who is NOT signed up for dinner with Randi?

[kittynh]

well, shame on you, you should be! But if like myself you find you cannot afford it, maybe we should have a JREF dinner before the Penn and Teller show. Pool Boy will be renting a car, and we could have car pools to the show (or is it close enough to walk?)

This could be fun and ensure that everyone gets a ride (Pool Boy will be wearing his pool outfit to dinner and the show;) )

[arcticpenguin]

I'm not doing the Randi dinner. Perhaps my girlfriend and I will join you.

[Marc]

I waste money on too many other things to afford dinner with the Big R. maybe I'll join you

[Zep]

*SOB!* I'm not either! But then I will be 15,000 kilometers away anyway. Sulking, probably.

[kittynh]

oh come on!!! No maybe!!!!

Seems like everyone is doing Penn and Teller. I'll teach everyone my one and only magic trick.

[Marc]

Ya talked me into it

:cool:

[kittynh]

All I need for my magic trick is a blow torch, several sharp spears, and a penguin...

actually, I need some rope and a blanket or table cloth (which sounds interesting enough)

[darling]

At $500 for the two of us, no way.

It's kind of sad, because maybe if we hadn't donated to JREF already we might have been able to afford it. But really, I can think of a lot better uses for the $$...

So an alternative would be wonderful. I think we might have a car, if that helps...

[MoeFaux]

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to walk to the Rio. While it would only take about 20 minutes, you would have to pass over an over pass that does not have a sidewalk. While people do it, they only do it because they don't realize there's the overpass.
Someone should be able to drive you over, or the Rio might be able to send a hotel shuttle over.

[MoeFaux]

There are several very nice restaurants in the Rio (I eat at Buzio's seafood all the time), and there's a really nice easy-on-the-wallet place right next to the theatre entrance called the San Paulo. I'm not sure what my schedule is, but it might be really fun to join up for a pre-show dinner!

[Patricio Elicer]

I can't afford the dinner with Randi either, so count me in for the alternative dinner. Good idea Kittynh!

[UnrepentantSinner]

I'm in...

[Dinonychus]

Originally posted by kittynh
well, shame on you, you should be! But if like myself you find you cannot afford it, maybe we should have a JREF dinner before the Penn and Teller show. Pool Boy will be renting a car, and we could have car pools to the show (or is it close enough to walk?)

This could be fun and ensure that everyone gets a ride (Pool Boy will be wearing his pool outfit to dinner and the show;) ) Sounds like fun. I was just planning on watching TV until P&T's show.

[renata]

I am not having dinner with Randi, and I will have a car, I am driving in from LA :)

[Jeff Corey]

We may not be able to attend at all. Last year, the university paid most of my expenses, but not Ellen's. This year the $500 registration fees, the food and hotel (about $550) and the $750 air fare will strain our budget well past the limit. So if we do go, Ellen won't register and we will avoid all the high cost frills, like the P & T show, workshop and Dinner with Randi..
So, if we do manage to make it, we plan to hang around the hotel lounge to socialize and seek out some of the free buffets that some of the casinos offer.
And attend G6's saturday night party.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Jeff, it sucks that the school won't pay for it, but I just want to say please ensure Ellen is there (maybe she can benifit from the Skeperson telethon) and bring "the hat." Nothing Jeremy Ian Swiss did mezmerized me as much as "the hat." ;)

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
Jeff, it sucks that the school won't pay for it, but I just want to say please ensure Ellen is there (maybe she can benifit from the Skeperson telethon) and bring "the hat." Nothing Jeremy Ian Swiss did mezmerized me as much as "the hat." ;)

Hat? What is this hat of which you speak?
Do you mean Jamy Ian Swiss?

[kittynh]

Jeff! Pool Boy can't afford to attend the conference either! Myabe he and Ellen could hang out. He's looking for someone or someones to see the sites with (he doesn't gamble, I'm talking Hoover Dam or whatever else passes for culture in the area). He's harmless and good at fetching things. The great part is that I have him volunteered to help Hal and Linda move boxes with books and tshirts - and he doesn't even mind even though he can't attend anything! Please, someone take this man to see Hoover Dam (he will have a car, so you don't need to get a car Jeff, ok? We can shuttle you around. )

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by MoeFaux
Hat? What is this hat of which you speak?
Do you mean Jamy Ian Swiss? I will miss Jeff and his hat :(

[Jeff Corey]

Coincidentally, I was just notified today that the school will foot part of the bill, so it looks like Ellen, the hat and I will be there for at least part of TAM2.

[Rose]

Attending the conference, not doing the Randi dinner(unless I catch unexpected overtime and there are tickets still available) and I am driving in from the East Coast, so will have wheels. So I'm interested. Perhaps we should establish the price range we're interested in per person, so we can decide on where to eat. Then we can decide on the type of cuisine and come up with a short list of alternatives.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Rose
Attending the conference, not doing the Randi dinner(unless I catch unexpected overtime and there are tickets still available) and I am driving in from the East Coast, so will have wheels. So I'm interested. Perhaps we should establish the price range we're interested in per person, so we can decide on where to eat. Then we can decide on the type of cuisine and come up with a short list of alternatives.
Or we could do it the usual way: Put off the decision until the last minute, then waste an hour discussing possible eating places, which generally goes like this: "I don't care. How about you?" Running short on time, we then make a last-minute run on McD's.

[Rose]

Articpenguin, you're scaring me. The only problem with that scenario is that most of the fast food places in Vegas aren't that fast, from what I've seen. Still, there is Caesar's food court, which would offer a fairly wide selection in a limited area. Perhaps we can settle on a time to meet, so that we can use up that hour and still manage to eat before the show.

[kittynh]

I'm asking Moe to help pick a place and give us a price guide...

It would be nice to be at the Rio, but not if it is going to cost us $250 to eat anyway! I'm thinking between $20-50 (everyone laugh...) That might be doable. Then maybe we can get a guesstimate of size of group, though hopefully we can add people as we want for a reservation. Moe knows Vegas (is that old or what?)

Pool Boy says only $100 to eat dinner with him. I told him where to put his dinner! and he has to wear the Poolboy outift too.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Rose
Articpenguin, you're scaring me. The only problem with that scenario is that most of the fast food places in Vegas aren't that fast, from what I've seen. Still, there is Caesar's food court, which would offer a fairly wide selection in a limited area. Perhaps we can settle on a time to meet, so that we can use up that hour and still manage to eat before the show.
That's how it usually goes for me. Of course in my line of work I tend to be around a lot of introverted people, so there is usually a 'leadership void' at such times. It sounds like you could fill that void.

I would hope we could do better than $20 each, or is the day of the cheap casino buffet over?

[kittynh]

Great plan Arctic! ROSE YOU BE IN CHARGE! PM Moe!

I'm an artist, I sit in the dark all day waiting for the right light drinking myself into a stupor while I take solace in the fact that after I'm dead my work will finally be appreciated. this is not great training for leadership...

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Is there really time between the end of the TAM2 and the P&T show to have a reasonable dinner without getting indigestion in the process?

~~ Paul

[Jeff Corey]

Plan B:
Those of us who are on the no-frills TAM2 Plan save money on P & T and scout out some best buys for dinner in Vegas. For aferdinner drinks, we pick up some Ripple and a couple of six packs of Busch Beer and go to G6's room,

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
That's how it usually goes for me. Of course in my line of work I tend to be around a lot of introverted people, so there is usually a 'leadership void' at such times. It sounds like you could fill that void.

I would hope we could do better than $20 each, or is the day of the cheap casino buffet over? I agree, someone has to play the role of the dictator for these meetings to succeed. Democracy will only turn things into a mess. So I'll await orders.

Ahh, and only a $20 - $40 range is good for me,... please!!

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Jeff Corey
Plan B:
Those of us who are on the no-frills TAM2 Plan save money on P & T and scout out some best buys for dinner in Vegas. For aferdinner drinks, we pick up some Ripple and a couple of six packs of Busch Beer and go to G6's room,


Well, I am going to the P&T thing. But, I can't afford to go to anything else.

I'm quite happy to host a party in my room afterwards! :D

G6

[Electric Monk]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
Is there really time between the end of the TAM2 and the P&T show to have a reasonable dinner without getting indigestion in the process?Well, since the dinner with Randi is being held during the time period in question, I sure hope so....

--James

[markb]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
Is there really time between the end of the TAM2 and the P&T show to have a reasonable dinner without getting indigestion in the process?

Last I heard (see here (http://host.randi.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&postid=1870070182#post1870070182)), TAM2 ends for the day at 5PM. Penn and Teller's show begins at 9PM. That sounds like plenty of time to me.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Oh, P&T is at 9:00 pm. Yes, that should do the trick.

~~ Paul

[MoeFaux]

For those going to P&T, I suggest you get to the theatre by no later than 8:30. They have live preshow music and "box viewing" that starts at 8, and you don't want to miss it (especially if you want to see a certain magician playing upright bass).

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by MoeFaux
Do you mean Jamy Ian Swiss?

Yes, I've been doing that for almost a year now. Plus the Jeremy was probably due to a web search I had been doing looking for a certain furry new avatar.

$20-40 for dinner! Are you guys nuts? Who can afford to spend that sort of money on a single meal? I'm thinking $8.50 for a meal, $10.00 for a buffet max...

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner


Yes, I've been doing that for almost a year now. Plus the Jeremy was probably due to a web search I had been doing looking for a certain furry new avatar.

$20-40 for dinner! Are you guys nuts? Who can afford to spend that sort of money on a single meal? I'm thinking $8.50 for a meal, $10.00 for a buffet max...

I'm putting together Vegas dining information for you all now.

And US, wait a week until I have access to my hard drive, and you'll have your hedgehog.

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
I'm thinking $8.50 for a meal, $10.00 for a buffet max... That would be great. I didn't know you could have a meal in the US for that low price. Well, even a Burger King would be OK for me

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
That would be great. I didn't know you could have a meal in the US for that low price. Well, even a Burger King would be OK for me
Ramen noodle soup packets are currently ~ 5/$ if you shop the sales.

[MoeFaux]

All right, here's all the restaurants in the Rio. I've eaten at Buzio's a lot, but they're pricy. American Steak House is great too, but again with the price thing. If we're going to eat at the Rio, I say the Mexican restaurant Bambolino for $15 or less, or the San Paulo also $15 or less.

Rio restaraunt listing (http://vegas.com/searchagent/restaurant/SearchRestaurants.do?sortBy=WEIGHT&reverseOrder=false&pageNumber=1&restaurantId=-1&name=&propertyId=RIO&categoryId=-1&locationId=-1&priceCategoryId=-1&displaySize=10&Search+Restaurants=Search+Restaurants)

Tuscany is across the street from "Restaurant Row", and while most of the places there are very expensive, here's a few that are pretty reasonable.

Bahama Breeze - Caribbean/ American, $15 - $25
Bucca di Beppa - Italian food, $15 or less
Cozymels - Mexican, $15 - $25

Now, there's a zany suggestion. A buffet. I know you would think a buffet would be really cheap, and if you're going for crap, they are. But, Vegas has THE BEST buffets, they just come with a price.
There are two buffets that I recommend. The first is the Pharohs Pheast buffet (http://www.vegas.com/searchagent/restaurant/ViewRestaurant.do?restaurantId=2819), which is at the Luxor and goes for $15.
The second is the best buffet in the world. It's better than probably all the restaurants I listed above. But ouch, that wallet.
Its the Buffet at Bellagio (http://www.vegas.com/searchagent/restaurant/ViewRestaurant.do?restaurantId=3657) (yup, that's it's name), and it goes for a whopping $20 - $30, depending when you go.
From Fodors:
In keeping with the resort, this is one of the most beautifully decorated buffet rooms in town. For cozier dining, it is divided into many alcoves, one of which replicates an outdoor café with umbrellas. But the design isn't the main attraction here; even the most discerning foodie should find something to like with selections that include Kobe beef (yes, Kobe beef), roast sirloin of elk, tandoori game hen, steamed clams and mussels, acorn squash ravioli, white miso soup, and vitello tonnato. The requisite king-crab legs are present as well, and there's quite an array of elaborate pastries -- and an in-restaurant bar.

I mean, it is AMAZING. Everything you've ever dreamed of, from beef wellington to real chocolate sauce for your real ice cream. Wow.
If you're willing to pay, a buffet might be a really wonderful option, as we can have whatever and as much of what we want for a flat rate, and it's more relaxed.

What do you guys think?

[Marc]

Thanks for the listings.

I tend toward mexican, then maybe italian. My vote is for Bambolino.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I'm sold on the buffet idea and will be trying one regardless of everyone else's plans. The Bellagio one sounds well worth the price.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish my Ramen noodles, which is all I can afford to eat to pay for this extravegant affair we're planning in January...

[kittynh]

I think Linda has some good ideas too.

I just bought a totally unauthorized outfit to wear to something in Vegas! Maybe the the Penn and Teller show...how do people dress for these shows? Talking black and velvet and slinky (which at my age and size I shouldn't do, but hey it's VEGAS). it also has what seems to be glitter that drips off it at times (it's a Jones of NY, so it really isn't as cheap as it sounds). So the guy ringing this unauthorized oh boy how to explain this to Pool Boy outfit has glitter on his face! I'm thinking I have to tell this guy or he will walk around with gold glitter on his nose and cheeks all day. When I do tell him I find out he's gay, and thinks it's kind of cool that he now , "Sparkles" So, keep away from the skirt unless you want to sparkle.

Seriously, what is the Vegas dress code?

[arcticpenguin]

The dress code is American tourist. Printed T-shirts, athletic footwear. Anything goes.

[MoeFaux]

Originally posted by kittynh
I think Linda has some good ideas too.

I just bought a totally unauthorized outfit to wear to something in Vegas! Maybe the the Penn and Teller show...how do people dress for these shows? Talking black and velvet and slinky (which at my age and size I shouldn't do, but hey it's VEGAS). it also has what seems to be glitter that drips off it at times (it's a Jones of NY, so it really isn't as cheap as it sounds). So the guy ringing this unauthorized oh boy how to explain this to Pool Boy outfit has glitter on his face! I'm thinking I have to tell this guy or he will walk around with gold glitter on his nose and cheeks all day. When I do tell him I find out he's gay, and thinks it's kind of cool that he now , "Sparkles" So, keep away from the skirt unless you want to sparkle.

Seriously, what is the Vegas dress code?

Everyone in Vegas sparkles. And when it's a man that sparkles, we ask what the name of the stripper was :D

Well, as someone who has gone to the P&T show a lot, I can tell you what to wear.
It ranges from dressy to t-shirts and shorts. You can wear whatever you want.
BUT- trying to look cute/sexy is hard work. I learned this quickly. I would go in a short skirt and a slinky short top, and I would FREEZE MY ASS OFF. The theatre is pretty cool, and so wearing a small amount of clothing is a bad idea unless you bring a sweater or are impervious to cold.
But other than that, dressing to impress is fine. It's Vegas, Baby!