TAM virgin

[slipknotmcfadden]

Greetings! I'm new to this forum, but not new to the JREF. I'm definitely new to the TAM experience.

I want to get out to Vegas for my first TAM this year, and I'd like to meet up with some people who are going who can show a first-timer what it's all about. I tend to be shy at first, so I don't want to just be warming up to my fellow TAMers on the day we leave!

So I'd just like to introduce myself now, get to know people, then I'll know people in Vegas when I get there and I won't be stuck at a slot machine with no one to talk to :)

So my name is Carey, I live in Maryland, I'm an officially registered Bright, and I like to sing karaoke. Anyone else in Maryland?

[JamesDillon]

Hi Carey, welcome to the forum. I used to live near Maryland, if that counts for anything. I went to TAM last year and had a great time, though I hadn't joined the forum yet so I didn't meet any of the people here. You're smart for introducing yourself early.

[IllegalArgument]

Welcome, I live in northern Viriginia, the DC are forum are starting to meet regularly, once a month or so.

As for TAM, there will be plenty of non-TAM events going on for the cool... forum people. No posting limit.

Keep an eye on this sub-forum.

[CriticalThanking]

Welcome to the forum. The formal (yet informal) introduction thread is here (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=64023). Don't feel you have used up your introduction allotment.

You just missed a mid-atlantic meeting in Maryland. LibraryLady, BPSCG, bluess, Illegal Arguemnt and some dreaded tortoise thingy person, among others get together as often as they can. Check out their thread here (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=62869). If you like to karaoke the musical 1776, they will love you regardless of other faults. They are a lovable, but weird bunch.

CriticalThanking

[The Central Scrutinizer]

...I'm an officially registered Bright...

You can register for this? Do you get a certificate?

[SkepticScott]

I tend to be shy at first, so I don't want to just be warming up to my fellow TAMers on the day we leave!Welcome Carey! Make sure you attend the Forum Party at TAM. Also find out where our hospitality suite is and stop by to visit before TAM. Don't worry, I won't put you to work.

It may sound corny, but the best way to meet people is to just walk up to someone and say 'hi'. This works with Forum people, non-Forum people, speakers, and other guests. It's intimidating when everyone seems to know everyone already, but you'll be surprised at how fast friendships form.

[Katana]

Welcome Carey! Make sure you attend the Forum Party at TAM. Also find out where our hospitality suite is and stop by to visit before TAM. Don't worry, I won't put you to work.

It may sound corny, but the best way to meet people is to just walk up to someone and say 'hi'. This works with Forum people, non-Forum people, speakers, and other guests. It's intimidating when everyone seems to know everyone already, but you'll be surprised at how fast friendships form.

I've been wondering how you all introduce yourselves to each other at the meetings. Do you offer your real name or your forum name first?

[rebecca]

I've been wondering how you all introduce yourselves to each other at the meetings. Do you offer your real name or your forum name first?

Well, we get name tags, so for instance last year I kept having people glance at my tag and say "Hello sxxxxygrl6969, are you new to TAM" and I'd chuckle good naturedly and inform them that I use the name "rebecca" on the JREF forum.

[SkepticScott]

I've been wondering how you all introduce yourselves to each other at the meetings. Do you offer your real name or your forum name first?A mix of both. I'll often introduce myself with "Hi, I'm Scott <lastname> -- 'SkepticScott' on the Forum". People have worn unofficial badges with their forum names, or just written their forum name on their official badges.

Drat, now that I think about it, I should have forced you to go to TAM by answering with "You'll have to attend TAM5 to find out." :)

[CFLarsen]

"Hi! I'm so-and-so, known as "X" on the forum". And then you're off.

[slipknotmcfadden]

You can register for this? Do you get a certificate?

No, but I can make you one and bring it to TAM 5. Do you like lightning bolts and aliens with ray-guns? Cause that's all I know how to draw.

I actually just found out that the term "Bright" is controversial among folks who otherwise fit the definition, but don't choose to identify themselves that way for their own reasons, so I'll shut up about it until I catch myself up on the topic. I am horribly out of touch with things.

Thanks for the welcomes everyone - and CT, I checked out those two threads and made my posts. Thanks!

[SkepticScott]

I'm a Bright myself. Some people like it, others don't, but all that really matters is whether or not you like the term.

[Katana]

A mix of both. I'll often introduce myself with "Hi, I'm Scott <lastname> -- 'SkepticScott' on the Forum". People have worn unofficial badges with their forum names, or just written their forum name on their official badges.

Drat, now that I think about it, I should have forced you to go to TAM by answering with "You'll have to attend TAM5 to find out." :)

One of these days, I would love to meet you all.

[Soapy Sam]

I'm a Bright myself. Some people like it, others don't, but all that really matters is whether or not you like the term.

At the risk of a derail- I had not realised that the "Bright" thing was anything other than a word coined by Richard Dawkins or someone connected with him. (Mistakenly, in my view).
You mean there actually is some sort of organisation?
Am I the last to know , as usual?

[slipknotmcfadden]

At the risk of a derail- I had not realised that the "Bright" thing was anything other than a word coined by Richard Dawkins or someone connected with him. (Mistakenly, in my view).
You mean there actually is some sort of organisation?
Am I the last to know , as usual?

Hey, that's usually me!

Try www dot the-brights dot net (note the use of the hyphen)

[VPescado]

At the risk of a derail- I had not realised that the "Bright" thing was anything other than a word coined by Richard Dawkins or someone connected with him. (Mistakenly, in my view).
You mean there actually is some sort of organisation?
Am I the last to know , as usual?

See the-brights.org.

I always thought that "The Rationals" would have been a much better choice for a name. We could even have a secret sign (a la the christian fish) to identify ourselves: "n/m" (or would that be too geeky?).

But to get back to Katana's question about self identification, sometimes I will walk around with a four inch nail up my nose.

[Katana]

But to get back to Katana's question about self identification, sometimes I will walk around with a four inch nail up my nose.

I suppose that would make you easily identifiable. Ouch!

[Hutch]

One of these days, I would love to meet you all.


And why not in January 2007? If it is a matter of money, well, there are scholarships and such, and people are already looking for roommates to split the cost of the hotel, and as for travel...well, let me know where you hail from, and we'll see...

[SkepticScott]

Ditto for what Hutch said. There are scholarships, and roommates abound. Southwest Airlines from New Hampshire is about $130 one-way, and that's about as far as you can get from Vegas inside the contiguous U.S.A. Where are you from, Katana.

But to get back to Katana's question about self identification, sometimes I will walk around with a four inch nail up my nose.And you should see the hotel staff's reaction to that! Four of their attorneys had fits just imaging the lawsuit he'd file.

:D :D

[CFLarsen]

Southwest Airlines from New Hampshire is about $130 one-way, and that's about as far as you can get from Vegas inside the contiguous U.S.A.

You Mericans have it so easy.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

You Mericans have it so easy.

One of the perks of living in the world's top ranked country.

[Katana]

Thanks, Hutch and SkepticScott. It is nice to know that you all support each other's efforts to get to the meetings (and that you are interested in helping me to get there).

The problem is actually my ability to take vacation over those particular dates in January is limited. Between work and the fact that I'm taking some graduate school classes, it would be a huge challenge. It sounds like I will be missing a really good time, but I just don't think that I will be able to work it out this year.

If you were still curious, I live in Vermont, not far from the New Hampshire border. I usually fly out of Manchester, New Hampshire when I travel.

[SkepticScott]

Katana,
Keep watching the forum. We're likely to have another New England Forum get-together soon.

[Katana]

Katana,
Keep watching the forum. We're likely to have another New England Forum get-together soon.

I will definitely watch for that.

Thanks.

[VPescado]

If you were still curious, I live in Vermont, not far from the New Hampshire border. I usually fly out of Manchester, New Hampshire when I travel.

USD 277.10 all-in round trip on either Delta (better than Southwest) or JetBlue (much much better than SouthWest) from BOS. Just do it!

[CFLarsen]

The problem is actually my ability to take vacation over those particular dates in January is limited. Between work and the fact that I'm taking some graduate school classes, it would be a huge challenge. It sounds like I will be missing a really good time, but I just don't think that I will be able to work it out this year.

Let me be the first to debunk the myth that TAM is a vacation. It's anything but. In fact, it's bloody hard work...

[Katana]

Let me be the first to debunk the myth that TAM is a vacation. It's anything but. In fact, it's bloody hard work...
But my employer wouldn't consider it work. Vacation days are vacation days.

Just out of curiosity, what is it that you are working so hard to do?

[CFLarsen]

But my employer wouldn't consider it work. Vacation days are vacation days.

Just out of curiosity, what is it that you are working so hard to do?

It's not me, it's the whole experience for everyone. It's a hurricane of people (lots!) and events, all mixed together in a devilish (did I say that?) brew of fantasticness. You hang out with everyone, you talk all the time, you eat and drink, you listen to great lectures, you can forget about sleep...

OK, some of us are working to make it happen for the rest of you...but that's even more fun! ;)

Tell your boss you will get him/her autographs from Randi, Penn & Teller, Christopher Hitchens, Shermer, Richard Wiseman, Adam Savage from the Mythbusters and a lot of other people. That should do the trick...

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Just out of curiosity, what is it that you are working so hard to do?

Getting drunk.

[SkepticScott]

OK, some of us are working to make it happen for the rest of you...but that's even more fun! ;)That's only because I can't make Claus leave the book table! He says it's "fun"; I say he's working.

Seriously, TAM is a very busy social event. If you're not constantly hanging out with fellow JREFers and the speakers, you feel like you're missing something. You'll have so much fun that you'll need another vacation to recover! :D

Claus: You forgot an autograph from Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer.

[CFLarsen]

That's only because I can't make Claus leave the book table! He says it's "fun"; I say he's working.

It ain't work, mate. I'm drained when the conference starts, but I wouldn't miss it for the world... :)

Seriously, TAM is a very busy social event. If you're not constantly hanging out with fellow JREFers and the speakers, you feel like you're missing something. You'll have so much fun that you'll need another vacation to recover! :D

Very true. People, Scott ain't kidding here... TAM is not an event which will leave you rested and serene...

Claus: You forgot an autograph from Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer.

I was hoping that he'd lobby to name a celestial body after me....No, not the planet that comes after Saturn...

[CFLarsen]

One of the perks of living in the world's top ranked country.

"Ranked"? As in "smelly"?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

"Ranked"? As in "smelly"?

I know you said that out of jealousy. Try not to be so obvious.

[MLynn]

Hey, Slipknot - I'm so glad you're going to TAM! People (even Claus!) are really nice and will help you anyway they can. I'll be working the merchandise table (right, SkepticScott?) so come by and say hi!

[scotth]

I suppose that would make you easily identifiable. Ouch!

Not really, because he buries 3.95 inches of it 4 inch length. It just looks like he has a bad 'corn flake' or something.

[grayman]

I was thinking of dressing like my avatar, but I'm not sure I'd stand out in Vegas.

Katana: Whatever boutique or B&B you work at along the Connecticut river can spare you a few days. Come to TAM!

Slipknot: Welcome to the Forum! The only folks I know from your area are AOPA. Any chance you are connected with them? BTW, I have a friend at work from Des Moines. He hangs out with this guy when he goes home for a visit.http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/9246450f4f41724be.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1518)

[SkepticScott]

Hey, Slipknot - I'm so glad you're going to TAM! People (even Claus!) are really nice and will help you anyway they can. I'll be working the merchandise table (right, SkepticScott?) so come by and say hi!You've got it, MLynn.

[CFLarsen]

I know you said that out of jealousy. Try not to be so obvious.

I can live without being smelly, thanks...

[Katana]

Katana: Whatever boutique or B&B you work at along the Connecticut river can spare you a few days. Come to TAM!

Just curious. Why do you think that I work in a boutique or a B&B? That's quite amusing.

[grayman]

My families from Vermont. I've watched it change from dairy farms and sawmills to volvos and granola.

:p

[elaine]

My default name is George. I am both a Vegas virgin and a TAM virgin.

Is it true what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?

[Katana]

My families from Vermont. I've watched it change from dairy farms and sawmills to volvos and granola.

:p

Hmmm. Ok. You may have a point there, although I would replace Volvos with Subarus. I have never seen so many in my life, and the majority seem to be occupied by the world's worst drivers.

For the record, I do not work at a boutique or a B&B. :D

[scotth]

My default name is George. I am both a Vegas virgin and a TAM virgin.

Is it true what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?

Not with this bunch..... :D

[elaine]

George it is then.

[slipknotmcfadden]

Slipknot: Welcome to the Forum! The only folks I know from your area are AOPA. Any chance you are connected with them? BTW, I have a friend at work from Des Moines. He hangs out with this guy when he goes home for a visit.

Don't know about AOPA. What is it, if I may ask?

And I may work for a company headquartered in Des Moines, but I work in Frederick, Maryland. Was I reading that right? The picture scared and confused me.

[Luciana]

My default name is George. I am both a Vegas virgin and a TAM virgin.

Is it true what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?

Please keep up with the contemporary world!

What happens in Vegas, goes straight to the internet. :p

[elaine]

George, my name is George.

Right.....Hi Luciana! Got any chocolate?

[Luciana]

Oh, always, elaine. :D Two years ago a chocolate I brought from Rio won the Challenge. If you needed any more reason to go to TAM... here is another. :)

[elaine]

Oh, always, elaine. :D Two years ago a chocolate I brought from Rio won the Challenge. If you needed any more reason to go to TAM... here is another. :)

follow the chocolate

[CFLarsen]

Oh, always, elaine. :D Two years ago a chocolate I brought from Rio won the Challenge. If you needed any more reason to go to TAM... here is another. :)

It's not a double-blinded test. Feh!!

[SkepticScott]

It's not a double-blinded test. Feh!!Go ahead, blindfold yourself, but while you're adjusting your blindfold the rest of us will be eating chocolate!

[CFLarsen]

Go ahead, blindfold yourself, but while you're adjusting your blindfold the rest of us will be eating chocolate!

Hey, I can put blindfolds to better use....

[grayman]

Don't know about AOPA. What is it, if I may ask?

And I may work for a company headquartered in Des Moines, but I work in Frederick, Maryland. Was I reading that right? The picture scared and confused me.


This is AOPA (http://www.aopa.org/)

And this is what links your name, slipknot (http://www.slipknot1.com/)mcfadden, to Des Moines and the picture.

[slipknotmcfadden]

This is AOPA

And this is what links your name, slipknotmcfadden, to Des Moines and the picture.

Ah. No and no, then. I made up the name Slipknot McFadden as a placeholder name when I set up a myspace account earlier in 2006, because I didn't want to use my real name. Many have asked me if I like that band, and the truth is I'd never heard of them until people started asking me about my chosen nickname on myspace. And here I just thought it was a cool name for a pirate.

[Badger]

But to get back to Katana's question about self identification, sometimes I will walk around with a four inch nail up my nose.

Whew, I'm glad I read this thread! Otherwise you and I might have had an embarassing first meeting.

[supercorgi]

Hi Carey, I was a TAM virgin last year and I had a blast! I've never met such an interesting and welcoming group of people. Just hangout (it helps if you drink). I don't know if I'll be able to go next year but best wishes. I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time. Many activities are spontaneous but you'll always find someone to hang around with.

[supercorgi]

I'm a Bright myself. Some people like it, others don't, but all that really matters is whether or not you like the term.
I don't like it but I won't hold it against you. :D (Isn't the opposite of "bright" "dim?")

[supercorgi]

See the-brights.org.

I always thought that "The Rationals" would have been a much better choice for a name. We could even have a secret sign (a la the christian fish) to identify ourselves: "n/m" (or would that be too geeky?).


Ooo, I can teach you all the Phi Beta Kappa's secret handshake that you could use (or would that be disloyal? Ah who cares?)

[supercorgi]

Let me be the first to debunk the myth that TAM is a vacation. It's anything but. In fact, it's bloody hard work...

That's because you live at the book counter. And of course, all that energy expended eathing Thai food. ;)

[Geek Goddess]

See the-brights.org.

I always thought that "The Rationals" would have been a much better choice for a name. We could even have a secret sign (a la the christian fish) to identify ourselves: "n/m" (or would that be too geeky?).

But to get back to Katana's question about self identification, sometimes I will walk around with a four inch nail up my nose.

He does. I've seen him. His poor wife just says "welcome to my world"

[VPescado]

He does. I've seen him. His poor wife just says "welcome to my world"

Actually she is my girlfriend. Do you think she is stupid enough to marry someone that sticks nails up his nose?

[CFLarsen]

That's because you live at the book counter. And of course, all that energy expended eathing Thai food. ;)

Books....are.....friennnnnnnnds.....

[SkepticScott]

I don't like it but I won't hold it against you. :D (Isn't the opposite of "bright" "dim?")Since the other side hasn't picked a name yet, someone suggested that they be called "Supers", since they believe in the supernatural.

[scotth]

I like plain ol' deluded.

[SkepticScott]

I like plain ol' deluded.Yes, but calling them "supers" defuses their "the Brights think they're so smart, they must think we are 'Dims'" rant.

[scotth]

I guess I am not that excited to defuse that rant. That is close enough to what I think, most of the time.

[SkepticScott]

What I think varies with the believer, but I think it was a good PR move.

[rebecca]

It sounds like you're forming kickball teams.

[CFLarsen]

Since the other side hasn't picked a name yet, someone suggested that they be called "Supers", since they believe in the supernatural.

The Stuperstitious.

Simple as that. And, they cannot possibly get angry, because it's the plain truth.

I think I've found a "secret handshake"-sort of sign we can identify a fellow skeptic with: Lighting a flame. Either a lighter or a match.

Each time we do it, we say: "Science as a candle in the dark". A pretty good war-cry, don'tcha think?

Imagine at TAM5: We start and end each day doing that.

Nice?

[SkepticScott]

I think I've found a "secret handshake"-sort of sign we can identify a fellow skeptic with: Lighting a flame. Either a lighter or a match.

Each time we do it, we say: "Science as a candle in the dark". A pretty good war-cry, don'tcha think?As a high-tech non-smoker, could I light a LED instead? ;)

[CFLarsen]

As a high-tech non-smoker, could I light a LED instead? ;)

I am, too. Sure... :)

Or...we could take to carrying a lighter, solely for this purpose.

[rebecca]

The Stuperstitious.

Simple as that. And, they cannot possibly get angry, because it's the plain truth.

I think I've found a "secret handshake"-sort of sign we can identify a fellow skeptic with: Lighting a flame. Either a lighter or a match.

Each time we do it, we say: "Science as a candle in the dark". A pretty good war-cry, don'tcha think?

Imagine at TAM5: We start and end each day doing that.

Nice?

Just when I thought things couldn't get dorkier.

[CFLarsen]

Just when I thought things couldn't get dorkier.

I'll take it that you think it's a great idea, then? ;)

[SkepticScott]

Just when I thought things couldn't get dorkier.We have not yet begun to dork!

We shall be dorks on the beaches, we shall be dorks on the landing grounds, we shall be dorks in the fields and in the streets, we shall be dorks in the hills!

Don't you love abusing famous quotes? :D

[CriticalThanking]

I guess I am not that excited to defuse that rant. That is close enough to what I think, most of the time.I picture you being more subtle most of the time. The kind of person who would.... I dunno... suggest to a young religious waitress with an interest in books that she should pick up Sam Harris' Letter to A Christian Nation as a good book on religion. :cool:

CT

[scotth]

I picture you being more subtle most of the time. The kind of person who would.... I dunno... suggest to a young religious waitress with an interest in books that she should pick up Sam Harris' Letter to A Christian Nation as a good book on religion. :cool:

CT

Busted.... but to be completely accurate.

1) She reports that she reads or tries to read a book a week.
2) She reads (nearly exclusively) about 'spirituality'.
3) She did ask about/comment on "Letter to a Christian Nation" that was lying on the table.

I then reported that "it was a book about spirituality."

I did fail to mention that my opinion was that it would not tell her much about spirituality that she would want to hear.

[VPescado]

I am, too. Sure... :)

Or...we could take to carrying a lighter, solely for this purpose.

Ooooh....I like this. We can have mass acknowledgements of our critical beliefs in airports, and when the TSA carts us away - we claim it is a crackdown against our beliefs similar to what Falun Gong goes through in China!

[VPescado]

I picture you being more subtle most of the time. The kind of person who would.... I dunno... suggest to a young religious waitress with an interest in books that she should pick up Sam Harris' Letter to A Christian Nation as a good book on religion. :cool:

CT

tee-hee. I knew that there was a reason that I liked Scott.

[CFLarsen]

Ooooh....I like this. We can have mass acknowledgements of our critical beliefs in airports, and when the TSA carts us away - we claim it is a crackdown against our beliefs similar to what Falun Gong goes through in China!

Or, we could, when we argue with a Superstitious, light up, and when asked, say "Science as a candle in the dark", and take it from there...

[VPescado]

Or, we could, when we argue with a Superstitious, light up, and when asked, say "Science as a candle in the dark", and take it from there...

Forgive me for saying this, but I think that will "show them the light" in only the most superficial way.

[grayman]

I think I've found a "secret handshake"-sort of sign we can identify a fellow skeptic with: Lighting a flame. Either a lighter or a match.

Each time we do it, we say: "Science as a candle in the dark". A pretty good war-cry, don'tcha think?

Imagine at TAM5: We start and end each day doing that.



And as the fire department puts out the last of the flames, the hotel now a mere smoldering ruin, CFLarsen stands upon the sidewalk with Rebecca and SkepticScott by his side. He turns to them, saying, "Was that cool or what?"

[SkepticScott]

Busted.... but to be completely accurate. I had a very similar experience, except it was "The Jesus the Jews Never Knew: Sepher Toldoth Yeshu and the Quest of the Historical Jesus in Jewish Sources". I gave the surprise away too soon though, when I told the waitress that according to the book, if there was a 'Jesus', no one around him seemed to have noticed.

[CFLarsen]

Forgive me for saying this, but I think that will "show them the light" in only the most superficial way.

....which is why I said "and take it from there"... :p

[SkepticScott]

And as the fire department puts out the last of the flames, the hotel now a mere smoldering ruin, CFLarsen stands upon the sidewalk with Rebecca and SkepticScott by his side. He turns to them, saying, "Was that cool or what?"Claus, if you're going to do this, you're going to have to stay away from the book table!

Methinks I will have Linda institute a strict "You burned it, you bought it" policy. :D

[CFLarsen]

Claus, if you're going to do this, you're going to have to stay away from the book table!

Methinks I will have Linda institute a strict "You burned it, you bought it" policy. :D

I am not into book burning! :p

[Geek Goddess]

Actually she is my girlfriend. Do you think she is stupid enough to marry someone that sticks nails up his nose?

Your SO - perhaps that what attracted her in the first place - a conversation starter??

[SkepticScott]

I am not into book burning! :pThen keep your ideas involving lighter and/or matches away from the book table. :)

Your SO - perhaps that what attracted her in the first place - a conversation starter??Maybe I should have learned that trick instead of card tricks! :(

[CFLarsen]

Then keep your ideas involving lighter and/or matches away from the book table. :)

Ya sissy...

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Yes, but calling them "supers" defuses their "the Brights think they're so smart, they must think we are 'Dims'" rant.

We do think they are "dims". And if they don't like that then, well, tough.

[Badger]

The Stuperstitious.

Simple as that. And, they cannot possibly get angry, because it's the plain truth.

I think I've found a "secret handshake"-sort of sign we can identify a fellow skeptic with: Lighting a flame. Either a lighter or a match.

Each time we do it, we say: "Science as a candle in the dark". A pretty good war-cry, don'tcha think?

Imagine at TAM5: We start and end each day doing that.

Nice?

[Tips hat to MoeFaux]

Ya, that sounds good!

[CFLarsen]

[Tips hat to MoeFaux]

Ya, that sounds good!

It's her idea?? :blush:

[Badger]

Nope, not her idea. Something she told me a long time ago has sprung to mind as inspiriation.

[Soapy Sam]

It's http://www.the-brights.net/ not ".org" , by the way.

I just had a read.

I find myself disconcerted and puzzled by my own reaction to that site , indeed to the whole "bright" concept. In theory , it ought to appeal to me strongly. In fact, it makes me want to laugh. It makes me think of rosy-cheeked boy scouts, cheerful, happy, willing to help and so wholesome I find myself reaching for a flamethrower...

This- http://www.richarddawkins.net/ strikes me as a much more useful project.

Funny how some ideas just don't push the right buttons for everyone.