In the quirky, cool state of Massachusetts, where clam chowder has its own fan club and where 'wicked' is an adjective, there's a special group of kids who have traded their baseball bats and ballet shoes for gears and gizmos. These are the Robo-Munchkins, the fun-loving, brainy kids who've found their happy place in the whirring, bleeping, and clanking world of robotics. The leader of this wicked cool group is Bleep-Bloop-Benny, a jolly, freckle-faced ten-year-old with an uncanny knack for turning old toasters into talking robots. Benny, sporting a baseball cap worn backwards and a tool belt around his waist, often seen with a screwdriver in one hand and a Boston cream pie in the other, leads this motley crew of robot rascals. And then, there's Gearhead-Grace, a feisty eight-year-old with pigtails that bob when she argues about the superiority of hydraulic actuators over electric motors. She's known for her invention of a donut-making robot, which keeps the Robo-Munchkins fueled during their late-night invention sessions. Oh, and let's not forget Whiz-Bang-Will, the master of robot dance-offs; and Jigsaw-Jane, the queen of robotic puzzles, with her magical ability to see how all the pieces fit together. These whip-smart, robotics-obsessed kids from Massachusetts don't just build robots; they invent companions, tell stories, and solve problems that even adults find perplexing. And while other kids dream of becoming sports stars or pop singers, the Robo-Munchkins are busy programming their way to a future where humans and robots live, work, and eat Boston cream pie together. Now, that's wicked cool!
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Chi-Slam Table Tennis Club (Age 6–Adult) is Chicago’s premier table tennis destination, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners just getting started to advanced competitors. Founded in 2003 and located at 2412 W. North Ave, Chi-Slam offers everything a table tennis enthusiast could want: one-on-one and youth lessons, open play sessions, league play, table rentals, and even pro shop selections like Butterfly equipment. Lessons are tailored by Coach Ardy, who brings over 20 years of experience and a passion for teaching that not only builds skill but also fosters confidence, coordination, and competitive spirit. Whether you’re looking for a fun after-school activity or serious training for tournaments, Chi-Slam delivers a community-oriented, energetic environment that makes every swing count.
Introducing the Titans, FRC Team 1474, a group of high school students in grades 9-12 who work together as part of the FIRST Robotics Competition! This year's theme was based on a retro video game, and the challenge is to build a robot that can complete specific tasks. The Titans come up with their own plans and designs for their robots, with the help of professional engineers and financial aid from sponsors. For the 2019 season, known as "Deep Space", the alliance of teams will have to work together to pick up rubber balls called "Cargo" and place them in rocket and cargo ships, as well as place "Hatch Panels" onto the ships to keep the cargo from falling out. To win points, the robots must also return to the "HAB Platform" with three levels, with higher levels awarding more points. The Titans are sure to pull out all the stops to rise to the challenge!