Texas Special

[up148]

Bob, the "Kobayashi Maru" was a "no-win' scenario, explained in the Star Trek Movie Series, to test all soon to be captains. It was actually a test of character to see if you would just rollover and die or fight until the end, when faced with an unwinnable situation. It also referenced Captain Kirk's unique way of handling this computerized test.

But, you have to be somewhat of a Trekkie to know that. I used it tongue-in-cheek, because I thought this discussion about the eBay listing was spiralling into a "no-win" for the participants and I was trying to add some levity to the situation to prevent things being said that might have been regretted later.

Just for clarity, Captain Kirk, when a cadet taking the Kobayashi Maru test, did win. But, only because he reprogrammed the computer to allow him to win. He got an accommodation for resourcefulness, even though he cheated. I guess when you're a captain of a starship, anything that saves you and your crew is OK.

BH

[bob turner]

Well, some of the smartest folks I ever met were Trekkies. They all got Ph.Ds in applied physics and went on to JPL. I, on the other hand, spent too much time partying and escaped with a Masters. I never did figure out the appeal. Now I laugh at Sheldon, having had a mere brush with all that, a very long time ago.

[up148]

Star Trek 1st came out on TV in 1966 (IIRC) and was broadcast in color and really appealed to teenagers of our generation. I can remember going over to a girlfriends house, who had a color TV and watching it on Wednesday night with other friends. For a generation growing up on 1950's sci-fi movies, it was a step up.

BH