TAM5 Registration Role Call

[Overman]

Overman is in! It will be my first and I am very excited.

Who am I lucky enough to meet finally!?!?

ROLE CALL!

[Loon]

I'm in.

[SkepticScott]

I'll be there.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I'll be there.

[tkingdoll]

I'll be there!

[I less than three logic]

Count me in.

("I'll be there" was being over used. :))

[The Bad Astronomer]

What the heck.

[Frogberto]

I will definitely be there - my third in a row, and I wouldn't dare miss one!

[RSLancastr]

Annette!!

[Hutch]

Just finished e-mailing my Registration. Now for the hotel and flights--on next months Credit Card Bill...

[Wowbagger]

Cambot!
Gypsy!
Tom Ser...

Oh, wait, this is TAM5 Roll Call, not Robot Roll Call. Sorry.

Anyway,
You can bet the Million I'll be there! I intend to register before the day is out!
Just a word of warning.

[TobiasTheViking]

i'll be there. i'll be there.

Plane tickets already bought and everything.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

i'll be there. i'll be there.

Plane tickets already bought and everything.

Sorry, only Capitalists allowed.

[TobiasTheViking]

*sob*

[Boo]

My first. I'll be a TAM newb.


Boo

[delphi_ote]

No matter how poor I am, no matter what responsibilities I have, no matter what happens to my family, friends, or pets...

I'll see you all in Vegas!

[Metullus]

I'm coming. I plan to wear shoes.

[Dicon]

I'm registered, but can offer no proof of it. If you don't believe me, you're just a closed-minded tool of the government.

[SPQR]

Count me in, too.

And I would also like to send out a heartfelt pre-welcome to everyone coming to my hometown(Vegas). :D

[wollery]

www.amazingmeeting.com won't load for me, it times out!

It's not a Chinese firewall problem, they tell you when they're blocking stuff.

Help!

[vbloke]

Try and keep me away.
(Please don't)

[SixSixSix]

Kiless and SixSixSix will be coming in from down under once more.

[tkingdoll]

No matter how poor I am, no matter what responsibilities I have, no matter what happens to my family, friends, or pets...

I'll see you all in Vegas!

I will save a little piece of sushi for you :heart3:

[athon]

It's currently standing at 60% certain I'll be there. It depends on what job I'll be doing next year. At this point I might even be presenting a paper on critical thinking in education. If I get it finished in time.

Given all those 'ifs', I'll be there with bells on. Or at least some shiny things that tinkle.

Athon

[The Central Scrutinizer]

www.amazingmeeting.com (http://www.amazingmeeting.com) won't load for me, it times out!

It's not a Chinese firewall problem, they tell you when they're blocking stuff.

Help!

You're not getting the hint, are you? :p

[Stir]

I'm there

[Hindmost]

I should be there again this year...and my sweetheart will be coming along this time.

glenn:)

[rebecca]

Okay, so I haven't registered yet, but I suppose I'll probably be there. I'm not positive, but I think that a number of you owe me drinks or something.

I hope.

[Hutch]

Wheeee, that's 25 Forumites registered already and three more very probable. We had, IIRC, about 112 Forum folks at TAM4, looks like we may break that record.

I'll have to start my list early this year...

[SixSixSix]

I didn't qualify as a "forumite" last time, and I'm not really sure that I do now - what are the required qualifications? ;)

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Duh.

~~ Paul

[elaine]

Registration - done
Flight - Done
Hotel Reservations - done

I'm ready!

[Overman]

My first. I'll be a TAM newb.


Boo

AHHHHH!

*catches breath*

Don't doo that, its too early!

[wollery]

You're not getting the hint, are you? :p:D

[RSLancastr]

I will save a little piece of sushi for you :heart3:I think the forum is hardly the place for such talk! :o

[Fengirl]

I think I'll be there. :)
I'm a TAM virgin.
I'm a leeetle bit scared....

[Overman]

I think I'll be there. :)
I'm a TAM virgin.
I'm a leeetle bit scared....


Boo!

[Fengirl]

Boo!


:cry1
I want my mummy.

[TobiasTheViking]

:cry1
I want my mummy.
Well i'm not your mummy, and i might be a virgin *cough* i mean tam virgin as well. But, i can lend you my shoulder.

[Fengirl]

Well i'm not your mummy, and i might be a virgin *cough* i mean tam virgin as well. But, i can lend you my shoulder.

Maybe all us newbies can hold hands and look after each other in case the big boys bully us and pull our hair?

[tkingdoll]

I think the forum is hardly the place for such talk! :o

Ooh, I love it when you scold me. Do it again. :puckerup:

[VPescado]

I'm there.

[SkepticScott]

:cry1
I want my mummy.Scott dons gas mask and asks "Are you my mummy?"

:)

I'm not asking you to volunteer, but feel free to stop by our hospitality suite before TAM and say hi. You'll get to meet a dozen or so forumites, Linda, Hal, and possibly Randi and other speakers, in a low-key atmosphere. Last year half the suite was being used for work while the other half was open for socializing.

[rustypouch]

The way things are looking, I might be showing up...

[rebecca]

The way things are looking, I might be showing up...

Yes! YES! IT IS ON!

[RSLancastr]

I was a TAM newbie at TAM4.

They had us all tied together at the waist, and we walked from event to even holding hands, with a crossing guard there to help us.

The milk and graham crackers at break time were very nice.

[grayman]

I'm on my way (with a side trip to San Francisco first)!

:D

[Metullus]

I was a TAM newbie at TAM4.

They had us all tied together at the waist, and we walked from event to even holding hands, with a crossing guard there to help us.

The milk and graham crackers at break time were very nice.
Did they make you wear a beanie? Did they spank you with a paddle? :blush:

[elaine]

I was a TAM newbie at TAM4.

They had us all tied together at the waist, and we walked from event to even holding hands, with a crossing guard there to help us.

The milk and graham crackers at break time were very nice.


I feel much better, now.

[rustypouch]

Yes! YES! IT IS ON!

Put on your drinkin' shoes, girl.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Put on your drinkin' shoes, girl.

FYI: There is no drinking at TAM

[SkepticScott]

FYI: There is no drinking at TAMFYI: There is lots of drinking everywhere else.

[athon]

There will be a 'Scotch Appreciation Seminar' in one of the hotel rooms, though. Bring your own whiskey. 'Cause you ain't drinking mine.

Athon

[MLynn]

I have a verbal ok to take the time off from work, but I need to firm it up in awhile.
I hope to see the "usual" and unusual suspects there...:D

Alas, my image will not be evident in the 2007 Skepchick Calendar, but I plan on buying two.

[SixSixSix]

Alas, my image will not be evident in the 2007 Skepchick Calendar
Nor will mine. Stupid sexist calendar picture rules. ;)

[Mrs. Hmmphries]

I went to TAM IV, but I'm going to be out of the country in January, so no TAM V for me.

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

[Jas]

Yeah, i think I'm in.

[Unk]

I was a TAM newbie at TAM4.

They had us all tied together at the waist, and we walked from event to even holding hands, with a crossing guard there to help us.

The milk and graham crackers at break time were very nice.

I was a TAM newb at TAM4 as well, but we were tied together at our spiked collars and were handcuffed to one another.

On second thought, maybe that wasn't TAM...

Either way, I'll be at TAMV.

[Patricio Elicer]

Hey, at this pace we'll have to reserve the entire Riviera for TAM5. Great perspective on the horizon.

I'm hoping that air fares for the 13th of January will go down, but it's not happening so far. Chileans may not be that supertitious, after all.

[Antiquehunter]

I'm in. Nothing is booked, but barring roadside bombs and other unforseen issues, Edie, I'm in.

-AH.

[delphi_ote]

I will save a little piece of sushi for you :heart3:
That alone makes trip worth the money.

Can't wait to see you guys and party hard.

[TJ]

That alone makes trip worth the money.

Can't wait to see you guys and party hard.

I'm in, I just have to book the flight.

Delphi, I can't wait to see you. I'll have a new CD for you this year.

[xenxabar]

I just registered. Now to figure out flights.

[grayman]

I'm in. Nothing is booked, but barring roadside bombs and other unforseen issues, Edie, I'm in.

-AH.

For what you put up with on a day to day basis, the least I can do is buy you a beverage of your choice in order for you to get bombed in a nice way. Hope to see you there. :)

[Beleth]

Not only am I coming but I am probably bringing a bunch of (non-forum) friends with me.

[snex]

<--

[Loon]

Not only am I coming but I am probably bringing a bunch of (non-forum) friends with me.

Wooooo-ha! TAM just went to the next level!

[delphi_ote]

I'm in, I just have to book the flight.

Delphi, I can't wait to see you. I'll have a new CD for you this year.
:Banane08:

[Wowbagger]

Just a reminder: I'm going, and I will be insulting each and every one of you, in alphabetic order!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Just a reminder: I'm going, and I will be insulting each and every one of you, in alphabetic order!

Will I be under T, C or S?

[El_Spectre]

Haven't registered yet, but I intend to go to every TAM for the rest of my life (and I decided this 20 minutes into TAM3, my first)

[SixSixSix]

Just a reminder: I'm going, and I will be insulting each and every one of you, in alphabetic order!

... I've done you before, haven't I? ;)

[BrianSI]

I'm registered. This time I'll know a few folks before I show up.

But first ... the cruise.

[TJ]

Will I be under T, C or S?


You'll be under "A".

[SkepticScott]

But first ... the cruise.That sounds too much like "But first ... the Aristocrats!" to make me 100% comfortable about having you on the cruise. :p

[BrianSI]

Well, I do own a copy.

But this was purely coincidence. Or subconscious.

[Ramboelmo]

I am in as a newbie, hopefully, I still need to book things!

[Smart_Cookie]

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

We won't know for months yet if we can go.

My SO, Scumop, is starting school in October. We won't know til after then if he'll be able to take a couple of days off from classes.

We also have no money. But heck, that's what credit cards are for. :D

So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. He's the one who suggested TAM last year, and I came back oh-so-enlightened. I really really enjoyed it.

[asmodean]

Total newb, and I really, really wanna go. Checking flights, work schedule with my boss, and other details.

SO my entry for "The woo you do"-thread would be "Hoping hard as hell that luck, fortune and that Dog is with me so I can get away to TAM5". =)

[rebecca]

Total newb, and I really, really wanna go. Checking flights, work schedule with my boss, and other details.

SO my entry for "The woo you do"-thread would be "Hoping hard as hell that luck, fortune and that Dog is with me so I can get away to TAM5". =)

You can bring your dog but he might not be allowed in the main conference room.

[Pirate_Lad]

I'll probably be there to socialize with forumites and shoot the breeze with interesting people, but I don't think I'm going to attend the actual lectures.

I may be putting together a little shindig out in the desert the day prior or post TAM. I'm thinking bonfire, liquor and crazy stories. Nothing concrete yet, but keep it in the back of your mind if you're interested.

[Dinsdale Piranha]

My wife and I plan to be there.

Will trade card tricks for beer. Coin tricks, too.

Good beer. Not that cheap **** with "light" attached to it.

[Jas]

I'm still trying to figure out flights and such. But really, why miss it?

[Ed Baehr]

I'm In!

And following RSLancastr's lead

CUBBY!

[EvilBiker]

One day....

When I'm rich or famous - either will do...

*deep sigh*

[xargs]

Oh yes indeedy. All registerified, we'll be doing the usual high speed run from the Bay Area to Vegas in the Fear&Loathing style... and looking forward to my SECOND time ever playing hold 'em. Maybe after three or four more TAMs I'll get the hang of it. I refuse to practice on principal.

Looking forward to more inspired lunacy.

X

[Krash]

I'm in. Just registered and got the confirming email to prove it.

I'll be bringing my wife too.

(yeah...I got married rather recently)

[Hyver]

I wanna go, especially since it's just an 8 hour drive to vegas. Don't know if my broke-student budget will afford any of it though :-( Time will tell.

[delphi_ote]

I wanna go, especially since it's just an 8 hour drive to vegas. Don't know if my broke-student budget will afford any of it though :-( Time will tell.
Look into the scholarship fund.

[Antiquehunter]

Oh yes indeedy. All registerified, we'll be doing the usual high speed run from the Bay Area to Vegas in the Fear&Loathing style...

May I suggest avoiding the ether? And perhaps skipping all the mesc/peyote/shrooms etc... is prudent. At least while driving. Those bat-thingies looked pretty scary.

-AH.

[Hyver]

Look into the scholarship fund.
I have, hopefully it will pan out. The more I read here the more I want to meet you guys.

[xargs]

May I suggest avoiding the ether? And perhaps skipping all the mesc/peyote/shrooms etc... is prudent. At least while driving. Those bat-thingies looked pretty scary.

-AH.

We may yet end up with a big red car with no top, but that sadly comes down to the practical 'no budget'.

Oh yes, we'll be well armed as well. When you're going to an Event like this one, it pays To Be Prepared. Las Vegas has become a haven for the Normal thanks to a series of polished and slick "What happens in Vegas..." advertisments. I hear there are still outposts of weirdness near Pahrump, but we'll be verifying that in the spirit of True Fact Reporting.

It'll be stressful enough being surrounded by HUNDREDS of people who don't buy into ANY imaginary monsters. Drugs may well be the answer.

With deep apologias to HST,
-X

[rustypouch]

Know your Atheist! Your life may depend on it! You will not be able to see his eyes because of Tea-Shades, but his knuckles will be white from inner tension and his pants will be crusted with semen from constantly jacking off when he can't find a rape victim. He will stagger and babble when questioned. He will not respect your badge. The Atheist fears nothing.

[SixSixSix]

Know your Atheist! Your life may depend on it! You will not be able to see his eyes because of Tea-Shades, but his knuckles will be white from inner tension and his pants will be crusted with semen from constantly jacking off when he can't find a rape victim. He will stagger and babble when questioned. He will not respect your badge. The Atheist fears nothing.
That's not exactly in the best of tastes.

[Hamradioguy]

Is the Pope Catholic? Does a bear....? well you know. Anyhow, I'm in-My third TAM. Who want's to shoot machine guns at the Gun Store? And who wants to do that Stratosphere Tower thing? Anything else? (The Strip really is kinda boring after the 1st time.)

[El_Spectre]

Is the Pope Catholic? Does a bear....? well you know. Anyhow, I'm in-My third TAM. Who want's to shoot machine guns at the Gun Store? And who wants to do that Stratosphere Tower thing? Anything else? (The Strip really is kinda boring after the 1st time.)

Ah, the machine gun store... only non-gambling place in vegas you can lose money faster than the strip clubs...

[VPescado]

Ah, the machine gun store... only non-gambling place in vegas you can lose money faster than the strip clubs...

Agreed, the one time I looked into shooting in LV the rental fees and ammo prices were hilarious. If Class-III isn't a requirement, it could probably done a lot cheaper by having someone who is driving bring some hardware to TAM and just rent a lane or two somewhere (or even better go out into the desert).

[xargs]

Know your Atheist! Your life may depend on it! You will not be able to see his eyes because of Tea-Shades, but his knuckles will be white from inner tension and his pants will be crusted with semen from constantly jacking off when he can't find a rape victim. He will stagger and babble when questioned. He will not respect your badge. The Atheist fears nothing.

I was afraid someone might go there. I'm sorry, but EVERY TIME I drive to Las Vegas, while going 100+ across the high desert, I can't help but think of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

SixSixSix, the quote is entirely appropriate within the context of the book, but may not be understood by those unfamiliar with it. If you have read the book and are reacting that way- rent a sense of humor. Otherwise understand that the passage referred to here is a slightly altered (for this crowd) lift from the book.

While I am now done being pedantic (ooh... too late!), there's infinite mileage in misunderstanding this kind of genre jumping online, in fact it's one of the joys of these boards with the high levels of education/experience- cultural included.

ENDS :D

-X

[SixSixSix]

Fair enough. Evidently I haven't read the book, seen the movie, or played the videogame.

[xargs]

Agreed, the one time I looked into shooting in LV the rental fees and ammo prices were hilarious. If Class-III isn't a requirement, it could probably done a lot cheaper by having someone who is driving bring some hardware to TAM and just rent a lane or two somewhere (or even better go out into the desert).

If anybody wants to organize it, I'll be driving and could bring some hardware. Nothing CIII obviously, but could be entertaining. Basically a .22 target pistol and some other more serious handguns... :eye-poppi

Probably best under controlled conditions with a bunch of relative strangers.;)

-X

[infidelguy]

I have wanted to come for years but I simply do not earn enough money to afford the trip. However, a listener and friend of mine has graciously donated a TAM5 registration for me. I'll see you all there! I look forward to speaking with James Randi again and doing some interviews possibly with some of you.

[KingMerv00]

Money is alittle tight and the vacation time will be hard to come by but that didn't stop me last year. I'm 75% sure I'm going.

If I go, I guess I'm in charge of the TAM Pub Crawl II.

[KingMerv00]

I have wanted to come for years but I simply do not earn enough money to afford the trip. However, a listener and friend of mine has graciously donated a TAM5 registration for me. I'll see you all there! I look forward to speaking with James Randi again and doing some interviews possibly with some of you.

THE infidel guy, sweet.

[Walter Wayne]

*looks at bottom of cup*

The tea leaves don't know if I am going this year. I won't know 'til closer to time.

Walt

[Kochanski]

I will be there with bells on and many games in tow.

Not registered yet, just returned from GenCon and not quite ready to play with air fare booking and such yet. Would love to say I was bringing friends with me, it may happen, but I need to twist a few arms first ;)

[delphi_ote]

I have wanted to come for years but I simply do not earn enough money to afford the trip. However, a listener and friend of mine has graciously donated a TAM5 registration for me. I'll see you all there! I look forward to speaking with James Randi again and doing some interviews possibly with some of you.
Oh man. This is going to be the best time ever.

[Orb]

I am saving my pennies to be there for the first time. I might bring hubby if he is a good boy.

So, where do all the cool kids hang out in Vegas?

[rebecca]

So, where do all the cool kids hang out in Vegas?

At the bar, buying me more drinks.

Oh, and at the Pajama Party if you want to ditch your husband for an hour or two!

[Orb]

At the bar, buying me more drinks.

Oh, and at the Pajama Party if you want to ditch your husband for an hour or two!

Pajama Party!!! What husband? ;)

[SkepticScott]

Pajama Party!!! What husband? ;)I wonder what would happen if your husband got on the Skepchick Security force, and crashed the party. Is a husband - no husband reaction anything like a matter - anti-matter reaction?

[Alliebubs]

The boy and I are probably in! TAM5, baby! ;)

[TriangleMan]

So far the scheudle is looking good so it's likely I'll be able to go. I won't know for sure for about a month so somebody make sure there'll be room until then!

[Keerax]

This is my second post here, so I'd be terribly surprised if any of you knew me already. :)
In any case, I plan on being in attendance (and skipping a few days of classes because college will be starting the same week as TAM5). Perhaps I can make enough friends here on the board that I can double up with someone and actually afford a hotel room!

Expect to see more of me in the future and on another note, if I make it there Rebecca can expect at least one drink out of me. :)

[bearcub]

Registered and looking forward to it. This'll be my 3rd TAM.

[Terry]

I'm in. DoubtingStephen will be there with me.

[hcmom]

I'm thinking I really, really, really want to come. Timing is a little rough, because 2 of my grandbabies are due right around then. Also, if I were to come, my awful secret would be discovered... I'm fairly shy and not much good at small talk.... I swear, really! But I do really want to come, so we'll have to see about updated due dates from the doctors.

[wollery]

I swear, really!I don't think rule 8 applies at TAM, so you should be okay. :D

[elaine]

I'm so excited for TAM. Have I mentioned I'm excited?

I can't wait to meet so many of you in person!

I'm coming in early Tuesday and leaving late on Sunday.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I'm thinking I really, really, really want to come. Timing is a little rough, because 2 of my grandbabies are due right around then. Also, if I were to come, my awful secret would be discovered... I'm fairly shy and not much good at small talk.... I swear, really! But I do really want to come, so we'll have to see about updated due dates from the doctors.

Unless you are personally in charge of delivering the babies, they'll still be there when you get back.

[hcmom]

Unless you are personally in charge of delivering the babies, they'll still be there when you get back.
Well, one of my daughters already said she wasn't having her baby without me there.

On the other hand...I'd much prefer February babies anyway...

[tim]

Lynn and I don't know yet. She's almost certainly going to lose her job shortly and it depends on the redundancy package she gets. I was at TAM3 and it was great. We'll know in a couple of weeks.

[Hutch]

Tim, I will not tolerate the Wombat and his missus not making it to TAM5!

The Bank of Hutch is declared open for Overseas missions. PM me when you know what you'll be needing.

I am bloody serious about this, Tim and Lynn. Do the math and let me know.

[grayman]

Tim and Hutch,

Here's something I wrote in the $350 thread:

Just a thought for next year: maybe JREF could start a fund where a person that is doing well financially could donate a dollar or two and have that money earmarked for TAM VI in order to offset the costs.

I paid $350.00 for myself and another $350 for my wife. If during the year I sent an additional 10% (tithing anyone?) and others did the same, we could bring the price down a bit.

Comments?

What do you think?

[grunion]

I would really like to go to TAM5 but don't know if I could swing it. I think I am alot older than alot of you but I am sure I would have a rollicking swell time and all that. I will try!

[tim]

grayman, sounds good - talk to Linda?
Grunion - how old is old? I'm 56 and there are others here older..............

[Skeptic Ginger]

I'm in and just need to work out a couple of details on the room and air. Is anyone flying from Seatac that would like to meet ahead of time?

[gambling_cruiser]

I am looking forward to meet some of the forum members at the Riviera.
Can someone tell me why it's start at 12:00 AM (that's midnight, isn't it?).
Btw I booked also Banachek, which day does he perform?

[Gulliamo]

I'll be there! I'm very excited, I am telling everyone about it.

Who else is going from NYC?

Is anyone going early or staying late?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

OK, I am now officially registered! Let the party begin!

I also signed up for the 3 optional performances - Banachek, Jamy Ian Swiss and Hal - although it doesn't say what time they are. I'll assume no conflicts.

Arriving Wed 1/17 (am) and departing Mon 1/22 (pm).

[MLynn]

Alright, my darlings - I have just registered. I will see you there. At Hold 'Em (it's a JREF fundraiser!), at the merchandise tables, at the program (or programme if you prefer), at the Forum party.

[MLynn]

Lynn and I don't know yet. She's almost certainly going to lose her job shortly and it depends on the redundancy package she gets. I was at TAM3 and it was great. We'll know in a couple of weeks.
I miss you tim, and would love to meet Lynn. Contact Hutch, please...

No shaving wombats

[Fitter]

Another newb planning to register as soon as the time off work is approved, hopefully later this week.

[duppyraces]

After actually seeing VPescado put that nail in his nose last week, how could I not be in?

In.

[BrianSI]

I was already in, but now I officially have a room confirmed from 1/16 through 1/21. Please keep me posted on the unofficial gatherings pre- / post- TAM.

[elaine]

I'm coming in on Tuesday as well.

[scotth]

In!

[BrianSI]

I'm coming in on Tuesday as well.

Sweet.

[BrianSI]

In!

Dude.

[duppyraces]

Dude! Dude.

[Geek Goddess]

After actually seeing VPescado put that nail in his nose last week, how could I not be in?

In.


I saw a rash of Cruisers just sign on. I've seen you guys party, and have 8x10 color glossies, with arrows, depicting the whole sordid mess. :scared:

I'm in.

[BrianSI]

Dude!

Sweet!

[duppyraces]

Woo!! I was hoping you'd say that. I mean, the part about you going, not the part about the 8X10 glossies. ;) I saw a rash of Cruisers just sign on. I've seen you guys party, and have 8x10 color glossies, with arrows, depicting the whole sordid mess. :scared:

I'm in.

[elaine]

Dude? Sweet?

You guys are making me feel old.

[Geek Goddess]

Dude? Sweet?

You guys are making me feel old.

WORD!

[Geek Goddess]

Woo!! I was hoping you'd say that. I mean, the part about you going, not the part about the 8X10 glossies. ;)

OK, I'll buy the first brandy if you'll bring the Cubans...

[elaine]

WORD!

Wasn't that last year? Like I'd really know.

[duppyraces]

Dude, you're 39? We're almost the same age! Sweet. Word up, yo!

Nothing like post-cruise high to stir us all into an insane frenzy.

Dude? Sweet?

You guys are making me feel old.

[Geek Goddess]

Wasn't that last year? Like I'd really know.

What do I know? My son says it, so I assumed it was K-e-w-l

[elaine]

I catch myself saying Dude, much more than I'd like to admit. I keep reminding myself I should probably start acting like a grown-up at some point.

[duppyraces]

OK, I'll buy the first brandy if you'll bring the Cubans...

You're on, sister! Let the good times roll again!

[BrianSI]

Perhaps 'tis this ye mean.



Nothing like post-cruise high to stir us all into an insane frenzy.

[duppyraces]

Perhaps 'tis this ye mean.

Funny, I actually *did* almost say that, but insane sounded so much more exciting.

[BrianSI]

OK, I'll buy the first brandy if you'll bring the Cubans...

Cool, I love a good Cuban orchestra. They make for the very best parties.

[duppyraces]

Cool, I love a good Cuban orchestra. They make for the very best parties.

The orchestra can't make it, but I did find three guys asking for handouts on a corner in Havana. I was thinking TAM scholarship fund?

[BrianSI]

I catch myself saying Dude, much more than I'd like to admit. I keep reminding myself I should probably start acting like a grown-up at some point.

See, I've been trying to re-invent the way grown-ups act. Baby-boomers are way too serious.



Of course, they seem to get more done that way.

[Troylus]

God willing, I'll be there.

[BrianSI]

The orchestra can't make it, but I did find three guys asking for handouts on a corner in Havana. I was thinking TAM scholarship fund?

Oh, man! You mean to tell me there was a Bermuda Triangle Astral Plane Excursion to Havana on the cruise? How did I manage to miss that on the brochure?

[SixSixSix]

In that spirit...

As long as the Flying Spaghetti Monster does not see fit to gather me up in his noodly appendages prior to the event, I'll be seeing my fellow Pastafarians there. ;)

[duppyraces]

Oh, man! You mean to tell me there was a Bermuda Triangle Astral Plane Excursion to Havana on the cruise? How did I manage to miss that on the brochure?
Yes, it was a stop on the painfully long ride to Tulum, right before the first 20 minute shopping break. Duh.

[Geek Goddess]

Oh, man! You mean to tell me there was a Bermuda Triangle Astral Plane Excursion to Havana on the cruise? How did I manage to miss that on the brochure?

You had to read their minds.

[SkepticScott]

right before the first 20 minute shopping break.I wonder how much of a kickback the bus driver and tour guide get for stopping the bus there? ;) I wish I had bought some of the smaller obsidian pieces there though. I didn't find anything comparable in Cozumel, althought I did find a marble chess set there for US$25.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Dude!

Duuuuuuude!!!!

[Soapy Sam]

Sorry folks- the wonders of a very slow internet connection.

[Soapy Sam]

Doublo

[Soapy Sam]

OK. I'm registered. Now I have to not pray to the crew change gods that my work schedule won't shift two weeks between now and January.

QUESTION for BRITS & EUROPEANS:-

How much is this costing you? At 1.90 dollars to the pound, I'm guestimating -
Flight $800
Hotel $500
Reg $300
Specials $150
$1750

That's just TAM and getting there.
Add a freefall tandem hot air helicopter bunjee jump out of the Grand Canyon, 200kg of chocolate & excess baggage charges an hour at the crap tables- and we're looking $3000- ish per person, right?

How does this compare with others'estimates?

[MLynn]

I'm attending Friday and Saturday: $250.00
Hotel (depending on final price I get): $270.00
Food: Negligable due to TAM related meals
Taxis/tips/gifts: $100-$150
Flight: $150.00 (approx.)
Buy-in JREF Hold 'Em Tourny: $45.00 (I think that's the buyin)
Gaming budget: $500.00
Total so far: $1,365.00

[gambling_cruiser]

Costs from Vienna, Austria

Flight $1082.-
Hotel $360.-
Registration + Banachek $390.-
Personal expenses $250.-
Gambling budget $1500.-

If my wife can get away from Vienna then a second flight ticket (probably at a higher price) and some additional expenses will beef up the bill.

[Geek Goddess]

Registration and extras - $380 - already paid
Flight - free (frequent flyer points)
Hotel approx $300
meals, drinks, taxi, whatever - $300

So, $1000, about $600 in January.

[VPescado]

Costs from Vienna, Austria

Flight $1082.-


You should be able to do a lot better than that - I see round trip tickets from VIE-LAS (arriving Wednesday evening and leaving Monday morning) for EUR 607.43 all inclusive (USD 781.63).

[SkepticScott]

Flight about $275
Hotel about $500
Food negligible
Add in another $200-$300 for shows, parking at airport, presents, etc.

[Beady]

Mrs Beady and I would like to go, especially since MB has been invited (urged, by some) to present a paper on Sunday. At the moment, though, it's a little iffy; we have to finish paying for the cruise, as well as a few other items, and MB's job is tentatively due to expire at the end of January. It appears we have until the end of November to register, so we may have to take all that time to finally decide.

[duppyraces]

Mrs Beady and I would like to go, especially since MB has been invited (urged, by some) to present a paper on Sunday. At the moment, though, it's a little iffy; we have to finish paying for the cruise, as well as a few other items, and MB's job is tentatively due to expire at the end of January. It appears we have until the end of November to register, so we may have to take all that time to finally decide. Book the trip and play blackjack with Scotth in Vegas.

[BrianSI]

Drive to / from LA: $110 + 12 hours driving (maybe I should fly)
TAM5 + extra events: ~$500
Hotel 6 nights: $540 + tax

Seeing my new friends from the cruise again: Priceless*



*I know, that should have been funny rather than sappy, but oh well.

[El_Spectre]

Drive to / from LA: $110 + 12 hours driving (maybe I should fly)
TAM5 + extra events: ~$500
Hotel 6 nights: $540 + tax
*I know, that should have been funny rather than sappy, but oh well.

12 hours? sheesh son, I've done that drive AND attended a drive-thru wedding in less :)

[BrianSI]

Yeah, I guess that's only if you drive like an old person and need to take driving breaks. Still, the fact that I live so close to LAX and would save a lot of time with not too much extra expense is tempting (if I buy early enough, I guess).

[scotth]

Yeah, I guess that's only if you drive like an old person and need to take driving breaks. Still, the fact that I live so close to LAX and would save a lot of time with not too much extra expense is tempting (if I buy early enough, I guess).

And you'll have a car to drive in Vegas. So, you'll either save rental money or have the benefit of having a car when you wouldn't have otherwise.

We are thinking of driving from the DFW area. Besides the benefit of saving rental money, we can squeeze several other bonuses out of it. My wife recently got a new car and we'd rather drive it than most anything we could rent for a reasonable price. We can hit Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert, and the Petrified Forest on the way in. We can drive to the Grand Canyon while we are there, and maybe have another JREFer or two that are around early or late along for the ride. We still might fly due to time constraints, but driving definitely has some things going for it.

[curt]

Is the Pope Catholic? Does a bear....? well you know. Anyhow, I'm in-My third TAM. Who want's to shoot machine guns at the Gun Store? And who wants to do that Stratosphere Tower thing? Anything else? (The Strip really is kinda boring after the 1st time.)

I'm up for machine gunning! Didn't get to do this last time around and I had my $5 off coupon too.

[SixSixSix]

I'm attending Friday and Saturday: $250.00
Hotel (depending on final price I get): $270.00
Food: Negligable due to TAM related meals
Taxis/tips/gifts: $100-$150
Flight: $150.00 (approx.)
Buy-in JREF Hold 'Em Tourny: $45.00 (I think that's the buyin)
Gaming budget: $500.00
Total so far: $1,365.00

Luxury.

The flights alone are going to cost Kiless and me about Oz$6000 or so.

[SkeptiKilt]

I'm in as well, for my third TAM. I'll probably drive up from LA (four to five hours) unless Southworst has another $49 fare sale, and even then it's a push financially.

I haven't registered yet because I don't have to until November, and the hotel price isn't likely to change, either.

Who was talking about a Scotch Appreciation Seminar? I've got some cask-strength Aberlour that's deadly (119 proof) and delightful, plus a few other interesting bottles. If there was one thing on the cruise that urinated me off it was the insistence by RC that you couldn't bring your own booze, but the only single malts they had were Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet.

[VPescado]

If there was one thing on the cruise that urinated me off it was the insistence by RC that you couldn't bring your own booze, but the only single malts they had were Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet.

I'm pretty sure that only applies to those who follow the rules.

We got 20 beers, 750 ml Maker's Mark, 750 ml Patron Anejo, and a bottle of champagne to our suite. A small donation to our stateroom attendent's favorite charity resulted in our cooler being continually stocked with ice.

All that said, we did drop some cash on cocktails and wine.

[SkeptiKilt]

I'm pretty sure that only applies to those who follow the rules.

Yeah, well, when faced with the prospect of having a couple of sixty/seventy-dollar bottles confiscated, I tend to err on the side of caution; next time, though, things will be different.

[gambling_cruiser]

Vpescado, just out of curiosity where did you see a ticket VIE-LAS-VIE for less than $800.-? (For this trip it won't help because my ticket is paid and nonref).

[VPescado]

Yeah, well, when faced with the prospect of having a couple of sixty/seventy-dollar bottles confiscated, I tend to err on the side of caution; next time, though, things will be different.

Even if they discover your attempt at smuggling alcohol, they will only impound the booze for the duration of the cruise and return it on the last night (when they deliver the duty free liquor bought on board).

[scotth]

VPescado,

You must be quite close to Susan's son (my step son) is currently living. He is at the Presidio at Monterey. He'll be there the next year or so studying Manderin Chinese.

[scotth]

BTW.... It is "official" now.

We have signed up and paid for the entire big burrito. 2 admissions, workshops, all the lectures, and the special dinner.

Doesn't appear we'll be needing plane tickets, and I'll book the hotel room sometime today.

We plan to leave DFW by car on Friday evening the week before. Spend a couple days sight seeing on the way. Arrive Monday. See all of you who arrive early Mon - Wed night. Head out for home next Monday morning.

[VPescado]

Vpescado, just out of curiosity where did you see a ticket VIE-LAS-VIE for less than $800.-? (For this trip it won't help because my ticket is paid and nonref).


ITA Software's Trip Planner (http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/prego) is arguably the best free fare engine available. They don't ticket (their business is to create booking engines for travel agents and don't want to compete. However it usually is very easy to purchase itineraries found on expedia, one of the airlines involved, or a traditional travel agent (there are a couple of exceptions: the ITA tool uses availability data that can be cached from a few hours ago so inventory may no longer be available when you run your query, and also doesn't apply some of the more complicated restrictions like "married availability" . . .but for 99% of the cases they are easy to book).

Make sure to set the purchase city correctly for international itineraries (as where you purchase may have a large effect on price).

Also, it is worth it to invest a few minutes in learning the ITA route language to be able to fine tune your queries (available in the help section).

Here is an itinerary:
1/17/07
NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH Flight HG8770
0735 Departs Vienna, Austria (VIE)
0855 Arrives Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)

Layover in Frankfurt 1 hr 25 min

Lufthansa Airlines Flight LH430
1020 Departs Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)
1300 Arrives Chicago, IL (ORD)

Layover in Chicago 1 hr 45 min

United Airlines Flight UA1547
1445 Departs Chicago, IL (ORD)
1638 Arrives Las Vegas, NV (LAS)

And the return on 1/22:

United Airlines Flight UA1534
0838 Departs Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
1414 Arrives Chicago, IL (ORD)

Layover in Chicago 1 hr 46 min

United Airlines Flight UA8837 (operated by Lufthansa Airlines as Flight LH431)

1600 Departs Chicago, IL (ORD)
0725 (next day) Arrives Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)

Layover in Frankfurt 2 hrs 15 min

NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH Flight HG8771
0940 Departs Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)
1105 Arrives Vienna, Austria (VIE)

Here is the fare info:
Fare (A1): HG VIEFRA WSMILERT fare (rules) €5.00
Fare (B1): LH FRALAS VMRCDEW fare (rules) €215.00
Fare (B2): UA LASFRA VMRCDEW fare (rules) €215.00
Fare (A2): HG FRAVIE WSMILERT fare (rules) €5.00
Tax: Austrian Passenger Security Charge €8.00
Tax: Austrian Passenger Service Charge €15.29
Tax: US International Arrival Tax $14.50
Tax: US Customs Fee $5.00
Tax: US Immigration Fee $7.00
Tax: USDA APHIS Fee $5.00
Tax: LH YQ surcharge $70.00
Tax: US September 11th Security Fee $7.50
Tax: US International Departure Tax $14.50
Tax: US Passenger Facility Charge $12.00
Tax: German Passenger Service Charge €24.26
Tax: German Airport Security Tax €14.46
Total for 1 adult passenger: $777.90


Also, if you fly often, you may want to look into the details of your ticket, even though unrefundable, you may be able to exchange it for a credit with the airline good for up to a year from ticketing. The credit would be for the fare paid minus a penalty which may be as low as $100.

[VPescado]

VPescado,

You must be quite close to Susan's son (my step son) is currently living. He is at the Presidio at Monterey. He'll be there the next year or so studying Manderin Chinese.

Monterey is about two hours South of the Pescado compound.

[TJ]

Dude!


Duppy, it'll be great to see you again!


[happy TAM4 memory]

I was playing a wheel of fortune quarter-slot machine (still dressed in my TAM4 T-shirt and badge) when this very attractive woman who was playing slots next to me said:

"I don't understand it! Sylvia Browne told me I would win!"

She must have seen my face turn to stone as I tried my hardest not to say anything. She just laughed and told me she was here for the conference too. I laughed, relieved, and that was my first meeting with duppyraces.

[/happy TAM4 memory]

[scotth]

Monterey is about two hours South of the Pescado compound.

Well, we'll probably be in your neighborhood around thanksgiving..... if that has any interest.

And great story TJ.

[elaine]

Duppy, it'll be great to see you again!


[happy TAM4 memory]

I was playing a wheel of fortune quarter-slot machine (still dressed in my TAM4 T-shirt and badge) when this very attractive woman who was playing slots next to me said:

"I don't understand it! Sylvia Browne told me I would win!"

She must have seen my face turn to stone as I tried my hardest not to say anything. She just laughed and told me she was here for the conference too. I laughed, relieved, and that was my first meeting with duppyraces.

[/happy TAM4 memory]


Very funny!

[Beady]

I wonder how much of a kickback the bus driver and tour guide get for stopping the bus there? ;)

Not a lot; it was our guide (Patricio) who told us to hold off until we got to Tulum, because it was more competetive.

[TJ]

Very funny!

We'll make a bunch of happy TAM5 memories too; you'll see.

[elaine]

Of that, I have no doubt.

[scotth]

I've got our room booked and confirmed.

We'll be checking in on Monday the 15th, and departing the next Monday morning.

[Beady]

I've got our room booked and confirmed.

We'll be checking in on Monday the 15th, and departing the next Monday morning.

You got the $89 rate for the entire week?

[gambling_cruiser]

Thank you very much VPescado!
This trip finder site looks great:wave1

[scotth]

You got the $89 rate for the entire week?

Yep!

I had to call. The web page would only do up to 6 days. They were glad to sell me the extra Monday when I called.

[VPescado]

Yep!

I had to call. The web page would only do up to 6 days. They were glad to sell me the extra Monday when I called.

I'm sure that they were glad - they are currently selling the same room for USD 55 pn on expedia (except for FR and SA where the going rate is 95).

You may want to call back and get the 55 rate for the five non-weekend nights.

[duppyraces]

Duppy, it'll be great to see you again!


[happy TAM4 memory]

I was playing a wheel of fortune quarter-slot machine (still dressed in my TAM4 T-shirt and badge) when this very attractive woman who was playing slots next to me said:

"I don't understand it! Sylvia Browne told me I would win!"

She must have seen my face turn to stone as I tried my hardest not to say anything. She just laughed and told me she was here for the conference too. I laughed, relieved, and that was my first meeting with duppyraces.

[/happy TAM4 memory]
It's so fun to say something silly and have somebody remember you because of it. Yes, I still remember the look on your face. Good thing we only count the hits, and not the misses. I got a million of 'em! I can't wait to see you again, too. I mean, not that you said that, but I'm saying it. :p

[duppyraces]

Oh, for god's sake. This is off-topic, except that I saw it while posting here, and that it makes me need to go to TAM *now*. So it's kind of TAM related. Top story on Yahoo! News. Telephone telepathy! Not even an attempt at pointing out the obviously HUGE flaws in the experiment and the likely explanation for the results. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060905/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_telepathy

[Soapy Sam]

Sorry to go on about costs (A true Scotsman), but I can find the (apparently) same room at the Riviera on line for $48.80 up to Thursday and $85.50 on the weekend. So what exactly is this $89.00 "special "rate we are being offered?

[VPescado]

So what exactly is this $89.00 "special "rate we are being offered?

Well two things that the JREF rate offer is guarenteed availability at the rate (as much as anything is ever guarenteed with respect to hotels) and if JREF is guarenteeing a certain number of room nights in exchange for comped conference services, booking under the conference rate may prevent JREF from being stuck with a huge bill if we don't meet quota.

That all said, the spread between the market rate and the conference rate is absurdly high for weekday nights.

ETA: Where are you finding those rates?

[SkeptiKilt]

I have the all-time winner telephone telepathy experience, although I don't claim it to be anything other than coincidence. I once dialed the number of a person I hadn't spoken to in several months, and she picked up the phone before it rang. To call me. Unfortunately, the coincidence didn't help my nefarious plans regarding her. Maybe I should look her up and send her some JREF material . . .

Sometimes the really cheap hotel rates can bite you. I booked a Vegas room at the last minute through one of the online brokers and wound up two floors above a very loud outdoor disco that went until three or four a.m. :yikes: I was lucky to be able to change the room, as it was a weekend, and it cost me a bit extra.

[Geek Goddess]

Oh, for god's sake. This is off-topic, except that I saw it while posting here, and that it makes me need to go to TAM *now*. So it's kind of TAM related. Top story on Yahoo! News. Telephone telepathy! Not even an attempt at pointing out the obviously HUGE flaws in the experiment and the likely explanation for the results. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060905/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_telepathy

If I gave someone names of four friends to call me, I could do better than 25% on which one would call me - I know them all too well.

woo woo

[VPescado]

Aha!

I did some more digging. The Convention rate is for "Deluxe" rooms, whereas the other rates are most likely for "Standard rooms". The differences are described here (http://www.rivierahotel.com/roomsreservations_roomdetails.html).

So the conference rate is not a bad deal at all. Sorry to start a panic.

[Soapy Sam]

Well two things that the JREF rate offer is guarenteed availability at the rate (as much as anything is ever guarenteed with respect to hotels) and if JREF is guarenteeing a certain number of room nights in exchange for comped conference services, booking under the conference rate may prevent JREF from being stuck with a huge bill if we don't meet quota.

That all said, the spread between the market rate and the conference rate is absurdly high for weekday nights.

ETA: Where are you finding those rates?

At this incredible URL- Ain't it a thing of beauty? (ETA RATS!. It trimmed it. The thing is two complete widths of the page in edit mode.)

It does not seem to distinguish between grades of room. Me- I'm happy with six feet of floor, if it's out of the wind, but I'm a bit of a bum.
I just typed "Riviera hotel las vegas " into IE. This was top pick, so it's not as if the Riviera is concealing the lower rates.
I used to drive to motels, then use their own hall phone to call the front desk and ask for special rates. I nearly always got a lower rate than the one you got at the reception desk. This is "Quality Inn"" or similar. If it's a mom-and-pop place the roomrate tended to be THE roomrate, which is understandable.

http://nhrb-reservations.com/servlets/NRBHotels.ResevationSearch?cmbCheckInMonthSecond=0&cmbCheckInDateSecond=17&cmbCheckInYearSecond=2007&cmbNoOfNightsSecond=6&cmbCheckOutMonthSecond=0&cmbCheckOutDateSecond=23&cmbCheckOutYearSecond=2007&cmbNoOfRooms=1&cmbNoOfAdults=1&cmbNoChi=0&cmbCheckInDate=17&cmbCheckInYear=2007&cmbCheckInMonth=0&cmbCheckOutDate=23&cmbCheckOutYear=2007&cmbCheckOutMonth=0&cmbNoOfNights=6&hidPayType=CC&StyleObj=&AffiliateMainPage=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lasvegashotels-online.com&checkInDate=17-Jan-2007+00%3A00&checkOutDate=21-Jan-2007+00%3A00&selCity=%25&hotelCode=RIVIER&cmbCity=%25&language=en&country=US&browser=IE&afftCode=AFF16&afftType=&userName=-&userType=AFF&passWord=-&aminities=-&hotelFilterChar=&cmbPriceRange=null&start=1&end=25&currCount=25&linkFrm=NHRB





Those deluxe rooms, if they come with twin beds would seem like obvious share material.
It looks bigger than my apartment.

[VPescado]

Oh, for god's sake. This is off-topic, except that I saw it while posting here, and that it makes me need to go to TAM *now*. So it's kind of TAM related. Top story on Yahoo! News. Telephone telepathy! Not even an attempt at pointing out the obviously HUGE flaws in the experiment and the likely explanation for the results. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060905/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_telepathy

Anyone want to guess the protocol for getting no answer when calling one of the four potential contacts (or having them refuse to participate)?

[Antiquehunter]

Just a note on the Riviera rooms - if you have ever played at the Riviera and have a Riviera club card thingy, then you can often get a significant discount (or even a couple of nights free) on a room by calling the number on the back of the card...

-AH.

[IllegalArgument]

I'm signed up for TAM5!

Just need to get the hotel and airline squared away.

[slingblade]

Mr. Slingblade and I will be there, thanks to help from some special people (one in particular) here.

I am soooooo excited! I've wanted to go ever since I heard about it, and can't believe we'll actually be there! With all of you! Wheeeeee! :D

[articulett]

I will definitely be there - my third in a row, and I wouldn't dare miss one!

Me too. My fourth. Nyah, nyah. (this may even qualify me as "more amazing")

[Soapy Sam]

I finally got everything booked. Arrive Wednesday night. Leave on the 22nd. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. This is my first time. Be gentle with me.

[AK-Dave]

I just put in a request for leave for 17-22 January. I checked my air miles, and I have enough to cover the trip. Assuming my leave gets approved, I should be signed up by the end of the week.

[AK-Dave]

My leave request has been approved. I'm registered and have my flight and hotel reservations. So far, $900, including renewing my JREF membership.

[Frogberto]

Role call? I'll be there, and I'll be playing the part (or the role) of... er, myself!

[supercorgi]

I'm still debating whether to go or not. I only get 3 weeks of vacation (4 if I carry over a week) and there's so many things I want to do. I want to do 2 weeks of a medival reanactment event (I know I'm nerdy) that I didn't get to do this year. I also want to go to dog camp this next summer. Dog camp is something my doggie friends have been trying to get me to do for years - it's a vacation with your dog where you get to do all sorts of dog related actvities (yes again I know this is nerdy). This doesn't leave much time - if I came out to TAM I'd like to take additional time to go see sights like the Grand Canyon. So what should I do? Come on people, convince me! :)

[Kochanski]

Supercorgi, you have to come. Where else do you get to hang out with all these cool people. I have a pic of you at the forum party with Murray Gell-Mann :)

[scotth]

I'm still debating whether to go or not. I only get 3 weeks of vacation (4 if I carry over a week) and there's so many things I want to do. I want to do 2 weeks of a medival reanactment event (I know I'm nerdy) that I didn't get to do this year. I also want to go to dog camp this next summer. Dog camp is something my doggie friends have been trying to get me to do for years - it's a vacation with your dog where you get to do all sorts of dog related actvities (yes again I know this is nerdy). This doesn't leave much time - if I came out to TAM I'd like to take additional time to go see sights like the Grand Canyon. So what should I do? Come on people, convince me! :)

Seriously, what could possibly be nerdier than coming TAM. Your choice seems obvious. Bring some nerdy doggy friends or nerdy medieval friends along for the ultimate nerdfest.

[SkepticScott]

Bring some nerdy doggy friends or nerdy medieval friends along for the ultimate nerdfest.I'll bet she doesn't have to bring anyone; she can find all the new nerdy dog friends and nerdy medieval friends she wants at TAM. Come to TAM!

[scotth]

I'll bet she doesn't have to bring anyone; she can find all the new nerdy dog friends and nerdy medieval friends she wants at TAM. Come to TAM!

You're right! Come to think of it, we can be some of her nerdy dog friends.

Here's proof.

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_9244507fdb8c61bf.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1460)

It was nice seeing these guys again when we returned home from the cruise.

[Beady]

I only get 3 weeks of vacation...

I know, same here. Still, it's this group that makes me use it, that gets me out of the house and, oddly, away from the computer.

And, to quote Mrs Beady, talking to her sister in Iowa after the Cruise (is it emotionally possible to talk about it without capitalization?), "It's been 20 years since I've had so much sustained intelligent conversation."

I guess it's a matter of priorities. The only thing holding me back right now is that we simply do not have enough free credit to register and make reservations.

[Badger]

I finally got everything booked. Arrive Wednesday night. Leave on the 22nd. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. This is my first time. Be gentle with me.


I'm looking forward to shaking your hand!

[supercorgi]

Supercorgi, you have to come. Where else do you get to hang out with all these cool people. I have a pic of you at the forum party with Murray Gell-Mann :)

Murray Gell-Mann was the greatest! :)

[duppyraces]

Yay nerdy dog friends!! Wow, that's a lot of Dog. I wish I could have seen the homecoming!

You're right! Come to think of it, we can be some of her nerdy dog friends.

Here's proof.

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_9244507fdb8c61bf.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1460)

It was nice seeing these guys again when we returned home from the cruise.

[scotth]

Yay nerdy dog friends!! Wow, that's a lot of Dog. I wish I could have seen the homecoming!

They were very excited to see us.

[SkepticScott]

LOL! I can imagine the confusion of paws, tongues and tails that greeted you. Dogs are such fun.

[supercorgi]

You're right! Come to think of it, we can be some of her nerdy dog friends.

Here's proof.

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_9244507fdb8c61bf.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1460)

It was nice seeing these guys again when we returned home from the cruise.

Dogs, dogs, and more dogs! Last Saturday I went to a Greyhound rescue fair. Louie (the SuperCorgi) got to be an honorary dwarf Greyhound for the day. :D

[The Central Scrutinizer]

"It's been 20 years since I've had so much sustained intelligent conversation."

LOL. Wait until she meets me. I like to talk about chicks. And beer. And pro wrestling.

[Badger]

LOL. Wait until she meets me. I like to talk about chicks. And beer. And pro wrestling.

I'm looking forward to shaking your hand too! (and then wiping mine with a moist towellette)

[duppyraces]

LOL. Wait until she meets me. I like to talk about chicks. And beer. And pro wrestling. I don't remember you talking about pro wrestling.

[Mr. Skinny]

I don't remember you talking about pro wrestling.
You have to understand that Scrut lies a lot.

In particular, he lies about his love for Rebecca. That's just a small example.

[duppyraces]

You have to understand that Scrut lies a lot.

In particular, he lies about his love for Rebecca. That's just a small example.

:eek: Scrut would never lie! At least that's what he told me when we spent the night in a hotel room together.

[SkepticScott]

:eek: Scrut would never lie!Everybody lies. Except for me. I'm the very embodiment of honesty and truth. Wanna share a hotel room?:cool:

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I don't remember you talking about pro wrestling.

Maybe I could show you some moves? :)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

:eek: Scrut would never lie! At least that's what he told me when we spent the night in a hotel room together.

Can we relive that night for the first time at TAM V? :eye-poppi

[duppyraces]

Can we relive that night for the first time at TAM V? :eye-poppi For the first time? Don't even tell me you forgot that all night whiskey party in Pasadena. There were even wrestling moves with Electric Monk! Ok, maybe it wasn't all night, but it was pretty damn close.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

For the first time? Don't even tell me you forgot that all night whiskey party in Pasadena. There were even wrestling moves with Electric Monk! Ok, maybe it wasn't all night, but it was pretty damn close.

I must have left by then. I was staying at a different hotel. :(

So we'll have to make our own memories in Las Vegas! :D

[Mercutio]

I don't remember whether you had left by then, Scrut, but I do remember that evening.

[duppyraces]

I don't remember whether you had left by then, Scrut, but I do remember that evening. Yeah, I guess our numbers had somewhat dwindled by 3 or 4am. What a magic night that was.

[MLynn]

Just a note on the Riviera rooms - if you have ever played at the Riviera and have a Riviera club card thingy, then you can often get a significant discount (or even a couple of nights free) on a room by calling the number on the back of the card...

-AH.
I registered at the $89 rate, but since I do enjoy gaming :D I will register for their club card and see if I can at least get my room partially comped.

[MLynn]

You're right! Come to think of it, we can be some of her nerdy dog friends.

Here's proof.

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_9244507fdb8c61bf.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1460)

It was nice seeing these guys again when we returned home from the cruise.
You have 4 greyhounds?! I only have room for one in our small house. There are lots of dog owners that go to TAM - I think duppyraces knows that - duppy, I miss you!

[scotth]

You have 4 greyhounds?! I only have room for one in our small house. There are lots of dog owners that go to TAM - I think duppyraces knows that - duppy, I miss you!

Our current house is only 1200 sq ft.

[SkepticScott]

Our current house is only 1200 sq ft.That's 300 ft^2 per dog, but where do you two live? :)

I'd like to be a dog owner. I could bring one in to work here, it's a dog-friendly place, but the next job might not be. :(

[scotth]

That's 300 ft^2 per dog, but where do you two live? :)

I'd like to be a dog owner. I could bring one in to work here, it's a dog-friendly place, but the next job might not be. :(

Really, it isn't all that bad. But, it would be somewhat nice to be back down to 2 or 3.

We are certainly moving in the next few months to 3000sq/ft or larger. That'll be much better.

[TriangleMan]

Okay my time off was approved and the plane ticket is booked! I'll register and book the hotel tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing everyone (or seeing you again if you were at the previous two TAMs).

[xenxabar]

I registered at the $89 rate, but since I do enjoy gaming :D I will register for their club card and see if I can at least get my room partially comped.
If you like to play the slot machines, then you'll earn comps quickly. Video poker doesn't reward as high because the odds are better. Depending upon the casino and their actuaries, the points may vary from $5 - $10 per unit. Playing the table games can earn comps but at much lesser and sometimes subjective rate. Throwing down $100 at a table will get you a better rating than $40. Playing more than the minium will also help, especially when the pit boss saunters by and looks at everyone's chip stack.

[scotth]

It looks very likely that I have recruited at least one more TAM attendee. He doesn't post here (yet), but he would fit in pretty well.

Here's hoping we got another.

I am actively recruiting people into the skeptical community in general. I figure if I can get them to come to TAM for the entertainment/education value, by the end of a TAM they should be not far from being ready to be activists. (at least in my optimistic mind)

[Luciana]

Hey, I guess now it's safe to add my name to the Role call. :)

Next year I want to meet, in particular, the newbies. Then hang out with the regulars and later regret not hanging out with others for lack of time. I'll dance tango with IllegalArgument, get a pic with Shermer (if I get the courage to ask), and, above all, hug hug hug lots of people. :fg:

[scotth]

Hey, I guess now it's safe to add my name to the Role call. :)

Next year I want to meet, in particular, the newbies. Then hang out with the regulars and later regret not hanging out with others for lack of time. I'll dance tango with IllegalArgument, get a pic with Shermer (if I get the courage to ask), and, above all, hug hug hug lots of people. :fg:

Find me, I'll make sure you get a picture with Shermer.

[BrianSI]

Scott never fails as a camerman.

I too, may have a recruit who read "Demon Haunted World" in college and loved it. I told him about the cruise and he was pumped. He also loves Vegas. But, he had been drinking a bit, so maybe his enthusiasm was temporary.