The "Who WILL attend TAM2" thread

[Patricio Elicer]

OK, Renata started a thread a time ago on who is planning on attending TAM2.

Today, at only 3.5 months from the event, I think it's time to create a thread on who will attend TAM2.

It may be useful for the organizers to know how many people are seriously comitted to attend to make attendance projections, and it may also help all those still hesitant to take the step and make the decision.

Please post here only if you are reasonable sure that you'll make it.

As for myself, if nothing wrong happens in the interim, I'll be there. In an act of supreme madness, I bought the plane tickets on Wednesday. I did it online, and already have them in my hands.

Surely enough, my savings will suffer an important loss, and maybe I'll have to contact David Blaine to ask him on how to survive without food for a long period of time :D. But WTH!!,.. it's well worth the effort.

Anyone else?

Ahhh,.. a little advice to all of you hesitants: if you are just mildly drunk when placing your internet order and typing your credit card number, the stab hurts far less :D:D

[arcticpenguin]

The penguin will attend. I paid my registration fee, along with the fee for the Penn & Teller performance. I haven't bought plane tickets yet. I'll try to bring my girlfriend along if it fits her schedule.

[Brown]

I fully expect to be there. Today I am budgeting and scheduling, and tomorrow I expect to buy plane tickets and make hotel reservations.

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
The penguin will attend. I paid my registration fee, along with the fee for the Penn & Teller performance. I haven't bought plane tickets yet. I'll try to bring my girlfriend along if it fits her schedule. Good to know penguin.

I'm highly interested in the P&T performance, in fact it was one of the factors that made me pull the trigger. May I ask you on how to proceed to pay the entrance fee?, is it a matter of contacting Linda? Thanks

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
Good to know penguin.

I'm highly interested in the P&T performance, in fact it was one of the factors that made me pull the trigger. May I ask you on how to proceed to pay the entrance fee?, is it a matter of contacting Linda? Thanks
There was a line for it in the application I received from JREF. If you haven't received that application yet, contact Linda. I think someone posted images of the application form somewhere; check the other thread for links.

[Patricio Elicer]

Thanks, I hadn't checked the Registration Form yet (it's in the site's Amazing Meeting section), and there is the info......

[clinttaylor]

I will be there. Should be able to take care of the last thing (registration) later this week; already booked the flight/room.

:)

-Clint

[Ladewig]

I have paid my registration fee.

I doubt that this thread will be helpful to conference planners. No matter how hard one insists one will be there, there are still only two types of people involved: those that have paid and those that have not.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

I will be there.

~~ Paul

[Marc]

Event registration is paid. Hotel reservations made. Flight reservations made.

Going to arive on tuesday and leave on monday. See ya there.

[Zep]

ZEP is definitely planning on coming, as noted in the previous thread, but cross-Pacific air travel at that time is almost non-existent. This MAY put a crimp on our plans...

But we are working on it!

[Ladewig]

but cross-Pacific air travel at that time is almost non-existent.

You could always try going the other way around. ;)

[Zep]

I could, but the frequent-flyer points don't stretch that far! The current best option includes 12 hours sleeping in the plastic chairs in Narita Airport, Japan...

[Phil]

It's late here in CST zone, and when I read the title of this thread, I thought The Who were attending TAM2.

[Electric Monk]

I'm all set to go!

* Registration for TAM II, P&T, and dinner with Randi made and confirmed by Linda.
* Hotel reservations made.
* Time off negotiated with work.
* Skepperson Telethon check sent to G6.
* Non-JREF skepchicks invited. (2 yes, 2 maybe -- I invited guys too, but who cares... :) )

I'm planning on driving there on Wed. and staying until Tue. morning. (With hotel reservations for -1 days, their computer is going to pay me! ;) )

--James

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by Phil
It's late here in CST zone, and when I read the title of this thread, I thought The Who were attending TAM2. LOL!!,... that's precisely why I chose that thread title, to catch everyone's attention :D

BTW, I figure it's not a so farfetched idea that any well known rock (or any other style) band is performing in Vegas by that time. In 1996 I visited NYC and while in a sightseeing double decker tour, by pure chance, I notice that The Cure was performing in City Music Hall that same night. I was there, and it turned out to be one of the best rock performances I've ever attended.

[Girl 6]

I'll be there! :D

I just mailed the registration, booked the room, and I will be eyeing the air fares closely.

Right now, the plan is for me to arrive Wednesday night and leave Sunday night. However, I *might* be persuaded to stay an extra day. :)

I am REALLY looking forward to being at the conference with you guys!

G6

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Ooh, the Cure. That would be fun!

~~ Paul

[Peter Jenkins]

If the cure don't turn up, perhaps we could have a homeopathic cure concert :D
Peter

[kittynh]

I've paid for everything but registration...but expect to do it before the price increase. OUCH! I can't afford the dinner with Randi:(
Sure I'd just sit there and not eat anything saying, "WOW! It's Randi! He's my hero! sigh...."
I'd even wear heels and a slit skirt.
But, it's just a dream

I'm trying to talk Pool Boy into the Penn and Teller show. If he can spring for one ticket can I hitch a ride with someone?


Hey, I'm lucky I got the frequent flyer miles to go to Vegas.

[citytom]

I'll be there....for the whole enchillada.

[Chaon]

I'll be there. Anybody need any Thousand Year Eggs or anything?

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by kittynh
I've paid for everything but registration...but expect to do it before the price increase. OUCH! I can't afford the dinner with Randi:(
Sure I'd just sit there and not eat anything saying, "WOW! It's Randi! He's my hero! sigh...."
I'd even wear heels and a slit skirt.
But, it's just a dream

I'm trying to talk Pool Boy into the Penn and Teller show. If he can spring for one ticket can I hitch a ride with someone?


Hey, I'm lucky I got the frequent flyer miles to go to Vegas.

Well, I can't do the dinner either... :(

But, hey, kitty... I say we launch a diversionary tactic! Have ALL of the skepchicks wear heels, slit skirts, boots, fishnets, whatever will get a guy's attention and GO FOR IT!! I say we ambush Randi! :D

What say you? I'm down for the plan and can be VERY evil for a good cause! ;)

G6

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by Girl 6


Well, I can't do the dinner either... :(

But, hey, kitty... I say we launch a diversionary tactic! Have ALL of the skepchicks wear heels, slit skirts, boots, fishnets, whatever will get a guy's attention and GO FOR IT!! I say we ambush Randi! :D

What say you? I'm down for the plan and can be VERY evil for a good cause! ;)

G6

Be sure to coordinate with Lisa, G6.

And now that I've moved some money around, I just gotta send everything in and get the tickets & hotel room reserved and I'll be there.

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Dinonychus


Be sure to coordinate with Lisa, G6.



That goes without saying! :) I'm glad to hear that you will be there!

G6

[kittynh]

totally! I have to get some "elf shoes", they are big in Europe and look like they hurt to wear, but guys love them. Then we ambush Randi for our own private "dinner" with him. We need Linda to get a certificate from his cariologist before hand though. Boo has to come as she can do CPR. Really, he could walk into a restaurant with ALL of us dressed to kill. Everyone in Vegas would wonder who he was!

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by kittynh
Everyone in Vegas would wonder who he was!

Hate to burst your bubble, but I think this kind of thing happens most every day in Vegas. Or at least often enough where people aren't gonna raise an eyebrow to find out what all the hub-bub is all about.

I could be wrong, though.

[Phil]

Originally posted by Dinonychus


Hate to burst your bubble, but I think this kind of thing happens most every day in Vegas. Or at least often enough where people aren't gonna raise an eyebrow to find out what all the hub-bub is all about.

I could be wrong, though.
You're not. More outrageous thing than that go on all the time. It's the order of the day (and night) in Vegas.

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Dinonychus


Hate to burst your bubble, but I think this kind of thing happens most every day in Vegas. Or at least often enough where people aren't gonna raise an eyebrow to find out what all the hub-bub is all about.

I could be wrong, though.

Ehhh... I'm not going to concern myself with what anyone else is thinking! I want my face time with Randi! And, I will do what it takes to get it! :D

G6

[Chaon]

What is the "Thurday workshop" all about? What things are in the "course materials"? Should I check the box on the registration form, or save my money for the 'Best of Alf' DVD box set?

[Luciana]

Welcome, Chaon! Wow, we'll have a visitor from Taiwan?? Mighty cool!

About the workshop - if you can afford it, don't miss the opportunity. From what I've read in the description, it must be very interesting. I liked the part about "being able to discern deception from test-takers", or something like that.

As for me... I'm saving money like crazy! Ok, youknow from another thread that I bought a new dress but that's about it! :D I also have to see if I can get vacation on that period. This time I'll be bringing my boyfriend along.

[Brown]

It's official. I registered for TAM2 today, and made my reservations with the Tuscany.

Do not be surprised if you have to make two reservations with the hotel (as I did). I am planning on arriving a few days early, so I had to make one reservation as an ordinary schmuck for the first few days, and a separate reservation as an attendee of TAM2.

Now I have to get my plane tickets, and I have to decide whether or not to rent a car.

[Pirate_Lad]

I will be there. I look forward to some long-overdue shaking of hands.

-- Dave

[renata]

Originally posted by Brown


Do not be surprised if you have to make two reservations with the hotel (as I did). I am planning on arriving a few days early, so I had to make one reservation as an ordinary schmuck for the first few days, and a separate reservation as an attendee of TAM2.



I looked into staying in another hotel if I arrived a few days earlier. Large Vegas hotels on the strip routinely have midweek sales, and I found prices at 3 and 4 star hotels on the strip for about $39-69, which was cheaper than the pre conference Tuscany rates. And then moving to Tuscany for the conference, because it is easier to be with the group, because they reserved a block of rooms for TAM, and, frankly, the rates are very good compared with other Vegas weekend rates. Moving hotels is a bit of a hassle, but I am driving in, so not too much of a trouble for me, and if I recall the rate difference was substantial. It is really only worth it if you want to try out the other hotels, and if you arrive 3-4 days earlier.

[MoeFaux]

The Tuscany is right around the corner from my apartment. Of course I'm going to be there!

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by MoeFaux
The Tuscany is right around the corner from my apartment. Of course I'm going to be there!

Party at MoeFaux's Saturday night! ;)

[Pirate_Lad]

I realize that this is a minor hijack, but there is a question I've been meaning to ask Moe for awhile now.

Is your parrot holding a cigarette?

-- Dave

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by Pirate_Lad
I realize that this is a minor hijack, but there is a question I've been meaning to ask Moe for awhile now.

Is your parrot holding a cigarette?

-- Dave

Yes, well, not a real one. It's a trick fake one that you can find in any magic shop (minus the talcum powder filling).
Don't give a bird a real cigarette, the nicotine can kill them.
He's a smokin' parrot. Just like the real Mr Mason, his namesake.

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by Dinonychus


Party at MoeFaux's Saturday night! ;)

I can fit all of 5 people, standing room only. I think we'd have better luck elsewhere. :)

[Garrette]

Originally posted by Luciana Nery:

This time I'll be bringing my boyfriend along.

And just that easily my heart is ripped from within me, my soul cast adrift.

My only consolations are that I will not be able to attend TAM2 to witness this horror, and the lonely, broken bits of my ego will soon be joined by the detritus of a hundred other skepdudes.

And my beer. Beer is consolation.

Crap, I'm in Iraq...

I am inconsolable.

[Pirate_Lad]

You're in the 'Raq and you have internet access?

You sir, are very lucky.

[Patricio Elicer]

The latest:

1) Plane tickets purchased

2) Hotel reservation made (thanks to arcticpenguin again)

3) Registration Form sent

So it's quite probable that I'm gonna make it this time again :)

Arriving Thursday 15th at noon, leaving Monday 19th at night.

No car rental, no workshop and no dinner with Randi :(, I can't stretch out my money any further. I'll be at the Rio, however :)

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Garrette


And just that easily my heart is ripped from within me, my soul cast adrift.

My only consolations are that I will not be able to attend TAM2 to witness this horror, and the lonely, broken bits of my ego will soon be joined by the detritus of a hundred other skepdudes.

And my beer. Beer is consolation.

Crap, I'm in Iraq...

I am inconsolable.

:(

Will it help if I send you something from the conference? :)

G6

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
No car rental, no workshop and no dinner with Randi :(, I can't stretch out my money any further. I'll be at the Rio, however :)

I also can't do the dinner nor will I have a car.

But, we can party at the Rio!!! WOO HOO!!! :D

G6

[Brown]

Originally posted by Garrette
And just that easily my heart is ripped from within me, my soul cast adrift.

My only consolations are that I will not be able to attend TAM2 to witness this horror, and the lonely, broken bits of my ego will soon be joined by the detritus of a hundred other skepdudes.Too bad. The rest of us were going to trick the guy into an improper pose with a hooker, then take some pictures. We were then planning to show the photos to Ms. Nery, and try to console her. But keep that a secret.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I have looked at my finances over the last few days... and my decision on whether I attend or not hinges on if Moe_Faux gives me the descrpiton of her "hotness" that she promised me.

Upon receiving said reply I wil register for TAM2, sign up for Penn and Teller and rent a convertible. Moe... would a convertible be a waste in Las Vegas in January? I was very happy with my Mitsubish Eclipse Spyder in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year.

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
I have looked at my finances over the last few days... and my decision on whether I attend or not hinges on if Moe_Faux gives me the descrpiton of her "hotness" that she promised me.

Upon receiving said reply I wil register for TAM2, sign up for Penn and Teller and rent a convertible. Moe... would a convertible be a waste in Las Vegas in January? I was very happy with my Mitsubish Eclipse Spyder in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year.

Okay, okay, anything for the JREF.

Renting a convertable in Vegas in January really depends on how well you do with cold weather. It will be about 30F and cruising the strip with the top down (the convertables ;) ) might be a bit chilly.
However. I know a convertable owner who says that when it comes to cold weather, all you have to do is put the heat on, and you'll be fine.

[Brown]

Got my plane tickets, got my car. Now I've got to schedule some shows and attractions.

Possibilities: Stratosphere Big Shot ($13, not including the new underwear I'll need to buy); Star Trek: The Experience at the Hilton ($25); Mme Tassaud's at the Venetian ($9); Mac King at Harrah's ($19); Siegfried and the other guy at, who cares, they're too damned expensive; Amazing Johnathan at the Flamingo ($60); Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo ($66)...

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by Brown
Got my plane tickets, got my car. Now I've got to schedule some shows and attractions.

Possibilities: Stratosphere Big Shot ($13, not including the new underwear I'll need to buy); Star Trek: The Experience at the Hilton ($25); Mme Tassaud's at the Venetian ($9); Mac King at Harrah's ($19); Siegfried and the other guy at, who cares, they're too damned expensive; Amazing Johnathan at the Flamingo ($60); Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo ($66)...

You must do P&T and Mac King. No doubt. Put Lance at the bottom of the list. I love him, we're friends, but it's pricey and you might find your money better spent somewhere else.
If you can get Blue Man group tickets, I hear they're excellent.

Here's the lowdown:
If you go to the Stratospere, do NOT go on the roller coaster, it's not worth it., go only on the Big Shot. This is advice straight from Penn Jillette. I've lived in Vegas nearly three years and have not once been on that roller coaster; it's very lame. The big shot, however, is worth every penny. I went on it over 10 times in a row once. I stopped paying somewhere in the middle; the ticket boy had a crush on me so I got about 6 or 7 free rides. :D

When my Mother came to visit she dragged me on the Star Trek ride 6 times in a row. I'm not a Trekkie, but I had fun. Once is good.

Tussads is fun, you take some great pictures there.

The New York New York has a great roller coaster called the Manhattan Express, and every time I have friends visit, I take them on it. I've ridden about 50 times.

The Sahara has an AWESOME roller coaster. The hotel is a nightmare, but you have to make it over to the roller coaster. I've only had been on it once, but I would LOVE to go again. If you do roller coasters, I've love to come along, if you don't mind the company.

One thing I really recommend is the casino art gallereys. The Venetian just had a great exibit on Pop Art. It was fantastic. I went twice. Check out the site and click on Pop Icons:
http://www.venetian.com/guggenheim/index.cfm

The Bellagio also has a great museum, they just had Andy Warhol there. Here's what they have now:
http://www.bellagiolasvegas.com/pages/frameset_flash.asp

The collections rotate every about every three months. I HIGHLY recommend visiting them. It costs a bit, but, it's worth it. Budget it in.

Just visiting the Bellagio is an event, the lobby ceiling is covered in hand blown glass ornements that are spectacular. They also have a nice botanical garden. You'll also want to catch the fountain show. These things are free.

There's other things at the casinos to see, like the shark experience at Mandalay Bay, The Secret Garden at the Mirage, I think the Flamingo has an exibit with flamingos and penguins (no kidding). There's a lot of stuff to see.

But, above all,
MAKE SURE TO SEE MAC KING! You'll love him.

[Marc]

Thanks MoeFaux,

never been there and have been wondering what to do with the extra days. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. :)

[Garrette]

Girl 6

Will it help if I send you something from the conference?

You and Luci in those bikinis will do nicely. Thanks for the offer. I'll send an address and money for a large box...


Brown:

Too bad. The rest of us were going to trick the guy into an improper pose with a hooker, then take some pictures. We were then planning to show the photos to Ms. Nery, and try to console her. But keep that a secret.

While I enjoy a good Byzantine conspiracy as much as the next guy, I am at heart a down home central Kentucky kind of guy with down home central Kentucky kinds of friends.

I envision this conversation:

Garrette: Hey, Ricky. There's this guy who'll be in Vegas soon. He did me out of a chick. Can't be trusted.

Kentucky Friend: S***, man, that sucks.

Garrette: Look, I've got two cases of Bud Light. Want 'em? He'll be in Vegas soon. Did I mention that?

Kentucky Friend: Two cases? Just one guy?

Garrette: Yeah, but I hate him a lot. I think he's from Cuba. I know he's a communist.

Kentucky Friend: No s***!? You keep one case, man. We'll drink it when I get back.

[Brown]

Originally posted by me
Siegfried and the other guy at, who cares, they're too damned expensive...I posted this before learning that Roy has been seriously injured on stage. (See other threads for info.)

I would be surprised if the S&R act is running in January, given the seriousness of the initial reports about Roy's condition.

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by MoeFaux
However. I know a convertable owner who says that when it comes to cold weather, all you have to do is put the heat on, and you'll be fine.

Yes, as a convertible owner, I can tell you that all you need is to put on the heat and have a nice warm coat. I NEVER put my top up unless it rains.

So... If any of you guys end up renting a convertible, count me in as a passenger! :D

G6

[Girl 6]

Okay, don't kill me, but who is Mac King??? :confused:

G6

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by Girl 6
Okay, don't kill me, but who is Mac King??? :confused:

G6

Mac King just may be the best show in town. He does an afternoon show at Harrah's for a great price, and it's just a delightful show.
I don't know what he'll do for his closing bit, though, with Roy being attacked by a tiger. Well, he still has a wonderful show and I say it's a MUST.

http://www.mackingshow.com/

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by Girl 6
So... If any of you guys end up renting a convertible, count me in as a passenger! :D

G6

Assuming I can fit into one, G6, shotgun is reserved for you. I will try and drive a convertible around Las Vegas all weekend long. If I cannot, I'll owe you a drink, G6.

[Garrette]

Mac King is a comic magician. Comic in the sense of off-kilter (including some gross-out stuff) as opposed to sprinkled with humor. He has some novel effects and some fun books. His style is a bit too over the top for me, but I've only seen him on the telly, never in person. Still, I can recognize talent, and I don't think seeing his show would be a waste.

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by Garrette
Mac King is a comic magician. Comic in the sense of off-kilter (including some gross-out stuff) as opposed to sprinkled with humor. He has some novel effects and some fun books. His style is a bit too over the top for me, but I've only seen him on the telly, never in person. Still, I can recognize talent, and I don't think seeing his show would be a waste.

That may just be his televsion stuff; I don't know much about that.
His show isn't like that, it's a very sweet family show full of heart. It's a feel good show.

[Garrette]

Moe Faux: Sounds good to me. As I said, I've only seen him on tv and read his books.

:)

[Lisa]

Eddie and I WILL be there. We haven't registered yet.* Dunno how much of the extra workshops we'll attend. I've never been to Vegas, and would like to play tourist a bit.

















*because I am lazy

[hal bidlack]

Paid registrations have now topped 100. Nearly everyone is also buying a ticket to see Penn and Teller too. Dinner with Randi is selling well, though "brunch with bidlack" seems to be a slow mover...

[MoeFaux]

Hal in the house. You the man, Hal.

[kittynh]

I'm willing to offer Brunch with Pool Boy...anything for the cause. He'll wear his thong.

Hal, how about that Air Force - Navy game huh????

[EvilYeti]

Sadly I will not be able to attend. :(

I will try and send one of my sockpuppets, pending availability.

[Lisa]

Originally posted by hal bidlack
Paid registrations have now topped 100. Nearly everyone is also buying a ticket to see Penn and Teller too. Dinner with Randi is selling well, though "brunch with bidlack" seems to be a slow mover...
I told you last time not to steal stuff off other peoples plates. See what it gets ya?

[Rose]

My registration goes out in the mail on Monday, and by Friday I expect to have my room booked. Looking forward to seeing folks there. And no way would I miss a P&T show, so I'll be joining the group on that outing too.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I just registered and got tickets for Penn and Teller. I plan on arriving on Wednesday and leaving Monday (subject to change). Linda was, as always, sweet and friendly. Moe Faux was boring and reticient.

I look forward to seeing you all there, and Patricio, please don't take the bear hug I'm going to give you as anything sexual, it's just that I'm very emotional around those people I really like.

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
I just registered and got tickets for Penn and Teller. I plan on arriving on Wednesday and leaving Monday (subject to change). Linda was, as always, sweet and friendly. Moe Faux was boring and reticient.

I look forward to seeing you all there, and Patricio, please don't take the bear hug I'm going to give you as anything sexual, it's just that I'm very emotional around those people I really like.

Reticent? Linda just came in to get us off the phone after 20 minutes just for kicks and giggles, eh? (I won't argue with the boring. My side of the conversation was mostly promoting pornography. I'm so dull)

[kittynh]

I finally got Pool Boy to sign me up though he said it was odd being addressed as "PoolBoy" by anyone besides myself in the privacy of our....oh skip it. I have to pay for Penn and Teller, but he kicked in for a workshop! So, what is the workshop going to be like? Is everyone going to point at me and scream "ART MAJOR!"

Also, Pool Boy can't afford to go to anything but Penn and Teller. Is there anyone else bringing along a non attendee? He wants to see the Dam (that's DAM Hal!), and the other places of culture that don't involve losing money we don't have.

[Jeff Corey]

I registered about 2 hours ago. so the registration has topped 101.
My wife, daughter and son-in-law will be in town, but not registering. Since my daughter went to UNLV for her Master's, she knows a lot of people and things to do there.
I just hope that we will be able to invite unregistered guests to a few presentations.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by MoeFaux
Reticent? Linda just came in to get us off the phone after 20 minutes just for kicks and giggles, eh? (I won't argue with the boring. My side of the conversation was mostly promoting pornography. I'm so dull)

I'm sorry I forgot the smilie. And if Linda hadn't been the responsible person that she is and told us to hang up, we'd still be talking. :)

[Brown]

My sweaters from Brown University arrived by UPS today. Accordingly, I will not need a name tag at TAG2.

[kittynh]

OK everyone that is GOING to sign up needs to do it ASAP!

Linda does not need to be going nutty with everyone signing up on Halloween before the price increase, ok? she needs time to go home and eat before she changes into her costume.

[hal bidlack]

Registration now tops 140. In addition, the Dinner with Randi is filling up, as is the workshop.

[markb]

I'll be there. I just put my registration in the mail today.

[SkepticScott]

JREF cashed my check on 2 September, so I must be registered.:cool: I'm going to Penn & Teller and "dinner with Randi". Hal, I'll do breakfast with you, but not brunch.:p BTW, the bid for the first ticket for the "Slammer tour" just reached $255; that's more than the price of the "dinner with Randi". :eek:

[Jeff Wagg]

The slammer is well over a $1000 now. This auction needs some media attention.

[Larry Barrieau]

Hi all,

I mailed my registration today. I was at TAM I and the people there looked as if they knew each other already. I learned that it was from this site. I'd never knew what the JREF forum was until after TAM I. So be sure to look at my name tag and say HI.

I'm looking forward to meeting the interesting posters here. I now have a digital camera and if I can figure out how to post a picture of myself, I will. (But I think that just being able to post a reply is an amazing technological feat for me so don't hold your breath.)

See you in Vegas. Larry

[SkepticScott]

Hi Larry,
Welcome to the forum! Be sure to poke around and find all the extra-curicular activities that people are discussing for TAM II. There's a field trip Sunday and Girl 6 is organizing parties (she presented at TAM I on the forum).

[Chaos]

I also registered (taking hours of Linda´s time and most of her patience in the process - again, thanks a lot).

I have never been to Vegas, I have only been to America once at all - in ´95 -, and I usually don´t travel much, at least not on my own accord (my passport has expired five years ago and I noticed just last weekend). I´m surprised about myself, really. What is it that has turned me into a traveller so suddenly? Is it some kind of skeptic-magnetism?

[deBergerac]

Well, I will be there (+ workshop + Penn and Teller show) and since I probably do not know anyone of you other attendees yet I thought I better get into this forum business. So expect me to turn up here when I have nothing else to do. Which might be more often than my supervisor would like. :)
I will be arriving the 13th and leaving on the 20th. Besides the very obvious reason of the conference and the possibility to meet fellow sceptics I am really looking forward to it since it will be my first time in the US.

[Patricio Elicer]

See you in Vegas, deBergerac!!!,... and welcome to the forums

[kittynh]

WELCOME De Berg.....

remember, not all the US is like Vegas! Just think adult Disney World! I find my friends in Belgium all think the US is the "same", not knowing that Texas is as different from Oregon, as Italy is from Finland.

Just jump in, and everyone will be so friendly. I was too shy at TAM1, and I had a great time, but I missed out on a lot of fun.

[hal bidlack]

Paid registrations now top 190!:clap:

[The Bad Astronomer]

I am now officially attending (official since Linda told me so). I will be arriving at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday 1/15, and leaving at 6:45 (minus a couple of hours to get to the airport) on Sunday, 1/18.

[kittynh]

Hey! Bad As! Bring some more books this time, last time you ran out!

[deBergerac]

Originally posted by kittynh
WELCOME De Berg.....

remember, not all the US is like Vegas! Just think adult Disney World! I find my friends in Belgium all think the US is the "same", not knowing that Texas is as different from Oregon, as Italy is from Finland.



You mean not all of the US is like Vegas! I would never have guessed :)
But I beg to differ concerning the comparison; although I have never been to any of the four places I am quite sure that the difference between Finland and Italy is somewhat bigger than the difference between Texas and Oregon.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I sent my registration in on Friday. I'm so there!

Also signed up for the P&T show.

[hal bidlack]

Registrations now number over 200!

[The Bad Astronomer]

Not counting the EBay ventures, what number gives us the break-even point?

And yeah, I'll bring more books. I just wish I had a new one to bring.

[Byzantine Magpie]

Well, folks, if the fax machine did the right thing by me, I should have my rego in as well.

I look forward to meeting all of you. :w2:

[hal bidlack]

Originally posted by The Bad Astronomer
Not counting the EBay ventures, what number gives us the break-even point?

And yeah, I'll bring more books. I just wish I had a new one to bring.

The "break even point" is a trick question. For the pure conference itself, we are past it (just), but in order to secure the lower rates, we had to promise a certain number of rooms would be rented. We are well short of that now, as folks seem to be staying with friends, etc., more than we had thought. So, the room rental is the next really big hurtle to avoid losing big bucks. (if we fall short, we must pay up big time).

Linda will have better details on this.

[The Bad Astronomer]

I may need a second room for all of my stalkers, but it's up to them to pay for it.

[hal bidlack]

Today's count: 226!

[Linda]

Originally posted by Byzantine Magpie
Well, folks, if the fax machine did the right thing by me, I should have my rego in as well.

I look forward to meeting all of you. :w2:

The fax machine came through for you. You are all registered and paid. I hope you called the hotel and made your reservations there too!

And now that the mail's arrived today, we're up to 232 registrants!

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by The Bad Astronomer
I may need a second room for all of my stalkers, but it's up to them to pay for it.

Is that right? I'm going to have to control those other "wannabes". :D

G6

[Girl 6]

232!!! WOW!!! :D

Congratulations to Linda and the JREF for pulling this together! I'm hoping that we reach the 400-500 mark. :D

G6

[Byzantine Magpie]

Originally posted by Linda
The fax machine came through for you. You are all registered and paid.

Woo hoo!

I hope you called the hotel and made your reservations there too!

Er, yeah, next job on the list.:)

[Brown]

I charged the costs of the seminar to my credit card, and paid the credit card bill yesterday. My airfare and part of my hotel bill were included on that same credit card bill.

In a way, it sucks that I have to pay in advance for services I won't use for two months.

But on the other hand, I paid when I was able to pay and now I don't have to worry about the bulk of the costs of the seminar. I am mindful that in January I will be "recovering" from Christmas gift-giving, and would have less ability to pay. It's nice to know that TAM2 bills will not be piled on top of my other bills.

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by Brown
My airfare and part of my hotel bill were included on that same credit card bill.

In a way, it sucks that I have to pay in advance for services I won't use for two months.Well, at least I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one. My credit card was charged with a one-day hotel bill with 3 months in advance. What if I have a last minute problem that prevents me from attending?

[clinttaylor]

****sigh of relief****

Finally got the registration in the mail!! (Thanks eBay!)

See y'all there!

Clint

(btw Hal. Any chance of an impromptu jam? Just curious)

[Brown]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
Well, at least I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one. My credit card was charged with a one-day hotel bill with 3 months in advance. What if I have a last minute problem that prevents me from attending? I am concerned about last-minute problems, too. In January, the Minneapolis airport is sometimes subject to blizzards that shut down the airport. Also, my work schedule is sometimes very volatile, and it is difficult to plan a getaway months in advance.

[Jeff Corey]

Same here. I got my credit card bill with the registration, airfare and hotel on it and hope nothing comes up to prevent me and Ellen from travelling.
The airfare is non-refundable.
But I'm sure the hotel and TAM2 registration would be refundable.

[markb]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
Well, at least I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one. My credit card was charged with a one-day hotel bill with 3 months in advance. What if I have a last minute problem that prevents me from attending?

I'm pretty sure you will get a refund if you cancel at least 72 hours before you are scheduled to arrive. If you cancel within that 72 hour window, I guess you lose the money (but only the cost of one night).

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Hal said:The "break even point" is a trick question. For the pure conference itself, we are past it (just), but in order to secure the lower rates, we had to promise a certain number of rooms would be rented. We are well short of that now, as folks seem to be staying with friends, etc., more than we had thought. So, the room rental is the next really big hurtle to avoid losing big bucks. (if we fall short, we must pay up big time).
I presume the critical thing is the number of room-nights, not the number of rooms.

Let's say we get within a couple of weeks of the meeting and we are short by 50 room-nights. And let's say that the amount the JREF will lose because of this is more than the cost of those 50 room nights. Then 50 of us call the hotel and book an extra night, while the JREF refunds each of us the cost of that night. That way the JREF loses less money.

~~ Paul

[kittynh]

I also think we should make sure PIrate Lad gets 100% refund on everything if he has to go back to Iraq!

[MoeFaux]

Folks,
if you have any questions just drop Linda a note.

I personally, cringe at the thought of last minute TAM2 cancellations and refunds. Please don't assume anything; I don't know what the rule is, and if you have concerns regarding that, email Linda.

Also, I beleive that it's not room nights, it's actually rooms themselves. We agreed to fill a certain amount of rooms; we have a whole block of them. So it's not just length of stay that matters, it's how many rooms we use.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
The penguin will attend. I paid my registration fee, along with the fee for the Penn & Teller performance. I haven't bought plane tickets yet. I'll try to bring my girlfriend along if it fits her schedule.
Slight change in plans. My girlfriend dumped me to run off with an organ grinder's monkey. I'll still attend, but I'll be alone.

[kittynh]

Arctic, Kittens still free...

pay her way, plus all her tuition through grad school and she's all yours...

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
My girlfriend dumped me to run off with an organ grinder's monkey. Sorry to hear that, Penguin :(

[Jeff Corey]

The monkey (minkey) is free to stay with me and Ellen. We love minkes.
We had one for lunch.
Does you dug bite?

[renata]

OK, in order of people responding to the thread.
Patricio Elcer
arcticpenguin
Brown
ctaylor
Ladewig
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
Marc
Electric Monk
Girl 6
kittynh
citytom
Chaon
Dinonychus
Phil
Luciana Nery
Pirate_Lad
MoeFaux
Lisa and Eddie
Rose
UnrepentantSinner
Jeff Corey
markb
SkepticScott
Larry Barrieau
Chaos
deBergerac
The Bad Astronomer
The Central Scrutinizer
Byzantine Magpie
renata :)


I finally stopped procrastinating, sent off my chickenscratch and Linda informed me I am in. Mwuahahah! First step of my evil plan! I also got a ticket for P&T, and signed up for the Red Rock Canyon tour. I will be driving in a day or so early, and leaving a day or so late.

As an aside, I am impressed by the range of countries we have covered. We should do a map, and give some sort of prize to whoever traveled most.

I had thought there might be more forum people attending- anyone else?

[CFLarsen]

I'll be there, too.

[Chaos]

Originally posted by renata

As an aside, I am impressed by the range of countries we have covered. We should do a map, and give some sort of prize to whoever traveled most.


Distance or travel time?

Anyway, I apply for that prize.

I don´t know the exact distance I travel, but I have a total flight time of 13 hours, 22 minutes.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Chaos
I don´t know the exact distance I travel, but I have a total flight time of 13 hours, 22 minutes.

Dang, and I thought 3 hours without a cigarette would make me insane. No wonder I have no plans to head to Europe... Unless I can smoke on ship.. Hmmmm...

[Chaos]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner


Dang, and I thought 3 hours without a cigarette would make me insane. No wonder I have no plans to head to Europe... Unless I can smoke on ship.. Hmmmm...

There are smoking sections on intercontinental flights - at least with some airlines. I have a confirmed non-smoker reservation, but last time I flew to the USA (New York, back then), the flight was overbooked and I was placed in the smokers´ section. (Yuck!)

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Chaos
There are smoking sections on intercontinental flights - at least with some airlines. I have a confirmed non-smoker reservation, but last time I flew to the USA (New York, back then), the flight was overbooked and I was placed in the smokers´ section. (Yuck!)

As a smoker I'm sorry to hear that. But as a smoker, I'm glad to hear there are still smoking sections.

I know that Delta is non-smoking world wide, but there's always Air Freedom.. er.. France.

[Nyarlathotep]

Originally posted by renata

I had thought there might be more forum people attending- anyone else?

Yeah, things worked out where Chanileslie and I will be able to attend after all.

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by renata
I had thought there might be more forum people attending- anyone else?

I think that you can add the following people:

Stimpson J. Cat
shanek
thornhill

And, don't forget, you ALL get a hug from me. :D

G6

[Chaos]

And, don't forget, you ALL get a hug from me.

Is that a threat or a promise? :p

[SkepticScott]

Originally posted by Chaos
Is that a threat or a promise? :pIt's a REWARD, Chaos, obviously a reward! What were you thinking?

[Chaos]

Originally posted by SkepticScott
It's a REWARD, Chaos, obviously a reward! What were you thinking?

Nothing, obviously.

I had just returned from the dentist´s, - root canal - and the anesthesia was wearing off.

Yes, I am a whiner about pain (especially toothache). And I´m proud of it!

I have suffered. Pity me! :(

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Chaos


Nothing, obviously.

I had just returned from the dentist´s, - root canal - and the anesthesia was wearing off.

Yes, I am a whiner about pain (especially toothache). And I´m proud of it!

I have suffered. Pity me! :(

Hugs for Chaos! :D

Feel the love! :)

G6

[UnrepentantSinner]

Finally booked my flight. Arriving 12:45 Wednesday, departing 1:50 Monday.

Now I just need to decide if I'm going to rent a car or not.

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
Finally booked my flight. Arriving 12:45 Wednesday, departing 1:50 Monday. Good to know, Sinner

[Wyvern]

Originally posted by renata
*snip*
I had thought there might be more forum people attending- anyone else?
Hey, count me in, damnit! :D :D

I'll be arriving Wednesday following a leisurely drive, and leaving Monday after sleeping in. And I'm bringing some CA wines. :D

Now, about these P&T guys. I hear they're pretty good . . . Should I get a tickie?

[SkepticScott]

Originally posted by Wyvern
(snip) Now, about these P&T guys. I hear they're pretty good . . . Should I get a tickie? (snip)Of course! We want Las Vegas to be buzzing with talk of the very large group that attended P&T's show!;)

[kittynh]

Wyvern, bring your avatar kitty! I just love your avatar cat....he/she is saying, "hey, I'm not cute, I'm a CAT!"

that's no push over of a feline, you have to earn his respect...if you're lucky

(or is it just that face?)

[Wyvern]

You bet your @ss, Kitty, that cat is no pushover. :D
She rules the household. And she is notorious among my friends for her sour disposition. But when we go to the vet, she becomes a completely different person: all docile and wussie, and they comment on how sweet she is. She doesn't travel well, either, so you'll have to come to L.A. if you want to (dare to) meet her! :D

[darling]

Originally posted by renata
I had thought there might be more forum people attending- anyone else? Umm... I thought I'd replied to this thread too. Must have been just a similarly-named one.

Count me and Finella in.

[Mercutio]

After all my bitching and whining about not going...


pending final word, my hotel reservations are made, my registration has been faxed...flight plans to be made Monday...


...so does this mean I have to a) quit flirting with MoeFaux, b) flirt twice as much, or c) stay the course?

See you there!






:j1: :j1: :j1: :j1: :j2:

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by Mercutio
After all my bitching and whining about not going...


pending final word, my hotel reservations are made, my registration has been faxed...flight plans to be made Monday...


...so does this mean I have to a) quit flirting with MoeFaux, b) flirt twice as much, or c) stay the course?

See you there!



There was much rejoicing around the office today about you attending TAM2.


That's option B, sir.

[Marc]

Originally posted by Mercutio
...so does this mean I have to a) quit flirting with MoeFaux, b) flirt twice as much, or c) stay the course?


As if anyone could resist flirting with Moe. ;)

C'mon, we've both had the fantasy with the thing, and the other thing.



Maybe she knows the proper way to make use of a lawn chair, 6 milk bottles, and a tuning fork. ( let's see if anyone knows that reference )

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by Marc


As if anyone could resist flirting with Moe. ;)

C'mon, we've both had the fantasy with the thing, and the other thing.



Maybe she knows the proper way to make use of a lawn chair, 6 milk bottles, and a tuning fork. ( let's see if anyone knows that reference )

I don't know the reference, but I sure as hell know what to do with a tuning fork. I could figure out what to do with the rest.

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Marc

Maybe she knows the proper way to make use of a lawn chair, 6 milk bottles, and a tuning fork. ( let's see if anyone knows that reference ) Interesting...nope, don't know that one...do you know the reference for "mayonaise and rope"?






...not that that is similar or anything....

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by MoeFaux


There was much rejoicing around the office today about you attending TAM2.


That's option B, sir. Oh, good...I wasn't certain the money cleared. Those ink-bombs have a tendency to go off if handled incorrectly.


You did remember to tuck the bills into your g-string, right Moe? I mean, I'm really not sure any other way of giving money away works properly...

[Phil]

Originally posted by Marc
Maybe she knows the proper way to make use of a lawn chair, 6 milk bottles, and a tuning fork. ( let's see if anyone knows that reference )

Is this from the childrens version of Beowulf?

[Marc]

Originally posted by MoeFaux


I don't know the reference, but I sure as hell know what to do with a tuning fork. I could figure out what to do with the rest.

You will have to demonstrate, we can work togeather on what to do with the rest.

[Marc]

Originally posted by Phil


Is this from the childrens version of Beowulf?

nope, definitly not

[thornhill]

Originally posted by Marc


Maybe she knows the proper way to make use of a lawn chair, 6 milk bottles, and a tuning fork. ( let's see if anyone knows that reference )

How about the Return of the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes:D

Amazing what you can find on the net ...

[Pirate_Lad]

Originally posted by kittynh
I also think we should make sure PIrate Lad gets 100% refund on everything if he has to go back to Iraq!

Ah, kitty. You're too kind. But I've already decided to send someone else from the forums in case I get sent off. That way my good deed for the year is out of the way nice & early. :D

[hal bidlack]

Don't worry, PL, we'll definately take care of you if you go back. And I'm buying the DVDs for you (assuming they get made!) and a teeshirt, and I'll be announcing you from the podium, so the whole group (P&T, Randi, etc.) can properly applaud you. I sure wish I could go with you.

hal

[Marc]

Originally posted by thornhill


How about the Return of the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes:D

Amazing what you can find on the net ...

it is just Return of the Killer Tomatoes, Attack was the first one, then I think we got Killer tomatoes strike back.. or was it revenge? Lastly Killer Tomatoes Eat France. Heard there might be a fifth one in the making.

All fine classics! :D

[Pirate_Lad]

Originally posted by hal bidlack
Don't worry, PL, we'll definately take care of you if you go back. And I'm buying the DVDs for you (assuming they get made!) and a teeshirt, and I'll be announcing you from the podium, so the whole group (P&T, Randi, etc.) can properly applaud you. I sure wish I could go with you.

hal

Oh no...no you're not. I'm far too 'umble [/heep]

Seriously though, I didn't do anything more worthy of recognition than any of the other thousands over there. I just feel weird about getting public attention over it when so many people have done so much more than me.

That probably makes no sense to 99% of you. I don't know how to explain it.

As an aside, for anyone that cares to know, My friend Luke, the guy who got me to sign up for the Marine Corps got out just last year. He recieved a letter on Tuesday informing him that he may be recalled back to active duty. Apparantly, he gets some say into which unit he gets reassigned to. I told him to try for my company and if he gets in, I'll volunteer to head over w/ him.

More news as I get it. But you folks will probably know before I do. :P

-- Dave

[renata]

Updated list :)

Patricio Elcer
arcticpenguin
Brown
ctaylor
Ladewig
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
Marc
Electric Monk
Girl 6
kittynh
citytom
Chaon
Dinonychus
Phil
Luciana Nery
Pirate_Lad
MoeFaux
Lisa and Eddie
Rose
UnrepentantSinner
Jeff Corey
markb
SkepticScott
Larry Barrieau
Chaos
deBergerac
The Bad Astronomer
The Central Scrutinizer
Byzantine Magpie
renata
CFLarsen
Nyarlathotep
Chanileslie
Stimpson J. Cat
shanek
thornhill
Wyvern- hopefully wearing something purple ;) (Guys, when you meet Wyvern, just whisper Batman Batman Batman Batman Batman Batman Batman to her...see what happens)
budddyh
Finella
Mercutio (and there was much rejoicing- better sharpen up that quill!)

This looks like fun. I better start catching up on sleep now, as I want to talk to everyone! :)

[Patricio Elicer]

Thanks for the list update, Renata. I feel kinda guilty for not doing that myself, what an unforgivable neglect! :o . Well, all in all I have other duties I must take care of now :)

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Mercutio
After all my bitching and whining about not going...


pending final word, my hotel reservations are made, my registration has been faxed...flight plans to be made Monday...


...so does this mean I have to a) quit flirting with MoeFaux, b) flirt twice as much, or c) stay the course?

See you there!

Uh-huh... So, you're going now, eh? ;)

Moe, we've got a job to do... :D

G6

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Pirate_Lad


Oh no...no you're not. I'm far too 'umble [/heep]

Seriously though, I didn't do anything more worthy of recognition than any of the other thousands over there. I just feel weird about getting public attention over it when so many people have done so much more than me.

That probably makes no sense to 99% of you. I don't know how to explain it.

As an aside, for anyone that cares to know, My friend Luke, the guy who got me to sign up for the Marine Corps got out just last year. He recieved a letter on Tuesday informing him that he may be recalled back to active duty. Apparantly, he gets some say into which unit he gets reassigned to. I told him to try for my company and if he gets in, I'll volunteer to head over w/ him.

More news as I get it. But you folks will probably know before I do. :P

-- Dave

That makes perfect sense to me. :)

But, if I can be selfish here... My wish is for you to go to TAM2 so that all of us can meet you. But, if your wish is to be with your unit, then I hope that your friend will be there for you.

Thanks, as always, for sharing your news with us.

G6

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Girl 6


Uh-huh... So, you're going now, eh? ;)

Moe, we've got a job to do... :D

G6 Note to self: be afraid. be very afraid.



:p

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Mercutio
Note to self: be afraid. be very afraid.



:p

SILENCE!

{brings out whip}

Moe, where are those leather fur-lined cuffs? :D

G6

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

G6 said:Moe, where are those leather fur-lined cuffs?
What on Earth is the point of making something out of leather if it's just going to be lined with fur? Geez, I just don't understand fashion.

I'm beginning to think that skepticism and flirtatiousness work well together.

~~ Paul

[Wyvern]

Originally posted by renata
(snip) Guys, when you meet Wyvern, just whisper Batman Batman Batman Batman Batman Batman Batman to her... I can think of even better things to whisper in my ear...;)

[Pirate_Lad]

Originally posted by Girl 6


That makes perfect sense to me. :)

But, if I can be selfish here... My wish is for you to go to TAM2 so that all of us can meet you. But, if your wish is to be with your unit, then I hope that your friend will be there for you.

Thanks, as always, for sharing your news with us.

G6

Ah, trust me. I vastly prefer TAM2 to the great litterbox. But I can't let that dumb jarhead go over there alone. He'll end up getting himself killed when he mistakes blasting caps for chewing gum or something.

If it happens, it probably won't happen until Feb. Keep yer fingers crossed.

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
G6 said:
What on Earth is the point of making something out of leather if it's just going to be lined with fur? Geez, I just don't understand fashion.

I'm beginning to think that skepticism and flirtatiousness work well together.

~~ Paul

:roll:

Trust me, Paul. There is NO logic to fashion. :D

G6

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Pirate_Lad


Ah, trust me. I vastly prefer TAM2 to the great litterbox. But I can't let that dumb jarhead go over there alone. He'll end up getting himself killed when he mistakes blasting caps for chewing gum or something.

If it happens, it probably won't happen until Feb. Keep yer fingers crossed.

We need a finger crossing smiley! :D

G6

[PeterB]

Originally posted by renata
Updated list :)

Plus PeterB

I might be a newbie in the forum, but I will definitely be at TAM2. It even says it in the brochure!

[Jeff Corey]

What about the pre-meeting meeting in San Diego? We'll be there a few days before TAM while the ratbags are carousing in Tiajuana.

[PeterB]

Originally posted by Jeff Corey
What about the pre-meeting meeting in San Diego? We'll be there a few days before TAM while the ratbags are carousing in Tiajuana.

I'll be in San Diego from sometime Friday January 9 to sometime Sunday January 11. We will be going to Tijuana on Saturday and driving to LA on Sunday. Lunch (early) in San Diego that day is a possibility but I won't know until I find out times for the people I am meeting in LA.

[Jeff Corey]

We'll be arriving at San Diego at 3 P.M., so it looks like we'll meet in Vegas later that week.

[Doubt]

Well, I just faxed in my registration form to Linda. I had been procrastinating since my job situation is a bit uncertain at the moment. Anybody need a controls and/or field engineer who is willing to travel 90% of the time? But I still have a job for now and I needed to make a choice.

See you all there.

Now I still need to book a flight and the hotel and think about a car. Probably see about using some frequent filer miles that have been gathering dust for a few years.

I will probably get in on Thursday morning and leave sometime Monday.

[shanek]

Well, the registration is made and the plane tickets are bought. So pretty much only an act of God could stop me from attending, and since I don't believe in God...

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by shanek
Well, the registration is made and the plane tickets are bought. So pretty much only an act of God could stop me from attending, and since I don't believe in God... Good to know Shane, see you there!!

[Mercutio]

How is it possible that no one has added Cleopatra to this thread yet?

[Patricio Elicer]

Well, at only 12 days from the magnum event, this is the updated list of forum members attendees.

If I have omitted someone, please forgive my neglect and let me know. If I have mistakenly included someone, please let me know as well.

My suggestion: take a printout of this post with you to TAM2, so as you won't regret later for not having met in person any people.


1. arcticpenguin
2. AtheistArchon
3. bignickel
4. Brown
5. budddyh
6. Byzantine Magpie
7. CFLarsen
8. Chanileslie
9. chaon
10. Chaos
11. citytom
12. Cleopatra
13. cosmic
14. ctaylor
15. DeBergerac
16. Dinonychus
17. Electric Monk
18. exarch
19. Finella
20. Foofer
21. Girl 6
22. Jeff Corey
23. kittynh
24. Ladewig
25. Larry Barrieau
26. Lisa
27. Luciana Nery
28. Marc
29. markb
30. Mercutio
31. MoeFaux
32. Nyarlathotep
33. Patricio Elicer
34. Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
35. Peter Jenkins
36. PeterB
37. Phil
38. Pirate_Lad
39. renata
40. Rose
41. shanek
42. SkepticScott
43. sparklecat
44. Stimpson J. Cat
45. The Bad Astronomer
46. The Central Scrutinizer
47. thornhill
48. UnrepentantSinner
49. Wyvern

[Luciana]

Thanks, Patricio!

1 female to each 5 males?? Well... last year the ratio was certainly worse, so I guess I shouldn't complain. All power to the skepchicks! :)

I still haven't bought my ticket. :( All flights are crowded, except for one, but it costs US$1,450! I'm in the waiting list for a US$950 flight. My travel agent said I have very good chance, as many cancellations happen after the New Year. So, everybody, root for me! My travel agent already recognizes my "hello" because I call him twice a day. :D Last year I bought at the last minute, but a) there were plenty of seats, and I was just waiting for a promotion, b) many flights to the US were cancelled and c) tourism has increased because of our currently stable currency.

Anyway, I've paid for the registration and Penn & Teller already and, most importantly, I don't want to disappoint my skepchick-roommates. :) surely no one is curious?

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Luciana Nery
surely no one is curious? Curiosity and skepticism go hand in hand...I demand video evidence! Or, failing that, I volunteer, at great personal expense, to investigate the matter personally...


Seriously, best of luck getting a flight. Let us know if we need to knock off anybody to open up a space for you...

[Patricio Elicer]

Luciana,

Whaaaaat?,... now you're speaking of "good chance". You won't disappoint me and the other guys, will you?

[Chaos]

$1,450 ???

:eek:

$950 ???

:eek:

Only for the flight? (Please tell me this includes the return flight...)

And still it is not sure you will get one?

I am a little further from Vegas than you are, and I pay 625 Euro (ca. $750) for a two-way ticket.

I already bought my ticket in November, and the best flights were still already booked out.

[Luciana]

Mercutio, Patricio - most of all, I'd be disappointing myself! I dreamt of Vegas today. :)

True, Chaos. I too was poorly impressed with the price. Last year I paid $650 for Miami, nowadays I wouldn't find it for less than $800. Mid-January means top price.

Renata tried in many discount websites and couldn't find anything for less than $1050. We also thought of other alternatives such as Rio-Miami-Vegas, or Rio-Houston-Vegas, or Rio-LA-Vegas, with connections and separate tickets, but there was no discernible difference. We concluded that that $950 flight is the best, at least it's a direct flight. Plus, in Brazil, I can pay in 10 installments with no interest (paying things in installments is a national sport here... I did that last year), something impossible if I bought the ticket through a US website.

Anyway... you'll just have to root for me. :)

[CFLarsen]

All the more reason to hold TAM3 in New York!

We have to face the fact that TAM is a huge success, and we have to consider how we best get people to attend. Since this is a global event, one very important factor will be accessibility. It has to be one of the biggest hubs of the world. There aren't that many, actually: New York. London. Perhaps Paris, if the Americans can camouflage themselves with Canadian flags.

It will also be easier to get more media attention in a big city.

No offense, I look forward to seeing Las Vegas, but it is a wee bit off the beaten track.

[Jeff Corey]

New York City would work for me. I could walk to the train station and use public transport.
We could all catch a taping of "Crossdressing Over with Ed Johnward".

[bug_girl]

when will the next location and date be announced/decided?

[Chaos]

I suggest that we hold TAM3 in Frankfurt.

- Rhein-Main Airport is also a big international air travel hub

- the city has plenty of hotels big enough for us

- the Casinos of Wiesbaden and Bad Homburg are less than an hour´s train ride away

- being a banking center, Frankfurt am Main (nicknamed Mainhattan) has some of the flair of New York; it certainly has the same traffic problems

- I´m fairly certain it would be cheaper than either Vegas or New York

- while the Tigerpalast ("tiger palace") can´t reach either Siegfried & Roy or Penn & Teller, it some of both shows, and other international artists...

- it certainly has more "serious" culture and history than either Vegas or New York, for those who are interested.


Edited to add: and these are only the advantages I could come up with on the fly...

[geni]

No no you wan to try Hul:

Garenteed to be the best show in town

Cheap

There is an airport

Everyone speaks english (sort of)

Chance to buy the most ironic T-shirt ever (slogan it's never dull in hull)

Senserble licensing laws

If you stay on for a few days and vist the rest of the UK everything will look good.

Student hall avaible for ultra cheap acomerdation if the confrence is held during the holidays

The roads are suprisingly good (public transport is worth using)

It has history (it is where one of britians civil wars sort of started and there was that spat with iceland)

Alturnativly you could try London which I think beats Frankfurt on everything except price. On the downside it migh be a bit close to Uri Geller.

[bug_girl]

i have always wanted to go, and some friends tell me it's beautiful. for those who are doubters:

skepchicks and thermal hot springs.......

[Mercutio]

No, no, no, no, no! The obvious choice for TAM3 is Manchester, New Hampshire! It has close access to Shemp, and...

...um..

er...


...Did I mention Shemp? ...I did...


well, I think they have a conference center...


What? Shemp is a negative? Ok, proximity to KittyNH, then...


and...


Never mind.

[kittynh]

Spofford Village NH!

If everyone brings sleeping bags we can bunk down in the barns for FREE!

There is the Chesterfield Gorge home of the famous Chessie Gorge Monster.

There is security provided by the ATF agents watching my gun crazy neighbor.

IF we bring or borrow cross country skiis and snowshoes we can go on fun and educational walks

We can strap on fake big feet and leave prints in the snow that will scare the neighbors...

Bad Astronomer will love the clear nights (pretty pollution free here) and wonderful viewing (no street lights and we can shoot out the neighbors garage lights if they are on)

But, hey, I want to get out of here in the winter...so how about Hawaii???

[Jeff Corey]

Originally posted by Chaos
- it certainly has more "serious" culture and history than either Vegas or New York, for those who are interested.
Have you ever been to New York?

[Marc]

Providence!!

All skepchicks can stay for free! at my house :)

[kittynh]

VEGAS IS DANGEROUS!!!!!

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040104/ap_on_en_mu/britney_spears_wedding

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Jeff Corey

Have you ever been to New York?

Have YOU ever been to Frankfurt?

[geni]

Originally posted by Chaos


Have YOU ever been to Frankfurt?

I'm still saying London beats both on everything except price.

[Chaos]

This argument can go on in circles until doomsday. Oh, well, until TAM3, that is...

And Frankfurt is STILL the best choice :D

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Holy Ed, look at that list of attendees. With this crowd, no opinion will be left unturned.

~~ Paul

[Rose]

Europe or England is ok by me for TAM 3, but make it in mid February. Why? For no other reason than to accomodate me, of course, since I'll be in England on the last weekend of the month anyways. I'd just as soon fly over and do some touristy stuff between TAM 3 and the SF convention i'm attending. SOO much easier than having to book two flights across the pond...

...I'd really like to offer Richmond Virginia as a viable site, but alas, not even my State Loyalty can overcome my integrity to the point of trying to sell the place as more than it is...

[Jeff Corey]

Originally posted by Chaos
Have YOU ever been to Frankfurt?
No but I ate one once.
That reminds of two quotes involving Germany.
J.F.K.: Ich bin ein Berliner.
Hitler: My Dog has no Nose.

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by bug_girl
when will the next location and date be announced/decided?

We'll probably hear about it in May or June.

[Linda]

Actually, this is one of the questions on the evaluation forms. We're seriously thinking about Orlando, Vegas again, or Toronto. New York's a good idea too, but I don't like NYC in January. How about LA? Anyway, we'll decide before May. I've already gotten some proposals from Orlando/Disneyworld area. Hotel rates are more expensive...in the $120 - $140 range.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Originally posted by Linda
Actually, this is one of the questions on the evaluation forms. We're seriously thinking about Orlando, Vegas again, or Toronto. New York's a good idea too, but I don't like NYC in January. How about LA? Anyway, we'll decide before May. I've already gotten some proposals from Orlando/Disneyworld area. Hotel rates are more expensive...in the $120 - $140 range.

New Orleans? Memphis? St. Louis? Chicago?

[bug_girl]

chicago is not a good idea for january. right now, i am looking out my window at about 5 inches of snow, and it's still coming down.
how about san diego?

please, please, somewhere warm

[Cleopatra]

Originally posted by bug_girl

please, please, somewhere warm

Greece? :D

[sparklecat]

Originally posted by The Central Scrutinizer

New Orleans?

New Orleans sounds lovely :)

[exarch]

Originally posted by bug_girl
chicago is not a good idea for january. right now, i am looking out my window at about 5 inches of snow, and it's still coming down.
how about san diego?

please, please, somewhere warmYou are from Chicago? Cool :cool:
I'll be staying in Chicago for a few days before TAM2, as I know some people not too far away.

Anyway, I agree on the warm place. Does TAM have to be in January-February, or is there a possibility to move it somewhere later in the year, like April?

Otherwise, the south is going to be the least cold option ...

[bug_girl]

Not chicago, but almost close enought to smell Gary, Indianna.

(a midwest "in" joke)

Greece! I like Greece!!

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by sparklecat


New Orleans sounds lovely :)

Especially if held around Mardi Gras.





What? Somebody had to say it.

[geni]

Realistly at the moment I suspect most of the market for TAM is in the US and as such to get the maxium number of atendees It is going to be nesscuary to hold it in the US for the forseeable future. If it becomes even more sucessful then it would probably be worth holding the event in Europe at some point.

[Patricio Elicer]

Update of the "updated" list to add dimossi. Sorry dimossi :o

1. arcticpenguin
2. AtheistArchon
3. bignickel
4. Brown
5. budddyh
6. Byzantine Magpie
7. CFLarsen
8. Chanileslie
9. chaon
10. Chaos
11. citytom
12. Cleopatra
13. cosmic
14. ctaylor
15. DeBergerac
16. dimossi
17. Dinonychus
18. Electric Monk
19. exarch
20. Finella
21. Foofer
22. Girl 6
23. Jeff Corey
24. kittynh
25. Ladewig
26. Larry Barrieau
27. Lisa
28. Luciana Nery
29. Marc
30. markb
31. Mercutio
32. MoeFaux
33. Nyarlathotep
34. Patricio Elicer
35. Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
36. Peter Jenkins
37. PeterB
38. Phil
39. Pirate_Lad
40. renata
41. Rose
42. shanek
43. SkepticScott
44. sparklecat
45. Stimpson J. Cat
46. The Bad Astronomer
47. The Central Scrutinizer
48. thornhill
49. UnrepentantSinner
50. Wyvern

[Electric Monk]

Originally posted by Luciana Nery
1 female to each 5 males?? Well... last year the ratio was certainly worse, so I guess I shouldn't complain.Unless I'm seriously confused about the genders of some members (or the members of some genders), it is actually very close to 1:3.

I've met 13 of the 50 listed already IRL, and am looking forward to meeting the rest of you.

--James

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Electric Monk
I've met 13 of the 50 listed already IRL, and am looking forward to meeting the rest of you.
To the best of my knowledge, I have met none of these 50. So, enjoy your last week and a bit of ... whatever you might call it.

Will there be collectible skepchick figurines? I want to collect them all!

[thornhill]

Originally posted by Linda
We're seriously thinking about Orlando, Vegas again, or Toronto.

The following is a totally non-biased statement provided on behalf of the Toronto Tourist Board -- You too can be a Toronto Ambassador

The obvious place for TAM3. Walking tours of important places in Randi's past will be provided. Only an hour from NYC and Chicago with direct flights to Europe and Asia (change planes in Vancouver for Australia). The Canadian dollar is still at a 20% discount to the Yankee buck. Billed as the most multicultural city in the world (I didn't say it was, I said that's how it was billed).

Vote Toronto for TAM3! (We lost the Olympics twice -- please help us win something)
:D

[thornhill]

Originally posted by Mercutio


Will there be collectible skepchick figurines? I want to collect them all!

I'm looking for a Girl 6 Bobblehead doll.

[bug_girl]

toronto is a lovely city. i'd go for that one, even if it is cold there.

and dear Ed, not orlando. [shudder].
new orleans not in the running for warm places, then?
san diego has a great insect zoo!

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by bug_girl
toronto is a lovely city. i'd go for that one, even if it is cold there.

and dear Ed, not orlando. [shudder].
new orleans not in the running for warm places, then?
san diego has a great insect zoo! Isn't there a butterfly park just north of Niagara Falls? That is an easy field trip from Toronto...

I love Toronto. Got family there. Clean subways. Lots of snow. Love Toronto.

[kittynh]

Another vote for Toronto!!!

My brother lives in Ottawa, there is no way he could get out of coming if it were in Toronto! Plus, Pool Boy gets to go there on business all the time....and I've never been!

Little cold though...

[Girl 6]

Toronto? OH NO!!! Not in the winter, thank you! We need somewhere warm!!! :D

G6

[exarch]

Originally posted by Girl 6
Toronto? OH NO!!! Not in the winter, thank you! We need somewhere warm!!! :DExactly!
The one occasion we get to see the skepchicks all in one place, we want to see as much of them as possible :D

[thornhill]

Originally posted by Mercutio
Isn't there a butterfly park just north of Niagara Falls? That is an easy field trip from Toronto...

I love Toronto. Got family there. Clean subways. Lots of snow. Love Toronto.

There is a butterfly park in Niagara Falls, just an hour and a half hour run from the city. There is also a smaller butterfly park in the northwest end of the city. The Falls is worth the trip for the Festival of Lights run during the winter. I'm afraid we can't offer much in the way of snow however. Most of the snow heads to Buffalo and the city has received almost none in the last few years except for the occasional storm.

Originally posted by bug_girl
toronto is a lovely city. i'd go for that one, even if it is cold there.


Although it is a little chilly today (around -10 C) it was warm enough to play golf on the weekend (12 C or around 50 F). Besides, the Underground City connects almost all of downtown so the more warm blooded skeptics need never come out of doors.

Home of the Hockey Hall of Fame, great live theatre, friendly people and safe, clean streets -- vote Toronto for TAM3.

Brought to you by the Toronto Tourist Board. (We lost the Olympics twice -- please help us win something)
:D

[sparklecat]

Toronto, huh? Cold maybe, but there are always daytrips to see my relatives :p


Make my vote for New Orleans a little more emphatic.

[PeterB]

If TAM3 can't be held in some easily-accessible place like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra or Parramatta, then I vote for New Orleans.

Long before the Superdome
Where the Saints of football play...
Lived a city that the damned call home
Hear their hellish rondelet...

New Orleans!
Home or pirates, drunks and whores
New Orleans!
Tacky, overpriced souvenir store
If you want to go to hell, you should take a trip
To the Sodom and Gomorrah of the Mississip'
New Orleans!
Stinking, rotten, vomiting, vile
New Orleans!
Putrid, brackish, maggotty, foul
New Orleans!
Crummy, lousy, rancid and rank
New Orleans!

[Girl 6]

NEW ORLEANS!!! :D Love the jazz and the steaminess of it!

G6

[Patricio Elicer]

Latest update on JREF forum attendees list, to add WonderfulWorld :o

1. arcticpenguin
2. AtheistArchon
3. bignickel
4. Brown
5. budddyh
6. Byzantine Magpie
7. CFLarsen
8. Chanileslie
9. chaon
10. Chaos
11. citytom
12. Cleopatra
13. cosmic
14. ctaylor
15. DeBergerac
16. dimossi
17. Dinonychus
18. Electric Monk
19. exarch
20. Finella
21. Foofer
22. Girl 6
23. Jeff Corey
24. kittynh
25. Ladewig
26. Larry Barrieau
27. Lisa
28. Luciana Nery
29. Marc
30. markb
31. Mercutio
32. MoeFaux
33. Nyarlathotep
34. Patricio Elicer
35. Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
36. Peter Jenkins
37. PeterB
38. Phil
39. Pirate_Lad
40. renata
41. Rose
42. shanek
43. SkepticScott
44. sparklecat
45. Stimpson J. Cat
46. The Bad Astronomer
47. The Central Scrutinizer
48. thornhill
49. UnrepentantSinner
50. WonderfulWorld
51. Wyvern

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
Latest update on JREF forum attendees list, to add WonderfulWorld :o
In stores now! Collect them all! Trade with your friends!



girl6 whip, moefaux pole, cleopatra crocodiles, renata action snowglobe sold separately. batteries not included. 12-month warranty not valid in tennessee or mississippi. not meant as playthings for children under the age of three. your mileage may vary. these statements have not been reviewed by the FDA for any reason whatsoever.

[Chanileslie]

Originally posted by Mercutio
In stores now! Collect them all! Trade with your friends!



girl6 whip, moefaux pole, cleopatra crocodiles, renata action snowglobe sold separately. batteries not included. 12-month warranty not valid in tennessee or mississippi. not meant as playthings for children under the age of three. your mileage may vary. these statements have not been reviewed by the FDA for any reason whatsoever.

OOOOHHH, so many choices!! I want them all, but where will I keep them? Unlike, Kitty, I have no basement!

[Luciana]

This needs to be bumped! I don't want to miss anyone this time.

[Doubt]

Just noticed the posts about the next TAM.

I would love to see it done at a woo-woo location, but the Burmuda triangle could be a bit expensive.

I do like Toranto. I can drive there. It is a cool city. Many buildings are connected underground, so you don't have to freeze going outside.


:D

[Julia]

I can't believe it!!!

What a strange couple of days. Yesterday a wacked out stranger shot at me. Today I wake up to find out I'm going to TAM!!!

Life can sure be weird and wonderful.

And Cleo and Girl6, thank you again. You have no idea . . . thank you, thank you, thank you!

[PeterB]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
Latest update on JREF forum attendees list, to add WonderfulWorld :o

1. arcticpenguin
2. AtheistArchon
3. bignickel
4. Brown
5. budddyh
6. Byzantine Magpie
7. CFLarsen
8. Chanileslie
9. chaon
10. Chaos
11. citytom
12. Cleopatra
13. cosmic
14. ctaylor
15. DeBergerac
16. dimossi
17. Dinonychus
18. Electric Monk
19. exarch
20. Finella
21. Foofer
22. Girl 6
23. Jeff Corey
24. kittynh
25. Ladewig
26. Larry Barrieau
27. Lisa
28. Luciana Nery
29. Marc
30. markb
31. Mercutio
32. MoeFaux
33. Nyarlathotep
34. Patricio Elicer
35. Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
36. Peter Jenkins
37. PeterB
38. Phil
39. Pirate_Lad
40. renata
41. Rose
42. shanek
43. SkepticScott
44. sparklecat
45. Stimpson J. Cat
46. The Bad Astronomer
47. The Central Scrutinizer
48. thornhill
49. UnrepentantSinner
50. WonderfulWorld
51. Wyvern

Plus SkeptoBabe (who will be bringing SkeptoBear). She will be very annoyed if she is here for nothing!!!

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
3. bignickel
4. Brown
5. budddyh
10. Chaos
11. citytom
13. cosmic
14. ctaylor
15. DeBergerac
17. Dinonychus
19. exarch
20. Finella
22. Girl 6
23. Jeff Corey
24. kittynh
26. Larry Barrieau
27. Lisa
28. Luciana Nery
29. Marc
30. markb
32. MoeFaux
34. Patricio Elicer
35. Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
37. PeterB
38. Phil
39. Pirate_Lad
40. renata
42. shanek
43. SkepticScott
44. sparklecat
46. The Bad Astronomer
47. The Central Scrutinizer
48. thornhill
49. UnrepentantSinner
51. Wyvern
As of Day 1, this is whom I have seen here so far. If you are on Patricio's list and not mine, I would appreciate it if you would find me before noon on Sun. I'd love to meet all of you.

I almost forgot about Pool Boy. Yes, he is here, although I haven't met him nor kittynh officially yet.