See My Stage Debut-- Only $15

[JamesDillon]

As the winner of the Richard Wiseman Theatre of Science auction, I'd like to invite everyone to the 8 PM performance on Saturday, November 11, to witness my hair-raising performance of standing in a metal cage absorbing approximately one million volts of electricity (the cage, that is, not me-- I hope). Tickets are available here (http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/124138) for a mere $15!

I'm also told that a number of JREFers are planning to be in NYC that weekend for Professor Wiseman's show, so perhaps we can also use this thread to make other plans for the weekend? I'd be happy to show everyone around town and to offer any travel advice I can for out-of-towners.

[SkepticScott]

I'll be there on Sunday for the 3 p.m. show with some non-JREF friends, including some folk from the Mofo Penn & Teller fan group. We plan to get together for either lunch before or dinner after. I'm sure we'd enjoy your regaling us with the tale.

[rebecca]

Congrats James! I don't have my tickets yet because I'm waiting to find out when everyone is going. Particularly Central Scrutinizer, as it's important that I avoid him at all costs while in the same city.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Congrats James! I don't have my tickets yet because I'm waiting to find out when everyone is going. Particularly Central Scrutinizer, as it's important that I avoid him at all costs while in the same city.

Same here. Since I already have plane tickets, maybe you should cancel your trip?

[rebecca]

Same here. Since I already have plane tickets, maybe you should cancel your trip?

You can still come to the city at the same time as me, you just need to ensure that you are in a different borough from me at all times. For instance, if I attend the Friday, 8pm show, you should make plans to perhaps take in a movie over in the Bronx that evening.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

You can still come to the city at the same time as me, you just need to ensure that you are in a different borough from me at all times. For instance, if I attend the Friday, 8pm show, you should make plans to perhaps take in a movie over in the Bronx that evening.

/Child psychology

I will be attending the Thursday night show. Whatever you do, do not attend that show. That is the worst show.

/

OK, now that we've gotten rid of Rebecca (she'll be at the Thursday night show), when is anyone else going? I am almost certainly leaning to one of the two Sat shows, although I suppose Friday is OK too. Will we be allowed to watch JamesDillon get fried? If not, then do we gain anything from going to the same show?

Either way, I'd like to get together with everyone (except Rebecca).

[JamesDillon]

Well, I hope there will be no "getting fried" part of the experience, though there are probably a few people from the Politics forum who would jump at that chance. Regardless of the individual shows to which everyone goes, I'm up for doing some kind of get-together, too.

Perhaps Dr. Wiseman and, more importantly, his contortionist assistant might be persuaded to join us?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Perhaps Dr. Wiseman and, more importantly, his contortionist assistant might be persuaded to join us?

I'm thinking along those lines too (especially the contortionist). I think tkingdoll knows him. Maybe she could put us in touch.

[SkepticScott]

Could we get Dr. Singh to come along to complete the set, although I'm really just interested in the contortionist. :D

[Kochanski]

I already have ticket to Saturday matinee, oh bother, maybe I will see if I can change it. I would love to meet up with others for the show and afterwards.

[Alliebubs]

As the winner of the Richard Wiseman Theatre of Science auction, I'd like to invite everyone to the 8 PM performance on Saturday, November 11, to witness my hair-raising performance of standing in a metal cage absorbing approximately one million volts of electricity (the cage, that is, not me-- I hope). Tickets are available here (http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/124138) for a mere $15!

I'm also told that a number of JREFers are planning to be in NYC that weekend for Professor Wiseman's show, so perhaps we can also use this thread to make other plans for the weekend? I'd be happy to show everyone around town and to offer any travel advice I can for out-of-towners.

I'm planning on going to the Saturday matinee, as well. Guess you'll have to tell us matinee-goers how it felt to be "fried". :)

[mumchup]

We've gotten tickets for the Saturday matinee. If anyone wants to meet up before/after, PM me. We are considering coming in early and stopping by the Museum of Natural History or Art Museum.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Saturday matinee will most likely work best for me too. Then we can all go out for dinner and beer!

[mumchup]

When I asked my sister if she wanted to go to the show her response was, "And we can go somewhere and get beer and food."

[The Central Scrutinizer]

When I asked my sister if she wanted to go to the show her response was, "And we can go somewhere and get beer and food."

Is she cute?

[JamesDillon]

Hmm. If everyone is doing the matinee, perhaps I shall inquire as to the possiblity of changing my stage appearance to that show. And maybe beer and food with mumchup's cute sister afterward?

[mumchup]

Is she cute?

She is. But she is also married. But we are still fun to hang out with, and I would LOVE to see you in your electrifying stage debut James.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

She is. But she is also married.

Is that an issue?

[mumchup]

I suppose you can take your chances. She works with the criminally insane so she should feel right at home around you:D

[JamesDillon]

In light of the fact that many people seem to be planning to attend the 3 PM show, I'm thinking of emailing tkingdoll to ask if I can change my appearance to that show. Before I do, has anyone bought tickets for the 8 PM show on the basis of this thread? I'd hate to bait and switch anyone (though I'm sure that my appearance is less important to anyone than Dr. Wiseman's performance).

[mumchup]

I can't speak for those who bought tickets for the 8pm show, but if you switch to the matinee I promise to cheer really loud for you. And I'll buy you a beer after the show if you survive (offer not good for Lite beer).

[rats]

Amazingly, this coincides with my first ever trip to New York!

I’ve not been the most prolific poster, but it would be great to meet other forum folks – especially if we get to see one being zapped!

So, looks like the Saturday 3pm show if James can get it changed. Any news?

Beer after the show with fellow sceptics would be a fantastic plan!

A very excited rats :D

[JamesDillon]

I emailed tkingdoll to ask about changing my appearance time; she is apparently away on "holiday" (which, I take it, is British for "vacation") until the 26th, but my understanding from earlier correspondence is that it won't be any problem to change the time of my appearance, and since the 3 PM show seems to work best for everyone (and makes more sense anyway if we want to do something after), I'll plan to attend that show rather than the 8 PM.

[rebecca]

Ok, in the hopes of seeing James (or James' date, but obviously we're all hoping that if there's a horrible accident, it directly involves someone we know) electrocuted and having a beer or five with a few forumites, I've grabbed a 3pm Saturday ticket. I'm hoping to resolve my current housing crisis in time to get a nice free Saturday in NYC by then.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Ok, in the hopes of seeing James (or James' date, but obviously we're all hoping that if there's a horrible accident, it directly involves someone we know) electrocuted and having a beer or five with a few forumites, I've grabbed a 3pm Saturday ticket. I'm hoping to resolve my current housing crisis in time to get a nice free Saturday in NYC by then.

I just got a ticket to the 3:00 Sat show. I didn't realize that it is general admission. I will have to take steps to make sure you don't sit next to me.

[rebecca]

I just got a ticket to the 3:00 Sat show. I didn't realize that it is general admission. I will have to take steps to make sure you don't sit next to me.

My favorite moment of TAM4 was when Ray Hyman pointed out that you're far too old.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

My favorite moment of TAM4 was when Ray Hyman pointed out that you're far too old.

He also pointed out that you are deperately in love with me. :p

[rats]

I am the now proud owner of tickets for Theatre of Science on November 11th, 3pm. :)
Can’t wait!
rats

[mumchup]

So... does anyone know where's a good place near the theater for beer drinking and getting a snack?

[JamesDillon]

So... does anyone know where's a good place near the theater for beer drinking and getting a snack?

The theater is on 1st Ave between 9th and 10th Streets. That's in the East Village; there are tons of beer drinking and eating establishments in that neighborhood.

[mumchup]

The theater is on 1st Ave between 9th and 10th Streets. That's in the East Village; there are tons of beer drinking and eating establishments in that neighborhood.

I just looked on Google maps and got an idea of what you're talking about. Here's a place that looks good:

http://www.xuntatapas.com/

I couldn't look for long becuase I'm at work but I can see that there are enough choices to send me into Decision Paralysis.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

The theater is on 1st Ave between 9th and 10th Streets. That's in the East Village; there are tons of beer drinking and eating establishments in that neighborhood.

Any place to get some great NY style pizza?

[JamesDillon]

Plenty of time to think about after-show festivities, and there are indeed many places to choose from. If you want pizza, there are a few decent pizza stands in the neighborhood, but a bit of a further walk (maybe 15 minutes) across town is John's Pizzeria, which is an NYC institution and generally regarded as among the best in town (I'd rank it among the best, though maybe not the very best). The tapas place that mumchup linked to looks great too; I haven't been there before. Any other ideas?

[SpeederA]

Hi Everyone.

I'm not a forumite, but a survivor of the Amazing Cruise.

I'd love to join you if it's okay.
I'm a native New Yawker so I'd help to even out the ratio of tourists *yuck* to "those in the know". =o)

Has everyone pretty much settled on the 3pm showing?

Thanks,

Oren

[mumchup]

That's the plan, with beer afterward.

[JamesDillon]

Oren,

Have any thoughts about where to go after? I was thinking maybe John's Pizzeria, which is good for food, but their beer selection is sadly limited to a few domestic brands. Most of the Village bars I know are student hangouts from my NYU days, probably not ideal for this group. I'd welcome other suggestions.

[Boo]

Psssssst, James...


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!


Boo

[SkepticScott]

Happy Birthday James!

[tkingdoll]

Ay up! Happy birthday dude!

PS: vacation schmacation. It's H-O-L-I-D-A-Y. :p

[mumchup]

Happy Birthday James!

[JamesDillon]

Thanks everyone!

365 days to 30 :(

[brooklyn44]

Just got my ticket....look forward to meeting you..(it's my consolation prize for not being able to attend TAM) :)

[JamesDillon]

Just got my ticket....look forward to meeting you..(it's my consolation prize for not being able to attend TAM) :)

Meeting me is just as good as going to TAM.

Sigh.. ok, not really. However, it should be noted that the Theatre of Science is one part of the weekend-long Science and Art Festival 2006, sponsored by CUNY and the Center for Inquiry. Here's the full schedule (http://scienceartfestival.com/safestival/?c=schedule) of the weekend's events, for everyone's reference. There are some other events that might be of interest.

[SpeederA]

Okay, I'm all set for SATURDAY, NOV 11th at 3:00 PM (just to be sure, ;o).

I got two tickets and will hopefully be able to swindle a member of the opposite sex into attending this most splendiferous of events with me. =o)

John's pizzeria is somewhat decent although not quite the quintessential New York pizza. It also depends on how many ppl in total we are looking at. If I can get a count, and an "I love this type of food" suggestion from everyone, then I can suggest some places or use my ALL POWERFUL Zagat subscription to find decent eats. If budget is a big concern for anyone, please give me a price range as well!!

As for pubs/bars/lounges/clubs
pubcrawler.com/Template/searchwc.cfm/flat/zipcode=10001/distance=15/title=New%20York,%20New%20York

There be lots of places to get drunk in the big apple, ;o)

What does everyone like? e.g. Sweet and Fruity (Heartland Brewery Apricot Ale, yum), Thin and disgusting (Bud Light on a street corner next to a bum, yuck)

Speeder

lol, I guess happy belated birthday from me as well, =o)

[tkingdoll]

Only a few weeks to go!

How exciting!

[rats]

This really is very exciting!

As for post-zapping plans we like real non-fruity beers, or cocktails! Happy to do whatever for food, though my SO doesn’t particularly like Chinese.

[JamesDillon]

I'm not too crazy about Heartland Brewery, but it might be a good choice since it has a wide selection of affordable food and beer, even if both are rather mediocre. But I'd be happy to hear better suggestions.

Do we want to do food and beer in the same place, or is it ok to eat first, and then drink elsewhere?

[rebecca]

Seeing as the show starts at 3pm, I'm guessing we'll be out on the street very early in the cocktail hour. I vote we either go to a bar first, or a pub/restaurant that will let us hang out and drink for a while before getting grub.

[JamesDillon]

Seeing as the show starts at 3pm, I'm guessing we'll be out on the street very early in the cocktail hour. I vote we either go to a bar first, or a pub/restaurant that will let us hang out and drink for a while before getting grub.

Happy birthday!

Edit: Um, why were there birthday balloons under your avatar when I started this reply, but they were gone when I finished it? (I did NOT start this before midnight, FYI.)

[SpeederA]

The biggest problem with heartland is their inconsistency....

I'd say food first at a decent place, then a pub afterwards.

What age group are we talking about as well. I'm mid 20's so I'd fit in around most places in union square and NOHO, but the atmosphere might be a little to "college" for some of you.

Also still need to know price range. As a New Yorker, what I consider "reasonable" might seem outrageous to others.... :p

[rebecca]

Happy birthday!

Edit: Um, why were there birthday balloons under your avatar when I started this reply, but they were gone when I finished it? (I did NOT start this before midnight, FYI.)

A few years back there was a bill in the Senate passed to make October 18 last until 12:15 am on what would usually be October 19. The thinking was that 24 hours wasn't quite enough to hold all the excitement of my birthday, while there really wasn't a whole lot happening on the 19th.

[rebecca]

OH, and thanks for the happy birthday and the same (though more belated) back to you!

Speeder: I'm flexible on quality of alcohol and price. If the former is low and the latter is high, I'll just consume less. As for food, I don't care as I probably won't be eating with the group but drinking before and after dinner.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

OK, so I found the theatre on the map (155 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003). BUt now I'm trying to find a hotel in that area. But some hotel sites are organized by neighborhood (Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, Battery Park, etc...). So what is this neighborhood called?

[SpeederA]

E. 9th & First is the east village (lower east side).

But don't worry about staying close to the venue. Go for the best price you can find. As long as you stay in manhattan under (south of) the 100's it is trivial to get from uptown to downtown via subway.

[Kochanski]

OK, so I found the theatre on the map (155 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003). BUt now I'm trying to find a hotel in that area. But some hotel sites are organized by neighborhood (Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, Battery Park, etc...). So what is this neighborhood called?

East Village is the neighborhood.

[brooklyn44]

E. 9th & First is the east village (lower east side).

But don't worry about staying close to the venue. Go for the best price you can find. As long as you stay in manhattan under (south of) the 100's it is trivial to get from uptown to downtown via subway.

Whoa. Not trivial if you're single, female or traveling with young'uns. Lowest room rates may find you in sleazy environment.

[rebecca]

Whoa. Not trivial if you're single, female or traveling with young'uns. Lowest room rates may find you in sleazy environment.

I see you're new here. brooklyn44, meet Scrut. You'll be hard pressed to find an environment sleazier than Scrut's own immediate vicinity.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I see you're new here. brooklyn44, meet Scrut. You'll be hard pressed to find an environment sleazier than Scrut's own immediate vicinity.

I try hard to keep it that way.

And anyhow, I'm young, single and buff. So I don't have to worry about my safety.

[SpeederA]

lol. Lowest rate in a reasonable hotel. I'm not saying to head to the bronx to save $20. ;)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

lol. Lowest rate in a reasonable hotel. I'm not saying to head to the bronx to save $20. ;)

Yeah, I've seen a few around Penn Station for $250 a night.

[SpeederA]

I suggest the Mandarin Oriental. It's only a $1,000 and up per night. :rolleyes:

[SpeederA]

Make sure you book ASAP. You really needed to have booked two months ago in order to get a good rate. Every day you wait now will increase the price significantly. =/

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Make sure you book ASAP. You really needed to have booked two months ago in order to get a good rate. Every day you wait now will increase the price significantly. =/

Yeah, I've been lazy.

[JamesDillon]

Yeah, I've seen a few around Penn Station for $250 a night.

The Hotel Pennsylvania or the New Yorker? That's a very popular area for tourist hotels. The rooms are cramped, dirty, and not particularly comfortable, but the location is decent and it's probably the best bargain you'll find in Manhattan (there are cheaper hotels out there, but you really don't want to stay in them.)

[Kochanski]

There are less expensive ones down in the East Village area that are far less touristy. I did PM Scrut with some ideas.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

There are less expensive ones down in the East Village area that are far less touristy. I did PM Scrut with some ideas.

Yeah, and most of those ideas are booked for that weekend.

One I was looking at around Penn Station was called something like "New York Ramada" maybe?

ETA: Nevermind. I just booked at http://www.hotel17ny.com/index.asp. Looks like I'm about 10-12 blocks from the theatre.

[firecoins]

bump

[SpeederA]

It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A :D :D

[The Central Scrutinizer]

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!! No, no, no, no, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I may have to cancel my trip. :(

I'm buying a loft in downtown St. Louis. It's "almost" ready. Now schedules are colliding. Things are changing. I might be moving that weekend. I should know more in the next day or two.

Damn!!! :mad:

[SpeederA]

Bah. You can get a loft anytime. You can only come to new york on Nov. 11th, 2006 to see a forumite get fried safely zapped once in your life. =oP

[JamesDillon]

Bah. You can get a loft anytime. You can only come to new york on Nov. 11th, 2006 to see a forumite get fried safely zapped once in your life. =oP

Only once in my life too, but hopefully I'll have a long lifetime of not being "safely zapped" to look forward to after the events of next weekend.

Any further thoughts on post-event festivities?

[SpeederA]

I figured that when we got to the week of that we'd make firmer plans. It doesn't look like our group will be too large.

[brooklyn44]

Since the seats are general admission, I think we should arrange to meet an hour before curtain so that we can introduce ourselves and congregate and make a general nuisance of ourselves before we see James Dillon fry.
b44

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Woo-Hoo!!! I'm going!! I got things sorted out on this end.

And I agree, let's arrainge to meet at 2:00 on Sat, and maybe we can all get good seats together.

I read Randi's mention of this event in his commentary, and I must say I am disappointed. Judging by his light hearted tone, it sounds as if he already knows there is no chance of James getting fried. That sucks. I was hoping there might be a slight "incident".

[Wowbagger]

I just ordered my ticket for the same 3PM showing most of y'all are going to. It'll be a hoot, I am sure.

[tkingdoll]

I am so jealous of you all :(

But! In exciting news, the Theatre of Science t-shirt and merchandise shop (http://www.cafepress.com/theatreofsci) has just opened!

I think it would be highly amusing for some of you to turn up to the show with Richard and Simon's faces on your chests :D

[articulett]

As the winner of the Richard Wiseman Theatre of Science auction, I'd like to invite everyone to the 8 PM performance on Saturday, November 11, to witness my hair-raising performance of standing in a metal cage absorbing approximately one million volts of electricity (the cage, that is, not me-- I hope). Tickets are available here (http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/124138) for a mere $15!

I'm also told that a number of JREFers are planning to be in NYC that weekend for Professor Wiseman's show, so perhaps we can also use this thread to make other plans for the weekend? I'd be happy to show everyone around town and to offer any travel advice I can for out-of-towners.

Will you doing a reprisal of your performance at TAM5 with the bewitchingly studly Mr. Wiseman? I can't make NY, but I'll be in LV, and I don't want to miss the excitement.

[brooklyn44]

I am so jealous of you all :(

But! In exciting news, the Theatre of Science t-shirt and merchandise shop (http://www.cafepress.com/theatreofsci) has just opened!

I think it would be highly amusing for some of you to turn up to the show with Richard and Simon's faces on your chests :D

It may be too late...i'll give it a try.

[tkingdoll]

It may be too late...i'll give it a try.

Cafepress do fast shipping options, although the standard is 5-7 days so you might just make it with that. I think the black t-shirts take longer to make, though.

[mumchup]

I'm glad you're going Scrut. The whole adventure wouldn't have been the same without the opportunity to be traumatized by you.

[rats]

Excellent – my first trip to New York and it’s all coming together! I shan’t be online from Thursday, so hope the plan will be finalised by then.

To get the ball rolling, I’d like to suggest a couple of possible 2pm meeting places (from a guide book, so natives please speak up if either are a bad idea!), or should we just huddle outside the venue?

Cloister Café
238 E 9th St, between 2nd & 3rd aves
Food meant to be poor, but it’s large with good coffee.

Grassroots Tavern
20 St Mark’s Place, between 2nd & 3rd aves
Spacious, with beer, popcorn, and animals.

[mumchup]

Animals?

[Gulliamo]

lol. Lowest rate in a reasonable hotel. I'm not saying to head to the bronx to save $20. ;)Whoa, what's the matter with Da Bronx?! :cool:

[Gulliamo]

Woo-hoo. Just two bought tickets. Now to find a sitter (the real expense).

[Kochanski]

Do we have a list of everyone who is going to the Saturday 3 pm show? It would be a good idea to get an estimate of body count.

So far I see:
JamesDillon (soon to be corpse - oops mean star)
rebecca
IllegalArgument
Kochanski
Mumchup
Scrut
Wowbagger
rats
brooklyn44
SpeederA
Boo
Gulliamo

Anyone else? Not exactly a Hutch caliber list, but I am trying....

Probably a good idea to meet at theater. Show is only about an hour long so plenty of time for eats and drinks afterwards. I will get in about 2 pm, contingent on the vagarities of the LIRR.

[dang]

Dang! I won't be in New York for this show, but I wanted to share my own zapping experience. I had the opportunity to stand in a Faraday cage while a nearby Tesla coil shot lightning at the cage. I'll never forget it. It happened at Burning Man in 2003, courtesy of "Dr. Megavolt." (You can Google him.)

I stood with a friend in a long line of people waiting for their chance to get in the cage. Just before going in, the doctor gave us headphones to help mitigate the noise. Even shielded, it sounded like the air was being torn to shreds. All that power arcing out toward your face. You'll love it, James. Especially the "coming out alive" part.

I have Realplayer movie of some other people getting zapped if you care to view it. It's small - about 830 kb. I see I'm not allowed to post a URL until I've posted 15 times. I could mail the link to anyone who wants to see it.

[SpeederA]

Whoa, what's the matter with Da Bronx?! :cool:

Nothing a bulldozer and 40 years of development couldn't cure. :whistling :D

[rats]

Animals?
Apparently they have a dog and several cats wondering about. We should fit right in!

Looks like we’re meeting at the venue, which is probably a sensible idea – unless James needs a brandy!

[mumchup]

Do we have a list of everyone who is going to the Saturday 3 pm show? It would be a good idea to get an estimate of body count.

So far I see:
JamesDillon (soon to be corpse - oops mean star)
rebecca
IllegalArgument
Kochanski
Mumchup
Scrut
Wowbagger
rats
brooklyn44
SpeederA
Boo
Gulliamo

Anyone else? Not exactly a Hutch caliber list, but I am trying....

Probably a good idea to meet at theater. Show is only about an hour long so plenty of time for eats and drinks afterwards. I will get in about 2 pm, contingent on the vagarities of the LIRR.

You can add my sister to the list. She's a forum member with only 2 posts. Here forum name is Cap'n Chaos. And The Central Scrutinizer confirmed that he's going to make it to the show after all.
(BTW, your list measures up to Hutch standards as far as I can see)

[Kochanski]

Do we have a list of everyone who is going to the Saturday 3 pm show? It would be a good idea to get an estimate of body count.

So far I see:
JamesDillon (soon to be corpse - oops mean star)
rebecca
IllegalArgument
Kochanski
Mumchup
Cap'n Chaos
Central Scrutinizer
Wowbagger
rats
brooklyn44
SpeederA
Boo
Gulliamo

Anyone else? Not exactly a Hutch caliber list, but I am trying....

Probably a good idea to meet at theater. Show is only about an hour long so plenty of time for eats and drinks afterwards. I will get in about 2 pm, contingent on the vagarities of the LIRR.


Did we lose edit abilities? I wanted to edit my original post but could not find the edit button

[SpeederA]

Did we lose edit abilities? I wanted to edit my original post but could not find the edit button

You can only edit a post for a fixed amount of time after it was initially created. After that, you have to make a new post.

[SpeederA]

This group is starting to get rather large. Considering it's a saturday, we might have to make a reservation for wherever we are heading afterwards some time in advance.

I've posted a poll here (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=68163) to decide whether we should go to somewhere that also has food besides drinks.

[SpeederA]

+1 for me

[Wowbagger]

Is it definite that we are meeting at 2PM at the theature for good seats? I can be there by then!

(ETA: I don't know about anything much earlier than that.)

[SpeederA]

I'll try to be there at 2. I guess the JREF members will gravitate together around the theater entrance.

[Gulliamo]

Hey! It was great to see everyone again! I particularly enjoyed the extra-smelly Coyote Ugly bar with its flat beer and brazier coated walls. Ok, not really, but I did enjoy hanging out with everyone at MJ Armstrong and seeing James get fried. But nothing was as good as the contortionist!

[supercorgi]

So did it happen yet? Did he survive?

[Gulliamo]

He survived well enough. Although I must admit: I expected the cage to be a bit more, uh, solid looking that it was. It really only looked like a cheap screen - but it worked.

[Kochanski]

Here is evidence that he survived.

[Kochanski]

And here are a few more JREFers in Coyote Ugly...

[Kochanski]

And then being rational beings we found a place we could actually eat and not stick to the tables :p

You will have to pardon the poor composition of the pictures, I could not see anything through my camera, way too dark in both places. I had to just point and shoot and hope to get people in frame.

[Boo]

It was a great time! I got to see old friends and make new ones. Scrut, you ever touch me again and I'll stab you.:D

James was very brave, I don't know that I could have done what he did, although he was visibly shaking towards the end. The show was great and I never knew a pickle could glow ornage. I'm looking forward to see what happens at TAM!


Kudos to the waiters at the resteraunt, they dealt admirably with a large group of hungry and thirsty skeptics taking over a large section of the place, re-arranging tables, opening windows, leaping out of said windows regularly and shifting seats.


I'm pretty sure I hugged everyone and if I missed one I'll catch you in Jan.



Boo

[mumchup]

That was lots of fun and my sister really enjoyed herself too. The show was entertaining, the food was delicious, the crowd was interesting and Coyote Ugly was really stinky.

[rebecca]

That was a pretty awesome time - with probably the biggest group we've had at a meet-up, yet. Everything went pretty smoothly despite some crazy logistical issues of having a huge group with a lot of different stuff going on. The only thing I regret is not being able to reconnect with Rats and her man, since we ended up drinking until about 3am or something. I didn't take many photos, so thanks Kochanski for posting those! Here are mine:

The lovely Mrs. Guillamo and I (I warned her I would post this on the Interwebbery, so I hope she knows I wasn't kidding)
http://static.flickr.com/99/295772277_650ffed52f.jpg?v=0

Phil and I in our natural habitat.
http://static.flickr.com/101/295772283_c6dd8ffc07.jpg?v=0


I do not recall the snapping of this photo, but I think the fistfight with Mumchop's sister had something to do with beating one another with roses.
http://static.flickr.com/112/295772285_05ea42f061.jpg?v=0

[JamesDillon]

James was very brave, I don't know that I could have done what he did, although he was visibly shaking towards the end.

Was not! I was completely calm and in control the entire time.

Yeah, ok, right before I went in I was wondering why the hell I ever thought this was a good idea. Glad I did it, though. Thanks to everyone for coming out and watching me not die.

[tkingdoll]

Was not! I was completely calm and in control the entire time.

Yeah, ok, right before I went in I was wondering why the hell I ever thought this was a good idea. Glad I did it, though. Thanks to everyone for coming out and watching me not die.

Oh come on, we want details!

How did it feel when they pressed the switch? How did it look from inside the cage while the lightning was going? If there hadn't been a big audience, would you have chickened out at the last minute?

[cap'n chaos]

Mumchup's sis here.

The "electrocuting" was quite an event. I'm impressed that you went through with it. Given how accident-prone I am, I would too easily end up accidentally touching the cage or something.

Nice photos Kochanski and Rebecca. Thank you for posting them.

Great time all round. It was a pleasure to meet everyone. By the way, did anyone mention that Coyote Ugly was really stinky?

[Wowbagger]

I had a great time, all around, as well! So much so, that I temporarily changed my avatar, for the occasion!

Here are some of my photos (the ones that actually came out reasonably well):

http://www.mitchlampert.net/images/coyoteugly.jpg
I guess "Cheers" was already taken.

http://www.mitchlampert.net/images/intheugly.jpg
Oy, this place sucks. Someone get me out of here!

Some of my attempts to get a photo with Rebecca:
http://www.mitchlampert.net/images/mitchandwatson1.jpg
Not so bad.

http://www.mitchlampert.net/images/mitchandwatson2.jpg
I like the shot better, except that it came out very blurry! I reduced its size to make it look sharper. This is the photo my temporary avatar is based on.

http://www.mitchlampert.net/images/tempavatarv3.jpg

[SpeederA]

It was great meeting everyone both old and new. New Yorkers, and uncool nearby to new yorkers alike. :D

Sorry I left so early, there was something I had to take care of. It was great fun. We have to all hang out again!

[mumchup]

I like the new avatar Wowbagger. Are you green because if the oldbeer/mildew smell?

[rebecca]

I like the new avatar Wowbagger. Are you green because if the oldbeer/mildew smell?

Let's not forget the slight tinge of skank in the air at Coyote Ugly, as well. It gives it that special something that otherwise would've left the place completely without character.

Wowbagger, nice avatar! Yes, I was rather less than sober when I gave my approval, but I've come to accept the fact that I look like a complete dork in every photo taken of me, so it's still all good. I now embrace my dorkiness. I embrace it like we're two elderly naked men meeting in a sauna after not having seen one another for quite some time, unaware that everyone around us is uncomfortable.

[mumchup]

Cap'n Chaos and I went back there with Illegal Argument after dinner, while looking for rats & co. We didn't find them but we did get to see the skank factor ratcheted up a couple notches when the bartenders danced on the bar.
Then we all headed back in the direction of the subways and Illegal Argument got to experience the fun of two drunk sisters bickering about which direction the subway is. I think maybe we argued a little about which one of us was more drunk too.
When we got back to the train station in Stamford we walked around the parking garage for an hour arguing and looking for the car. (It was locked in the long term parking... oops)

[SkepticScott]

I went to the Theater of Science yesterday. I had to miss the JREF gathering and JamesDillon's stage debut because I had some friends in NYC that couldn't make it Saturday. I'm sorry I missed everybody, it looks like you had a blast.

Before the show, Richard Wiseman came into the lobby, so I immediately bowed in his direction while saying "Hey look, it's Phil Plait!". In return (maybe revenge?), he recruited me to help move the generator.

Richard Wiseman did say that they had a problem with the generator Saturday, so weren't able to do a practice run with JamesDillon before the show. So that makes what James even braver to do what he did.

I took a course in EM fields and waves in college. With a bit of brushing up, I could use Maxwell's equations to show you why you're perfectly safe in a Faraday cage. But I'd still be nervous if it were me in the cage. Oh yeah, and the "cage" was made of metal mesh, so it was a network of charged wires surrounding the "victim".

[Phil]

Nice pics, everyone.

Like everyone else, I really enjoyed the show and the after show revelry. Although I was a little didappointed that I had to leave just as everyone was getting warming up at the bar. But it was fun seeing and meeting you all.

[Hindmost]

Definitely had a great time...the kind of day that makes me want to ditch work on monday. We really must electrocute forum members more often. (hopefully, our immune systems will kill the mega-cooties from Coyote-ugly/sticky.)

glenn:)

Kitten: Thanks so much for the ticket. I owe you.

[Wowbagger]

I like the new avatar Wowbagger. Are you green because if the oldbeer/mildew smell?I am green, in part from very expensive soap! Okay, that was an HHGG joke.

I am green because the character Wowbagger is described as having green skin.

This was my last Avatar:
http://www.mitchlampert.net/images/wowbagavatarV4-beta3.jpg

I upgraded my Insult List to a real, live lady with spunk.

[Wowbagger]

Let's not forget the slight tinge of skank in the air at Coyote Ugly, as well. It gives it that special something that otherwise would've left the place completely without character. Yeah, that'll make one's face green, as well.

Wowbagger, nice avatar! Yes, I was rather less than sober when I gave my approval, but I've come to accept the fact that I look like a complete dork in every photo taken of me, so it's still all good. Oh, that's BS and you know it! I was showing off the photos to some folks at work, and they all wanted to know who that "hot chick" was, and I doubt they were referring to me.

I now embrace my dorkiness. I embrace it like we're two elderly naked men meeting in a sauna after not having seen one another for quite some time, unaware that everyone around us is uncomfortable.That's a good, healthy attitude to have. But, I still think your self-evaluation is inaccurate.

[Gulliamo]

BTW. Mrs. Gulliamo says, "I had a great time! It was good to see everyone again. I'm looking forward to Vegas and the pajama party - don't forget there are Chippendales and Thunder Down Under for our viewing pleasure."

[kittynh]

totally jelous and will someone please feed Jeff?

He's looking very thin and well hot....

Hey, I can LOOK, I'm married not dead people!

In fact lots of hot guys seemed to be there. I miss NY.

[Alliebubs]

I had a blast meeting all of you on Saturday! (I was the girl in the black dress, very luckily sitting next to Jeff during our time at the pub that witnessed our infamous table-moving shenanigans. ;)) Coyote Ugly did reek of sin, and not in a good way, didn't it? Disappointing. But, the show was amazing, and had its grip on my rational thought during the last stunt. (Ironic, really, since the show is all about science and logic and such. :)) Glad it all worked out!

Hope to see all of you at TAM in January!

-Allison

[tkingdoll]

Richard just said to tell you all "thanks very much to everyone who went to the show".

He also said that you are a really nice bunch, but don't let on that I told you :D

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Richard just said to tell you all "thanks very much to everyone who went to the show".

He also said that you are a really nice bunch, but don't let on that I told you :D

He said that even after Rebecca physically assaulted him on Sat night? Actually, it was probably Sunday morning by then.

[tkingdoll]

He said that even after Rebecca physically assaulted him on Sat night? Actually, it was probably Sunday morning by then.

I heard a smashing time was had by all :D

[rebecca]

Ha, I forgot about that. He's such a wimp! And yeah, I think that was around 3 am or so.

[Gulliamo]

You were out till 3? I'm jealous! I need to find an all night sitter.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

You were out till 3? I'm jealous! I need to find an all night sitter.

Or just become single! :p

[Gulliamo]

Or just become single! :p
Ooh. Good idea! Let me check with the wife and kids; I'll be right back. If it's ok with them I'll do it. :crowded:

Bad news: Mrs. Gulliamo is afraid rebecca will be angry if I show up to JREF events without her.

[rebecca]

Bad news: Mrs. Gulliamo is afraid rebecca will be angry if I show up to JREF events without her.

Exactly! Next time, you stay home with the kids and the Mrs. and I will tear up the town.

[kittynh]

zing!

[rats]

Hi folks,

Thanks to you all for a great afternoon, though I regret not managing to speak with everyone.

Theatre of Science show was fun. Tesla coils are certainly impressive, despite Bowie’s odd accent – wait no, that was The Prestige… and that’ll be the jet lag kicking in! Anyway, kudos to James for getting into that flimsy looking cage!

Further highlights included ranting with Kochanski, merriment with Mumchup and Cap’n Chaos, meeting the esteemed Rebecca and Jeff, sitting at the kiddies’ table with the charming Phil and partner, a hug from Boo, and talking proper football with Scrut (OK, so that was my partner as I’d been warned away)!

Here’s a photo from before any rose fighting. I managed to hold onto my rose until we got a cab to the club. Indeed, was a shame we didn’t manage to meet up with anyone later, but happily did end up dancing til the early hours! Oh, and New York taxis are fantastic, especially compared to Birmingham and London!

Hope to see you again, either side of the Atlantic,
rats.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Then we all headed back in the direction of the subways and Illegal Argument got to experience the fun of two drunk sisters bickering about which direction the subway is. I think maybe we argued a little about which one of us was more drunk too.

I vote for your sister. Although things might have changed by the time you got to the subway.

[Phil]

. . . Further highlights included ranting with Kochanski, merriment with Mumchup and Cap’n Chaos, meeting the esteemed Rebecca and Jeff, sitting at the kiddies’ table with the charming Phil . . .


Charming?

That doesn't sound like me. Oh, that was before the drinks came, wasn't it?

[rebecca]

Indeed, was a shame we didn’t manage to meet up with anyone later, but happily did end up dancing til the early hours!

Oh good, I'm glad to hear that you guys made it to a club! Next time, I promise, I will be out dancing with you.

Charming?

That doesn't sound like me. Oh, that was before the drinks came, wasn't it?

Those were undoubtedly the seven most charming minutes of your life.

[mumchup]

I vote for your sister. Although things might have changed by the time you got to the subway.

You win the prize for guessing right. On the way to the subway she proved to us that she can "blend in" by striding confidently across the street at each intersection without checking to see if any cars were coming. I was planning to look like a tourist by standing around on the street and gawking at her twisted body.

ETA: this thread needs more interesting tags.

[Kochanski]

You win the prize for guessing right. On the way to the subway she proved to us that she can "blend in" by striding confidently across the street at each intersection without checking to see if any cars were coming. I was planning to look like a tourist by standing around on the street and gawking at her twisted body.

ETA: this thread needs more interesting tags.

Ah, the trick is to make sure no cabs are coming, they don't care, they don't slow down. You can cross most other times without a problem ;)

[mumchup]

Ah, the trick is to make sure no cabs are coming, they don't care, they don't slow down. You can cross most other times without a problem ;)

heh. I took us an hour to find the car when we got the train station in Stamford. That's probably all you need to know.

[Gulliamo]

Exactly! Next time, you stay home with the kids and the Mrs. and I will tear up the town. Incidentally, she said the exact same thing! Now I know what you two were talking about when I wasn't around!

[Hindmost]

I remember everything that happened saturday...guess I didn't have enough fun...

glenn:o