Kalamazoo WaterJet is Proud to be Part of ABC TV’s Battlebots!

         

Thursday, June 30^rd at 8PM EST will be the second episode of “Battlebots – Season 2”. And, Consort’s very own Bryan Lepley may be glimpsed on-camera at the Los Angeles ABC studio’s taping of the show. Consort’s Kalamazoo Waterjet division is, for the second year in a row, a major sponsor for the “WitchDoctor” crew and Bryan was invited to attend the competition in late May. But, “Mum is the word about who won and how Witch Doctor came out,” says Bryan. “Everyone signed a non-disclosure so I can’t say a thing! Just watch the show and find out. I can tell you that our Witch Doctor is supposed to appear on episode two, on the 30^th.”

            So, what is Battlebots? Here’s a brief overview: “The homemade robots are back for season two, where they will battle against each other in a single elimination tournament until there is one champion. The ten episode series will feature next generation robots – bigger, faster and stronger than ever before. The show will continue to emphasize the design and build elements of each robot, the bot builder backstories, their intense pursuit of the championship and the spectacle of the event. While there's only one weight class, there are a huge variety of deadly weapons. Forty-eight robots will enter, but in the end, only one will win the final trophy.”

            Until you see these robots in action you can’t imagine what this is all about, but check out this Youtube video of last year’s battle between Witch Doctor and Tombstone and you’ll get the idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4AAIfQD8ew . According to Bryan, all robots were redesigned and are generally tougher and proved to be more aggressive, especially Witch Doctor. Each entry has a weight limit and if there is an accompanying smaller robot or drone with the main entry, the total weight of the two cannot exceed 250 pounds. Witch Doctor has a little buddy, named Shaman, and there are flying drones with other entries. The drones are new for this year.

            The show is ten episodes and you’ll find that it’s somewhat addicting to see how the different designs and structures hold up against each other. “These folks are all nuts, but in a good way!,” says Bryan.

            Through Bryan’s efforts Kalamazoo’s own Schupan and Sons and Good Metals Company of Grand Rapid are also a Witch Doctor sponsors, making Southwest Michigan well-represented at this amazing battleground. 
Roger Lepley

Bacon, High in the Sky!

Well, as we say here at Consort, "What's Next?!"  How about bacon images on your Dori Pole pennants? 'Bet you never thought of that!

Yes, it's true, in Consort's home town of Kalamazoo, the annual 26.2 marathon has been a major community event near the first part of May for many years. For the past four years the inspired and enthusiastic neighbors that live near the halfway point have sponsored what every creative marathon needs, a Bacon Station! With porcine delights of many forms the racers are enticed to drop their racer-motivated diets for just the opposite. Of course, most of the bacon and bacon muffins, cookies, fudge, and so on are eagerly consumed by the cheering spectators. But, a surprising amount of the meat-candy is taken up by the racers,usually to be tossed aside 50 yards later where the neighborhood dogs have taken up their cheering section. Ruff! More! Ruff! More!

A delightful time for all and the racers appreciate the attention and support, even if they aren't into the dubious nutrition being offered them.

The bacon pennants are not a stock item in our array of available pennants, but if you're interested in those or have an idea for a specialty pennant design, contact your Consort sales rep today.
Submitted by Roger Lepley