The Kids Know What the Adults Show

 By James Love

Rethinking What “Kids Know”

I was a big believer in the idea that kids know way more. And there are some very savvy, intelligent kids out there. But my experience has shown me something else: the kids know what the adults show.

As a counseling student, I have looked at theories around the stages of development. As a human being, I have watched kids emulate the people they are fond of—whether it be their own peers, an admired adult, or a family member like their mother or father.

I hear many adults say that kids today are smart and know way more because of technology, and yet those same adults will say that kids are out of touch and you can’t tell them anything. Well, the kids were not born that way. Somewhere along the line, someone older than them showed them not to care. Someone older than them made it okay to curse, to cheat, and to harm one another. Again, they were not born that way.

Technology and Influence

Technology is a double-edged sword. It can be used for good or for degradation. People often talk about how kids are exposed to too much, but I wonder—who are the ones posting and sharing what is considered “too much”?

The kids are not getting divine revelation to behave the way they do. Somewhere, there is an influence. Even if it’s a peer, that peer has likely been influenced by someone older.

Our Imperfections and Our Example

Of course, we all have our flaws and setbacks. We have all sinned. And it makes sense that there is no perfect, righteous example except Jesus Christ. But that doesn’t mean we should not put our best foot forward.

The youth still need examples. They still need willing teachers—and not just in school, but at home, in neighborhoods, and wherever they may be. This isn’t about passing tests or getting good grades. This is about raising up the youth—not as their pseudo parents, but as fellow community members—so that they have the knowledge and skills to use technology and to live as healthy, productive citizens.

Closing the Generational Gap

We must work together. The generational gaps must be closed, and it must be us, as adults, who humble ourselves and reach out to them. At the same time, they must be open enough to reach back.

I hope I am not preaching. This is simply an article that has been on my heart for some time. We are responsible for the youth we see—we collectively are responsible. We cannot just dismiss them as a problem to be ignored. They are our children, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Call to Action

We should not discard them, be absent, or reject them. They need us just as much as we need them. If we let another generation go by without being involved and hands-on, they will be raised by strangers. They will be raised by emotions. They will be raised by people who make a lot of money off their destruction.

Many of us do not want that, so let us do our part to raise our children up—to give them examples and lessons that will shape their minds for good, for the sanctity of life, for the good of humanity, and for the glory of God.

Building the Future: An Interview with Mr. Krauss on Robotics, Community, and the Next Generation

Building kids, not just robots — why robotics matters in Alamance County.

By James Love

Two student built robots 

When most people think of sports, they picture packed stadiums, roaring crowds, and dreams of going pro. But the reality is stark: only 8.1% of high school baseball players advance to the NCAA, and from there just 5.1% reach the major leagues — an overall 0.4% chance. For basketball and football, the odds are even slimmer, and if players make it ,professional careers average only 3–5 years. And yet, despite these realities, parents across Alamance County (and the United States) are continuing to encourage their children to pursue traditional athletics. Isn't there a sport where the success rates are higher? 

That’s where programs like FIRST Robotics come in. Founded by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST emphasizes two key values — Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition — which push students to work hard, innovate, and support one another while competing. 

FIRST Robotics info.

In Alamance County, Mr. Krauss has taken that mission to heart. A third-generation engineer, industry veteran, and now leader of a green-tech startup, he has turned his passion for problem-solving and teaching into a movement that is shaping the next generation of leaders.

Mr. Krauss and I took a moment to talk about his journey, his family, and why robotics may be one of the most important investments our community can make.

---

Interview with Mr. Krauss

Mr. Krauss assisting a student/James Love capturing the moment

James Love (JL): Would you tell me some of your story?

Mr. Krauss (MK): I’m the grandson of German immigrants, and a third-generation Ph.D. in engineering — my father was the first, then my grandfather after he retired. I’ve worked for Dow Chemical, IBM, and SquareD — all massive companies — and now I’m part of a startup called PRTI. Our goal is to save the planet from waste tires, turning them back into diesel fuel oil, carbon, and steel while minimizing impact on the environment.

JL: Are robots a part of your family history?

MK: Not really--the only robotics touchpoint that I can think of is my father who taught at a community college in Michigan where the auto industry is big. He started a course to train technicians to work with assembly line robots and even had a lab for it. Robots are certainly part of our family now!

JL: Why robotics?

MK:  I have three sons who learn better by doing than by sitting in class. I love solving problems with sound technical fundamentals and math — and I love teaching. I pour way too much time into creating a safe, constructive environment (the team's build space and shop in Holly Hill Mall) where students can get off their phones, develop socially, learn how to use tools, and build systems that solve problems. That way they can learn, grow, and flourish.

[And] one thing led to another, like stepping stones across a river. My oldest son joined a robotics team at his high school. After two years, we formed our own team. Once you go to a competition and feel the excitement, you get hooked. Students work hard building a robot, and then they discover competitions are really--at heart--a celebration of their hard work together and not a matter of winning or losing individual matches. One parent told me they went to a Panthers game and later to a robotics competition — and said robotics was far more exciting. Plus, you don’t have to pay to get in.

3D printers are used to create parts for robots

JL: Why is it important for Alamance County to embrace robotics?

MK: Our goal is to develop confident students with top-notch, practical skills. Robotics is a tool toward that end. The way FIRST runs competitions makes robotics fun, which motivates teams to meet deadlines and iterate on designs. The motivation comes from within the students — not adults — and that’s powerful.

But robotics also teaches systems: electrical, mechanical, structural, software, and automation engineering. Look at medicine, transportation, agriculture, retail, and food service — automation is everywhere. Alamance County, with its farmland, transportation hubs, warehouses, and growing medical needs, is going to require skilled local talent.

What makes FIRST special is that it blends engineering with business: human resources, conflict resolution, finance, marketing, branding, presentations. Those skills are just as critical for our county’s future as technical skills.

---

Final Thoughts

Mr. Krauss’s story reminds us that while professional sports may capture headlines, it’s education, innovation, and teamwork that build lasting careers and communities. Robotics in Alamance County isn’t just about machines — it’s about preparing young people for a future where automation, creativity, and leadership will shape every industry.

Or, as Dean Kamen once said: “We’re not using kids to build robots. We’re using robots to build kids.”

Mr. Stober helping a group of students problem solve

 

Early Morning Hoops at the Y Offer More Than Just a Game

Members playing pick-up basketball at the Alamance YMCA 

Circa: ? 

Image credit: The Alamance County YMCA

Local hoopers find health, fellowship, and mentorship on the court before sunrise

by James R. Love

BURLINGTON, N.C. — At 6:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays, the basketball court at the Alamance County YMCA is already vibrant with the early risers getting in a few pick-up basketball games before work and school. For many, the early morning runs are as much about community as competition.

Brock Parker, a regular who often brings his sons to the early morning runs before dropping them off at school, says the routine keeps him grounded:

“Man, those morning runs at the Y—it’s a great thing to do in the morning. It gets you up, gets you going, keeps you healthy. It also allows you to fellowship and work with other guys. It’s a little competitive—we talk trash, we have fun, and we just enjoy the game. It lets us escape from whatever is going on in life, and we just make the best of it.

I think it’s needed throughout the community because it’s something very therapeutic—and [on top of that], we exercise. I suggest everybody get into it. That’s why I’m always wanting the younger generation to come out, because I think it’s something they can get hooked into instead of maybe adapting to the streets. It gives them an escape from what’s going on in their life. Maybe they’re going through a little peer pressure—well, let’s talk about it on the ball court.

You know what I’m saying? I think it’s needed. And I love it.”

For Parker, and many others, the benefits extend beyond physical health. The games provide a safe and positive environment for younger players while also giving adults a place to connect. The morning runs also create networking opportunities, as conversations that start courtside often spill over into professional connections, mentorships, and friendships.

As the clock nears 8 a.m., everyone begins to go their separate ways—some heading to work, others dropping children off at school, and some stay around to do extra cardio. Though they parted ways, the sense of connection lingers, carrying into the rest of the day and beyond. 

For Alamance County residents looking for an early-morning boost, the YMCA gym is open, the lights are on, and an awesome fellowship awaits.

---

If You Go

• What: Early Morning Basketball Runs

• When: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays at 6:30 a.m.

• Where: Alamance County Community YMCA, 1346 S. Main St., Burlington, NC

• Who Can Play: Open to YMCA members; middle school - adult players welcome

• More Info: Visit Alamance County YMCA or call (336) 227-8566

Today's the Big Day

I am excited and totally anticipating this afternoon's event. I couldn't sleep last night. I went over the program multiple times, just wanting to be sure that everything was ready to go. And the day is here, so it's go time! "Barbershop Talk with Dr. Carr" — LIVE from International Styles and Cuts, Whitsett NC. 

There's always the worry in the back of your mind that something unexpected will happen. Something always goes off script--it's bound to happen. That's the nature of this business. But we roll with the challenges. When life throws us curve balls, we do our best to get on base--and sometimes we hit a homer. We'll see what today holds. It feels like a homer kind of day.

 That same mentality is relevant to life. When we are challenged, we do not ask why us anymore. We ask what does it take to win here? Whatever the win is for that situation. 

Personally, there are things that I want to address, but not at the expense of making thought-provoking and inspiring visual art. So I let it cook, and trust our creator in my personal creative process. 

But for the record, my mom's passing is serving as an inspiration to me in ways I could have never imagined. Every single day, I wake up with a renewed sense of what it means to be alive, excited to have another opportunity to change a life for good. 

And today's event feels like it will be one of those life-changing moments. Someone asked if we will do this again, if we will do a women's event, if we will go to other barbershops. All of those are exciting possibilities. All I can do is say stay tuned and join us today for our livestream "Barbershop Talk with Dr. Carr" today at 4 pm LIVE from International Styles and Cuts in Whitsett, North Carolina. 

See you live at 4!

James 

Extra-Ordinary

 

(Image Credit: The Love Trollinger Initiative LLC via James Love)

It’s safe to say we like making extraordinary highlights of ordinary people.
People ministering, people chasing their dreams, people running their small businesses. Teachers and their daily feats. The family mourning the loss of a loved one and how they endure. A new church opening in the middle of nowhere but full of life and promise. We are here to help document those stories and many more!

We want to be an integral part of the documentary/documentation space.
We want to help produce the ideas, then document them being acted out. That’s art. Idea, creation, documentation.

And so hopefully the next time you set out to tell your story, you won’t feel like you are at it alone or the only one who cares about it.
We care too. The voices and documentation of some people are getting fewer and fewer. Tech leaders are monitoring platforms, allowing disinformation, and no state regulation of artificial intelligence. We want to be around not for clicks and virality, but to assist in grounding us in our creative reality. We simply want to help produce the idea, create it, and document it.

This is a continuation of our art that helps people.
Our art which seeks to be interested in others. We are not bashing anyone. We just want to be here as things are getting crazy, so we can offer some more grounded, extraordinary regular productions that will keep it real enough for you to feel and return to when things start losing more of the feelings behind their creation. Intelligence but no heart. Networks but no connection. In the midst of all that, we will be here.

We are not taking ourselves and our gifts for granted, but we are also not so consumed with ourselves that we cannot see and appreciate our fellow human and their differences.
For anyone that we lost along the way, we never really lost you. Your exit was to clear space for us to be here and download this information from our heads and hearts straight to you now, reading this. We are grateful for every experience. We understand now that there is no greater art than the art of life, the art of God.

So this is an exciting time for us!
If it still exists when you read this, check out www.ltisite.com to see what we are up to.

You can also check the archive (here) and it will have as much as it can hold (as much as one person (for now) can update it).

Best,

James

PS

hmm...is that how you got here?