Who would you like to see speak at a FIRST event?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

Technically he's not because he's never been found guilty in a court of law.

He's been found guilty in the court of public opinion.

And let's face it, that's the court that really matters.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Cory

He's been found guilty in the court of public opinion.

And let's face it, that's the court that really matters.

So has Micheal Jackson but people still buy their albums (actually they both had a spike in sales after their court battles. If that doesn't tell you about how out of whack our priorities are nothing will).

[Collmandoman]

how professional of you 2 to pass judgement on somebody who has never been convicted of a crime you know nothing about-
I think he's a great public speaker, just trying to contribute to the thread.
Kanye West is also a good choice. I got a chance to see him speak to reporters in miami this summer. He's a very classy guy - Most of you might think his recent media attention with the katrina disaster was atrocious-- I think it took alot of 'gonads' to say that at such a time, and at such a place.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Collmandoman

how professional of you 2 to pass judgement on somebody who has never been convicted of a crime you know nothing about-
I think he's a great public speaker, just trying to contribute to the thread.
Kanye West is also a good choice. I got a chance to see him speak to reporters in miami this summer. He's a very classy guy - Most of you might think his recent media attention with the katrina disaster was atrocious-- I think it took alot of 'gonads' to say that at such a time, and at such a place.

See the results of the last time we had a rapper "speak" (He was on a video) at a FIRST event.

I'd much rather have someone who is actually related to what we do.

I don't think this would ever happen, but I just thought of someone I'd like to hear speak--Lance Armstrong. Everytime I've heard him speak in public, he's been incredibly articulate and thoughtful. Not to mention the fact that he has to be one of the most inspiring people alive.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Collmandoman

how professional of you 2 to pass judgement on somebody who has never been convicted of a crime you know nothing about-
I think he's a great public speaker, just trying to contribute to the thread.
Kanye West is also a good choice. I got a chance to see him speak to reporters in miami this summer. He's a very classy guy - Most of you might think his recent media attention with the katrina disaster was atrocious-- I think it took alot of 'gonads' to say that at such a time, and at such a place.

R Kellys problems are well docmented and he would be very inappropriate for a FIRST event whether or not he was convicted. It would be very frowned upon.

Personally I'd rather here from one of our Woddie Flowers award winners about how FIRST has changed their lives and the people around them.

[Collmandoman]

What happened the last time a rapper spoke?
And I still dunno... that seems to be stereotyping if you think one rappers speech would reflect the abilities of all others.
I'm bringing them up, because part of a first event is to excite and interest the audience, and the audience at these events are in the targeted age groups of these 2 performers.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Collmandoman

What happened the last time a rapper spoke?
And I still dunno... that seems to be stereotyping if you think one rappers speech would reflect the abilities of all others.
I'm bringing them up, because part of a first event is to excite and interest the audience, and the audience at these events are in the targeted age groups of these 2 performers.

Check out Amanda's earlier post in this thread about Will Smith. just about any entertainer would be met with scorn. Could you imagine Brittiney Spears addressing the crowd at the championship?

[Collmandoman]

britney is speaking at the cahmpionship next year?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Collmandoman

What happened the last time a rapper spoke?
And I still dunno... that seems to be stereotyping if you think one rappers speech would reflect the abilities of all others.
I'm bringing them up, because part of a first event is to excite and interest the audience, and the audience at these events are in the targeted age groups of these 2 performers.

Nobody is interested in what someone has to say if it doesn't have any relevancy.

I don't think Kanye brings anything to the table other than the fact he raps. At least with other non technical speakers that have been mentioned, they all have something particularly interesting about them that they could share with us.

[Greg Perkins]

I know its late....but I really wish Kirby Puckett could've spoken...He overcame so much adversity to get to where he was...too bad he passed away so young

[TheLostRenegade]

Bill Nye is touring now, but it seems has has other intentions...

http://popsci.typepad.com/popsci/200...ye_vs_int.html

[rufu5]

I would like to see former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) speak at a FIRST event.

(No partisan discussion or replies please, I would simply like him to see a FIRST event and speak because he was such an advocate of NASA and our nation's space program.)

[BHS_STopping]

I'm not sure if anybody said this, but Grant Ihamara from Mythbusters did give a short speech in between QF matches at the Davis/Sacramento regional this year. It's on the regoinal webcasts if you would like to take a look at it.

[Éowyn]

Admiral Janeway or Captain Picard would be great...

[Natchez]

Call me ole fashioned but what about having a "local" hero speak. Maybe one who has dedicated her life to the future of America such as a fireman or a soldier ... or maybe the Chairman's Winner! What better people to speak "with" us than those who we respect and yearn to know more about. Here's how I envision it. Between the final rounds, the FIRST Chairman would announce a Chairman's Award finalist (some background on what the team has done and then announce the team); let's say five would be announced for discussion sake. The Chairman's Award representatives (those who presented to the judges) of these five teams would then proceed to the floor and be on standby to give their presentation to the entire audience. Yes, they, along with their team, would be very, very nervous but would also be VERY well prepared to give their 5 minute presentation. At the end of the awards ceremony, the Chairman would announce the Chairman's Award winner from the five finalists then the team would do their presentation to the entire audience from the center of Einstein (this would be a nice ending - the last team "standing" on Einstein is the ultimate winner) followed by the National Anthem. Another FIRST year would come to a close and the last thing that would be on our minds is how the best team in FIRST does it ... very relevant and inspiring.

If this crazy idea doesn't work for you then I'd still stick with a "local" hero such as Dave, Andy Baker, or any other WFA winner.

If I had to go outside of the FIRST family, I think Charlie Bolden would be an excellent choice. Hero and passion are synonymous with Charlie.

Two weeks left in the crazy house,
Lucien