Wayne Dunstan, a former physical education teacher and consultant, is credited with popularizing sport stacking (or cup stacking), the activity involving quickly stacking and unstacking specially designed cups in specific patterns. While speed stacking is now a globally recognized sport with official rules and competitions, Dunstan initially developed it in the 1980s as a low-cost, inclusive activity for his students in Oceanside, California, to improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. The activity's simplicity and engaging nature led to its widespread adoption in schools and youth programs, ultimately transforming it into the phenomenon it is today.
StoryTiming offers a race timing system with integrated video replay. It allows race organizers to easily capture finish line footage, synchronize it with timing data, and generate shareable result videos for participants. These videos show each finisher crossing the line with their time and placing overlaid, enhancing the race experience and providing a personalized memento. The system is designed to be simple to set up and operate, aiming to streamline the timing process for races of various sizes.
HN users generally praised the clean UI and functionality of the race timing app. Several commenters with experience in race timing pointed out the difficulty of getting accurate readings, particularly with RFID, and offered suggestions like using multiple readers and filtering out spurious reads. Some questioned the scalability of the system for larger races. Others appreciated the detailed explanation of the technical challenges and solutions implemented, specifically mentioning the clever use of GPS and the value of the instant replay feature for both participants and organizers. There was also discussion about alternative timing methods and the potential for integrating with existing platforms. A few users expressed interest in using the system for other applications beyond racing.
Summary of Comments ( 40 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43053908
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and popularity of "Speed Stacks" and similar cup stacking sets. Some recalled using them in school, with varying levels of enjoyment and perceived educational value. Several commenters questioned the claimed benefits of cup stacking for hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity, viewing it more as a toy or game than a serious developmental tool. Others pointed out the marketing savvy behind the product's success, creating a competitive "sport" around a simple activity. The idea of the inventor profiting handsomely from school budgets also drew some cynical remarks. A few users shared alternative, cheaper DIY versions of the cups, highlighting the simplicity of the concept.
The Hacker News post "If you ever stacked cups in gym class, blame my dad" (linking to a Defector article about the same topic) has generated a modest number of comments, exploring various angles related to cup stacking.
Several commenters reminisce about their own experiences with cup stacking, either in gym class or other contexts. Some recall it as a fun and engaging activity, while others found it tedious or pointless. This nostalgic thread runs through several comments, providing a shared experience among users.
A few comments discuss the purported benefits of cup stacking, such as improving hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Some express skepticism about these claims, while others offer anecdotal evidence supporting them. This leads to a brief back-and-forth about the actual educational or developmental value of the activity.
One commenter points out the similarities between cup stacking and the skills required for certain jobs, such as working on an assembly line or in a fast-paced restaurant. This observation adds another layer to the discussion, suggesting that cup stacking might have more practical applications than initially apparent.
Another thread focuses on the commercial aspects of cup stacking, with some commenters criticizing the "Speed Stacks" brand and its perceived artificial inflation of the activity's importance. This ties into a broader discussion about marketing and the creation of niche markets.
A couple of commenters mention alternative stacking games or activities they engaged in as children, offering different cultural perspectives and highlighting the variety of ways children develop similar skills.
Finally, some comments directly address the author of the Defector article, expressing appreciation for the story and its personal touch. They also extend their greetings to the author's father, the inventor of sport stacking.
While the discussion doesn't delve into highly technical or complex topics, it offers a diverse range of perspectives on a seemingly simple activity, touching upon nostalgia, educational value, commercialization, and personal experiences.