80 Responses to “Field Report: TOC (Lincoln-Douglas)”

1. Juli
   Posted from: 24.158.18.67
   
   April 26th, 2007 04:59
   1

   Congrats to Dan Jennis on the at large!

2. Adam Torson
   Posted from: 64.12.117.11
   
   April 26th, 2007 06:54
   2

   I will be the judge for Hopkins.

3. Jennie Savage
   Posted from: 75.36.131.34
   
   April 26th, 2007 08:39
   3

   Daniel Sheehan and I will be the judges for Palo Alto.

4. Cockroft
   Posted from: 166.102.136.58
   
   April 26th, 2007 09:58
   4

   I’m pretty sure nathan’s name is spelt wrong

5. wesley
   Posted from: 76.105.219.175
   
   April 26th, 2007 13:54
   5

   I will sadly be unable to attend…Looking over the field I realized there was no way I could wish good luck to each of the outstanding debaters I’ve had the privelege to judge or know! So good luck to all of you!

   Take it easy on those judges, celebrate the tragedies and savor the victories…above all enjoy yourselves!

   RESPECT!

6. Melissa Schall
   Posted from: 71.105.82.252
   
   April 26th, 2007 16:29
   6

   i love elisa mcentee.

7. Rick Brundage
   Posted from: 66.240.48.106
   
   April 26th, 2007 16:36
   7

   I will be judging for Harker.

8. New Trier KM
   Posted from: 24.12.175.184
   
   April 26th, 2007 17:00
   8

   wait, i thought Perelman got the at-large??

9. wade
   Posted from: 68.209.198.15
   
   April 26th, 2007 17:30
   9

   perelman got an at large but is not going

10. Hamster Man
    Posted from: 75.126.35.210
    
    April 26th, 2007 17:35
    10

    I will also be judging for Harker.

11. ?
    Posted from: 75.37.17.209
    
    April 26th, 2007 18:39
    11

    who’s gonna win the toc? let’s take predictions and odds

12. Community Member
    Posted from: 75.126.35.210
    
    April 26th, 2007 18:49
    12

    I am judging for a California school. I’ve had experience judging for the California State Tournament. Trust me guys, my Commmunity Member Status validates my ability to evaluate a debate round.

    Make no mistake, I am not “experienced” or “inexperienced.” I’m special. I belong to a community for God’s sake.

13. Eric Perelman
    Posted from: 64.13.232.30
    
    April 26th, 2007 19:02
    13

    I decided not to accept the at-large. I figured I couldn’t fit through the airplane door.

14. Eric Perelman
    Posted from: 72.20.3.154
    
    April 26th, 2007 19:03
    14

    OK THAT WAS NOT ME. I CAN fit through the airplane door if I do it very carefully. Whoever posted that can go to hell.

15. Jon Cruz
    Posted from: 64.34.172.170
    
    April 26th, 2007 19:05
    15

    Guys let’s all be friends and stop making fun of Eric. I’ve seen him fly through doorways gracefully.=P

16. nc
    Posted from: 208.120.31.99
    
    April 26th, 2007 19:26
    16

    Cruz, was that really? Because usually your smileys are :O)

    Sdale’s only sending EIGHT people to the TOCs? Now they’ll make up only 1/9 the field instead of 1/8!!11

    Are there more than 72 people in the field?

17. wade
    Posted from: 68.209.198.15
    
    April 26th, 2007 19:29
    17

    i counted ~77. give or take a few, it was quick.

18. eric perelman
    Posted from: 72.144.174.236
    
    April 26th, 2007 20:30
    18

    fuck you?

    no one is attending from spanish river, if anyone gives a shit.

19. Jon Karlin
    Posted from: 65.10.8.234
    
    April 26th, 2007 20:33
    19

    i sure as hell dont!

20. Greg Miaskiewicz
    Posted from: 71.195.77.97
    
    April 26th, 2007 21:02
    20

    I am judging for Mr. Michael J. O’Connell, who is in fact attending the tournament. I’m still debating whether to apply Prashant’s incentive-based 20/30 schema for speaker points at the tournament. You start out with a 30. If you make lots of dumb preclusive arguments and lots of ‘a priori’ arguments (I mean, they’re not even ‘a priori’–please stop using this phrase incorrectly), you immediately drop to a 20. And you can’t go back up.

21. mjocon
    Posted from: 70.234.108.166
    
    April 26th, 2007 21:03
    21

    “Cruz, was that really? Because usually your smileys are :O)”

    yeah, because jon cruz’s email is fakejoncruz at imposter dot net

22. Ardevan Yaghoubi
    Posted from: 69.118.237.25
    
    April 26th, 2007 21:03
    22

    for the record, it’s *Ardevan. I was under the impression the mangled names don’t begin until awards…

23. Eric Perelman
    Posted from: 75.126.35.210
    
    April 26th, 2007 21:17
    23

    “fuck you?”

    Uh, no thanks.

24. eric perelman
    Posted from: 75.126.35.210
    
    April 26th, 2007 21:19
    24

    Sorry guys, I have MPD.

25. roytman
    Posted from: 67.39.184.214
    
    April 26th, 2007 22:03
    25

    i love eric perelman
    someone on here is a giant douchebag

26. Cherian
    Posted from: 66.41.181.198
    
    April 27th, 2007 08:14
    26

    i would try to strike myself against everyone and go to indian buffet all day (or that little breakfast nook) but i think malis would never let that go. i’ve listed my self-strikes on facebook. if you’re not my facebook friend, you’re not on my strike list. :)

27. Christian Keil
    Posted from: 67.139.169.130
    
    April 27th, 2007 18:34
    27

    Scarsdale HEG.

    Also, good luck to everyone from Minnesota. Matt Byrne, you better wear your “I’m too sexy for my tie” tie. Or… else. =)

28. pam
    Posted from: 65.10.22.223
    
    April 28th, 2007 10:42
    28

    what is the deal with strikes? when are they due / how do we do them?

29. wade
    Posted from: 68.209.198.15
    
    April 28th, 2007 11:27
    29

    your coach will get an email about strikes tomorrow

30. P.Rai
    Posted from: 169.232.243.180
    
    April 28th, 2007 13:04
    30

    good luck to everyone. best weekend of the year.

31. jswitala
    Posted from: 76.17.171.188
    
    April 28th, 2007 19:12
    31

    15 strikes. due may 4th.

32. Sean Wynn
    Posted from: 129.15.131.248
    
    April 28th, 2007 21:47
    32

    Where’s Michael O’Connell from Bishop Kelley?

33. Devin Race
    Posted from: 63.246.171.93
    
    April 28th, 2007 22:12
    33

    Cockroft is right.
    Although arguably tastier, the “Apell” for Nathan’s (from Marcus) last name should actually be “Abell”

34. michael mangus
    Posted from: 65.81.141.4
    
    April 29th, 2007 00:29
    34

    kendra oyner is not a typo but rather a whole new person with a remarkably coincidental name.

35. mjocon
    Posted from: 70.234.108.166
    
    April 29th, 2007 07:20
    35

    don’t trip, sean
    i’m going

36. Sean Wynn
    Posted from: 129.15.131.248
    
    April 29th, 2007 08:55
    36

    ok, I got worried there for a minute

37. Johanna Tyler
    Posted from: 71.159.150.178
    
    April 29th, 2007 14:08
    37

    Ryan Lawerence is taking the place of Mike Mundt as my judge, just fyi

38. Greg Malis
    Posted from: 24.13.143.17
    
    April 29th, 2007 17:07
    38

    VERY IMPORTANT for all TOC participants and their coaches: I want to make clear to every debater and coach who views this string (or any other pertaining to the TOC): changes to a school’s entry posted to this site ARE NOT OFFICIAL and will not be processed unless Dr. Patterson’s office is notified. He will forward changes to his tab room staff.

    Speaking for LD, I will make NO changes based on what may be posted here. Unless I hear from Dr. Patterson or your school directly (via email), then the change/correction does not happen. Specifically, Mike Mundt is still judging for Crowley, since I have not been notified officially (your coach should contact me directly to make this change). Michael O’Connell from Bishop Kelley is NOT entered in the tournament, since I have not been notified officially (must come from Dr. Patterson’s office). Finally, I will not accept any changes/corrections submitted by a student. I must hear from an adult representative of your school.

    Dr. Patterson is the tournament director, so he must be aware of any changes/additions/corrections, etc. Please respect the appropriate process to enter a tournament.

    Thank you,

    Greg Malis
    TOC LD Tab Room Director

39. Sean Wynn
    Posted from: 129.15.131.248
    
    April 29th, 2007 18:52
    39

    Michael, you might want to enter….ASAP

40. Johanna Tyler
    Posted from: 71.159.150.178
    
    April 29th, 2007 19:42
    40

    Mr. Malis,
    Mr. Mundt emailed Dr. Patterson this past friday about the judge change. It must not have gotten through yet. Should he fwd that email to you as well and if so, to what address should it be sent?
    Thanks.
    Johanna

41. mjocon
    Posted from: 70.234.108.166
    
    April 29th, 2007 21:54
    41

    similar question for you, mr. malis. i’ll email you.

42. panda
    Posted from: 151.198.226.100
    
    April 30th, 2007 05:13
    42

    RUSHABH DOSHI HAS ALREADY WON.

    HE’S WON SO BADLY THAT HE DOESN’T EVEN NEED TO SHOW UP.

43. mjocon
    Posted from: 68.109.250.194
    
    April 30th, 2007 10:42
    43

    i’m *officially* in.

44. Juli
    Posted from: 209.98.146.245
    
    April 30th, 2007 12:00
    44

    Is the schedule of rounds on line – or could someone post here where LD rounds are held on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday? (Just trying to figure out where our hotel is in relation to where our team needs to be … )

    Thanks!

45. bietz
    Posted from: 71.160.56.34
    
    April 30th, 2007 13:52
    45

    rounds have been distributed at the classroom building for as long as i can remember. the classroom building is right next to the Patterson Office Tower (not that patterson).

46. michael mangus
    Posted from: 65.81.139.128
    
    April 30th, 2007 16:17
    46

    bietz all 3 years ive gone it switched buildings between saturday and sunday, then switched again to the hotel monday.

47. Juli
    Posted from: 209.98.146.245
    
    April 30th, 2007 16:19
    47

    Thanks for the info.

48. Sean Wynn
    Posted from: 129.15.131.248
    
    April 30th, 2007 20:51
    48

    whew michael you had me worried….it’s somewhat difficult to win the tournament if you aren’t there.

49. mjocon
    Posted from: 70.234.108.166
    
    May 1st, 2007 05:31
    49

    let’s not be too hasty there, sean.

50. Dan Sheehan
    Posted from: 128.12.76.145
    
    May 1st, 2007 10:51
    50

    Just a heads up – due to a scheduling conflict I will no longer be judging at TOC this weekend (this probably isn’t reflected on the newest strike sheet).

51. Jennie Savage
    Posted from: 71.139.21.130
    
    May 1st, 2007 12:46
    51

    Dan, the strike sheet was corrected last night to reflect your absence.

52. SeanWynn
    Posted from: 164.58.68.3
    
    May 1st, 2007 12:56
    52

    I’m just saying michael…

53. Jon Cruz
    Posted from: 167.206.203.14
    
    May 1st, 2007 13:12
    53

    Melanie Plaza just received an at-large bid to the TOC. I am already split between the PF pool (judging for our team) and the LD pool (covering an obligation for Scarsdale), so Wesley Craven — who will be handling the recording of TOC outrounds for VBD this year — will graciously be covering Bronx Science’s judging obligation. His name has been added to the sheet.

54. wesley
    Posted from: 172.191.231.246
    
    May 1st, 2007 14:13
    54

    Thanks to Victory Briefs for hooking me up…to cut costs I chose to take the Amtrak for 2+ days of crazy fun. My train is called ‘The Empire Builder’; quick trivia question:

    “What was the empire built on?”

    Anyone who provides the correct answer will receive a milky way candy bar and a wiretap.

    See you in Kentucky!

    Oh, and since I’m probably not going to be online for 45+ hours, I emailed jon my ‘new paradigm’ which should replace the naive, maybe-chill hillbilly paradigm that’s sat on the web for all these years. While it’s probably unnecessary, just in case it’s not up soon here it is (disclaimer; this is just what I tell debaters before the round, not my carefully crafted thesis on ‘good debate’-still working on that mutha):

    “I will pretend to be tab as best as I can…this means I will not exclude any arguments, styles or tactics on face; I will wait for you both to debate it out; please make the decision rule (why you win) explicit and use it in the rebuttals to help me clear up my flow. I’m fine with speed, I evaluate the quality of arguments using the standard community model; claims, warrants, impacts, “work”, unless I’m persuaded to do otherwise. I do find debates focusing on standards are more pleasing to judge because my decision calculus is simpler than evaluating competing, poorly warranted claims without a basis for comparison…but I end up doing that a lot too and that’s fine. Don’t be unnecessarily rude. I believe this is your activity. Enjoy the round.”

    Feel free to take my 45+ hours offline to mock my paradigm (or schizo-punctuation).
    (I mean, I won’t exclude mocking on face, right?)

    Updates from my travels as wireless networks allow.

55. nagle
    Posted from: 65.13.65.92
    
    May 1st, 2007 14:33
    55

    no one from spanish river will be attending. have fun.

56. Jon Cruz
    Posted from: 74.73.177.122
    
    May 1st, 2007 15:12
    56

    I wish I could have asked Wes to do a (digital) photographic record of his journey for VBD.

57. Dan Jennis
    Posted from: 209.162.38.144
    
    May 1st, 2007 15:40
    57

    If no one from Spanish River is attending, I assume that meant two slots were opened. So Melanie got one at-large (congrats to her), and who got the other?

58. Kelsey
    Posted from: 66.90.29.60
    
    May 1st, 2007 15:48
    58

    No one from Celebration is attending either. Wes….have an amazing time this weekend. I’m sorry I couldn’t be going with you. You were absolutely amazing this year!! Thanks for everything..you better make some good decisions in those rounds lol :)

59. steve schappaugh
    Posted from: 205.221.233.32
    
    May 1st, 2007 16:03
    59

    My understanding is that Sameer Thanawala from Ridge got an at-large today!

60. Erica Alexander
    Posted from: 152.163.100.206
    
    May 1st, 2007 16:29
    60

    Congrats to Melanie for a very much deserved at large. Good luck at the TOCs!!!

61. wesley
    Posted from: 24.22.74.69
    
    May 1st, 2007 16:44
    61

    Update #1: Jon, I will use my trendy new p.o.s. phone to take a few pictures; uh-oh, did someone say photo journal?!

    Whoever manages the unsecured wireless network with incredible reception called “sarah and josh” kick ass. Thanks sarah and josh.

62. Jon Cruz
    Posted from: 74.73.177.122
    
    May 1st, 2007 17:15
    62

    I LUV Wes Craven’s cross-country trip. Wes or Bietz — pleeeeease send me the itinerary so I can make a map!

63. arielle
    Posted from: 66.108.254.60
    
    May 1st, 2007 17:17
    63

    CONGRATULATIONS and best of luck to melanie!!!!!!!

64. Joe Vaughan
    Posted from: 64.12.117.11
    
    May 1st, 2007 19:42
    64

    Congrats to Melanie and Sameer! Good luck with the logistics on Derby weekend. May good things happen to good people

65. Elizabeth Tam
    Posted from: 150.108.232.36
    
    May 1st, 2007 21:30
    65

    CONGRATS MELANIE!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

66. Nick
    Posted from: 24.161.106.159
    
    May 1st, 2007 23:43
    66

    Congratulations Kaitie, and good luck

67. wesley
    Posted from: 66.225.5.85
    
    May 2nd, 2007 00:56
    67

    Sit-Rep (situation report, for non bsg fans) #2:

    Wesley Status:

    Sleep levels: nominal
    Caffeine levels: adequate
    Nicotine levels: low
    State of Mind: survival
    Notes:

    oh dear god, Jon, please put a picture of me on top of a little train slowly moving across the glorious states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Some more Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, whatever state is between Illinois and Kentucky (I don’t care, shut up, I could find out but I’m not going to bother; the west coast is the only part that matters).

    Current Location: Spokane, Wa. So far the trip has been easy, we’re making good time and I’ve only had two observations:

    1.Every transport system has it’s infamous irritations; the train is no different. Sure, the seats are better, you have more space, less crazy people…but inevitably as soon as the train starts moving, some jackass decides ‘now would be a fantastic time to call all the people I know and engage in a thoroughly boring conversation that I’ll pretend other people in the train car can’t hear.’ I mean, if you are gonna be a dick on your phone, at least say some really f’ed up s#@$…that way 1)nobody will tell you to stop so there are no altercations, 2) people will be more entertained by you then by the backsides of buildings and trash piled up along the tracks anyway and 3) you’ll establish immediate dominance over the train car. Some examples I thought of: “what the f@#! do you mean he only got the 3 kilos! Bulls#@!; you tell em harry will take both his balls if he doesn’t recount that s#^$, a lot of columbian children lost their hands for that extra kilo; and we needed those kids hands!” or perhaps “no way?! You’re actually in SPACE right now? Can you see me? [wave out the window]” or “Dude! I’m on the train! Yeah! The train! Wait, what? No i didn’t bring my pills. Nah I’ll be fine. I haven’t had an episode for a week.” or [calmly]“Hello, it’s me. Yes. No. No. Definitely. Yes. Okay. Praise allah. See you in heaven.” That should establish the foundation for a very interesting train ride. I’ll experiment with that on the way back, I think.

    2.The vast wastelands (middle) of america reminds me of arguably the best movie ever made, Red Dawn. One of bush’s favorites, also the name of the operation to capture saddam…great movie, check it out. WOLVERINES!!!!

    3. Thoughts upon being passed over by a plane: yeah, great; just throw it in my face; laugh it up all you toc debaters; here I am chugging along at 22 mph through the back alley’s of every crappy city we go through and you all are yukking it up with your free pillows and $5 cocktails and free pony rides….shit ain’t fair man. Like, I could be filthy rich and ride your magic flying machines, If I wanted to, but I don’t. So whatever.

    Oddly I would have expected myself to rant on class tensions if I had taken the Grey dog, but hey, it’s pretty much universally true; poor people travel on the ground.

    Loving it here in Spokompton, wishing that I’d brought some other sweater than my Wu Tang sweater-I’m getting some funny looks…even for me.

68. wesley
    Posted from: 66.225.5.85
    
    May 2nd, 2007 00:58
    68

    apparently by ‘2 observations’ I meant 3. hell, by the time I get to chicago I’ll be lucky if I can still form words…oh, and I’m still waiting on a correct answer to my trivia question: “what was the empire built on?”. c’mon people; milky way candy bar!

69. Jon Cruz
    Posted from: 74.73.177.122
    
    May 2nd, 2007 04:10
    69

    Forward me your itinerary so I can make an Indiana Jones-style map!

70. Greg Malis
    Posted from: 199.189.10.29
    
    May 2nd, 2007 06:29
    70

    The Empire was built on rail. It’s a reference to the transcontinental railroad built shortly after the Civil War, which enabled much accelerated expansion, growth, and prosperity in the west, continued today evidenced by the current success of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA playoffs.

    Alternate/cynical answer: The Empire was built on the backs of poorly paid blacks stolen from Africa and Chinese immigrants (who were the laborers in the aforementioned railroad).

    On another note, Wes asks about the state that is between Illinois and Kentucky. In fact, there is no state. They border each other. If you are looking for what is really in between, it’s called the Ohio River.

71. bietz
    Posted from: 76.170.32.21
    
    May 2nd, 2007 07:03
    71

    Wes -

    One of my closest friends is making a 2-year trip around the world. On one of his early legs he took a train from Dallas to Los Angeles. Here is his report:

    http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/04/11/the-amtrak-diaries/

72. wesley
    Posted from: 216.146.107.3
    
    May 2nd, 2007 10:39
    72

    update #3:

    Thanks Greg for giving an answer, I was looking for an even more cynical answer:

    The empire was built on “FREEDOM”. :)

    And thanks for the geo tip, I was actually guessing that after i posted there WASN’T a state between Illinois and Kentucky; I could blame my brain, but instead I blame the schools.

    Montana is beautiful; I think I’ll retire in a shack out here, send letters with those little sparkly stars inside (hey, i may be a wacko but I’m no terrorist!).

    I’ll check out that link bietz when I have a connection for more then 5 minutes (right now we’re in, hell, I don’t even know…oh sweet…the dining car is open…I’m gonna go see if I can charm them into letting me sit at my own table-step 1, take off the wu sweater).

    love to all the vbd, I’ve been typing lyrics to songs I’m listening to for flowing warm-ups…here’s a sample:

    Do Tell by Dose One

    There will be no self-respecting savior with completely comfortable skin in a new rap video, hell, he or she might not have any idea whatsoever they got the good stuff in em, and I hate to cliché it yo, but can you feel the pain for real though, so where’s my reinventors of the truth serum and new founders of the fountain of youth?

    yet to awoke, obsessed with their appearance and desperately in need of some proof that holding hands saves lives, but we’re in this one together whether the roof is on fire, or perfect for watching the other stars from…and I know, I know,
    cardinals and bluejays can’t just along,
    but um, their brains are the size of very small rocks,
    and we’ve the opposable thumb
    not to mention emotions that can paint the walls off a cave,
    and plenty big enough brains,
    so…give it up….after all change wasn’t good for just a day, and the first time you lay your eyes on something truly beautiful it tends to stay that way….remember that great people do great things…

    this one seemed like a good TOC song…yeah, I know I have weird music tastes, and judges warming up for rounds is a little over the top…BUT I’M FREAKING BORED MAN!

    STILL ALIVE! Day 2 has begun!!!

73. wesley
    Posted from: 216.146.107.3
    
    May 2nd, 2007 10:40
    73

    Oh yeah, and props to Greg:

    Go Warriors!

74. Dan Jennis
    Posted from: 67.53.75.54
    
    May 2nd, 2007 12:44
    74

    Vanessa Hernandez from Hopkins just got in.

75. Greg Miaskiewicz
    Posted from: 71.195.77.97
    
    May 2nd, 2007 13:36
    75

    Better TOC song: Slim Thug – Click Clack

    I won’t post the lyrics here, since I’d probably get blocked by the spam / vulgarity filter.

76. Sameer Thanawala
    Posted from: 68.193.74.20
    
    May 2nd, 2007 14:18
    76

    i will be attending with Dario Camara judging

77. Rebar Niemi
    Posted from: 66.233.57.238
    
    May 2nd, 2007 20:47
    77

    wesley craven is a cross-country messiah. TOC, prepare to get yourselves saved.

78. wesley
    Posted from: 63.228.63.58
    
    May 3rd, 2007 05:36
    78

    omfg first wireless net in a day!

    just sent jon updates, I’ll post #4 here though cuz i want the fun to begin!

    Report #4: filed sometime between now and when you read this…

    Current Location: Unknown.
    Landmarks: None.
    Surroundings: Flat.
    Position of Sun: In the sky.

    Westatus:

    Sleep levels: acceptable
    Caffeine levels: low
    Nicotine levels: very low
    Notes:

    I always said hiphop flow drills were mostly a crock, but they are fun…I’ve flowed Jay-Z’s “The Prelude” and “Oh My God”…good tracks…except my brain stops short everytime I start to abbreviate the n-word; Jay-Z sure does like that word…I thought it had died…I’d post the flows but I’m already guilty of posting way to much crap…that’s why I hope this thread stays buried; I’ve easily posted more in the last two days on vbd then in my whole life.

    Oh, and for TOC debaters, I would suggest NOT using the n-word in round, abbreviating it apparently short-circuits my brain. Just a suggestion.

    Thank god I ‘m flowing the corps topic for TOC; most of the judges who flow on laptops barely have to think anymore (about what they’re typing, not the round of course). I love flowing on a laptop so that my hands are almost automatically in control of the flow and my brain can actually listen a little more carefully to what’s actually being said. As far as abbreviations for this jan/feb…anyone have any weird favorites? I’m rolling with a few funky ones; “c no p” = corporations are not people. It’s a handy abbreviation of the common claim. “nul”=if moral standards don’t exist then you affirm…ugh. “apoopy”=apriori. C’mon, I’m not against ‘them’, I just like writing ‘apoopy’ on my flow. Who else has abbreviations they’d like to share?

    My second trivia question is just a cheap tactic to get people to call my lonely-ass:

    WHERE AM I RIGHT “NOW”?

    541-868-5615 (I realize I’ll probably have to change my phone number because of this-I never liked it)

    Answers will be accepted until I get into Lexington; but be careful, since I’m getting off the train in Chicago to take an alternative form of transport through Kentucky, my scheduled arrival in Lexington (as accurate as the projected U.S. Forces iraqi pullout date) is friday afternoon. Accuracy should be your goal in guessing my location, but in a relative tie-breaker the more creative answer will win.

    Only one guess per person. No cheating. I reserve the right to clarify ‘cheating’. Let’s not have a repeat of the absolutely hilarious but terrifying VBI scavenger hunt; terrifying because I have never seen Ryan Cooper flip out, grab a podium mic and bellow into it incomprehensibly; something about cheating, and ethics…I really couldn’t understand-he was yelling with the mic almost in his mouth. It was awesome. Basically, Ryan has made sure that not a single VBI staff member will even slightly bend the rules of any camp games; EVER. Kudos Ryan! :)

    Your only points of reference to find me: I’m on the Amtrak 28 train “Empire Builder” that goes through spokane, I’m probably somewhere in the middle of Montana as I write this at 3:30pm mountain time? I think…haven’t been paying attention. Someone check the time zones (not Greg; he’s done enough :). Don’t work too hard to guess (I know you won’t); it’s like the price is right; if someone guesses canada, and the other guess is madagascar, then canada wins. God I must be lonely. When you’re used to traveling to tournaments with the south eugene boys and rebar, going alone is like, lonely. Peaceful, though. :)

    Most likely you’ll have to leave a message with your guess since the phone reception blows, and if you are the closest guess at whatever point I’m at when I get you’re message then I’m confident that victory briefs will give you a prize :) (bietz is probably shaking his head right now-he’s wondering: why did we hire this nut?!)

    Okay, I can’t offer you the milky way prize, cuz not only did Greg win it, but…well…I sat on it.

    Yeah…sorry Greg.

    But I’m sure we can come up with another amusing prize!

    Allright, break time from debate, I’m gonna talk to (read: unintentionally alienate) the only attractive 20-something female on this train. Wish me luck. Oooh there’s the best trivia question: any suggestions on what would be a good opening line for Wesley? Here’s what I have so far:

    “Hey I just took a shower, isn’t that incredible?”-that one relies on her knowing me…which wouldn’t help, actually.

    “So, what are you doing for the next 24 hours?”-the downside, what if she says she’s free and it turns out she’s like weird or something…

    “Do you have any interest in a mid-twenties, short, unkempt, smoker who is an unemployed philosophy student coaching high school debate?” if the answer is no, then bail! If yes, BAIL FASTER because something must be terribly wrong…Dear god, rereading that line has instigated some serious self reflection time. Oh well, I think I’ll just use my “is this seat taken” all-in-the-timing routine… Here we go.

    I have the distinct feeling that update #5 isn’t going to be pretty.

79. Juli
    Posted from: 209.98.146.245
    
    May 3rd, 2007 06:45
    79

    So – if you’re on schedule you probably just passed through St Paul/Minneapolis – we (the MN debate community) should have met your train with some treats or flowers or something … but then, you neglected to mention MN in your list of states above …

    The train arrives in Chicago in the afternoon -I guess the connection at that point is w/Greyhound.

    Another option for travel these days, in parts of the U.S. at least, is Megabus:
    http://www.megabus.com/us/

    From Chicago, Megabus goes to Louisville and Cincinnati, but not Lexington. If you book far enough in advance, you can get $1 one-way fares.

80. Victory Briefs Daily, the #1 website for High School Debaters » Blog Archive » The TOC Countdown: 2 Days
    Posted from: 205.134.251.132
    
    May 3rd, 2007 10:24
    80

    [...] LEXINGTON, Ky. (In Transit) – Wesley Craven began his (literal) field reports from across the country on the comments thread of our recent TOC Field Report article. We can continue to track his progression here. [...]

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