Miami Debate.

Summer 2009 Announcments

2009-02-11T10:45:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately for the Summer of 2009 there will be no Debate portion of the Miami Forensics Institute. We apologize for any inconvenience this may pose for you.

Miami will be offering a speech institute from July 26th until August 1st. You can contact Todd Holm at holmtt@muohio.edu for further information.

Thanks,
Sarah

Last set of practice debates

2008-07-20T14:42:00.001-04:00

Round 13
Monday 9am
MCG 223 Thies/Cebul Wizig McClung Johnson
MCG 224 Lau/Sears Ng/Deng Lai
IRV 040 Light-Scotecte/Kataria Sin/Curran Munksgaard

Round 14
Tues 10 am
MCG 223 Wizig/McClung Lau/Sear Harrigan
MCG 224 McBee/Ard Thies/Cebul Gonzalez
IRV 040 Ng/Deng Light-Scotece/Kataria Vinson

Round 15
Tues 3:30
MCG 223 Lau/Sears McBee/Ard Devenport
MCG 224 Sin/Curran Wizig/McClung Stuart
IRV 040 Light-Scotece/Kataria Thies/Cebul Gayetsky

Joust!

2008-07-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

Week 4 Schedule

2008-07-12T20:34:00.001-04:00

Sunday, July 13
1:30 Lab
MCG 224

7:00 Lab

9:00 Miami Speaking Skills #14 Devenport

Monday, July 14
9:00 Practice Debate #8
[MCG 223, 224, IRV 040]

11:30 Rebuttal Reworks Debate #8

1:30 Theory Curriculum
1:30 PICs/States CP/Multiactor Fiat -- Casey
2:30 Conditionality/Dispositionality – Sarah
3:30 Competing Interpretations/Reasonability -- Paul
4:30 Competition and Consult – Josh

7:00 Lab

9:30 Miami Speaking Skills #15 – Johnson

Tuesday, July 15
9:00 Practice Debate #9
[MCG 223, 224, IRV 040]

11:30 Rebuttal Reworks Debate #9

1:30 7 Strategies Brainstorm
MCG 224

7:00 Library
7 strats

9:00 Miami Speaking Skills #16 – Gonzalez

Wednesday, July 16
9:00 Practice Debate #10
[MCG 223, 224, IRV 040]

11:30 Rebuttal Reworks Debate #10

1:30 Library
7 strats

7:00 Lab

9:00 Miami Speaking Skills #12 – Munksgaard

Thursday, July 17
9:00 Practice Debate #11
[MCG 223, 224, IRV 040]

11:30 Rebuttal Reworks Debate #11
1:30 Library
7 strats

7:00 Elective 4

9:30 Miami Speaking Skills #13 – Harrigan

Friday, July 18
9:00 Practice Debate #12
[MCG 223, 224, IRV 040]

11:30 Rebuttal Reworks Debate #12

1:30 Library
7 strats

5:30 Leave for Reds Game

Saturday, July 19
1:30 Lab

3:30 Practice Debate #13
[MCG 223, 224, IRV 040]

7:00 Rebuttal Reworks Debate #13

Sunday, July 20
1:30 Library
7 strats

5:00 7 strats due

9:00 Miami Speaking Skills #15 – Vinson

Scholars Practice Debate Schedule

2008-07-08T21:31:00.001-04:00

Practice Debate 6
Weds 10 am
MCG 223 Wizig/McClung Thies/Cebul Munksgaard
MCG 224 Ng/Deng Lau/Sears Harrigan
IRV 030 Sin/Curran Light-Scotece/Kataria Johnson

Practice Debate 7
Weds 1:30
MCG 223 Lau/Sears Sin/Curran Gonzalez
MCG 224 Thies/Cebul McBee/Ard Gayetsky
IRV 030 Light-Scotece/Kataria Ng/Deng Spring

Elective Schedule

2008-07-07T13:43:00.000-04:00

Elective Schedule
Scholars

Elective One
Tues July 8th 1:30

MCG 223 Paul Johnson – Cross-Examination Techniques
MCG 224 Jane Munksgaard – Selling the K

Elective Two
Tues July 8th 3:30

MCG 223 Josh Gonzalez – 36 Ways to win a debate
MCG 224 Casey Harrigan – Advanced 2AC tactics

Elective Three
Thurs July 10th 1:30

MCG 223 Sarah Spring – The Ethical Imperative of Counterplan Conditionality
MCG 224 Josh Gonzalez – Heidegger

Elective Four
Thurs July 17th 7:00 pm

MCG 223 Casey Harrigan – How to cut cards
MCG 224 Jane Munksgaard – Women in Debate

Elective Five
Monday July 21st 1:30

MCG 223 Paul Johnson – How not to be “that K debater”
MCG 224 Sarah Spring – 2AR tactics

Fourth of July Chicken

2008-07-05T10:04:00.002-04:00

...and the food here is good!

Multi-Talented Faculty...

2008-07-01T15:32:00.001-04:00

States Counterplan...Bring It On!

2008-07-01T11:52:00.001-04:00

Gonzalez-Johnson lab pushes on

2008-06-30T15:44:00.003-04:00

with a stunning second wave to feature states, federalism, Russian oil, and a T-shirt with a pirate on it!

2008-06-29T23:41:00.002-04:00

2a lecture outline

2008-06-29T14:26:00.002-04:00

I. Before the debate
a. What work you should do
b. Captain of the affirmative ship
c. Importance of the 2ac

II. During the debate
a. Flowing
b. Prep time
c. Debating your case

III. 2ac
a. General things
i. Overarching strategy
ii. Offense
iii. Coverage
iv. Organization
b. Debating case
i. Prioritize case
ii. Strategic emphasis
iii. Use 1ac evidence
iv. Clear up vagueness
v. Don’t drop case arguments
c. Answering arguments
i. Have frontlines
ii. “Grouping”
iii. Add-ons
iv. Modules
v. Use your case
d. Giving the 2ac
i. Road map
ii. Style/speed
e. Cxing the 2nc
i. Set up 1ar arguments
ii. Don’t be too obvious
iii. Or be too obvious
iv. Attack evidence

IV. 2ar
a. General things
i. Overarching strategy
ii. Overview
iii. Prep during the 2nr prep and 2nr
iv. During your prep
b. Debating case
i. Tell a story
ii. Impacts!!!
c. Answering arguments
i. What did they go for?
ii. Be selective
iii. Make comparisons
d. Giving the 2ar
i. Ethos
ii. Be mindful of the 2nr and 1ar
iii. How you should debate
iv. Extensions
v. Framing

Finishing Files

2008-06-28T15:28:00.003-04:00

Wave one is wrapping up today. Lots of files being wrapped up in a high pressure situation... while Gonz keeps it cool.

Sarah

Trouble Getting to Oxford?

2008-06-20T14:08:00.002-04:00

Just a few reminders about registration (only two days away!). Make sure you bring all of your forms and key deposits to registration, which we have planned between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. If you can't be here between those times (or, if you are having trouble getting here for reasons like the previous post) call one of these three numbers:
Sarah Spring
(513) 330-0356

Dorm Office
(513) 330-0357

Matt Gayetsky
(513) 330-0358

We'll be nearby a computer for much of the day, so if you end up in some town you've never heard of (which happens to US a lot around Oxford), we should be able to get you back on track and into town.

As said in the past, we can make Wal-Mart runs as the camp progresses, but if you need some basic things for sure (e.g. a tub) let us know at registration so that we can get these things asap. Have a safe drive into town.

Getting to Oxford

2008-06-19T14:20:00.002-04:00

Many of you will be traveling to Oxford by car from Chicago, this post is important for you. If you are going through Richmond, IN, and your directions tell you to take "US-27S" this applies to you as well. Parts of US-27 are closed, and Sarah and I just drove the whole detour that takes you into town. We passed not one, or two, but THREE better ways into town before we finally got here via the detour. Our route is a lot better.

From 70, take exit 156a for National Road/US 40 West
You will go past a strip mall with a Fazolis, after the Applebees
Turn Left on Garwood Rd. (Before the mall)
Go for 2 miles
Turn Right at the dead end (sharp) on Wernle Rd.
Turn Left at Niewoerner Rd.
Niewoerner turns into State Road 227
Take 227 past the Richmond airport and through Boston, IN
Turn Right onto 9 Mile Rd (there is a sign before the turn) (9 mile almost qualifies as a 2 lane road, watch out for potholes and oncoming traffic)
Turn Left at the dead end at US 27. This will take you into Oxford.
Turn Right onto Campus Ave.
Turn Left on Spring St., Wells Hall will be the second building on your right. There is a small drive there where you can drive in and park.

There are certainly other ways to get around the detour, but this will be the quickest and easiest.

Getting the stuff you need...

2008-06-13T14:49:00.003-04:00

This post is primarily directed at the parents of MDI students, as it remedies areas of concern that seem to be repeated. I have gotten a few emails that ask the important question, "What if my child needs something?!" Good question.

If you want to mail anyone at the camp something, mail the letter or package to
Student Name
c/o Miami Debate Institute
160 Bachelor Hall
Oxford, OH 45056

This is the Dept. of Communications main office. Just put the student's name, c/o Miami Debate Institute, and we will get it to them. In the past, we post a list of students who have received mail or packages. They will be able to get these, from us, in the office of Wells Hall, where they will be staying. This has worked well in the past, and is the most effective way to navigate through the Miami mail system.

However, lets say that some camper needs more money for food, because they blew through $300 in a week. This is one of the reasons we're excited about Uptown Bucks. We've hyped this to a lot of people, and I think that you will also be impressed with the system. If you go to their website, there is a link on the top that says "Add $". You can then deposit money onto their card in $25 dollar increments immediately, without having to wait a couple days to get a check in the mail. Super convenient , too. The only thing that you will need is their account number, which will be printed on their card.

There are two REALLY cool things about this card. First, you can't buy anything bad with it (e.g. alcohol and tobacco), and secondly you can see what they've spent money on. So when the phone call comes that says, "I'm out of money," you get to ask, "Well why did you spend $150 at Wildberry (novelty store on High Street)". Its super-convenient and gives you oversight. Win-win. If there are any other questions that come up, as always, feel free to send me an email at mgayetsky@gmail.com.

One last thing: At registration, make sure that any outstanding balance is squared up (if you still owe us something, you should have gotten an email earlier) but also remember that there is a $50 deposit for lost keys. This is the #1 thing that is forgotten about, so it's an important reminder.

Rec Center Waiver

2008-06-05T13:18:00.001-04:00

A few of you took advantage of this last year, and we wanted to extend the offer again this year as well. During your down time in Oxford, the possibility exists that you can spend of of it at the University's Recreation Center to work out, etc. If you want to take advantage of this, you will need to bring this form to registration. Between this form and the others, it gets annoying, but this one is optional, unlike those posted yesterday.

Additional Forms

2008-06-04T14:16:00.002-04:00

There are two additional forms that will need to be filled out and submitted upon your arrival at the workshop. The first is the Institute's Code of Conduct. Most of this is straight-forward, but it's important to understand what is/not permitted by both the workshop and the University. So read through the rules and bring them with you, signed, to registration.

The second form is the Medical Consent Form, which will allow us to get the best care possible for you in the event of illness, or otherwise hurt your self playing broomball, ultimate frisbee, etc. It happens - it's just important that we're able to take care of you once it does happen. Similar to the rules form above, bring this filled out to registration. If there are any questions about either of these forms, email me at mgayetsky@gmail.com, and I'll help clarify the ambiguity.

Do I need to bring...?

2008-05-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

We try our best to accommodate those staying at the workshop, but we get a lot of emails regarding what things might want to be brought in addition. This is meant to be a starting point, but by no means an exclusive list. I will not talk about the common sense things, like ‘clothes,’ my assumption is that you will bring these things.
Techie Stuff:Laptop – becoming more incorporated into debate through both research and flowing, it’s good to bring along. If you don’t have one, there’s no reason to fret as there are tons of computers free to use around Miami’s campus.
Ethernet cord – another thing that is good to bring, as the wireless network can sometimes be spotty. Since this is the first year that we are staying at Wells (sidebar: HUGE upgrade) I don’t know how the wireless is in this building. Bringing a cord along is a good, safe way to stay connected to the cloud.
TV/DVD – you will have some down time, so it doesn’t hurt to kick back and watch a movie now and then. There is a TV in the common room, but it is up to you if you want to bring your own. There will now be $1 DVD rentals again this year, available in the dorm office, so be ready to take advantage of the offer.
Techie stuff you don’t need: Timers (you’ll get one), USB drive (you’ll get one),
General Dorm Stuff:
Bedding – You’ll need to get a set of extra-long, single sheets. This is the standard size for any dorm room, so if you have a sibling that went to college you might have this size around your house already. Also bring a pillow or two. And towels.
Foodstuffs—You can bring any/all snacks that you like. It is advised, though, that upon arrival you stop by Kroeger or Wal-Mart to stock up, instead of hauling all of that with you. More car space = good. In the dorm there are vending machines, as well as a kitchenette area to facilitate snacking.
Cleaning agents – Of all kinds, toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc) as well as laundry detergent. If you forget something or run out, the dorm staff will make weekly runs to Walmart/Kroeger to fill need that you might have.
Other things: Shower Shoes; just get them, it’s a worthy $5 investment. Alarm clock to make sure you are at lab.
Room stuff you don’t need: Fans (dorm is air conditioned), any type of furniture.
Debate Stuff:
It is important to note that ALL of the MDI evidence produced will be produced and available electronically. That means cutting cards is only a copy/paste process, and does not involve scissors and tape. So you don’t need those things. Aside from the laptop previously mentioned, the more conventional list of things applies – pens of various colors, highlighters, paper for blocking (well, you might want your scissors and tape for blocking…) and flowing. Plus a tub and file folders. It should be mentioned, though, that if you are flying, you might want to think about only taking your evidence back electronically due to escalating costs for checked bags. We will have all of these things available for purchase in the office, and we will make an inventory of requests within the first few days of camp.
This is a good place to start, at least, if you have specific questions about some “X” you can email me at mgayetsky@gmail.com for my opinion of something else.

2008-04-04T01:18:00.004-04:00

1. Senior Scholars Leaders Coach NDT Champs!!!
Brad Hall and Casey Harrigan, the leaders of our Oxford Senior Scholars lab, coached the 2008 NDT Champions, from Wake Forest University!!! What more can we say? Our Senior Scholars lab will offer you an opportunity to work with two coaches who are at the absolute top of the game. In addition to the NDT champs, Brad and Casey have coached the winners of this year's Kentucky Round Robin, not to mention that Casey was the 2006 NDT champ, and Brad the 2006 runner up.

2. Best...meal plan...ever
Let's face it - dorm food just doesn't cut it some days. This summer, at least half of your meal balance at the Miami Institutes won't have to be spent at the dorm cafeteria. Through a partnership with MUBucks's "Uptown Bucks" program, Miami Debate students will be able to use their institute meal credits at more than 35 local restaurants, including Domino's, Pizza Hut, Jimmy John's, Subway, Quizno's, Skyline Chili, Qdoba, Cold Stone Creamery, and dozens of Oxford's great local restaurants. Click on the link above for a more complete list.

Faculty Information

2008-03-05T15:30:00.000-05:00

Find it here.

New Hire!

2008-01-23T20:51:00.000-05:00

Great news! We've added Josh Gonzalez former coach at Michigan State (among his many accomplishments) to the Scholars staff. I'm confident that Josh is going to he an outstanding addition to our staff, his experience at institutes is unmatched.

Announcements!

2008-01-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

The Application is up and linked HERE and on the side bar. Apply early and often. Also we've confirmed some exciting new changes. First, the staff is top-notch for 2008. Casey Harrigan, 2006 NDT winner, and Brad Hall, 2006 NDT Runner-up, as well as Iowa coaches Paul Johnson and Jane Munksgaard are lined up for Oxford Scholars. For the Redhawk, Georgetown coach, Michael Greenstein and MSU Seniors Debbie Lai and Garrett Abelkop are excited to get started teaching.

Also, food is going to be different from last year at both camps. Meals will be a combination of a meal plan from Miami's award-winning dining halls and a declining balance from Oxford uptown restaurants including Jimmy Johns, Subway, Skyline, the list goes on.

Any questions just email me springse@muohio.edu.

Sarah!

New scholarships

2007-10-15T11:28:00.001-04:00

Miami is now offering a new scholarship to the Institute for 2008. At select tournaments this year we will give a substantial scholarship to the top junior speaker. This weekend at John Carroll we will award the top junior speaker a $300 scholarship. This will also be offered at other tournaments including CCC and more to be named later.

You can also check out our blog miamidebate.blogspot.com for more updates.

We will also be giving EVERY Ohio debater a special in-state scholarship of $100.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at spring.sarah at gmail.com

Dates for Summer 2008

2007-08-31T14:49:00.000-04:00

We are excited to announce the dates for the Miami Debate Institute 2008

The Redhawk will run from June 22- July 12

The Oxford Scholars will run from June 22-July 26

Also the brand new Miami Speech Institute will run from June 22 - July 5.

I'm excited and I hope you are too.

Sarah Spring

Thanks for a great birthday!

2007-07-22T19:04:00.001-04:00

A quick thanks to everyone who made my birthday a very special day. Thanks for the yummy chocolate cake that required you to be very resourceful since you had to bake it in the dorm! Thanks for all of the cards and Uptown gift cards...the jewels (ask Osahon)...the flowers (ask Elwell)...were all great. I really appreciated all of the sweet notes written in the cards.

My mom will be very glad to hear that you all gave me a special day! :)

Tara

Last Set of Practice Debates

2007-07-21T14:52:00.000-04:00

Schedule.... Here!!

Wave 3 is done!

2007-07-19T23:05:00.000-04:00

Wave 3 is accomplished and off to the printers. The 5 week scholars produced a variety of arguments and toolboxes --

Soft Power Good/Bad - led by Maffie
DAs to International Actors - led by Fitz
USAID/Delegation - led by Spring
Aff K Toolbox - led by Harrigan
Malthus - led by Tate
AT: Consult CPs - led by Vinson/Jacobs
Impacts File - led by Dale
NGOs - led by Risen

We learned a few things in this wave:

(1) Deutsch does believe that South Africa has nuclear weapons. ADale has the email to prove it.
(2) Tate believes that the Malthus is as terrible as she initially thought.
(3) Georgi believes library time = nap time.
(4) Ironies of all ironies - the Fitz group appeared to be "wheels" off - yes, the horrible, awful pun about wheels (wheelchair) was intended.
(5) None of the 5 week kiddos remembered how to use the library scanning services despite the lecture they had week one.
(6) The new cafe' that serves Starbucks coffee in the basement continues to greatly improve the quality of life of the faculty members.
(7) Adler should never buy a $12 umbrella in the midst of a rainstorm.
(8) The library apparently believes that pints of ice cream are approved "snacks" to be eaten in the building - ask Joe Lance.

Also, Tate will concede to Mapes...although Tate may have had more cards in the file, she had two unfair advantages - a laundry list of cites and the one cite she gave to Mapes ended up not having very many cards. Very worthy opponent!

Tara

Practice Debates Continue

2007-07-18T19:18:00.001-04:00

In one of the many practice debates that have occurred, Landsman and Elwell (neg) have taken on Locke and Hobaugh. (aff)

Later, Casey Harrigan lectured a group on Negative Framework.

Miami Debate Institute attendees left the lecture satisfied!

Tate challenges Mapes

2007-07-17T14:13:00.001-04:00

Hey Mapes --

I publically challenge you to have more cards in the Malthus file than I do. Rules are that the cards have to be of high quality, you can't utilize backfiles and you should still try to get some sleep...I don't want to be responsible for any overexhaustion. I still plan on getting sleep.

Do you accept this public challenge? How awful to be publicly humiliated by an old, old woman...

Tara

New Practice Debate Pairings

2007-07-15T17:26:00.000-04:00

Here.

2007-07-15T08:15:00.001-04:00

Alexis Shklar (Glenview, IL) is being silly right before lecture.

Goodbye to the Redhawk!

2007-07-14T18:14:00.000-04:00

Checkout was today for the Redhawk. It was sad to say goodbye! Please email if you need anything at all and we'll see you this fall and next summer at camp. Some pictures at checkout...

Broomball

2007-07-14T18:10:00.000-04:00

In the first athletic event in a week where a staff member didn't seriously injure themselves (we love you Dan and Omar...) the Scholars played some broomball today, it was fun I hear. Some pics!

k thx
Sarah

Debate for the Ages! (or is it Aged?!?)

2007-07-14T18:04:00.000-04:00

To all those ships out there at sea...

In a blazing fast demo debate, Aimi Hamraie and Eli Jacobs defended a repeal of the Gag Rule for Sub-Saharan Africa. Avery Dale and Aaron Vinson negated advancing a number of arguments including a China CP that also included a number of other planks (arrrrg), the net benefits were a K of the term Sub-Saharan Africa, China Soft Power DA, Spending, and some other jive. There was some debate as to Eli had ever seen a condom, this remained unresolved... The audience overwhelmingly thought the negative prevailed, especially because of the unextended Israel DA or perhaps they won on jokes alone...

Some photographic evidence.

kisses
Sarah

Shaheen and Molinaro Win Three Week Tournament!

2007-07-14T18:01:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Scott and Matt for winning the three week tournament. They defeated the worthy opponents of Chris Mair and Delaney Gatz on a 2-1 decision with Ed Lee Dissenting. Congrats to both team for a very good debate. Also, it's worth nothing that 3 of the 4 participants in the final debate were from Ohio, awesome. Here are some pics!

Second Practice Debates are under way

2007-07-11T14:09:00.000-04:00

After a yummy lunch at the Shriver Center, students began their second set of practice debates. Tara is watching Osahon Okundaye (Neenah, WI) and Karen Lickteig (Wichita East, KS) defending the revoking of the US gag rule on the Aff versus Aaron Westendorf (Princeton, OH) and Jasmine Gonzalez (Walter Payton, IL) on the Neg. The 1AC had three advantages - reproductive imperialism, civil society, and US human rights credibility. The 1NC came back with T - not government-to-government, Politics (Bush Good - Iraqi withdrawal), the Mbembe K and case arguments.

Tara is wondering if JW will navigate his ship at sea to Ohio so we can have one. Eli Jacobs can be the captain.

Tara

Practice debates for Scholars begin!

2007-07-11T11:11:00.000-04:00

Practice debates for the 5-week students started this morning. Tara is watching Danny Mapes and Michael Perbeck from Shawnee Mission East on the Aff take on Adam Adler (Parkway North, MO) and Amy Senders (Westwood, TX) on the Negative.

Mapes/Perbeck are reading the South Africa Medflag Aff with an AIDS advantage and military readiness advantage. Adler/Senders argued T - must be all of SSA, China CP, the Doctor trade-off DA, and China oil DA.

Ready for the 1AR to begin...Mapes is stealing prep time...Adler is making funny robot noises. I am looking out the windows of Upham Hall and there are no ships at sea here in Oxford, OH.

Tara

Seniors finish blitz of evidence in Wave 2

2007-07-11T11:08:00.001-04:00

Seniors turned out a high quality set of evidence for Wave 2.

The FTH lab finished the following args the past couple of days:

Topicality
sub-Saharan K/PIC
Exclude Zimbabwe PIC - Mugabe DA, Domestic Politics, Confronting the Evildoer K
Dutch Disease DA
Aid Bad
Lacan K
Japan CP with Soft Power DA

Fun in the dorms!

2007-07-09T23:53:00.000-04:00

Dancing...

Happy Birthday AU!

2007-07-09T20:58:00.000-04:00

The AU turns 5 today, happy birthday from the Sprisen Lab!

Wave Two -- working hard -- getting it done..

2007-07-09T17:12:00.001-04:00

The sprisen lab is working hard completing wave two.. some photographic evidence...

5 week Practice Debate Schedule

2007-07-09T12:06:00.000-04:00

Have fun.

Click here
to download schedule.

Disclosure is mandatory and must be full 1NC and 1AC positions given to the opposing team no later than 12 hours prior to the debate.

Bring Practice debate journals to every debate.

Practice debates are underway!

2007-07-08T16:53:00.000-04:00

Practice debates for the three week camp are underway and we've been having about two a day with rebuttal redos in the afternoon. The staff has enjoyed this almost as much as the students.

Happy fourth of July!

2007-07-04T17:46:00.001-04:00

After more than a week of talking smack, the students finally got to play the staff on the fourth of July. To say that it "wasn't pretty" is pretty generous. The staff won the first game 11-3, the second 11-4, and then the rain came pouring down to save the students from another embarassing defeat.

The kids warm up before the game (too bad it didn't help).

The staff (Maffie, Sarah, Avery, Eli and Ed) shoot around to warm up.

Once Fitz arrives, the staff is good to go.

Finally the game gets underway...

Marching on

2007-07-02T09:52:00.001-04:00

After quickly whipping together some solid wave one affirmatives and case negs, the three week campers had to turn it around pretty quickly and start working on their wave two negative assignments.

Aimi gives a detailed lecture about how to be a competitive 2n.

The students are on their best behavior for Aimi's 2n lecture.

The kids flee Aaron's 1n lecture.

Nicole answers some questions after lecture.

Matt Molinaro poses for the camera.

The winners of the Hamraie-Vinson wave one card cutting challenge!

The kids work diligently in the library study rooms.

There are plenty of places in the library to get comfortable and cut cards.

It always seems like Aimi's group works the hardest.

- aaron

Speaking clinics

2007-07-02T09:46:00.000-04:00

Speaking clinics have been going well, lots of practice on T, DAs, CPs and Ks. Here's a picture of Osahon giving his speech.

Wave 2 off to a great start

2007-07-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

The HV lab finished two great affs (Landmines and the Gag Rule) on Friday and is already off to a great start on wave 2. We're writing a lot of core-of-the-topic arguments that everyone should be able to use throughout the year. These include: the China sphere of influence DA, China CP, Japan CP, UK CP, and a Kritik of representations of Africa and disease.

The lab is very focused and determined to get their work done. Great job everyone!

wave one done!

2007-07-01T15:08:00.001-04:00

LS Lab completed it Wave one aff's and now is well in progress on its wave two files. For wave 1 we produced a Global Health Service and a Biotech/ag aff.
For Wave two, the students are working on a Topicality file, an African Union CP, A funding trade-off DA, and a K of the term "Sub Saharan Africa."
Although that is an ambitious wave two list for just 18 kids, we're almost half way done with it. Luckily for us, the Miami library system checks out the laptops to the students - and has a large supply of them - so the students have been super productive.
Despite producing 2 affs and being half way through 5 major neg assignments, each of the labbies have done a minimum of one mini debate or practice speech EVERY DAY.

Students love the lectures!

2007-07-01T14:51:00.000-04:00

Okay. Maybe "love" is pretty strong. But they have been getting into them.

The kids talk about Avery Dale's 1a lecture.

Dan Fitzmier tries to answer all the questions from the first half of his kritik lecture.

The kids take a break during Dan's 2 hour plus kritik lecture.

Some of the kids take a break from facebook to take notes.

Dan gets swarmed by over-eager kritik debaters who want to ask more questions.

Coverstone literally hangs out in Dan's lecture.

Ed Lee and Mike Risen find some space in a packed lecture hall during Dan's lecture.

Darth Vader walks the aisles, making sure the kids are taking notes.

Our friendly, neighborhood RA records a lecture.

Seniors are off to a great start!

2007-06-26T10:54:00.000-04:00

The Oxford Scholars Seniors have settled in after their first 24 hours on the new topic. The lab is writing three affirmatives this wave -- a policy version of the revokation of the gag rule policy, a critical version of the revokation of the gag rule policy, and an Aff that increases assistance to the military in South Africa to stop disease spread.

Students yesterday engaged with Dan, Casey, and Tara on what makes for good affirmatives on this year's topic. Students heard three lectures on Africa and started researching.

The kiddos are energized, engaged, and ready to go!

Tara

Camp off to a great start

2007-06-25T12:08:00.001-04:00

Registration went swimmingly. We started the day with our first labs and some lectures. Ben Voth lectured on the history of public health, Rebecca Voth proved that most campers in fact were not smarter than a 5th grader. Mike Risen lectured on the topic. We talked about possible Aff ground and how the topic is shaping up.

Send your pictures to spring.sarah at gmail.com and I will put them up on the blog!

If you need anything please call the office 513 529 2957

Sarah!

MISSING FORMS 2007

2007-06-19T16:19:00.000-04:00

THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! You MUST MUST bring your medical consent form with you when you come to camp if you have not mailed it in. This is a consent form, and without it we CANNOT accept responsibility for you. Parents MUST sign it and send it with their kids if they are not bringing them to camp. You can download the Medical Form to print by clicking HERE.

Of lesser importance, but still important, rules forms also need to be signed by students, while they CAN do that at registration, registration will go faster if they bring their signed forms with them. That can be printed HERE.

TRAVEL DETAILS 2007

2007-06-18T15:29:00.000-04:00

If you are flying...

You will be picked up near the baggage claim by one of our members of the dorm staff who will be wearing a Miami Debate t-shirt.

If you are driving...

Try to get here between 12 and 5pm, come to DODDS 600 S.Maple Avenue. Here is a map of some important roads leading to Oxford that might be helpful. Also, here is a map of some of the main streets in Oxford, the dorm is on Maple. If you are planning on staying the night after dropping off your child, this map highlights how to get to the local hotels. If you just want a simple map of the campus, click here.

DVDs!

2007-06-18T15:27:00.000-04:00

We will sell DVD's at registration, or you can sign up for them in the office before the end of camp.

The price will be:
$20 for ALL the lectures
$10 for 5 lectures of your choice

You can pay at registration or when you order, and you will get the DVD at the end of camp.

PARENTS INFORMATION 2007

2007-06-15T11:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Parents,

Camp starts in a week and we are all excited to have your children attending the institute. We have a few pieces of information that you should know. Registration is Sunday June 24 from 12-6. If you cannot arrive at those times, you need to let us know.

First, while the camp is going on, the office number of the dorm is (513) 529-2957 if you need to get in contact with us for any reason. Until then still call me at (513) 529 3050.

Second, there is a $50 key deposit that is due at registration. They will receive this deposit back at the end of camp if they have not lost their keys. We will be unable to give them a key to their room without this deposit.

Third, payment is due by June 18th, which is rapidly approaching. If there is some circumstance that requires finalizing payment at registration you need to let us know. You can pay online, here.

Four, if you child is flying and they need to send that information to our assistant director, Aaron (vinsonaw@muohio.edu), ASAP so a shuttles will be there to pick them up at the airport. Also, if your child is under 14 they may have to have a designated person to pick them up at the airport. If this is the case you need to let us know, because we will need to tell you who exactly will be meeting the group at the airport.

Five, if your child has special dietary needs or medications that they need to take while they are at camp, please let us know.

Six, your child will also need to have their medical and rules forms filled out at registration.

Seven, if your child would like to attend the rec center they also need to have the consent form filled out by you.

- Aaron Vinson, Assistant Director, Miami Debate Institute

MORE FAQs 2007

2007-06-14T14:51:00.000-04:00

What is a typical day like?
Usually we get the day started by 9am, you have a lecture or two, maybe lab, go to lunch, come back, usually do something interactive in relation to the morning lecture, have some lab time, grab dinner around 5pm, come back after dinner for lab or a late lecture.

What is there to do at night?
Labs usually end around 9pm and students have some free time, some of which should be used on research assignments. There will be "speaking skills" sessions in the dorm some nights where lab leaders will help you with speaking drills or you can do stuff on campus. Campers usually play basketball or ultimate frisbee (this is what you should do) in the field by the dorm.

When do we have to be in the dorm?
11pm, no exceptions.

What is there to do in the dorm?
There is a foos ball table, a pool table, a tv and some couches, and a little kitchen in the basement. There is usually plenty for students to do in the dorm at night.

Some other camps have security deposits, does Miami?
YES - the deposit is $50 - it covers the costs if you lose your key.

What will be the phone number of the dorm office when camp starts?
(513) 529-2957
(for parents reading this, that number will only "work" starting 6/25 when we have moved into the dorm)

Do I need to bring an ethernet cord for my room?
Yes. It's also good to have a wireless card because there is wireless in every building and even some places outside.

What type of sheets do we need to get for the dorm room?
Extra long single.

Is there a microwave in the dorm?
Yes. In the basement.

What snack food should I bring?
Whatever you want. There is a vending machine in the dorm and your meal plan will let you shop at the market in the dining hall.

Do the two camps interact at all?
Yes. They will have some lectures together, they will live on the same floor, they will eat together...

ROOMMATE & PARTNER REQUESTS

2007-06-12T11:18:00.000-04:00

- Roommate Requests -

Roomate requests must be mutual. If you still want to room with the same roomate you requested, please have them email me (vinsonaw@muohio.edu) that they would also like to room with you. Please do this ASAP.

- Partner Requests -

Partner requests can only be processed if both students are registered for the same camp. If you still want to debate with
the same partner you requested, please ask to be switched to the 5wk camp immediately. If you do not want to do this, please confirm that you realize that you CANNOT debate with this person by emailing me (vinsonaw@muohio.edu). Please do this ASAP.

FAQ's 2007

2007-06-10T18:10:00.000-04:00

When is the final payment due?
As soon as possible, at the absolute latest, we would like payment by June 18th

How should it be sent in?
It can be mailed to:
Miami Debate Institute
Miami University
160 Bachelor Hall
Oxford, OH 45056

If you want to pay online, go here

But the website from the payment form won't work!
It does, it should really be this url: http://miamiuoxford.augusoft.net/, or you can follow the other instructions above.

What credit cards will work at the site?
We only accept Visa or MasterCard.

Can we go to the Rec Center?
Yes, but ONLY if you get the “Recreational Center Consent Form” filled out:

If that link doesn’t work, the form is also found on the blog under “Recreational Center Consent Form”

Will a shuttle pick me up from the airport?
YES. Please fly to Dayton or Cincinnati.

Will a shuttle pick me up from the bus station?
Yes, only the Dayton or Cincinnati drops though.

When we will know our lab placements?
When you get to camp, PLEASE DO NOT ASK.

Do we need to bring a lot of money?
No. All of your meals can be bought with the meal plan and copying and printing costs will be low.

How do meals work?
You get a meal plan, that works at the Shrive Center (the student union) everyday.

What kind of food is at Shriver?
Shrive's food is quasi food court style - there's a grill, a deli, a noodle place, a pizza place, a "traditions" place where they have food like roast chicken, beef, other things, as well as a salad bar. There is also a market where you can buy food if you have money left on your meal plan.

When is the earliest we can get to the dorm?
Check out will begin, at the absolute earliest, at 10am.

What dorm will we be staying in?
Dodds, again.

Will we have roommates?
Yes. There will be two people in every room.

Will we have a refrigerator in the dorm?
Yes.

Will we have air conditioning in the dorm?
Yes.

What is the mailing address at the dorm, if my parents want to send me mail/packages?
[-Your name here-] c/o Miami Debate Institute
Miami University
160 Bachelor Hall
Oxford, OH 45056

Can we leave campus?
No. Absolutely not. If you drive yourself to camp, you must surrender your keys.

RECREATIONAL CENTER CONSENT FORM 2007

2007-06-08T11:40:00.001-04:00

Dear Miami Institute Students,

If you want to go to Miami's Recreational Center - a brand new, amazing facility - you MUST (NO EXCEPTIONS) fill out this Informed Consent Waiver form. If you are flying to Miami, and your parents are not coming with you, you have to print this form out and sign it. If you do not do so, we CANNOT let you go to the Rec Center because we do not want to take responsibility for you.

- Aaron Vinson, Assistant Director, Miami Debate Institute

DEPOSIT INFORMATION 2007

2007-06-05T10:51:00.000-04:00

Dear Miami Institute Students,

Our records currently show that some of you have verbally accepted our invitation to join us this summer but have not yet sent in your deposit. If you are one of those people - and you probably know who you are, I would like to please ask you to send in your deposit now, as soon as possible.

If there are any extenuating circumstances, please contact me (vinsonaw@muohio.edu).

I look foward to hearing from all of you.

- Aaron Vinson, Assistant Director, Miami Debate Institute

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION FOR 2007

2007-05-31T15:33:00.000-04:00

Dear Miami Institute Campers,

This is a very important email. Please share this with your parents.

FIRST, things to bring:
*Summer Clothes (t-shirt and shorts are pretty standard)
*At least one light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
*Athletic Clothes and Tennis Shoes (optional, for sports and other planned activities)
*Detergent for washers (we will have this available for a fee)
*Toiletries (Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, SOAP, etc)
*A shower caddy (if you can't carry all of your shower things at once)
*A watch
*Shower shoes (optional)
*Sheets, a light blanket (All rooms will have AC) and a pillow
*Towels (at least 1)
*An Alarm Clock (or if your cell phone has an alarm this will work)
*Bookbag/backpack
*A notebook for lectures and lab notes

*The Office will have all typical debate supplies available from Office Max (or the cheapest we can find) prices. We will not mark them up, so you can plan on buying them when you get here.
But if you want to bring your own, here is a list of things you might need:
Pens (black ink)
Scissors
Tape
Regular white typing paper
Paper for flowing
Folders or expanding folders
A tub (if you want to bring paper evidence back with you)

*If you bring your computer it is important to make sure you bring an Ethernet cord and/or your wireless card. The campus generally has wireless available in all locations, but sometimes it is good to have a cord to plug in if the signal is weak in a certain location.

*Unlike other camps the meals at Miami are very good. Miami has a top ranked meal service and you will not get bored or disgusted by the food, there will always be vegetarian and vegan options available.

*Spending money is up to your discretion, some nights you may want to order pizza or subs or Chinese to the dorms or walk uptown for other food, but you will not need a large amount of money. Printing and copying in the library will also cost a small fee.

SECOND, we will be in Dodds hall again. Just like last year, all of your mail can be sent to:
Your Name
C/o Miami Debate Institute
162 Bachelor Hall
Oxford, OH 45056

THIRD, many of you have been dealing with Steve Mancuso, who helped set up the camp, but will not be teaching at the institute this year. If you have any questions email Sarah Spring: spring.sarah@gmail.com

FOURTH, you must communicate to us how you're getting to camp (car, bus, plane). If you are flying we need the airport you are flying into (Dayton or Cincinatti), the flight number, the airline, and the time. IMPORTANT - If you are under the age of 15, we need to arrange for the pickup of an unaccompanied minor, we need to know exact details of these individuals. The same is true for if you are arriving by bus. If you are driving, please tell us so as well as when you expect to arive. We will have airport shuttles to pick students up from the airport.

FIFTH, look at the blog - we'll be updating it starting today - www.miamidebate.blogspot.com. Or, if you have any questions just ask me.

Camp will be great - lots of fun - we're looking foward to seeing all of you here.

- Aaron Vinson, Assistant Director, Miami Debate Institute

News!

2007-02-21T11:46:00.000-05:00

Our new brochure is ready. You can also access it by clicking on the top link in the left side column.

If you haven't joined our Facebook Group (Miami Debate Institute), what are you waiting for? Alums - post your experiences from past summers in the discussion board. If you are already a member, invite your debate friends to join.

Speaking of alums, Kofi Sam, workshop alum, had a great weekend in Chicago. Here's what he wrote:

"Hey hey can you post my success on the miami blog or....

I debated this weekend at Conference Championship's in Chicago and my partner and I went 4-1 and lock-out with another Hope team(Alexandria Mack) for quarters and then we advanced to semis and we dropped on a 2-1 decision... but I was 4th speaker so I feel ok!! All thanks to Miami's Redhawk Debate Camp!"

Congrats to Kofi and our other alumni!!!

Another 2007 Faculty Update

2007-01-25T13:27:00.000-05:00

Here is the most up-to-date list of the 2007 confirmed faculty:

Miami Scholars (5-week)

Alan Coverstone, Montgomery Bell Academy
Matt Farmer, Wayne State University
Dan Fitzmier, Augustana College
Casey Harrigan, Michigan State/Wake Forest
Mike Maffie, Miami University
Steve Mancuso, Miami University
Mike Risen, Montgomery Bell Academy
Tara Tate, Glenbrook South
** Bill Shanahan, Fort Hays (Guest Lecturer)

Red Hawk (3-week)

Aimi Hamraie, Emory University
Ed Lee, Emory University
Nicole Serrano, Montgomery Bell
Sarah Spring, Wake Forest University

We're looking forward to a great summer. Applications are at an all-time high, so apply as soon as you can.

Join our Facebook Group: Miami Debate Institute to receive information and announcements.

2007 Faculty Update

2006-11-15T10:17:00.000-05:00

The following faculty members will be teaching at the 2007 Miami Debate Institutes:

Miami Scholars (5-week)

Alan Coverstone, Montgomery Bell Academy
Casey Harrigan, Michigan State University
Steve Mancuso, Miami University
Michael Risen, Montgomery Bell Academy
Tara Tate, Glenbrook South High School

Red Hawk (3-week)

Michael Maffie, Miami University
Nicole Serrano, Montgomery Bell Academy
Sarah Spring, Wake Forest University

We expect additional lab leaders to be added soon. Stay tuned.

Join Our Facebook Group!

2006-11-01T17:45:00.000-05:00

If you want to receive information on the upcomning summer workshop, please join our Facebook Group - "Miami Debate Institute".

You can see pictures from the last two summers, see the most up to date developments in our 2007 planning, and post questions and comments on our discussion board.

Join, and tell your friends.

Announcing our 2007 dates!

2006-11-01T17:42:00.000-05:00

We're pleased to announce our dates for the summer of 2007.

The 3-week Red Hawk workshop will take place from June 24 to July 14.

The 5-week Miami Scholars workshop will take place from June 24 to July 28.

We are in the process of putting together our faculty and will post any developments to this blog.

The 2007 workshop will be returning to Dodds Hall for student residence.

Camp Movie Finished and Available

2006-08-07T16:26:00.000-04:00

To watch a 20 minute movie featuring pictures from the 2006 Miami Debate Workshop click on the link in the left column of this blog that says "2006 Workshop Movie".

If any of you have additional pictures from the summer that you think I could use please let me know.

Final Round in Progress

2006-07-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

The final round of the workshop tournament is just concluding. The four participants are:

Affirmative:

Ovais Inamullah (Chattahoochee High School, GA)
Eli Jacobs (Centerville High School, OH)

Negative:

Chip Stuart (The Heights, MD)
Alex Parkinson (Olathe Northwest High School, KS)

Judges:

Alan Coverstone, Montgomery Bell Academy, TN
Dan Fitzmier, Augustana College, IL
Mike Risen, Montgomery Bell Academy, TN

Student Demonstration Debate

2006-07-26T10:26:00.000-04:00

On Monday night we held a demonstration debate by four students. The debate was about the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy of the armed forces. The affirmative advantage concerned eliminating the officially determined binary identity for GLBT. The negative counterplanned with having state supreme courts upholding same-sex marriages. They also ran a militarism kritik along with a defense of the increasing societal tolerance toward and legal victories of GLBT in society.

The four debaters were: Alex Parkinson (first affirmative), Eli Jacobs (second affirmative), Ivie Okundaye (first negative) and Ovais Inamullah (second negative).

Here are some pictures from the debate

Strategy Sessions

2006-07-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

After a day in the library finishing up our research and argument writing, today we are conducting a series of strategy sessions that follow-up on our brainstorming sessions. Students are doing virtually all the coaching today, however, as they take turns discussing the arguments their strategy groups wrote.

Here is the group leading the strategy session on readiness impacts.

This is the group leading on Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

High-Fives to Tara's Research Group!

2006-07-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

The Miami Scholars broke up into work groups of four this week to undertake our "7 Strategies" curriculum. Each group was assigned a major case Aff on this year's topic and worked together as a "squad" to develop a case negative...starting from the brainstorming aspect to file completion.

I just wanted to give a shout-out to the four workers in my group. We put out four off-case positions to the Draft Aff.

Amy Huang - Offshore Balancing CP to solve the terminal impact to readiness
Olivia Lui - 15 Months Enlistment Incentives CP (also a neg frontline to the Aff that uses 15-mos enlistment as their solvency mech as a bonus)
Ivie Okundaye -- Overstretch Good DA - Iran strikes
Mason Marshall-- Overstretch Good DA -- Germany troop pull-out good

The group also put out a draft neg with a tight solvency frontline, readiness adv frontline, social equities adv frontline, and some more politics links.

Way to go!!

Tara

Theory Demonstrations

2006-07-21T22:27:00.000-04:00

We reached the end of our intensive theory 24-hours. We began last night with mini-debates. This afternoon we had seminars for every theory topic. Tonight we returned to the mini-debate format, this time informed by our seminars and arguments tailored to specific situations. Finally tonight, several students were chosen to represent their small groups in demonstrations in front of the entire workshop.

Throughout this process students worked with every member of the faculty, and in groups ranging from size 4 to 7. Every student gave at least 8 separate theory speeches.

Here are some pictures from the demonstration session tonight, including the students who were selected.

Ovais Inamullah, Chattahoochee, GA

Marc Legrand, Westwood, TX

Eve Samborn, Glenbrook South, IL

Yooni Kim, College Prep, CA

Pat Elwell, St, Ignatuis, OH

Ivie Okundaye, Neenah, WI

Mike Perbeck, Shawnee Mission East, KS

Olivia Lui, Sylvania Northview, OH

Theory Seminars

2006-07-21T17:08:00.000-04:00

Still in our small groups, this afternoon the students rotated through team-taught theory seminars on the important theory topics we debated last night. Tonight we'll revisit those debates with more concrete applications to the topic. Here we are in the theory seminars - very intently engaged in the materials.

Here's instructor Tara Tate from Glenbrook South, IL.

Theory Mini-Debates

2006-07-20T21:38:00.000-04:00

We're doing mini-debates in small groups (4 debaters per instructor) over 2 hours. Four topics in this series - conditionality, advocacy inclusiveness, fiat, competing T interpretations

Here are some pictures from my session.

Amazing Rebuttal Reworks!

2006-07-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

This morning every team debated in front of a faculty member and had rebuttal rework sessions. In the debate I judged all four debaters showed awesome improvement in their rework (and their rework of their rework, and their rework of their rework of their rework).

We focused on speed, reading evidence, emphasis, persuasion and word economy. Here are some pictures from that round:

The debate exhibited teamwork:

Good cross-examination:

AND those amazing rebuttal reworks. Congratulations to the following four debaters:

Chris Mangels, Loyola Blakefield, MD

Michael Perbeck, Shawnee MIssion East, KS

Colin Quinn, Glenbrook South, IL

Alec Zimmer, Glenbrook South, IL

Argument Seminars

2006-07-19T16:03:00.000-04:00

After a morning in affirmative strategy scenarios and targeted research groups in the library, this afternoon we are conducting a series of Argument Seminars. Each seminar is 30-minutes, and focused on a particular argument, each lead by a different faculty member. Every member of the workshop attends all seven Seminars. The groups are small - 7 people, and the topics were chosen by lab leader based on interest.

The topics include:

Answering K's - Mike Risen
The Biopower K - Todd Lantz
Bush Agenda DA - Tara Tate
Coercion K - Sarah Spring
Midterm Elections DA - Steve Mancuso
State CP - Alan Coverstone
Wage Inflation DA - Dan Fitzmier

Great American Ballpark

2006-07-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

Fresh from a day of argument brainstorming we traveled - courtesy of the easily-lost busdriver Fred - to downtown Cincinnati to attend a Major League baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the visiting New York Mets. The Reds were on a 5-game winning streak and the Mets have the best record in the National League. Something had to give. Sadly the hometown team lost, 8-3. Here are some pictures of our trip.

Group pictures.

Having fun.

Miami DOF Ben Voth.

People eating.

People discussing consultation counterplans.

Other

More fun

Annoying things.

[Little girls incessantly cheering "Let's Go Reds" - when the Reds weren't batting.]

Brainstorming Sessions

2006-07-18T12:05:00.000-04:00

Today the workshop is focused exclusively on brainstorming and coaching sessions. Each faculty member is conducting a separate 50-minute brainstorming session over the core affirmative cases on the national service topic. The vast majority of the students offered specific suggestions. These brainstorming sessions serve as a basis for research groups to follow up in the library.

Here, Dan Fitzmier of Augustana College conducts the session on critical versions of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

Tara Tate of Glenbrook South leads a discussion on Draft and other Military Strength affirmatives.

Sarah Spring of Wake Forest University discusses the Women in Combat affirmative.

Mike Risen of Montgomery Bell Academy conducts the brainstorming on Peace Corps affirmatives.

Alan Coverstone, also of MBA, coordinates our research ideas against Disaster Relief and Doctor Reserves affirmatives.

Back to Work

2006-07-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

After a well-deserved day off the faculty and students of the Miami Scholars were back to work on Sunday. We started with a discussion of the relationship of activism to debate, lead by lab leader Alan Coverstone.

Next we conducted small-group seminars (five students per lab leader) on overviews - where the debaters wrote out and practiced regional and global strategies.

After that we had a discussion of strategies for managing prep time and teamwork, lead by lab leader Steve Mancuso.

This morning we were back at practice debating.

More pictures from today's practice debates.

Frisbee Golf

2006-07-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

Also on Saturday a few of the Miami Scholars played frisbee golf on the MU course - they were lead by MU DOF and frisbee golf expert, Dr. Ben Voth.

Broom Ball !!!

2006-07-17T10:45:00.000-04:00

On Saturday most of the members of the Miami Scholars workshop went next door to the Goggin Ice Arena and played a spirited two hours of Broom Ball (a cross between soccer and hockey, played on ice). This was also a special day because it was the first day that the new Goggin Arena was open to the public.

Ben Voth, Miami Director of Forensics

Kunal after scoring a goal.

Another goal scorer, Molly.

Redhawk final round

2006-07-14T20:16:00.000-04:00

THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER AND INSTITUTES NEVER END

Oxford, OH, July 14 2006

GOOD EVENING MR. AND MRS. NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA AND ALL SHIPS AT SEA, LET'S GO TO PRESS.

In the second annual camp tournament at the Redhawk Miami of Ohio Debate Institute, Scott Marchi and Andrew Berg, representing the Lee-Serrano Lab, defended the affirmative, while Sam Fishell and Sam Smith, representing the Strait-Wallace lab, defended the negative. Following the debate, instructor Paul Strait filed the following report on behalf of the entire Redhawk faculty:

Scott Marchi, brother of an extremely attractive woman (according to unverified reports), delivered the first affirmative constructive arguing that the military should offer educational incentives to induce short-term enlistments. He presented three advantages: 1. more troops = more deterrence, 2. more troops prevent withdrawal from Iraq, and 3. better educated troops aid the inevitable transition that will occur in the military. While some questioned Scott's eligibility to debate, rumors that he is actually only 8 years old were eventually dismissed.

Sam Fishell managed to stop dancing long enough to deliver the first negative constructive, and in so doing he insisted that the plan, not being a mandatory increase, was not topical. He also argued that the plan would help Rumsfeld gain support to strike Iran, with deleterious results, and moreover that the plan would increase wage competition, causing sufficient inflation to prompt a Fed interest rate hike, thus collapsing the global economy.

Andrew "mung master" Berg, wearing his characteristicly fascist brown shirt, answered all of the negative arguments in the second affirmative constructive, although the phrase "if they extend this argument, it will be answered in the 1AR" occured on more than one occasion.

The negative block happened, blah blah blah blah.... things failed to get interesting until the 1AR. Scott decided to concede the argument that short term enlistments hurt cohesion, and then asserted that this was a double turn with the argument that a decrease in unit cohesion would cause withdrawal from Iraq, and withdrawal from Iraq is good. Sadly, the negative never insisted that a decrease in unit cohesion would cause a withdrawal, and additionally even if this were a double turn, it was not unique (because the aff insisted and the neg conceded that the US army will withdraw in the squo). Additionally, Scott spent 3:30 of his 1AR on T, and attempted to demonstrate the general strategic maxim that readers beat talkers (by talking...). Realizing he was not debating Foucault on the negative, Scott metaphorically reenacted the scene from Superman in which superman is stabbed with a shiv of kryptonite. He also basically dropped the Iran strike disadvantage.

Sam Smith, demonstrating that Brett Wallace was in fact one of his lab leaders, decided the best course of action would be to go for topicality. After the debate, Sam explained "well, Sam F. wrote out an overview for T already....." Instead of flowing the 2NR, Scott spent his time hanging out with Karen, Sarah, and Austin. Andrew announced before his 2AR that he had no good argument, demonstrating the value of ethos in the 2AR. He extended the counter-interpretation that it is okay to only be topical by effects as long as your plan is "reasonable," which the negative felt was question begging.

After the debate, the students voted, and on a 16-5 decision, the negative was declared winner. The faculty judging panel of Ed Lee, Brett Wallace, and Paul Strait decided unanimously that the negative did the better debating.

Sincerely,
J.W. Patterson

Miami Debate - 3 Week Semis

2006-07-14T09:51:00.000-04:00

We have two outstanding debates this morning. It took a 3-1 record with outstanding speaker points to clear. The Final Round will be posted as soon as the results are in.

Strait/Wallace's Sam Smith and Sam Fishell (N) vs Serrano/Lee's Mark Ketler and Zack Miller
Upham 328 - Todd Lantz

Serrano/Lee's Sarah Pontier and Karen Licktieg vs. Serrano/Lee's Andrew Berg and Scott Marchi
Upham 316 - Ed Lee

The Final Round will be held at 2 pm in Upham 312 with a panel of Dan Fietzmier, Alan Coverstone, and Michael Risen
e

The Fitzmier-Mancuso Lab at Work

2006-07-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

Ovais

Chip is Not Hip

Alex Cue Ball

Ivie

Cobs

The Big (Marc)

Kunal

Dan

Evan (closeted serial killer)

Osahon

Eve

Good Golly, it's Molly

Mason

Maximus

Rambo

Mike (honorary member)

Debates, Debates, Debates...

2006-07-14T09:29:00.000-04:00

Practice rounds are continuing at a furious pace. Here are some pictures.

Eli (Centerville) and Ovais (Chattahoochee).

Chip (The Heights) and Alex (Olathe Northwest)

Eli (again, the camp's version of camera-hog John McCain)

Kunal (Stratford Academy)

Observers

Prepping in lab room.

Announcing: Faculty Demonstration Debate!

2006-07-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, for your entertainment pleasure, the Miami Debate Institute is excited to make the following announcement:

This Friday, July 14, at 7:00 p.m. in Upham Room 1 the following Faculty Demonstration Debate will take place:

First Affirmative: Alan Coverstone

Second Affirmative: Sarah Spring

First Negative: Daniel Fitzmier

Second Negative: "Dreamy" Todd Lantz

College Debate Forum!

2006-07-11T11:35:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night, Wednesday July 12, the Miami Debate Institute is sponsoring a forum on college debate. Students from both workshops who are possibly interested in pursuing debate after their high school careers are welcome to attend.

Faculty members representing a wide variety of college programs will offer information about their schools, debate squads, financial aid opporutnities, etc. The faculty panel will include college directors, coaches, former debaters and current debaters. After the panel presents their information they will take questions from the audience.

The forum will take place in Room 2 in Upham Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Maybe you'll end up on the Miami Debate squad...

Miami Speaking Skills Sessions!

2006-07-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

Ten nights of sweaty fun - and hard work - are almost over. Dozens of the students at the Miami workshop are taking advantage of working with all faculty members in groups and individually in these optional sessions in the evening. Debaters intensely work on their speed, clarity, vocal variance, emphasis and speaking stamina.

After long days at lab, library, practice debates and lectures, these students amazingly choose to commit more time outside of their formal curriculum to getting better.

Speaking for the entire faculty, we congratulate these students on their tremendous commitment.

Two more nights to go - tonight with Ed Lee and Nicole Serrano, and tomorrow night with Paul Strait and Brett Wallace.

Risen Spring Practice Debate Schedule - Weds.

2006-07-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

Weds 10 AM
Rm Aff Neg Judge
18 HS FR Risen
131 ZL GY Spring
364 CL KP Serrano
Bye QK

Weds 1:30 PM

18 GY HS Risen
131 KP ZL Spring
364 QK CL Wallace
Bye FR

Full Negative Disclosure Mandatory

Lectures on the internet

2006-07-08T11:50:00.000-04:00

Some of the scholars lectures are now being podcasted and are available on the internet. Happy listening.

Friday night.. and pirates arghhh

2006-07-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

The Risen Spring lab had a fun filled friday night. We went uptown and got dinner and sat out in the park and ate while we discussed strategy. We also saw the premier to Pirates of the Carribean 2 which was .. well you should see it and make your own conclusions. Here are some pictures

Bill Shanahan Lectures

2006-07-08T09:35:00.000-04:00

Bill Shanahan of Fort Hays State came yesterday to lecture about Kritiks and Kritiking. Steve introduced Bill as the most influential person in college debate in the last 25 years. This introduction readily proved correct as his lecture showed why he was so innovative and influential. I learned alot and I think everyone did. Good times.

Risen/Spring Finishes Wave One

2006-07-03T16:27:00.000-04:00

The Sophmores successfully created two awesome affirmatives that will roll through the camp tournament. The Medical Reserve Corp aff will draft those lazy doctors into emergency preparedness. The Coast Guard aff provides incentives to Coast Guard recruits in order to safeguard our ports.

LET THE PUBLIC TAKE NOTICE!!!!!

2006-07-02T17:39:00.000-04:00

Let it be known to all involved in the debate community that Brett and Paul herby challenge Nicole and Ed in a policy debate. There are two conditions. They can either

A) Go neg against our TIPS aff (which will of course necessitate them supporting terrorists)
B) Pick an affirmative and we will go neg.

Failure to respond to this challenge is clearly an admission of their inferiority at debate, lab leading, and overall lack of courage.

FIRST WAVE OF EVIDENCE COMPLETE

2006-07-02T17:05:00.000-04:00

The Wallace/Strait lab, despite being behind in the RedHawk Bee, pulled a full half day ahead of the Lee/Serrano lab in finishing the first wave of assigmments. The Terrorist Information Prevention System Affirmative, Negative, and Terror Talk Kritik (ironically, labee Jack Bauer wrote the terror talk file) were completed at at precisely 4:04 pm.

Hubris made us think that we had also completed one of our negative assigments a whole FOUR days early, with Catie printing out the index for the Foucault Kritik at 5:01. However, upon inspection by both Paul and Brett, there seemed to be no Shell or 1nc written for the kritik, making it substantially more difficult for it to be run in a debate round. It should be complete though after another research session.

The Politics disad, similar to the GOP right now, is slightly in disarray. Jack Abermoff i think stole some of our political theory internal link cards. These problems are expected to be fixed by the time the negative file is due on July 5th.

Redhawk SW Politics lecture

2006-07-02T13:23:00.000-04:00

Brett and I discussed the complexities of the politics disadvantage with our lab for four hours. Hao took notes on his laptop and has emailed me a copy, which I have attached below.

------------
Politics DA’s
- This DA links to any plan that affects either the political agenda or an imminent election
- There are many different kinds of politics DAs that talks about the agendas during in Washington
Bush Good DA
- Uniqueness – X will pass now
- Link – Plan stops X from passing
o By spending Bush’s Political capitol so can’t pass X
o Bipartisanship – democrats and republic are working together, and plan breaks that
o Popularity – plan destroys the president’s popularity and he can’t pass X
o GOP Unity/Base – plan destroys the GOP base and agenda X can’t pass
o Losers Lose – when the plan gets FIAT in Congress, would Bush sign it?
o Specific Congressperson
o Flip Flop
o Lobbies
Impact – X is good

Bush Bad DA
Uniqueness – X won’t pass now.
Link – plan causes X to pass
- olive branch/concessions/horsetrading
- winners win – if bush gets a victory, then everyone will think he is a winner and build momentum
- popularity
- specific congressperson
- rider
Impact – X is bad

Midterms DA
The plan affects the Congressional elections in Nov. 06, and the party it helps is bad/good
Link stories
- premise of coattails – GOP depends on Bush
- issue stealth – GOP can steal that Nat’l Service Issue and garner strength from it.
- Base strength – GOP alienates conservative base
Types of Impacts
- post-election Agenda
- pre-election lashout/action
o just doing something before he is out of office

Tips for regarding Politics DA
- don’t disrespect it because you think it’s a load of crap
- don’t become overly dependent on it
- it will be a necessary strategic option on the National Service Topic.
o Politics cards are easy to find and cut – now is a good time to learn how and practice.
o Many affs this year are going to spend money or push PC and very easy to find political DAs.
Topics for Politics DAs
Agenda Items
- Immigration Reform
o Bush has put his political clout behind reform efforts
o Strong conservative opposition exists against the senate’s compromise immigration bill
o Internal link evidence is strong now
§ Bush needs every bit of PC now to pass this bill
§ If you can find good internal link arguments, you have a pretty solid DA
o Impact areas: Economy, Terrorism, Agriculture, Population Control, etc.
- Recent legislative events reflect Election-year politics
o Gay Marriage Amendment and Flag-Burning
o Many spending Items are delayed until after November
o Bush Administration has cleaned house
- Midterms
o Most political analyst agree that the GOP will lose ground in November
§ But how much and where? Is it enough to lose enough power and give it to the democrats?
o Republicans are beginning to distant themselves from Bush
o Bush lacks any victories in his domestic agenda - could national service be his opening?
o While Iraq is the most important issue, what about wedge issues? Swing voters?

Politics DA

Always have a strategy because everything leads to politics
Always have good impacts.
You’ve got to be ready for it on the Aff.
Know the research when you are the Neg
Do updates for both sides.

Search Terms:

“Bush”, “congress”, “house”, or “senate”

Find good idea

Find big impacts

Big internal link

Impacts that do with
- trade/economy
- treaties
- energy
- environment
- relations
- taxes

After finding a good scenario, find uniqueness, but isn’t too determined, but has a fight.
Search terms “uphill battle” “hard push” “hard” “politically controversial” “vote counts”

Two types of uniqueness:

U. Issue specific (example: ANWR will pass)
U. Link specific (example: Bush has political capital)

Warrants given multiple scenarios must be specific to the effects of the plan.

Links

Most generic
Popular Unpopular - Congress
- Public
- International
- Lobbies
o Business
o Environmental
o Labor unions
§ manufactoring
o Old people (Advance Association of Senior Citizens)
o ID politics
o Teacher’s Unions
- President
- Military

If it is an aff that the business lobbies like and they’re going to support it if there is an aff that they already like.

Lobby debate within the link debate. Lobbie comparison
Example: which has money, which has split views, etc.

Congress
Republic and Democrats
- want to say republicans key or democrats key
- “swing vote” people who aren’t ideologically in line with a side.
Public
- not very strong, doesn’t always affect politics
- if the public doesn’t like the aff, there can be an affect, but if they like the aff, nothing’s going to change in the legislative.
International

President
- Political Capitol
- Flip flop
- Vetoes
- XO’s

President Credit/Blame
- steal
- push
o congress/comities push
- signs/veto
o gets link to Bush Good
- media focuses every piece of legislation upon Bush
Focus Link
- focus on one type of legislation vs another. Time spent on other legislations
- can be awesome
- cards, bush must "focus like a laser"
Military
- veterans will lobby a lot on the Armed Forces affs
Link Evidence
- date is very important.
- Bipartisan support <= question it
o Doesn’t always mean all republican and democrats are agreeing with each other.
- difference between senate and house of republicans
- Bush has never vetoed

Internal Links
- GOP Backlash because Bush was flip flop
- Winners win – bush thinks he’s winning, and public looks at him as a winner, perspective argument
- Concessions – olive branch and
- horse trade – interference with another agenda and even if they are opposite work together to get things to occur
- bipartisanship support
- partisanship – causes controversy
Impacts
- impact calculus
o time frame
§ if extinction or nuke war came before the plan was implemented, then the plan’s pointless
§ harms in long run is never positively true
o probability
§ compare it from your ! against the Aff’s !
§ no risk of offense
o magnitude
§ make aff’s impacts look like nothing
- systemic – sure to happen, but might be small, but doesn’t matter because it is positive to happen and on going.
- Opposite is probabilistic, may or may not happen.
Watch out for internal links to strong impacts that are usually bullshit. Take out the i/l.

Impact turning is rough because the Neg has their file ready, but do so if you are desperate for offense.

Politics are the most realistic. The only reason we have voting through legislature is due to the fact that the PC has the affect on passing things

AT: Bad Arguments

Bottom of the Docket
- the list of bills and when they are going to be voted on
- The plan is the last or next thing on the Docket
- Answer by “normal means”.
- 2AC clarification and makes them conditional
- Not topical
- Destroys ground
- And limits because of the timeframe.
- Words in the resolution, resolved, must occur.
- Say: It is future fiat and that is illegit, due to take out on ground, limits, and not topical. Bad for education because it destroys politics DAs

Immediate (Fiat takes out the link)
- FIAT magic wand. No expenditure of PC.
- Causes bad debate of the Neg to read a card just saying that the Aff has no PC and therefore the plan can’t pass. This forces the Aff to fiat and not have to expend any PC.
- This argument is very unreal world.
- Effects of the plan happening, and others are happening of the plan.
- AT: this is irrelevant because Bush can still lose.
- The whole point of the game of debate is to argue the process and the effects of the Plan
- Doesn’t mean things magically happen, and you don’t debate about the process
Not being in session
- if you cut a card when the bill isn’t occurring
- Congress hasn’t been in session, and the date is the same in the political world if congress hasn’t met or voted on anything. Therefore the agenda won’t change until the next session.
- Special session argument, is when bush can push for such a session he should have enough PC to pass the plan anyways.

Link Shields

Teflon President
- nothing sticks to him
- he can deflect blame from anything
- flip flops are inevitable
- “turn shields” makes you win on the link debate. Ex. Public doesn’t matter, lobbies don’t matter.
1NR to go on the Politic DA
- avoid CX (but you want to be questioned about something you know you know you are right)
- more prep time for more evidence comparison.
- They make answers to the DAs
- Add more impacts
- More impact analysis

Red Hawk keeps learning!

2006-07-01T16:24:00.000-04:00

The Red Hawk Institute spent yesterday listening to speaker position lectures. In true multi-media fashion, Paul Strait and Brett Wallace gave exciting power point lectures on the 1a and 2a that incorporated movie clips from the CSTV documentaries on college debate. 1A's learned such important lessons as building a 1AC to be clear and persuasive, to include well warranted cards, and to build 1ar's around fundamentals like embedded clash, selecting key arguments, time allocation, and efficency.
2A's learned that they are the captain of the aff ship, the core answers to make to every off case position,and how to effectively prepare before a tournament.

Later in the day, Sarah Spring gave her power point lecture on "The 1N: or how I learned to love the 2N." 1N's learned how to effectively prep for 1NC's by assembling the core parts of the speech before the 1ac even begins, and then how to write case "pimps."
Finally, I gave my lecture on the 2N where I discussed how to create comprehensive negative strategies, how to effectively use the 1AC cross-x to win the debate, and the principal of vertical depth.

All four lectures had a few common themes - "readers beat speakers," or the idea that preparing speeches in advance will make you a better debate; speed is your ability to communicate arguments successfully to a judge, or the idea that you can only go the speed that still allows you to be clear, persuasive, and flowable to the judge; "the 2 is captain of the ship," or the idea that 2a/2n control the direction of the debate, although the 1 should not be brushed off or belittled; funny jokes! (although, I am apparently the least funny since I had to ASK people to laugh at this - http://www.theonion.com/content/node/30931)

This morning we had an amazing lecture from Dan Fitzmier on the functions of fiat and kritiks. Afterwards, students got to discuss specific kritiks, as well as generically winning on and beating kritiks, in their 6-8 person seminar groups.

Red Hawk Aff Deadline approaching

2006-07-01T16:17:00.000-04:00

With less than 24 hours to go until our aff files are due, the hard working Red Hawk students have decided to take on major negative assignment research as well. The kids have already started to work on such negative assignments as Foucault, politics, States CP, Inflation, and Topicality. Research coordination has been a breeze since kids can turn in files via the Miami Debate provide flash drives. These flash drives practically write the files themselves!(As evident my Chips work habits with his laptop) Here are some pictures of the kids working hard at the library and the dorm.

Scholars Fitzmier Lecture

2006-06-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

Dan Fitzmier gave a incredibly helpful lecture today on critique on the topic. I learned alot and I think everyone who was there gained alot of knowledge about critical debating.

The lecture was followed by speaking clinics in which we worked individually on a very hard K, Derrida. I think the success of the lecture was displayed in how well everyone did in giving a practice 2NC on the K.

A few lucky students got to give demonstrations of the 2NC to the whole group.