Announcement: Geography Monstrosity (May 2009, Chicago)

Post by **Important Bird Area** » Thu May 21, 2009 8:23 pm

Cheynem wrote:I'm pulling rank on my team and dubbing us the "Firth of Forth Four."

Consider yourself lucky I didn't pull rank on the entire field and make everyone play as randomly-chosen phrases from the Meigsblog.

shlack · Post by **shlack** » Fri May 22, 2009 3:50 pm

Dear Messrs. Westbrook, Hanley, Moudgil, Wynne, Nagler, Haddad-Fonda, Beyer, Chadbourne, White, Gorman, Cheng, Manary, Tallapragada,
Anderson:
Sorry I don't know many of you personally (Evan excluded), so please excuse the forthrightness of this request: Any interest in forming a team with me?* I realize it is quite late (certainly my fault), but I would really, really like to play in this tournament. Alternately, if there is any room on either of the 'et. al.' teams I could contribute questions.

*Perhaps this could be the needed seventh team?

Post by **Important Bird Area** » Fri May 22, 2009 5:20 pm

Warning that many of the people on that list are there because they expressed interest months ago; they probably have not written questions and may not even be at HSNCT.

That being said, some combination of them will be forming the seventh team; otherwise we'll just draft random people out of the hallways Friday night.

pray for elves · Post by **pray for elves** » Fri May 22, 2009 10:00 pm

I won't be at HSNCT and thus will not be playing. I'd otherwise definitely form a team with you, Ted.

Fri May 22, 2009 10:10 pm

Could I ask for volunteers from among the people who expressed interest in staffing?

We'll need three people with laptops to read.

I'd also like to ask if someone could volunteer to share the TD position with me. Such a person would be responsible for: 1. getting the questions from George and sending them to the moderators (I can't do that because I'm playing) and 2. dealing with whatever team-formation drama happens Monday through Friday (I can't do that because I will be off birdwatching with sporadic-to-nonexistent email access). Of course I'd be happy to print a schedule Sunday if we in fact have a final field by then, but it doesn't look like that will happen.

dtaylor4 · Post by **dtaylor4** » Fri May 22, 2009 10:53 pm

Have laptop, will read.

the return of AHAN · Post by **the return of AHAN** » Fri May 22, 2009 11:47 pm

I'm local and I told my wife I was not going to be around next Friday night anyway as I was offering my services to Herr Blessman for his Midwest Championships. Since that event is canceled and I have a laptop... Let me know for sure if I'm needed so I know where I need to go.

Golran · Post by **Golran** » Sat May 23, 2009 3:24 am

I'll have my laptop, and can read or scorekeep.

Post by **Important Bird Area** » Sat May 23, 2009 3:27 am

Thanks, all. I'll put the three of you down as moderating. If we have more staff, we can always put people to use scorekeeping or filling out short-handed teams.

As for where to show up: we'll be taking over three random rooms somewhere in the Hyatt, probably just rooms set up for scrimmages after those conclude. I do know that certain rooms in the hotel are available Friday-but-not-Saturday (and others vice versa), so there will be NAQT people moving buzzers around; in extremis we can always just go take over people's hotel rooms. Whatever we end up doing, I'll leave a note at the front desk of the hotel and the NAQT information desk (as late as that stays functional).

Still looking for someone interested in tournament-directing next week.

fleurdelivre · Post by **fleurdelivre** » Mon May 25, 2009 12:19 am

bt_green_warbler wrote:Thanks, all. I'll put the three of you down as moderating. If we have more staff, we can always put people to use scorekeeping or filling out short-handed teams.

As for where to show up: we'll be taking over three random rooms somewhere in the Hyatt, probably just rooms set up for scrimmages after those conclude. I do know that certain rooms in the hotel are available Friday-but-not-Saturday (and others vice versa), so there will be NAQT people moving buzzers around; in extremis we can always just go take over people's hotel rooms. Whatever we end up doing, I'll leave a note at the front desk of the hotel and the NAQT information desk (as late as that stays functional).

Still looking for someone interested in tournament-directing next week.

Have laptop, will read (and if no one else will take it) will cover logistics.

Auroni · Post by **Auroni** » Mon May 25, 2009 12:43 am

I'll read.

No Rules Westbrook · Post by **No Rules Westbrook** » Mon May 25, 2009 10:17 am

Oh, by the way, you can throw me out of the pool of free agents, as I won't be in Chicago on Friday night. I can help write a few questions if you'd like me to, or something.

evilmonkey · Post by **evilmonkey** » Mon May 25, 2009 2:04 pm

Will read/help TD

etchdulac · Post by **etchdulac** » Mon May 25, 2009 11:45 pm

I'm going to be reading at HSNCT, and I'd like to know if it's still possible to latch on somewhere as a free agent. If it's too late to toss my hat in the ring with someone, I could probably help out in some other capacity, but it would be neat to get to play.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Tue May 26, 2009 12:29 am

Its looking like we'll have 5 submitted packets, an editors packet and a finals packet. Which means seven teams (Hoppes/Luo, Bentley/Cohen/Wellstead, Hart/Byrne/Eppler/Cheyne, Simons/Sorice, Chiego, and I guess two teams of lazy people).

I see both Bryce and Katy have said they will TD; which one of you should I send the questions to and what is your email address?

fleurdelivre · Post by **fleurdelivre** » Tue May 26, 2009 10:18 am

ClemsonQB wrote:Its looking like we'll have 5 submitted packets, an editors packet and a finals packet. Which means seven teams (Hoppes/Luo, Bentley/Cohen/Wellstead, Hart/Byrne/Eppler/Cheyne, Simons/Sorice, Chiego, and I guess two teams of lazy people).

I see both Bryce and Katy have said they will TD; which one of you should I send the questions to and what is your email address?

I've got a schedule from Jeff already in my inbox; email is kathryn dot e dot peters at gmail. Sending a backup / emergency second copy to Brice would be a wise contingency plan, though.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Tue May 26, 2009 11:19 am

fleurdelivre wrote:
ClemsonQB wrote:Its looking like we'll have 5 submitted packets, an editors packet and a finals packet. Which means seven teams (Hoppes/Luo, Bentley/Cohen/Wellstead, Hart/Byrne/Eppler/Cheyne, Simons/Sorice, Chiego, and I guess two teams of lazy people).

I see both Bryce and Katy have said they will TD; which one of you should I send the questions to and what is your email address?
I've got a schedule from Jeff already in my inbox; email is kathryn dot e dot peters at gmail. Sending a backup / emergency second copy to Brice would be a wise contingency plan, though.

Great, thanks!

shlack · Post by **shlack** » Tue May 26, 2009 2:22 pm

ClemsonQB wrote:lazy people.

<raises hand>

Stephen, space still seems to be available at the lazy town party.

etchdulac · Post by **etchdulac** » Tue May 26, 2009 3:36 pm

Sweet. I'll just try to find the crowd after scrimmages, and say I'm looking for the lazy people.

evilmonkey · Post by **evilmonkey** » Tue May 26, 2009 9:14 pm

ClemsonQB wrote:
fleurdelivre wrote:
ClemsonQB wrote:Its looking like we'll have 5 submitted packets, an editors packet and a finals packet. Which means seven teams (Hoppes/Luo, Bentley/Cohen/Wellstead, Hart/Byrne/Eppler/Cheyne, Simons/Sorice, Chiego, and I guess two teams of lazy people).

I see both Bryce and Katy have said they will TD; which one of you should I send the questions to and what is your email address?
I've got a schedule from Jeff already in my inbox; email is kathryn dot e dot peters at gmail. Sending a backup / emergency second copy to Brice would be a wise contingency plan, though.
Great, thanks!

Yea, send me a backup copy. bdurgin AT nd DOT edu

Sen. Estes Kefauver (D-TN) · Wed May 27, 2009 12:55 am

I don't have enough investment in a geography tournament to want to write a packet for it but I don't mind filling out a team in need because I wouldn't mind reliving the glory of placing fourth in the Kansas state geography bee.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Wed May 27, 2009 10:22 am

Jeremy Gibbs Free Energy wrote:I don't have enough investment in a geography tournament to want to write a packet for it but I don't mind filling out a team in need because I wouldn't mind reliving the glory of placing fourth in the Kansas state geography bee.

I think there's still one slot left on the Dallas/Cody/Mike team, but I'm not entirely sure.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Wed May 27, 2009 2:56 pm

ClemsonQB wrote:
Jeremy Gibbs Free Energy wrote:I don't have enough investment in a geography tournament to want to write a packet for it but I don't mind filling out a team in need because I wouldn't mind reliving the glory of placing fourth in the Kansas state geography bee.
I think there's still one slot left on the Dallas/Cody/Mike team, but I'm not entirely sure.

I've recently heard that their fourth slot is reserved for Andrew Ullsperger.

dtaylor4 · Post by **dtaylor4** » Thu May 28, 2009 1:00 am

Due to sudden work committments, I will not be up there to staff this.

the return of AHAN · Post by **the return of AHAN** » Thu May 28, 2009 10:16 am

I'm still available to staff this tournament, though I need some specifics about where I need to go, when should I get there, etc.

EDIT: At this point, I know of somewhere in the O'Hare Hyatt, but not a timeframe, as I don't have a clue when scrimmages will conclude... Can anyone offer any guidance?

Cheynem · Post by **Cheynem** » Thu May 28, 2009 10:51 am

I would be willing to read or scorekeep during my bye round as well.

cvdwightw · Post by **cvdwightw** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:39 pm

Since the nebulous Meigs packet may or may not have arrived, I am willing to cut loose from that team and serve as moderator if for some strange reason more moderators are needed (I count Katy, Jeff, and Auroni as definite moderators). I am also willing to go the Brian Young route and input stats while vaguely paying attention to questions.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Thu May 28, 2009 8:46 pm

cvdwightw wrote:Since the nebulous Meigs packet may or may not have arrived, I am willing to cut loose from that team and serve as moderator if for some strange reason more moderators are needed (I count Katy, Jeff, and Auroni as definite moderators). I am also willing to go the Brian Young route and input stats while vaguely paying attention to questions.

Last I heard, the Meigs packet isn't happening. Also, Chris Chiego tells me that his team is in need of 3 free agents.

fleurdelivre · Post by **fleurdelivre** » Thu May 28, 2009 10:04 pm

ClemsonQB wrote:
cvdwightw wrote:Since the nebulous Meigs packet may or may not have arrived, I am willing to cut loose from that team and serve as moderator if for some strange reason more moderators are needed (I count Katy, Jeff, and Auroni as definite moderators). I am also willing to go the Brian Young route and input stats while vaguely paying attention to questions.
Last I heard, the Meigs packet isn't happening. Also, Chris Chiego tells me that his team is in need of 3 free agents.

So to confirm - we're at 7 teams/packets?

Cheynem · Post by **Cheynem** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:48 pm

George, I sent you an e-mail about a potential problem with one of the tossups I wrote (so hopefully the address you have in your profile is correct). It's not dramatically problematic enough that it's a packet-killer or anything, but hopefully you can fix it in time for the event.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Fri May 29, 2009 12:05 am

fleurdelivre wrote:
ClemsonQB wrote:
cvdwightw wrote:Since the nebulous Meigs packet may or may not have arrived, I am willing to cut loose from that team and serve as moderator if for some strange reason more moderators are needed (I count Katy, Jeff, and Auroni as definite moderators). I am also willing to go the Brian Young route and input stats while vaguely paying attention to questions.
Last I heard, the Meigs packet isn't happening. Also, Chris Chiego tells me that his team is in need of 3 free agents.
So to confirm - we're at 7 teams/packets?

Five packets are completely finished, one is like 90% done, and the Chiego packet is still being written. I've been in touch with him very recently and he says he will get this to me by 4 PM tomorrow.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Fri May 29, 2009 12:07 am

Cheynem wrote:George, I sent you an e-mail about a potential problem with one of the tossups I wrote (so hopefully the address you have in your profile is correct). It's not dramatically problematic enough that it's a packet-killer or anything, but hopefully you can fix it in time for the event.

I haven't received one at either of my main addresses. Try sending it to gsteven at clemson dot edu

Lagotto Romagnolo · Post by **Lagotto Romagnolo** » Fri May 29, 2009 7:21 am

I can still staff this. I'll find my way to the tournament.

Cheynem · Post by **Cheynem** » Fri May 29, 2009 12:13 pm

I sent it to your Clemson address, George.

fleurdelivre · Post by **fleurdelivre** » Fri May 29, 2009 7:38 pm

I have five packets in my inbox and the keys to 2403, 2422, and 2424. Meet in 2403 around 8? Spread the word, and email me (kathyn dot e dot peters at gmail) if you're still tied up with official duties at that time.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:09 pm

fleurdelivre wrote:I have five packets in my inbox and the keys to 2403, 2422, and 2424. Meet in 2403 around 8? Spread the word, and email me (kathyn dot e dot peters at gmail) if you're still tied up with official duties at that time.

I think I sent six packets.

fleurdelivre · Post by **fleurdelivre** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:36 pm

ClemsonQB wrote:
fleurdelivre wrote:I have five packets in my inbox and the keys to 2403, 2422, and 2424. Meet in 2403 around 8? Spread the word, and email me (kathyn dot e dot peters at gmail) if you're still tied up with official duties at that time.
I think I sent six packets.

My bad. 6!

fleurdelivre · Post by **fleurdelivre** » Fri May 29, 2009 9:39 pm

fleurdelivre wrote:
ClemsonQB wrote:
fleurdelivre wrote:I have five packets in my inbox and the keys to 2403, 2422, and 2424. Meet in 2403 around 8? Spread the word.

I think I sent six packets.
My bad. 6!

Maker start time 10- everyone wants dinner.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Fri May 29, 2009 10:19 pm

Katy, I just sent the last packet to your email address.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:22 am

I haven't heard anything about how this turned out. Who won?

Strongside · Post by **Strongside** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:27 am

This tournament happened.

I think Jeff Hoppes' team won. I don't know the rankings of the teams. Stats were kept and will probably be posted soon.

Mike Bentley · Post by **Mike Bentley** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:28 am

I hear Meigs' team went 4-2.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:32 am

Thanks for the info, Brendan and Mike.

dxdtdemon · Post by **dxdtdemon** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:58 am

Who won the freehand cartography competition?

Strongside · Post by **Strongside** » Sat May 30, 2009 10:00 am

quantumfootball wrote:Who won the freehand cartography competition?

It didn't happen. We got done around 1:15, gave out a few books as prizes, and left.

the return of AHAN · Post by **the return of AHAN** » Sat May 30, 2009 3:35 pm

My impressions:

* Jeff Hoppes is ridiculous at geography. Everyone demonstrated varying degrees of brilliance, but he really stood out. The whole night/morning was quite an exhibition.

* Given this tournament was run with a flash drive, an iPhone, and post-it notes, I hereby christen Bryce and Katy the MacGyvers of quiz bowl. I was kind of hoping a buzzer system would break down to see what they might rig up to replace it. Maybe something with some room towels, a telephone cord, a TV remote, and a tube of toothpaste... I know they could make it happen.

* It was very cool to finally put some faces to the names on this board. Thanks for having me!

etchdulac · Post by **etchdulac** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:04 pm

Thanks so much for the work put in to pull that off. Very nice to finally put some faces to names.

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:35 pm

I'd also like to thank the readers and moderators, as well as Katy and Bryce, for making this happen.

Post by **Important Bird Area** » Sun May 31, 2009 9:27 pm

Just wanted to say that I had a blast playing this tournament. Thanks to George for editing and Katy and Bryce for running the logistics. Would one of you mind sending the set to Chris Carter for the packet archive?

ClemsonQB · Post by **ClemsonQB** » Sun May 31, 2009 9:44 pm

bt_green_warbler wrote:Just wanted to say that I had a blast playing this tournament. Thanks to George for editing and Katy and Bryce for running the logistics. Would one of you mind sending the set to Chris Carter for the packet archive?

I'm on it.