ANNOUNCEMENT: VCU Open 2011 (08/13-08/14)

Cody · Post by **Cody** » Tue May 17, 2011 10:16 pm

The 2011 incarnation of VCU Open will be held on Saturday, August 13th. It will be paired with a trash tournament written by Mike Cheyne and George Berry that will run on Sunday, August 14th; an announcement for that tournament will be up soon.

The main site of VCU Open will be at the University of Maryland.

The target difficulty of VCU Open 2011 is between last year's VCU Open Sunday and VCU Open Saturday, i.e. Regionals+. Since this is an open tournament, there are no eligibility restrictions.

VCU Open will be written by members of the VCU team, and Matt Weiner. As it currently stands, we have commenced writing the set, and expect no issues with on-time completion or question quality. There is no packet-submission requirement or discount for this event.

We are currently arranging a mirror in Michigan and would like mirrors in Texas, California and Florida. We are also open to mirrors in other areas. If you would like to mirror VCU Open, please e-mail me at [email protected] .

The registration fee for this tournament is $120. There is a buzzer discount of $5. If you staff one tournament and play the other, you will get a -$10 discount for the tournament you play in, e.g. if you staff VCU Open, you will be given a -$10 discount if you play the trash tournament.

If you would like to register a team, please contact me at [email protected] .

Cody · Post by **Cody** » Tue May 17, 2011 10:17 pm

Field (12 Teams):

Daniel Hothem, Andre Kessler, Raynell Cooper & Arun Chonai
Aaron Rosenberg, David Seal, Doug Graebner & Sam Bailey
Eric Douglass, Bryn Reinecke, Dan Passner (2 Buzzers)
Will Butler, Matt Bollinger, Rob Carson & Sarah Angelo (1 Buzzer)
Jerry Vinokurov, Jonathan Magin, Bruce Arthur & Andrew Hart
Brick Barrientos, Wendell Wagner, Grant Colvin (1 Buzzer)
Carsten Gehring, Bernadette Spencer, Jon Pinyan & Isaac Hirsch
Eric Mukherjee, Ted Gioia, Ike Jose & Chris Ray
Alex Gross, Neeraj Vijay, Bill Tressler
Aidan Mehigan, Andrew Lim, Stephen Eltinge
Maryland
Greg Tito, Eric Stahl, Harry White

Frater Taciturnus · Post by **Frater Taciturnus** » Wed May 18, 2011 8:12 pm

hey look a spreadsheet for organizing teams

Sam · Post by **Sam** » Wed May 18, 2011 10:43 pm

I am interested in playing at least the Saturday tournament. If anyone would be interested in forming a team, my email is smbaileyOne at uchicago period edu, replacing "One" with the numeral.
As a logistical question: what is the best way to get from Washington to College Park? Does the Metro go directly there?

Post by **Kouign Amann** » Wed May 18, 2011 11:00 pm

Sam wrote:As a logistical question: what is the best way to get from Washington to College Park? Does the Metro go directly there?

Yep, Green Line.

Cheynem · Post by **Cheynem** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:11 pm

Any word on mirrors, especially the Michigan one? If that mirrors fall through, I will be coming to the main site, so I'd like to know pretty soon.

vcuEvan · Post by **vcuEvan** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:18 pm

Cheynem wrote:Any word on mirrors, especially the Michigan one? If that mirrors fall through, I will be coming to the main site, so I'd like to know pretty soon.

I can't guarantee it, but a Michigan mirror of VCU Open held at DCC the week before the Richmond mirror is very likely. Hopefully they'll announce soon.

Mike Bentley · Post by **Mike Bentley** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:05 pm

If I can drum up enough interest, we might mirror this at Washington. Seattle's a pretty nice place in August for anyone looking to do some quizbowl tourism.

Post by **Auks Ran Ova** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:19 pm

vcuEvan wrote:
Cheynem wrote:Any word on mirrors, especially the Michigan one? If that mirrors fall through, I will be coming to the main site, so I'd like to know pretty soon.
I can't guarantee it, but a Michigan mirror of VCU Open held at DCC the week before the Richmond mirror is very likely. Hopefully they'll announce soon.

For mostly selfish reasons, I'd very much not like this to be the week after CO; that'd greatly impede my ability to attend. If that's going to be unavoidable though, I'd like to know ASAP, so I can start looking at getting to the main site.

DrCongo · Post by **DrCongo** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:25 pm

Cheynem wrote:Any word on mirrors, especially the Michigan one? If that mirrors fall through, I will be coming to the main site, so I'd like to know pretty soon.

The U of M guys are still waiting to hear back from our coach on whether or not they can use the school. I'm not sure when they'll know for sure.

itsthatoneguy · Post by **itsthatoneguy** » Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:52 pm

It's here it's here it's here: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=11664

Cheynem · Post by **Cheynem** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:24 am

Are there any side events going to be attached to this? Perhaps the architecture set or Isaac's hat thing?

Skepticism and Animal Feed · Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:31 am

I want to play this tournament and am actively looking for a team to join. Contact me if you're interested.

Post by **Kouign Amann** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:26 am

Cheynem wrote:Are there any side events going to be attached to this? Perhaps the architecture set or Isaac's hat thing?

At Maryland practice tonight, Chris Ray, as arranger of the site, basically declared that he wants the architecture set to be run, but he wanted me to come on here and assert that myself, so: I will be running my architecture set Saturday night, pending interest. If this doesn't sit well with anyone, blame Chris.

magin · Post by **magin** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:51 pm

I'm playing this with Jerry; email me if you want to join our team of crotchety old people.

Post by **DumbJaques** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:35 pm

At Maryland practice tonight, Chris Ray, as arranger of the site, basically declared that he wants the architecture set to be run, but he wanted me to come on here and assert that myself, so: I will be running my architecture set Saturday night, pending interest. If this doesn't sit well with anyone, blame Chris.

Is there some bizarre reason that "hey, you should run the architecture tournament in Jimenez after VCU Saturday" requires some absurd disclaimer of responsibility? This makes it sound like you've been strong-armed into running your own tournament, which is just absurd. Run it or don't, it's up to you, but you're welcome to use our rooms and equally welcome to make an actual announcement instead of whatever this was.

Mechanical Beasts · Post by **Mechanical Beasts** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:42 pm

DumbJaques wrote:
At Maryland practice tonight, Chris Ray, as arranger of the site, basically declared that he wants the architecture set to be run, but he wanted me to come on here and assert that myself, so: I will be running my architecture set Saturday night, pending interest. If this doesn't sit well with anyone, blame Chris.

Is there some bizarre reason that "hey, you should run the architecture tournament in Jimenez after VCU Saturday" requires some absurd disclaimer of responsibility? This makes it sound like you've been strong-armed into running your own tournament, which is just absurd. Run it or don't, it's up to you, but you're welcome to use our rooms and equally welcome to make an actual announcement instead of whatever this was.

I for one am horrified that quizbowl will be played after quizbowl

Post by **Kouign Amann** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:34 pm

DumbJaques wrote:
At Maryland practice tonight, Chris Ray, as arranger of the site, basically declared that he wants the architecture set to be run, but he wanted me to come on here and assert that myself, so: I will be running my architecture set Saturday night, pending interest. If this doesn't sit well with anyone, blame Chris.

Is there some bizarre reason that "hey, you should run the architecture tournament in Jimenez after VCU Saturday" requires some absurd disclaimer of responsibility? This makes it sound like you've been strong-armed into running your own tournament, which is just absurd. Run it or don't, it's up to you, but you're welcome to use our rooms and equally welcome to make an actual announcement instead of whatever this was.

I'm sorry, that came out poorly. I meant something more along the lines of "I have been encouraged to do this, have approval from Chris for the rooms, and will be doing it if that's fine with everyone else." Sorry for my tone. I just didn't want to sound like I was trying to usurp the tournament directing authority of anyone at VCU or UMD. I apologize.

Cheynem · Post by **Cheynem** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:41 pm

ITT Quizbowl passes the anti-bullying law to stop Chris Ray.

vcuEvan · Post by **vcuEvan** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:46 pm

We're fine with having the architecture tournament.

Post by **DumbJaques** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 8:55 pm

ITT Quizbowl passes the anti-bullying law to stop Chris Ray.

Great, I can't wait to tell prospective employers that "I'm the reason they passed Mehigan's Law."

Post by **Kouign Amann** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 8:57 pm

DumbJaques wrote:
ITT Quizbowl passes the anti-bullying law to stop Chris Ray.
Great, I can't wait to tell prospective employers that "I'm the reason they passed Mehigan's Law."

Sorry, I don't mean to imply that you're bullying me. You're right, that was a bad post, and I was trying to make up for it. I don't feel bullied; I feel corrected, which is a much better feeling.

Cheynem · Post by **Cheynem** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:05 pm

Relax, kid, it's a joke.

Post by **Smuttynose Island** » Sun Jun 26, 2011 11:13 pm

Me, Raynell Cooper and Arun Chonai are interested in playing this and are looking for a fourth teammate. If you don't mind playing with a bunch of rising freshmen then please contact me at waddle2357[at]gmail[dot]com. Thanks.

EDIT: We found a fourth member.

Lagotto Romagnolo · Post by **Lagotto Romagnolo** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:15 am

I'll throw myself in as a free agent. Contact me if you'd like to play.

EDIT: Now playing with Sam Bailey et. al.

OctagonJoe · Post by **OctagonJoe** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:53 pm

It is now looking somewhat likely that I will be attending this tournament. Doesn't look like there's a lot of space left on already formed teams, but I'll also play with any fellow latecomers to the field.

Sima Guang Hater · Post by **Sima Guang Hater** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:40 pm

Ike has joined as our fourth. Snappy team name forthcoming.

naturalistic phallacy · Tue Jul 12, 2011 1:03 am

OctagonJoe wrote:It is now looking somewhat likely that I will be attending this tournament. Doesn't look like there's a lot of space left on already formed teams, but I'll also play with any fellow latecomers to the field.

We could play together. We've done that before.

jonpin · Post by **jonpin** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 1:42 am

tetragrammatology wrote:
OctagonJoe wrote:It is now looking somewhat likely that I will be attending this tournament. Doesn't look like there's a lot of space left on already formed teams, but I'll also play with any fellow latecomers to the field.
We could play together. We've done that before.

I'm attempting to work out details on a family vacation that is ending just prior to VCUO, but I should be able to get myself to College Park for both days of the tournament. Would you guys be interested in me jumping in on your team, and/or [obviously more for Carsten] splitting a hotel room?

Post by **theMoMA** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:27 am

Hi, I'm looking for a team and a place to stay.

OctagonJoe · Post by **OctagonJoe** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:33 pm

jonpin wrote:
tetragrammatology wrote:
OctagonJoe wrote:It is now looking somewhat likely that I will be attending this tournament. Doesn't look like there's a lot of space left on already formed teams, but I'll also play with any fellow latecomers to the field.
We could play together. We've done that before.
I'm attempting to work out details on a family vacation that is ending just prior to VCUO, but I should be able to get myself to College Park for both days of the tournament. Would you guys be interested in me jumping in on your team, and/or [obviously more for Carsten] splitting a hotel room?

I'd be fine with teaming up for this. Not sure what my hoteling situation is at the moment.

Nine-Tenths Ideas · Post by **Nine-Tenths Ideas** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:43 pm

Looking for a team for this; preferably a team that would prefer having a "fun" time as opposed to, say, winning.

naturalistic phallacy · Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:36 pm

Visa requirements for Romanian citizens wrote:Looking for a team for this; preferably a team that would prefer having a "fun" time as opposed to, say, winning.

Let's do this.

Whiter Hydra · Post by **Whiter Hydra** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:39 pm

Visa requirements for Romanian citizens wrote:Looking for a team for this; preferably a team that would prefer having a "fun" time as opposed to, say, winning.

Pretty much in the same boat.

silverscreentest · Post by **silverscreentest** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 10:34 pm

I'm jumping in, currently with just one teammate, so we can take two more free agents. We're a couple of old guys who are probably best at the history we lived through. We're just there to have fun, not driven to take the championship. My email is brick at silverscreentest dot com

Cody · Post by **Cody** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 3:04 pm

On the same note as George, I still have not received a registration from three (3) teams currently on the spreadsheet. If I don't receive a registration from you by August 11 (that's the Thursday before the tournament), you will not be on the schedule, and if you're not on the schedule, you're not playing.

Ethnic history of the Vilnius region · Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:58 pm

Bryn Reinecke and myself need two teammates for the VCU Open. Feel free to contact me at ericd25 at hotmail.com if interested in joining.

Sam · Post by **Sam** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:43 pm

There have been rumblings about Andrew Hart's law tournament and possibly a short architecture one. Are there more definite plans for these, or any other side events?

vcuEvan · Post by **vcuEvan** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:46 pm

If Aidan wants to run what exists of his architecture tournament, we'll be doing that. There will be room for Andrew's tournament that night as well, if people really want to do that. VCU won't be running these, so it will be up to their organizers to figure out teams, rooms, schedules, etc.

Magister Ludi · Post by **Magister Ludi** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 1:32 am

If anyone is looking for a free place to stay my basement has a couple extra beds and can accommodate a few people.

jonpin · Post by **jonpin** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:18 pm

What's the buzzer situation? I can bring a buzzer system if it looks like one will be needed on either day, but I need to know tonight, as I'd have to remove it from school tomorrow.

Cody · Post by **Cody** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:35 pm

jonpin wrote:What's the buzzer situation? I can bring a buzzer system if it looks like one will be needed on either day, but I need to know tonight, as I'd have to remove it from school tomorrow.

We have enough buzzers, but an extra couple buzzers never hurt a quizbowl tournament.

mastaloo · Post by **mastaloo** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 4:41 pm

Neeraj Vijay and I are tentatively interested in attending both days. We're still waiting to hear from a few other people before we make a final decision.

Cody · Post by **Cody** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 4:55 pm

mastaloo wrote:Neeraj Vijay and I are tentatively interested in attending both days. We're still waiting to hear from a few other people before we make a final decision.

At this point, it would be far preferable if you joined up with an existing [currently registered] team that is short handed (for VCU Open; you'd have to talk to George about VCU Trash). For example, Eric Douglass' team is short 2 players (see above). Two other teams on the spreadsheet are down one player. If all the teams currently on the spreadsheet came + yours we'd have 11 teams and that's a positively terrible number to run a 15 packet tournament on.
Disregard, Eric's team and Brick's teams have joined together, so feel free to form up a team.
Eric still needs two players.

Frater Taciturnus · Post by **Frater Taciturnus** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:31 pm

SirT wrote: you'd have to talk to George about VCU Trash).

At the moment we appear to only have one existing team with an open spot, but there is still plenty of room in the field if you want to find some teammates and sign up.

mastaloo · Post by **mastaloo** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:42 pm

Great, then Neeraj, Bill Tressler, and I will be going to both tournaments.

Cody · Post by **Cody** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:48 pm

mastaloo wrote:Great, then Neeraj, Bill Tressler, and I will be going to both tournaments.

Alright, please send me an e-mail to that effect then :)

Ethnic history of the Vilnius region · Thu Aug 04, 2011 2:07 pm

Bryn and I have room for another person or two on our team. Contact me at ericd25 at hotmail.com if interested.

mastaloo · Post by **mastaloo** » Thu Aug 04, 2011 10:59 pm

SirT wrote:
mastaloo wrote:Neeraj Vijay and I are tentatively interested in attending both days. We're still waiting to hear from a few other people before we make a final decision.
At this point, it would be far preferable if you joined up with an existing [currently registered] team that is short handed (for VCU Open; you'd have to talk to George about VCU Trash). For example, Eric Douglass' team is short 2 players (see above). Two other teams on the spreadsheet are down one player. If all the teams currently on the spreadsheet came + yours we'd have 11 teams and that's a positively terrible number to run a 15 packet tournament on.
Disregard, Eric's team and Brick's teams have joined together, so feel free to form up a team.
Eric still needs two players.

So does this mean that there's no room for another distinct team? We have 3 players coming for sure, possibly 4.

Cody · Post by **Cody** » Thu Aug 04, 2011 11:07 pm

No, there is room for more teams; you specifically are definitely fine having already registered, no worries.