Search found 768 matches

by STPickrell
Mon Jan 31, 2022 3:14 pm
Forum: Community Discussion
Topic: Quizbowl-"Trivia" Community Relations: What Are They? What Should They Be?
Replies: 25
Views: 15758

Re: Quizbowl-"Trivia" Community Relations: What Are They? What Should They Be?

A few random thoughts: 1) I've always wondered at what point yesterday's "trash" becomes today's "history/fine arts" (or other topic). I attempted during my years at the helm of writing VHSL questions to separate that into "classic pop culture" and "current pop cul...
by STPickrell
Thu Mar 01, 2018 12:18 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: (2018) HSNCT Side event: Hamilton
Replies: 10
Views: 9518

Re: (2018) HSNCT Side event: Hamilton

As the date gets closer, and as Fred announces that he has taken over NASAT management ... I stumbled upon this. Sorry if I'm talking from a place of total ignorance here, but I hope my experience might be at least somewhat useful ... http://music.blog.myajc.com/2017/12/13/the-secret-to-an-affordabl...
by STPickrell
Tue Oct 17, 2017 12:21 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: HSAPQ and NAQT Joint Announcement
Replies: 18
Views: 11265

Re: HSAPQ and NAQT Joint Announcement

We are migrating hsapq.com to a new web host, so the website will be down temporarily. We will also update hsapq.com on our end.
by STPickrell
Thu Oct 05, 2017 2:12 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: HSAPQ and NAQT Joint Announcement
Replies: 18
Views: 11265

Re: HSAPQ and NAQT Joint Announcement

It's been seven years for me with HSAPQ already, hasn't it? I'm glad that I've had a chance to contribute my little bit of expertise and knowledge to quizbowl over the course of my time with HSAPQ. I've only met a few of you over the years -- if any of you make it out to Frederick or to Greater Dull...
by STPickrell
Tue Jul 25, 2017 10:49 am
Forum: College area archives
Topic: The Barbarism of Monetization
Replies: 128
Views: 57248

Re: The Barbarism of Monetization

It seems more likely that other organizations have decided that it's not feasible or worthwhile or otherwise desirable to capture packet costs, and have given up on accounting for them at all, rather than pricing them into their tournament fees. For instance, Cody said upstream that VCU charges the...
by STPickrell
Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:36 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: MA Quizbowl Championship -- Harvard Regional (3/8/14)
Replies: 12
Views: 10532

Re: MA Quizbowl Championship -- Harvard Regional (3/8/14)

I will be mailed the score sheets, I will scan them and upload them where other HSAPQ folks can tally up the stats.

However, I have not received any score sheets.
by STPickrell
Wed Oct 09, 2013 10:16 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Discuss the anime rule here
Replies: 112
Views: 44982

Re: Discuss the anime rule here

If anime becomes a problem again, then just remove it again. I would include "dominating the off-topic section with pointlessness" in the "becoming a problem" area as well.
by STPickrell
Wed Mar 27, 2013 5:01 pm
Forum: College area archives
Topic: Probable question access at MIT Penn-ance
Replies: 18
Views: 8401

Re: Probable question access at MIT Penn-ance

You can't put too much stock into one question. I recall playing tournaments where I'd neg with the same answer multiple times in the tournament and not pick it up when it did come up. It's not that unusual, really. On the other hand, I have never heard of a 31/5/2 statline obtained legitimately, a...
by STPickrell
Fri Mar 22, 2013 4:35 pm
Forum: College area archives
Topic: Venting rage: Cheaters edition
Replies: 74
Views: 54235

Re: Venting rage: Cheaters edition

With regards to what Lee was posting: Back in 1997, I set up a quizbowl team at the school I taught at. This was the days of Patrick's Press. I scheduled a scrimmage against our main athletic rival, who proceeded to whip us fairly badly. The kids were saying that [SCHOOL] must have cheated, etc., et...
by STPickrell
Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:04 pm
Forum: College area archives
Topic: NAQT Security Discussion
Replies: 72
Views: 25080

Re: NAQT Security Discussion

It seems as though the elimination of the ability to look at the first-40-character sample solves most of the other issues with the way these people went about things. But I strongly suggest that NAQT make a serious effort to redouble its security efforts, even if it means running through each week...
by STPickrell
Thu Mar 14, 2013 11:01 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL States
Replies: 24
Views: 6143

Re: VHSL States

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/vhsl/Board.nsf/files/952UXN7E2C05/$file/Feb.%2011%20Alignment%20Committee%20Minutes.pdf Nandua's request to have Maggie Walker removed from Conference 33 in Scholastic Bowl was denied on 2/11. There exist schools which are as great a dynasty in their sport as MW/TJ will...
by STPickrell
Mon Jan 07, 2013 2:27 pm
Forum: Quizbowl History Forum
Topic: Famous People who played Quizbowl
Replies: 24
Views: 35215

Re: Famous People who played Quizbowl

Does S.R. Siddarth, the only person to win a NAQT HSCNT and swing control of the Senate to the Democrats, count as famous?
by STPickrell
Mon Jan 07, 2013 2:21 pm
Forum: Quizbowl History Forum
Topic: Ask a Harvest Bowl survivor and ACF co-founder anything
Replies: 41
Views: 38862

Re: Ask a Harvest Bowl survivor and ACF co-founder anything

Harvest Bowl. Not my proudest moment. David Hamilton's TD advice remains as true now as it was over 15 years later. I do wish (3) had occurred to me at the time. Hopefully I've learned something since then, and the folks I've played with and against some 20 years are doing well. (Sorry for necroing ...
by STPickrell
Wed Jun 27, 2012 10:16 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Incorporation
Replies: 12
Views: 3414

Re: Incorporation

I wouldn't ask these questions in the form of "how do established quizbowl organizations do this." I was on a real kick for awhile asking various quizbowl people how their organizations were organized and the answer was essentially always "extremely poorly" and pretty much every...
by STPickrell
Mon Feb 06, 2012 2:08 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL States
Replies: 18
Views: 5710

Re: VHSL States

Western Albemarle won two to win Region II. Woodgrove was second, Charlottesville was third.
by STPickrell
Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:10 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: 2012 Natl. History Bee & Bowl Nationals - 4/28-29 in DC
Replies: 145
Views: 62909

Re: 2012 Natl. History Bee & Bowl Nationals - 4/28-29 in DC

Saturday would be ok for Crystal City; while some places will be closed most will be open. Sunday I'd be more worried about. Have they re-opened the food court in the 1800 Crystal Drive area? When I left BNA in October 2010, it was still closed and I had heard no plans for setting something else in ...
by STPickrell
Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:13 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: 2011-2012 DC Area
Replies: 11
Views: 3238

Re: 2011-2012 DC Area

Would you see anyone emerging from the sub-TJ strata in Northern VA this year? I don't know who George Mason is returning, for example, Langley has had a few good years here and there, as have other schools in the area.
by STPickrell
Sat Jul 09, 2011 6:19 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: HS Quizbowl Packet Archive Downtime
Replies: 32
Views: 15984

Re: HS Quizbowl Packet Archive Downtime

Hey, has someone posted the VHSL Archive from 2001 to 2009 to the site yet? http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?mmd0wdj5nyz I wouldn't take the pre-2006 questions as seriously though. I think the 2008 MSHSAA series made it too. http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?htgkjjdtmke Not as bad speedchec...
by STPickrell
Thu Mar 10, 2011 1:50 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: He said, she said
Replies: 39
Views: 8389

Re: He said, she said

The VHSL rules state that if there is easy agreement among coaches, officials, and players about the correctness of a given answer, to simply adjust the score accordingly. Only if you can't find a quick agreement do you formally contest/protest. There's also some stuff explicitly denying paper infal...
by STPickrell
Mon Mar 07, 2011 3:36 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Burnout
Replies: 1
Views: 1141

Re: Burnout

I think tournaments still need officiators. I suffered some degree of burnout from question writing after my attempt to write both for Missouri and Virginia, balancing that with an infant and a realization that where my wife and I were living was not the right place for a family. I was able to reduc...
by STPickrell
Wed Feb 23, 2011 8:45 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Free Tournament at Wofford College 2/26/2011
Replies: 22
Views: 9871

Re: Free Tournament at Wofford College 2/26/2011

I wanted to warn everyone (and Mr. Cathey has already been advised of this) that this tournament will be using HSAPQ Tournament #16. This was due entirely to an error on my part and if any teams will need to cancel they should contact me immediately. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause....
by STPickrell
Wed Feb 23, 2011 8:54 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: TJIAT @ TJ, 2/12/2011
Replies: 37
Views: 32579

Re: TJIAT @ TJ, 2/12/2011

I want to apologize for my part in this sorry episode. I want to add my own kudos over the actions and behavior of TJ's leadership -- the utmost of coolness under fire in the afternoon of the tournament and professionalism in the days after this incident. I am also glad that Dimitri confessed and di...
by STPickrell
Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:43 am
Forum: Middle school area archives
Topic: Who is the contact for Longfellow this year?
Replies: 1
Views: 1826

Who is the contact for Longfellow this year?

I (via urrent SB commissioner Fred Campbell) have been contacted by a teacher in Fauquier County, VA, which is two counties over from Fairfax and an easy drive for Saturday tournaments. Can the Longfellow coach contact me (or someone get me his email)?
by STPickrell
Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:27 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: DR YAKUB (12/11/10) at the University of Maryland
Replies: 39
Views: 13850

Re: DR YAKUB (12/11/10) at the University of Maryland

For some reason a huge and frightening amount of emails seem to have found their way to my spam filter. I just found both registrations and am currently trying to find any others by pouring through countless messages from West African entrepreneurs who seem intent on using my social security number...
by STPickrell
Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:20 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Scholastic Bowl '10-'11 Discussion
Replies: 25
Views: 8885

Re: VHSL Scholastic Bowl '10-'11 Discussion

I'm hoping that the VHSL has taken some extra precautions in the event of a repeat of last winter. Honaker at Council (District Opener) on 11/xx/2010: Honaker 415 -- Council 20 Agreed on the precautions. I think using directed conversion on your own set is the best possible method of comparing appl...
by STPickrell
Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:20 pm
Forum: College area archives
Topic: March Madness comes early this year: Top 64 Christmas Songs
Replies: 369
Views: 53728

Re: March Madness comes early this year: Top 64 Christmas Songs

I see Elvis' Blue Christmas. There is, however, a marked absence of Judy Garland, Slade, and Bing Crosby herein. Therefore, this tournament is invalid.
by STPickrell
Sat Nov 20, 2010 10:46 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: CSI V (11/13/10) @ Cave Spring HS (Roanoke, VA)
Replies: 8
Views: 3019

Re: CSI V (11/13/10) @ Cave Spring HS (Roanoke, VA)

Congrats to Christiansburg. They have long languished in the River Ridge District alongside Blacksburg, Salem, and Cave Spring, and it appears they have been steadily improving. Who was, by the way, the true identity of "Dominate the Antipope?"
by STPickrell
Sat Nov 20, 2010 10:45 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: ANNOUNCEMENT: VCU Fall Tournament (11/20)
Replies: 43
Views: 13376

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: VCU Fall Tournament (11/20)

Wow. Charlie Dees put up simiular numbers in a tournament in Oklahoma on NAQT A level questions. I would guess, however, that the level of competition here was better than the tournament in Oklahoma.
by STPickrell
Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:53 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Me - Lee Henry
Replies: 76
Views: 19113

Re: Me - Lee Henry

Congrats Lee, I'm sure you -- and your wife -- are glad you won't have to relocate, or relocate that far.
by STPickrell
Wed Jul 14, 2010 4:24 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: 2011 NAQT HSNCT: May 27-29: Congratulations State College!
Replies: 112
Views: 39912

Re: 2011 NAQT HSNCT: May 27-29, Atlanta

Atlanta is probably the second-best city to hold HSNCT in. And yes, kudos for hosting it downtown.
by STPickrell
Thu Jul 01, 2010 4:30 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: NAQT charging for old packets
Replies: 33
Views: 10896

Re: NAQT charging for old packets

I don't see why not, you'd combine a PHP front end that passes arguments to a Perl program that would then slice and dice based on the numeric code at the bottom. I'm more sure of the Perl than the PHP, I don't deal much with front-end stuff.
by STPickrell
Sat May 01, 2010 6:33 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Mid-Atlantic Regional NAQT Championship -- May 1, 2010
Replies: 20
Views: 6788

Re: Mid-Atlantic Regional NAQT Championship -- May 1, 2010

I imagine for some it was the same reason you did not come this week- the date did not work out, but they wanted to play a tournament. I'm fairly certain this is Hilton's first actual tournament, so they have acquitted themselves nicely. prelims: http://results.scobo.net/SQBS.aspx?org=woq09&id=...
by STPickrell
Thu Apr 15, 2010 10:59 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: HSNCT - Small Schools
Replies: 28
Views: 6440

Re: HSNCT - Small Schools

George Mason is the perennial Group A (the smallest of 3 classifications in Virginia) VHSL contender for several years now. Since 2002, they have won the state title four times and finished second three. I didn't get to see them play this year, but they seemed to handle the transition to HSAPQ pret...
by STPickrell
Sat Feb 27, 2010 6:51 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Results & Opinions
Replies: 89
Views: 19262

Re: VHSL Results & Opinions

Group AAA: Maggie Walker 290 - Langley 135 Ocean Lakes 185 - Osbourn 160 Thomas Jefferson S&T 245 - Maury 175 Douglas Freeman 175 - Massaponax 125 Maggie Walker 315 - Ocean Lakes 130 Thomas Jefferson S&T 220 - Douglas Freeman 195 Langley 280 - Osbourn 75 (elim) Massaponax 215 - Maury 210 (el...
by STPickrell
Sat Feb 27, 2010 6:48 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Results & Opinions
Replies: 89
Views: 19262

Re: VHSL Results & Opinions

Group AA: New Kent 215 - Harrisonburg 190 Charlottesville 210 - Tazewell 65 Western Albemarle 255 - E.C. Glass 105 Blacksburg 250 - Poquoson 150 New Kent 170 - Charlottesville 150 Western Albemarle 200 - Blacksburg 225 Harrisonburg 245 - Tazewell 120 (elim) E.C. Glass 175 - Poquoson 170 (elim) Black...
by STPickrell
Sat Feb 27, 2010 6:45 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Results & Opinions
Replies: 89
Views: 19262

Re: VHSL Results & Opinions

Congratulations to all the winners. The Facebook page was consistently updated. Group A: Nandua 240 - Eastern Montgomery 130 George Mason 250 - Lebanon 85 Radford 180 - Clarke County 170 Honaker 200 - Mathews 150 George Mason 275 - Nandua 160 Honaker 200 - Radford 140 Eastern Montgomery 180 - Lebano...
by STPickrell
Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:46 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Very Preliminary Announcement: West Coast Invitational
Replies: 25
Views: 3755

Re: Very Preliminary Announcement: West Coast Invitational

How large is the expected competition pool? Has a cap been set yet, and if so, what is it? Will this draw teams not just from California but also around the nation? Is it expected to? We're trying to get every team within a reasonable driving distance that is the best in its area, right now that me...
by STPickrell
Wed Feb 17, 2010 10:04 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Results & Opinions
Replies: 89
Views: 19262

Re: VHSL Results & Opinions

As a private citizen these days, I hope the Scholastic Bowl Advisory Committee considers this at the March's meeting.
by STPickrell
Tue Feb 16, 2010 3:19 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Results & Opinions
Replies: 89
Views: 19262

Re: VHSL Results & Opinions

The Region IV tournament was cancelled. Blacksburg and Tazewell advance to states as the #1 and #2 seeds respectively. How'd they figure out Blacksburg and Tazewell were the #1 and #2 seeds? From Facebook: Region B, tomorrow, 1pm at Buckingham County HS Region I, Thursday, 4:30pm at Poquoson HS Reg...
by STPickrell
Mon Feb 15, 2010 12:09 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Results & Opinions
Replies: 89
Views: 19262

Re: VHSL Results & Opinions

Does anyone know who is playing the region c tournament? I have results from the Three Rivers District above. The Mountain Empire doesn't usually send anyone. I haven't heard anything from the Pioneer or Hogoheegee Districts. For a few years the Mountain Empire was "represented" by Galax,...
by STPickrell
Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:56 am
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: VHSL Results & Opinions
Replies: 89
Views: 19262

Re: VHSL Results & Opinions

FredCamp wrote:River Ridge always sends three -- no change this year. And I've never really understood why we send three. But, there it is.
I think it's to ensure there's eight teams at regionals, since Region IV only has three districts.
by STPickrell
Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:22 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Legitimate competition?
Replies: 6
Views: 1528

Re: Legitimate competition?

Hi, I recently received an e-mail invitation for my teams to participate in the Longfellow Academic Challenge on Feb. 13 in Falls Church, VA. Because I'm new at coaching, I wanted to verify the legitimacy of the competition. Thanks again for your help. Brenda Email might've been gotten through comb...
by STPickrell
Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:16 pm
Forum: Middle school area archives
Topic: Midwest Academic Questions
Replies: 67
Views: 25947

Re: Midwest Academic Questions

Write to me about making an effective business model. The key is making questions reusable, so as to make each 20/20 set worthwhile in terms of how much you make.
by STPickrell
Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:44 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Centennial It's Academic Tournament (12/13)
Replies: 104
Views: 36942

Re: Centennial It's Academic Tournament (12/13)

FredMorlan wrote:Langley qualified for NSC at TJIAT.
Thanks. Nice to know there are legit teams coming out of NoVA in addition to TJ.
by STPickrell
Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:29 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Centennial It's Academic Tournament (12/13)
Replies: 104
Views: 36942

Re: Centennial It's Academic Tournament (12/13)

flylikeaneagle wrote:Thanks to everyone who came to the tournament! :grin: I'd like to congratulate:
First Place: Walter Johnson
Second Place: Blake
Third Place: Langley
Fourth Place: Eleanor Roosevelt
Have Langley attended other tournaments? I know there are some years when they are highly competitive.
by STPickrell
Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:28 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: CSI IV (11/21/09) @ Cave Spring HS (Roanoke, VA)
Replies: 26
Views: 5191

Re: CSI IV (11/21/09) @ Cave Spring HS (Roanoke, VA)

I am pleasantly surprised by the emergence of Christiansburg (usually they're a doormat in the district that also has Cave Spring, Salem, and Blacksburg.)
by STPickrell
Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:13 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: What to do with apathetic/unmotivated players
Replies: 32
Views: 7764

Re: What to do with apathetic/unmotivated players

I would only be inclined to punish players who reneg on committments (i.e. bail w/o even giving notice, consistently bail, etc.)
by STPickrell
Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:35 pm
Forum: High school area archives
Topic: Please help a newbie.
Replies: 20
Views: 4691

Re: Please help a newbie.

There's something called the Southside Middle School Conference, with these member institutions. But this, too, is unlike quizbowl as we know it -- students are given 1,200 questions and answers at the start of the year, and are then asked questions from this bank. Unfortunately, it seems the closes...
by STPickrell
Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:48 pm
Forum: College area archives
Topic: NAQT's agreement with ACUI
Replies: 242
Views: 66319

Re: NAQT's agreement with ACUI

First off, congratulations to R., Jeff, and the rest of the NAQT team. This is a landmark moment in collegiate quizbowl. I hope that similar competitions in other countries (e.g. Iceland's Gettu Betur and Lithuania's Protmusis) might one day attend ICT or HSNCT. Jeff and Sarah, regarding the hearing...