This is a testamonial to the power of the Junkyard in my own home.

On tuesday, my 8 year old nephew had a question about propellers for his school science class. Having just seen the "Powerboats" episode on monday night, I was fully prepared. Some popsicle sticks, eye hooks, one pencil stub, an elastic band and a piece of construction paper later, aided by the high speed workshop's hot glue gun and a pair of scissors, and presto! a working model to take to school.

The producers should be sending vidios to science teachers in schools all over the world. The difference between a poorly written science text like my nephew has to put up with, and exciting, hands on training will make the difference between children who go on to become builders, thinkers and doers, and those who are unable and unwilling to fix problems when they arise.

My best regards to the JYW team. This isn't just mere entertainment any more!

-- Arthur Majoor (a_majoor@hotmail.com), February 28, 2001

Answers

Arthur, I have turned on many of my coworkers and friends to JYW, those with kids tape the shows because the kids love to watch them over, and over, and over again. My team members boys even go so far as to grab a few pieces of junk, add some 7 and 9 year old imagination, and create all kinds of stuff. We have spent many hours sipping on a cool one and watch them do this. You can't buy this kind of entertainment. So, I have to agree with you one hundred percent as to the educational value of the show to aspiring young engineers. Only problem is if we get too many folks interested, it'll become even harder to get on the show. The 3rd Wits are still waiting (along with 400+ other teams) to find out who gets to be on this year...Ken Sklorenko

-- Ken Sklorenko (tamba12@hotmail.com), February 28, 2001.

Let's see, two shows a night, 5 times a week, 50 weeks of programming (2 weeks exempt for Christmas, the Superbowl, etc.) We can do it! Either that or get a specialty channel just for JYW.

Best luck to all teams, and I look forward to seeing you on the 2001 season.

-- Arthur Majoor (a_majoor@hotmail.com), February 28, 2001.