Team Canada 2007

Second day of finals

2007-07-10T01:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-07-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-07-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-05T06:54:00.001-07:00

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

2007-07-05T05:19:00.001-07:00

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

2007-07-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-03T03:58:00.001-07:00

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

2007-07-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

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.

San Fran

2007-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Setting in the International Airport here in San Fran. Tired although we may be, we are getting very excited for the upcoming trip. Andrew and Kiersten (if i didnt spell that right i give up), are sitting talking about Sexism, Caroline is reading a fiction book, Sean S is no where to be found and i, guess who this is, am blogging. Oh there he is, Sean S is back.

The Marathon day of travel has begun, and after a 12 hour flight we will be at our destination, where we can, if the gods are willing take the world by storm. On another completely unrelated note the weather forecast for Korea is rain and thunder.

All very relaxed and ready for the challenge we set forth, warriors of the mind, soldiers of the truth, wielders of rhetoric. Look forward to our battle updates as we brave the weather and the world.

The End of the Beginning

2007-06-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

It is 9:19pm and our flight to Seoul (via San Fran) leaves at 6:30am, so I can not write long. Today marked the conclusion of our five day training camp. The end of the beginning; or maybe, the beginning of the end. We’ve prepped our five cases five cases, printed copious, and have safely stowed them under lock and key until they are needed again. Our bunker has been cleared of any evidence, and is set to self-destruct mid-day tomorrow.

On a more serious note, our time in Vancouver has been simply amazing. We have been incredibly productive during the day, but were also able to party-it-up in the evenings (figuratively of course). The success of the training camp was largely due to the hospitality of our host, West Point Grey Academy. They were incredibly friendly, provided amazing meals, and gave us the map to our secret bunker. A big thank you goes out to the schools administration, and particularly Ms. Tracey Lee, the schools debate coach. A large thank you should also be extended to the billets, who for some reason agreed to look after us for an entire week. Thank you.

The last two blog entries have been incredibly hilarious and witty. In fact, several times throughout the week we’ve considered burning the cases (we came rather close when we had the barbeque) and going into trick photography or photojournalism. Unfortunately, due to the hour of the evening, this blog will not be hilarious or witty, but will rather be a series of pictures reminiscing throughout the week. It is our hope that through our pictures you can take a quick ride on the rollercoaster we can debate. Enjoy!

Its all smiles on the first day.

Trying to find Korea...

We know it's out there someplace...

Greek food at "Greek Days" - a Kitsilano tradition!

Can you guess what Kierstin is thinking?

How about now???

Thanks for reading!!! Stay tooned for wittier remarks once we land in Korea (we have a thirteen hour plane ride to think of something funny to say!!!)

En Route to the Bunker

2007-06-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

With our departure fast approaching, we figured it would be appropriate to reveal the secret route to the Team Canada training bunker. While endangering our own safety, we recognize the urgent need for information. Please read the following post cautiously... the Irish could be right over your shoulder.

Step One: Penetrate the security perimeter. Official entrances do not exist; such unnecessary infrastructure would only serve to reveal our location to the Australians. Climbing the four-meter fence assists in developing the bicep muscles necessary for the countless points-of-information to be exchanged in the following ten hours. Endurance is key.

Step Two: Proceed along the first path you see. This may or may not take you in the right direction, it really depends on where the first path you see leads. A true Canadian would know the way. Avoid leaving any trail to ensure you can't be tracked. DO NOT chase the geese. Even if they are looking at you.

Step Three: cross any rivers, streams, gorges, thickets, or oceans you may come across. (Bridges not provided). Ensure that no team members are left behind. Even the little ones that may be difficult to spot.

Step Four: climb through the hills, dodging the thorns and branches, in an upward direction. Whenever possible, photograph the journey; you never know when they'll come in handy for an overly hyperbolic blog post. Again, ensure no members are lost. It's hard enough for four people to eat all that pastry.

Step Five: climb through a forest as you ascend the hill towards the Team Canada Bunker. Once again, remaining alive remains a key priority. One false step and you'll be falling faster than the GDP of Latin America following the adoption of Import Substitution Industrialization. Remember: those pastries won't eat themselves.

Step Six: arrive at the bunker. DO NOT turn on any lights... it really ruins the effect. Discussion and debate occur behind locked and bolted doors. Windows remain shut in fear of exposing our secret tactics. Photography is strictly limited beyond the use of officially sanctioned cameras.

Step Seven: pack up for the night. Ensure to take all secret documents and keep them under close surveillance at all times. Doors are locked and windows bolted shut. Shower, sleep, eat and repeat. One more day before Team Canada is set to take Korea by storm.

A day in the glamorous life of Canada's National Debate Team

2007-06-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

0600: Everyone but Sean S. wake up. Calisthenics, coffee and a cold shower.

0742: Sean S. wakes up. Coffee.

0745: Mr. Poirier transports the team to our bunker

0800-0815: Breakfast. Pastries.

0815-1000: Argue.

1000-1002: Eat more pastries.

1002-1200: Debate top-secret things.

1200-1215: Eat more pastries. Lunch food is also available but really who eats that when you could eat pastry?

1215-1230: Crosswalk lessons for Sean S. and Kierstin. Lesson one: pedestrians have the right of way

1230-1245: Frisbee golf. Debate is all about cross-training.

1245-1500: More arguing. And eating pastry.

1500-1501: Receive wisdom from our Great Leader.

1501-1700: Go back to what we were doing. Eat more pastry.

1700-1730: Giggle fit induced by overload of pastry and discussion of world politics. Jokes about what Uzbekistan does to its protesters are very popular.

1730-1745: Frustration.

1745-1800: Blissful ignorance.

1800-1815: Self-explanatory

1815-1816: Andrew gets charcoal on his nose.

1816-1900: Attempt to light the charcoals in a hibashi (for the uninitiated, a small barbeque). Look carefully and you can see Caroline's bio notes ablaze.

1900-1915: Eat burgers and cookies. Sadly, no pastry available at this time.

1915-2015: Contemplate our upcoming pillage of the World Schools Debating Tournament.

2015-way too late: Sit in front of a computer until our cases fix themselves. Or update our blog to avoid doing so.

Arrival, Pop Culture Jeopardy, and Prepping

2007-06-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of Team Canada to the west coast, it seems as though the weather didn’t know what to do with us. We’ve had rain, thunder, sun, snow, hail, blizzards (ok I made the last three up) but the weather has been very bi-polar, which of course is no pathetic fallacy to the feelings and ambitions of team Canada. After I (sean) arrived at the airport, it seemed as though I had been unwittingly entered in to a game of pop culture Jeopardy. Our coach Mr. Poirier seem to be very worried about our teams lack of knowledge about pop culture so was testing us constantly, alluding to movies, songs and current events. It seems because of our age, and maybe our lack of interest in Charlton Hesston’s movies about eating old peoples that we seem to have initialed failed at this task. However today, Kierstin, our smallest and most courageous member fired back with a witty remark about number 2 from Austin powers which flew, as fast as capital from Jamaica after union formation over MP’s head.

After a delightful meal at a local Malaysian restaurant, the team retired to their respected houses, waiting for the next day to come. Awaking to the soft sounds of thunder and rain the team arrived to an amazing breakfast made by our hosts here at WPGA. After this point I don’t know how much I am allowed to say. All I can say is that we descended in the most secure bunker on the WPGA campus, apparently built incase of a Japanese attack on the city in world war two, to start prepping. After hours of working, crying, voice exercises, medieval torture practices, case construction, and debate, we emerged, shielding our eyes from the sun, which was out to greet us. We then ventured out; following the sound of Greek music to Greek days, where we had a tasty meal of you guessed it Greek food. After such a meal, we returned to our billets and are currently all working hard on the case. I mean, working hard on a top secrete project. Well I must return to my work. Good night.

Your friend
sean