Tam 101

[xenubane]

I was wondering if any TAM veterans can post any tips for TAM noobies?
Stories of your first TAM would also be appreciated, especially if they have comical endings.

[rustypouch]

Buy the Canadians lots of drinks. Everything else is details.

[Marquis de Carabas]

But he is Canadian, so he should buy the Texans lots of drinks.

[xenubane]

That's sounds like a solid tip. Does that mean I will have to buy extra drink for myself as well?

I was hoping for something more along the lines of:
"Don't say Silvia Brown three times in a mirror or you will teleport a giant douche behind you".... or something. :D

[The Central Scrutinizer]

When you're looking for something to do, always head to the bar. You're pretty much assured of finding forumites there.

[Dicon]

Regardless of what anyone (event organizers, hotel security, etc) tells you, the truth is that Sunday morning is clothing optional.

[Horatius]

Don't be afraid to say "Hi!" to Randi if you see him. Do be afraid to say"Hi!" to most of the people who've already posted in this thread.






Except me.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Don't say "Hi" to me.

[paperskater]

Don't stand around staring open-mouthed at all of the cool people. I got so many flies in my mouth last year... :D Go talk to them!

[LadyMitris]

So...where should skeptics who don't drink alcohol meet up?

[paperskater]

So...where should skeptics who don't drink alcohol meet up?

At the bar. I don't drink at all, but I still hung out at the bar.

[UnrepentantSinner]

So...where should skeptics who don't drink alcohol meet up?
At the bar. I don't drink at all, but I still hung out at the bar.

PS is right on. I'm probably the only alcoholic who doesn't drink when he goes to Vegas so any non-drinkers who want their soda/iced tea/etc. costs covered seek me out and I'll gladly buy us a round of the soft stuff.

[Marquis de Carabas]

I am in favor of non-drinkers at the bar, as they will take up space which would normally be filled by other drinkers, freeing up more alcohol for me.

[Hamradioguy]

At the bar. I don't drink at all, but I still hung out at the bar.

You ask the bartender for a glass of "Diet Ice Water" (Always good for a laugh at a skeptics conference). Then sit there knowingly, swirling the ice in the glass and occasionally taking a sip. A pithy comment now and then also helps.

[xenubane]

You ask the bartender for a glass of "Diet Ice Water" (Always good for a laugh at a skeptics conference). Then sit there knowingly, swirling the ice in the glass and occasionally taking a sip. A pithy comment now and then also helps.

I've asked for diet water at a bar once. The bar tender looked at me with a bewildered expression on his face and said " sorry sir we only have regular water". I guess that not much of a punch line but my friends and I had a nice laugh. His facial expression was all the punchline I needed.

It was one of those "you had to be there moments"

Anyways off to class.

[Wowbagger]

Maybe some of us teetotalers could host our own non-drinking party!! No alcohol consumers allowed! We can even invite James Randi, himself!! What do ya'll think of that?!!
</obnoxious puritan>

[Cleon]

It's very interesting. The JREF/TAM/Skeptic crowd seems to be composed of two groups:

1. Lushes.
2. Tee-totallers.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of in-betweens, for some reason. We either Party Hardy or stay Stone-Cold Sober.

[Marquis de Carabas]

It's very interesting. The JREF/TAM/Skeptic crowd seems to be composed of two groups:

1. Lushes.
2. Tee-totallers.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of in-betweens, for some reason. We either Party Hardy or stay Stone-Cold Sober.
It's a flask dichotomy.

[Skeptic Guy]

It's a flask dichotomy.

Nominated.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Maybe some of us teetotalers could host our own non-drinking party!! No alcohol consumers allowed! We can even invite James Randi, himself!! What do ya'll think of that?!!
</obnoxious puritan>

Well, he may not show up. He does drink, you know.

[tkingdoll]

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past six months I have started drinking. Yessir, am no longer in the teetotal club.

[Cleon]

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past six months I have started drinking. Yessir, am no longer in the teetotal club.

Whoo-hoo! :D

[Wowbagger]

Well, he may not show up. He does drink, you know. Yeah, I saw him sippin' a Pina Colada on the Galaps cruise.

You can sip alcohol on rare occasion, and still be part of the club. I've done that myself, (though never enjoyed it).

[Fitter]

Yeah, I saw him sippin' a Pina Colada on the Galaps cruise.

You can sip alcohol on rare occasion, and still be part of the club. I've done that myself, (though never enjoyed it).
No. No you can't (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teetotalism). That's the whole "total" part of the phrase, total abstinence.

[Loon]

At the bar. I don't drink at all, but I still hung out at the bar.

I clearly had too much to drink at TAM (even though I only drank two of the five nights I lounged around in the bar), because I would have bet all kinds of money I would have noticed paperskater at the bar.

[chefpeon]

Hmmm.....all these tips seem to be about drinking or not drinking. I'm detecting a pattern here.:p

[Loon]

Yes, at any given point, you have to be drinking or non-drinking. It's a requirement.

And the best place to do either is in the bar.

[Horatius]

Hmmm.....all these tips seem to be about drinking or not drinking. I'm detecting a pattern here.:p



...says the girl with a drink in her avatar.


You'll fit in.

[arthwollipot]

Well, he may not show up. He does drink, you know.True, but the non-drinking party may just pick up a George Hrab, so I think that would be worth not drinking for a bit.

[saganite]

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past six months I have started drinking. Yessir, am no longer in the teetotal club.


This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past three months I have stopped drinking. This may or may not be due to Teek and I switching bodies after that time we were simultaneously cursed by a mysterious gypsy lady.

[Fitter]

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past three months I have stopped drinking. This may or may not be due to Teek and I switching bodies after that time we were simultaneously cursed by a mysterious gypsy lady.
Who are you callin' a lady?

[chefpeon]

...says the girl with a drink in her avatar.

it's coffee.........really!:cool:

[LadyMitris]

I'd like to sorta get this thread back on the topic of tips for newbies and ask a question.

A male friend of mine notified me that the only thing a woman has to do to give a man the impression that she wants to have sex with him is just to speak to him.

Now, I'm going to TAM without my husband and would like to engage in interesting conversations with other TAMers, but I don't want to give anyone the impression that I'm looking to engage in sexual activity.

So, I ask this question of the group...

How does a woman at TAM engage in conversations with men without giving those men the impression that she's going to have sex with them?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past six months I have started drinking. Yessir, am no longer in the teetotal club.

You'll find that it makes the girls prettier.

[chefpeon]

I'd like to sorta get this thread back on the topic of tips for newbies and ask a question.

A male friend of mine notified me that the only thing a woman has to do to give a man the impression that she wants to have sex with him is just to speak to him.



Are you kidding? Oh God, I'm gonna have fun.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I clearly had too much to drink at TAM (even though I only drank two of the five nights I lounged around in the bar), because I would have bet all kinds of money I would have noticed paperskater at the bar.

That's what I'm thinking too.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past three months I have stopped drinking. This may or may not be due to Teek and I switching bodies after that time we were simultaneously cursed by a mysterious gypsy lady.

Any post that features a discussion of you, tkingdoll and the word "bodies" is bound to catch my attention. :blush:

[The Central Scrutinizer]

How does a woman at TAM engage in conversations with men without giving those men the impression that she's going to have sex with them?

Walk up to them and say, "Hi, I only look like a woman, but I'm really a man".

That will discourage most male TAMers. Except for the Marquis. He's liable to be turned on.

[LostAngeles]

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past six months I have started drinking. Yessir, am no longer in the teetotal club.

I love that my reasons to try and go are increasing. All I need is for someone to distract Mr. King...

[chefpeon]

My question is, "will we have nametag/badge sort of things? Will they have our forum names on them and our avatars?"

[Horatius]

Except for the Marquis. He's liable to be turned on.



..and Tobias. But not in a gay way, of course.....

[Horatius]

My question is, "will we have nametag/badge sort of things? Will they have our forum names on them and our avatars?"



They usually do. Irish coffee and all!



And perhaps you should ask KC about me. I'm sure she can tell you about how insane I am. Mention Caligula.


;)

[arthwollipot]

My question is, "will we have nametag/badge sort of things? Will they have our forum names on them and our avatars?"My understanding is that this has been done in the past, and will continue to be done this year.

A male friend of mine notified me that the only thing a woman has to do to give a man the impression that she wants to have sex with him is just to speak to him.Pardon me for being so blunt, but your male friend is a dick. This is not true. Speaking only for myself here, but if you want to have sex with me you will have to hit me between the eyes with a 2x4 for me to get the message. I will always assume that any woman I am speaking to does not want to have sex with me.

I guess this may be one reason why I have so many female friends. A couple of them wield a 2x4 with considerable skill.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I am in favor of non-drinkers at the bar, as they will take up space which would normally be filled by other drinkers, freeing up more alcohol for me.

If we run out of chairs you can sit on my lap as long as you dress like an undead pizza eating child.

This'll freak the hell out of those of you who know me, but in the past six months I have started drinking. Yessir, am no longer in the teetotal club.

There is no god!

How does a woman at TAM engage in conversations with men without giving those men the impression that she's going to have sex with them?

Wow! I really never expected to see such a naive question asked by a skepchick. Here's a simple interaction shorthand you can apply - if, in the first 3 minutes you don't say "let's go back to my room", he should get the message that it ain't gonna happen. :D

My question is, "will we have nametag/badge sort of things? Will they have our forum names on them and our avatars?"

In the past we have had special badges printed up with avatars/user IDs. At TAM 6 they had badges printed with user IDs and we had avatar stickers. I'm sure someone will come up with some solution and at the very least there will be Sharpies availible to let folks know who you are.

My solution in the past has been to post a photo of yourself to the TAM attendee photo thread, but it hasn't worked out for me in certain cases (TAM, TAM 2).

[arthwollipot]

My solution in the past has been to post a photo of yourself to the TAM attendee photo thread, but it hasn't worked out for me in certain cases (TAM, TAM 2).Do we have one of those threads yet?

[Marquis de Carabas]

How does a woman at TAM engage in conversations with men without giving those men the impression that she's going to have sex with them?


Speaking only for myself here, but if you want to have sex with me you will have to hit me between the eyes with a 2x4 for me to get the message.
And here I was about to suggest that smacking a guy upside the head with a 2x4 would be a good way to let him know you weren't interested in him sexually.

[Marquis de Carabas]

Walk up to them and say, "Hi, I only look like a woman, but I'm really a man".

That will discourage most male TAMers. Except for the Marquis. He's liable to be turned on.
Scrut speaks from experience. That's exactly the line he used to bed me.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Do we have one of those threads yet?

No. Feel free to start one. I need to know who that strange person with a weird accent in my hotel room is so I don't call Homeland Security or INS.

Scrut speaks from experience. That's exactly the line he used to bed me.

My suspicion is confirmed!!!

[paperskater]

I clearly had too much to drink at TAM (even though I only drank two of the five nights I lounged around in the bar), because I would have bet all kinds of money I would have noticed paperskater at the bar.
That's what I'm thinking too.

LoL, to your credit, I hung out there before all the crazy masses of people came in and on Saturday night, I left to go see P&T and only very briefly stopped by well after the show. Large masses of people kind of make me nervous, especially people that I don't know. I mostly hung out with the Denver bunch last year. Reed, Elaine, Dr. Joe, Nitor and others were very fun to hang out with.


Pardon me for being so blunt, but your male friend is a dick. This is not true. Speaking only for myself here, but if you want to have sex with me you will have to hit me between the eyes with a 2x4 for me to get the message. I will always assume that any woman I am speaking to does not want to have sex with me.

I totally agree with the first and second sentence. Unless he was just being funny, your friend kind of sounds like a pompous jerk...

[arthwollipot]

No. Feel free to start one.I will, as soon as I'm in a situation where I can provide a decent photo of me.

[xenubane]

I'd like to sorta get this thread back on the topic of tips for newbies and ask a question.

A male friend of mine notified me that the only thing a woman has to do to give a man the impression that she wants to have sex with him is just to speak to him.

How does a woman at TAM engage in conversations with men without giving those men the impression that she's going to have sex with them?

Well your friend is either an asshat or not funny at all. Or maybe he was using bad humor to shed light on a double standard / stereotype. That type of humor is very funny in the right hands.

ex: Asian Teen Has Sweaty Middle-Aged-Man Fetish [from the Onion]
(sorry I would have posted a link but I need to have made 15 post. Google it and enjoy)

I like how people are actually asking question though. Keep them coming.

[Marquis de Carabas]

Well your friend is either an asshat or not funny at all.
Please don't slur the good-hearted asshats of the world so.

[Hokulele]

... good-hearted asshats ...


Oxymoron?

[Marquis de Carabas]

Oxymoron?
See if I ever share my balls with you again.

[Hokulele]

That would assume you have enough to share.

[Marquis de Carabas]

That would assume you have enough to share.
Are you saying you're afraid to make Scrut jealous?

[Hokulele]

So that's the source of your balls. I learn something new every day.

[xenubane]

So that's the source of your balls. I learn something new every day.

How did we get from asshat to talking about Marquis' testicles? Its just a matter of time before Godwin's law comes into play :D

[Hokulele]

How did we get from asshat to talking about Marquis' testicles?


Eh, the conversation will probably get weirder if MdeC and I end up in the same bar at the same time.

[Marquis de Carabas]

How did we get from asshat to talking about Marquis' testicles? Its just a matter of time before Godwin's law comes into play :D
Not my testicles, my boudain balls. Pervert.

[Wowbagger]

TAM Newbies might want to check and doublecheck what meals are included and which ones are not. My first year, I bought myself breakfast on the first day, only to discover the cornucopia of TAM's own, included breakfast buffet right around the corner.

I mourn those two bucks, to this day. :(

No. No you can't (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teetotalism). That's the whole "total" part of the phrase, total abstinence.
Well, sometimes it happens by accident. I swear!

[LibraryLady]

I am in the middle of registering--literally--and thought I'd clue in here to make sure I'm not making any mistakes. I'm very nervous; I don't want to screw anything up. I'm counting on this to make up for the well and truly miserable year I'm having so far. Seriously.

I can't afford the lunch with Randi thing. I'm hoping there'll be another cool thing to do during that time to take my mind of the envy I'll be feeling.

I'm registering for:

Joe Nickell
Nigerian Spam Scam
Penn & Teller (Sunday)
Talent Show/Party (Do I have to do anything talented or can I just be part of the audience?)

I plan on following other people around to forage.

If anyone wants to have sex with me it would be the greatest shock of my life.

If anyone wants to stop me from making a horrible mistake, they'll have to do it in the next half hour. At 11am I will resume registering and obligate myself for better or worse.

I'm truly hoping for better.

[NobbyNobbs]

Has it ever been suggested that TAM veterans each take a TAM newbie under his/her wing, to make sure we don't miss out on the best parties, free breakfasts, make introductions, and things of that sort?

Would anybody be willing to do that?

[LibraryLady]

That's asking a lot of someone, I think.

ETA: Speaking as a Newbie.

[saganite]

Has it ever been suggested that TAM veterans each take a TAM newbie under his/her wing, to make sure we don't miss out on the best parties, free breakfasts, make introductions, and things of that sort?

Would anybody be willing to do that?

You noobs are so cute. I don't think it's ever been suggested, because it is just not necessary. The instant you introduce yourself to a group of forumites, a large percentage of them will take you under their wing, introduce you around, point you helpfully in the direction of the buffet, and attempt to get you drunk. Especially someone like you, NobbyNobbs, because you already have a forum presence. All you have to do is say, "Hey, I'm Nobby," and off you'll go.

The name badges are incredibly useful for this purpose, because if you recognize someone's name from the forums, and they recognize yours, the bond has sort of already been formed.

[saganite]

I'd like to sorta get this thread back on the topic of tips for newbies and ask a question.

A male friend of mine notified me that the only thing a woman has to do to give a man the impression that she wants to have sex with him is just to speak to him.

Now, I'm going to TAM without my husband and would like to engage in interesting conversations with other TAMers, but I don't want to give anyone the impression that I'm looking to engage in sexual activity.

So, I ask this question of the group...

How does a woman at TAM engage in conversations with men without giving those men the impression that she's going to have sex with them?

When I first showed up at TAM5 without my husband and proceeded to get wasted every night in the company of men, the number of men who actually thought I was looking to engage in sexual activity with them was zero.

The number of men who were concerned that OTHER men might think I was looking to engage in sexual activity with them, and repeatedly checked on me to make sure this wasn't the case, and that I was doing okay, and offered to kick the asses of anyone who made an unwanted move on me if I so desired it, was at least half a dozen.

So I think you'll be okay.

[CriticalThanking]

DAMN - did not mean to post that.

[LadyMitris]

Pardon me for being so blunt, but your male friend is a dick. This is not true. Speaking only for myself here, but if you want to have sex with me you will have to hit me between the eyes with a 2x4 for me to get the message. I will always assume that any woman I am speaking to does not want to have sex with me.

I guess this may be one reason why I have so many female friends. A couple of them wield a 2x4 with considerable skill.

To be fair to my friend, the context in which he said this was after I asked the question, "Why do so many men think I'm flirting with them when I'm not?" and that was his answer.

In my normal life, a strange number of men seem to think I'm hitting on them or have a crush on them, when I really don't. I can only assume that I naturally have some sort of misty eyed "I'm in lurve!" look in my eye at all times.

Sounds like I won't have any trouble at TAM though because it seems skeptical men have a little more sense.

[LibraryLady]

I am registered. So there.

[CriticalThanking]

Have to agree with Saganite et al. Please do not be shy about asking to join groups of TAMmers. There will always be folks to sit and talk with, drink (or not drink) with, eat with, or [insert vice of choice] with. There are even *gasp* gamers! At breakfast or lunch, just go over to an interesting looking table and ask if you can sit with Shermer or any of the other speakers or attendees. You don't have to be a sparkling conversationalist. We all take turns feeling like the dumbest one at the table.

The only sin is not participating.

CT

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Sounds like I won't have any trouble at TAM though because it seems skeptical men have a little more sense.

I have less. :degrin:

[saganite]

We all take turns feeling like the dumbest one at the table.

This is both completely true, and one of my favorite things about TAM. :)

[Hokulele]

There are even *gasp* gamers!


Yep! Dumb All Over and I have already planned to take our once a year shot at the Craps table. Experienced shooters, newbies, interested spectators, or uninterested spectators are always welcome. I have no idea what night it will be, but just keep an eye and ear out for the table with all the noise and bouncing.

[NobbyNobbs]

Yep! Dumb All Over and I have already planned to take our once a year shot at the Craps table. Experienced shooters, newbies, interested spectators, or uninterested spectators are always welcome. I have no idea what night it will be, but just keep an eye and ear out for the table with all the noise and bouncing.

Would that be the dice bouncing, or a couple of other personal items?

Either way, I'd be glad to blow on them for luck.

:cool:

[Hokulele]

Would that be the dice bouncing, or a couple of other personal items?

Either way, I'd be glad to blow on them for luck.

:cool:


I am sure Dumb All Over will be disturbed pleased by your offer.

:p

[Tamazon]

The name badges are incredibly useful for this purpose, because if you recognize someone's name from the forums, and they recognize yours, the bond has sort of already been formed.

Very true and sometimes you don't even need badges. I went alone to the Star Trek Experience and while waiting for it to start, I noticed a lady wearing the same pigasus earrings I was. I commented on them and I had an instant new friend. :D

[Wowbagger]

Oh yes, and if you buy P&T tickets, make sure you purchase them for the correct evening! I learned that one the hard way, too.

[HeidiHo]

I don't know why I am even reading this thread. I am only making myself sick with jealousy.

Stupid IRS!!

[xenubane]

Oh yes, and if you buy P&T tickets, make sure you purchase them for the correct evening! I learned that one the hard way, too.

Is the consensus on P&T still Sunday?

[arthwollipot]

To be fair to my friend, the context in which he said this was after I asked the question, "Why do so many men think I'm flirting with them when I'm not?" and that was his answer.

In my normal life, a strange number of men seem to think I'm hitting on them or have a crush on them, when I really don't. I can only assume that I naturally have some sort of misty eyed "I'm in lurve!" look in my eye at all times.

Sounds like I won't have any trouble at TAM though because it seems skeptical men have a little more sense.Heh. I can sympathise. I know someone who has a similar effect, although in her case, it's that people she's in a relationship with seem to get the idea that they are her "soulmate" or are "destined to be together forever". She doesn't like that very much, and ends up with devoted puppydogs that she can't get rid of by any means up to and including being blatantly rude at them.

But I promise that I will be in the group who will happily beat the snot out of any male who makes an inappropriate advance towards a lady at TAM or otherwise.

[kmortis]

But I promise that I will be in the group who will happily beat the snot out of any male who makes an inappropriate advance towards a lady at TAM or otherwise.
Is it ok to make inappropriate advances toward Toby?

[arthwollipot]

Is it ok to make inappropriate advances toward Toby?Well, I wouldn't necessarily describe Toby as a "lady" (unless he's wearing that little black dress... rawr!) so yeah, I suppose so.

[Horatius]

Is it ok to make inappropriate advances toward Toby?



I don't believe it's even possible to make an inappropriate advance toward Toby.

[saganite]

Is it ok to make inappropriate advances toward Toby?

Are there any other kind?

[Cleon]

Is it ok to make inappropriate advances toward Toby?

I don't believe it's even possible to make an inappropriate advance toward Toby.

Are there any other kind?

I think y'all might want to compare notes... :D

[Horatius]

I think y'all might want to compare notes... :D



Notes, hell, some of us probably have video!

[Miss_Kitt]

I'd like to sorta get this thread back on the topic of tips for newbies and ask a question.

A male friend of mine notified me that the only thing a woman has to do to give a man the impression that she wants to have sex with him is just to speak to him. ...
How does a woman at TAM engage in conversations with men without giving those men the impression that she's going to have sex with them?

Having a large male escort can help. So can saying, "I'm really enjoying this conversation, but I wouldn't have sex with you if you were richer than Bill Gates and offering to marry me." At least, those have worked for me. ;)

Nobody at all hit on me last year. I was actually kind of disappointed. However, the Marquis is attending, so I'm guardedly hopeful...if nobody even gets flirtatious this year, I'll have to decide that I'm old and fat and frumpy... :cry1

Seriously, I think that any man who assumes they have a chance due to conversation that in no way involves suggestion or suggestive body language is doomed to lots of indignant rejection.

Maybe your friend needs to be hit upside the head with a clue-stick??

Miss Kitt

[Miss_Kitt]

I will, as soon as I'm in a situation where I can provide a decent photo of me.


I thought we'd just know you by the laser beams... :confused:

[arthwollipot]

Darn. I forgot. I was doing other stuff last night.