Cruisers - thread for trip reports / cruise musings etc...

[Antiquehunter]

Just thought I'd start a thread for us to wax poetic about our fun times on the cruise.

I'm still getting my thoughts down, will post once ready...

-AH.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

The first post better be a picture of Duppyraces in a bikini.

[Antiquehunter]

Well - the cruise lived up to its name. It was truly Amazing. A sincere thanks from me to Jeff, Joe and Lois for their efforts in putting everything together.

The sessions were superb, I really can't pick a favorite. Hal's discussion on skepticism in the government stimulated some excellent discussion, Dr. Shermer's presentation was enlightening as always, Banachek's roundtable and then his incredible show later in the trip, Mr Randi's discussions... I could go on.

The food, the wine, the hanging out with fun people and carousing to all hours of the night... a refreshing break from Afghanistan, I daresay. Although I do need a holiday from my holiday...

Many of you met my father who was travelling with me. I was very nervous to bring him along, for while I feel my dad is intelligent and is skeptical about a number of things, he does subscribe to some beliefs that are not consistent with the skeptic movement. Everyone who spoke with my dad was respectful and polite, and I'm happy to report that my dad had a terrific time. He definitely was challenged to check out some of his beliefs, and I'm confident he will do so. He was brave enough to watch 'The God who wasn't there' with me, all the way through - which was a major step for him. He may not change his mind about his religious beliefs - and that really is his business, not mine. However I am confident that his experience on this cruise will help him relate better to me as a skeptic and an atheist. Overall, the cruise experience of travelling with a believer was a win-win - everyone we met was gracious and accepting, and at the same time inspired my dad to learn and think more. Which is truly what the JRef is all about.

It was wonderful meeting so many intelligent, fun folks, and I'm already looking forward to TAMV!

-AH.

[kittynh]

hearing about the lectures and such is wonderful. And the bonding time with your father.

But really, more about the carousing! With video and pictures please!

[Geek Goddess]

But really, more about the carousing! With video and pictures please!

There will be a lot of pictures - Scott said he had about 6 gig and was going to copy and mail DVDs to the attendees who asked for them (me! me!) so I suspect there will be a lot of postings available within days.

While I didn't get involved in the poker games (I'm skeptical, not gullible), I will testify that Antiquehunter appeared to enjoy himself and is quite the Ouija board operator (and devishly handsome, I might add). Curnir was a very nice guy, and had come all the way from Sweden to attend, only to be evacuated to Miami after his accident (not the type of adventure one would hope for...) A huge number of the attendees went to visit him in the infirmary, and waved him off later that night.

The Ship Fairies did NOT follow me home - my sheets are not turned down, towels were not folded, and I suspect that no one is going to be bringing me drinks on a tray anytime this evening...

[Geek Goddess]

(and devishly handsome, I might add).

Uh, that's devilishly. I'm still a bit perturbed about the Ship Fairies not following me home.

[SkepticScott]

Hi everyone,
I just got home after an AMAZING cruise. While there were some things that could have gone better, one the whole it was great. I'll post more tomorrow.

TCS: If I had such a picture, I would not share it. ;) I do have a picture of four skepchicks posing.

[Hutch]

Well, I'm back.

The trip was decidedly wonderful, as far as I know everybody had a good time (except for poor Curnir) and for those of you who are stressed out a 5-might cruise can do wonders for your peace of mind (it will also do wonders for your waistline, but you can always diet later).

With only 60 or so folks and about 16-17 Forumites, it was easy to get to know people on a more familiar basis than at TAM, where the numbers can be in the hundreds. Antique Hunter organized several poker games, Geek Goddess is quite pleasant, and I can recommend Cleon as a roommate to anyone going to TAM5 (excepting certain posters on the poliutics Forum, you know who you are...). Not a bad penny in the bunch, and thanks to Jeff Waggs' setup we were able to dine with a variety of folks and celebrities. (I got to set next to Randi, and of course could think of nothing to say)

I wish we could lure Hal Bidlack back. The man has a tremendous wit and presence and class that would do us well. But it is his decision...

More later, once I wake up after going to sleep. Many pictures to download...

[kittynh]

ohhh, I wanna see photos!!!!

[duppyraces]

Awesome trip. Awesome people. The forum absolutely ROCKED as always! I met lots of forum folks for the first time and it felt like instant family. That's about all I can muster before I pass out. But I'm still up for cuban cigars and blackjack later...

And Scrut, you need to actually be there next time, damnit! You were missed, along with a lot of others. It's okay though. We had enough fun for all of you. :D

Here's to Curnir, and hope he's recovering as well as can be expected.

P.S. I ate before the airport, at the airport, on the first plane, on the second plane, on the way home from the airport, after I got home, and now I want dessert and spiked coffee. Um...I'm not sure if this little cruise ship habit is my favorite souvenir.

[Mercutio]

Pics, Dups.

Then maybe we will forgive you for not sneaking us on in your luggage.

[duppyraces]

I'm not talking to you, Scarecrow. I thought you *were* in my luggage. Especially as it weighed about as much. But honestly, I didn't take any pictures! Nice work, huh? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that others made up for it. :) :) Pics, Dups.

Then maybe we will forgive you for not sneaking us on in your luggage.

[Mercutio]

Dang. I spent a week in *someone's* suitcase...and for nothing. Nothing but a crick in my lower back....

[Hamradioguy]

ohhh, I wanna see photos!!!!

Well, I am back and have plenty of photos. I'll screen 'em for PCness and share some of the acceptable ones in a day or so.
Was a super week... and this from a guy who hates the concept of cruising and swore years ago he'd never ever go on a cruise. What a great bunch of people. Rumor has it there may be another cruise at some point. Those of you who didn't make this one best get in line for the next cruise.

[SkepticScott]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that others made up for it. :) :)I took about 100 and will be posting links soon.

Sunset on the 31st and skepchicks (pixelated until I get permission)

[Cleon]

Hey all,

I had an absolute frikkin' blast. Really. I have zero criticisms--which, considering my contrary nature, is really rather amazing in itself.

I'll keep this brief, as it's 4:20 a.m. and I just got back from DragonCon. (Ship gets into port, I get on airplane, I go to con...Yeah, I'm a wee bit bushed right now.)

First--in case nobody heard, there was an injury. Curinir is, as far as I'm aware, recovering nicely in Mt. Sinai hospital in Miami.

Second, I do want to give special props to someone who didn't even come on the cruise. ImaginalDisc drove up from Miami Beach just to cook for the bon voyage party! To call him a mentsch for doing that doesn't do him justice. And he's a damn fine cook, too.

I've never been to TAM (insert appropriate nasty comments here), so aside from Randi and Derek from Skepticality, this was the first time I was able to put faces to names and hang out with forum folk. As Hutch said, not a bad egg in the bunch. What an incredibly cool, fun group of people. It was really nice just hanging out talking with everyone, and the small, intimate nature of the cruise made it really easy (and fun!) to hang out with Dr. Shermer, Randi, Banacheck, and everyone else on the cruise.

Hutch and I make very good roommates, either because we get along so well or because at night we inadvertantly form the JREF Forum Symphony Orchestra, which sounds like a bunch of speech-impaired mountain lines.


Pictures will be forthcoming as soon as I get some of that "sleep" stuff I heard so much about.

[Geek Goddess]

I took about 100 and will be posting links soon.

Sunset on the 31st and skepchicks (pixelated until I get permission)

Pixelated? I'm pretty sure it was the mojitos I was drinking. Post away.

[Geek Goddess]

Well, I'm back.

, and thanks to Jeff Waggs' setup we were able to dine with a variety of folks and celebrities. (I got to set next to Randi, and of course could think of nothing to say)

I wish we could lure Hal Bidlack back. The man has a tremendous wit and presence and class that would do us well. But it is his decision...

More later, once I wake up after going to sleep. Many pictures to download...


Disclaimer: if you sit next to Randi, you don't have to think of anything to say - he has hundreds, if not thousands, of stories. He was one of the most interesting people I've met in my short life. Dr. Colonel Bidlack is another (or is that Col. Dr?)

[Beady]

This is really weird. The seas were flat-ass calm the entire way, but the room I'm in (here at home) is rocking and pitching like crazy. I suspect it was the grueling flight home.

Favorite part of the trip: A (very) few of us, maybe six or seven, were in the same disembarkation group as Randi, and so had a quiet 2 1/2 hours' wait and quiet conversation with the man, with no loud music, crowds or other distractions; Mrs Beady and I were also in an even smaller group who'd had breakfast with him an hour before. This was incredibly fortunate for me, because until then I had pretty much fumbled every other encounter. Here's a hint for those who might meet him for the first time: the man enjoys banter and seems to like it when you fire back at him:

Me: (Actually, I forget)
Randi: (I forget again, but something to the effect that I wasn't as smart as I thought I was - said jokingly, don't get this wrong)
Me: (without thinking) "Well excuse the piss right out of me!"
Randi: (lowers head into breakfast, laughing)Shermer was the Speaker I got to know the least; ironic, since his cabin was next door to ours. Of course, that may have had something to do with it, since I early-on developed the habit of taking Benjamin Franklin-style "air baths" out on the balcony (after dark).

Banacek and his wife were just plain nice folks, and Mrs Beady and Heidi really seemed to hit it off.

The ship's magician sat next to me (by the group's invitation) during our dinner with Hal, which really made it interesting. Jean-Pierre is, quite literally, the cab driver in chapter one of The Demon-Haunted World, who really wants to know about things but has so far only been exposed to the popular press. He really seemed grateful when I wrote down the title of that book for him and recommended he read it, first. I have hopes of continuing the conversation since he gets home to Montreal, an hour from here, at least once a month; he may be an initiate, soon.

And then, of course, there are all the other folk, with many of whom real friendships might have formed if only the cruise could have lasted just a bit longer. I suppose that's my biggest regret, because several people I wanted to know better don't post here so conversations will remain unfinished or never begun. :(

OTOH, however, is my biggest gratification. Mrs Beady had, until the cruise, in the main only been along for the ride (including the New England get-togethers). Now, though, she has finally engaged other members on an extended basis, both as a group and individually, and appears somewhat suprised at how well she fits in. She's still boggled that Hal and Jeff asked her to present a paper at TAM, and even Randi gave her some input, so I think you-all are now finally our skeptics' group, as opposed to my skeptic's group. It also looks like we may be at TAM V, much to my own surprise.

[Hamradioguy]

This is really weird. The seas were flat-ass calm the entire way, but the room I'm in (here at home) is rocking and pitching like crazy. I suspect it was the grueling flight home.

Ah, you too, eh. Ever see some old salt walk down the street after weeks at sea? You'd swear he's drunk. Yeah, the seas were calm, but there was still a bit of roll, even on such a large and well sabilized ship. You spent the better part of a week subconsciously adapting to that. Now you are in the process of unadapting. It's why I passed up the Navy for the Air Force (Where I flew only a desk.)

[duppyraces]

This is really weird. The seas were flat-ass calm the entire way, but the room I'm in (here at home) is rocking and pitching like crazy. I suspect it was the grueling flight home.

You're not alone, Beady. Seems to always happen the day after a cruise! I'm leaning way to the left as I type this, lest the room pitch me over this chair to the right. Why it doesn't happen until the next day is beyond me. Taking a bath (as opposed to a shower) really intensifies the effect.

...so I think you-all are now finally our skeptics' group, as opposed to my skeptic's group. It also looks like we may be at TAM V, much to my own surprise.

Yes!! It was wonderful speaking with the both of you, despite my forgetfulness on bringing your evening gown. Actually, Mrs. Beady fit in so well that I forgot she wasn't a long time forumite. Isn't her handle Mrs. Beady? :D Can't wait to see you both at TAM!

Cleon, I can't believe you seriously made DragonCon. You are insane. But a hell of a lot of fun, damnit. You see, Cleon and I had this disturbing habit of finding ourselves at the bar together. Even for the free shot of tequila at the store on the way to Tulum, I turned to find that mischievous grin. Either we were the ship's alcoholics, or it was kismet. I miss you, man.

Somebody stop this room from rocking, please...

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Sunset on the 31st and skepchicks (pixelated until I get permission)

OK, I give you permission!

[SkepticScott]

I agree with Beady and duppyraces. I keep expecting to hear the hangers in my closet rattle; why isn't my house vibrating?

Honestly, the ship was incredibly smooth. Even the tender and ferry rides were good. (I confess to taking anti-motion sickness pills before each, just in case.)

[SkepticScott]

Hi,
I spilled someone's drink in the Viking Lounge Friday. I owe someone a drink at TAM5. If you're that person, would you please tell me at TAM5? I'll buy you two; the ones on the ship were larger than normal.

-- ClumsyScott

[duppyraces]

By the by, the JREF may be getting a large bill for silverware after this cruise. You see, Banachek (*really* nice guy, btw!) did a great presentation one day in which he bent a lot of (his own) silverware, talked about bending a lot of silverware, and showed videos of bending silverware.

You can imagine our dinner tables that evening as everyone, including Dr. Shermer, attempted to recreate the performance on the ship's dining utensils.

[Geek Goddess]

And here I thought I had taken my blood pressure medicine too many times, or that my blood sugar was low! I'm using the rails when I go up and down the stairs here at home because my sense of balance is off. My son is home on leave (he's a nuke in the Navy) and told me that is is very common, and that it might take 2-3 days to acclimate.

[mumchup]

The entire cruise was awesome (except for Curnir's injury). I guess that would be Amazing.
I would definitely do it again if there's another. I have also resolved to try to finally get to a TAM because the speakers were all so great. As soon as I get my luggage unpacked I'll DL the few pictures I have and post them (with permission, of course. And I give permission for images myself and Steve) It was also fun to get to know the forum members because I had never gone to any of the New England get togethers. I'll be doing my best not to miss the next one though. It would be hard to find a more interesting group of people. If Mrs. Beady is going to write a paper for TAMV I MUST make sure I go.
The second game of poker was the most fun, because I won that one. Big thanks to Antique Hunter for getting the games together and providing the chips and cards.

[Geek Goddess]

The second game of poker was the most fun, because I won that one. Big thanks to Antique Hunter for getting the games together and providing the chips and cards.

Duck soup....

[NaiDriftlin]

By the by, the JREF may be getting a large bill for silverware after this cruise. You see, Banachek (*really* nice guy, btw!) did a great presentation one day in which he bent a lot of (his own) silverware, talked about bending a lot of silverware, and showed videos of bending silverware.

You can imagine our dinner tables that evening as everyone, including Dr. Shermer, attempted to recreate the performance on the ship's dining utensils.

I actually got a picture of the fork Banachek bent. I also have the same fork, only Jeff and I broke it after he unbent it(Sorta).

[Luciana]

Is it my impression, or people REALLY liked the cruise?

:)

Great! I hope more people decide to join the forum (we always need new blood) and go to TAM after that. I've been to 3 TAMs so far and had a blast.

[AZAtheist]

Nancy and I enjoyed the cruise and appreciate all the work of the JREF employees and volunteers. We attended most of the JREF events and spent the balance of the time with my sister and her husband. By the way, they have decided to attend TAM 5 in January.

Nancy is also suffering from the post cruise "leans". It is great to hear that others are "in the same boat"; now she nows that she's not a freak. She always seems to get the post cuise vertigo and it lasts for about two weeks.

It was nice to meet and talk with the JREF rational thinkers and looking forward to seeing the posted pictures.

[Geek Goddess]

I knew absolutely no one before I attended the cruise, and had not been part of the forum until I signed up for it. I travel alone a bit, so had no problem with that, and took a few days to feel comfortable, but I definitely enjoyed the trip. One of the most memorable times was when I was proceeding to disembark for the Cocobay beaches, and saw Dr Shermer, Hal, Mr Randi, Dr Perry and his wife, and a couple others sitting in a lounge area. (Dr Perry is a physicist, I believe at Los Alamos, and I apologize if I heard wrong) I sat with them for about 4 hours (including through lunch). Mr Randi held court on the people he had met, places he had been, including heads of state, many many scientists, artists, entertainers, astronauts. He knows so many people, and has had the equivalent of 10 lifetimes. Hal has worked in Washington, and had anecdotes about his work and the people he's met there. The beach was long forgotten, and I was in awe of the intellect and history that they let me share for a short time. (I had my towel with me, too).

[Beady]

Y'know, it would really be helpful if everyone would put a picture of themselves in their profile. It would be much easier to connect avatars and handles to the faces of the people I've met and talked with.

[NaiDriftlin]

Is it my impression, or people REALLY liked the cruise?

:)

Great! I hope more people decide to join the forum (we always need new blood) and go to TAM after that. I've been to 3 TAMs so far and had a blast.

I'd love to go to TAM, but the cruise was sort of a one in a million chance thing for us. Finances are an issue. :( Atleast I can hang out on the forums and converse with you wonderful folk.

[Geek Goddess]

Y'know, it would really be helpful if everyone would put a picture of themselves in their profile. It would be much easier to connect avatars and handles to the faces of the people I've met and talked with.


I have a pic in my blog....I don't have an avatar yet, I think I need about 10 more posts....

[Geek Goddess]

Or maybe it's 9 more posts...

[Katannwi]

Hello. :) I'm Ian's wife, Kat. You can read my variation of what happened aboard the ship at: kataw.livejournal.com. Keep in mind that I wrote that the night we got home, and it's very journal-ish. Many details are missing due to a sleepy mind.

Ian's working very hard to get all of our pictures uploaded, though I'm not sure if we should upload the pictures of Pieter (Curnir?) that Randi took.

[Geek Goddess]

Hello. :) I'm Ian's wife, Kat. You can read my variation of what happened aboard the ship at: kataw.livejournal.com. Keep in mind that I wrote that the night we got home, and it's very journal-ish. Many details are missing due to a sleepy mind.

Ian's working very hard to get all of our pictures uploaded, though I'm not sure if we should upload the pictures of Pieter (Curnir?) that Randi took.


Hey Kat. Glad to see you two made it back!

I think if they are pictures that were taken in the Windjammer of his actual accident, it would not be appropriate, although Jeff Wagg might want them. I wouldn't want pictures of me posted in that condition - in pain, stressed, and embarrassed as well. I was standing right at the salad bar when he fell, and got out of the way quickly since I'm not trained in anything but basic first aid, whereas the crew was.

[Katannwi]

Hey Kat. Glad to see you two made it back!

I think if they are pictures that were taken in the Windjammer of his actual accident, it would not be appropriate, although Jeff Wagg might want them. I wouldn't want pictures of me posted in that condition - in pain, stressed, and embarrassed as well. I was standing right at the salad bar when he fell, and got out of the way quickly since I'm not trained in anything but basic first aid, whereas the crew was.

Oh, no. We weren't there when that happened, and wouldn't have been taking pictures of it if we were. The pictures are from right before he was taken to Miami.

Edit: Thanks, btw. :) Glad to see you made it back, as well.

[NaiDriftlin]

Hello. :) I'm Ian's wife, Kat. You can read my variation of what happened aboard the ship at: kataw.livejournal.com. Keep in mind that I wrote that the night we got home, and it's very journal-ish. Many details are missing due to a sleepy mind.

Ian's working very hard to get all of our pictures uploaded, though I'm not sure if we should upload the pictures of Pieter (Curnir?) that Randi took.


Don't identify yourself with being my wife. :P You've got so many better qualities than having me attached to you. Like being an artist and a thinker.

-Ian, Kat's husband.

[Geek Goddess]

Don't identify yourself with being my wife. :P You've got so many better qualities than having me attached to you. Like being an artist and a thinker.

-Ian, Kat's husband.

That's a pretty nice sentiment. Hang on to him, Kat

[Hamradioguy]

By the by, the JREF may be getting a large bill for silverware after this cruise. You see, Banachek (*really* nice guy, btw!) did a great presentation one day in which he bent a lot of (his own) silverware, talked about bending a lot of silverware, and showed videos of bending silverware.

You can imagine our dinner tables that evening as everyone, including Dr. Shermer, attempted to recreate the performance on the ship's dining utensils.

I was at Banachek's table one night and noticed him fiddling with a spoon (JUST fiddling mind you-not bending as far as I could tell.) I mentioned something about him being dangerous around silverware, at which point he picked up one of his knives (which I swear he'd not touched previously), looked me in the eye, and remarked, "You mean because of this kind of thing?" and lightly rubbed the TOP of the knife blade which immediately began to bend UPWARD. He stopped rubbing after it had bent up about 20 degrees and putting it back down said with a smile, "I can't do this too often or the kitchen staff will get upset."

[Geek Goddess]

I was at Banachek's table one night and noticed him fiddling with a spoon (JUST fiddling mind you-not bending as far as I could tell.) I mentioned something about him being dangerous around silverware, at which point he picked up one of his knives (which I swear he'd not touched previously), looked me in the eye, and remarked, "You mean because of this kind of thing?" and lightly rubbed the TOP of the knife blade which immediately began to bend UPWARD. He stopped rubbing after it had bent up about 20 degrees and putting it back down said with a smile, "I can't do this too often or the kitchen staff will get upset."

Wasn't it fun to watch the reactions of the people who wondered in from the street (so to speak) to see his act? Being aware of general cold reading techniques, you knew a bit about what he was doing. The young girl to the left of the lounge was AMAZED that he could guess so much information about her, and yet she was feeding him! Truly a master.

["O"]

Is it my impression, or people REALLY liked the cruise?

:)



Randi lost his temper only once.

Not sure what upsetting thing was said by the gentleman whose back we see. Randi was not pleased.
See 2nd picture for the result.

[Geek Goddess]

[QUOTE="O";1894241]Randi lost his temper only once.

QUOTE]

That shot appears to be from the last evening - Mr. Randi was wearing a similar shirt that night - it looks like it might be from the Library.

[Jeff Wagg]

I am back home, and in a daze.

Thanks to everyone for coming and for making this such a memorable event.

The latest report on Curnir is as follows:

He had only a hairline fracture, and underwent surgery Friday for it. The surgery involved some screws and went well. So well, in fact, that he can sit up.

He will be flying home to Sweden on Air France Tuesday. His mother did not actually end up coming to the US as they were able to send him home so quickly.

More from me later..

[SkepticScott]

Thanks for the update Jeff. I hope Cunir recovers quickly.

[NaiDriftlin]

Yeah. Thanks for the update, Jeff. I just sent a batch of pictures of Cunir and some of the speakers(Including myself, in some shots) to Randi as he requested. I'm going to hold off on showing anyone else, though. Sorry to be stingy.

And yeah. The trip was great. The speakers were spectacular, but the non-formal interaction with everyone really made it great. (And easy for a youngin' like me to talk with only 5 seconds of dumbfounded stuttering) From what Jeff said on the trip, it sounded like it had an unexpectedly high turnout of people and we all got along fairly well.

[BrianSI]

*burp!*

Yep, that was a good cruise. Mostly due to the company I had, of course. It's great to meet people you haven't spent any time with before and hit it off pretty much immediately (which is rare for me, as hard as I try).

Also, my brother, who was basically unaware of the JREF until a week ago, had a great time. I didn't even have to twist his arm to show up to the "lectures", which may have at first sounded like the exact opposite of a fun cruise activity. Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming.

I now await TAM5 with even greater anticipation -- about triple, I'd say.

So, I'll just end by adding my thanks to Jeff and the entire Wagg crew for setting up what seemed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chill with Randi (et al.). Here's hoping that's absolutely not the case!

Cheers,
Brian

[Boo]

I am home, unpacked and the kids have stopped hanging on to me (apparently I was missed). I am happy to report no leans..yay! The only side effect seems to be that my clothes have shrunk somewhat and I feel somewhat like a boa constrictor after a recent feeding. My waistline appears to resemble the general shape of a boa constrictor after feeding as well!


Universal permission is given to post pics of me.

Is it really possible to make 70+ new friends in 5 days? I did ask Heidi if she had any complete sets of silverware that were unbent, she said no and Banacek appeared somewhat sheepish and said they would 'someday'.:D

It was once said at a State dinner held by JFK; "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone." This perfectly sums up for me the way I have felt for the last 5 days.

Some highlights for me include: having my picture taken on the night of the formal dinner with the very handsome Hal Bidlack Col USAF Ret., PhD; several one on one conversations with Dr Shermer, spending time with Banacek and the most beautiful grandmother on the planet, his wife Heidi; the panel discussion that became a true dialogue between audience and panel; watching The Amazing One doing what he does best with another cruise passenger; and finally, watching peoples reactions to Mr. Randi when others recognized him and thanked him for all his work and how much he has impacted their lives.

I did learn one thing in the Bermuda Triangle....We are not alone.


More later...



Boo

[Boo]

One more thing I wanted to add....

Imaginal Disc, Scotth and his beautiful wife Susan are three of the most selfless giving and generous people on the face of this planet. Thank you is not enough for what you did.


Boo

[duppyraces]

...and let's not forget, we got to see Boo wearing those famous boots that are her avatar. They are as stunning as the lady herself. It was really awesome meeting and talking to you, Boo! Yes, I believe one can make 70+ friends in 5 days. :)

P.S. Don't forget the boots at TAM V. They rock.

[scotth]

I'm not talking to you, Scarecrow. I thought you *were* in my luggage. Especially as it weighed about as much. But honestly, I didn't take any pictures! Nice work, huh? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that others made up for it. :) :)

I wish I knew. We turned up at the same location often enough and I was taking plenty of pictures anyway.

But, when you read my post in the following link, I think you will be feeling a lot better about not getting any pictures.

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=63085

As Goddess said above I have a plan for sending out DVDs of pictures to everyone on the cruise. The plan has gotten a bit more elaborate since she last heard it, though.



Fantastic meeting you.

[Reager]

Hi,
I spilled someone's drink in the Viking Lounge Friday. I owe someone a drink at TAM5. If you're that person, would you please tell me at TAM5? I'll buy you two; the ones on the ship were larger than normal.

-- ClumsyScott

It was my drink, but don't worry about it. I blame it on the Bermuda Triangle. :)

[Geek Goddess]

I didn't have any plans for any vacation this year, until I saw the cruise ads. I thought - where else can I go and spend a few days with what is sure to be brilliant, interesting, witty people? I wasn't disappointed in that, at the least! I meet very few women in my line of work, so meeting Boo, Duppy, Susan, Mrs. Beady, Elizabeth, Olga, Mumchup, Kat, Heidi, and those whose names I don't remember, was also great. (who was it that said they needed more women at the meetings???)

I got home to an empty house, via taxi. My late flight meant that my sons' evening plans kept them from picking me up. My dogs were thrilled, however (I think they had not been fed in two days...)

[Geek Goddess]

As Goddess said above I have a plan for sending out DVDs of pictures to everyone on the cruise. The plan has gotten a bit more elaborate since she last heard it, though.



Fantastic meeting you.


I'm glad you posted about the pics, Scott. I was going to email and ask if I could contribute to the cost of buying all those DVDs, but you beat me to the punch (GMTA and all that).

[duppyraces]

That pic is gold; I'm so glad you guys asked the "maitre d' " for it! I didn't want to spoil your picture question by commenting on it, but now that the cover of you and I being Randi in disguise is blown...

I just have to say, Scotth, that you completely helped make this cruise for me. Those hours long casino-closing blackjack fests were some of the most fun evenings I've *ever* had. As an added bonus, you saved both Shermer and I from financial ruin with your expert advice. Especially with my massive $5 bets. :rolleyes: Not to mention fun snorkeling, hanging out in general, your wonderful, incredibly warm-hearted and lovely wife, and everything you did for Curnir. Anyway, I'm glad we got that shot because it will always remind me of the degenerate gambling musketeers that we were, made even better by AntiqueHunter throwing bets across to you from the craps table the last night. Seriously good times.


I wish I knew. We turned up at the same location often enough and I was taking plenty of pictures anyway.

But, when you read my post in the following link, I think you will be feeling a lot better about not getting any pictures.

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=63085

As Goddess said above I have a plan for sending out DVDs of pictures to everyone on the cruise. The plan has gotten a bit more elaborate since she last heard it, though.



Fantastic meeting you.

[scotth]

I'll do my official waxing sometime tomorrow when I'm not so tired. This post is going to take a while, I suspect.

[shiver]

Hi all!

Just had to stop by and register for the forums. It was such a fantastic experience, meeting everyone on the cruise.

I had originally just "tagged along" on this event: Pieter has been the one in our house who has been the active skeptic. However, first-hand exposure to the ideas and theories, as well as meeting the captivating and interesting people, has drawn me in and you may be stuck with me for a while.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one with sea legs. I thought I was suffering from towel-sculpted-critter withdrawl.

Anyone know if my SeaPass will work at Costco?

Paula

["O"]

[QUOTE="O";1894241]Randi lost his temper only once.

QUOTE]

That shot appears to be from the last evening - Mr. Randi was wearing a similar shirt that night - it looks like it might be from the Library.

Correct, Geek Goddess. Women always remember clothing. :-)

BTW, the nice gentleman was truly an innocent victim. The sorcery he received was a result of his words being misinterpreted because the decibel level was so high. For those who were not there, the ship's library entrance is very wide, has no doors, and opens into the atrium where at the time a loud band was playing. Who could have known the consequences?

[Geek Goddess]

[QUOTE=Geek Goddess;1894256]

Correct, Geek Goddess. Women always remember clothing. :-)

BTW, the nice gentleman was truly an innocent victim. The sorcery he received was a result of his words being misinterpreted because the decibel level was so high. For those who were not there, the ship's library entrance is very wide, has no doors, and opens into the atrium where at the time a loud band was playing. Who could have known the consequences?

Identify yourself, O!

[Jeff Wagg]

As we know from Randi's work in Flim Flam!, the Bermuda Triangle can reach out to affect those who are merely planning on traveling through the region. Consider the following:

We planned the cruise, and announced it just before TAM 5. Since then:

Randi was stricken
Skepticality hosted a show featuring the cruise, and was unexpectedly shut down until just recently.
Belize was inexplicably canceled as a port and CocoCay, which is in the triangle, was added.
Many invited speakers wanted to come but had unusual conflicts.
The computers at RCCL suffered a massive failure, affecting the cruise documents.
My marriage ended, significantly complicating planning.
The newly printed cruise documents were lost in a train derailment.
The cruise line fought us on seating arrangements and required pre-paid tips.
An entire sheet of name badges went missing from a sealed box.
Cozumel was canceled as a port, and Nassau, which is in the triangle was added.
The elevators in the hotel stopped working.
100 compasses refused to point North most of the time.
We ran out of curry chicken at the party, despite sacrificing four chickens.
An entire box of croquettes dissolved.
We had left over beer.Once the cruise was underway:

The first hurricane of the season set its site directly on our path.
Key West was canceled.
Nassau was canceled.
Cozumel was reinstated.
Randi's meal order was lost.
Chairs broke spontaneously in the conference room.
Despite the AC thermostat being turned all the way down, there's was a great amount of heat during meetings.
One of our members fell and broke his hip. The ship was diverted and stopped in the triangle. He was taken by Coast Guard cutter to a hospital in Miami.. one of the points of the triangle. As of this writing, he is still in the triangle.
All afternoon events on CocoCay were cancelled.
The stage magician's props don't work properly (anyone notice?)
20 compasses disappeared from a sealed box.
Despite everyone showing up for dinner, one table remained empty most nights.
Michael Shermer brought 50 books. We gave each person in our party (68) a copy. There were 2 left over. (Take that Jesus!)
A strange object floated by the ship and another flew past the ship.
Unexplained lights were observed off the starboard bow on the way to CocoCay, inside the triangle.
A vendor in Cozumel shouted: "Buy my stuff at exorbitant prices so I can take the money to buy alcohol and drugs!"
While setting up for a photograph, a drink spills. No one knows whose drink it was.
Birds appeared inside an enclosed area of the ship.
The Ouija boards answered all three questions put to them.
None of Randi's or Shermer's books were found in the ship's library.
Strange animals appeared on people's bed at night.
Chocolate appeared on pillows, despite no one losing a tooth (yet).
A piano played guitar music with backing vocals.. despite there being only one piano player.
Cruisers won money playing Blackjack and Craps.
Silverware bent spontaneously.
Sharks appeared very close to shore.
Several people suffered temporary deafness during dinner.
Shermer did the Macarena.
Valid credit cards can back as "expired."
Randi's cell phone said all the numbers he was calling were disconnected.
The chocolate buffet had very little chocolate.
My cell phone spoke spanish everytime I tried to make a call.
Only some of the elevators went to 11, yet there were 13 floors on the ship.
Hal refrained from making punny jokes for an entire hour.This is a small handful of the unusual things that happened on our adventure.

Scientists have yet to explain ANY of these things. Researchers have discovered nothing. What other explanation is there for ALL these events than the triangle?

[Geek Goddess]

Michael Shermer brought 50 books. We gave each person in our party (68) a copy. There were 2 left over. (Take that Jesus!)
?

Uh, I actually took TWO books, one for a young friend (that Dr Shermer graciously autographed).

I did not gain any weight.

On my return flight, I was reading "Why Darwin Matters", and a man said "Hey, I heard that's a great book, and the author is brilliant" The man looked suspiciously like the little picture on the back flap of the dust cover....

[Beady]

Uh, I actually took TWO books, one for a young friend (that Dr Shermer graciously autographed).

We took four books; only two were for us.

Hmm...

[duppyraces]

I took two and left one with the Gideon Bible in the stateroom.

[Beady]

You evil vixen, you.

[BrianSI]

Here's another unexplained phenomenon: I never heard mention of everyone getting a copy of Shermer's book until now. In fact, I didn't get a copy.




Oh wait, maybe that's because I overslept and missed the beginning of his talk.


But THAT is unexplained. The one morning I really had a specific reason to get up early, my wake up call didn't happen.

[duppyraces]

As we know from Randi's work in Flim Flam!, the Bermuda Triangle can reach out to affect those who are merely planning on traveling through the region. Consider the following:

And yet, even with ALL those events occuring, the trip was a frickin' huge success and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Does Jeff rock or what?

Just to make the non cruise-goers even more jealous, did we mention someone (I'm not sure who, but I love them) donated cases of Dom Perignon that we happily consumed at the JREF party?

[duppyraces]

You evil vixen, you.
This coming from someone with Ned Teach's flag as his avatar.

[scotth]

I've finally finished processing the photos that I took while on the cruise. Now I'll take my turn at bat and post my thoughts, memories, and observations.

Where to begin? How about a couple highlights from before the cruise even began... We were all given a rare honor and were allowed in to see Jose's (aka Carlos from the Australian hoax affair) art studio. Wow! Susan has been plotting to obtain a piece or two ever since. As already mentioned, ImaginalDisc came in just to make sure we were fed properly before heading to sea. The food was a hit, to say the least. Thank you, again.

I've seen a couple of compliments tossed my way, thank you. I've also seen a few thanks offered to me, you are very welcome. The thanks feel quite unneeded as I have been very richly rewarded already. Rewarded with the substantial amount of time allowed to interact with, pester, and brain-pick the speaking guests, and doubly rewarded with the new friendships begun. Antique Hunter, duppyraces, Jeff, Boo, Geek Goddess, BrianSI, SkepticScott, and Michael Shermer stand out conspicuously. And I also must mention Mario and his lovely wife. If they either of them are on the board, I don't know their handle/avatar as yet (thought I feel near certain that Mario indicated that he does participate, gave his handle, and I can't remember). I would not be surprised (and even expect) to see several of those mention in future times and places beyond those tied to skeptical/amazing events.

Having so much time to mingle with other guests beyond the official cruise events was probably what I valued most. I also know that many TAM'ers arrive early or stay late (or both) to spend extra time with each other. With those two items in mind, I have a suggestion. Can future TAMs (or other events for that matter) have 2 sets of official dates? There could be optional "social" TAM dates that completely encompass the official "conference" TAM dates. This cruise has shown me that those that have been arriving early/leaving late are really on to something. This needs to be encouraged, IMHO.

Scott

[Beady]

This coming from someone with Ned Teach's flag as his avatar.

I like me vixens evil, wench.

Argh!

[Geek Goddess]

I took two and left one with the Gideon Bible in the stateroom.


So clever! And to think I've been amusing myself by hiding the Book of Mormon that the Marriott Hotel chain includes in their rooms. I am only an egg...

[Geek Goddess]

And yet, even with ALL those events occuring, the trip was a frickin' huge success and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Does Jeff rock or what?

Just to make the non cruise-goers even more jealous, did we mention someone (I'm not sure who, but I love them) donated cases of Dom Perignon that we happily consumed at the JREF party?


Ah, Duppy, now you went and made them JEALOUS.

[Geek Goddess]

Having so much time to mingle with other guests beyond the official cruise events was probably what I valued most. I also know that many TAM'ers arrive early or stay late (or both) to spend extra time with each other. With those two items in mind, I have a suggestion. Can future TAMs (or other events for that matter) have 2 sets of official dates? There could be optional "social" TAM dates that completely encompass the official "conference" TAM dates. This cruise has shown me that those that have been arriving early/leaving late are really on to something. This needs to be encouraged, IMHO.

Scott


This would be fantastic, as well.

Consider that 10% of the attendees live in the DFW area (What are the odds?) we could all meet at the Book Depository building in Dallas and hold seances. We'd have a critical mass, something's bound to happen.

[SkepticScott]

So clever! And to think I've been amusing myself by hiding the Book of Mormon that the Marriott Hotel chain includes in their rooms. I am only an egg...I amused myself by putting a "Who was Gideon" sticker inside the Bible, and a "Warning! Literal belief in this book may endanger your health and life!" sticker (which includes a skull and crossbones) on the outside. I may be only an egg, but I'm an egg with stickers! :)

[Cleon]

Cleon, I can't believe you seriously made DragonCon. You are insane. But a hell of a lot of fun, damnit. You see, Cleon and I had this disturbing habit of finding ourselves at the bar together. Even for the free shot of tequila at the store on the way to Tulum, I turned to find that mischievous grin. Either we were the ship's alcoholics, or it was kismet. I miss you, man.

:o

Awww...I miss you, too.

[Geek Goddess]

I amused myself by putting a "Who was Gideon" sticker inside the Bible, and a "Warning! Literal belief in this book may endanger your health and life!" sticker (which includes a skull and crossbones) on the outside. I may be only an egg, but I'm an egg with stickers! :)

Do you get those at the Skeptics-R-Us store?

[SkepticScott]

Do you get those at the Skeptics-R-Us store?I got them from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, http://www.ffrf.org/shop/products/ near the bottom.

[SkepticScott]

It was my drink, but don't worry about it. I blame it on the Bermuda Triangle. :)Oh, I do worry about it, so my offer still stands. If not at TAM, perhaps at the "Theater of Science" in NYC. It was clumsy of me.

[duppyraces]

Oh, I do worry about it, so my offer still stands. If not at TAM, perhaps at the "Theater of Science" in NYC. It was clumsy of me. And while we're at it, I owe Beady and Mrs. Beady a drink for finding my BANK CARD of all things on the beach at Cococay. I think it was a setup and they nicked it from my bag. Er....yeah. That's it. I couldn't have been clumsy enough to actually lose it. Strange thing is, I noticed a bunch of purchases from the JREF store on it...

[BrianSI]

Who knew the Triangle would be a JREF supporter?

[SkepticScott]

I posted pictures and commentary at http://tinyurl.com/ewckd . If I mis-identified anyone, or if anyone wants larger versions of the pictures, please PM me.

I think it was a setup and they nicked it from my bag.I saw a suspicious-looking fish while snorkeling. Maybe it was him, and not the Beady's. :p

[Beady]

And while we're at it, I owe Beady and Mrs. Beady a drink for finding my BANK CARD of all things on the beach at Cococay. I think it was a setup and they nicked it from my bag.

Duppy, if I was going to nick something from you, it wouldn't be your bank card.

Well, maybe it would. I'm not as young as I used to be.

[LazarusLong]

Just thought I'd chime in here. Candace & I have been to the last three TAMs, but being the shy and somewhat anti-social types, we've always tended to come home feeling that we've lurk a bit too much, and haven't really met as many people as we wished we had. With the limited number of participants and longer period of interaction, this cruise gave us the chance to get to know some (but by no means all) of our JREF shipmates much better than we had before, and now we're looking forward to TAM5 that much more, as there may actually be some folks that *recognize* us this time! =)

http://home.san.rr.com/davesworld/formal.jpg

More pics should be forthcoming, though they're mostly of just the two of us. I really just wanted to mention a few of the folks that made it such a great vacation. Of the headliners, I really have to thank them all: Randi, of course, who only needs to be himself, but is always somehow more; the inimitible Hal Bidlack, the very personification of integrity and class; the always-brilliant Michael Shermer; Jeff Wagg moving mountains even in the middle of the ocean to make everyone's experience unforgettable; Banachek (our next-cabin-door neighbor) whose skill I was well aware of, but not his warmth, sincerity, and humor.

And we met so many others - at dinner, in the casino and lounges and lectures. AntiqueHunter throws great poker games, and I even won the first one! Ran into Scott, AH and others in the casino and traded war stories (and I can happily report that I did leave with a profit!) We so much enjoyed the dinner company, too: Peter, Ben, Mark, Hutch, Brian, Barbara, and many others whose names I regret to have lost already, but whose stories and personalties stay with me. Thanks especially to the captivating duppyraces. Having dinner with a beautiful, single, skepchick who is also a certified computer geek is itself an experiance that borders on the paranormal. I've only met one of this species before, so I married her. ;^)

Of course, we were very sad for Curnir, but it sounds like he is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.

All told, "Amaz!ng Adventure" turned out to be merely an understatement.

-LL

[scotth]

I must report......

Yep, it got me too. My chair here at my computer desk is rocking and rolling more than I anything I experienced on the ship. Too strange.

[Beady]

I must report......

Yep, it got me too. My chair here at my computer desk is rocking and rolling more than I anything I experienced on the ship. Too strange.

It's not unpleasant, just... weird.

[SkepticScott]

As someone who has suffered from motion sickness in the past, I'm glad I don't have those symptoms. Does anyone who took the ship's anti-motion sickness pills have those symptoms? I took one before the ferry for Tulum, one before returning, and one before the tender to Cococay.

Most of the time "rocks my world" is a good thing. :D

[Beady]

As someone who has suffered from motion sickness in the past, I'm glad I don't have those symptoms.

This isn't akin to motion sickness, it's more like the inner ear's version of persistence of vision. As someone pointed out much earlier, even though there was virtually no motion on the ship our bodies still had to adjust to what little there was. Once adjusted, they now have to readjust to an absence of motion.

Now, if you want to discuss motion sickness, I can tell you about my very first time at sea, in December, in the North Atlantic, on a 378-foot cutter, in 40-foot seas, for a month. We had to suspend our Christmas tree from the overhead. I left footprints on the bulkheads. I was the corpsman (medic), so I had access to the ship's only bathtub; I threw my mattress into the tub and was the only one who got any sleep. You could hold onto a stanchion and watch your feet swing out, so it looked like you were hanging sideways. We developed cracks in the bow and had to make a run for St Johns, Newfieland.

Ah, the memories.

[SkepticScott]

This isn't akin to motion sickness, it's more like the inner ear's version of persistence of vision. (snip)I know. I was just saying that the illusion of motion might bother me and I'm glad I don't have to deal with it.

[SkeptiKilt]

I haven't had any of the rock 'n' roll symptoms, but I think my inner ears are wired differently from most folks'. I've been on offshore fishing boats where even the captain and crew were thoroughly seasick, and I'd be just fine -- "Hey, if you're not gonna eat that ham sandwich, can I have it?"

[duppyraces]

Just thought I'd chime in here. Candace & I have been to the last three TAMs, but being the shy and somewhat anti-social types, we've always tended to come home feeling that we've lurk a bit too much, and haven't really met as many people as we wished we had. With the limited number of participants and longer period of interaction, this cruise gave us the chance to get to know some (but by no means all) of our JREF shipmates much better than we had before, and now we're looking forward to TAM5 that much more, as there may actually be some folks that *recognize* us this time! =)

http://home.san.rr.com/davesworld/formal.jpg

More pics should be forthcoming, though they're mostly of just the two of us. I really just wanted to mention a few of the folks that made it such a great vacation. Of the headliners, I really have to thank them all: Randi, of course, who only needs to be himself, but is always somehow more; the inimitible Hal Bidlack, the very personification of integrity and class; the always-brilliant Michael Shermer; Jeff Wagg moving mountains even in the middle of the ocean to make everyone's experience unforgettable; Banachek (our next-cabin-door neighbor) whose skill I was well aware of, but not his warmth, sincerity, and humor.

And we met so many others - at dinner, in the casino and lounges and lectures. AntiqueHunter throws great poker games, and I even won the first one! Ran into Scott, AH and others in the casino and traded war stories (and I can happily report that I did leave with a profit!) We so much enjoyed the dinner company, too: Peter, Ben, Mark, Hutch, Brian, Barbara, and many others whose names I regret to have lost already, but whose stories and personalties stay with me. Thanks especially to the captivating duppyraces. Having dinner with a beautiful, single, skepchick who is also a certified computer geek is itself an experiance that borders on the paranormal. I've only met one of this species before, so I married her. ;^)

Of course, we were very sad for Curnir, but it sounds like he is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.

All told, "Amaz!ng Adventure" turned out to be merely an understatement.

-LL

Wow! What a fantastic post, and not just because I was praised as a borderline paranormal experience. Okay, it helped. But it's just another damned great example of how perfect the setting of this cruise was for socializing with each other, what an impact we all had on one another's experience, and how truly nice, sincere, and eloquent people really are. Just wanted to say I *really* enjoyed dining with you and Candace and getting to know you two. You will definitely be recognized at TAM this year, won't be able to hide, in fact...so you won't have a choice on whether to lurk or not to lurk. Sorry, mate. :p This is going to be the best TAM ever, despite it probably being the biggest! So did you get your dog yet?

[Geek Goddess]

Wow! What a fantastic post, and not just because I was praised as a borderline paranormal experience. Okay, it helped. But it's just another damned great example of how perfect the setting of this cruise was for socializing with each other, what an impact we all had on one another's experience, and how truly nice, sincere, and eloquent people really are. Just wanted to say I *really* enjoyed dining with you and Candace and getting to know you two. You will definitely be recognized at TAM this year, won't be able to hide, in fact...so you won't have a choice on whether to lurk or not to lurk. Sorry, mate. :p This is going to be the best TAM ever, despite it probably being the biggest! So did you get your dog yet?

Ditto on what SHE said!

I love your new sig line, girl.

[Flops]

Like some of my fellow cruisers, I was inspired to register here after meeting so many great people onboard. My husband Kevin and I were the other honeymooners besides Ian and Kat (despite the fact that we got married 10 months ago).

I can't promise I'll be a prolific poster, but I did want to say Hi and Thanks for the company. I especially enjoyed talking with Geek Goddess, Beady and Mrs. Beady, Jeff (our real Cruise Director, never mind that Paul guy), and several people who may or may not be forum members (Olga and Michael, "Fish" and Elizabeth, Tina and Steve, et. al.) Please forgive me if I left anyone out.

Regards,
Felicity

PS Cleon, did we meet? I'm a Doctor Who fan too!

[Geek Goddess]

Like some of my fellow cruisers, I was inspired to register here after meeting so many great people onboard. My husband Kevin and I were the other honeymooners besides Ian and Kat (despite the fact that we got married 10 months ago).

I can't promise I'll be a prolific poster, but I did want to say Hi and Thanks for the company. I especially enjoyed talking with Geek Goddess, Beady and Mrs. Beady, Jeff (our real Cruise Director, never mind that Paul guy), and several people who may or may not be forum members (Olga and Michael, "Fish" and Elizabeth, Tina and Steve, et. al.) Please forgive me if I left anyone out.

Regards,
Felicity

PS Cleon, did we meet? I'm a Doctor Who fan too!

I enjoyed your wedding stories!

[Cleon]

I can't promise I'll be a prolific poster, but I did want to say Hi and Thanks for the company. I especially enjoyed talking with Geek Goddess, Beady and Mrs. Beady, Jeff (our real Cruise Director, never mind that Paul guy), and several people who may or may not be forum members (Olga and Michael, "Fish" and Elizabeth, Tina and Steve, et. al.) Please forgive me if I left anyone out.

Tina = Mumchumps. The others aren't forumites as far as I know--or they're recent and I don't know their handles. ;)


PS Cleon, did we meet? I'm a Doctor Who fan too!

Er....Maybe? I'm bad with names. Check out my pictures here (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=1900243#post1900243)and let me know if I look familiar. :)

[Flops]

I enjoyed your wedding stories!
Did we tell you about the rubber chicken wearing a tuxedo, or was it only the Beadys who were fortunate enough to hear that story? (And why did they slowly back away from us afterward?)

As chicken fans, we were disappointed to miss Key West, but pleasantly surprised to meet some chickens on Cococay.

Felicity

[Geek Goddess]

Did we tell you about the rubber chicken wearing a tuxedo, or was it only the Beadys who were fortunate enough to hear that story? (And why did they slowly back away from us afterward?)

As chicken fans, we were disappointed to miss Key West, but pleasantly surprised to meet some chickens on Cococay.

Felicity

Rubber chicken? I ate your groomsman?

[Flops]

Tina = Mumchumps. The others aren't forumites as far as I know--or they're recent and I don't know their handles.
Cool! Hi, Tina!
Er....Maybe? I'm bad with names. Check out my pictures here and let me know if I look familiar.
I definitely recognize you and we may have exchanged a few words but I don't think we officially met. Kevin and I were sorry we didn't get to talk to everyone, but glad we met as many people as we did.

I'm slowly going through my photos as I post day-by-day recaps on my LiveJournal. If I come across a good one of Kevin and me, I'll add it to the photo thread.

Felicity

[Beady]

Did we tell you about the rubber chicken wearing a tuxedo, or was it only the Beadys who were fortunate enough to hear that story? (And why did they slowly back away from us afterward?)

It wasn't the chicken, it was... Well, never mind.

[mumchup]

Glad to see you on the forum Flops! I enjoyed meeting you both, now I want to hear the rubber chicken story. I have never seen one in a tux, but here's a dramatic shot Super Rubber Chicken:

[Jeff Wagg]

We were at the Schooner Bar listening to a tone-deaf Englishman play "Sweet Home Alabama" on a piano. With drums, guitar and backing vocals..despite his being a solo act.

Anyway, I asked what the drink of the day was. And.. because we were under the influence of the triangle, I should have known the answer.

Can you guess?

Click to be edified (http://www.1001cocktails.com/recipes/cocktails/recipe_cocktail.php?recette_cocktail=108015&recipe=woo+woo)

A fine young fellow from Texas bought us all a round.

[duppyraces]

LOL! How did I miss such a cool drink? And how was it? We were at the Schooner Bar listening to a tone-deaf Englishman play "Sweet Home Alabama" on a piano. With drums, guitar and backing vocals..despite his being a solo act.

Anyway, I asked what the drink of the day was. And.. because we were under the influence of the triangle, I should have known the answer.

Can you guess?

Click to be edified (http://www.1001cocktails.com/recipes/cocktails/recipe_cocktail.php?recette_cocktail=108015&recipe=woo+woo)

A fine young fellow from Texas bought us all a round.

[Boo]

LOL! How did I miss such a cool drink? And how was it?


It was very sweet and you wouldn't want to get too close to an open flame very soon afer consuming.:D


Boo

[SkeptiKilt]

We were at the Schooner Bar listening to a tone-deaf Englishman

I never heard him play -- was he perchance the fiddler's brother? That woman was so flat that Florida was like the Alps in comparison.:v:

[BrianSI]

There's a landfill on I-95 that's pretty tall.

[VPescado]

Tina = Mumchumps. The others aren't forumites as far as I know--or they're recent and I don't know their handles. ;)

Ahem. . . .

Which person on the cruise stuck a nail up his nose? Which person has an avatar that consists of himself with a nail up his nose? I suspect a connection.

And next time we are going to win quest, even if you guys have to pack extra bras, belts, and pants.

[scotth]

Ahem. . . .

Which person on the cruise stuck a nail up his nose? Which person has an avatar that consists of himself with a nail up his nose? I suspect a connection.

And next time we are going to win quest, even if you guys have to pack extra bras, belts, and pants.

Vpescado passing through security at the airport.....

TSA: Sir, you have nail in your carry on bags. That could be used as a weapon, we are going to have to relieve you of that.

V: Wait, wait, it is completely harmless. Let me show you.

Vpescado pushes the nail into his face.

V: See, completely harmless. It doesn't hurt a bit.

TSA: So it seems. Alright then, move along.

[BrianSI]

And then there's a news item later about a TSA employee who died trying to stick a nail in his nose.

[VPescado]

Todd Robbins has an extremely similar story involving a spike. Ultimately they didn't allow it through.

I have always been able to get nails buried in my bags through security. I have had one taken when it was in my pocket. (Hmmm...I bet one could get rich selling weapon dowsing rods to the TSA).

[SkepticScott]

It was very sweet and you wouldn't want to get too close to an open flame very soon afer consuming.:DI'm guessing it wasn't homeopathic woo woo. :D

[scotth]

On our way out of Ft Lauderdale, I received a secondary search and Susan's backpack was hand search. Nothing was found amiss in either search.

However, when we got home and unpacked the backpack we found a couple items that I am surprised that they let through. There was suntan lotion, and some gel that I don't at the moment remember its type. The words, "lotion" and "gel" were clearly visible on them. And they were located in the middle of pack, easy to find.

Dowsing rods couldn't make them much less effective, it appears.

[SkepticScott]

With all the new about increased security, it took me less than five minutes to go through Manchester's security on my way to the cruise. If I hadn't shown them my eye drops they never would have found them. I fear much is just security theater. :( :(

[VPescado]

I fear much is just security theater. :( :(

It's *all* security theater.

That said MHT does have some of the more reasonable and consistant TSA folks around.

[duppyraces]

I'm guessing it wasn't homeopathic woo woo. :D
Yeah, I had the homeopathic drink, actually ten of them, and couldn't feel the alcohol at all! Funny, because it was advertised as the most potent cocktail on the cruise. I don't get it. And it tasted like it was watered down.

[mumchup]

Steve had a rum & coke that had a homeopathic amount of coke in it.

[SkepticScott]

Yeah, I had the homeopathic drink, actually ten of them, and couldn't feel the alcohol at all! Funny, because it was advertised as the most potent cocktail on the cruise. I don't get it. And it tasted like it was watered down.LOL! Didn't you ask Was I sober for even one second of this cruise?in http://forums.randi.org/showpost.php?p=1896269&postcount=82 ? Maybe someone slipped you a non-homeopathic drink when you weren't looking. ;)

[scotth]

It was afternoon when I finished taking care of everything required to get Peter off the ship after his accident. I went by the bar on pool deck. I ordered a double crown and coke, tall. The bartender says, "You look like you need a drink". I did need a drink. He sets a drink on the bar and I reach for it. The bartender stops me, "Whoa... I haven't put the coke in it yet." I'm telling you, that drink was full already. This is a glass the same size the Windjammer users for water and tea. Not much ice really, and he added a splash of coke.

When I finished that one....... I no longer needed a drink.

[scotth]

Steve had a rum & coke that had a homeopathic amount of coke in it.

This was posted while I was writing my last post. Totally stole my thunder.

[duppyraces]

With all the new about increased security, it took me less than five minutes to go through Manchester's security on my way to the cruise. If I hadn't shown them my eye drops they never would have found them. I fear much is just security theater. :( :(
I threw out a very small liquid eyeliner I found in my purse, just as a precaution. Immediately after doing this, a woman in line behind me, well within earshot of the checkers, yelled "oh crap!!" as she pulled a huge bottle of body lotion from her purse. She looked at me, and said, "oh well, I gotta try it!" and put it in the front pouch of her sweatshirt. It couldn't be more obvious, and you could see it from the side.

She made it through.

On a lighter note, I didn't pack until 4:30am the morning of disembarkation. I folded nothing, just grabbed heaps of clothing, shoes, laundry, books, shampoo, you name it I brought it, bagged my cheap jewelry in a tangled pile and stuffed it all in my two suitcases. I even threw in all the paper cruise schedules, documents, and receipts, not being sure what I wanted or needed. After my return home, when I was almost finished unpacking, I found a rumpled Homeland Security note inside one suitcase stating they had to open my luggage, unpack it, check the items, and repack everything. I laughed, picturing their faces as they opened my bag to that huge pile of crap. I thought about emailing them to say, "you could have at least folded everything for me."

By the by, they left the cuban cigars.

[SkepticScott]

I found a rumpled Homeland Security note inside (snip) "you could have at least folded everything for me."That made me laugh out loud as I was reading it. I can imagine them asking each other "Do you remember how this was crumpled?"

[Geek Goddess]

By the by, they left the cuban cigars.

I'm skeptical about this. Upload proof, please.

[scotth]

Can I just say that the cruise was awesome a couple more times? I am not tired of saying it yet.

[Hamradioguy]

It's *all* security theater.

That said MHT does have some of the more reasonable and consistant TSA folks around.
Well maybe. Last summer headed for Heli-Hiking in Canada via MHT I told 'em I wasn't about to take my shoes off. We went back and forth on that a bit until the finally admitted, "Well, no, it's not REQUIRED" after which I got the "wand and patdown" treatment for several minutes. All academic nowadays as the shoes MUST come off and the hair gell/toothpaste MUST be removed from your carry on (unless you want to test how carefully they really screen). Times change, and my days of sneaking back and forth across the border are gone I fear.

[SkepticScott]

Can I just say that the cruise was awesome a couple more times? I am not tired of saying it yet.Only if I can say it too: the cruise was awesome.

[Boo]

I have been trying to explain how my vacation was to the folks at work and it's difficult. Everything went so well except for poor Curnir. I want to find ways to hold on to that feeling I had of shared understanding with 70 other people, all of whom varied so widely in areas of knowledge.

I only wish I had had more time to spend with everyone.



Boo

[duppyraces]

I'm skeptical about this. Upload proof, please.
lol. Damn, I miss you GG. Good times, good times. Thank you again for the wine. To be fair, only 2 are cuban, and they are still in the Romeo Y Julieta box. I discovered the other 3 "cubans" I bought were Dominican. D'oh!

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_393544ff843b9530a.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1346)

[SkepticScott]

I have been trying to explain how my vacation was to the folks at work and it's difficult.I've been having trouble explaining it to non-Forum friends, co-workers would be almost impossible IMHO. We need another New England skeptics get-together before we lose the feeling. I could host a small one, and perhaps watch "The God Who Wasn't There".

[mumchup]

Happy Birthday SkepticScott!

[SkepticScott]

Thank you mumchup!

[Flops]

Ahem. . . .

Which person on the cruise stuck a nail up his nose? Which person has an avatar that consists of himself with a nail up his nose? I suspect a connection.

And next time we are going to win quest, even if you guys have to pack extra bras, belts, and pants.
I don't think Kevin would participate even at gunpoint, but if we had more of the items on hand (without having to remove any of my own) I could be encouraged to try harder.

Felicity

[Beady]

...but if we had more of the items on hand (without having to remove any of my own) I could be encouraged to try harder.

Umm... Just exactly what are you offering to do, here?

[duppyraces]

Happy Birthday, Scott darling! Wow....my nephew's bday and another close friend is also today. And another one tomorrow. ooooOOOOOooooo we're all mystically connected!

:hbd:

[Beady]

Happy Birthday, Scott darling! Wow....my nephew's bday and another close friend is also today. And another one tomorrow. ooooOOOOOooooo we're all mystically connected!

Duppy, by that line of reasoning there's some sort of mystical connection with my wife's jackass brother-in-law.

[Flops]

Umm... Just exactly what are you offering to do, here?
You had to be there.

Actually, the men in this game had to do a lot more embarrassing stuff than the women. That was refreshing.

Felicity

[duppyraces]

Duppy, by that line of reasoning there's some sort of mystical connection with my wife's jackass brother-in-law.
Well, both my nephew and the one tomorrow are jackasses...

[SkepticScott]

Happy Birthday, Scott darling! Wow....my nephew's bday and another close friend is also today. And another one tomorrow. ooooOOOOOooooo we're all mystically connected!
Well, both my nephew and the one tomorrow are jackasses...I'm glad I'm in the non-jackass 50%. :D Thank you, duppyraces. My age is no longer the answer to life, the universe, and everything, and so I sadly leave my towel behind.

[SkeptiKilt]

It's really hard trying to convey to people -- even here at Big Science Inc. -- how wonderful it was to spend almost a whole week with a large group of people pretty much on the same wavelength.

And Hippo Birdies Two Ewes to Scott.

:th:

[Geek Goddess]

I'm glad I'm in the non-jackass 50%. :D Thank you, duppyraces. My age is no longer the answer to life, the universe, and everything, and so I sadly leave my towel behind.


I hope you're not saying that you turned 50 - I plan to keep my towel when I hit the mid-century mark in two months. (I guess that will make me middle-aged)

[VPescado]

You had to be there.

Actually, the men in this game had to do a lot more embarrassing stuff than the women. That was refreshing.

Felicity

The only embarrassing part was discovering that my team did not have the will to win.

[SkepticScott]

I hope you're not saying that you turned 50No, I turned 43.

And Hippo Birdies Two Ewes to Scott.Ten Q, SkeptiKilt.

[Cleon]

I turned 29 on Monday. One more year to go. :(

[SkepticScott]

Happy belated birthday, Cleon!

[mumchup]

Happy Birthday Cleon!

[SkepticScott]

On every vacation, there is one idiot. Did anyone else see/hear the man by the Guest Relations desk at early Saturday morning demanding that he be able to leave the ship at 0800, despite the crew person's telling him that ship would not be cleared by customs until at least 0815? I left the staff a stack of GOOHF cards.

[BrianSI]

...
(I guess that will make me middle-aged)

That depends on how long you plan on living. If you are planning to live to 130, then you have at least a decade before middle-age.

[SkeptiKilt]

I left the staff a stack of GOOHF cards.

GOOHF? "Get Out Of Here, F***wit"?

And re: our conversation at the airport last Saturday morning, I know you'll enjoy this cartoon (http://xkcd.com/c149.html).

[Cleon]

GOOHF? "Get Out Of Here, F***wit"?

And re: our conversation at the airport last Saturday morning, I know you'll enjoy this cartoon (http://xkcd.com/c149.html).

:D Talk about your geek humor...

[SkepticScott]

GOOHF = Get Out Of Hell Free. http://www.goohf.com/

Your guess was equally appropriate.

[Hamradioguy]

I plan to keep my towel when I hit the mid-century mark in two months. (I guess that will make me middle-aged)

So you plan to live to a hundred, eh? Great. I too am middle aged, but am planning to live beyond a hundred! (Favorite family quote: "Ohh, Ahhh. Aches and pains. I feel like I am a hundred years old.....and I'm only 99.")

[Geek Goddess]

So you plan to live to a hundred, eh? Great. I too am middle aged, but am planning to live beyond a hundred! (Favorite family quote: "Ohh, Ahhh. Aches and pains. I feel like I am a hundred years old.....and I'm only 99.")


I'm sure I'll still have things left to do - I'll get back to you in 40 years or so.

[SkepticScott]

Sigh! One week and 12 hours ago I was waiting in the Orpheum lounge, chatting with fellow JREFers, waiting for my debarkation code to be called. I was a person who thought a cruise might be boring. Now I can't wait until the next one. There is going to be another one, isn't there?

[scotth]

Sigh! One week and 12 hours ago I was waiting in the Orpheum lounge, chatting with fellow JREFers, waiting for my debarkation code to be called. I was a person who thought a cruise might be boring. Now I can't wait until the next one. There is going to be another one, isn't there?

Susan and I are in, solid, if there is another one. I'd even be willing to organize an unofficial cruise if the JREF felt it wasn't worth continuing for some reason (not that I have any reason to suspect that JREF won't do another one). It was totally worthwhile just to hang out with the crowd that was on that cruise.

[duppyraces]

Susan and I are in, solid, if there is another one. I'd even be willing to organize an unofficial cruise if the JREF felt it wasn't worth continuing for some reason (not that I have any reason to suspect that JREF won't do another one). It was totally worthwhile just to hang out with the crowd that was on that cruise. How about next week? :)

[SkepticScott]

How about next week? :)Sure. Are you organizing it? I'm in!

[scotth]

Well, I don't want another credit card bill like I just opened (electronically) quite as soon as next week. And it would probably cost my job.

But, other than that, I would be in for next week. We've all had a chance to do our laundry, so lets all do another week. That is what I would like to do.

[SkepticScott]

Maybe we could all visit each other while working out the repeat cruise? I could put up 70 people if they were really small. And there's only one bathroom, but I have two computers. I've got my priorities. :)

[SkepticScott]

I am thinking about going to Vegas one weekend in October or November, maybe we could meet there, see Penn & Teller, hang out, and pretend we're cruising in the middle of the desert?

[BrianSI]

I'm going to try to get to the Theater of Science show in NY. That's starting to look like it will be a good meetup. If I don't screw up and go on the one night no one else is.

But Vegas is pretty easy for me too.

[Beady]

There is going to be another one, isn't there?

I heard Hal talking about the Pacific coast for next time, and Randi made one or two definite-yet-vague comments about another cruise.

Hal's comments have me slightly perturbed. TAM is already "out west," and inertia seems to have ruled out ever changing the location. I'd be willing to bet that the same inertia would soon force all cruises to be out of one of the California ports. Why can't we have an annual event, such as The Amazing Cruise, staged in the East? Does everything have to be west of the Mississippi?

Perhaps a better idea might be to make it a rule never to originate a cruise out of the same port/state/region twice in a single two/three/whatever year period. We could make it a movable feast, and there are plenty of river cruises where we could have entire ships to ourselves. Bermuda cruises sail out of several East Coast ports. And so on. This first cruise was called The Amazing Adventure; it's a little difficult to call it an adventure if you keep going back to the same place.

[scotth]

It is a little difficult to call it an adventure at all. It was really the "Amazing bout with Luxury". We all had it so good on that ship. The adventure was in meeting everybody.

[SkepticScott]

I think the "adventure" part was meant to be surviving the Bermuda Trangle, although the drive home probably was riskier. But I agree with scotth, the adventure was meeting everyone.

[Geek Goddess]

Maybe we could all visit each other while working out the repeat cruise? I could put up 70 people if they were really small. And there's only one bathroom, but I have two computers. I've got my priorities. :)

That would work. I have a few computers laying around (when my company gives me a new laptop, they never seem to want the old one back...), and I have four bathrooms. Although one of them is my 18-year-old's, and it's kinda scary :eek: We could go to the Sixth Floor Book Depository museum in Dallas and debunk conspiracy theories. And barbeque.

[Boo]

Anyone that wants to meet up in Nov for Wiseman's show in NYC is welcome to come out. Even if you don't make the show we're hoping for a gathering for dinner and whatever.




Boo

[Antiquehunter]

Mi casa es su casa in Kabul, if anyone is passing through...

(I REALLY hope TAC becomes an annual event...)

-AH.

[Geek Goddess]

Mi casa es su casa in Kabul, if anyone is passing through...

(I REALLY hope TAC becomes an annual event...)

-AH.


Does Southwest fly there, I have a LOT of free tickets....

[SkepticScott]

Anyone that wants to meet up in Nov for Wiseman's show in NYC is welcome to come out. Even if you don't make the show we're hoping for a gathering for dinner and whatever.I'm getting a group of my friends, plus members of the Penn & Teller fan chat in the NYC area. I think we'll have a large group; I can buy the tickets if you want, Boo.

[mumchup]

Anyone that wants to meet up in Nov for Wiseman's show in NYC is welcome to come out. Even if you don't make the show we're hoping for a gathering for dinner and whatever.

That sounds like fun.

[Beady]

Anyone that wants to meet up in Nov for Wiseman's show in NYC is welcome to come out.

Do we have to come out?

[Boo]

Do we have to come out?



Nah, but it's a lot easier then carrying a closet with you.;)



Boo

[BrianSI]

I am about 90% on coming to the Wiseman show. Has there been a consensus on which night JREFers would be going?

[SkepticScott]

I'm going to the 3pm show on Sunday, 12 November.

[IllegalArgument]

I'm going to the 3pm show on Sunday, 12 November.


Hmm, considering it.

[scotth]

Nah, but it's a lot easier then carrying a closet with you.;)



Boo

I don't know if Beady liked that comment, but it my first laugh for the day. Thanks.

[scotth]

I'm going to the 3pm show on Sunday, 12 November.

We are examining going. I'd only put the odds at about 25% at the moment.

If we come, it would be for a Saturday evening show. I'd hope to be boarding a plane home by 3pm on Sunday.

[Beady]

I don't know if Beady liked that comment, but it my first laugh for the day. Thanks.

Jeez, Scott, go back and read the exchange. I was playing straight man.

[Beady]

If we come, it would be for a Saturday evening show. I'd hope to be boarding a plane home by 3pm on Sunday.

JREFers here in the northeast seem to be fixated on Sundays for their get-togethers and such, and I quite honestly don't understand why. I have to be at my desk at 5:30 Monday mornings, and beginning a 4-6-hour drive home at 6PM Sunday...

[SkepticScott]

JREFers here in the northeast seem to be fixated on Sundays for their get-togethers and such, and I quite honestly don't understand why. I have to be at my desk at 5:30 Monday mornings, and beginning a 4-6-hour drive home at 6PM Sunday...Beady, in this case I choose Sunday becayse I have a non-JREF friend that cannot make it that Saturday.

[scotth]

Beady, in this case I choose Sunday becayse I have a non-JREF friend that cannot make it that Saturday.

You have non-JREF friends? Blasphemy.

[SkepticScott]

You have non-JREF friends? Blasphemy.Yes, but they're no woo-woo believers, so I'll end up only in the first circle of heck, not doomed to spend eternity in the awful prescence of UriSylvia itself! Maybe they'll join the forum and I won't go to heck at all! ;)

[scotth]

Yes, but they're no woo-woo believers, so I'll end up only in the first circle of heck, not doomed to spend eternity in the awful prescence of UriSylvia itself! Maybe they'll join the forum and I won't go to heck at all! ;)

I think they can be issued a dispensation if they've at least read "Demon Haunted World".

[SkepticScott]

Sadly they all haven't read it. But thanks for the idea, now I know what to get them for Newtonmas!

[scotth]

Sadly they all haven't read it. But thanks for the idea, now I know what to get them for Newtonmas!

There is also a short list of suitable alternatives. Glad to be of service.

[Beady]

There is also a short list of suitable alternatives. Glad to be of service.

This (http://www.skeptic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SS&Product_Code=b075PB&Category_Code=) and this (http://www.skeptic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SS&Product_Code=b007PB&Category_Code=), for example. Both are inexpensive ($5, or free with any book order) compilations and distillations of the subject matter.

[SkepticScott]

Thanks Beady. I've got copies of both.

Before the Cruise I visited my father, step mother, aunt and uncle in Ocala, FL. At Sunday breakfast, before I drove to Ft. Lauderdale, I was wearing one of the JREF question shirts.

My step-mother saw the Shroud of Turin question, read the answer, then said that she disagreed with it. When I asked her, she really knows nothing about the Shroud beyond 'someone told her it's the image of Jesus'. She's getting Joe Nickel's 'Inquest into the Shroud of Turin' book.

When talking to my aunt, I mentioned Sylvia Browne had appeared on "Larry King Live".
Scott: "...she's appeared on 'Larry King Live'"
Aunt: "I've never see her."
Scott: starts a sign of relief
Aunt: "I don't have that channel on cable, but I've got all her books."
Scott: sigh becomes weird gurgling noise

I don't know if I should get her a book on cold reading, or would it be wasted. I did tell her about how Sylvia accepted the Challenge five years ago.

[scotth]

I have some religious nuts in my family. The stories of which would make most of you ill.

It seems clear to me that we need to start with our own families in putting out the national blaze of Woo. At the same time, it seems so completely impossible to begin with our own families.

Perhaps we can do some type of trading arrangement. You go visit my family and berate them, and I'll do the same for yours. Maybe we can improve our families without making them hate us at the same time.

[SkepticScott]

You go visit my family and berate them, and I'll do the same for yours.Deal! But it takes more than just berating; you need to explain and teach too.

[scotth]

Deal! But it takes more than just berating; you need to explain and teach too.

Of course. I was just posting it as they would likely perceive it.

Though, with a couple of my relatives your best teaching aid would probably be a very large stick.

[Beady]

Deal! But it takes more than just berating; you need to explain and teach too.

It's not just relatives, it's also acquaintances. I think the greatest part of the problem is that you almost always have to start, not just at Ground Zero, but somewhere in the negatives. That is, you're not just trying to write on a tabula rosa, you're also trying to erase or overwrite what's already there.

For that reason, it's pretty much fruitless to start off with "You're wrong." I've had better luck, even/especially on this forum, by starting off "This is the way I see it." It's a much-less threatening approach.

Which is a two-paragraph way of saying that "berating" might not be the best way to go.

Scotth: Yes, I do know what you mean. We have a Fundie friend where I think the best starting point would be a stick of dynamite stuck up an excratory orifice.

[Jeff Wagg]

I had a brief chat (in the chatroom) with Curnir's Mom today. She says that he's doing well in a Swedish hospital and that he'll be back online with a laptop soon. She definitely thought of the cruise as an adventure. :) They received his luggage as well.

[scotth]

I had a brief chat (in the chatroom) with Curnir's Mom today. She says that he's doing well in a Swedish hospital and that he'll be back online with a laptop soon. She definitely thought of the cruise as an adventure. :) They received his luggage as well.

Thanks for the update!

You know I was interested.

[VPescado]

Yes, but will she let him come to TAM5?

Actually if he is up for it, I can't think of someone that would be more deserving of a TAM scholarship.

[Beady]

Actually if he is up for it, I can't think of someone that would be more deserving of a TAM scholarship.

Of course! However, it took a couple of years before I was fully recovered from a single broken bone in one foot; I don't think anything this side of TAM VI is a realistic expectation. Mind, I would be delighted to be proven wrong.

[SkepticScott]

I had a brief chat (in the chatroom) with Curnir's Mom today. She says that he's doing well in a Swedish hospital and that he'll be back online with a laptop soon. She definitely thought of the cruise as an adventure. :) They received his luggage as well.Thanks for the update. I hope Cunir recovers quickly.

[mumchup]

Yes, best wishes for a quick recovery for Curnir. He's a really nice guy and I was glad I got to meet him.

[SkeptiKilt]

. . . And it's Tuesday, if you're the kind of person who cares about that sort of thing </Captain Speaking>

[SkepticScott]

LOL SkeptiKilt, I'd forgotten about the Captain's announcements, and how hard they were to understand if there was any background noise because of the PA system and his accent.

I'm no longer on vacation, so I've got to care about that sort of thing. :(

[SkeptiKilt]

Does the word "you" have more syllables when spoken by an American Southerner or by a Norwegian?

[SkepticScott]

I don't know, I think it might be a tie.

[Cleon]

Well, Southerners don't say "you." They say "y'all." ;)

[SkepticScott]

Even if speaking only to one person?

[CriticalThanking]

Even if speaking only to one person?Sadly, yes.

CT

[Beady]

Even if speaking only to one person?

Ay-yup.

[SkepticScott]

LOL CT & Beady. They still don't have different words for second-person singular and plural.

[Cleon]

Even if speaking only to one person?

Yep.

[Cleon]

LOL CT & Beady. They still don't have different words for second-person singular and plural.

Now, now. There's plenty of interesting things about the Southern vernacular.

Take the word "reckon."

"I reckon I'll head up to the Rib Shack over yonder and have some barbecue. Hoo-eee!"

Translation: "I think I will go to the Rib Shack [restaurant] and have some barbecue. Yum!"

"Reckon," loosely translated, means "think" as in you're considering doing an action or if you're stating/asking an opinion. "I reckon about NASCAR" doesn't work, for example. "I reckon Jeff Gordon's a jackass," however, works just fine and will in many cases result in your being asked to the aforementioned restaurant.

(It should be noted that in the South, "barbecue" is not a verb, nor is it an event. "Barbecue" is a very specific style of food that is properly slow-cooked, either smoked or in a pit. Although the main dish is usually pork, you can also have chicken and beef. The concept of any other dish being "barbecue" is simply alien to the South. There is no such thing as "lamb" or "veal" barbecue, and God help you if you even think about tofu.)

"Yonder" essentially means "there," and is usually used with a modified such as "over" or "up." The Rib Shack isn't here, it's "over yonder" or "up yonder." The modifier can be skipped if it's used as part of a prepositional phrase: "the Rib Shack's on the other side of yonder bridge." To really emphasize which location you're referring to, it's also acceptable to add "right there" to the end of the phrase: "The Rib Shack's on the other side of yonder bridge, right there."

Another curious Southern word is "fixin'." Not "fixing," but "fixin'." To be "fixin'" is to be getting ready to do something, or intending to do something. (As far as I am aware, there is no proper infinitive for "fixin'.") "I'm fixin' to go to the Rib Shack." (Translation: "I'm thinking about going to the Rib Shack," or "I'm getting ready to go to the Rib Shack.")

Now, getting back to "y'all." "Y'all," apparently originally a contraction of "you" and "all" (therefore being second-person plural), is now a word in itself and can be singular or plural.

So here's a complete paragraph in Modern Southern:

"We're fixin' to head up to the Rib Shack up yonder. It's just on the other side of that bridge, right there. Y'all reckon you'd like to come along?"

Translation:

"We're getting ready to go to the Rib Shack. It's just on the other side of the bridge. Would you like to join us?"

[mumchup]

Isn't it:
you (singular) = Y'all
you (plural) = All Y'all?

I'm from Connecticut, we say "you guys." Saying that in the South doesn't make you any new friends.

[BrianSI]

The plural of "y'all" is "all y'all".

Yes, I'm from Texas.

And where's this rib shack you keep speakin' of? *mouth waters*

[SkepticScott]

It's in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is called "Red Bones". :)

[Cleon]

Isn't it:
you (singular) = Y'all
you (plural) = All Y'all?

"Y'all" can be singular or plural, "all y'all" is always plural.

In my home town of Pittsburgh, we have the word "yünz." "Yünz" is basically "y'all," except it is always plural. However, this doesn't stop people from occasionally saying "yünz guys."

Now, getting into possessives, you really have to forgo any "thinking" or "logic." Them's Yankee thoughts. ;)

There are basically two words in Southern for "your:" "Y'all's" and "y'all'ses."

Example: "Is this y'all's car?" ("Is this your car?") Now, like with the nominative case, "y'all" can be one person or many people, but typically for the possessive "y'all's" it's usually plural. "Is this y'all's husband?" sounds a little weird, but it's not unheard of.

"Y'all'ses" is occasionally used for many items. Normally, you only hear this word if it's more than one item and more than one possessor. For example, I once had my bluegrass instruments together with my friend Ron's at a jam session. Our bandmate, Charlie, asked "are these y'all'ses instruments?" If it were just mine, he probably would've said "are these y'all's instruments," but either would apply.

[SkepticScott]

Why didn't we teach them English after winning the Civil War? We had the chance.....


;)

-- YankeeSkepticScott

[mumchup]

"Y'all" can be singular or plural, "all y'all" is always plural.

In my home town of Pittsburgh, we have the word "yünz." "Yünz" is basically "y'all," except it is always plural. However, this doesn't stop people from occasionally saying "yünz guys."

Now, getting into possessives, you really have to forgo any "thinking" or "logic." Them's Yankee thoughts. ;)

There are basically two words in Southern for "your:" "Y'all's" and "y'all'ses."

Example: "Is this y'all's car?" ("Is this your car?") Now, like with the nominative case, "y'all" can be one person or many people, but typically for the possessive "y'all's" it's usually plural. "Is this y'all's husband?" sounds a little weird, but it's not unheard of.

"Y'all'ses" is occasionally used for many items. Normally, you only hear this word if it's more than one item and more than one possessor. For example, I once had my bluegrass instruments together with my friend Ron's at a jam session. Our bandmate, Charlie, asked "are these y'all'ses instruments?" If it were just mine, he probably would've said "are these y'all's instruments," but either would apply.

Oh my head! It's so much easier up here in New England, we just ignore you until you have been around long enough to pick up our vernacular. It's like I always tell Southerners who claim we are rude up here, "People from the North are really nice... once you get to know them."

[Beady]

I'm from Connecticut, we say "you guys." Saying that in the South doesn't make you any new friends.

In the anthracite region of Pennsylvania (Shenandoah, Pottsville, etc) it's "yous," pronounced "yuse," for both singular and plural. Sometimes it's "yous guys."

[SkeptiKilt]

"Yous guys" is generally spelled "youse", and in certain suburbs of Noo Yawk City is pronounced and spelled "yez," as in "Hey! Shut up, alla yez!"

Which for some reason brings to mind Ring Lardner's immortal " 'Shut up,' he explained."

[mumchup]

"Yous guys" is generally spelled "youse", and in certain suburbs of Noo Yawk City is pronounced and spelled "yez," as in "Hey! Shut up, alla yez!"

That's because it's kind of like the medieval letter "S" which is written differently depending on where it appears in the word.
So, "Youse guys better shut up!" or "Hey! Shut up, alla yez!"

[SkeptiKilt]

That would be "Youfe guys . . . ," would it not?

[Beady]

That would be "Youfe guys . . . ," would it not?

Yef.

[scotth]

Any Amy Wilson fans amongst the cruisers? (I know... fan isn't the correct term)

See this thread for your morning laugh.....

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=1918404#post1918404

[Geek Goddess]

Another curious Southern word is "fixin'." Not "fixing," but "fixin'." To be "fixin'" is to be getting ready to do something, or intending to do something. (As far as I am aware, there is no proper infinitive for "fixin'.") "I'm fixin' to go to the Rib Shack." (Translation: "I'm thinking about going to the Rib Shack," or "I'm getting ready to go to the Rib Shack.")



"Fixin' to" is one of the most massively useful things in the universe, right behind a towel

It actually means I am contemplating doing thus-and-so. Short version - "I'm about to do thus and so"

"Son - make your bed now!"

"Mom, I was fixin' to."

I beg to differ on the plural versions of "y'all" While sometimes in parts of Texas we do say "all y'all" that's sort of ignorant :) When are you addressing a single individual, you would not say 'y'all' to them'

Me - talking to Scott *only* - Are you fixin' to go to supper?

Me - talking to Scott but *referring* to his family - Are y'all fixin' to go to supper?

I get shivers when I see, on TV/elsewhere, a character being made to say - "y'all" when talking to, and referring to, only one person, using in a really fake-sounding Southern acccent. I can tell the writer isn't from around here...

BTW, I have a scholarly book around here that talks about dialects in the US. In the Deep South accent is preserved the accent of the Scot-Irish people who immigrated to the U.S. in the early years of the nation. It's what that part of the UK sounded like 200+ years ago. (If you ask me for reference, I'll have to page through books and books in my library, so don't, but one of them was "The Story of English" written about 20-25 years ago)

I'm sitting in a class, but the conference room has wireless...

[SkeptiKilt]

I beg to differ on the plural versions of "y'all" While sometimes in parts of Texas we do say "all y'all" that's sort of ignorant :) When are you addressing a single individual, you would not say 'y'all' to them'

Me - talking to Scott *only* - Are you fixin' to go to supper?

Me - talking to Scott but *referring* to his family - Are y'all fixin' to go to supper?

I get shivers when I see, on TV/elsewhere, a character being made to say - "y'all" when talking to, and referring to, only one person, using in a really fake-sounding Southern acccent. I can tell the writer isn't from around here...

That was my impression as a Yankee with an interest in linguistics but no formal training or extensive Southrun experience; thanks for backing up my feeling that the earlier explanation was not quite The Way Things Are.


BTW, I have a scholarly book around here that talks about dialects in the US. In the Deep South accent is preserved the accent of the Scot-Irish people who immigrated to the U.S. in the early years of the nation. It's what that part of the UK sounded like 200+ years ago. (If you ask me for reference, I'll have to page through books and books in my library, so don't, but one of them was "The Story of English" written about 20-25 years ago)

I've also read this and find it really hard to believe that an area of the IUK could have changed its regional accent so much in just a couple of centuries. I'm sure it's well-researched, but it's always seemed really "out there" to me.

BTW, on the term "Yankee," my grandfather used to say to furriners it means an American, to Southerners it means a Northerner, to Northerners it means a New Englander, to New Englanders it means a Vermonter, and to Vermonters it's only someone who eats pie for breakfast. :confused:

Thread drift -- it's not just for breakfast any more.

[mumchup]

...and to Vermonters it's only someone who eats pie for breakfast. :confused:
Thread drift -- it's not just for breakfast any more.

You've brought the thread topic full circle Skeptikilt! The number of Vermonters on the cruise was quite large for a state with such a tiny population.

[Beady]

BTW, on the term "Yankee," my grandfather used to say to furriners it means an American, to Southerners it means a Northerner, to Northerners it means a New Englander, to New Englanders it means a Vermonter, and to Vermonters it's only someone who eats pie for breakfast. :confused:

I'm from Vermont,
I do what I want.

[Cleon]

Hey, I base my linguistic observations on living in the Great State of Georgia, and being active in the bluegrass scene. Bluegrass music--where you learn to speak Southern. :)

[Curnir]

I am back home, and in a daze.

Thanks to everyone for coming and for making this such a memorable event.

The latest report on Curnir is as follows:

He had only a hairline fracture, and underwent surgery Friday for it. The surgery involved some screws and went well. So well, in fact, that he can sit up.
Not quite a hairline fracture, more like a full on fracture + dislocation, the MRI pics are a bit scary. Three screws.

He will be flying home to Sweden on Air France Tuesday. His mother did not actually end up coming to the US as they were able to send him home so quickly.

I left the US on the saturday, after about a week in Miami. Well at least I got to se a lot of college football, DS9 and TNG.

I'm working on a story called:
Curnir's Chaotic Caribbean Cruise And Anxious Aftermath.

will post it as soon as it's done and checked

[VPescado]

Curnir,

Good to see that you have made it back to the forum!

How is your current condition? What did you think of the medical care in Miami?
Rumor was that you had to spend some time in hospital once returning home....are you out now? Will you be well enough to come to TAM?

[Curnir]

Curnir,

Good to see that you have made it back to the forum!
Thanks.

How is your current condition? What did you think of the medical care in Miami?
It's stable.
The medical care in Miami was superb.

Rumor was that you had to spend some time in hospital once returning home....are you out now?
Right now I am in a hopital awating transfer to rehab Will you be well enough to come to TAM? TAM5? That depends on a multitude of factors, some that I can control, some that I can't.

Lets just say that I don't think I will be able to attend.

[VPescado]

TAM5? That depends on a multitude of factors, some that I can control, some that I can't.

Lets just say that I don't think I will be able to attend.

Well...if you can't make it for physical reasons, that is one thing. But if you are well enough to travel and were so motivated, I suspect there are a number of people who would like to see you there badly enough to make it happen.

Of course, I would not blame your parents in the least if they forbid you to ever have anything to do with any of us after what happened. :p

[mumchup]

Glad to hear from you Curnir.

[Beady]

Of course, I would not blame your parents in the least if they forbid you to ever have anything to do with any of us after what happened. :p

I don't think "what happened" would affect that attitude. Not after seeing your avatar.

[Curnir]

Of course, I would not blame your parents in the least if they forbid you to ever have anything to do with any of us after what happened. :p

Heh. :)

[Hutch]

Good to see you back, Curnir; I was in the Windjammer room with the Beadys' when you had your fall. My first instinct once I saw it was you was to go over there, but Beady (wisely) noted that the crew was already there and gawkers wouldn't help any. So we sat and waited until we saw you were taken to the Docs. Still sorry I didn't have the chance to pay my respects before you left.

Take care of yourself and heal up good. Glad to see you back and posting.

[Beady]

...but Beady (wisely) noted that the crew was already there and gawkers wouldn't help any.

"Wisdom" had nothing to do with it. It's just knowing your limitations.

Still sorry I didn't have the chance to pay my respects before you left.

We all would have liked to, but I think it was best that Randi stood in for us.

[mumchup]

"Wisdom" had nothing to do with it. It's just knowing your limitations.

That sounds like wisdom to me.

[SkepticScott]

I was one of the many people watching from the rail. We were all yelling "Good luck" to you as they transferred you to the Coast Guard boat.

[Hamradioguy]

Great to hear from you Curnir, and welcome back. I was just ahead of you when you fell. That was the second time in just over a year I turned away from someone only to have them fall and break a femur. I swear I will no longer turn my back on anyone- I will just move away slowly while always faceing toward them.

[Beady]

I swear I will no longer turn my back on anyone- I will just move away slowly while always faceing toward them.

A good rule for any setting.

[BrianSI]

Unless you are in a horror movie and you are backing into a darkened room.

[Hamradioguy]

A good rule for any setting.

I am practicing for when I get a Nobel Prize. At one time you had to walk backwards down the steps so you wouldn't turn your back on the King. No longer required as I understand it, but this is how I'll do it when I accept the prize.

[SkepticScott]

I was browsing and found these books. Remember the towel animals we'd find in our cabins? http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Art-Towel-Origami/dp/0740755633 http://www.amazon.com/Towel-Monkey-other-Cruise-Favorites/dp/0978747704

[Beady]

Those were towels? You mean I didn't have to dry myself with the bed linen?

[Hamradioguy]

I was browsing and found these books. Remember the towel animals we'd find in our cabins? http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Art-Towel-Origami/dp/0740755633 http://www.amazon.com/Towel-Monkey-other-Cruise-Favorites/dp/0978747704


Towels? Dang! I thought that was a "familiar", sent by Randi to spy on us. Guess I owe Randi an appology.

[SkepticScott]

Yes, some of the designs were really good.