U of O’s Guindon Cup 2008.

Long story, but I participated in the University of Ottawa’s Father Roger Guindon Cup which took place this weekend (ordinarily in CUSID you would not be allowed to compete at your own tournament) as Swing 2 on Day 1, and as Dawson College 3 on Day 2 (poor Krystin’s partner bailed out on her).

These were the motions:

Round 1: THW Abandon Space Exploration (OG)

Round 2: THW Permit Aboriginal Ceremonies In Which Participants Are Harmed (CG)

Round 3: THW Abolish All Laws Against Animal Cruelty (CO)

Round 4: THW Institute A Moratorium On Home Foreclosures (OO)

Round 5: THW Use Disaster Relief As A Tool of Diplomacy (OG)

-

The Semifinals and Grand Finals take place tomorrow.

And no I’m not in them, for obvious reasons.

But I just wanted to mention that it has been a very encouraging weekend for me in terms of debating. Some of my best performances in recent times were produced: I was very satisfied with my showing in rounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 – and am particularly happy with my showing in rounds 2 and 3.

I didn’t screw up as Opening Government for both of the rounds that I was the PM for (if you are from the EDS you will understand why this is so important for me), produced some of my best closing half extensions – like, possibly ever – and interestingly produced a reasonable array of good POIs…the latter of which was something which has been conspicuously missing in my personal debating repertoire ever since forever.

Up to now, I hope.

This allows me to have some measure of hope for a decent showing at Cork Worlds 2008 .

Just when I needed it – nothing like the tonic of a good tournament after a particularly bad one (Yale IV 2008 >.<).

I will keep on dreaming.

Academics, debate, self-esteem. My mantra in recent times.