Many users to the FIRSTConnects.Us site (us included) have been experiencing slowness and an onslaught of error messages.  We sincerely apologize for this (believe us, it's been been just as hard trying to troubleshoot) and think we may have found the cause of these issues.  It looks like the server we're on has been having some overuse issues, including a possible DDOS attack, so we're in the process of moving to a new server in the coming days.  The only effects that you should see is a return to the snappy site we've grown used to, and we'll keep you posted on any

I would like to congratulate all FCU users on being honored by a Regional Chairman's award!  Thanks to all of you, this site has been recognized by at the Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional for helping to connect FIRST members, new and old, as part of Dean's homework.
If you're going to Atlanta, we're going to be having an event there, so keep your eyes posted for a FIRSTConnects.Us scavenger hunt.  Prizes include Limited Edition FCU shirts, and it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun!

Only 4 days left until we leave for Atlanta- our whole team is very excited.
We have spent our spring break in school, building an improved pit and a new kicker prototype.

Unfortunately, there isn't internet access at the Hartford regional location, so I'm going to be updating you from our hotel.  We spent most of today setting up shop here, but we've also managed to start doing some FIRSTConnects.Us signups... and I think I've heard something about another raffle!
Anyway, stay posted.  I think I sense a new feature announcement pretty soon!

Right now, I'm writing from the FIRSTConnects.Us booth at the New York Regional. Since Friday, we've been showing off the site and getting more people registered... there is a giant stack of new sign-ups next to me, and we're still getting a steady stream of people coming by.

So our team has five days left to submit its Chairman's Essay, Woodie Flowers submission, and team website. It's unbelievable how quickly the build season has passed, and though I'm looking forward to leaving Stuyvesant a little earlier than 9 at night, I almost wish I had a few more days left on the team. As stressful and punishing as the robotics team is, I don't know how long it'll be until I need to push myself this hard again, and I'm kind of impressed to see how much the team can accomplish in a short six weeks.

Those users with Gmail accounts can now follow posts on FIRSTConnects.Us through the Google Buzz interface!  Not only is this tool a convenient addition to RSS feeds we currently offer, but it also allows for easy sharing of interesting content with your contacts.

Only 15 days left until award submissions are due... even though marketing has a consistent amount of work year-round, it's still crunch time right after the third week of build season ends. I'm listening to bad pop music to try and stay awake to focus on what needs to get done at the next few meetings. It usually takes at least a half hour of planning before every meeting for things to run smoothly.

So we're halfway through the build season, and I'm halfway through my senior year. The first few days of the school year don't seem that far behind, and if I think about it, neither were my first few days on the team.

So I'm working on the Lab 2.  Hopefully, we're gonna be featuring our animation team, web design, Joe the Beast and not the lesser Joe.  Also find out what happens when you use orange-scented soap with pumice to lubricate a gearbox.  

Week 4 is just about to begin...

-Chairman