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
Monday, December 29, 2008
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...
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.
Monday, August 6, 2007
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)