Second day of finals

The good news: Andrew has finally extracted his pen from the Bermuda Triangle that is the boys' room. Caroline did not fall down the stairs today, despite there being rather a lot of them at our venue. Sean B. almost got a vegetarian meal today. Sean S. got to use the term "cleavages" in a debate. Kierstin seamlessly added 30-second markers into her timekeeping.

Also, we won our quarter-final against South Africa (This house would privatize public utilities). We had a very close (3-2) debate against Singapore on the topic "This house would partition Iraq". That means that we placed fourth overall, a finish that we are very happy with. Plus this means that instead of preparing for the final motion tonight, we can go out for dinner and go see some of the Seoul sights we haven't yet had a chance to. First on our list: a very tall tower with an excellent view of Seoul.

This has been a long and amazing journey, and we would like to thank all of you who have coached us, encouraged us, and put up with all of those "Guess what I just read in the Economist" conversations along the way.

On to quarters!

After a tough fight versus Slovenia, Canada took the win 2-1; we were proposition for the motion "This house would force organizations to appoint more women to senior positions." Tomorrow morning we're up against no.16 South Africa, who defeated the top seeded Ireland in their octofinal.

The other quarterfinals are Australia/Singapore, Scotland/Hong Kong, and Pakistan/England.

On to Octos

Above are photos of the two PowerPoint slides announcing our position in the break. We, as you might have guessed, broke 9th. It's Slovenia for us in tomorrow's octos. We may even get on Slovenian TV, as Slovenian journalists are filming a documentary of Team Slovenia's experience. We'll let you know of the results as soon as we can tomorrow, but for now I must sign off to get much-needed intelligence rest.

Good News or Bad News First?

Now, there are two possible options. We could give you the good news first, or the bad news first.

Well, except in debate we would call this a false dichotomy. There is in fact a third option; we could give you no news at all. While this would be the best option based on today's results, that really would make this blog rather pointless.

This morning we faced off against Estonia, winning the round 3-0. In the afternoon impromptu match, we were proposition for the motion "This house would legalize all drugs." After a rather confusing and difficult round, we took the loss 2-1 against the Netherlands.

Of the 17 rounds, only four prop teams took the victory, and there were several other surprise results as well, with USA defeating Pakistan and Israel beating England.

The battle continues Sunday, after a break for the DMZ tomorrow, with matches against Malaysia and Singapore.

Team Canada Report

Well Team Canada has faced its first real challenge, the Scots. In the best debate so far, with only a few slips Canada and Scotland, both shaking, nerves wired and stuttering debated with the passion and vigor of any brave warrior (although the Scots need to learn how to sit with skirts on). In the end we had a very happy making debate, with many wonderful clashes, and smiles all around. The result as indicated below, does in no way reflect the determination of the team to continues on and with our eyes on the prize, (no not the Scot).

I personally would like to congratulate Andrew Rusk and Stephine Dick for their historic accord reached today, that will see them debate partners next year. Photographic evidence to follow. Also tomorrow is a very important day as Venezuela has its independence day, we wish them a happy time, and hope their country prospers with unity and prosperity.

Day 2

Again, not much time to write so here are the results:

Round Three This House would make Holocaust denial a crime: 2-1 loss against Scotland (but, according to one judge, we outstyled them)

Round Four This House would not have governments place limits on the areas which scientists may research: 3-0 win against Slovakia

Results the Low Down

The First Day is over, and the results are in. I dont have much time because we are due for dinner any minute. So without any hesitation.

Round One- Development Aid opposition against Korea
results: 2-1 Canada

Round Two THW ban the use of models under a healthy weight Prop.
Result 3-0 Canada

Two Wins, 5 ballots. We are starting with a bang. Ya Basta!

sean b

Happy forever tour of Seoul

Changing of the guards at a traditional palace with a traditional Dunkin' Doughnuts as backdrop





A protest at City Hall, reportedly regarding rules against street vending



Lunch. We have no idea what this was, but it was tasty.



2002 FIFA World Cup Stadium



So that's how one refers to citizens of Seoul.

Team Canada took a highly educational and entertaining tour of Seoul today, including stops at City Hall, the World Cup stadium, and World Cup Park, which used to be a pile of garbage (remind you of anything, Saskatchewanians?). There was also high sociability, as we had an opportunity to get to know Teams Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Philippines, Scotland, Indonesia and many other better. We went out for fried chicken tonight, a daring feat given that we had forgotten our phrase books back at the hotel. Never fear, loyal fans, all turned out delicious. Must run, however, and finish prepping in Bunker 3.0 for tomorrow's debates, our first of the tournament. !Ya basta!

Finally here

We're in Seoul now, and unfortunately no longer have time to write elaborate picture blogs. Seeing that we're actually doing things of interest now, however, we don't really need to make up story lines and rely on trick photography to make what we're doing seem more exciting.

We registered today and received the draw. It is as follows:

July 4
Round One THW make the development of clean industry a condition for receiving non-emergency aid Opposition versus South Korea
Round Two Impromptu Proposition versus Germany
July 5
Round Three THW make Holocaust denial a crime Prop versus Scotland
Round Four Impromptu Opp versus Slovakia
July 6
Round Four THS the withdrawal of American troops from military bases in Asia Opp versus Estonia
Round Five Impromptu Prop versus the Netherlands
July 8
Round Six THBT free trade harms the developing world Prop versus Malaysia
Round Seven Impromtpu Opp versus Singapore

We've been having an excellent time training here over the past few days, but have had several brushes with death. Apparently it is completely acceptable to drive and park on the sidewalk here. Above are pictures of other things we have been doing.