The 2013 WPI Regional : Part I

After more than six weeks of blood, sweat, and tears, FRC Team 4410 has finally entered the post-season. Our team was able to compete at the Regional Robotics Competition held annually at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. Aside from the fantastic pictures, and how immensely proud I am of the team and all of their accomplishments, the true reason for this post is to document the arduous, almost "action movie" story behind our journey to Worcester from our small town during a series of terrible snowstorms. That, along with the tenacity of both team members and their parents, is truly inspiring. Their story must be known.

Your 2013 Cyber Senators

Day 1 

 March 7th, 2013 - 5:00 a.m.

With impending fears of a snowstorm on all news stations, I left my house early bound for the school. Much to my elation, I found that not only were the roads clear of snow; it was actually not snowing at all! Driving on the highway was making me both anxious and nervous at the same time. I remember being on exit away from my destination when I received the phone call...

"Due to the projected weather forecast, school will be cancelled Thursday March 7th."

I had previously been in contact with a representative from our arranged transport to Worcester who stated clearly that if school was cancelled, due to their company's regulations, they would not be able to commit to the scheduled transportation. With the cancellation confirmed, I was unsure of how to proceed. I finally reached the school to find that the majority of the team there waiting for me. With much regret, I had to tell both students and parents that no transportation would be available and we would have to try for tomorrow. The sadness clearly present on their faces depressed me as I watched them drive away. It was at that point that one of the team members approached me...

"So what are we going to do?" 

I thought about it for a spell. The robot was bagged, tagged, and in the trunk of my car. I, also, had all of our tools, spare parts, and important paperwork in my back seat. While liability issues prohibited me from transporting students in my vehicle, I, finally, explained that I would make the journey myself and attempt to get the robot to our pit and get as much work done as I could and we would regroup Friday morning. After all, we could not be the only team that was having this problem. I would later discover that I was correct in this assumption. This student, however, had other plans. This would plan would soon go down in Mahar history as "Plan B."

"Let's go. I'll meet you there!"

With permission from his parents, it was entirely plausible for this student to follow behind me and drive himself to the competition. The plan was hatched, and we were off. I, however, needed time to regroup as well as call in some favors. I spent an hour in the school contacting teachers, other teams, and the reps at WPI of our status. I contacted Team 3623, in Leominster, Massachusetts, to check on their status. They were having similar difficulties and hatched a plan uncannily similar to our own. We agreed the best course of action was to get our robots to the competition and move on from there. 

Day 1 

 March 7th, 2013 - 9:00 a.m.

I made it a point to attempt to let the outside world know of our status as well through various mediums of social media. The support from friends, family, and other educators was incredible. I rode on this momentum and met my team member in Leominster to begin the journey to WPI.

      

Getting to WPI proved much easier than I had originally anticipated. The drive was pleasant and while the snow had picked up, it wasn't really affecting our commute. Arrival was at around 10:00 a.m. We were successful in dropping off our robot at the designated drop off point. Since we were ridiculously late, there were no other teams there to slow us down. Once this was complete, we made our way to the pit area. I remember our walk through the pit area quite vividly, this student and I, the only representatives of Team 4410 were catching glances from teams who had 20 or 30 times as many members in attendance. 

The task ahead of us was daunting. I had forgotten to mention that in addition to only having the two of us in attendance, the robot was also not finished. In fact, she was far from finished.

The state of S.O.P.H.I.E at arrival at WPI

I quickly started to panic. How on earth were we going to finish this robot? We were, after all, already close to four hours late and many other robots were already getting their final inspections. We both took a seat on the table provided to every team's pit and let out a collective sigh. It was at that point that I heard a voice.

"What's up Beeeeshaw?"

I turned my head to see another member of our team. She had arrived only minutes after we had with her parents and brother. Needless to say, it was difficult to maintain my composure as we had now more than doubled our team in a matter of a few seconds. It was also at this point, that other teams had started to notice our situation and reached out to us to offer assistance. Two teams in particular. Team 4557, The "Fullmetal Falcons" and Team 1251, The "TechTigers" offered several team members as well as spare parts and technical know-how. 

It was time to get to work on S.O.P.H.I.E... with a little help from friends.

Day 1 

 March 7th, 2013 - 5:00 p.m.

With the aid of more than ten teams, as well as members and parents of our own team, we were able to complete more work in that stretch of six hours, then we had in the last six weeks combined. I, honestly, have never seen anything like it before in my entire life. The night ended with us finally obtaining a passing inspection. In the matter of one day, Soph went from parts in a bag, to a robot ready for tomorrow's matches. 

It was a miracle day in every sense. The hard work, dedication, and tenacity of this team is nothing short of inspirational. We left Worcester at around 7:00 p.m. proud of what we had accomplished. We knew, of course, that the real fun/excitement/stress was only 12 hours away as tomorrow would be the start of the actual competition. 

Stay tuned for part two of this story. 

The Vacation Doldrums

As we are nearing the end of February vacation for millions of students and teachers across the country, I take time to reflect on what I got accomplished. Well, actually, more like what I did not get accomplished. I tend to get very restless when I am sitting around trying to relax. Due to this, I try my best to keep myself focused and busy. This vacation, was no exception to this rule. My actual vacation did not start until this past Wednesday as I spent upwards of ten hours each day prior at the place of my work finishing up the building of our robot.

Said robot, conveniently code-named "S.O.P.H.I.E" went through several revisions before going into a giant shipping bag that was the size of a Boston subway car. Our "more or less" finished design was not too shabby. Of course, we still have a lot of work to do before our exciting competition on March 8th. In this competition, we shall show every school in Massachusetts that we are not only badass robot designers, but that we look good doing it. Our team's slogan, after all, is "Bolts, Bots and Bow Ties"

Just as a side note, I prefer not to use the oxford comma. I shall create a creative rant for that in another post.

Anyway, once Soph made it into her bag, I immediately left the building and fled toward my hometown at top speed. The night concluded with a simple glass of tea and good conversation with friends and family.

The time off was not without it's fair share of events. I was able to travel to my favorite sushi restaurant and sample the delicacies off of their menu. My cousin and I, also partook of something new and interesting. We each had a single piece of Octopus placed on our plates. While looking not at all appetizing, we saved it to the end of our feast. When the time came, we each tried it at the same time. Subsequently we also spit it into our napkins at approximately the same time as well.

Octopi can be seen at the left and right. Never again. 

For those of you who have not had the distinct pleasure of eating raw octopus, let me just say that it is quite an interesting experience. My piece in particular was all the more interesting with the added addition of a little sucker at the end of it. Needless to say it was the equivalent of attempting to bite through a shoe with a flavor that I cannot begin to describe. In closing, I rather enjoy little excursions such as the sushi adventure described above. It is true that a little variety is good for one's soul.

The rest of this week, however, has been classified as "particularly boring." This may be my restlessness taking center stage... As previously mentioned, I have a difficult time taking a step back and just relaxing. I always feel as though I may be missing something or that some form of work would be a better use of my time. Of course, now as we near the end of this less than grandiose vacation, I am feeling that I did not have enough time to relax. Perhaps I have some sort of complex... Hmm...

We are already past the 1/6th mark of 2013. The year shows no sign of slowing, or getting any less dull for that matter. I, of course, will continue to take things one day at a time with a particular emphasis on stopping to smell the roses every once in a while. It is true what they say... sometimes you will not understand the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory. 

Speaking of memory... I hope everyone got a chance to see Google's new video for their new product Glass... If not, here it is! 

There is no question of a doubt that I will be getting one of these the day it comes out. Some people are afraid of change. Some people like to stick to the old ways of doing things. I, myself, still now of several people who mail out bill payments each month as opposed to completing such tasks via the internet. While there is nothing wrong with the old ways, I prefer to embrace the future. The future, of course, is now. Every moment shall now be captured, cherished  and stored.  People will be brought closer together than we would have thought possible. An interesting concept... albeit sort of creepy. It is necessary, however, in order for our species to become truly united. 

With that, I leave you with a few starting points.

1. Information on octopus sushi
   
2. CBS News article on Google Glass
   
3. Information on the 2013 FIRST Robotics Regional at WPI

Four Hours in Fourth Grade

Greetings and salutations,

The past few months have certainly been busy busy for me. My new job is a continuous stream of paperwork. I, now, feel as though I have mastered surfing waves of paperwork. If not mastered... then at least gotten used to.

The start of the new year also means the start of a new FIRST robotics season. My school returns for their Sophomore year in this program. While I do love robots and all... The sudden doubling in my hours in the work week has totally worn me out. While my diet of mainly avocados seems to have staved off any form of influenza, I have just recently recovered from an incredibly stubborn cold that reminded me of typhoid fever. This little bug totally incapacitated my usual calm persona and brought forth a snarly nasty boy with a constant red nose.

That... and some cough syrup?

Now that I have fully recovered, (for the most part) I figured that I had better start updating my blog that I had hyped up to much to the masses so many months ago. February will be the month of reviews. Within the next week, expect a book review on a novel that I have just recently finished. "Across the Universe" is part one of a dystopian trilogy. I eagerly await writing such a review!

Could not put this one down!

In conclusion, I am back. Remember that we are all in this together. I see great things in our future. Now for the obligatory picture of my new bow ties.

Huge sale at JcPenney

2012 - A Year in Review

In summation of 2012. Ian Bee....

• Nailed a teaching job.
• Started a blog.
• Visited Cape Cod for the first time.
• Enjoyed The Beachcomber for the first time.
• Enjoy much rest and relaxation at the lake.
• Ate chicken at Wright's over a dozen times.
• Got attacked by Super Munchers.
• Led a successful first-year U.S. FIRST robotics team.
• Paid off 75% of my credit card debt.
• Relished in my love of the avocado.
• Gained... and lost superpowers.
• Aquired a love for astronomy.
• Led the Goose Island revolution.
• Started graduate school.
• Gained many a bow tie.
• Got a new cat.
• Said goodbye.
• Reconnected with a long lost friend
• Instituted weekend trips to Keeper's
• Made Bow Tie Friday hip with the 7th grade.
• Learned to love Excel Spreadsheets.
• Had the worst of times.
• Had the best of times.
• Read some books.
• Learned to make a mean omelette.
• Planned to Free Tibet in 2014
• Sold away my video game collection.
• Watched every episode of FarScape.
• Was less boring.
• Learned how to blow glass.
• Learned to live a little.
• Worked over 45 Sundays at Hannaford.
• Moved out.
• Moved back home.
• Ate less fast food.
• Looking forward to a successful new year.

The Busy World of Ian Bee : Part One : Robots

So I am finally back into the swing of things with the new school year. While having only Saturday off may seem droll and lackluster, I actually prefer to keep busy. Too much rest causes my mind to become stagnant. That being said, I have much on my plate in terms of plans for this year. I hope to bring those plans to fruition in these few remaining months.

For starters, it is almost time for the new season for U.S. FIRST to start. For those unaware, FIRST is an annual robotics competition comprising of thousands of schools, clubs, and organizations with tens of thousands of students, teachers, and mentors helping to expand teamwork, ingenuity, and their overall goal of promoting what they like to call, "gracious professionalism." My school started their own robotics team last year. When the posting went out for the club advisor, I jumped at the opportunity. What better than a teacher of English to take over a club mainly involved with the exploration and implementation of science and technology. Then again, who doesn't love robots?

FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

Each year, FIRST creates a new game that becomes the challenge for teams across the world. Each team has six weeks to build a robot from scratch to both solve the game's challenges and compete with other schools at one of hundreds of regional competitions. The winners of these events move onto the finals held in Minnesota. For our school's inaugural season, the game was entitled "Rebound Rumble" In which we had to design a robot that would compete in a game of 3-3 basketball. We fared quite well considering who we were up against. Many thought our team to be a complete joke and had little to no faith in the abilities of citizens of Western Massachusetts.

I find something about lost causes very attractive.

My hometown has FIRST in its blood. My alma mater often had hundreds of students in their robotics club with tens of thousands of dollars in private donations and sponsorships. Because of this, Team 126, better known as Gael Force, has won many championships in its 20+ year experience with FIRST. 

The special name tags I created for our competition. 

Our team, Team 4410, The Cyborg Senators, were comprised of myself, a few incredibly dedicated faculty members, and eight of the most hard working students I have ever come across. Together, we spent those six weeks making fun of each other and eating lots and lots of pizza. Having not one engineer or computer programmer on the team made building a robot from scratch a seemingly insurmountable task. We were, however, able to create something that we were not only proud of, but were able to compete with at our competition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I remember vividly the day I told the team that by the end of the six weeks, we would be absolutely sick of each other. Which we were. These students, for those six weeks, would go to school normally. After school, they would spend 4-5 hours extra eating pizza and building the robot. This is dedication that I was simply incapable of at that age. 

Six weeks of blood, sweat, and tears.

After many trials and tribulations, we made our way to WPI for our competition. The competitors were fierce and not very friendly. Nonetheless, we made some friends. and we were able to place 15th out of 32 schools. Not to shabby for a robot that couldn't throw a ball... The entire team was present when we presented our work to the district's school committee at their meeting a few weeks after the competition. 

It took us six weeks to get that light bulb to light up.

Unfortunately, some members of our team moved away and will not be returning for the 2012 season. In fact, my first meeting for the Robotics Team was last Wednesday. I had one student show up. She was in extremely high spirits, however. I take solace in the notion of continuing to advise a club that had such a profound influence on not only me, but its members as well. It is a six weeks that I am very much looking forward to. 

Prepping the robot in our cubicle

For those interested in the program, here's a few starting points. 

1. U.S. FIRST Official Website
2. YouTube Footage of our team winning our last qualifying match!