The Grand Final of the Hamish Malcolm Cup is happening on this Tuesday (7th of October). Make sure you come along to see the top four teams (Anal Beads, Choctastic, Crypto-Fascists and Value ADDS) battle it out. In addition, the best speakers and best novices will be announced, before we head to the Clyde to celebrate/mourn the end of another internal competition for the year.

 

The debate begins at 6.30 in the Hercus Theatre (our usual meeting place).Plus, don't forget to sign up for the Open Comp!

On the evening of Tuesday, August 26th, MUDS hosted a public debate on the topic "That economic growth must be sacrificed to stop climate change."

 

A recording of the debate is now available in the Previous Public Debates section of the website.

Registration for the Hamish Malcolm Cup, the semester two British Parliamentary competition is now open.

In spite of the sometimes crazy room allocations (there was possibly more walking than some teams were expecting), Round 2 of this year's massive 3-on-3 internal competition was another great success. Following Phil's training on the many intricacies of rebuttal, teams demonstrated their knowledge (or lack thereof) of foreign affairs, debating the topic 'That if Robert Mugabe does not stand down, the West should remove him by force'. 5 Affirmative teams and 8 Negative teams won.

For those who are interested in learning more about the context of this topic, and Zimbabwe's fragile political climate in general, here are some recent links to articles from The Economist and The Guardian (both publications that all debaters should become acquainted with):

Zimbabwe: Hanging on
The end of another African tragedy beckons
Morgan Tsvangirai waits for power to slip from the old tyrant
Mandela and Mugabe both embraced violence, but one could not give it up

 

While the turnout was generally very good, teams are reminded that they are expected to be present by 6:00 at the latest, ready for the roll call at 6:05. Arriving later just causes us further headaches, and that's the last thing anyone needs. Teams who choose not to arrive at all can look forward to facing the full force of our wrath. The quality of the competition relies on people turning up every week - and if you don't turn up it not only irritates us but ruins the night for the team who were expecting to debate you.

Thanks to everyone who did come, especially those who had to put up with the strange rooms. Sadly, Round 3 is not until May 6, which is like three weeks away, so you'll have to be patient. Hopefully we'll see many of you at the adjudication training next week, and Easters after that.

 

Tom Sutherland & Chris Lum
Internal Competitions Officers

Thanks to everybody who attended in Round 1! When teams are present and debates can go ahead as planned, everybody is happy.

The topic was 'That we should end government financial support for stay-at-home spouses', which 8 Affirmative and 5 Negative teams won.

Congratulations to Ananth Gopal (Totally JRHADD), who was not only this week's best novice speaker, but the best speaker overall for this round.

The competiton now consists of 26 teams, made up of over 160 debaters, and we are not able to accept any further registrations. Teams will receive a finalised list of their teammates' names and contact details over the Easter weekend. If you missed out on registering this time, please come along anyway - you will have the opportunity to adjudicate, trainee adjudicate or 'swing debate' (fill in for missing people). Please email Chris and Tom at muds.internal.competitions@gmail.com with any queries.

 

Round 2 will be held on Tuesday 8 April (Week 5), but we will see you on Tuesday 1 April (Week 4) at Easters Team Formation. Until then, enjoy your break!

 

Chris Lum & Tom Sutherland
MUDS Internal Competitions Officers

Ready to hone your debating skills or just want to get a handle on advanced debating techniques? The Sunday Mini Competition is for you! Members with all levels of experience are welcome and it is the perfect opportunity to warm-up for Easters 2008 or other tournaments further down the track.

 

Date: Sunday, 30 March 2008

Time: 11am - 5pm

Location: Melbourne Uni - Law School

Register your interest now! RSVP: mudsonline@gmail.com.

Round 1 of the 3-v-3 Competition will take place on Tuesday, beginning 5:30 at Redmond Barry. Topic release will be at approx. 6:15.

Come along to debate, adjudicate, or just watch!

The MUDS Commencement Dinner '08 is fast approaching. It will be funky, it will be held in an an ex-garage, and it will involve pool (of the pool table variety).

 

The details for this most exciting event:
Cost for MUDS members: $20
Cost for non-MUDS members: $25

Date: Tuesday, 11th March
Time: 7.00pm
Dress: Neat casual (or not so neat, but casual!)

Garage Café & Bar
Fully Licensed Restaurant
Indonesian Cuisine
221 Berkeley Street, Carlton
(near University Square, just off Grattan Street)

 

What do I get?

• Fine food (entrée and main)
• Fine company
• Access to MUDS bar tab for wine and soft drink

 

If you wish to attend (and who wouldn't?) please email Trina Malone, the MUDS social officer, at trina.sophie.malone@gmail.com to arrange ticketing.

Come along to the first MUDS night for the semester for a demonstration debate followed by our welcome back drinks!

Redmond Barry at 5:30pm on Tuesday.

The World Universities Debating Championship recently took place in Thailand at Assumption University. Congratulations to all teams and adjudicators who made it to the chamionships representing the University of Melbourne!

Out of the 393 teams participating in Worlds, the MUDS teams performed exceptionally well:

Melbourne A: Seamus Coleman and Sienna Merope (Finished 47th)
Melbourne B: Chris Hibbard and Daniel MacNamara (Finished 61st)
Melbourne C: Nicole Lynch and Daniel Kinsey (Broke 31st, eliminated at Quarter-Finals)
Melbourne D: Claire Roberts and Jen Ames (Finished 112th)
Melbourne E: Tony Kung and Simon Thomas (Finished 97th)

Adjudicators:

Elizabeth Sheargold (Broke to finals)

Stephen Worcester (Broke to finals)

Tom McCarthy

Anna Blair

Duncan Campbell

Chris Williams