SF 1
Tel Aviv A
Haifa A
Ljubljana A
Groningen A
SF 2
Leiden A
Galatasaray C
Tel Aviv B
Leiden C
Motion and positions will be announced at around 4:20.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Open Break Semis
SF 1:
OG Oxford B
OO Tel Aviv A
CG UCD L&H A
CO Oxford A
SF 2:
OG Nottingham B
OO Oxford E
CG Cambridge B
CO Oxford C
on the motion:
This House believes that desecration of religious sites is a legitimate tactic of warfare.
OG Oxford B
OO Tel Aviv A
CG UCD L&H A
CO Oxford A
SF 2:
OG Nottingham B
OO Oxford E
CG Cambridge B
CO Oxford C
on the motion:
This House believes that desecration of religious sites is a legitimate tactic of warfare.
QF ESL Motion
THW allow the Police to physically discipline children below the age of criminal responsibility.
QF Open break
I promise to update this information later; Open break QF were held before the QF ESL, on the motion (vaguely) that
THW allow political parties to designate certain pre-election claims as binding, and whose breach would prompt re-elections.
From what I've heard, none of the debates was great.
THW allow political parties to designate certain pre-election claims as binding, and whose breach would prompt re-elections.
From what I've heard, none of the debates was great.
Main Break
1 Oxford A (20)
2 Oxford C (18)
3 Oxford E (17)
4 UCD L&H A (16)
5 Nottingham A (16)
6 Durham B (16)
7 Cambridge B (15)
8 Oxford B (15)
9 UCC Phil A (15)
10 Cambridge E (15)
11 Cambridge D (15)
12 Tel Aviv A (15)
13 UCD L&H B (15)
14 Nottingham B (15)
15 St. Andrews A (15)
16 UCD Law A (15)
Well done, Tel Aviv A!
2 Oxford C (18)
3 Oxford E (17)
4 UCD L&H A (16)
5 Nottingham A (16)
6 Durham B (16)
7 Cambridge B (15)
8 Oxford B (15)
9 UCC Phil A (15)
10 Cambridge E (15)
11 Cambridge D (15)
12 Tel Aviv A (15)
13 UCD L&H B (15)
14 Nottingham B (15)
15 St. Andrews A (15)
16 UCD Law A (15)
Well done, Tel Aviv A!
ESL Break
1 Tel Aviv A
2 Leiden A
3 Tel Aviv B
4 Berlin A
5 Ljubljana B
6 Erasmus A
7 SSE Riga A
8 Haifa A
9 IDC Herzliya A
10 Galatasaray A
11 Leiden C
12 Groningen A
13 Bilkent A
14 Tilbury House Cologne B
15 Haifa C
16 Ljubljana A
Israel is back!
2 Leiden A
3 Tel Aviv B
4 Berlin A
5 Ljubljana B
6 Erasmus A
7 SSE Riga A
8 Haifa A
9 IDC Herzliya A
10 Galatasaray A
11 Leiden C
12 Groningen A
13 Bilkent A
14 Tilbury House Cologne B
15 Haifa C
16 Ljubljana A
Israel is back!
Judge break
The judging pool this year was incredibly deep.
The judges breaking are:
Adriaan Andringa
Alex Ward
Alex Worsnip
Anat Gelber
Andrew Fitch
Andrew Tuffin
Anne Valkering
Ashleigh Lamming
Assen Kochev
Bob Nimmo
Bryn Gough
Can Okar
Craig Doherty
Dani Quinn
Daniel Warents
Deidre Milner
Derek Lande
Ewan MacDonald
Fleur Praal
Fred Cowell
Gavin Illsley
Giles Robertson
Gregg O'Neill
Isabelle Loewe
James Dray
James Prior
Jens Fischer
Julia Lawlor
Kirsty Russell
Leela Koenig
Lewis Iwu
Mhairi Murdoch
Nick Long
Oisin Collins
Roger Cotes
Rosie Unwin
Ross McGuire
Sam Block
Sayeqa Islam
Seun Inaynuwira
Simone Van Elk
Spela Krancj
Tarit Mukherjee
Uve Poom
Victor Chernov
Will Jones
Willard Foxton
Yauheni Akulich
The judges breaking are:
Adriaan Andringa
Alex Ward
Alex Worsnip
Anat Gelber
Andrew Fitch
Andrew Tuffin
Anne Valkering
Ashleigh Lamming
Assen Kochev
Bob Nimmo
Bryn Gough
Can Okar
Craig Doherty
Dani Quinn
Daniel Warents
Deidre Milner
Derek Lande
Ewan MacDonald
Fleur Praal
Fred Cowell
Gavin Illsley
Giles Robertson
Gregg O'Neill
Isabelle Loewe
James Dray
James Prior
Jens Fischer
Julia Lawlor
Kirsty Russell
Leela Koenig
Lewis Iwu
Mhairi Murdoch
Nick Long
Oisin Collins
Roger Cotes
Rosie Unwin
Ross McGuire
Sam Block
Sayeqa Islam
Seun Inaynuwira
Simone Van Elk
Spela Krancj
Tarit Mukherjee
Uve Poom
Victor Chernov
Will Jones
Willard Foxton
Yauheni Akulich
Break announcement to follow
The Irish are still singing, but other than that we are all getting ready for the break announcement - less tension than usual with only one closed round.
There has been a lot of discussion specifically about the last two motions (custody hearings and placebos), though, so we are interested in how teams fared.
There has been a lot of discussion specifically about the last two motions (custody hearings and placebos), though, so we are interested in how teams fared.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Motion R7 EUDC 2009
This House would allow doctors to actively lie to their patients in order to create or augment a placebo effect.
Comments?
Comments?
Sorry apology, but good news just before the last prelim
... I have managed to get access to the network at the Newcastle Union! It's just before round 7 now, so just a few quick updates:
The motions for the previous rounds were:
R4: THB the gay rights movement should oppose gay marriages.
R5: THB western liberal countries have a moral duty to spread democracy across the world using force where necessary.
R6: THB custody hearings should not take a child's biological parentage into account.
The top team right now is Oxford A (JLM and Sheng-Wu) on 17, because they lost to Oxford C (Neill and Max) in R6. One of the Cambridge teams is on 15, but even in the top room the fourth team might not yet be secure.
In fact, the whole competition seems to be incredibly tight, with after R5 ALL ROOMS BUT one still live.
The top ESL teams is probably SSE Riga A, on 11 after R5, and there are strong contestants from Israel (Yoni and Uri did well), Netherlands (Leiden A on 11 after R6, Leiden B on 9, Leiden C on 8) and Germany (Berlin A on 10).
A few other results as we are going into R7:
Galatasaray A 11
Koc A 10
Bilkent A 10
Haifa A 12
Tel Aviv A 11
Orient A 13
Tel Aviv B 13
Haifa B (?) 10
I'll keep on collecting...
The motions for the previous rounds were:
R4: THB the gay rights movement should oppose gay marriages.
R5: THB western liberal countries have a moral duty to spread democracy across the world using force where necessary.
R6: THB custody hearings should not take a child's biological parentage into account.
The top team right now is Oxford A (JLM and Sheng-Wu) on 17, because they lost to Oxford C (Neill and Max) in R6. One of the Cambridge teams is on 15, but even in the top room the fourth team might not yet be secure.
In fact, the whole competition seems to be incredibly tight, with after R5 ALL ROOMS BUT one still live.
The top ESL teams is probably SSE Riga A, on 11 after R5, and there are strong contestants from Israel (Yoni and Uri did well), Netherlands (Leiden A on 11 after R6, Leiden B on 9, Leiden C on 8) and Germany (Berlin A on 10).
A few other results as we are going into R7:
Galatasaray A 11
Koc A 10
Bilkent A 10
Haifa A 12
Tel Aviv A 11
Orient A 13
Tel Aviv B 13
Haifa B (?) 10
I'll keep on collecting...
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Yourgermancorrespondent @ Newcastle Euros 2009 - the first day
The first day of Newcastle Euros has passed already, but the network coverage is a bit sketchy. This post is written from a mobile phone in the nice trent house bar...
I will update you later with more details, but essentially this has happened: newcastle euros is great, it has a very gritty, studenty feeling to it. Organisation is very friendly, but because of registration problems, the first round started with a significant delay. As a result, there will in total only be 7 and not 8 rounds, as it had been planned. As the result of an interesting procedure (more on this later), 6 rounds will be open adjudication.
The motions so far:
R1: thw allow the police to use entrapment.
R2: thw use the education system to instill moral norms in children beyond mere obedience to the law.
R3: thw grant citizenship to illegal immigrants who report on work-place exploitation.
There will be more stories and motion analysis later. But comments are as ever encouraged!
I will update you later with more details, but essentially this has happened: newcastle euros is great, it has a very gritty, studenty feeling to it. Organisation is very friendly, but because of registration problems, the first round started with a significant delay. As a result, there will in total only be 7 and not 8 rounds, as it had been planned. As the result of an interesting procedure (more on this later), 6 rounds will be open adjudication.
The motions so far:
R1: thw allow the police to use entrapment.
R2: thw use the education system to instill moral norms in children beyond mere obedience to the law.
R3: thw grant citizenship to illegal immigrants who report on work-place exploitation.
There will be more stories and motion analysis later. But comments are as ever encouraged!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
"Se Germans" are back
Hello everyone,
After recovering from Worlds on the ski slopes, I'll be blogging the Jacobs Open 2009 over at "Achte Minute".
Cheers,
Henrik
After recovering from Worlds on the ski slopes, I'll be blogging the Jacobs Open 2009 over at "Achte Minute".
Cheers,
Henrik
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Congratulations to all
Our most sincere congratulations to all winners, top speakers, and finalists on their achievements!
Well done!
We're off to the Ball now ... Drinks await.
Winners Grand Final
Oxford A
After votes on all teams, three teams, and two final votes, resulting in 4-3-2 and 5-4 split decisions respectively.
Can Okar told us that one judge had originally voted for 1P, but after the discussion the split was 4 for 2P, 3 for 1O and 2 for 2O; the latter two then changed to 1O to have them win.
WUDC 2009 Results - Teams upcoming
Derek just thanked the organizers, led by Art; the DCA Panel; Bob Nimmo, the tabmaster; Danny P McCarthy, the Assistant Chief Adjudicator; and the participants.
WUDC 2009 Results - Speakers
Please excuse/correct typos!
EFL Speakers
5 Elena Zhukova
4 Laura Horvath
3 Lea Tafra
2 Yevgenia Golubova
1 Aiste Dumbryte
ESL Speakers
5 Adam Hildebrandt (yay!)
4 Yoni Cohen
3 Sela Nevo
2 Simone van Elk
1 Leela Koenig
Best speakers of the competition
10 Harish Natarajan (Cambridge C)
8 James Dray (Oxford A)
8 John Leader Maynard (Oxford C)
7 Sheng Wu Li (Oxford B)
5 Julia Featherston (Sydney A)
5 Steve Hind (Sydney B)
3 Fiona Prowse (Monash A)
3 Amit Golder (Monash A)
2 Tim Mooney (Sydney A)
1 Naomi Oreb (Sydney B)
First Winners Announced
Comedy Competition:
Willard Foxton
Willard Foxton
Masters Team:
Ireland - Ross McGuire and Gregg O'Neill
Masters Individual:
Barry Glynn
(Honorable Mentions to Willard Foxton, Doug Cochran, Derek Doyle)
Public Speaking:
Patrick Bateman
Congratulations to all!
Entertainment ensues
There is now an entertainment program, currently featuring a traditional Irish a cappella band, which gives us and especially my thumbs a chance to relax a little ...
First Ideas on the Grand Final
A quick survey of first ideas suggests that people think that Oxford C, Harvard A, or Oxford A could very possibly have won.
I personally have my hopes still set on Oxford A, who have presented an amazing case beyond eloquence.
Art is currently doing thank yous, which are clearly all very well deserved.
First Ideas on the Grand Final
A quick survey of first ideas suggests that people think that Oxford C, Harvard A, or Oxford A could very possibly have won.
I personally have my hopes still set on Oxford A, who have presented an amazing case beyond eloquence.
Art is currently doing thank yous, which are clearly all very well deserved.
2. CO Speech
- Reliance on unknown potentiality of life extreme interpretation
- Status of fetus
- Plausible that mother's individ rights override other
- Everytime I miss an opportunity to have sex and create life, I commit murder under their definition ...
- Life might be, but does not have to be, cf we could all go to hell if we don't go to church, the state still does not force us
- Phil can justify abortion prior to mother, but impact does not justify excl from moral decision making
- Save the life imperative is relative ... Sometimes other people's rights override
2. CG Speech
- What is a fetus
- Moral debate ... must have max moral protection
- Other kinds of people also have full rights, eg life support
- Prospect of dev differs life vs not life anymore
- Moral debate ... must have max moral protection
- Other kinds of people also have full rights, eg life support
- Prospect of dev differs life vs not life anymore
- Women's rights
- Being a mother is not moral equiv to being murdered
- Consent to sex extends to full range of possibilities
- Role of state
- State to step in
# missed a bit
- No equiv tradeoff to killing fetus shown by gov
1. CO Speech
- Arbitrary line:
agency answered difficult but not arbitrary
not total scientific consensus does not mean having to adhere to one of the extremes
agency answered difficult but not arbitrary
not total scientific consensus does not mean having to adhere to one of the extremes
- Viability ... Self direction not possible until certain stage, further often giving the family the right to switch off life support, eg when born in coma
- Potentiality is not enough ... crazy world bc pot starts earlier down the line
- Role of state
- Should the state force those believing otherwise to forego what is individual moral judgment
- Quality of life consideration
1. CG Speech
- Who gets to decide?
- Existence of third party makes this different
- Existing society wide presumption to favor life over convenience
- Full moral consideration necessary given that Opp conceded that baby is alive
- Silence of third party is not consent
- Existence of third party makes this different
- Existing society wide presumption to favor life over convenience
- Full moral consideration necessary given that Opp conceded that baby is alive
- Silence of third party is not consent
- Women's rights
- Mother's don't get to kill baby, cf switching off life support and will/consent
- Parents take rights from child ... also don't allow retribution
- Rights of mother even in case of right to have fun stops at right of baby
Fantastic rebuttal to Will and James.
2. OO Speech
- Women who have sex consent to motherhood? ... Insane
- Why is phys harm the only harm conceded by gov
- Control over body effectively with state ... as sort of baby factory
- Rebuilding the idea of mental harms through pregnancy
- Why is phys harm the only harm conceded by gov
- Control over body effectively with state ... as sort of baby factory
- Rebuilding the idea of mental harms through pregnancy
- Still masses of unwanted pregnancies ... woman with coat hanger, cf 60s in GB ... support is with doctors
- Summary rant to wrap it up
Excellent, Oxford A!
2. OG Speech
Assume that Opp is happy to have abortion whenever
- Nature of sex implies consequences ... ceded autonomy
- Makes people more aware ... Condoms with 99.9% safety
- Full life can still be had despite pregnancy
PoI James reiterating self concept
- disenfranchisement by gov bc poor people are driven into abortion bc of missing support services
- Disenfranchisement of men ... Should have a say in that decision # same thing other way around?
1. OO Speech
- Odd that OG concede to taking life in sit of self defence
- Backstreet w coat hanger vs doctor
- Still justified when saving life of another
- Backstreet w coat hanger vs doctor
- Still justified when saving life of another
- Scenarios where this could still be justified,
eg Siamese twins: self defence against attacker on part of mother
Zombies attacking in the back street
-> when woman feels that there is a danger posed by the fetus, can act in self defence
- when woman at fault: can still be pregnant when all forms of contraception fails
Wow, what an argument ...
1. OG Speech
- Value of life
- Fundamental ground for all rights
- Stage drawn arbitrary
- Active decision to end life ... akin to murder ... diff to contraception
- Fundamental ground for all rights
- Stage drawn arbitrary
- Active decision to end life ... akin to murder ... diff to contraception
PoI from Will on rape
- Phys and mental trauma
- Women seeking abortion little able to comprehend
- Phys damages from procedure as phys harm
- Knowledge to have taken life as mental harm
- Pregnancy point is at sex w/o contraception understood
Final Judges
Derek Lande
Erin O'Brien
Ivan Ah Sam
Rory Gillis
Sam Block
Julia Bowes
Sayeq Islam
Can Okar
Jason Rodgers
Erin O'Brien
Ivan Ah Sam
Rory Gillis
Sam Block
Julia Bowes
Sayeq Islam
Can Okar
Jason Rodgers
Pairings and Motion
1G Monash B
1O Oxford A
2G Harvard A
2O Oxford C
1O Oxford A
2G Harvard A
2O Oxford C
TH would ban abortion in all stages of pregnancy.
Finals Ceremony Has Started
The UCC Philosophical and Law Societies have commenced their joint session that is the Grand Final of the 29th World Universities Debating Championships.
The Recording Officer is currently reporting on the past few days ...
The Recording Officer is currently reporting on the past few days ...
A word on the ESL final motion
I really think this was a rather poor motion, specifically for a final. I don't quite understand why it was set, and I have heard many similar comments. This is probably one of the reasons why people want an ESL-DCA, just to prevent this kind of motions for finals. Sorry Derek and all the others, but the question really is: "But WHY"?
Analysis ESL Final
Jens and I both think that serious cases could be made for OG and CG, while our hopes are with Hertie. I've also heard a case for CO.
If this comes down to role fulfilment, setting up the debate and arguments in the face of adversity, the prop really should have it.
Many people from the audience left inbetween speeches, which wasn't exactly motivating to speakers. Somebody talk to Derek about that motion ...
ESL Final 2. CO Speech
Salar:
On football and economics ...
- Fans should decide what a fav club is
- People support all sorts of things
- Doesn't harm nat competition ... # not sure whether this is not new
- Football club as entertainment companies in free market, eg through specialization exp/imp ... # relatively analysis free to my taste
- Taking away opportunities
Over and out until the Final ...
ESL Final 2. CG Speech
Nico:
Off to a round of really detailed examples that I don't get ...
- Getting best players on market ... Football clubs have other duty, social, comm based ... # but why is that?
- Protectionism other than in trade ... Here the show comes from national competition
- On resources and dev ... England does not have good goalkeepers due to misdev
I would've liked sth sharper in terms of analysis, but there certainly were quite a few bright spots in this ...
ESL Final 1. CO Speech
Rutger:
It all comes down to economics ...
Indicates a ton of rebuttal and substantive
- I support teams bc they are cool ...
- Sports about sportsmanship, not outgroup dynamics due to identification
- On dev ... # nothing new
- On national teams ... # that rebuttal does not support opp
- Premier league good entertainment companies, therefore so popular ... should give them all business opportunities
- Cf music, on nat regulation in markets
The substantive sounded promising, but was far too short ...
ESL Final 1. CG Speech
Nicoletta:
- Football vs economics ... Diminishing returns impact differently, other factors at play
- Benefit to teams with players ... Must connect with team ... Otherwise devotion only to big money
- LT sustainability ... # we've had that one before
Let's see ...
ESL Final 2. OO Speech
Simone:
- If players are good, they might as well play anywhere
- Why do we want more fans ... Not explained ... # ah, well ...
- Bad domestic clubs not necessarily improve
- Player dev still takes place ... They must come from somewhere
- Dev of players occurs due to RoI considerations
- Clubs are regionally based and vested ... Fan base not nec national
- Club management is also consideration ... cf decline of Ajax
Still not sure as to the focus on pos matter in OO ...
ESL Final 2.OG Speech
Alena - Bremen power, yay:
- Rebuilding the identification argument
- Believe in local talent, just needs development ... higher chances here
- Fair competition among smaller clubs, all clubs
- Sponsoring and prestige
- Spirit to the team
- Functioning of global markets ... Focus on prestige players hampers dev of others due to fin reasons
Decent contribution ...
ESL Final 1. OO Speech
Leela:
- Boring
- Unappealing to fans
- Gov money not involved
Rebuttal:
- Domestic talent not that good
- Development in place ... But is an improvement lever
- Identification is with good teams, not home teams
- And look at all those cute poor kids from Sth America rising to the top
- Public proud of own club when they see stars from abroad wanting to come
- Good sponsorship does good to teams
V good rebuttal in my opinion ...
ESL Final 1. OG Speech
And off we go ... I'm posting from my mobile, so please excuse concision and typos. I really should have got my E71 before Christmas ...
Adam:
- Good football is many people's interest, but in crisis - historical sentiment
- Leaving out development
- 75% of domestic players in Champions League domestic
- Fans lack identification with clubs ... Clubs just buy according to pocket
- Cultural element in fanhood
- Plan will help develop domestic talent, due to shift in focus ... Kids will benefit also
- Beneficial impact on national teams
I think we're off to a good start ...
ESL Final
Pairings:
1G Hertie School of Governance A
1O Leiden A
2G BBU A
2O Bonaparte B
Motion:
TH would implement quotas for domestic players in national football leagues.
"But why?" is an overheard comment.
My best wishes to Hertie ... may Adam's illness not stand in their way!
ESL Final To Commence Shortly
Worlds participants are quickly moving on to another venue to watch the ESL Final ... and we're excited!
Just now, I got to sit in one of the semis ... kudos to Will Jones already for a summary that was just mental ... in a very good way :-)
Motions
EFL Final:
TH would prohibit all private healthcare.
TH would prohibit all private healthcare.
Semifinals:
TH believes governments should subsidize private home ownership.
Semifinal/EFL Final Pairings
Good morning everyone,
We're near perfectly on time for a day like this and Derek is conducting the draws for the immediately upcoming debates.
Semifinals:
1G Oxford B
1O Monash B
2G Manchester A
2O Oxford A
1G Vic Wellington A
1O Harvard A
2G Oxford C
2O UQ A
EFL Final:
1G Zagreb A
1O Vilnius A
2G Bucharest A
2O Zagreb B
Judges for Final Day
Semifinals:
Anna Garsia
Bob Nimmo
Can Okar
Christopher Bishop
Danny P McCarthy
Erin O'Brien
Ian Lising
Ivan Ah Sam
Jason Rodgers
Julia Bowes
Neil Harvey-Smith
Rosy Gillis
Sam Block
Sharmila Parmanand
Anna Garsia
Bob Nimmo
Can Okar
Christopher Bishop
Danny P McCarthy
Erin O'Brien
Ian Lising
Ivan Ah Sam
Jason Rodgers
Julia Bowes
Neil Harvey-Smith
Rosy Gillis
Sam Block
Sharmila Parmanand
EFL Final:
Ciaran Lawlor
Daniel Warents
Doug Cochran
Jenni Harrison
Kirsty Russel
Lewis Iwu
Samir Deger-Sen
Steve Johnson
Tiernan Fitzgibbon
ESL Final:
Christopher Croke
Colm Flynn
Daniel Warents
Derek Lande
Elizabeth Ames
Gavin Illsley
Iqbal Hafiedz
Sayeqa Islam
Tim Jeffrie
Turns out, Irish night did not feature complimentary hot whisky ... but the bar at the Clarion was more than helpful.
Strictly bedtime now!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Semis/ESL Finals Announcement
Semis:
Oxford A
Oxford B
Monash B
Manchester A
Harvard A
Vic Wellington A
UQ A
Oxford C
ESL Final:
Leiden A
Bonaparte B
BBU A
Hertie School of Governance A (yeah!)
Main Semis and ESL Final Break Coming Up Shortly
Derek just announced that there is only one panel still deliberating , which should be done in about 15 mins ... We curiously await the publication of the break to rounds tomorrow morning.
I do, however, feel for all who will have to deal with the thought of speaking tomorrow starting tonight already - maybe the announcement should be done tomorrow ... Then again, that would deprive some of their sorrow drinks tonight (hot whisky, finally?) and all others probably can't sleep tonight, anyway.
I do, however, feel for all who will have to deal with the thought of speaking tomorrow starting tonight already - maybe the announcement should be done tomorrow ... Then again, that would deprive some of their sorrow drinks tonight (hot whisky, finally?) and all others probably can't sleep tonight, anyway.
Motion Main Quarters/ESL Semis
THB that the International Criminal Court should prosecute crimes against the democratic process.
Cool.
ESL Semis
1G Galatasaray A
1O Bonaparte B
2G Tallinn A
2O Leiden A
1O Bonaparte B
2G Tallinn A
2O Leiden A
1G Haifa A
1O BBU A
2G Hertie School of Governance A
2O Tel Aviv A
QF Pairings
1G, 1O, 2G, 2O respectively ...
Princeton A
TCD Phil B
Manchester A
Monash B
Oxford A
UCD L&H A
Nottingham A
Oxford B
Loyola A
Harvard A
Helsinki A
Vic Wellington A
UQ A
Oxford C
MIT A
Hart House B
Motion announcement delayed
BBU didn't get the message that ESL Semis would run in parallel with Main Quarters (on the same motion), which is why the CAs have made the sensible decision to postpone the motion announcement to 1500, which is in roughly 25 mins ...
Missing Quarters Teams - with positions
Momash B - CO
Princeton A - OG
Manchester A - CG
TCD Phil B - OO
Princeton A - OG
Manchester A - CG
TCD Phil B - OO
Breaking to Quarters
Nottingham A
UCD L&H A
Oxford A
Oxford B
Harvard A
Loyola A
Vic Wellington A
Helsinki A
Hart House A
MIT A
UQ A
Oxford C
UCD L&H A
Oxford A
Oxford B
Harvard A
Loyola A
Vic Wellington A
Helsinki A
Hart House A
MIT A
UQ A
Oxford C
Missed few and will follow up ...
Live blogging continues
Henrik and I will continue to update this blog, so stay tuned! Also, we are very excited to see how many people around the globe are reading our news. However, noone from Mongolia has tuned in yet - we wonder if that can be rectified?
A few notes from yesterday's Worlds Council
Here is a list of things that Council discussed yesterday - I'll update this list with more information later:
- The Koc 2010 bid for Worlds was ratified. CA Can Okar had announced a few days back that he chose the following as DCAs: Will Jones (Oxford) for Europe, Julia Bowes (Sydney) for Oceania, Suthen Tate Thomas(MMU) for Asia and Josh Bone (Yale) for America.
- Botswana was accepted to host Worlds 2011 on what was their third consecutive bid.
- ESL/EFL: Council discussed the issue and whether "the right teams" had been put into the respective categories. Two results were that in another renaming attempt, "ENL" (English as a native language) will from now on be called "EPL" (English as a proficient language), to indicate that not only natural speakers can fall into this category. Also, Council decided to give the ESL/EFL committee some discretion in determining critical cases, and thus loosening up the very strict criteria that had been decided upon at Assumption Worlds.
- The Koc 2010 bid for Worlds was ratified. CA Can Okar had announced a few days back that he chose the following as DCAs: Will Jones (Oxford) for Europe, Julia Bowes (Sydney) for Oceania, Suthen Tate Thomas(MMU) for Asia and Josh Bone (Yale) for America.
- Botswana was accepted to host Worlds 2011 on what was their third consecutive bid.
- ESL/EFL: Council discussed the issue and whether "the right teams" had been put into the respective categories. Two results were that in another renaming attempt, "ENL" (English as a native language) will from now on be called "EPL" (English as a proficient language), to indicate that not only natural speakers can fall into this category. Also, Council decided to give the ESL/EFL committee some discretion in determining critical cases, and thus loosening up the very strict criteria that had been decided upon at Assumption Worlds.
Octo-finals: Draw and motion
This is from Colm Flynn's site:
Motion Octo-finals: "This house would arm local militia to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan."
16 Monash B
17 Manchester A
1 Sydney B
32 Stanford A
Judges: Jason Rodgers, Rory Gillis, Kirsty Russell, Tiernan Fitzgibbon, Ross McGuire
24 Queens Uni A
8 Princeton A
25 Yale A
9 TCD Phil B
Judges: Anna Garcia, Ivan AhSam, Ian Lising, Morgan Shelly, Adriaan Andringa
20 Brandeis A
29 Nottingham A
4 Monash A
13 UCD L&H A
Judges: Steve Johnson, Gavin Illsey, Bernadette Angungio, Lewis Chisom Iwu, Willard Foxton
5 Oxford A
28 Yale B
12 Oxford B
21 Swarthmore A
Judges: Sayeqa Islam, Tim Jeffrie, Josh Martin, David Middlemiss, Sani Ismail
3 Cambridge C
30 McGill A
19 MIT A
14 Hart House B
Judges: Julia Bowes, Derek Lande, Sasha Bodero-Smith, Yauhemi Akulich, Chris Bishop
27 Sydney C
22 Uni Queensland A
6 Oxford C
11 Canterbury A
Judges: Can Okar, Bob Nimmo, Shamila Parmamail, Michael Clark, Gregg O'Neill
2 Sydney A
15 Harvard A
31 Loyola A
18 Hart House A
Judges: Samir Deger Sen, Erin O'Brien, Derek Doyle, Claire Lindsey, David Tait
26 Auckland A
10 Helsinki A
7 Seattle A
23 Vic Wellington A
Judges: Sam Block, Elizabeth Ames, Steph Paton, Suthen Thomas, Neil Harvey-Smith.
Motion Octo-finals: "This house would arm local militia to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan."
16 Monash B
17 Manchester A
1 Sydney B
32 Stanford A
Judges: Jason Rodgers, Rory Gillis, Kirsty Russell, Tiernan Fitzgibbon, Ross McGuire
24 Queens Uni A
8 Princeton A
25 Yale A
9 TCD Phil B
Judges: Anna Garcia, Ivan AhSam, Ian Lising, Morgan Shelly, Adriaan Andringa
20 Brandeis A
29 Nottingham A
4 Monash A
13 UCD L&H A
Judges: Steve Johnson, Gavin Illsey, Bernadette Angungio, Lewis Chisom Iwu, Willard Foxton
5 Oxford A
28 Yale B
12 Oxford B
21 Swarthmore A
Judges: Sayeqa Islam, Tim Jeffrie, Josh Martin, David Middlemiss, Sani Ismail
3 Cambridge C
30 McGill A
19 MIT A
14 Hart House B
Judges: Julia Bowes, Derek Lande, Sasha Bodero-Smith, Yauhemi Akulich, Chris Bishop
27 Sydney C
22 Uni Queensland A
6 Oxford C
11 Canterbury A
Judges: Can Okar, Bob Nimmo, Shamila Parmamail, Michael Clark, Gregg O'Neill
2 Sydney A
15 Harvard A
31 Loyola A
18 Hart House A
Judges: Samir Deger Sen, Erin O'Brien, Derek Doyle, Claire Lindsey, David Tait
26 Auckland A
10 Helsinki A
7 Seattle A
23 Vic Wellington A
Judges: Sam Block, Elizabeth Ames, Steph Paton, Suthen Thomas, Neil Harvey-Smith.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Masters Final and Public Speaking Final Right Now
The Masters and Public Speaking Finals are going at the moment. Willard Foxton is trying to win the Unholy Trinity together with the Comedy competition.
Public Speaking was immensely entertaining, incl. explanations as to the workings of the British military and the ultimate recipe for success in debate and life.
Masters, held in the Irish Times format, are still running on the motion that THB that the end of capitalism is nigh.
Jens is on the Masters panel, which is chaired by Michael Clarke. After that, we're curious as to what 'Culture Clash' has in store.
Results will be announced after the Grand Final, together with all the other ones.
Preposterous hotel policy, but happy new year!
Henrik's plans outlined below were indeed spoiled when we found out that participants staying at Jury's were not even allowed to enter the Clarion Hotel.
This is probably not the OrgComms fault, but for a 4-star-hotel that claims to have an international standard, this policy to us just does not seem acceptable. We were actually told that we could go in, but only to stay on a sofa right next to the hotel entrance, to be "supervised". With all do respect, but we are not three-year-olds. And yes, people tend to behave strangely on New Year`s (you should have seen the odd crowds on the street last night), but this is not a proper way to "solve" the issue.
Not to be distracted about those issues: Happy new year to everyone! We'll keep you posted on the break progression, but today is the usual day off, with many people going off to excursions around southern Ireland, others going to Council, and people like me hanging out lazily in the hotel room and about to go to the pool area.
First Serious Complaint
It's two o'clock in the morning - a very Happy New Year to everyone - and participants are disgruntled to find that we're being kicked out of the party venue. We're sure there is a good reason, in light of the otherwise excellent organization ... for the moment, however, we're a little sad and will have to take apart the hotel bar instead.
Isa, Jens, and I are off to the Clarion Hotel ... I shall moreover have a look at the Jury's Hotel parties later ...
Cheers!
Breaking Judges
This was announced very quickly, sorry for all typos and misspellings. Please tell us if you have any additions or corrections.
Adriaan Adringa
Andrew Marshall
Anna Garcia
Ben Jasper
Bernadette Angungio
Beth Conner
Bob Nimmo
Can Okar
Catherine Richardson
Chris Bishop
Chris Croke
Ciaran Lawlor
Claire Lindsay
Colm Flynn
Connor O'Brien
Danny P McCarthy
Daniel Warents
Daniel (?)
David Middlemiss
David Tait
Derek Doyle
Derek Lande
Doug Cochran
Elizabeth Ames
Erin Fitzgerald
Erin O'Brien
Gavin Illsley
Gregg O'Neill
Ian Lising
Iqbal Hafiedz
Isa Loewe (yay!)
Ivan Ah Sam
Jason Rodgers
Jenny Harrison
Jens Fischer
Josh Martin
Julia Bowes
Katherine Connoly
Kirsty Russell
Lewis Iwu
Michael Clark
Morgan Shelly
Neill Harvey-Smith
Nicole Lynch
Rory Gillis
Ross McGuire
?
Sam Block
Samir Deger-Sen
Sani Ismail
Sasha Bodero-Smith
Sayeka Islam
Shamila Parmamail
Stephanie Paton
Steven Johnson
Suthen Tate Thomas
Tiernan Fitzgibbon
Tim Jeffrie
Tony Murphy
Willard Foxton
Eugene Akulich
Reserve Judges:
Mark Longhurst
Neill Dewar
Patrick Bateman
Stacey McAvoy
Jeremy Kinsella
?
Adriaan Adringa
Andrew Marshall
Anna Garcia
Ben Jasper
Bernadette Angungio
Beth Conner
Bob Nimmo
Can Okar
Catherine Richardson
Chris Bishop
Chris Croke
Ciaran Lawlor
Claire Lindsay
Colm Flynn
Connor O'Brien
Danny P McCarthy
Daniel Warents
Daniel (?)
David Middlemiss
David Tait
Derek Doyle
Derek Lande
Doug Cochran
Elizabeth Ames
Erin Fitzgerald
Erin O'Brien
Gavin Illsley
Gregg O'Neill
Ian Lising
Iqbal Hafiedz
Isa Loewe (yay!)
Ivan Ah Sam
Jason Rodgers
Jenny Harrison
Jens Fischer
Josh Martin
Julia Bowes
Katherine Connoly
Kirsty Russell
Lewis Iwu
Michael Clark
Morgan Shelly
Neill Harvey-Smith
Nicole Lynch
Rory Gillis
Ross McGuire
?
Sam Block
Samir Deger-Sen
Sani Ismail
Sasha Bodero-Smith
Sayeka Islam
Shamila Parmamail
Stephanie Paton
Steven Johnson
Suthen Tate Thomas
Tiernan Fitzgibbon
Tim Jeffrie
Tony Murphy
Willard Foxton
Eugene Akulich
Reserve Judges:
Mark Longhurst
Neill Dewar
Patrick Bateman
Stacey McAvoy
Jeremy Kinsella
?
Follow up - Masters Final
1 UK - Willard Foxton & James Prior
2 UK - Doug Cochran & Sam Block
3 US - Rachel & Arama (? Sorry... Help us!)
4 Ireland - Derek Doyle & Lorcan Price
Individuals (it's Irish Times Format!)
Daniel Warents
Beth Conner
Barry Glynn
Ian Lising
2 UK - Doug Cochran & Sam Block
3 US - Rachel & Arama (? Sorry... Help us!)
4 Ireland - Derek Doyle & Lorcan Price
Individuals (it's Irish Times Format!)
Daniel Warents
Beth Conner
Barry Glynn
Ian Lising
Main Break ... The fastest in the world
1 Sydney B (22)
2 Sydney A
3 Cambridge C
4 Monash A (21)
5 Oxford A
6 Oxford C
7 Seattle A (20)
8 Princeton A
9 TCD Phil B
10 Helsinki A
11 Canterbury A
12 Oxford B (19)
13 UCD L&H A
14 Hart House B
15 Harvard A
16 Monash B
17 Manchester A
18 Hart House A
19 MIT A
20 Brandeis A
21 Swarthmore A
22 Queensland A (18)
23 Vic Wellington A
24 Queens Uni A
25 Yale A
26 Auckland A
27 Sydney C
28 Yale B
29 Nottingham A
30 McGill A
31 Loyola A
32 Stanford A
2 Sydney A
3 Cambridge C
4 Monash A (21)
5 Oxford A
6 Oxford C
7 Seattle A (20)
8 Princeton A
9 TCD Phil B
10 Helsinki A
11 Canterbury A
12 Oxford B (19)
13 UCD L&H A
14 Hart House B
15 Harvard A
16 Monash B
17 Manchester A
18 Hart House A
19 MIT A
20 Brandeis A
21 Swarthmore A
22 Queensland A (18)
23 Vic Wellington A
24 Queens Uni A
25 Yale A
26 Auckland A
27 Sydney C
28 Yale B
29 Nottingham A
30 McGill A
31 Loyola A
32 Stanford A
ESL
1 Leiden A (17)
2 Tel Aviv A
3 BBU A (16)
4 Bonaparte B
5 Tallinn A
6 Hertie School of Governance A
7 Haifa A (15)
8 Galatasaray A
2 Tel Aviv A
3 BBU A (16)
4 Bonaparte B
5 Tallinn A
6 Hertie School of Governance A
7 Haifa A (15)
8 Galatasaray A
Finalists Public Speaking
1 Patrick Bateman
2 James Akron
3 Michael Emerson
3 Sarah Ingelman
3 Willard Foxton
2 James Akron
3 Michael Emerson
3 Sarah Ingelman
3 Willard Foxton
Thank yous
Derek is thanking the tab staff for making this such an on time success: Bob, Steven, Maureen ...
Danny P is thanking the ballot master, Rowan, the room master, Ross, and the feedback master, James.
Break Announcement
They're about to announce the break, as indicated to us by Convenor Art Ward just now. About 200 national anthems are being sung in parallel ...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
As Henrik said: Mobile phone beats computer!
The interesting pairings that I could take down (not necessarily representing the correct positions):
Sydney B
Monash A
Oxford B
Sydney A
Victoria Wellington A
Victoria Wellington B
Hertie School A
GUU B
Oxford A
Cambridge C
UCD L&H A
Seattle A
Melbourne A
Bristol C
Princeton A
Princeton B
UBC A
TCD Hist A
Yale C
Yale B
The interesting pairings that I could take down (not necessarily representing the correct positions):
Sydney B
Monash A
Oxford B
Sydney A
Victoria Wellington A
Victoria Wellington B
Hertie School A
GUU B
Oxford A
Cambridge C
UCD L&H A
Seattle A
Melbourne A
Bristol C
Princeton A
Princeton B
UBC A
TCD Hist A
Yale C
Yale B
Motion Round 9
Hi everyone,
This is Henrik - trying to be faster by mobile than Jens by the computer outside. We're testing this, because we want to bring the Break to you tonight, regardless of the WLAN situation at the venue.
The motion for Round 9, the last preliminary round of this year's Worlds, is:
"TH would ban the publication of all political opinion polls."
Jens will follow up with a few interesting pairings ...
Motion R8
"This House would apply a lower rate of income tax to women."
Comments?
Institutional matches I recorded (team letters not necessarily correct):
Yale A vs. Yale B
Sydney A vs. Sydney C
Monash A vs. Monash B
Comments?
Institutional matches I recorded (team letters not necessarily correct):
Yale A vs. Yale B
Sydney A vs. Sydney C
Monash A vs. Monash B
Concerning official results
I talked to CA Derek Lande yesterday about obtaining teams' results after R6 because many people have an interest in them, obviously. His (preliminary) answer was that the will probably not release anything before the break, because of several teams that did not have any points as of now, and because some people might feel that this was unfair to them. I do not share those concerns, but it is obviously not my call.
So we will need to rely on backtabbing and people that post their results here. When I get updates I'll let you know.
So we will need to rely on backtabbing and people that post their results here. When I get updates I'll let you know.
Results after R6
From what Isa collected (thank you!), but without guarantee for accuracy. Who has more results?
Bonaparte A 9
Bonaparte B 12
Oxford A 14
Oxford B 16
Oxford C 12
Leiden A 11
Leiden B 9
Galatasaray A 9
Deree A 9
Bilkent A 8
Koc A 11
Koc B 6
Hertie School of Governance 11
U of Indonesia 10
Erasmus 9
BBU A 10
Sydney A 15
Sydney B 16
Sydney C 14
Monash A 15
Monash B 13
Monash C 13
Yale A 13
Yale B 16
KCL A 13
Helsinki A 12
Helsinki B 8
Helsinki C 7
HSE Moscow A 9
Moscow State B 10
Zagreb A 9
Zagreb B 9
Galway A 12
Galway B 11
Galway C 10
Vilnius A 10
METU A 8
Stuttgart 7
Victoria A 15
Victoria B 12
ANU A 12
Queens B 12
Bonaparte A 9
Bonaparte B 12
Oxford A 14
Oxford B 16
Oxford C 12
Leiden A 11
Leiden B 9
Galatasaray A 9
Deree A 9
Bilkent A 8
Koc A 11
Koc B 6
Hertie School of Governance 11
U of Indonesia 10
Erasmus 9
BBU A 10
Sydney A 15
Sydney B 16
Sydney C 14
Monash A 15
Monash B 13
Monash C 13
Yale A 13
Yale B 16
KCL A 13
Helsinki A 12
Helsinki B 8
Helsinki C 7
HSE Moscow A 9
Moscow State B 10
Zagreb A 9
Zagreb B 9
Galway A 12
Galway B 11
Galway C 10
Vilnius A 10
METU A 8
Stuttgart 7
Victoria A 15
Victoria B 12
ANU A 12
Queens B 12
Motion R7
Finally: The IR motion of the competition.
"This House believes that the Western States should recognize the independence of Abchazia."
I'll try to find more results from previous rounds to post them here.
"This House believes that the Western States should recognize the independence of Abchazia."
I'll try to find more results from previous rounds to post them here.
Start of day 3
The organizers continue to prove that they are nice people: Since it is very cold in some buildings due to the weather conditions and insufficient heating, they have started to hand out tea and coffee to prepping teams, as well as complimentary gloves. Convenor Art Ward acknowledged that "there are people here from countries with a much warmer climate". Even though this is not true in the case of Germany, we still appreciate this attentiveness very much!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A few results after R5
Bonaparte C 6
Bonaparte B 9
Bonaparte A 6
St. Gallen 5
Galway A 9
Zagreb A 8
Deree A 9
Deree B 5
Deree C 5
Oxford A 12
Oxford B 13
Oxford C 12
Galatasaray A 8
Koc A 8
Koc B 5
BBU A 7
MIT A 11
Manchester A 12
Manchester B 6
Wellington A 13
Cambridge C 12
Seattle U A 11
Portland A 9
Alaska B 9
Muenster A 6
IIUM A 8
Ateneo A 7
Sydney B 12
Monash A 13
HSG A 10
This is all hearsay. Thank you Isa for collecting them! Anyone else with results?
Bonaparte B 9
Bonaparte A 6
St. Gallen 5
Galway A 9
Zagreb A 8
Deree A 9
Deree B 5
Deree C 5
Oxford A 12
Oxford B 13
Oxford C 12
Galatasaray A 8
Koc A 8
Koc B 5
BBU A 7
MIT A 11
Manchester A 12
Manchester B 6
Wellington A 13
Cambridge C 12
Seattle U A 11
Portland A 9
Alaska B 9
Muenster A 6
IIUM A 8
Ateneo A 7
Sydney B 12
Monash A 13
HSG A 10
This is all hearsay. Thank you Isa for collecting them! Anyone else with results?
Motion R5
"This House Believes that China and India should bear the same obligations as the West in fighting climate change."
From what I gather are pairings in top rooms, though I do not know ranking points:
Monash A
KCL A
Sydney B
Oxford A
Cambridge A
Harthouse B
Nottingham A
Oxford B
Sydney A
UCD L&H B
ANU A
Princeton A
Sydney C
Oxford C
Cambridge A
UCD L&H A
From what I gather are pairings in top rooms, though I do not know ranking points:
Monash A
KCL A
Sydney B
Oxford A
Cambridge A
Harthouse B
Nottingham A
Oxford B
Sydney A
UCD L&H B
ANU A
Princeton A
Sydney C
Oxford C
Cambridge A
UCD L&H A
A few general remarks
Since the A-team has managed to start R4 on time, everyone is right now enjoying a proper lunch break - debates will continue in 40 minutes. This gives me a little time to tell you about general observation on this competition.
I must say: The overall impression is still overwhelmingly positive, and I am very glad to be here. First and foremost: Unlike previous Worlds experiences, everyone is ALWAYS friendly and competent. The volunteers very effectively at least pretend to be interested in one's thoughts and experiences, and possibly they actually are (no offense intended).
Directions across the UCC campus and all around are very clear, and at least we have never had trouble to find a room or the next bus to take us back to our hotel or the socials.
Concerning the food: The breakfast is certainly the best meal of the day, but the rest is not really bad either. It's the usual sandwiches for lunch (which we will grow less fond of in about a day), and OK dinner, so no worries.
The two big hotels are quite luxurious, both with pool and everything. It is challenging though to get a hot shower in the morning, and the Internet connection is failing because too many people try to log on simultaneously. This is not the fault of the orgcomm, however it probably should not happen in a 4-star-hotel.
Even the weather is playing along: We had a bit of frost, and it has not been raining since we arrived. Since frost is quite rare in Ireland, the country is not really prepared for this case, though. So the salt they used to melt the ice between buildings looks like it was taken from the cantine, but who cares?
I'll try to get some info on where teams are standing to report, but if participants are reading this, they might want to add information they have themselves?
I must say: The overall impression is still overwhelmingly positive, and I am very glad to be here. First and foremost: Unlike previous Worlds experiences, everyone is ALWAYS friendly and competent. The volunteers very effectively at least pretend to be interested in one's thoughts and experiences, and possibly they actually are (no offense intended).
Directions across the UCC campus and all around are very clear, and at least we have never had trouble to find a room or the next bus to take us back to our hotel or the socials.
Concerning the food: The breakfast is certainly the best meal of the day, but the rest is not really bad either. It's the usual sandwiches for lunch (which we will grow less fond of in about a day), and OK dinner, so no worries.
The two big hotels are quite luxurious, both with pool and everything. It is challenging though to get a hot shower in the morning, and the Internet connection is failing because too many people try to log on simultaneously. This is not the fault of the orgcomm, however it probably should not happen in a 4-star-hotel.
Even the weather is playing along: We had a bit of frost, and it has not been raining since we arrived. Since frost is quite rare in Ireland, the country is not really prepared for this case, though. So the salt they used to melt the ice between buildings looks like it was taken from the cantine, but who cares?
I'll try to get some info on where teams are standing to report, but if participants are reading this, they might want to add information they have themselves?
Motion R4
The audience welcomed the motion for R4 with cheers:
"This House would force the religious desegregation of Northern Irish schools."
It's certainly not the Ireland motion many have been expecting, but it certainly is a great one. Let's just hope everyone will understand "desegregation" properly.
"This House would force the religious desegregation of Northern Irish schools."
It's certainly not the Ireland motion many have been expecting, but it certainly is a great one. Let's just hope everyone will understand "desegregation" properly.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Motion R3
The motion for round 3 is:
"This House would allow Soldiers to sue their governments for negligence."
Amongst the many entertaining pairings for this round, here are two amusing ones:
Cambridge A
Cambridge B
Oxford A
Queensland (don't know which team)
Monash A
Monash B
Sydney A
Bates College A
"This House would allow Soldiers to sue their governments for negligence."
Amongst the many entertaining pairings for this round, here are two amusing ones:
Cambridge A
Cambridge B
Oxford A
Queensland (don't know which team)
Monash A
Monash B
Sydney A
Bates College A
Motion R2
Sorry for the delayed publication, but unfortunately I cannot access the network here via my computer, only through public ones.
Enough with the whining, the motion in round 2 was:
"This House would fire the senior management of all corporations which receive government bailouts."
Interesting!
Enough with the whining, the motion in round 2 was:
"This House would fire the senior management of all corporations which receive government bailouts."
Interesting!
Motion R1
With a little bit of delay, R1 has just been announced:
"This House would ban all forms of gambling."
"This House would ban all forms of gambling."
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Cork Worlds getting started in style
The first impression of Cork Worlds is a very positive one. After an overall relaxed registration yesterday (with a few people not so happy about their room allocations) and a nice party at the respective hotel bars, the first day is going quite swimmingly.
After very comprehensive briefings (well done!) now the usual preparations are going on, like the adjudication test and ESL/EFL-interviews. Lunch was enjoyable, and the whole team makes a very organized impression: overhearing the walkie-talkie-communications alone is impressive.
Most of the delegates have arrived by now, and there is a great mood of expectation for the days to come.
Tonight pre-council will meet, with possibly many cases of eligibility to be discussed. Rounds will start tomorrow morning.
And, most surprisingly, the weather is very cold, but also sunny. My last time in Cork was for Euros 2005, and back then it had been raining consistently. It's only now that I realize they were not lying to us: It actually is a very nice city!
I'll keep you posted - or as they would say here: Over, and out.
After very comprehensive briefings (well done!) now the usual preparations are going on, like the adjudication test and ESL/EFL-interviews. Lunch was enjoyable, and the whole team makes a very organized impression: overhearing the walkie-talkie-communications alone is impressive.
Most of the delegates have arrived by now, and there is a great mood of expectation for the days to come.
Tonight pre-council will meet, with possibly many cases of eligibility to be discussed. Rounds will start tomorrow morning.
And, most surprisingly, the weather is very cold, but also sunny. My last time in Cork was for Euros 2005, and back then it had been raining consistently. It's only now that I realize they were not lying to us: It actually is a very nice city!
I'll keep you posted - or as they would say here: Over, and out.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Cork Worlds 2009 coming up.
It's that time of the year again... 1000 delegates from all over the world are gathering for WUDC in Cork. Great! It's an Irish (and worldwide) dream come true. We are very much looking forward to this great event - and Your German Correspondent will be trying to capture the picture of this epitome of world debate.
That is: After we have gotten our rental car in Dublin to drive across Ireland tomorrow morning . Let's see if the credit card is still any good after Christmas!
That is: After we have gotten our rental car in Dublin to drive across Ireland tomorrow morning . Let's see if the credit card is still any good after Christmas!
Friday, June 27, 2008
European debate calendar
Just a short advertisement: I'll continue amongst others to maintain and update the European debating calender which can be accessed and subscribed to at http://europeandebating.blogspot.com.
The calendars was designed to inform about all debate events in Europe, on any level, in any format. Please let me know if you want to add something - further information on the necessary input can be found at the above address.
The calendars was designed to inform about all debate events in Europe, on any level, in any format. Please let me know if you want to add something - further information on the necessary input can be found at the above address.
EUDC 2008 champions: By the power of Will...
and James:
Oxford A are European Champions 2008.
Simon Quinn was chosen as best speaker by the honorary panel.
Bobes Bolyai A (Nico and Dan) are the new ESL champions.
Adam Hildebrandt (HSoG A) was chosen as best speaker by the honorary panel.
Top 10 speakers have been announced, here's what Colm Flynn got from Derek Lande, with my additions:
Top 10 speakers of EUDC 2008
10. Ross Maguire (UCD Law A)
9. Jonathan Leader-Maynard (KCL A)
7. Fred Cowell (ULU B)
7. Dan Bradley (Manchester A)
6. Ross Frennet (UCC Phil A)
5. Stephen Boyle (UCD L&H A)
4. Alex Worsnip (Oxford B)
3. William Jones (Oxford A)
1. James Dray (Oxford A)
1. Simon Quinn (Oxford B)
Top 10 ESL Speakers
10. Assen Kochev (Tilbury A)
9. Julien Spliet (Bonaparte A)
8. Ali Al Jaberi (Bonaparte A)
6. Rutger Vos (Bonaparte C)
6. Nico Lupea (BBU A)
5. Uri Merhav (Tel Aviv A)
4. Ina Sublica (Helsinki A)
3. Simone Van Elk (Leiden A)
2. Anne Valkering (Bonaparte C)
1. Leela Koenig (Leiden A)
Congratulations to the new European Champions and the top speakers!
Oxford A are European Champions 2008.
Simon Quinn was chosen as best speaker by the honorary panel.
Bobes Bolyai A (Nico and Dan) are the new ESL champions.
Adam Hildebrandt (HSoG A) was chosen as best speaker by the honorary panel.
Top 10 speakers have been announced, here's what Colm Flynn got from Derek Lande, with my additions:
Top 10 speakers of EUDC 2008
10. Ross Maguire (UCD Law A)
9. Jonathan Leader-Maynard (KCL A)
7. Fred Cowell (ULU B)
7. Dan Bradley (Manchester A)
6. Ross Frennet (UCC Phil A)
5. Stephen Boyle (UCD L&H A)
4. Alex Worsnip (Oxford B)
3. William Jones (Oxford A)
1. James Dray (Oxford A)
1. Simon Quinn (Oxford B)
Top 10 ESL Speakers
10. Assen Kochev (Tilbury A)
9. Julien Spliet (Bonaparte A)
8. Ali Al Jaberi (Bonaparte A)
6. Rutger Vos (Bonaparte C)
6. Nico Lupea (BBU A)
5. Uri Merhav (Tel Aviv A)
4. Ina Sublica (Helsinki A)
3. Simone Van Elk (Leiden A)
2. Anne Valkering (Bonaparte C)
1. Leela Koenig (Leiden A)
Congratulations to the new European Champions and the top speakers!
Skypecast of Grand Final?
There seems to be a skypecast of the Grand Final. However, from my hotel room it doesn't seem to work. Advice anyone?
Grand Final EUDC 2008
The draw for the Grand Final:
1G Oxford A
1O Oxford D
2G Oxford B
2O KCL A
on the motion "This House would ban the display of Nazi and Soviet symbols."
1G Oxford A
1O Oxford D
2G Oxford B
2O KCL A
on the motion "This House would ban the display of Nazi and Soviet symbols."
ESL Final EUDC 2008
The draw for the ESL final:
1G Tel Aviv A
1O HSoG A
2G Leiden A
2O BBU A
on the motion: "This house would allow soldiers to opt out of individual conflict for personal reasons."
The finals are held in Kaarli Church, an ancient church in the centre of Tallinn.
After the final, there was a SMS-text-lottery in which participants could send a textmessage to a specific number and indicate their favoured team of the debate. The numbers were around 55 % in favour of HSoG A, 25% voted for Leiden A, 12% for BBU A and 8% for Tel Aviv A.
Just before the debate, I had to opt out of judging the debate because of a sudden migraine attack. I'll spare you my life story, and I am feeling a little better now, but still wanted to express my gratitude to Jenny Harrison, who took over for me despite the short notice. Thank you!
1G Tel Aviv A
1O HSoG A
2G Leiden A
2O BBU A
on the motion: "This house would allow soldiers to opt out of individual conflict for personal reasons."
The finals are held in Kaarli Church, an ancient church in the centre of Tallinn.
After the final, there was a SMS-text-lottery in which participants could send a textmessage to a specific number and indicate their favoured team of the debate. The numbers were around 55 % in favour of HSoG A, 25% voted for Leiden A, 12% for BBU A and 8% for Tel Aviv A.
Just before the debate, I had to opt out of judging the debate because of a sudden migraine attack. I'll spare you my life story, and I am feeling a little better now, but still wanted to express my gratitude to Jenny Harrison, who took over for me despite the short notice. Thank you!
Spela and Spela rule Euros: New EUDC council president elected
In a run-off between Manos Polychronides (Deree, Greece) and Spela Kunej (Ljubljana, Slovenia), EUDC Council elected Spela as the new Council president by 9 to 5 votes and 1 abstention. Spela Kranjc was confirmed as registrar.
Congratulations!
Newcastle Euros bid approved
After questions to the organisers and prospective CA Sam Block, EUDC Council unanimously ratified Newcastle's bid to host Euros next year. The presentation sounded great - we are looking forward to Newcastle EUDC 09!
If you are interested in the bid, take a look at http://www.eudcnewcastle09.com/ - according to organisers, there will be frequent updates.
If you are interested in the bid, take a look at http://www.eudcnewcastle09.com/ - according to organisers, there will be frequent updates.
The White Nights
Just to give you an idea of the environment that Tallinn Euros is taking place in, here's a picture that was taken at 12.30 in the morning, looking north. It's just beautiful.
Also, Euros council is still in session, asking many questions to the Newcastle 2009 bid and earlier complaining about certain mishaps during this year's competition. Pretty much like every year: Things always takes longer than expected.
Also, Euros council is still in session, asking many questions to the Newcastle 2009 bid and earlier complaining about certain mishaps during this year's competition. Pretty much like every year: Things always takes longer than expected.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
All English Grand Final
Breaking from ESL SF 1:
BBU A & Leiden A
Breaking from ESL SF 2:
Tel Aviv A & HSoG A
Judges: Diarmuid Early (Chair), Sam Block, Andrew Marshall, Jens Fischer, Derek Lande, Derek Doyle, Greg O'Neil, Alaistair Cormack, Daniel Schut
Breaking from Main Break SF 1:
Oxford D & Oxford B
Breaking from Main Break SF 2:
Oxford A & KCL A
Judges: Neill Harvey-Smith (Chair), Isabelle Loewe, Coletta Smith, Andy Hume, Erin O'Brien, Danny McCarthy, Bob Nimmo, Tony Murphy, Connie Grieve
Congratulations!
BBU A & Leiden A
Breaking from ESL SF 2:
Tel Aviv A & HSoG A
Judges: Diarmuid Early (Chair), Sam Block, Andrew Marshall, Jens Fischer, Derek Lande, Derek Doyle, Greg O'Neil, Alaistair Cormack, Daniel Schut
Breaking from Main Break SF 1:
Oxford D & Oxford B
Breaking from Main Break SF 2:
Oxford A & KCL A
Judges: Neill Harvey-Smith (Chair), Isabelle Loewe, Coletta Smith, Andy Hume, Erin O'Brien, Danny McCarthy, Bob Nimmo, Tony Murphy, Connie Grieve
Congratulations!
Break announcement for Main Break and ESL at 8 pm local time.
Both the results of the main break and the ESL semi-finals are about to be announced - people are gathering, and waiting for the A-team so save the day.
Main Break SF draw and motion
Going through from QF 1:
Oxford A, UCD L&H A
No all-Oxford final!
Going through from QF 4:
KCL A, UCC Phil A
The pairing for SF 1:
1G Oxford A
1O UCD L&H A
2G UCC Phil A
2O KCL A
Judges: Andy Hume (Chair), Daniel Warents, Erin O'Brien, Daniel Schut, Alistair Cormack
Going through from QF 2:
UCC Law A, Oxford B
Going through from QF 3:
UCD Law A, Oxford D
Still room for a 3-Oxford-teams final, but also an all-Irish one. Exciting!
The pairing for SF 2:
1G Oxford D
1O UCD Law A
2G Oxford B
2O UCC Law A
Judges: Connie Grieve (Chair), Jens Fischer, Colletta Smith, Jenny Harrison, Neill Harvey-Smith
Motion: "This House would abolish income tax."
Oxford A, UCD L&H A
No all-Oxford final!
Going through from QF 4:
KCL A, UCC Phil A
The pairing for SF 1:
1G Oxford A
1O UCD L&H A
2G UCC Phil A
2O KCL A
Judges: Andy Hume (Chair), Daniel Warents, Erin O'Brien, Daniel Schut, Alistair Cormack
Going through from QF 2:
UCC Law A, Oxford B
Going through from QF 3:
UCD Law A, Oxford D
Still room for a 3-Oxford-teams final, but also an all-Irish one. Exciting!
The pairing for SF 2:
1G Oxford D
1O UCD Law A
2G Oxford B
2O UCC Law A
Judges: Connie Grieve (Chair), Jens Fischer, Colletta Smith, Jenny Harrison, Neill Harvey-Smith
Motion: "This House would abolish income tax."
Main Break SF announcement 30 minutes earlier
Since there have been questions: The announcement of the Main Break Semi-Finals has been moved to 5.30 pm local time, which is 3.30 GMT and of course 4.30 p.m. for most of Europe.
ESL break to the SF
QF 1 going through:
BDU B, Leiden A
QF 4 going through:
BBU A, Bonaparte B
So SF 1 will be:
1G BDU B (9)
1O Bonaparte B (12)
2G Leiden A (1)
2O BBU A (5)
Judges: Andrew Marshall (Chair), Danny P McCarthy, Derek Lande, Gregg O'Neil, Sam Block
QF 2 going through:
Tel Aviv A, Warwick A
QF 3 going through:
Tilbury A, HSoG A
So SF 2 will be:
1G Tel Aviv A (7)
1O HSoG A (11)
2G Tilbury A (3)
2O Warwick A (10)
Judges: Tony Murphy (Chair), Derek Doyle, Samir Deger-Sen, Adriaan Andringa, Isabelle Loewe
Motion: "This House believes the European Union should declare that energy security is a legitimate reason for military action."
Cheers and disbelief all around...
BDU B, Leiden A
QF 4 going through:
BBU A, Bonaparte B
So SF 1 will be:
1G BDU B (9)
1O Bonaparte B (12)
2G Leiden A (1)
2O BBU A (5)
Judges: Andrew Marshall (Chair), Danny P McCarthy, Derek Lande, Gregg O'Neil, Sam Block
QF 2 going through:
Tel Aviv A, Warwick A
QF 3 going through:
Tilbury A, HSoG A
So SF 2 will be:
1G Tel Aviv A (7)
1O HSoG A (11)
2G Tilbury A (3)
2O Warwick A (10)
Judges: Tony Murphy (Chair), Derek Doyle, Samir Deger-Sen, Adriaan Andringa, Isabelle Loewe
Motion: "This House believes the European Union should declare that energy security is a legitimate reason for military action."
Cheers and disbelief all around...
Before the semi-final break announcement
Teams behaved the usual way after QF: Some of them in despair, others in hope, many just confused.
However, there still is a chance of an all Oxford final - to which participants couldn't really warm up to.
However, there still is a chance of an all Oxford final - to which participants couldn't really warm up to.
Main Break QF draw and motion
QF 1
1G Oxford C (8)
1O UCD L & H A (9)
2G Oxford A (1)
2O TCD Phil B (16)
Judges: Daniel McCarthy (Chair), Derek Doyle, Isabelle Loewe, Stuart Anderson, David Middlemiss
QF 2
1G Cambridge B (7)
1O ULU B (10)
2G UCC Law A (15)
2O Oxford B (2)
Judges: Ali Cormack (Chair), Adriaan Andringa, Andy Hume, Kirsty Russell, David Wheelan
QF 3
1G UCD Law A (6)
1O UCD Law B (14)
2G Oxford D (11)
2O Manchester A (3)
Judges: Daniel Schut (Chair), Sam Block, Ewan MacDonald, Tony Murphy, Olga Polunina
QF 4
1G Leiden A (4)
1O KCL A (12)
2G Helsinki A (13)
2O UCC Phil A (5)
Judges: Greg O'Neill (Chair), Felicity Cook, Neil Dewar, Andrew Marshall, Bob Nimmo
Motion: "This House would ban the broadcast of recordings produced by terrorists."
1G Oxford C (8)
1O UCD L & H A (9)
2G Oxford A (1)
2O TCD Phil B (16)
Judges: Daniel McCarthy (Chair), Derek Doyle, Isabelle Loewe, Stuart Anderson, David Middlemiss
QF 2
1G Cambridge B (7)
1O ULU B (10)
2G UCC Law A (15)
2O Oxford B (2)
Judges: Ali Cormack (Chair), Adriaan Andringa, Andy Hume, Kirsty Russell, David Wheelan
QF 3
1G UCD Law A (6)
1O UCD Law B (14)
2G Oxford D (11)
2O Manchester A (3)
Judges: Daniel Schut (Chair), Sam Block, Ewan MacDonald, Tony Murphy, Olga Polunina
QF 4
1G Leiden A (4)
1O KCL A (12)
2G Helsinki A (13)
2O UCC Phil A (5)
Judges: Greg O'Neill (Chair), Felicity Cook, Neil Dewar, Andrew Marshall, Bob Nimmo
Motion: "This House would ban the broadcast of recordings produced by terrorists."
QF ESL: Draw and motion
QF ESL 1
1G Koc A (8)
1O IDC A (16)
2G BDU B (9)
2O Leiden A (1)
Judges: Jenni Harrison (Chair), Samir Deger-Sen, Diarmuid Early, Mikhail Jevdokimov, Ashleigh Lamming
QF ESL 2
1G Tel Aviv A (7)
1O Tilbury D (15)
2G Warwick A (10)
2O Bonaparte A (2)
Judges: Connie Grieve (Chair), Dan Cotley, Ozgun Dundar, Eoin Kilkenny, Erin O'Brien
QF ESL 3
1G Tilbury C (14)
1O Tilbury A (3)
2G HSoG A (11)
2O Haifa B (6)
Judges: Colletta Smith (Chair), Rob Honig, Derek Lande, Giles Robertson, Alex Ward
QF ESL 4
1G BBU A (5)
1O Bonaparte A (4)
2G Bonaparte B (12)
2O METU A (13)
Judges: Daniel Warents (Chair), Sam Block, Jens Fischer, Anat Gelber, Marite Klavina
Motion: "This House would require all schools to teach safe sex to children from age 10 regardless of parental consent."
1G Koc A (8)
1O IDC A (16)
2G BDU B (9)
2O Leiden A (1)
Judges: Jenni Harrison (Chair), Samir Deger-Sen, Diarmuid Early, Mikhail Jevdokimov, Ashleigh Lamming
QF ESL 2
1G Tel Aviv A (7)
1O Tilbury D (15)
2G Warwick A (10)
2O Bonaparte A (2)
Judges: Connie Grieve (Chair), Dan Cotley, Ozgun Dundar, Eoin Kilkenny, Erin O'Brien
QF ESL 3
1G Tilbury C (14)
1O Tilbury A (3)
2G HSoG A (11)
2O Haifa B (6)
Judges: Colletta Smith (Chair), Rob Honig, Derek Lande, Giles Robertson, Alex Ward
QF ESL 4
1G BBU A (5)
1O Bonaparte A (4)
2G Bonaparte B (12)
2O METU A (13)
Judges: Daniel Warents (Chair), Sam Block, Jens Fischer, Anat Gelber, Marite Klavina
Motion: "This House would require all schools to teach safe sex to children from age 10 regardless of parental consent."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Motion R7 EUDC 2008
"This House would pay morbidly obese people to lose weight."
There had to be a health motion, I guess.
There had to be a health motion, I guess.
Motion R6 EUDC 2008
"This House believes developed countries should not accept skilled migrants from developing countries."
Great motion, that is: the judges are whistling in appreciation.
Great motion, that is: the judges are whistling in appreciation.
R2 debate podcast online
Check out the Euros homepage to listen to
1G TCD PhilB
1O Oxford A
2G IDC Herzliya A
2O Bonaparte C
debating the R2 motion "“This House believes that sporting bodies should penalise teams when their players commit criminal acts off the field.”
Even though the sound quality is apparently not great, I think it is superb that debates are being recorded and published. Keep up the good work, Tallinn!
1G TCD PhilB
1O Oxford A
2G IDC Herzliya A
2O Bonaparte C
debating the R2 motion "“This House believes that sporting bodies should penalise teams when their players commit criminal acts off the field.”
Even though the sound quality is apparently not great, I think it is superb that debates are being recorded and published. Keep up the good work, Tallinn!
No team on straight firsts any more - break night preparations
It hasn't yet been confirmed, but apparently there is no team on straight wins anymore. That is: Oxford B just took a point off Oxford A. There may be other teams, but noone I asked knew of any.
R6 and R7 will be closed, thus there will not be further information how teams performed. We just have to wait for the break announcement tonight.
Speaking of which: The international battle between Turks and Germans also has an effect on Euros participants, but in a rather good way: We agreed to all watch the game at the same location, thus ensuring that triumph and failure stick close to one another.
Organisers have promised to livestream the game at the party location tonight using projectors. But they are also drawing up a plan B should that connection prove to be too weak. We are certainly looking forward to watching the game!
R6 and R7 will be closed, thus there will not be further information how teams performed. We just have to wait for the break announcement tonight.
Speaking of which: The international battle between Turks and Germans also has an effect on Euros participants, but in a rather good way: We agreed to all watch the game at the same location, thus ensuring that triumph and failure stick close to one another.
Organisers have promised to livestream the game at the party location tonight using projectors. But they are also drawing up a plan B should that connection prove to be too weak. We are certainly looking forward to watching the game!
No team on straight firsts any more - break night preparations
It hasn't yet been confirmed, but apparently there is no team on straight wins anymore. That is: Oxford B just took a point off Oxford A. There may be other teams, but noone I asked knew of any.
R6 and R7 will be closed, thus there will not be further information how teams performed. We just have to wait for the break announcement tonight.
Speaking of which: The international battle between Turks and Germans also has an effect on Euros participants, but in a rather good way: We agreed to all watch the game at the same location, thus ensuring that triumph and failure stick close to one another.
Organisers have promised to livestream the game at the party location tonight using projectors. But they are also drawing up a plan B should that connection prove to be too weak. We are certainly looking forward to see the game!
R6 and R7 will be closed, thus there will not be further information how teams performed. We just have to wait for the break announcement tonight.
Speaking of which: The international battle between Turks and Germans also has an effect on Euros participants, but in a rather good way: We agreed to all watch the game at the same location, thus ensuring that triumph and failure stick close to one another.
Organisers have promised to livestream the game at the party location tonight using projectors. But they are also drawing up a plan B should that connection prove to be too weak. We are certainly looking forward to see the game!
R3 tab is online
After some consulting, the tab after the first day is now available online, for your enjoyment and analysis. You find it on the Euros homepage.
I think it is great that the information is made available, since at least in principle it is in the public domain anyways - I hope this practice is upheld also for Worlds.
I think it is great that the information is made available, since at least in principle it is in the public domain anyways - I hope this practice is upheld also for Worlds.
Motion R5 EUDC 2008
"This House would ban the physical punishment of children by parents."
Top room seems to be
1G Cambridge A
1O Manchester A
2G Oxford B
2O Oxford A
Nice.
Top room seems to be
1G Cambridge A
1O Manchester A
2G Oxford B
2O Oxford A
Nice.
Motion analysis R4
This proved to be a relatively difficult debate, because of the different status quo jurisdictions in different countries. Mine was an all-British debate, but still there was quite an amount of confusion about such things as "punitive damages" or the way that disposable income is taken into account next to other things as guilt, damage done or remorse in finding a decent judgement.
Many teams struggle with debates in which there usually is a "reasonable" status quo, and they now have to argue the extremes. That doesn't mean that this was a bad motion, it only means that these debates are hardly ever breathtaking.
An interesting point was raised in my debate about progressive taxation and how that was justified, even though it probably wasn't all that relevant for this debate: The equivalent of an fine relative to wealth would probably be a flat tax - and even then it still is a difficult analogy.
Many teams struggle with debates in which there usually is a "reasonable" status quo, and they now have to argue the extremes. That doesn't mean that this was a bad motion, it only means that these debates are hardly ever breathtaking.
An interesting point was raised in my debate about progressive taxation and how that was justified, even though it probably wasn't all that relevant for this debate: The equivalent of an fine relative to wealth would probably be a flat tax - and even then it still is a difficult analogy.
Motion R4 EUDC 2008
"This House would make fines relative to wealth."
And Bob, if you are reading this: We are soooo on time!!!
And Bob, if you are reading this: We are soooo on time!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Motion analysis R3
This was an excellent motion, even more so because it doesn't really depend on the model, but a lot more on principle and (some) knowledge. At least that is what happened in my room, I hope other people enjoyed it as well.
I'm still trying to get information on teams and how they fared. If any of them is reading this, you may want to simply comment on things you have heard.
We're off to dinner now, so this is to be continued tomorrow.
I'm still trying to get information on teams and how they fared. If any of them is reading this, you may want to simply comment on things you have heard.
We're off to dinner now, so this is to be continued tomorrow.
Motion R3 EUDC 2008
"This House would use military force where necessary to deliver emergency aid."
And we are still almost on time, running 12 minutes (!) behind the schedule.
And we are still almost on time, running 12 minutes (!) behind the schedule.
Euros interactive
It's worthwhile to regularly check the Euros homepage www.eudc2008.eu. They are putting new stuff online all the time, right now there are videos of the arrivals and the opening ceremonies on view. The latter was quite funny, actually.
During the opening ceremonies, they also presented a hysterically funny trailer movie - let's hope that will also be available soon...
During the opening ceremonies, they also presented a hysterically funny trailer movie - let's hope that will also be available soon...
Motion analysis R2
To be honest, the R2 motion sounds a bit like a Derek Lande memorial topic - fudging politics and sports.
As it was mentioned in a comment, I also find it hard to see a connection between the wrongdoings of an individual and the collective punishment of his mates. However, I there seem to be two inroads: Firstly that teams stop hiring troublemakers (even though there is a lot to be said against that). And secondly, a SOAS team in our room came up with the idea that clubs have behaviour-agreements with the sports bodies that also concern off-the-pitch behaviour. Since this is collectively binding, it might also be enforced collectively. It's clinging to a straw, I admit.
We have a recorded debate with Oxford A and Bonaparte C (don't remember the other two teams, sorry). That will be made available as a podcast later on for those who have time to listen.
Possibly you guys have further ideas in the meantime?
As it was mentioned in a comment, I also find it hard to see a connection between the wrongdoings of an individual and the collective punishment of his mates. However, I there seem to be two inroads: Firstly that teams stop hiring troublemakers (even though there is a lot to be said against that). And secondly, a SOAS team in our room came up with the idea that clubs have behaviour-agreements with the sports bodies that also concern off-the-pitch behaviour. Since this is collectively binding, it might also be enforced collectively. It's clinging to a straw, I admit.
We have a recorded debate with Oxford A and Bonaparte C (don't remember the other two teams, sorry). That will be made available as a podcast later on for those who have time to listen.
Possibly you guys have further ideas in the meantime?
Still trying to get a few results
I'll be hanging around the tab room a bit to find out about how teams fared so far.
As concerning German teams in Tallinn: We have two teams from Berlin (BDU), one from the Hertie School of Governance, one from Halle, one from Munich, and four teams from Tilbury House. That prepares us well for the cheering contest with the Turks, who have 10 teams in the competition.
Motion R2 EUDC 2008
"This House believes that sporting bodies should penalise teams when their players commit criminal acts off the field."
We're on time now.
We're on time now.
General observations: Weather and socials
The weather here is not according to everyone's taste. At least it is very "honest": It has been raining heavily for around 50 % of the time so far, and by raining we mean: pouring.This is why people were a little bit sceptical about the socials of the first night: Celebrating midsummer night in an open air park near Tallinn.
Convenor Helina however was cheerful, claiming "don't worry, it will clear up", even as we tried to get to the busses as dry as possible. And what can we say: She was right! 10 minutes after we had arrived at the location, the rain stopped and the sun came out (see picture below). There are now rumours the organizers ordered Russian airplanes to "salt" the clouds. This is usually only done to celebrate May 8th in Moscow, but who knows...?
We take it that the socials were very typically estonian, with a bonfire, lots of beer and traditional dance. Very enjoyable, even though it got quite chilly at night.
Some of the participants went for a quick dip. You can do the guessing on the usual suspects.
The sun set around 11 p.m., in an amazing setting. Since it never actually gets really dark at night, Estonians call this time of year the "White Nights". It's a bit strange to wake up at 8 in the morning, and it feels like some time in the afternoon.
For tonight, there is apparently another outdoor activity, but that may actually be cancelled because of the weather instability.
General observations: Food
The food is, shall we say, open to improvement. Except for the great breakfast at the hotel, so far the meals consisted of vaguely Chinese stews (see picture below). For lunch, we had literally a bowl of rice. Many people hope it is going to improve in the next few days.
The beer, however, is very good and cheap (for half a liter, we paid 2 € at the park we went to last night, and 3,50 € at the Hotel Bar called "The Englishman's pub"). And that is great!
The beer, however, is very good and cheap (for half a liter, we paid 2 € at the park we went to last night, and 3,50 € at the Hotel Bar called "The Englishman's pub"). And that is great!
General observations: Accomodation
The whole competition is accomodated at Hotel Olümpia, which was built for the sailing competitions of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
It's a very nice location, with excellent breakfast and a pool with fitness and saunas on the 26th floor, overlooking the city.
However, probably because of the general reservedness of the Estonias, the personel is cool, bordering the unfriendly. This has been observed by many debaters, also in other locations around the city. Fortunately, our host and all the Euros staff are very friendly and open.
Because of a screw up, some of the debaters had to change rooms. This initially stirred some unhappiness, but now the issue seems to be resolved.
It's a very nice location, with excellent breakfast and a pool with fitness and saunas on the 26th floor, overlooking the city.
However, probably because of the general reservedness of the Estonias, the personel is cool, bordering the unfriendly. This has been observed by many debaters, also in other locations around the city. Fortunately, our host and all the Euros staff are very friendly and open.
Because of a screw up, some of the debaters had to change rooms. This initially stirred some unhappiness, but now the issue seems to be resolved.
A bit of motion analysis
As has been pointed out in a comment, this is a pretty standard motion. Still, we could observe here that especially teams from eastern Europe had trouble in dealing with it appropriately: It simply is not something that their societies care very much about - at least according to a few Russian participants.
Also, in personal observation: You can win this debate with pretty standard stuff, but as soon as the analysis reaches a certain level, it gets hellishly complicated.
In any case: The first round of a major competition is always a bit random and arkward, whatever the motion then actually is.
Also, in personal observation: You can win this debate with pretty standard stuff, but as soon as the analysis reaches a certain level, it gets hellishly complicated.
In any case: The first round of a major competition is always a bit random and arkward, whatever the motion then actually is.
Motion R1 EUDC 2008
Starting just about 45 minutes delayed, the motion for R1 is
"This House would require people to work in return for welfare payments."
In one room, there are meeting two Oxford teams one from Cambridge, and one from GSU (Turkey). Yay!
"This House would require people to work in return for welfare payments."
In one room, there are meeting two Oxford teams one from Cambridge, and one from GSU (Turkey). Yay!
Monday, June 23, 2008
EUDC 2008 officially opened
After a few days of frenzy but relaxed preparations, judge tests, ESL interviews, and pre-Council deciding to accept Wales as an official EUDC country, convenor Helina Loor has officially declared Euros 2008 open.Your German Correspondent will be blogging Euros, and we'll try to get you as much information as possible. So far, the organizers have been threatening us with Sauna visits and cheap beer, so we are very afraid of what is coming next.
This is going to be a great competition - we are prepared to be estonished!
Oh, and could please someone tell the Queen about Wales? Cheers!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Thank you, Koc!
Back in Germany, and it has been raining for two days straight. That gives me a chance to reflect for a moment on Euros in Istanbul.
Having been part of the organisation staff for Berlin Euros, I find it hard to find an "objective" view. And despite of the bias, I truly believe that this was probably the best Euros ever.
Of course, the nature of the event was different from holding it in a big city - here, no transfers were required, everything was close by.
The org comm really lived up to their promises: The competition ran on schedule for most of the time. The food was good, especially for the dinners. The nightlife was very diverse, and speaking of culture: I imagine the trip to Istanbul was just great.
And lastly, also the weather played along: With temperatures around 30°C and a steady breeze, competition days were very bearable. Even more so, climatized rooms ensured that concentration could be upheld during the rounds.
As a summary: What a fantastic competition, and thank you to everyone who made this happen.
From this perspective: All the best to Tallinn Euros, we are looking forward to meeting under the northern summer!
PS: There is a little downside though, The mood was slightly gloomy amongst several prospective Euros hosts I talked to. One debater told me: "We would love to host Euros in 2009 or 2010, but we have no idea how we could possibly match this experience".
Saturday, August 11, 2007
New EUDC council president
As new EUDC council president, Branka Marusic of Zagreb, Croatia was elected. Congratulations!
Here is her introductory mail:
"Dear debating community,
This is the first (of many) e-mails by your newly elected president.
But to start off I would like to introduce myself. My name is Branka Marusic and for the past 3 years I have coordinated debate in Croatia and for the last year and a half I have been the EUDC Council VP for Central and Eastern Europe. In that period of time I had been dealing with various issues which gave me an insight into the specific situations and difficulties faced by countries when developing their debate programs (such as funding, institution recognition etc.) and answered and helped resolve questions, doubts and qualms. That experience served as an incentive to run for the EUDC Council president. Although it is most certainly challenging to live up to the standards set up by my dear predecessor Mr Lars Duursma, I am most willing - and by the trust you have expressed by electing me to this position also recognized as capable - to take up this task head-on.
In the coming year my wish is to improve cooperation between societies, instıtutions, countries and regions in Europe, as well as to represent the interests of all European regions such as working on setting up the criteria for clearer definitions of eligible institutions and speaker statuses (ENL, ESL, EFL).
And as the last point of this brief introduction, but certainly not the least important one, great many thanks to the organizing committtee of the Koc University and a fantastic Euros, and congrats to Tallinn as the venue of our next meeting.
Till soon,
With love from the gorgeous Istanbul,
Branka Marusic"
Friday, August 10, 2007
Tab
The team tab for EUDC 2007 can be viewed at:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pMWOJaP7GaGyGy5QCN6-rVg
and here is the speaker tab:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pMWOJaP7GaGwAWb3SVY2YEg
have fun!
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pMWOJaP7GaGyGy5QCN6-rVg
and here is the speaker tab:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pMWOJaP7GaGwAWb3SVY2YEg
have fun!
Euros 2008
The council meeting has finished and the two bids from Tallinn (Estonia) and IDC Herliya (Israel) competed. Tallinn got 14 of 19 votes so they will be hosting Euros next year.
Day 6
This is the last day of the tournament and according to the schedule it will be a free day to discover Istanbul.
Today the council meeting will take place and vote for which country will be the host of the next EUDC.
I also will be posting the full team tab and the speaker tab which are readily delivered everybody as hard copy.
details coming...
Today the council meeting will take place and vote for which country will be the host of the next EUDC.
I also will be posting the full team tab and the speaker tab which are readily delivered everybody as hard copy.
details coming...
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Top 10 EFL Speakers
1. Sam Block 579
2. Alex Blenkinsopp 578
3. Alex Just 576
4. Samir Deger-Sen 572
5. Derek Lande 571
6. Alex Worsnip 568
Derek Doyle 568
8. Siddharth Khajuria 567
9. Ian Chapman 566
10. Constance Grieve 564
2. Alex Blenkinsopp 578
3. Alex Just 576
4. Samir Deger-Sen 572
5. Derek Lande 571
6. Alex Worsnip 568
Derek Doyle 568
8. Siddharth Khajuria 567
9. Ian Chapman 566
10. Constance Grieve 564
Top 10+1 ESL Speakers
1. Leela Koenig 533
2. Sharon Kroes 531
3. Lars Duursma 529
4. Felix Lamouroux 527
5. Kai Menzel 526
6. Irina Subulica 523
Anna Karolin 523
8. Rosanne Hertzberger 521
9. Anita Acavalos 520
Mollie Gerver 520
Uve Poom 520
2. Sharon Kroes 531
3. Lars Duursma 529
4. Felix Lamouroux 527
5. Kai Menzel 526
6. Irina Subulica 523
Anna Karolin 523
8. Rosanne Hertzberger 521
9. Anita Acavalos 520
Mollie Gerver 520
Uve Poom 520
Grand Final motion
"This house believes that the state should publish deliberate mistruths during times of war."
Final judges
The final judges for ESL and the grand final are announced to be as:
ESL final: Anat Gelber, Kate Stegemann, Jess Harvey-Smith, Tony Murphy, Daniel Schut, Kirsty Russell, Uri Zakai, Rhydian Morgan, Alistair Cormack.
Grand final: Can Okar, Will Jones, Anat Gelber, Neill Harvey-Smith, Jamie Furniss, Jenni Harrison, Klaas van Schelven, Eoin Kilkenny, Andrew Fitch
PS: The ESL final will be held at 10 am and the grand final will be at sometime afternoon.
ESL final: Anat Gelber, Kate Stegemann, Jess Harvey-Smith, Tony Murphy, Daniel Schut, Kirsty Russell, Uri Zakai, Rhydian Morgan, Alistair Cormack.
Grand final: Can Okar, Will Jones, Anat Gelber, Neill Harvey-Smith, Jamie Furniss, Jenni Harrison, Klaas van Schelven, Eoin Kilkenny, Andrew Fitch
PS: The ESL final will be held at 10 am and the grand final will be at sometime afternoon.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Goodbye and hello
Your German Correspondent will tonight return home on the happy occasion of a family wedding. Since we want to continue informing you, tomorrow the local computer genius Ramazan will pick up from where I left.
I will be putting pictures online from Germany. Also, of course, we will publish the full tab as soon as it is made available.
Thank you to all the people who were reading this stuff in Germany, England, Ireland, USA, Croatia, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Estonia, Argentina or from whereever else!
Can I add: You really are missing a wonderful competition. As I am writing these lines, the country night is in full swing - under a full moon, with a warm breeze and local specialities like bacclava and turkish coffee, raki and small , delicious, hot salad rolls. People are tasting Croatian palinkovac and Israeli wines, Scottish whisky and even Austrian 60% Strohrum. All in all: Awesome.
Oh, and did I mention the belly dancer?
I will be putting pictures online from Germany. Also, of course, we will publish the full tab as soon as it is made available.
Thank you to all the people who were reading this stuff in Germany, England, Ireland, USA, Croatia, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Estonia, Argentina or from whereever else!
Can I add: You really are missing a wonderful competition. As I am writing these lines, the country night is in full swing - under a full moon, with a warm breeze and local specialities like bacclava and turkish coffee, raki and small , delicious, hot salad rolls. People are tasting Croatian palinkovac and Israeli wines, Scottish whisky and even Austrian 60% Strohrum. All in all: Awesome.
Oh, and did I mention the belly dancer?
Main break to final
The teams in the Grand Final tomorrow will be
Cambridge A
Cambridge B
UCC Law B
St. Andrews A
Congratulations!
Cambridge A
Cambridge B
UCC Law B
St. Andrews A
Congratulations!
ESL break to final
The teams in the ESL-final are
Tallinn Red
Tilbury House White
HSoG Berlin
Leiden B
Congratulations so far, guys!
Tallinn Red
Tilbury House White
HSoG Berlin
Leiden B
Congratulations so far, guys!
Main break SF motion
"This House would grant the state the exclusive right to make decisions on behalf of the mentally ill."
Main break SF
SF 1:
1g UCC Phil B
1o Oxford B
2g Cambridge A
2o UCC Law B
SF 2:
1g UCC Phil C
1o Cambridge B
2g UCD L&H B
2o St. Andrews A
PS: I took down a wrong note earlier: UCC Phil A went out in the Quarterfinal, teams B and C are still in. Apologies and everything.
1g UCC Phil B
1o Oxford B
2g Cambridge A
2o UCC Law B
SF 2:
1g UCC Phil C
1o Cambridge B
2g UCD L&H B
2o St. Andrews A
PS: I took down a wrong note earlier: UCC Phil A went out in the Quarterfinal, teams B and C are still in. Apologies and everything.
ESL SF
SF 1:
1g Ljubljana Law A
1o Tallinn Red
2g Tilbury House White
2o Tartu B
SF 2:
1g TAU B
1o Bonaparte A
2g Leiden B
2o HSoG Berlin
1g Ljubljana Law A
1o Tallinn Red
2g Tilbury House White
2o Tartu B
SF 2:
1g TAU B
1o Bonaparte A
2g Leiden B
2o HSoG Berlin
Main break SF
Yes, it happened: Oxford A is out...
1. QF
1p Oxford A
1o KCL A
2p UCC Phil B
2o Cambridge A
going through: UCC Phil B, Cambridge A
2. QF
1p UCD L&H A
1o Oxford C
2p UCD L&H B
2o Cambridge B
going through: Cambridge B, UCD L&H B
3. QF
1p St. Andrews A
1o UCC Phil C
2p Oxford D
2o UCC Phil A
going through: St. Andrews A, UCC Phil C
4 QF
1p Durham B
1o Oxford B
2p UCC Law B
2o UCC Law A
going through: Oxford B, UCC Law B
1. QF
1p Oxford A
1o KCL A
2p UCC Phil B
2o Cambridge A
going through: UCC Phil B, Cambridge A
2. QF
1p UCD L&H A
1o Oxford C
2p UCD L&H B
2o Cambridge B
going through: Cambridge B, UCD L&H B
3. QF
1p St. Andrews A
1o UCC Phil C
2p Oxford D
2o UCC Phil A
going through: St. Andrews A, UCC Phil C
4 QF
1p Durham B
1o Oxford B
2p UCC Law B
2o UCC Law A
going through: Oxford B, UCC Law B
ESL break to SF
1. QF
1G Tartu B
1O Erasmus C
2G IDC A
2O Tilbury House White
going through: Tartu B, Tilbury House White
2. QF
1G Tel Aviv B
1O HSoG Berlin
2G Erasmus A
2O Hebrew A
going through: Tel Aviv B, HSoG Berlin
3. QF
1G Bonaparte A
1O Leiden A
2G Comenius 1
2O Leiden B
going through: Bonaparte A, Leiden B
4. QF
1G Tilbury House Blue
1O Ljubljana Law A
2G Tilbury House Red
2O Tallinn Red
going through: Ljubljana Law A, Tallinn Red
1G Tartu B
1O Erasmus C
2G IDC A
2O Tilbury House White
going through: Tartu B, Tilbury House White
2. QF
1G Tel Aviv B
1O HSoG Berlin
2G Erasmus A
2O Hebrew A
going through: Tel Aviv B, HSoG Berlin
3. QF
1G Bonaparte A
1O Leiden A
2G Comenius 1
2O Leiden B
going through: Bonaparte A, Leiden B
4. QF
1G Tilbury House Blue
1O Ljubljana Law A
2G Tilbury House Red
2O Tallinn Red
going through: Ljubljana Law A, Tallinn Red
QF main break
1. QF
1p Oxford A
1o KCL A
2p UCC Phil B
2o Cambridge A
Judges: Isabelle Loewe, Eoin Kilkenny, Jenni Harrison, Mert Onen, Uri Zakai
2. QF
1p UCD L&H A
1o Oxford C
2p UCD L&H B
2o Cambridge B
Judges: Andrew Fitch, Neil Harvey-Smith, Özlem Unal, Tony Murphy, Victor Chernov
3. QF
1p St. Andrews A
1o UCC Phil C
2p Oxford D
2o UCC Phil A
Judges: Daniel Schut, Can Okar, Kate Stegemann, Rhydian Morgan, Shane Cranley
4. QF
1p Durham B
1o Oxford B
2p UCC Law B
2o UCC Law A
Judges: Jessica Harvey-Smith, Jason Vit, Klaas van Schelven, Ruvi Ziegler, Will Jones
1p Oxford A
1o KCL A
2p UCC Phil B
2o Cambridge A
Judges: Isabelle Loewe, Eoin Kilkenny, Jenni Harrison, Mert Onen, Uri Zakai
2. QF
1p UCD L&H A
1o Oxford C
2p UCD L&H B
2o Cambridge B
Judges: Andrew Fitch, Neil Harvey-Smith, Özlem Unal, Tony Murphy, Victor Chernov
3. QF
1p St. Andrews A
1o UCC Phil C
2p Oxford D
2o UCC Phil A
Judges: Daniel Schut, Can Okar, Kate Stegemann, Rhydian Morgan, Shane Cranley
4. QF
1p Durham B
1o Oxford B
2p UCC Law B
2o UCC Law A
Judges: Jessica Harvey-Smith, Jason Vit, Klaas van Schelven, Ruvi Ziegler, Will Jones
ESL QF motion
"This House would distribute development aid through religious organizations rather than the state."
Comment by spectators: "Tough".
Comment by spectators: "Tough".
Main break
1. Oxford A (20)
2. Cambridge B (18)
3. UCC Phil A (17)
4. Oxford B (16)
5. Durham B (16)
6. St. Andrews A
7. Oxford C (16)
8. UCC Phil B (16)
9. KCL A (15)
10. UCD L&H B (15)
11. UCC Phil C (15)
12. UCC Law A (15)
13. UCC Law B (15)
14. Oxford D (15)
15. UCD L&H A (14)
16. Cambridge A (14)
No ESL team made the main break.
2. Cambridge B (18)
3. UCC Phil A (17)
4. Oxford B (16)
5. Durham B (16)
6. St. Andrews A
7. Oxford C (16)
8. UCC Phil B (16)
9. KCL A (15)
10. UCD L&H B (15)
11. UCC Phil C (15)
12. UCC Law A (15)
13. UCC Law B (15)
14. Oxford D (15)
15. UCD L&H A (14)
16. Cambridge A (14)
No ESL team made the main break.
ESL QF
1. QF
1G Tartu B
1O Erasmus C
2G IDC A
2O Tilbury House White
Judges: Ciaran Lawlor, Alanna Landers, Domagoj Baric, Luka Keller, Manolis Polychronides
2. QF
1G Tel Aviv B
1O HSoG Berlin
2G Erasmus A
2O Hebrew A
Judges: Debbie Newman, Ewan McDonald, Eyal Oron, Rose Grogan, Simone van Elk
3. QF
1G Bonaparte A
1O Leiden A
2G Comenius 1
2O Leiden B
Judges: Jens Fischer, Anat Gelber, Alistair Cormack, Danny Gleeson, Kirsty Russell
4. QF
1G Tilbury House Blue
1O Ljubljana Law A
2G Tilbury House Red
2O Tallinn Red
Judges: Jamie Furniss, Alex Ward, Alex Wright, Deirdre Milner, Luke Harris
(Some judges were changed afterwards announcement.)
1G Tartu B
1O Erasmus C
2G IDC A
2O Tilbury House White
Judges: Ciaran Lawlor, Alanna Landers, Domagoj Baric, Luka Keller, Manolis Polychronides
2. QF
1G Tel Aviv B
1O HSoG Berlin
2G Erasmus A
2O Hebrew A
Judges: Debbie Newman, Ewan McDonald, Eyal Oron, Rose Grogan, Simone van Elk
3. QF
1G Bonaparte A
1O Leiden A
2G Comenius 1
2O Leiden B
Judges: Jens Fischer, Anat Gelber, Alistair Cormack, Danny Gleeson, Kirsty Russell
4. QF
1G Tilbury House Blue
1O Ljubljana Law A
2G Tilbury House Red
2O Tallinn Red
Judges: Jamie Furniss, Alex Ward, Alex Wright, Deirdre Milner, Luke Harris
(Some judges were changed afterwards announcement.)
The ESL break
1. Tilbury House White (14)
2. Erasmus A (13)
3. Leiden A (13)
4. Tilbury House Blue (13)
5. Tallin Red (13)
6. Leiden B (13)
7. Tel Aviv B (13)
8. Tartu B (13)
9. Erasmus C (13)
10. HSoG Berlin (12)
11. Bonaparte A (12)
12. Ljubljana Law A (12)
13. Tilbury House Red (12)
(14. Haifa A (12) - didn't break because one of them missed a round.)
15. Comenius 1 (12)
16. Hebrew A (11)
17. IDC A (11)
2. Erasmus A (13)
3. Leiden A (13)
4. Tilbury House Blue (13)
5. Tallin Red (13)
6. Leiden B (13)
7. Tel Aviv B (13)
8. Tartu B (13)
9. Erasmus C (13)
10. HSoG Berlin (12)
11. Bonaparte A (12)
12. Ljubljana Law A (12)
13. Tilbury House Red (12)
(14. Haifa A (12) - didn't break because one of them missed a round.)
15. Comenius 1 (12)
16. Hebrew A (11)
17. IDC A (11)
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
R7 motion
"This House would prosecute parents who take their children to another legal jurisdiction in order to carry out an act which is illegal in their home country."
Tough one, right? Well, it's round 7.
Tough one, right? Well, it's round 7.
Other results later
I'll try to get some more information on the ranking after R5. The next two rounds are closed adjudication. Also, the break will be announced on a boat trip across the Bosphorus around midnight.
Top room results
Oxford A is now on 5 wins. KCL A took a 2nd, Tilbury House Blue a 3rd, and Durham B lost the debate.
Top room R5
The top room in this round is
KCL A
Oxford A
Durham B
Tilbury House Blue.
Tilbury House Blue is on 10 points for sure.
KCL A
Oxford A
Durham B
Tilbury House Blue.
Tilbury House Blue is on 10 points for sure.
Day 3
It's a beautiful morning here in Turkey: Clear blue sky, and a very slight breeze to ensure agreeable temperatures. A perfect opportunity to enter the catacombes of Koc University to cram with 150 judges into a relatively small room and wait for round 5 to be started.
Some people complained about Nausea, and they insist they haven't been drinking. Let's hope this is not going to spread around; booze-indicated nausea seems to be preferable...
Some people complained about Nausea, and they insist they haven't been drinking. Let's hope this is not going to spread around; booze-indicated nausea seems to be preferable...
Monday, August 6, 2007
EFL vs ESL - no longer
It really seems that the old ESL-EFL division is slowly diluting a little. EFL judges point out that EFL teams speak to fast for ESL teams, and EFL teams approach ESL judges for feedback on their performance. This seemed fairly unthinkably only a couple of years ago...
Also, the Turks and the English tonight performed a serious sing-off, but this in the end was still won by the English.
Also, the Turks and the English tonight performed a serious sing-off, but this in the end was still won by the English.
Some news on teams
Sorry for this incomplete information, but:
To the best of my knowledge, the only team on straigth 1st's so far is Oxford A with 12 points. I haven't heard of any team on 11 points. Derek and Jimmy are on 10 points, as well as many other teams.
The bulk of teams is on 6 or 7 points however, so we will most likely see a very close break. With the new QF-break for ESL-teams, they are all excited about the possibilities. Even teams on today around 3 points even get a realistic chance of advancing to QF.
To the best of my knowledge, the only team on straigth 1st's so far is Oxford A with 12 points. I haven't heard of any team on 11 points. Derek and Jimmy are on 10 points, as well as many other teams.
The bulk of teams is on 6 or 7 points however, so we will most likely see a very close break. With the new QF-break for ESL-teams, they are all excited about the possibilities. Even teams on today around 3 points even get a realistic chance of advancing to QF.
Pre-Council
Pre-Council approved to hold Quarter finals for ESL for the first time in the history of the competition (hazaa!).
In this year's EUDC, approximately 110 ESL teams are taking part, easily passing the threshold of 80 teams set by Worlds Council for holding Quarterfinals.
This also means that around 60 EFL (or is it ENL now?) teams take part in the competition.
Lars Duursma expertly led through the very brief pre-council meeting: The ESL-status of teams was ratified without objections, the two competing bids circulated their materials. Many delegates were still undecided on whom to vote for - again we'll keep you informed.
In this year's EUDC, approximately 110 ESL teams are taking part, easily passing the threshold of 80 teams set by Worlds Council for holding Quarterfinals.
This also means that around 60 EFL (or is it ENL now?) teams take part in the competition.
Lars Duursma expertly led through the very brief pre-council meeting: The ESL-status of teams was ratified without objections, the two competing bids circulated their materials. Many delegates were still undecided on whom to vote for - again we'll keep you informed.
R4 wrap up
People unsurprisingly expected this motion to happen, so many teams were very happy. In general, people are fairly content with everything: The organisation not only is excellent, but also on time, four rounds were completed, and dinner was great.
Now we are looking forward to a relaxed night with less Euro techno than yesterday.
Now we are looking forward to a relaxed night with less Euro techno than yesterday.
ESL successes
After round 4, at least three ESL teams are on 10 points: Lars and Sharon (Erasmus), Leela and Rose (Leiden) and Kai and Felix (Tilbury House). Go on, guys!
R4 motion
"This House believes that Turkey should invade Northern Iraq to fight Kurdish terrorist organisations."
R3 wrap up
Generally, debates in this round apparently were very messy. It seems that people couldn't cope with the term "analysis debate", but also with the strong economic part of the debate. Furthermore, establishing causal links was a problem in many debates.
It begs the question why the debate was not focused further, e.g.: "THB that China will have to democratize in order to reap further economic benefits in the future." Or something like this. 1P still wouldn't need to give a model, but there would be a bit more beef to chew on. But that's just IMHO.
Awaiting round 4!
It begs the question why the debate was not focused further, e.g.: "THB that China will have to democratize in order to reap further economic benefits in the future." Or something like this. 1P still wouldn't need to give a model, but there would be a bit more beef to chew on. But that's just IMHO.
Awaiting round 4!
R3 motion
"This House believes that democracy is a necessary condition for economic growth and stability (ANALYSIS)"
Adjudication team decided to post this an analysis motion, ie: No model required, just debate first principles. Interesting.
Adjudication team decided to post this an analysis motion, ie: No model required, just debate first principles. Interesting.
Wrap up R2
Generally, people were satisfied with the motion and the debates. The impression is that there are less "star" teams this year, but that the general level is better than in previous years - especially in ESL-debates.
In ESL-news: Daniel and Patrick (Berlin) beat Cambridge B (or C?), while most of the other German teams hit hard rounds this time and came mostly 3rd or last.
In ESL-news: Daniel and Patrick (Berlin) beat Cambridge B (or C?), while most of the other German teams hit hard rounds this time and came mostly 3rd or last.
R2 motion
"This House believes the state should prohibit all items of clothing which cover the face."
Very nice.
Very nice.
R1 wrap up
Most propositions seem to have interpreted the motion to be about organ donation, but so far we haven't heard of a sensible definition for "unhealthy lifestyle" in that context. A few cases were also run about extreme sports and insurance.
German teams apparently fared well, so far I have 3 wins and a third on the list.
German teams apparently fared well, so far I have 3 wins and a third on the list.
Motion R1
"This House would take lifestyle choices into account in the allocation of scarce medical resources."
Opening ceremonies and party
Under a heavily clouded sky, opening ceremonies were held last night. We had an excellent dinner and heard refreshingly short and inspired speeches. At the opening party, we got to enjoy free and unlimited Beck's beer. The draw will be posted at 9 a.m. - let's see who isn't there...
Biggest Euros ever
Koc Euros will have 43 rooms of parallel debate. If I recall correctly, that also was the number of rooms in Berlin. However, Koc seems to have a very deep adjudication pool - Can Okar said they almost have 4 judges per room.
But Euros also grows in the numbers of participating countries: In Cork 2005, there were 15 countries present, in Berlin 2006 around 20, and here the estimate is around 22.
But Euros also grows in the numbers of participating countries: In Cork 2005, there were 15 countries present, in Berlin 2006 around 20, and here the estimate is around 22.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Debate about bids
This year, EUDC council members are voting on competing bids to host Euros 2008.
Tallinn (Estonia) wants to hold Euros in June, IDC Herzliya (Israel) is bidding to hold Euros by the end of March.
A first and incomplete poll showed that we have a few interesting days ahead. Representatives and other participants expressed sympathy for both bids, and many country reps are still undecided.
Council will be meet on Friday, Aug. 10th - we'll keep you posted.
Tallinn (Estonia) wants to hold Euros in June, IDC Herzliya (Israel) is bidding to hold Euros by the end of March.
A first and incomplete poll showed that we have a few interesting days ahead. Representatives and other participants expressed sympathy for both bids, and many country reps are still undecided.
Council will be meet on Friday, Aug. 10th - we'll keep you posted.
DCA exchange
Prospective DCA Alex Betts (Oxford) had to cancel his participation on short notice. The adjudication team has appointed Will Jones (Oxford) as DCA in his place.
Rain before opening ceremonies
Today, it rained. According to Chief Adjudicator Can Okar, this has not happened in 3 months. For central Europeans, it is actually not only bad: Temperatures stayed modest during the day at probably 27°C. Unfortunately though, the evening barbecue had to be moved indoors.
They sent a bus for us to take us over the Bosphorus.
We arrived in Koc on the night between Friday and Saturday on Sabiha International Airport. And the first impression of the tournament was wonderful: We were picked up and transferred to Koc University by bus - a 70 minute trip including crossing the Bosphorus. Amazing.
The university is situated north of Istanbul and has a secluded campus. It has everything we could wish for: A swimming pool, nice rooms with mini bar and wonderful facilities. I'll include some pictures later.
The university is situated north of Istanbul and has a secluded campus. It has everything we could wish for: A swimming pool, nice rooms with mini bar and wonderful facilities. I'll include some pictures later.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Your German Correspondent is back
This is Tallinn Academy, and Henrik and me decided to blog this - tell us what you think!
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Worlds Grand Final Transcript available
Another transcript of the Grand Final of UBC Worlds is available online on CUSID net:
http://www.cusid.ca/community/viewtopic.php?t=13596&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60
http://www.cusid.ca/community/viewtopic.php?t=13596&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60
Friday, January 5, 2007
Tab will be on Colm Flynn's page soon
Kevin posted the tab to Colm Flynn a few minutes ago, it should be up there soon. Check flynn.debating.net!
Plush Party Pictures
The "end of the worlds" party ended last night at 1.30 a.m. because of (you guessed it) B.C. legislation. We had some fun anyway.
Hey Miranda, thank you for the music!
You could say the cages provided at the club were a real attraction.
A hooray for Croatia!
The new World Champions
Julia (left) and Anna from Sydney G are the new World Universities Debating Champions 2007. Congratulations!
Tab not yet released
UBCWorlds is over, and everybody is headed back to their homes. Since yesterday, we had more than a thousand people reading the blog from almost everywhere in the world. Thank you very much for all the comments!
The tab has not yet been released as of now. According to Kevin, it's being worked on and will be posted some time soon, most probably on ubcworlds2007.com. We'll let you know.
I'm going to stay in Vancouver for a couple more days. If there's anything else to say, I'll post it up here.
The tab has not yet been released as of now. According to Kevin, it's being worked on and will be posted some time soon, most probably on ubcworlds2007.com. We'll let you know.
I'm going to stay in Vancouver for a couple more days. If there's anything else to say, I'll post it up here.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
End of the Worlds
"This is the end."
And while I will switch from music to tennis in underlining my commentary tomorrow (I think I owe the community one final evaluative one), let me just announce that our friends from the grand nation of Canadia have managed to kick us out at 2 a.m. from the End of the Worlds party.
Shame, ladies and gentlemen!
I shall take the opportunity to abuse this forum to advertise an event at which things run slightly differently tomorrow ...
And while I will switch from music to tennis in underlining my commentary tomorrow (I think I owe the community one final evaluative one), let me just announce that our friends from the grand nation of Canadia have managed to kick us out at 2 a.m. from the End of the Worlds party.
Shame, ladies and gentlemen!
I shall take the opportunity to abuse this forum to advertise an event at which things run slightly differently tomorrow ...
Tab will be released tomorrow
Derek and Tim say this. As soon as we get a copy, we'll publish it. And give it to Colm. And let you know where to get it on the net.
Hope you had fun reading this in the middle of the night! And yes: We called it wrong, apparently. And a hell lot of people in the audience also got it wrong.
This is why we were not actually judging the Final(s), I guess.
We're off to the Plush Party (End of the Worlds) now. Have a good sleep, Europe.
Hope you had fun reading this in the middle of the night! And yes: We called it wrong, apparently. And a hell lot of people in the audience also got it wrong.
This is why we were not actually judging the Final(s), I guess.
We're off to the Plush Party (End of the Worlds) now. Have a good sleep, Europe.
Top 10 Speakers on the Tab
Sorry for misspellings
10 Jack Wright, Sydney
10 Christopher Croke, Sydney
9 Alex Campbell, Oxford
8 David Denton, Yale A
7 Adam Chilton, Yale A
5 Will Jones, Oxford D
5 Adam Bott, Cambridge B
4 Patrick Meagher, Sydney A
3 Joshua Bone, Yale B
2 Sam Block, Cambridge B
1 Jess Prince, Oxford A
10 Jack Wright, Sydney
10 Christopher Croke, Sydney
9 Alex Campbell, Oxford
8 David Denton, Yale A
7 Adam Chilton, Yale A
5 Will Jones, Oxford D
5 Adam Bott, Cambridge B
4 Patrick Meagher, Sydney A
3 Joshua Bone, Yale B
2 Sam Block, Cambridge B
1 Jess Prince, Oxford A
The Winners
Here are the very surprising results.
Sorry for all the misspellings - we'll correct this later
Comedy Night:
Willard Foxton, Middle Temple
Public Speaking:
Michael Einsten
Masters:
Quebec (Matthew Sinclair and Ali Dewji)
EFL:
Tsinghua A
ESL:
IIU Malaysia A
Top Speaker of the Tab:
Jess Prince, Oxford A
World Universities Debating Champions 2007:
Sydney G by a unanimous decision "after lengthy discussion" (Kevin Massie)
Sorry for all the misspellings - we'll correct this later
Comedy Night:
Willard Foxton, Middle Temple
Public Speaking:
Michael Einsten
Masters:
Quebec (Matthew Sinclair and Ali Dewji)
EFL:
Tsinghua A
ESL:
IIU Malaysia A
Top Speaker of the Tab:
Jess Prince, Oxford A
World Universities Debating Champions 2007:
Sydney G by a unanimous decision "after lengthy discussion" (Kevin Massie)
The Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton
I know it's not enough for you, however: This is where we spend our time at present. It's better than the gym all the rounds were announced in, that's for certain.
Announcement delayed
The closing ceremonies have been postponed from the planned time (6.30 p.m.) to "at least 7:45 p.m." (Miranda Weigler). There seems to be quite a need for discussion amongst the judges, but then again: Maybe they just want to make sure.
Overheard
Reactions from the Irish crowd (overheard at the Sheraton):
1. The motion was not precisely brilliant.
2. If Oxford D didn't win, the lifespan of the judge panel might be severely reduced.
They went on to describe in quite some detail how they would kill the judges - y'know. You should ask Ciarán about it...
1. The motion was not precisely brilliant.
2. If Oxford D didn't win, the lifespan of the judge panel might be severely reduced.
They went on to describe in quite some detail how they would kill the judges - y'know. You should ask Ciarán about it...
Judge Panel in the Grand Final
Hi Guys, here we go again. Thanks for all the positive feedback!
Awaiting confirmation, the judge panel in the Grand Final was:
Kevin Massie (Chair)
Tim Sonnreich
Derek Lande
Alex Deane
Neill Harvey-Smith
Ian Lising
Jeremy Brier
Jo Nairn
Hayley Nix (Yale)
Awaiting confirmation, the judge panel in the Grand Final was:
Kevin Massie (Chair)
Tim Sonnreich
Derek Lande
Alex Deane
Neill Harvey-Smith
Ian Lising
Jeremy Brier
Jo Nairn
Hayley Nix (Yale)
The rest later
We are going back to the Sheraton now and will get back to you - interest is massive around the globe, apparently.
Some pictures of the Grand final
Here's the pictures of the debate and of the teams - sorry again for the poor quality of some of the pictures.
Opening Government: Cambridge C
Opening Opposition: Queensland A
Closing Government: Oxford D
Closing Opposition: Sydney G
Opposition Whip Speech - Grand Final
Anna Garsia on behalf of Sydney G:
1. Interaction with economics
- Costs get passed on. Need to see that restructuring is actually cheaper than buying credits ... hm, right.
- Business has political capital ... PoI (Will Jones): The Opp model kind of also requires universal subscription.
2. Some people are carrying the costs to a greater exent than others.
3. Restructuring is conducted by those who cannot afford credits ... HUH?
4. Credit systems vs. tax systems
- All right, the EU system was shit ... this is not exciting.
Hmmmmm ... my hunch: Team Oxbridge beat Team Australia. I'll hand this over to Jens for the sophisticated stuff.
1. Interaction with economics
- Costs get passed on. Need to see that restructuring is actually cheaper than buying credits ... hm, right.
- Business has political capital ... PoI (Will Jones): The Opp model kind of also requires universal subscription.
2. Some people are carrying the costs to a greater exent than others.
3. Restructuring is conducted by those who cannot afford credits ... HUH?
4. Credit systems vs. tax systems
- All right, the EU system was shit ... this is not exciting.
Hmmmmm ... my hunch: Team Oxbridge beat Team Australia. I'll hand this over to Jens for the sophisticated stuff.
Government Whip Speech - Grand Final
Will Jones on behalf of Oxford D:
Who has got the siliest model?
- Congruent economic interest by states. "Debate the model ... that is, all states opt into it."
Is flexibility great?
- Yes, b/c adaptive ability just differs ...
Does it matter where the CO2 is produced?
- No, the shit just goes up in the atmosphere ...
Why treat firms with equality treatment when some can adjust better?
- Well, don't ... and use credits.
Cheaper products for environmentally unsound companies?
- No, they have to pay for the credits. Done.
The cool thing about MNCs - they're multinational. And can take the credits to the developing world.
Affluent economies are the only places where green politics have developed ...
c.f., economic development of Europe ... grow, go green
People need to care!
Yes, we do ... and things are looking bright for the government bench, I would argue.
Who has got the siliest model?
- Congruent economic interest by states. "Debate the model ... that is, all states opt into it."
Is flexibility great?
- Yes, b/c adaptive ability just differs ...
Does it matter where the CO2 is produced?
- No, the shit just goes up in the atmosphere ...
Why treat firms with equality treatment when some can adjust better?
- Well, don't ... and use credits.
Cheaper products for environmentally unsound companies?
- No, they have to pay for the credits. Done.
The cool thing about MNCs - they're multinational. And can take the credits to the developing world.
Affluent economies are the only places where green politics have developed ...
c.f., economic development of Europe ... grow, go green
People need to care!
Yes, we do ... and things are looking bright for the government bench, I would argue.
Member of Opposition Speech - Grand Final
Julia Bowes on behalf of Sydney G
The best G team in the tournament ...
Rebuttal:
- The big fish don't care and buy out ... and governments may introduce too-low prices, under lobbyist pressure. Big business must pay its own cost.
- Immediate short term costs to companies b/c of restructuring ... yes, and what?
- On to the extension ... no, more model bashing on practicality (China won't participate) ... go away. Now on to the extension ... restructuring industry adds costs to the consumer ... false incentive to buy from environmentally disgusting companies, c.f. SUVs - not exactly a proud analogy.
- Consumer backlash ... with examples from all over the world. But praising "Team Australia" - my hunch: the better result for the region with the better weather ...
Positive matter?
The best G team in the tournament ...
Rebuttal:
- The big fish don't care and buy out ... and governments may introduce too-low prices, under lobbyist pressure. Big business must pay its own cost.
- Immediate short term costs to companies b/c of restructuring ... yes, and what?
- On to the extension ... no, more model bashing on practicality (China won't participate) ... go away. Now on to the extension ... restructuring industry adds costs to the consumer ... false incentive to buy from environmentally disgusting companies, c.f. SUVs - not exactly a proud analogy.
- Consumer backlash ... with examples from all over the world. But praising "Team Australia" - my hunch: the better result for the region with the better weather ...
Positive matter?
Member of Government Speech - Grand Final
James Dray on behalf of Oxford D:
A farmboy from Africa ...
and how to change the attitudes of individuals as regards pollution.
Rebuttal:
- Tax will hurt growth - affecting productive and unproductive elements at the same time.
- Flat tax disproportionately hurts the Third World ... reduction schemes are different from that of the First World.
- The First World will be driving innovation ... and thus reduce rather than buy out.
Triggering individual clean green awareness (affecting attitudes)
- Best done by way of growth ... oh, we're getting all postmaterialist ...
- Green politics in the West, given the satisfaction of individuals' material needs.
- Individuals hold states accountable for climate change ... states act upon political demand.
Nice extension!
A farmboy from Africa ...
and how to change the attitudes of individuals as regards pollution.
Rebuttal:
- Tax will hurt growth - affecting productive and unproductive elements at the same time.
- Flat tax disproportionately hurts the Third World ... reduction schemes are different from that of the First World.
- The First World will be driving innovation ... and thus reduce rather than buy out.
Triggering individual clean green awareness (affecting attitudes)
- Best done by way of growth ... oh, we're getting all postmaterialist ...
- Green politics in the West, given the satisfaction of individuals' material needs.
- Individuals hold states accountable for climate change ... states act upon political demand.
Nice extension!
Deputy Leader of Opposition Speech - Grand Final
Erin O'Brien on behalf of Queensland A:
Apparently there is embarrasing gossip about Ranald, which has found its way into the collective memory of the Australasian debating community ...
- Flexibility should not be part of a system to save the World ... huhm.
1. Credit systems have proven a failure.
- The sulphur dioxide system ... underpriced credits, and the scheme fell apart b/c people didn't want to trade. Moreover, clean coal destroyed the need ... example sorted.
2. Developing nations
- Perverse incentives ... with declining profits as and when the CO2 emissions fall.
3. Polluters should pay under a punitive system.
- Absolute responsibility on the part of the pollutor ... naja.
- Maybe we missed something, but where did that argument go ...
Apparently there is embarrasing gossip about Ranald, which has found its way into the collective memory of the Australasian debating community ...
- Flexibility should not be part of a system to save the World ... huhm.
1. Credit systems have proven a failure.
- The sulphur dioxide system ... underpriced credits, and the scheme fell apart b/c people didn't want to trade. Moreover, clean coal destroyed the need ... example sorted.
2. Developing nations
- Perverse incentives ... with declining profits as and when the CO2 emissions fall.
3. Polluters should pay under a punitive system.
- Absolute responsibility on the part of the pollutor ... naja.
- Maybe we missed something, but where did that argument go ...
Deputy Prime Minister Speech - Grand Final
Bob Nimmo on behalf of Cambridge C:
Wants to talk about the Third World, and its economic development.
Apparently Cam C believe that economic development in the Third World is a good thing.
Rebuttal:
- Essentially the models are the same on the agreement level ... nenenenenene ... "yes, we accept that the occasional wanker gets a seat in the White House". But let at least California join ...
- Mulitnational corporations can buy in ... c.f., US sulphur dioxide credit system - "the argument that the EU are idiots is not an argument against a better, more intelligent system"
- On the benefits of a market system ... and allowing flexibility
4. The Third World
- Needs to develop.
- Need to help and direct sustainable development.
4.1. Western co.s go into the countries and are under the credit system.
4.2. The money from the credit system is partially chanelled into the Third World.
"The fate of the planet ... and with the planet, your industry. [...]
"Yay us, we stand for saving the World."
Wants to talk about the Third World, and its economic development.
Apparently Cam C believe that economic development in the Third World is a good thing.
Rebuttal:
- Essentially the models are the same on the agreement level ... nenenenenene ... "yes, we accept that the occasional wanker gets a seat in the White House". But let at least California join ...
- Mulitnational corporations can buy in ... c.f., US sulphur dioxide credit system - "the argument that the EU are idiots is not an argument against a better, more intelligent system"
- On the benefits of a market system ... and allowing flexibility
4. The Third World
- Needs to develop.
- Need to help and direct sustainable development.
4.1. Western co.s go into the countries and are under the credit system.
4.2. The money from the credit system is partially chanelled into the Third World.
"The fate of the planet ... and with the planet, your industry. [...]
"Yay us, we stand for saving the World."
Leader of Opposition Speech - Grand Final
Evan Goldman on behalf of Queensland A:
OO want a carbon tax instead.
1. Avoidance of the going green of old reactors on the part of corporate executives for as long as it's cost effective
- A flat tax forces everybody to change at the first opportunity.
2. Better incentive for innovation
3. Driving down CO2 emissions works better under a cap on the macrolevel
PoI on realism (Ranald): How realistic is a global flat tax?
Reply: Just about as realistic as a worldwide credits system ... not particularly ... ;)
OO want a carbon tax instead.
1. Avoidance of the going green of old reactors on the part of corporate executives for as long as it's cost effective
- A flat tax forces everybody to change at the first opportunity.
2. Better incentive for innovation
3. Driving down CO2 emissions works better under a cap on the macrolevel
PoI on realism (Ranald): How realistic is a global flat tax?
Reply: Just about as realistic as a worldwide credits system ... not particularly ... ;)
Prime Minister Speech - Grand Final
Ranald Clouston on behalf of Cambridge C:
Propose a Treaty which can be signed by countries, states, and cities; the largest CO2 emitting organizations must buy credits from a central authority. Money is to go to monitoring the CO2 reduction, and clean development projects in the Third World.
1. Gravity of the threat
- Apparently, there are people dying in the direction of Fidji ...
2. Incentive to Cos in terms of resources
- Cost on bads incentivize investment in clean energy and conservation
3. Transformation of economic growth
- Knowledge economy and more employment
- Ability to sell credits on upon going green
Not a lot of evil things come to my mind ... definitely a solid speech!
Propose a Treaty which can be signed by countries, states, and cities; the largest CO2 emitting organizations must buy credits from a central authority. Money is to go to monitoring the CO2 reduction, and clean development projects in the Third World.
1. Gravity of the threat
- Apparently, there are people dying in the direction of Fidji ...
2. Incentive to Cos in terms of resources
- Cost on bads incentivize investment in clean energy and conservation
3. Transformation of economic growth
- Knowledge economy and more employment
- Ability to sell credits on upon going green
Not a lot of evil things come to my mind ... definitely a solid speech!
Speech by the UBC VP for Students
"I don't think that the values of debate and the values of a university could be any more perfectly aligned."
Greetings home with that ...
Additionally, the VP acknowledges the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers at this tournament.
The applause is indeed well-deserved - excellent job, guys.
"I wish you all well for the End of the Worlds party ..."
Greetings home with that ...
Additionally, the VP acknowledges the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers at this tournament.
The applause is indeed well-deserved - excellent job, guys.
"I wish you all well for the End of the Worlds party ..."
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
It is England in Prop and Australia in Opp
These are the positions drawn by the teams in the grand final:
OG: Cambridge C
OO: Queensland A
CG: Oxford D
CO: Sydney G
Motion: "THB that economic growth is the solution to climate change."
OG: Cambridge C
OO: Queensland A
CG: Oxford D
CO: Sydney G
Motion: "THB that economic growth is the solution to climate change."
Analysis ESL final
It is not an easy debate to judge. We think it was a second table debate - slightly benefitial to the opposition Hebrew B. Then again: This motion is easy to oppose.
On an unrelated issue: I find it really hard to see why Hebrew B is listed as an ESL team. They did not seem to have any "substantial barriers" in the command of English. There may be reasons which I cannot evaluate, but it certainly shows that the categories are very hard to manage and distinguish.
On an unrelated issue: I find it really hard to see why Hebrew B is listed as an ESL team. They did not seem to have any "substantial barriers" in the command of English. There may be reasons which I cannot evaluate, but it certainly shows that the categories are very hard to manage and distinguish.
Opposition Whip Speech - ESL Final
Do we have right to know?
Is that right good or bad?
Good two questions, go ...
Media reporting as an occupational hazard ... and on to rebutting the point on negative externalities on families. The speaker would like to have heard examples ... right, mate, how about thinking of Hilary for the moment ...
PoI (Yuri): "When did Monica get elected to give up her privacy?"
Reply: "When you have sex with the President of the US of A, it cannot exactly be said that you really don't want the world to know ..."
- Sauber!
That aside, I've just seen that "anonymous" pointed to my little rant on Colm Flynn's blog with a reference to Jens ... good that he will then also be taking the blame for the equity violations ... ;P
Is that right good or bad?
Good two questions, go ...
Media reporting as an occupational hazard ... and on to rebutting the point on negative externalities on families. The speaker would like to have heard examples ... right, mate, how about thinking of Hilary for the moment ...
PoI (Yuri): "When did Monica get elected to give up her privacy?"
Reply: "When you have sex with the President of the US of A, it cannot exactly be said that you really don't want the world to know ..."
- Sauber!
That aside, I've just seen that "anonymous" pointed to my little rant on Colm Flynn's blog with a reference to Jens ... good that he will then also be taking the blame for the equity violations ... ;P
Government Whip Speech - ESL
On relations with the Mafia - "get the legal system to address that". Yes, so I can still be JFK one day ...
Next question: "Will England turn into an evil dictatorship if we don't know about Tony's private life?"
Does the lack of public knowledge impair voter judgment?
Do we need to protect private informaiton to serve society?
Guys, more structure in the summation ...
That aside, I have just come up with genius theorizing: The Clinton administration was probably so much more peaceful than the Bush administration b/c Bill occasionally got to screw the aggression out of his mind ... I would have seriously liked to see more analysis on that point ;)
Next question: "Will England turn into an evil dictatorship if we don't know about Tony's private life?"
Does the lack of public knowledge impair voter judgment?
Do we need to protect private informaiton to serve society?
Guys, more structure in the summation ...
That aside, I have just come up with genius theorizing: The Clinton administration was probably so much more peaceful than the Bush administration b/c Bill occasionally got to screw the aggression out of his mind ... I would have seriously liked to see more analysis on that point ;)
Member of Opposition Speech - ESL Final
"The private life of a politician and his capacity to lead" ... we've had that already.
Empowering democracy ... more principles, yey.
"Certain sexual connections can have a direct effect ... JFK had affairs with women who had direct connections to the mafia" - Can I have that too, please ...
"Sorting out the bad apples of political life" ... guys, I really can't become a politician - what they do with Jude Law is bad enough.
Final argument: we usually don't know a lot about the private life of evil dictators, but are more involved in the private lives of our congresspersons ... uhu. I read in the paper this morning that there's a new comedy coming out about Adolf Hitler's impotence ... had we only known!
Empowering democracy ... more principles, yey.
"Certain sexual connections can have a direct effect ... JFK had affairs with women who had direct connections to the mafia" - Can I have that too, please ...
"Sorting out the bad apples of political life" ... guys, I really can't become a politician - what they do with Jude Law is bad enough.
Final argument: we usually don't know a lot about the private life of evil dictators, but are more involved in the private lives of our congresspersons ... uhu. I read in the paper this morning that there's a new comedy coming out about Adolf Hitler's impotence ... had we only known!
Member of Government Speech - ESL Final
Yuri, mach' sie fertig ... sorry, European parochialism.
On to principles, the balance of rights, and the foregoing of rights to privacy. Yuri finds it unfair that the families and friends get dragged into this ... then again, interns improve their career chances by later running their own line of handbags ...
Yes, disputing that Clinton actually had sex with "that woman" ... we love definitional issues.
Wow, Yuri also seems to read this blog - he has just rebutted my point on sex in the Oval Office.
Finally, the Baltics look at actual indicators of political performance ... and at the same time advocate enlightened values.
On to principles, the balance of rights, and the foregoing of rights to privacy. Yuri finds it unfair that the families and friends get dragged into this ... then again, interns improve their career chances by later running their own line of handbags ...
Yes, disputing that Clinton actually had sex with "that woman" ... we love definitional issues.
Wow, Yuri also seems to read this blog - he has just rebutted my point on sex in the Oval Office.
Finally, the Baltics look at actual indicators of political performance ... and at the same time advocate enlightened values.
Deputy Leader of Opposition Speech - ESL Final
Yey, the DLO seems to be reading this blog ... she is making reference to the practicality of the model.
She really is reading this blog ... now she's onto quality press. Except that she's confusing niche and mass media.
On to Bill Clinton bashing again ... guys, that was an intern, not a secretary.
"The electorate wants to know whether politicians have sexual connections with children" ... is it now that I have to fear that I can't become a politician? ... or do we have to remark that screwing babies is somewhat beyond the law, anyway.
She really is reading this blog ... now she's onto quality press. Except that she's confusing niche and mass media.
On to Bill Clinton bashing again ... guys, that was an intern, not a secretary.
"The electorate wants to know whether politicians have sexual connections with children" ... is it now that I have to fear that I can't become a politician? ... or do we have to remark that screwing babies is somewhat beyond the law, anyway.
Deputy Prime Minister Speech - ESL Final
The DPM has been rambling about Wayne Rooney's girlfriends and their role in "The Sun" for the past four minutes ... should we tell him to read quality press instead, or will finally someone offer a PoI, informing the audience that Wayne Rooney is not a British politician. Not yet, anyhow.
All right, next argument: public office is like working at Microsoft - the employer has no right to interfere in its employees' private lives ... yep, and Bill Gates is God.
All right, next argument: public office is like working at Microsoft - the employer has no right to interfere in its employees' private lives ... yep, and Bill Gates is God.
Leader of Opposition Speech - ESL Final
The LO has chosen to completely ignore the practicalities of the model - this points me to suspect that my initial hunch that this will be a second-half-of-the-table debate will come true.
LO further argues that the public must know about politicians' adultery to judge their moral character especially in countries in which cheating on your partner is illegal.
I love argumentation based on premodern values ...
LO further argues that the public must know about politicians' adultery to judge their moral character especially in countries in which cheating on your partner is illegal.
I love argumentation based on premodern values ...