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
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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!
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