More complicated is better???

Question

Gentlemen:Did anyone else get an e-mail today from GlobalSpec touting their"Brain Strainer"?  Here's what they say:"Yes, it is rocket science - it's the new Brain Strainer! Put yoursuperior knowledge of physics to the test as you build a complex devicethat lights a fuse to launch a rocket. The more objects you use - andthe more complex your invention - the more points you score."Why on earth would you score more points for overcomplicating a device? Is this a joke?  I take it the goal is to see how much of a RubeGoldberg monstrosity you can create.Gentlemen, start your squirrell cages!DonKansas City

Fred Klingener · Accepted Answer

Must be kind of an "Apprentice" show that NASA's using to recruit designersfor the shuttle follow-on.Just a guess,Fred "Simplicate and Add Lightness" Klingener

eromlignod · Answer

I know what you mean about NASA. The travelling Smithsonian exibit came here a few years ago and the lunar splash-down capsule was one of the items on display. The capsule door was swung open and the hinge on it was one of the damnedest most elaborate, complicated, Mickey Mouse contraptions I've ever seen in my life! It must have had 200 custom-machined parts in it. I realize that it has to withstand high pressures and temperatures and blow open quickly in case of an emergecny, but wow! It's a damned hinge, for crying out loud!

I've always said that you can solve virtually any problem by overcomplicating it. I guess that's the design you end up with when you have almost limitless amounts of money and very little time.

"Simple is hard".

Don Kansas City

More complicated is better???

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