In all my years, I have never come across a politician that over promises and under delivers! Doesn’t matter which political party they are from, they will say anything to get you to vote for them. Some of them actually seem to believe what they are saying, but they ignore the fact that they cannot fulfill the promise by themself – it will take cooperation and agreement by others to support the promise.

That being said, I would think that folks would look past the promises and focus more on the character of the person making those promises. Do they possess the kind of character traits that you can support - as a person, not as a politician.

Do they lie or tell the truth when speaking about others? Are they careful with their words, so as not to isolate others, or promote hatred? Do they behave in a way that is consistent with what they say they believe in? 

There are many factors in what makes up a person’s character, so many that even the experts in the matter cannot all agree on what makes up a person’s character. The main factors to me are the basic ones that show how a person behaves, how they treat others, what they say and do, and if their behavior supports what they say that they believe in.

I cannot support a person that lies in order to get what they want.

I cannot support a person that speaks badly of others because of their race, gender, religious belief, or where they are from.

I cannot support that treats others (especially those in need) badly.

I cannot support anyone that says they love Jesus, but behaves in ways that don’t support the way Jesus told us to behave.

I cannot support a person that takes an oath or makes a promise, then later acts or says things that are opposed to the very oath that they took.

I cannot support a person whom does not believe in supporting and upholding the Constitution.

I cannot support anyone whose character traits include behavior and speech reflecting on their belief that misogyny, bigotry, racism, hatred, revenge, or entitlement is okay.

To me – character matters more than anything else.

This past weekend I attended the 50th anniversary of my high school graduation. Interestingly to me, it was both fantastic and disappointing.

We had a picnic on Friday afternoon and a banquet Saturday evening. Some folks couldn’t come to the banquet, and some didn’t want to attend the banquet. I went to both, but to each their own.

We had name tags with our graduation photos on them, mainly to help people determine who was who! Faces ad bodies change alot over a 50 year time span.

Everyone that attended seemed genuinely happy to see each other. Most hadn’t had a chance to do so since we walked down the aisle to get our diplomas all those years ago. Lots of hand shakes and hugs, smiling faces and laughter.

We reminisced about the “old” days and caught up with how everyone was doing. Kids, Siblings, and assorted family stories were shared mixed emotions. “Get well” and “Thinking of you” greeting cards were circulated for signatures and would be sent to a few classmates that were currently ill, and having a tough go of it.

I particularly enjoyed seeing and speaking with the folks that I grew up with and were the guys that “hung around” with on a daily basis growing up. Such great memories and thoughts of those that were with us back then, but couldn’t attend the reunion. Some had passed away, others just chose not to come. That was a little disappointing, as I really wished a few had attended.

All in all, I really enjoyed seeing my old classmates, and having a chance to catch up.

The weirdest feeling was that I couldn’t grasp where or how that many years had slipped by. My life has been a wonderfully busy and full one. As was everyone elses. We graduated and started down various paths, many not knowing what, where, or how they were going to get there. One step after another, with plenty of milestones along the way. Some great things and some not so great things happening along our individual paths.

Yet, 50 long years later – many coming from far distances away – found it important to come back together for a fleeting moment. It was wonderful to see and I am so thankful that I had an opportunity to attend.

Well, well, here we are again!

The GOP House of Representatives are unable to govern their majority, and the think the electorate should allow them to be in charge of the entire government??

They set McCarthy up for a fall, and executed his demise because a small group of radicals decided they didn’t like him working with the Democrats on a Continuing Resolution in order to keep the government from shutting down.

They did the deed, without thinking or caring about the repercussions.

Now, after trying to agree on the next poor SOB to take the Speaker job, they can’t even get out of their own way. First Scalise is nominated, but before the entire House votes, he backs out because he can’t muster up the 217 votes that he needed. Once again a group of GOP representatives from his own party decide to NOT vote for him. Rather than be humiliated in front of the entire nation (like McCarthy did 14 times), he withdraws his name.

Now, Jordan (whom hasn’t authored a single bill since he has been in the House) has decided to take on the Speaker role. But, once again the chances of getting 217 votes is never gonna happen. This guy has burned too many bridges and pissed off too many other GOP reps to get the votes. The difference between him and Scalise though – Jordan doesn’t care if he gets humiliated.

The reality is that NOBODY in the GOP will be able to gather 217 votes, without the help of the Democrats. And, to make that happen it will take a massive amount of courage, guts, and planning to get it done.

Why? Because anyone that might try would be potentially committing political suicide in todays political environment. Democrats are going to want to negotiate power away, and will only trade power for votes. Republicans will essentially divorce the traitors that attempt this move.

Therefore, only the GOP reps that are not going up for re-election this next cycle would even consider it. Or possibly only the GOP reps that have decided to retire and walk away (not care about the repercussions) would be potential representatives that might cross the aisle.

The real question is – are there any GOP members that fall into that category?

It’s not like the Democrats have insisted that their member win the House Speaker role. I am guessing that even they know THAT won’t happen. The House could stay without a Speaker until hell freezes over before that would happen.

But, what if – What if, that was the thing that forces the GOP to stop the childish behavior that they are exhibiting today. Could there be enough GOP representatives that could band together to force the rest into agreeing on someone!

Sorry, but I don’t see that happening. I just do not see a single person in the harshly divided Republican Party capable of being accepted as their leader – without having to jeopardize their integrity by pressure tactics and demands for a vote from radical GOP representatives.

Now, I hear that some GOP representatives might just decide to not show up – if Jordan forces a vote on the floor of the house. That would be interesting, because if enough opposed to Jordan don’t attend and cast a vote, the threshold for winning the Chairman’s seat is lowered. If lowered enough, then Jeffries could win.

Whomever is selected Speaker of the House, also then becomes the 3 in line for the highest and most powerful position in our government, behind the President and Vice President.

I pray the House representatives understand this and take their responsibility very seriously.

Yes, there are times when individual desires and demands need to be set aside – for the good of all Americans. This is one of those times.

Enough is enough, already!

All the talk lately by some political hacks seem to try to place the blame on the debt ceiling on Joe Biden and the Democrats. The chart above clearly shows that the problem with rising national debt is NOT just the fault of 1 political party.

Reality check time – The bi-partisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has recently determined that the National debt went up 8.4 trillion dollars due to the things Donald Trump and his Congress did.

The big tax cuts mainly to the wealthy and businesses raised the debt 2.5 trillion dollars.

The pandemic relief spending to individuals and businesses raised the debt 3.6 trillion dollars.

The spending increases in the bills that Congress passed, and he signed raised the debt 2.3 trillion dollars.

To offset the increases in the debt, Donald Trump decided to raise tariffs for incoming goods from other countries (mainly aimed at imports from China).

The tariffs reduced the National debt by merely 445 billion dollars.

The tariff was actually paid for by the consumer, as the increased cost was simply passed on to them and helped caused the inflation we are still battling today.

Nicki Hailey actually called this out in one of the debates and the facts were broomed under the rug. What the hell has reality to do with anything anyways?

Yes, the National debt level needs to be addressed. It starts with having to swallow very bitter pills that most average Americans will not want to deal with.

Spending must be offset by Revenue.

Spend less and you won’t need to raise as much Revenue.

When you raise Revenue, do it fairly and proportionally with those that have it.

Don’t be ignorant of the fact that increases in revenue from businesses will be offset by increases in pricing of goods and services. This will cause inflation.

The debt level only goes up, when more is spent than what is taken in. The United States of America has a number of was it uses to take in revenue. Taxes, Tariffs, Bonds, Securities, and Exports.

The rest of the world economies trust the United States will meet their lending obligations more so than any other country on earth. Therefore, the Bonds and Securities sold to offset the majority of the National debt is a buffer we must always maintain. We cannot default on our obligations without potentially causing a worldwide monetary crisis. That would also create pressure on many countries to move away from the U.S dollar as the standard monetary value traded in the world. Since we have control of the value of the U.S. dollar, it creates many advantages that the United States need to maintain our debt balance.

Political escapades by some members in Congress, is NOT the appropriate way to deal with the problem of our National debt. Calmer, and more intelligent heads, must be called upon to collectively come up with a plan.

In the meanwhile, just remember the next time it comes up in a political debate. The problem wasn’t created and won’t be solved by just one political party. The sooner the leadership of both parties come to that realization, the better.

I truly don’t think most people understand what the connection is between the Treasury, issuing Bonds and T Bills for sale as IOU’s (with interest to be paid at a later date) – AND – how that is connected to the US debt ceiling, the federal deficit, the global economy, and your own financial situation. 

The damage associated with defaulting on the promise of paying that back, would be enormous. The impact to future borrowing might be even more troublesome. People around the world would be cheated and the future reputation of the US dollar as a safe investment would forever be gone.

A war rages on, in a land far away. A neighboring country, once part of the same Republic, long since separate, has invaded Ukraine. Perhaps, I should clarify – the Russian military under Putin’s orders has invaded.

The Russian people are subject to the methods of control that the communists utilize to control them. To control what they see, what they hear, what they are allowed to say and do.

The Russian government utilizes this method of control to make sure “the masses” do not revolt against them. They forced the shut down of any media coverage that opposed the message that they will allow the people to hear and see. They “detain” anyone that protests. They fine anyone that shares “fake” news.

It is such a stark reminder of the differences between true democracy, the freedoms that we in America enjoy, and communism.

Thankfully, we have the freedom guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. The freedom of the press. The freedom to gather and protest. The freedom to speak the truth. These rights assure us that we have choices. We won’t be forced to believe whatever the government or any specific leader try’s to define as “Evil”.

We won’t be forced to be blinded, gagged, or deafened – unless we choose to be.

Today, Putin gets to define “Evil” and therefore what is allowed to be seen, heard, and spoken. The vast majority of Russian people do not know otherwise.

The people don’t know the truth. They aren’t allowed to know. They aren’t free to speak about the truth, free to read about the truth, free to hear the truth. That freedom doesn’t exist – and many of the people don’t even know it.

If you ever find yourself wondering what the price of freedom actually is, think back on this time and what is happening today in Russia.

Imagine that happening in this day and age of mass communication and media reach is utterly amazing. Technology has the far reaching ability to connect like it never could before. Yet, it too can be manipulated to produce the worst results imaginable. A whole nation of people being misled and lied to in order to control their behavior.

The only way this can be defeated is by continuously sharing the truth.

As someone once said “the truth will set you free”. The only hope the rest of the world has, is if the truth can be seen, heard, and spoken in Russia.

The world needs to find a way to do that. I hope the tech sauvy hacksters can figure out a way to get the “truth” to the Russian people. If that can occur, I pray the people will see through the lies they are being fed to them from their leaders.

I fear that is the only way that the true “Evil”, will be stopped.

A 12+ year battle with the government ended Tuesday, when the Supreme Court decided not to hear the Delphi Salaried Retire Association appeal against the PBGC.  The court didn’t even give a reason for not hearing the case.

If you don’t know what this is about, let me tell you the story.

When the economic disaster of 2009 occurred, and GM declared bankruptcy, the government stepped in and created a Task force to figure out how to keep GM afloat. The Auto task force was given power over decisions that would dictate what had to happen in order for the government to “loan” massive amounts of money to them. The companies involved did what they were told, or they would no longer exist.

Delphi was a company that was created by spinning off all of the automotive parts and component divisions years before.  With the creation of the new company called Delphi, an agreement was made to transfer the money that was currently set aside for the employees pensions, (both the salaried and union represented workers).

A side agreement was negotiated with the UAW and it was included in the deal that assured the UAW that if the new company failed, GM would make up any differences or shortfalls the retired workers might get hit with as a result.

Not too many years after Delphi was created, they filed for Chapter 11 reorganization.

Years went by with lots of attempts to reorganize the company, selling off parts of it, and getting loans for companies that invest in failing companies. Throughout the years the employees were told that their pensions were funded, safe, and not to worry.

And then, the GM bankruptcy and Auto task force happened.

In order for GM to pull off their Chapter 11 fast track bankruptcy, the Auto task force required Delphi to also finalize their Chapter 11 bankruptcy. But, because Delphi had assets tied up that would have impeded GM fast track bankruptcy, the Auto Task force told the PBGC that they had to declare that the employees pensions were now under funded. The PBGC would move in and take them over.

The PBGC was a government creation to insure that Private company pensions could be secured, in case of company failure, by issuing insurances against those companies that continued to contribute to it.

GM and Delphi were insured by the PBGC.

6 months prior to the Auto Task force requiring the PBGC to make that announcement, the president of the PBGC had reviewed the Delphi pensions and stated that they were funded at an acceptable level.  

The PBGC monitors funding levels to determine if, and when, they need to act.  

And just like that, the PBGC swooped in and took the pensions over stating that they were significantly under funded.  

So, in the end – many of the Salaried Retirees that had been getting payments from the pensions they were promised by GM, and subsequently Delphi, had the amounts slashed because the PBGC sets strict payout amounts based on a different formula then what was previously being used by Delphi. Some retirees lost over 30% of what they were being paid out each month. But, not everyone was impacted the same way because the formula was different for the people that had not yet retired from those that had previously retired. The worst off were the previous employees that were given an opportunity to retire using a special window retirement – their pensions calculations included a bump up as incentive to get them to retire early. The PBGC does not recognize those special incentives that were promised and provided by Delphi.

Independent Actuary Science accountants disagreed with that assessment, but the Bankruptcy judge allowed the Auto Task force to use the PBGC to do it anyways.

There are ERISA laws in place to make sure everyone is treated fairly in cases like this. They were ignored.

20,000+ salaried employees had been duped into believing that the Pensions they were promised were safe from anyone screwing with them. But, they weren’t.

This all happened in the 11th hour of the GM fast track bankruptcy negotiations being led by the Auto Task force and the subsequent Delphi bankruptcy by people that didn’t care what the repercussions were on the salaried employees.

The UAW represented employees were not impacted, as GM had previously agreed to, during contract negotiations to “bump up” their pensions to the level that they were entitled to.

The salaried employees never had that promise, nor did they feel the need to get one, from GM, upon being spun off.  Salaried employees don’t have a union negotiating for them.

The 11th hour decisions, and subsequent lack of any opportunity to appeal or be represented in any of the bankruptcy court proceedings, left the salaried retirees pensions on the outside without the rights that they should have had protected by federal law and the constitution.

Apparently, Bankruptcy court judges, nor the PBGC, and certainly the Auto Task force did not have to obey the laws of our country.

The judges involved sided with the PBGC and the DSRA continued the long drawn out appeal process – all the way up until they were allowed to petition the Supreme Court.

During the long drawn out process that cost millions of dollars, agreements were made to “seal” evidence from anyone except the lawyers and the judges to see. The cost for continued litigation became too much, and the DSRA gave in to the sealed evidence demand by the government. With that, any chance of the truth being shared with a jury of their peers, or the media, or the salaried retirees themselves was lost forever.

The salaried employees were the only group of people impacted that were totally disenfranchised of the rights and protections in order to allow GM to be saved, via their fast track Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and specifically by the decisions of the Auto Task force.

The DSRA members continued their fight for fairness for over 12 years, at a cost to them in the millions of dollars.

The behavior of the government agency involved (the Treasury Department and the PBGC) was primarily based on obstruction of justice.  They appealed every court decision and dragged their feet for years and years during the discovery phase of the lawsuit. Particularly when there might be evidence discovered that worked against them.

That is one reason it has taken 12 years to get to the highest court in the land to decide if they would hear the DSRA’s final appeal.

A government oversight committee also reviewed the actions by the Task force, and in a written report they indicated that the way things were not was done appropriate or right. The rationale used by the PBGC actuary was shown to be contrived and incorrect. Based on the opinion of independent actuaries, the pensions were sufficiently funded – at the time they were taken over.

Senate and House Representatives from around the country have also fought for years in support of the PBGC arguments of being treated unfairly.

Recently, State Attorney Generals from across the country, urged the SCOTUS to hear the DRSA appeal, to no avail.

Now, with no opportunity to fight the lawsuit any further, because the appeal process was denied at the SCOTUS – the effort by the DSRA needs to change direction.

The new focus needs to be on having the legislative branch of government, change the laws to clearly make what was done to the DSRA  illegal.

What happened to the Delphi Salaried Retirees can NEVER happen again.  

Regardless of the situation, Bankruptcy or not, Task force or not, Too big to fail or not – What happened the Delphi Salaried Retirees – cannot happen ever again.

Change, or create New, whatever laws that are needed to assure it won’t happen ever again.

Change bankruptcy laws, and put more stringent safe guards in place to truly protect any existing pensions of the companies restructuring. Make the employees, the first in line for protection, and not a bargaining chip.

Do it now!

NEW INFORMATION REGARDING THE FIGHT TO FIX THE PENSIONS!!!!

The Legal Battle Ended – BUT – The Legislative Battle Continues

Probably the LAST real chance to fix the wrong that occurred 12 years ago!

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have co-sponsored Bills written and soon to be voted on that would restore the Delphi Salaried Pensions to what was promised by GM and Delphi before the PBGC took them

The text of the House and Senate Bills is available.

We are still on track to eblast sometime on Monday all the information and instructions of how push for support to process these bills through Congress.  Meanwhile, here are links to the bills, their progress, and the text of each:

Please be aware – for you and your friends, family, and other contacts to help us, no one needs to run to their computer or laptop — everyone will be able to access the information and send their messages from their phone or tablet if they prefer, wherever you are and whatever device you have handy and can read your email on should work for this to be effective!

I am very confused by our present day politicians and political parties. They seem to focus on the needs of the people, only when it benefits themselves or the party they belong to.

Doesn’t the U.S. Constitution start off with “We, the people”? At what point was it modified to “We, the political party” or “Me, the politician”?

The media reports the country is “more divided than ever”, and I see that it is getting worse by the day.

Why?

Because instead of politicians and political parties putting themselves behind the people that they are supposed to be representing, they are putting themselves ahead of them.

What do I mean by that?

They strive for individual or group power, more than they strive for unity and justice for all.

They want you to believe that they have your best interest in mind when its election time, but when it isn’t. It is really all about what their individual or party affiliation gains. It’s not really about what they are doing for you, or us, or anyone but themselves.

So, that is why the goal for many politicians is to drive a wedge between those that agree with their political views, and those that don’t agree with them. Those that don’t agree with them are the enemy, they cannot ever have a point or be on the right side of things. Every politician today is always on the right side, and ANYONE that opposes them with a differing viewpoint are simply WRONG. Two political parties drive only 2 choices – one is right and one wrong.

It used to be, once upon a time, that folks could actually hold more than just 2 opinions and everyone would accept that more than 2, was okay.

Compromise occurred.

But, not anymore.

I am certain that what we have become, is NOT what the framers of the Constitution had in mind. They were smart enough to know that as time goes by, everything may change with it. Without a crystal ball, they equipped the governing process, and the methods outlined in the Constitution, to be modified and altered “as needed” and “as agreed to”, by “We, the people”.

We, the people – must be better at governing ourselves, by choosing politicians to represent us all, that pledge to put liberty and justice for all above political party.

We are at a critical stage in our history.

We all need to do better, because time is running out and soon it might be too late to save our democracy.

As I sit here on the eve of the beginning of another year coping with Covid, I can’t help myself from thinking how disappointed I am.

At a time when I normally feel happy, from thinking back at all the wonderful things that occurred throughout the year, I am struggling this year.

I’m normally a glass half full kind of guy, but it is a real struggle to see much good from the past 12 months.

I’ve gotten a lot accomplished personally, but none of that brightens my outlook today. I wish it could, because I feel like so much is beginning to slip away, that I cherish so much.

Family, Sisters and Brothers, Nieces and Nephews, Friends and Relatives – whom you see taking different sides in both very unimportant and also extremely important issues. Politics, Religion, Health, Safety, Rights …

One side of me says, “Let it go, They have a right to believe in whatever they choose to”, but then the other side says “Why? What kind of person would let a loved one walk down a path that you know will harm them”… Is it really some kind of “tough love” to let a child burn their fingers, in order to learn that a flame of fire is hot and WILL hurt you?

Someone this year told me that since we held opposing viewpoints regarding Covid and vaccinations, “We should just agree, to disagree”.

The intention on their part was a ploy to avoid confrontation, and to end all conversation regarding the subject – Since, neither of us would be able to persuade the other that they were wrong.

I told the person, “No, I would not agree to disagree.” I believed at that moment, the person was simply hoping that I would agree that both opinions were correct, and no was either right or wrong.

Look, I know that everyone and everything cannot be balanced between black or white, right or wrong, right or left – and there is sometimes a “gray” area in-between that should at least be acknowledged. The “gray” area is not a place to settle at. It’s a temporary rest stop, until you learn the truth via education, training, and experience. Truth is a lesson taught by living life, seeing things, reading, learning, and trusting in what you have seen and heard. When you learn the truth, and believe in the truth, then you must get out of the “gray area” and plant your flag.

In my heart, I believe I have gathered enough truth, to trust science.

And, that is why I couldn’t Agree to Disagree.

The Covid virus lives on – we are now dealing with the Omicron version. It appears that the scientists and medical professionals believe this version to infect faster, and burn out quicker. Lets hope so, because maybe then – we will get it more under control. The pandemic that started in 2019, has now become an Endemic – never to really “go away”. Now, everyone will need to learn how to live with it. Thank goodness we now have better medicines and treatments to fight it with.

My patience has grown thin, and I know it. I went from “trying” to “not caring as much”, and that makes me sad.

I hope 2022 brings more laughter, love, kindness, and caring, with far less confrontation.

And, I am hopeful that the next year will bring some kind of normalcy back.

It has been a bit over a year now, since we were impacted by the 1st pandemic in over 100 years.

The FIRST robotics season started off with the normal excitement and after the Saturday kickoff, we off and running – trying to figure out what and how to build a competitive machine.

During the months leading up to January, we met with the students on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school for a few hours. We used that time to help teach fundamentals of various science, technology, math, and robotics subjects. We also used this time to recruit students for our FIRST Robotics team.

The methodology and approach we used, was to include a new topic each day, with a presentation that included a video or demonstration supporting that topic. We were able to discuss, teach, instruct, and have fun too.

The last month culminated in an event similar to a FIRST Robotics event. 2020 involved using a small programmable robot called mBot, which is made and sold by MakeBlock. The code was similar to “Scratch”, using drag and drop icons to define the logic needed to make the little robot function.

We invented a simple game that could be played using the mBot, and we built an 8’ by 8’ playing field that the mBots were to be driven on during the matches.

The students were divided into 3 teams and were each required to drive, during the competition. We had a multi-match tournament and kept score after each round. The students needed to work with an assigned mentor that would assist them in brainstorming, modifications, and also in building the mBOT.

We had a lot of fun and I’m happy to say that it was a hit.

After our Christmas break, we met with great anticipation first the FIRST Kickoff. The game reveal and starting the chassis build soon followed. We would meet after school a few days each week and also a full day on Saturday. Brainstorming and design alternatives were discussed and developed – the build was moving along nicely. Our first in-person event was quickly approaching and we still had a bunch of work to do.

Then, everything came to a screeching halt.

One of our newest mentors, Jeff Johnson – got really sick. We didn’t get a chance to attend our events.

Our robot never got completely programmed or totally finished being built, and de-bugged.
FIRST cancelled all subsequent events, and our FIRST robotics season was done.

Then, to make things even worse, Jeff passed away.

Over the summer, the team leaders (Tom Reisner, Regina Himmelspach, Lewis Cole, and myself) kept in contact and monitored the FIRST notifications, to see what plans were in the works for 2021.

The students were being taught classes virtually online, when they returned to school in the Fall. Meeting in-person was not an option, as the school district, state, and local governments wouldn’t allow it. (Which was fine with most of the mentors, as we were still all a bit shaken up by what happened with Jeff).

Previous to the FIRST announcement for how the 2021 FIRST Robotics season would be offered to teams that registered, the mentors had determined that we did want to try and continue mentoring our team at Osborn High School. We didn’t want to see the program simply disappear, or have to try and re-start it again from scratch, in the future.
I proposed that we do a virtual learning and competition event prior to the FIRST kickoff, similar to the year before – but, instead of after school in the classroom, it would be completed virtually “at home”.

Our lead teacher (Tom Reisner) successfully recruited the students from the previous year that were currently in school doing virtual learning. He created a Teams website for our students and mentors to collaborate, communicate, share ideas, and meet.

We completed the development of the curriculum, the training/teaching presentations, the “kit of parts”, the cost impact of the materials needed, ordered the materials, packaged the kits, and finished “The Final Challenge” Game competition. Each lesson had a theme which included famous scientists with a STEM based topic.

We had a plan to maintain a FIRST Robotics team, regardless if there were any events this year or not.
Tom Reisner was contacted by numerous sponsors, requesting information of our status – and if we would be registering a team this year. We indicated that we were certainly hoping to be able to compete this year.

We did register with First in Michigan, and were informed that we would be eligible for sponsorship funds. We encouraged and assisted getting the students to register on-line on the FIRST Inspires website.
When the FIRST Kickoff occurred this past January, we collectively agreed that we wanted to participate in the “at home skills challenges” – if, we were able to get access to the robot, the controls, the team programming laptop, and an approved safe location to meet, build, test, practice, setup, and compete at.
I also suggested that we attempt to do the “Game Design” challenge. I would lead them through the process, as I have had a pretty extensive history in developing robotic games. I previously designed games that were utilized in the Chief Delphi Invitational, when I was a co-lead mentor on Team 47. And, I designed previous Fall Robotics club competitions for my current team, 6099.
So, that was the plan that we reviewed at our virtual team meeting and with our students and mentors.

We have met every Saturday from 10am to noon, since Kickoff in January.
We attempted the Game Design Challenge, but were unsuccessful in meeting the deadline for submitting our design. That was mainly due to a lack of student participation and not having enough students volunteer to take on the additional work needed to develop and complete a submission of the game design.
Unfortunately, like many other schools, we have not had access to the various things previously mentioned, that would be needed to complete the “at home skills challenge”.
We have reviewed the scheduled curriculum topics for our virtual learning, and the students and mentors have completed the weekly build projects – which were included in the provided kits. We wanted to begin teaching the students programming, and felt the “drag and drop” logic used by MakeBlock would be the best 1st step. Here are a few examples of that type of coding.

We plan on teaching Python next, or using the ROMI robot kit provided by FIM and Magna to each robotics team in Michigan, to teach the students National Instruments Labview software.

That’s the software language our FIRST Robot uses.

I created a youtube video and revealed the “The Final Challenge” to the team this week. I notified everyone via our Microsoft Teams page and this Saturday, I will entertain any and all questions the students and mentors might have relative to rules or clarifications.
The Final Challenge video instructions.

The Final Challenge video instructions

The “kit of materials” delivered to each student’s home this past December included a full size replica of the playing field, and everything else needed to complete the projects associated with the learning topic each week.

The “Final Challenge”, requires the use of all the projects created over the past 9 weeks, plus additional necessary modifications.

Each student will be able to practice as much as they want to, before submitting their “best timed results”. We hope to be able to meet outside (in the parking lot at the school) or potentially in the gymnasium for an in-person competition and awards ceremony.

We are very, very grateful to our sponsors, FIM, and FIRST Robotics for the continued support – and the opportunity to try to influence & make a difference in the lives of our students.
Thank you,
Mike Aubry, on behalf of our Mentors and Students on Team 6099 Osborn Knight Riders