Meeting Recap: Dec. 11, 2014 (Special Event: Club Humorous Debate)

Dear APS Members and Guests,

Do only women believe in love and romance? Are men truly predatory beasts that prowl the subway looking for prey? These were just some of the questions addressed at the second annual APS humorous debate, “Resolved: Men Should be Banned from Meeting Women on the Subway.”  

Inspired by Brian Robinson – who turned his District Championship humorous speech into the book “How to Meet Women on the Subway” - the debate was a team building exercise, and provided the opportunity for APS members to challenge themselves in an atypical speaking format. About twenty guests also took part in the meeting. Four asked “interrogator” questions of the debaters, while all cast ballots to determine the winning team.

Brian Robinson proved to be an excellent and entertaining debate moderator, although offering hugs to team members who argued in favor of his book’s premise stretched the bounds of impartiality. Brian had expert backup from Myron Tucker and Len Lubarsky who acted as Timers and Ballot Counters, while Derek Chen took photos and video.  

In favor of the resolution were “The Anti-Pickup Artists;” Bill Kennedy (team captain,) Sheryl Berger, Rhoundy Jones and Georgia Jones. Their strategy was to expose the selfish, brutish nature of men who really only have one thing on their mind, and to condemn Brian’s book as a scientific treatise enabling their most base and sordid cravings. Georgia claimed unique insight by revealing her alter ego “George.”

Against the resolution were the “Subway Romantics;” Todd McKinney (team captain,) Jackie McIntyre, Eloise Johnny and Manuel Saldana.Their strategy was to portray men as insecure and innocent romantics, who will even go underground in their search for true love. Besides, many married couples actually have met on the subway! Manuel even invoked Thomas Jefferson and the U.S. Constitution.

Excellent humorous speeches and rebuttals were heard on both sides, but the judges voted – by a one vote margin - in favor of the Subway Romantics. It seems that nothing can derail the power of romance.

The last APS meeting of the year will be this Wednesday, December 17. Please attend and sign up for roles – even if you have to take the subway!

~ - ~ -  ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Todd McKinney

VP Education, Advanced Public Speakers