A challenge for JYW that I believe could be fun to compete in, entertaining to watch and somewhat educational would involve building a mechanical device that is capable of lifting, tossing, hitting and pushing an object through an obstacle coarse. The coarse should require the object (a large ball) to be moved a considerable distance so it may take more than one toss to achieve this. Lifting of the object so it can be reloaded and tossed again. Hitting and pushing so the object can be maneuvered under and around obstacles and into a goal or over a finish line. This could be done as a team effort, once around the course with the fewest touches of the object wins. Or a relay with each team member giving it a go around. As for the mechanics of the device it will need to have motor so it can be fun and be driven arounnd the course. And human power to drive the lifting and tossing mechanism.

Junkilogically yours, Matthew Beckmeyer Captain of the Harebrained B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S (brothers reaching ot to help everyone recycle scrap)

-- Matthew Beckmeyer (MJBeckmeyer@aol.com), March 03, 2001

Answers

Wow! Matthew, remember that if we get on the show we may be asked to do what you are proposing. Wouldn't it be easier to build a Saturn V rocket and launch it? Just kidding bro. Sounds like fun, and if I know you, you're probably hatching more ideas every minute!

-- Michael (mdbeckmeyer@aol.com), March 04, 2001.

More engine power and less human power! Power to the machines!!! (as long as we are still doing the thinking for the machines)

-- Tim Beckmeyer (tipabe@yahoo.com), March 06, 2001.