h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I think the split was the worst possible thing that could have happened. I had been participating since I was a wee'un, and my seventh grade year, the split had been marked. We did the engineering problem 'Elasti-pumper' and somehow managed to get to the world level. From region to state to world, we might have had four competitors. My eighth grade year, we did Destination ImagiNation with much better results. Of course, there are teams on both sides of the line whose coaches do all of the work... It's sad when a group of adults take charge of something that's supposed to be a kids' activity and make it political.

Wow, we never made it past the State competition, though we did place one year. NY is fairly competive though. My state (NY at the time) never seemed to support Destination Imagination, so I have no idea what that one was really like.

We never really let the coaches do any work, but I think it's harder for them not to help than for the kids not to accept it. My school wasn't all that supportive of OM so we (I) did all the work, including getting registered every year.

My mother was always the coach, and she flat-out refused to do anything for us. I'm glad she didn't because it was always so much fun to awe the judges with our skills. *rollseyes*

Yes, our school didn't provide any funding until we actually won something and the principle decided it could benefit him. Then he appointed coaches who would do all of the work. That was about the time I quit. You did all of the work? One of those fun teams, I'm guessing.

Yeah, my mom was always the coach and she had a lot of fun trying not to suggest anything for us. She also decided that we would do better at spontaneous by not practicing any all year, since we tended to get way out of hand and off the wall if we didn't watch out.

The team was lots of fun, it just tended to be me stepping in ad doing things. Especially cleaning up. Somehow everyone always had someplace else to be when it came time to clean.

Not practicing spontaneous all year? Sheesh, I think that was my mom's favorite part. We did so many of those marshmallow/toothpick problems that I can't see them without thinking of OM. Off the wall? Like 'this paper plate is organized religion?'

Oh, yes. The classic 'it's 3:30PM, there's paint all over the garage, I guess I'd better get home, bye!'

Yeah. We usually used clay and straws, but the feeling's about the same.

My mom gave up on spontaneous after the year that we managed to work "folding sheep" as an answer to anything she asked. My fault, really. One problem was things that fold, and me, having run out of things to say, responded with "portable sheep." You know, you have to fold up its legs and then it's all set for carrying.

It makes you want to construct small bridges and boats, does it not?

Hahahaha, oh, man, I think I would have gotten chewed out royally after practice for that.

It does. And take various unrelated objects and explain to people what they could conceivably be used for. And now I have it in my mind that raw spaghetti is more for construction than for food.

Everyone just laughed. I get weird when I'm desperate. Sometimes it can pull off creative or funny, but it's mostly plain old bizarre.

Oh, balloons and plastic forks. What can you possibly make out of that? Raw spaghetti is construction work. I always hated the fact that it broke so easily.

Bizarre gets high marks, though. That's what you're supposed to go for, I think, but sometimes it gets a little... too much.

Yeah, is exactly how I get when I get desperate. You have to be wary of the plastic forks, because they make great weapons. Just because we all liked each other didn't mean that we didn't want to kill each other, too. I almost did in one of my teammates with a paintbrush once.

Hehe, I usually just get obscure. Ooh, how with a paintbrush? I almost got someone with a hot-glue gun, once. I have no feeling in the tips of my fingers after Create and Animate's experience from those stupid things.

Being stabbed to death by a paintbrush would not be a pleasant death. We somehow never used hot glue guns all that much. We did have a few people who were expressly forbidden from using staple guns, so they used them at every possible opportunity.

Yes, that does sound rather gruesome. You'd have to use the wooden/plastic handle, though. Well...then again... Really, no hot-glue guns? Staple guns were a real favorite. Someone brought one of those old ones that their dad had...you know, the old ones that don't have to be pressed up against something in order to shoot staples. Muahahahaha...

Oooh, even better

Power tools are the best, though!

I do have a certain fondness for power tools. I love table saws...hehehe...

I have to say that I tend to express a preference for the power drill. Mmmm, not only can it put holes in things, but it screws as well.

Yes, it is a very dynamic tool. It can drill, screw, and is perfect for threatening the non-worker. Ah, sweet memories.

Nice to know you've got the proper attitude about these things.

Well, one must be objective in these matters.

Indeed. Power tools are dangerouns and must be treated with proper respect.