Greetings from Fort Lauderdale!

[markb]

So here's one of the many photos I have taken so far. I will try to get them all up on the web when I get back.

[Diezel]

This photo could have easily been doctored and I do not accept it as proof that you are in Ft. Laduerdale.

(ok, just jealous :D)

[kookbreaker]

Randi looks like he's ready to do his "Kilroy was here" impersonation.

[Crossbow]

Is that Girl 6 on the right?

[arcticpenguin]

I recognize Randi and G6. Who's that on the left?

[arcticpenguin]

Nice job, markb,
You've got firm photographic evidence of UFOs! There's four of them in the image, probably dropped in for some anal probing.

[Doubt]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
Nice job, markb,
You've got firm photographic evidence of UFOs! There's four of them in the image, probably dropped in for some anal probing.

AP,

Carlos will now ask you if that is a bird in the photo.

[Walter Wayne]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
I recognize Randi and G6. Who's that on the left? Lisa.

[Mr. Skinny]

Thanks for the pic markb. Post some more please.

It looks like Lisa is trying to win Randi's million by demonstrating that she can shove her arm into a computer screen without breaking the glass.

Randi looks convinced, but Girl6 looks very, very skeptical.

[Brown]

Is it my imagination, or does Randi have lipstick on his forehead?

(jealous like Diezel)

[Lisa]

Originally posted by Mr. Skinny
Thanks for the pic markb. Post some more please.

It looks like Lisa is trying to win Randi's million by demonstrating that she can shove her arm into a computer screen without breaking the glass.

Randi looks convinced, but Girl6 looks very, very skeptical.
Okay, here's what happened. Someone got the bright idea I should sit where Andrew usually sits. "Just check the emails Lisa". Easier said than done. Luciana, if you have my glasses and decided to leave the immediate area, give the glasses back.

[Crossbow]

So the sequence in the photo, from left to right, is:

Linda, Randi, and Girl 6

Thanks much!

Please post more photos from the conference when you can so us poor saps that could not attend can at least get some idea of what is going on.

Bye for now!

[Pyrts]

Waaah!

*sob* I can't goooooooooooooooooooo to the Conferenceeeeeeeeeee!

[Aoidoi]

I dunno, I was expecting Girl 6 to be bluer.

;)

[Dragonrock]

Originally posted by Aoidoi
I dunno, I was expecting Girl 6 to be bluer.

;)

Yeah! and where's Lisa's hat? :)

[Torlack]

MORE PICTURES!!!!!

I got the show up late and was wondering who Lisa was.

Wish I was there. :(

[RCNelson]

Originally posted by Crossbow
So the sequence in the photo, from left to right, is:

Linda, Randi, and Girl 6

I think its
Lisa, Randi, and Girl 6
:)

[Smalso]

Hope all you guys have a great time; I really don't see how you couldn't. Damn, I wish I could be there. I guess that's my punishment for dropping out of the Catholic Church. I will be looking forward to seeing more photos and hearing a lot of personal accounts of this shindig. Some of you, at least, stay sober!

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by RCNelson

I think its
Lisa, Randi, and Girl 6
:)
Quite right RCNelson. That's Lisa on the left, not Linda.

[Skeptoid]

Originally posted by Dragonrock


Yeah! and where's Lisa's hat? :)

The paranormal hat?

Keep having a good time, all. I'm hugely jealous.

[Smalso]

I have never been so envious in my finking life. I am truly a sinner.

[Dragonrock]

Why do I feel like the kid whose mom wouldn't sign his permission slip for the school field trip :(

Originally posted by Dragonrock
Why do I feel like the kid whose mom wouldn't sign his permission slip for the school field trip :(

I know I do...

[The Bad Astronomer]

Hee hee.

Originally posted by The Bad Astronomer
Hee hee.


Arrr! May you fall into a black hole!

Have enough fun for all of us.:D

[jj]

Originally posted by Pyrts
Waaah!

*sob* I can't goooooooooooooooooooo to the Conferenceeeeeeeeeee!

Neither can I.

WWaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Randi and Phil, the B.A... two Knights from the Round Table of Reason...:D

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by The Bad Astronomer
Hee hee.
Plait !!!!!!!

You bastard.........

Where's the pic with you and Girl6?

Bite me Phil.......

[Fidelio]

I'm so freakin' envious.

Imagine sitting around, probably outside with a rustling palm nearby, sipping a mahi mahi and discussing Florida politics with Jack Latona...

Well maybe next year...sigh...

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Fidelio
I'm so freakin' envious.

Imagine sitting around, probably outside with a rustling palm nearby, sipping a mahi mahi and discussing Florida politics with Jack Latona...

Well maybe next year...sigh...
Sipping a fish? :D :D :D
Maybe you've already sipped a few too many.

[Fidelio]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin

Sipping a fish? :D :D :D
Maybe you've already sipped a few too many.

In lieu of an extended explaination please see the following:

http://www.deliaonline.com/picturelibrary%5Cjpeg150/bl/blender.jpg

[Skeptoid]

Looks like the Bass-o-Matic '77 as hawked by Dan Ackroyd on SNL.

[espritch]

Hmmm...that picture of Randi and the BA looks remarkably like Santa Clause and a rather tall elf.

Just sour grapes from a non-atendee - Sigh.

[markb]

Originally posted by Mr. Skinny
Thanks for the pic markb. Post some more please.

I will try to post some more pictures Saturday night, but I won't post the bulk of my pictures until I get back home on Monday.

[BrotherBluto]

Originally posted by Smalso
Some of you, at least, stay sober!

Hey, for my sake--DON'T!

Have Fun,
BrotherBluto

Originally posted by Doubt


AP,

Carlos will now ask you if that is a bird in the photo.

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Brown
Is it my imagination, or does Randi have lipstick on his forehead?

(jealous like Diezel)

Well... maybe! ;)

I kissed Randi on the top of his head! LOL! :D

G6

[ntech]

I hope you all have a blast!!

[headscratcher4]

I, on the other hand, hope it is cold, rainy and that you get sun burns and rashes as the price of travelling to the conference (that I can not attend). :(

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by headscratcher4
I, on the other hand, hope it is cold, rainy and that you get sun burns and rashes as the price of travelling to the conference (that I can not attend). :(
No such luck.

http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USFL0149?lswe=&lswa=&whatprefs=

[bignickel]

I was able to introduce myself to Lisa and Luciana today. They're both very warm and friendly people. Even if it was snowing outside, I'd still be having a great time down here. Lots of great people to chat with.

I've definitely got to get an avatar when I get back.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by bignickel

I've definitely got to get an avatar when I get back.
How about this one?

[bignickel]

Hmm, thanks, but too obvious. It doesn't really convey my Mel Gibson-like good looks. (stop snickering! my mom always said I was a handsome boy, as she led me out of the cave...)

Just got back in St. Louis. At least it's somewhat of a pleasant day, so no temp shock from leaving Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay for day 3 of the Meeting, due to my plane schedule.

I met so many great people during the weekend; don't know how I'm gonna top it. Met Luciana, Lisa, Phil Plait, Dan Garvin, Jeff Corey, Greg Winslow, Paul A., my roomies for the weekend: Steve, Larry, and Eric, and a host of others.

Can't think of many places I've ever been where I could strike up a conversation about science with a total stranger, and not worry about being judged as one of those dirty 'athiestic skeptics'. That's both a great thing, since it doesn't happen all that often, and a sad thing, for the same reason.

With the sad event that occured to our nation during the weekend, I could not think of a better place to be, or better group of people to be with, then a room full of critical thinkers and admirers of science.

[Dinonychus]

The 2003 Amazing Meeting is now over. I can't wait until next year.

Thursday was definitely fun at the radio show. It had to have been the most action that show has ever seen and hopefully we can do something like that every year just before TAM. It was really easy to figure out the delay from live to what you see when you see it on your computer screens or listen to it on Paltalk. There were a few times when Andrew had to do something with the computer and I'd see him leave the studio and I'd look over and he'd be standing right next to me, not even 30 seconds to a minute later. I'd have to say it was fun figuring out who the blurrs were on Andrew's laptop in the library.

Friday I thought had the most excitement of the weekend when a local mail truck was carjacked and lead the police in a slow, long car chase/hostage situation(no, the postal worker didn't go postal). Jamy Ian Swiss performed great card tricks as did Jerry Andrus.

Saturday was going along swimmingly until just after our keynote speaker, Micheal Shermer, finished his talk. Then we found out about Columbia. We had a hour break and we resumed with Phil Plait's presentation. He did good, especially for his topic, which was Planet X. If'n it don't come in May, I'm betting the woo-woos'll say that it will come on August 27th, when Mars is at it's closest and brightest approach to us in 60,000 years. I'm just going to sit back, relax, and laugh in their faces. After lunch, Bidlack did his presentation on something or other, I don't know as we all were laughing at his stupid jokes. Bidlack, if you read this, and you probably will, my recommendation is that you do not quit your day job. After dinner, Bidlack did his performance of Alexander Hamilton. IMO, a few special effects would've been nice, but that's just my opinion. Although he strangely avoided talking about Aaron Burr. Whenever someone would mention Burr, Hamilton would change the subject. What his problem is with Burr, I don't know. However, I do know that Hamilton hates Thomas Jefferson's guts. To close out the evening, Randi did a tirade on a couple of things, including how easy it is to get a patent on things here in the US(a patent on PB & J sandwiches and toast?!?!), including that there are 10 perpetual motion machines with patents, and he closed the meeting for the night.

Sunday opened with a few bad jokes from Bidlack, whom was our MC for the day and then we had a presentation from Andrew Harter. Or James Randi Jr. After lunch, we had a few people present papers on different subjects. G6 did a great job on her presentation. Especially since she worked on it every day and every night of the conference. ;) Greg Winslow's presentation on Penta Water helped me confirm how gullible humans really can be. Plus how things have not really changed in the homeopathic domain of things since the late 19th century. Basically, the same schtick only in new packaging. Professor John Brown, Scotland's 10th Astronomer Royal did his presentation on how Astronomy is the ultimate magic show. I am damn near sorry to say that I had almost fallen asleep during his presentation. Then again, I did stay up late the night before. However, during the next presentation, if I had fallen asleep, I doubt I would've missed much. Randi closed our meeting with a video of him on Barbara Walter's show back in the late 70's. And, yes, folks, Randi did have hair back then, all of it in the back.

As for the infamous Skepchic Pub Crawl, well, everyone who wanted to went to the pub in the hotel itself and crawled to their hotel rooms after the pub had kicked them out.

Like I said, I had a great time and I can't wait until next year. Skinny, Lefevre, Johnno, Soubrette, Wolverine, Seelie, Denise and many others, I just have one thing to say to you: Come next year or coming to your places and staying for a month. :)

This is Dinonychus, signing off from The Amazing Meeting 2003. See ya'll when I get home

[Mr. Skinny]

Thanks for the synopsis Dino. Sounds like a great time, and I'm sorry I missed it. I'll have Charlie fill me in on the details later this week.

Skinny

[arcticpenguin]

Who was the mystery guest?

[ntech]

I hope the DVD of the conference is released soon.

Thanks for the info.

[markb]

And now for some more pictures!

Randi does a card trick:

[markb]

The conference room just before the beginning of the meeting:

[markb]

Recognize any of these people?

[markb]

That's me! (On the right.) :)

[markb]

Jerry Andrus with one of his many incredible illusions:

[markb]

One more of Jerry Andrus:

[markb]

That's all from now. I'll make the rest of my photos available later. (I don't think I'll be posting them here as attachments, though.)

[7th sextile]

The Amazing J.R.E.F. Meeting!
Hope Girl6 gave 'em all a good beating.
Check out mark with that shorter male
Down in Ft. Lauderdale
Wearing that grin that's-shad eating.

[ntech]

Thanks Mark,
I can't wait to see the rest.

Hey 7th! Hudson Valley huh.

[Brown]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
Who was the mystery guest? Inquiring minds want to know!

[SFB]

Originally posted by Brown
Inquiring minds want to know!

I wanna know too. Who was the mystery guest? Gee, we didn't get to go and we gotta wait for this from you attendees?

[Girl 6]

Sorry for the lag time. I'm trying to get over this jet-lag thing while at work. :(

It was Carlos. It was a very interesting performance.

For those of you who don't know who he is. Here's some information on him:

http://skepdic.com/carlos.html

[Jeff Corey]

Carlos gave us all an inspirational message about somethin'.






.
.


.
.

What it was, I have no idea.

[DrMatt]

Dang, I wanted to be there. I hope there's a next time. This time, I had schedule conflicts.

[Jeff Corey]

Randi stated that the meeting was such a sucess that they will do all they can to have one next year.
Hal Bidlack promised that next year he will dress as Aaron Burr's wife at the Inaugeral Ball.

[arcticpenguin]

I would recommend those with pictures post them in the Amazing Conference forum. Banter churns too quickly.

[markb]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
I would recommend those with pictures post them in the Amazing Conference forum. Banter churns too quickly.

Perhaps this thread should be moved over there. I give my permission if any moderator thinks that is a good idea.

[RichardR]

Originally posted by markb
Jerry Andrus with one of his many incredible illusions: Is it my imagination or does Jerry look like Nelson Mandela in this photo?

Did anyone get to touch Jerry's nuts?

Originally posted by Jeff Corey
Randi stated that the meeting was such a sucess that they will do all they can to have one next year.
Hal Bidlack promised that next year he will dress as Aaron Burr's wife at the Inaugeral Ball.


And you three eyes?

Originally posted by Whodini
Did anyone get to touch Jerry's nuts? :D

[SFB]

Originally posted by Girl 6
Sorry for the lag time. I'm trying to get over this jet-lag thing while at work. :(

It was Carlos. It was a very interesting performance.

For those of you who don't know who he is. Here's some information on him:

http://skepdic.com/carlos.html

Girl 6:

Yes, I recall reading of the Carlos hoax on the Skepdic site. Wow, what a treat!

Sorry if the tone of my post above was a bit rude, I should have put a smiley in there somewhere, as it was half (1/4?) in jest.

:)

Thanks also, for your reply.

[Jeff Corey]

I understand that next year's mystery guests have been already inked in.
Any guesses?

.

.

.

.
(Hint: they are two wild an' crazy guys. Nuttier than a sack of squirrels. More loose screws than Home Depot.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

It was truly an amazing three days. I enjoyed all the speakers and it was great to meet so many forum members.

A special thanks to James Randi, Linda, Andrew, and Hal.

One of the best parts was when the Bad Astronomer proved that the entire conference was an elaborate hoax.

I even came home with a restaurant fork twisted by our very own Quinn. How did he do that?

~~ Paul

[Jeff Corey]

I have not seen so much bent cutlery in my life.
Quite a number of people were quite skilled at applying the Geller Principle bend 'em when no one is looking , probably to the consternation of the hotel management.

[Charlie in Dayton]

Gack...I've had maybe 5 hours of sleep in the last 30 or so...the plane left Ft L at 6ayem, hit Dayton about 1030, and I was in bed z'ing just a tad by 11am...was at work at 4...

Once I get the pix developed (all ten or so rolls of 'em!), I'll scan the pertinent ones. Don't know how many to post here, or is there someone who can donate a bit of space som'ers? Ain't got my own website...

Whatthehell...we'll figger sumthin out...

[Clancie]

Thanks for the pix, especially for those of us who couldn't go.

I'm wondering if the male: female ratio seemed the same in person? It looks like about 90% of attendees were men, representing a wide age spectrum. On the other hand, I'm surprised by how few women there were--probably none at all in that 50-and-up bracket. Is that the way it really was?

[headscratcher4]

Mark: I suspect this is a pain in the ass...but could you identify people in the pics for those of us who couldn't be there? If not on the site with the pics themselves, maybe just a numbered list...finally, is that JediKnight playing pool at the end? I didn't think he'd attend....;)

[Jeff Corey]

Originally posted by Clancy
. On the other hand, I'm surprised by how few women there were--probably none at all in that 50-and-up bracket. Is that the way it really was?
As least one. My wife.
But don't tell her I told you.

[Smalso]

Some of those shots look as if they might be of The Last Supper.

And from the looks, some of them might be the original cast.:D

Originally posted by Clancy
Thanks for the pix, especially for those of us who couldn't go.

I'm wondering if the male: female ratio seemed the same in person? It looks like about 90% of attendees were men, representing a wide age spectrum. On the other hand, I'm surprised by how few women there were--probably none at all in that 50-and-up bracket. Is that the way it really was?



I'd say that skepticisim (by this I don't mean critical thinking, something which many women obviously DO, but the 'skeptical movement') doesn't appeal, in general to women, and especially to older women.

[BrotherBluto]

Originally posted by ntech
Thanks Mark,
I can't wait to see the rest.

Hey 7th! Hudson Valley huh.

I'm in the Hudson Valley as well...

[markb]

I posted a link to the rest of my pictures in the pics thread:

http://host.randi.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13409

As for identifying the people in the pictures, unfortunately I can't remember half of their names, so I would appreciate some help with that.

[Clancie]

from Jeff CoreyAs least one. My wife.
But don't tell her I told you

Yep, her secret's safe here:).

But, honestly, if Randi took any pix to post for PR purposes, he should have asked your wife to be in every single shot! It looks terrible without more women (and, after all, there are lots of intellectual and skeptical older women around--why not here? Maybe they're too busy for message boards? Or maybe more JREF "outreach" is needed? Or....???)

After all, even if you also include all the pix of women under 50, it looks like TAM was held in Alaska, not Fort Lauderdale.

[Charlie in Dayton]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
I even came home with a restaurant fork twisted by our very own Quinn. How did he do that?

~~ Paul

Suffer, baby...suffer...:D

Charlie in Dayton
aka 'An Unindicted Co-Conspirator'

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by headscratcher4
I, on the other hand, hope it is cold, rainy and that you get sun burns and rashes as the price of travelling to the conference (that I can not attend). :(

I avoided a sun burn until Monday afternoon. On my last day there, I put the top down on my rented Mistubishi Eclipse Spyder and drove up and down US1 and US A1A for a few hours. Unfortunately I got burned on my face and left hand.

On the positive side, I did get to have some very tasty conch fritters and see D. James Kennedy's Coral Ridge church. I hope those of you in the northeast and midwest enjoyed shovelling snow while I drove around with the top down.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by The Bad Astronomer
Hee hee.

For those of you who were not there, his photo and caption perfectly sum up Phil's contenance and attitude about the entire weekend IMO.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Jeff Corey

As least one. My wife.
But don't tell her I told you.

Jeff, I had a very interesting conversation with your wife about Social Work in America out on the porch Sunday. Please give her my thanks for her insight that can only come from someone in the profession. :)

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
I even came home with a restaurant fork twisted by our very own Quinn. How did he do that?There ya go!...

http://www.boomspeed.com/pelicer/paul.JPG

[darling]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
I even came home with a restaurant fork twisted by our very own Quinn. How did he do that? Very well indeed.

[Quinn]

Originally posted by budddyh

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
I even came home with a restaurant fork twisted by our very own Quinn. How did he do that?

Very well indeed.

Thanks buddyh. But the correct answer is, "Very discreetly, so the wait staff didn't notice."

Quinn

[Lisa]

Originally posted by Quinn


Very well indeed.

Thanks buddyh. But the correct answer is, "Very discreetly, so the wait staff didn't notice."

Quinn [/QUOTE]
Was worth going to dinner that night just to see the look on Paul's face.
An added bonus was when Phil tried to duplicate it by jamming a fork in the floorboards of the restaurant. Don't know where he'd get the idea to do something like that.:rolleyes: