Madison]

Originally Posted by Pavan

As long as students and the masses are introduced to robotics and engineering and people are persuaded to pursue careers in those subjects, should it matter what form of inspiration is/was? Whether it is FIRST, BattleBots IQ, Botball, even Transformers (the movie) the bottom line is we are exposing people to robotics/engineering and I think that is what is most important.

The medium is irrelevant as long as the message gets across.

Pavan.

The ends should not, in all cases, justify the means -- and I believe this to be a circumstance where that is true. Battlebots' popularity comes as a result of its focus on destruction and not for any of the thought or engineering that went into the machines. Creating a machine of destruction is not and should never be something to aspire to -- irrespective of the amount of thought, careful consideration and stress analysis placed upon it. A bomb that finds its target with pinpoint accuracy is still a bomb and I'm not interested in getting anyone excited about that sort of engineering. If that's what we're trying to do here, I'll go join a soccer team or something.

Using Battlebots' destructive nature to try to appeal to people, then "convert" them to the ways of FIRST later, represents a core disbelief in the value of this program -- and worse than that -- is deceptive and a colossal waste of time and resources better spent on the folks who're most interested in making things better for everyone.

[JaneYoung]

I think as more practical applications are developed and implemented, robotics will become/continue to become more mainstream.
The medical fields, the space industry, the car industry - to name a few - robotics will continue to grow and develop in areas that are surprising and exciting.

There is room for the competitions to showcase robotics- the excitement for me is seeing what the students are exposed to in FIRST by working with our engineers and scientists, working and expanding in real world applications.

[Pavan Dave]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

The ends should not, in all cases, justify the means -- and I believe this to be a circumstance where that is true. Battlebots' popularity comes as a result of its focus on destruction and not for any of the thought or engineering that went into the machines. Creating a machine of destruction is not and should never be something to aspire to -- irrespective of the amount of thought, careful consideration and stress analysis placed upon it. A bomb that finds its target with pinpoint accuracy is still a bomb and I'm not interested in getting anyone excited about that sort of engineering. If that's what we're trying to do here, I'll go join a soccer team or something.

Using Battlebots' destructive nature to try to appeal to people, then "convert" them to the ways of FIRST later, represents a core disbelief in the value of this program -- and worse than that -- is deceptive and a colossal waste of time and resources better spent on the folks who're most interested in making things better for everyone.

But you speak of only the beginning where there is also a middle and end. In the beginning people get hooked to the destruction etc., but after they do research and learn about it they realize (the middle) and than they respect (the end). There is a process of realization before somebody says "I want to be an engineer" and mostly those realizations are not because "I get to blow stuff up."

FIRST is not different from Battlebots* [IMO]. The skills you learn in each are the same. There is teamwork involved, there is a calculated risk (more in Battlebots), there is a strive for efficiency, etc. Honor, integrity, gracious professionalism still exist in Battlebots but they are not displayed on the playing field and are not "requirements" as FIRST makes them out to be which is even better because people choose to have some respect and honor compared to us in FIRST who are expected to have it from the time we start building to the time we pack the pit from the last competition. If anything they are two roads that lead the place but by different obstacles.

*Overall. I do realize that destruction vs live in harmony aspects of BB vs FIRST.

Pavan.

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

Using Battlebots' destructive nature to try to appeal to people, then "convert" them to the ways of FIRST later, represents a core disbelief in the value of this program -- and worse than that -- is deceptive and a colossal waste of time and resources better spent on the folks who're most interested in making things better for everyone.

I do believe that sometimes you have to dig through the trash and clean off the layers of dirt and grime in order to find diamonds in the rough. They do exist - we've discovered several on our team over the years. Not all robotics kids come from a pre-established background of creativity and scientific curiosity built upon a foundation of parental support and encouragement. Sometimes, mentors have to use some elbow grease to clean and polish the rougher kids until they find a way to shine. It's ok to get a little dirty in this pursuit.

Other people's trash is someone else's treasure. I think it's a positive goal to try and "salvage" kids who've been brought up to celebrate violence and destruction (or have been allowed to develop this affinity for mayhem via lack of attention and guidance from their parents).

Now I agree with Madison - we'd never want to lie and deceive these kids by telling them that FIRST is anything like Battlebots. Instead, just simply *pay attention* to them and do whatever you can to show them your robots and get them involved with a team. Sometimes, these "fringe" kids appreciate the simple fact that you actually give a crap about how they feel and what they're doing, and that is all you need to begin to unravel all the negative attitude and curb their destructive or antisocial mentality.

While the ultimate goal of FIRST is to cultivate the next generation of top-notch engineers, I personally do not feel teams should be treated as an exclusive club for those "best of the best" who've always shown the intelligence and desire to pursue science and technology. I feel there is always some room on a FIRST team for kids from more troubled backgrounds to learn, change, and grow. I bet on many teams, some of our more surprisingly creative ideas and spirited enthusiasm for the program come from those whom the rest of society allowed to wander astray - those who were never given the opportunity to participate in these FIRST activities that now bring more meaning and purpose to their formerly empty lives. Open the door, show them the light, let them walk through, and don't let them ever look back.


Wasn't this at one time a Transformers Movie thread? The real Devastator (Constructicons combiner team) is rumored to be in the sequel w00t!!

[robostangs548]

I would see it just to see the new 2009 Camaro! I am really excited to see that thing rolling down the streets.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Originally Posted by robostangs548

I would see it just to see the new 2009 Camaro! I am really excited to see that thing rolling down the streets.

Personally, I think it looks terrible. They're just trying to catch up with Ford... looks a lot like the new style Mustang.

I actually really liked the movie. The acting sucked, but the CG and explosions more than made up for it.


And I'm not a fan of the new Camero, simply because I love the old one too much.

[robostangs548]

Crazy! I think that it looks 100x better then the mustang atleast. Especially because it will SMOKE one in a quarter mile.