Kickoff 2012- Dean Kamen & National Luminaries

[om23]

why are lights so big this year? i wonder what it has to do w/ the game.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/hom...minaries-FIRST

[Steven Donow]

I'm not sure what's more exciting. Having someone as high-profile as George W. Bush (whether you agree with his policies or not; and I'm aware Bush Sr. spoke at Championship a few years ago), Will.I.Am. again, or Stephen Colbert. Let's hope for another hilarious Dean-Stephen interview in the future.

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by Article

-- Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report
-- Former President, George W. Bush
-- Former President, Bill Clinton

Aside from FIRST personnel and major sponsors, it looks like we'll be seeing some big names. I'm...intrigued...to see what Stephen Colbert will bring to the table.


Great to see that will.i.am is back as well!

[Hallry]

and other Special Guests

Wait for it...

Annnnnddd....cue speculation.

[dodar]

Originally Posted by Hallry

Wait for it...

Annnnnddd....cue speculation.

STEVE JOBS!

Originally Posted by dodar

STEVE JOBS!

Too soon? I'd love to see that happen, though! Maybe Woz, since he supports FIRST robotics teams.

[om23]

It is a bit too soon to mention Steve Jobs, but if Steve Jobs were part of FIRST- oh man that would have been awesome.

The one and only BILL CLINTON is going to be there. I wish I could go to kickoff up in NH.

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by om23

The one and only BILL CLINTON is going to be there. I wish I could go to kickoff up in NH.

Remember: this year's kickoff is 100% pre-recorded! Unfortunately, going to NH wouldn't guarantee that you would see him

Originally Posted by Karibou

Remember: this year's kickoff is 100% pre-recorded! Unfortunately, going to NH wouldn't guarantee that you would see him

Which means THE ONE, and THE ONLY BILL CLINTON was there, not will be there. Go to NH all you want. He won't be there anymore, and neither will Dean!

If I were you, truthfully, I'd go anyways. To be where Bill Clinton and Dean Kamen were in the same room together would be amazing!

[Grim Tuesday]

Somewhat disappointed to see Bush as a speaker, but Clinton and Colbert make up for it!

[Joe G.]

Well, I think it's safe to say that this explains the pre-recording. The security to do even a fraction of this live would be prohibitive.

Can't wait! This'll be my first year going up to Manchester for the event.

[Anupam Goli]

Inventor Dean Kamen Will be Joined by National Luminaries...

Luminaries.... what an interesting word...

1.: a person of prominence or brilliant achievement

2.: a body that gives light; especially : one of the celestial bodies

One of the celestial bodies = planets = speherical = balls as game piece


That or famous people will be using our robots to race eachother

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Joe G.

Well, I think it's safe to say that this explains the pre-recording. The security to do even a fraction of this live would be prohibitive.

I remember hearing a story about Bush Sr. being at the Florida regional a few years ago and he was placed too close to the volunteer room and the Secret Service wouldn't allow the volunteers to go get breakfast because it was a security concern.

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by Grim Tuesday

Somewhat disappointed to see Bush as a speaker, but Clinton and Colbert make up for it!

Seriously? You're disappointed to see a former PUSA celebrating and promoting FIRST?
There has to be a point at which partisanship stops and union for the common good begins.

[JohnSchneider]

Originally Posted by Taylor

Seriously? You're disappointed to see a former PUSA celebrating and promoting FIRST?
There has to be a point at which partisanship stops and union for the common good begins.

I concur. Regardless of political views we should be excited we have former presidents willing and wanting to promote activities like FIRST. And to be fair, I don't see the current President on the guest list...