Forum Party?

[Luciana]

Traditionally, it happens on Saturday.

But does the Riviera have a place for us? At the Stardust, who by Jan will be only dust, there was a two-room handing out area, with a restroom and sofas.

Is there anything similar at the Riviera?

There is the Peppermill, which is nice, but might be packed on a Saturday. Or if anyone will think of something else, another location, just say it!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

No, not the Peppermill!!!

It needs to be in a room of some sort, to allow for mingling.

[SkepticScott]

I agree with Scrut. A room would be better for mingling.

I'm sure wel'll have a hospitality suite at the Riviera.

[Linda]

I'll check this week with the Riviera and see if we're able to get a hospitality suite.
And if anyone is waiting to make their room reservations, please do so quickly, as our block is way undersold and I'm trying to reduce our committment for rooms. I understand the Riviera is undercutting our group rate through some other online specials which is really hurting us. Unfortunately I can't get credit for any rooms booked through anything other than our group code. We ran into this problem at the Stardust at a minor level, but the Stardust's cheaper rooms were the old villa rooms which were not nearly as nice as the West tower rooms. I don't know which rooms the Riviera is offering so I can't guarantee you're getting a better room with us than the cheaper internet specials.

[mumchup]

Linda, I hadn't booked anything yet because I don't have the money for everything right away (I went on the Amaz!ing Cruise). Can I book the room with the group code even if I haven't registered for TAM yet? If that's the case I can get the room taken care of and then pay the TAM fee at a later date.

[Ducky]

This year I will be much more mobile than last at the forum party. I plan on drunken dancing with my pants on my head and maybe a lampshade. Who's gonna throw dollars at me?

[CFLarsen]

Linda, I hadn't booked anything yet because I don't have the money for everything right away (I went on the Amaz!ing Cruise). Can I book the room with the group code even if I haven't registered for TAM yet? If that's the case I can get the room taken care of and then pay the TAM fee at a later date.

You can book your room w/o having registered. No problem.

[Smart_Cookie]

This year I will be much more mobile than last at the forum party. I plan on drunken dancing with my pants on my head and maybe a lampshade. Who's gonna throw dollars at me?

Sure thing. But...just so you're warned, Canadian dollars and $2 dollars are coins. They might hurt!!

You'd really have to be doing something special to rate a $5 bill. :D

[rebecca]

Once upon a time, Jeff mentioned something about a roof deck at the Riv. I wonder if that's still a possibility?

[Kochanski]

Linda, I hadn't booked anything yet because I don't have the money for everything right away (I went on the Amaz!ing Cruise). Can I book the room with the group code even if I haven't registered for TAM yet? If that's the case I can get the room taken care of and then pay the TAM fee at a later date.

Mumchup, the Riviera is only taking first night charge ahead of time, the rest will be when you get to TAM. So, it shouldn't hit you too hard if you book your room now (I just booked mine).

[mumchup]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to get my reservations taken care of in the next couple of days.

[VPescado]

I'll check this week with the Riviera and see if we're able to get a hospitality suite.
And if anyone is waiting to make their room reservations, please do so quickly, as our block is way undersold and I'm trying to reduce our committment for rooms. I understand the Riviera is undercutting our group rate through some other online specials which is really hurting us. Unfortunately I can't get credit for any rooms booked through anything other than our group code. We ran into this problem at the Stardust at a minor level, but the Stardust's cheaper rooms were the old villa rooms which were not nearly as nice as the West tower rooms. I don't know which rooms the Riviera is offering so I can't guarantee you're getting a better room with us than the cheaper internet specials.

Linda,


I did some digging. The Convention rate is for "Deluxe" rooms, whereas the other rates seem to be for "Standard rooms" (some websites say this explicitly, others don't mention the room type. The differences are described here (http://www.rivierahotel.com/roomsreservations_roomdetails.html).

Note that the different towers are segregated by room type, so if you don't get a "Deluxe" Room you will at the very least be in a different building.

So the conference rate is not a bad deal at all.

[grayman]

Sure thing. But...just so you're warned, Canadian dollars and $2 dollars are coins. They might hurt!!

You'd really have to be doing something special to rate a $5 bill. :D

Which is worth, what, 90 cents US?

:p

[Jas]

Once upon a time, Jeff mentioned something about a roof deck at the Riv. I wonder if that's still a possibility?

I seem to recall that as well, as it was one of the big pluses the Riv had over the Stardust.

[Jas]

I'll check this week with the Riviera and see if we're able to get a hospitality suite.
And if anyone is waiting to make their room reservations, please do so quickly, as our block is way undersold and I'm trying to reduce our committment for rooms. I understand the Riviera is undercutting our group rate through some other online specials which is really hurting us. Unfortunately I can't get credit for any rooms booked through anything other than our group code. We ran into this problem at the Stardust at a minor level, but the Stardust's cheaper rooms were the old villa rooms which were not nearly as nice as the West tower rooms. I don't know which rooms the Riviera is offering so I can't guarantee you're getting a better room with us than the cheaper internet specials.


I saw that...WTF? What a sneaky thing to do. Bastages!

I haven't booked mine yet simply because I need to finalize the dates at work (within Oct, definitely.)

[exarch]

No, not the Peppermill!!!

It needs to be in a room of some sort, to allow for mingling.

And to allow us to bring our own booze without getting dirty looks from the casino- and/or bar staff ...

[Soapy Sam]

When I googled the Riviera , I found rooms as low as $48.80, going up to $114 on weekends.The "Riviera Hotel" appears to comprise 4 entirely separate buildings and it's clear there is a profusion of different room types and specifications available.
I finally went with the convention rate. Maybe the facts about this could be made a bit clearer on the JREF booking page as I'm sure it's caused confusion.

[HeyLeroy]

This year I will be much more mobile than last at the forum party. I plan on drunken dancing with my pants on my head and maybe a lampshade. Who's gonna throw dollars at me?

Sure thing. But...just so you're warned, Canadian dollars and $2 dollars are coins. They might hurt!!

You'd really have to be doing something special to rate a $5 bill. :D

http://www.metropoleparis.com/2000/530/mail530b.jpg

Note to self: pack a slingshot.

[SkepticScott]

Note to self: pack a slingshot.Note to self: do not stand in the line of fire.

[grayman]

Note to self: do not stand in the line of fire.

Beware the Loonies!

[SkepticScott]

Beware the Loonies!Exactly. They look heavy enough to hurt.

[exarch]

Top speed of a coin in flight (terminal velocity) is about 65 mph according to The Mythbusters. Enough to hurt like hell and leave a bruise, not enough to break the skin or embed itself in your skull.

Just thought I'd throw that in :D

[TJ]

No skull-sticking? Weak, I don't even want to watch now.

[SkepticScott]

Top speed of a coin in flight (terminal velocity) is about 65 mph according to The Mythbusters.They tested pennies, didn't they, not all coins.

[grayman]

Top speed of a coin in flight (terminal velocity) is about 65 mph according to The Mythbusters. Enough to hurt like hell and leave a bruise, not enough to break the skin or embed itself in your skull.


Yes, but the coins they used were dropped, not propelled by slingshot.

[AK-Dave]

Top speed of a coin in flight (terminal velocity) is about 65 mph according to The Mythbusters. Enough to hurt like hell and leave a bruise, not enough to break the skin or embed itself in your skull.

Just thought I'd throw that in :D

Top speed in flight does not equal terminal velocity. The terminal velocity (where gravity acceleration is cancelled out by air resistance) of a .44 magnum bullet is something like 200mph. The top speed of the same bullet as it leaves the barrel is roughly 1300mph (1900fps). Or, to put it in WTC CT terms, you are confusing heat with temperature.

[CFLarsen]

The terminal velocity (where gravity acceleration is cancelled out by air resistance)

......isn't "terminal velocity" the speed with which an object kills? ;)

[Smart_Cookie]

Exactly. They look heavy enough to hurt.

Imagine carrying around a pocket full of them!

[exarch]

Yes, but the coins they used were dropped, not propelled by slingshot.

Ehm, yes they were. OK, it wasn't a slingshot, it was a specially built coin-gun.

......isn't "terminal velocity" the speed with which an object kills? ;)

I thought terminal velocity was the speed with which an object hits the ground, which is usually the maximum speed it can attain before wind/air resistance slows it down again.

Top speed in flight does not equal terminal velocity. The terminal velocity (where gravity acceleration is cancelled out by air resistance) of a .44 magnum bullet is something like 200mph. The top speed of the same bullet as it leaves the barrel is roughly 1300mph (1900fps). Or, to put it in WTC CT terms, you are confusing heat with temperature.

Bullets are aerodynamic, plus they have rotation to keep them right side forward when fired from a barrel (i.e. in an optimal aerodynamic situation), which they do not when they are simply being dropped. (They may rotate slightly but will usually be falling sideways)
To the best of my knowledge, slingshots do not have rifling, nor do coins dropped or shot from a slingshot have any useful rotation going for them to reduce wind resistance and increase speed. So unlike bullets, the top speed for coins is the same as their terminal velocity (which varies, but averages at about 65mph).

Anyway, I thought this was a thread about partying?

[exarch]

Top speed in flight does not equal terminal velocity. The terminal velocity (where gravity acceleration is cancelled out by air resistance) of a .44 magnum bullet is something like 200mph. The top speed of the same bullet as it leaves the barrel is roughly 1300mph (1900fps). Or, to put it in WTC CT terms, you are confusing heat with temperature.

I will concede that it's possible to give the coin much more initial speed. So you're right, top speed is not the same as terminal velocity.

Now go find me a slingshot that can propel a coin to speeds upwards of 65mph and I'll buy you a beer. Otherwise, shut up :p
The comment was a simple interjection about coins causing injuries, not about bullets in flight.

[CFLarsen]

I thought terminal velocity was the speed with which an object hits the ground, which is usually the maximum speed it can attain before wind/air resistance slows it down again.

It. Was. A. Joke. :p

[rebecca]

I love that you nerds turned a thread about a party into a debate over currency aerodynamics.

[ImaginalDisc]

I love that you nerds turned a thread about a party into a debate over currency aerodynamics.

Shh, we're building a coin catapult out of chocolate bricks in the shape of people's avatars. You'll distract us.

Damn. Chocolate slide rules and protractors are so messy.

[SkepticScott]

You know, if we made a chocolate catapult out of coins, we'd have a line of people willing to try to catch the projectiles.

Does anyone know what the terminal velocity of a Godiva chocolate bar is?

[ImaginalDisc]

You know, if we made a chocolate catapult out of coins, we'd have a line of people willing to try to catch the projectiles.

Does anyone know what the terminal velocity of a Godiva chocolate bar is?

*Begins melting the chocolate bricks down* Your idea is much better.

[SkepticScott]

The coinapult is dead, long live the chocapult!

[Luciana]

Btw... I'm here thinking of a plan to spice up the Forum Party a lil bit. More on that later. :fg:

[KingMerv00]

Btw... I'm here thinking of a plan to spice up the Forum Party a lil bit. More on that later. :fg:

I'm no good at strip poker.

[tkingdoll]

I'm no good at strip poker.

That's why we want to play it with you :D

[Luciana]

Nooo, KingMerv... I'll contact more ladies this weekend, and then we will let you know. It's all about FUN!

[SkepticScott]

That sounds interesting, Luciana. Mmmm, skepchicks. :D


;)

[grayman]

Does anyone know what the terminal velocity of a Godiva chocolate bar is?

What do you mean, African or European?

[SkepticScott]

American. And no swallows are allowed near it. I don't like feathers in my chocolate!

[KingMerv00]

That's why we want to play it with you :D

Deal! You can't back out now! Everyone saw the transaction! I'll sue!

*Runs to bookstore to get 'Strip Poker for Dummies"*

[ImaginalDisc]

American. And no swallows are allowed near it. I don't like feathers in my chocolate!

Swallow? What else do you do with chocolate? Please don't tell me you spit it. Eiw.

[CFLarsen]

Swallow? What else do you do with chocolate? Please don't tell me you spit it. Eiw.

There are many, many uses for chocolate.

[ImaginalDisc]

There are many, many uses for chocolate.

I have suddenly found that there are limits to my curiosity.

[HeyLeroy]

I love that you nerds turned a thread about a party into a debate over currency aerodynamics.

:D

How do you think I feel? I started it!

(ETA) I tried putting that in my sig, but I don't have any room left.

[CFLarsen]

I have suddenly found that there are limits to my curiosity.

Broaden your mind....broaden your mind....

[HeyLeroy]

http://www.gamez.nl/upload/781358_610_1147440211262-yoda.jpg
Broaden your mind....broaden your mind....

:D

[CFLarsen]

"Your mind.... Broadened, it should be!"

[grayman]

Broaden your mind....broaden your mind....

Brodski your mind...Brodski your mind...

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/9246451ea7c5f1790.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1700)

[ImaginalDisc]

"Your mind.... Broadened, it should be!"

Coco leads to coco powder. Coco powder leads to the DARK chocolate.

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/6958451eaf797ae0a.jpg

If only you knew the power of the dark chocolate.

[TJ]

This has been a fascinatic run through the tangential nature of the skeptical mind, but have we decided which day the party will be yet?

[JLam]

uuuh....WHEN'S THE PARTY?

[kittynh]

yeah, where the party????? and When and all that???

[Luciana]

THE PARTY IS ON SATURDAY!!


Because it's always been on Saturday: everybody is present, the night is free in our schedules, and by then we will have met most people so by Saturday all ice is already broken.

And because I just said so.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

THE PARTY IS ON SATURDAY!!


Because it's always been on Saturday: everybody is present, the night is free in our schedules, and by then we will have met most people so by Saturday all ice is already broken.

And because I just said so.

That's good enough for me!

[TJ]

Excellent. So it looks like Jamy Ian Swiss's show is Saturday night also (at 9pm), so I'll have to excuse myself from the party when that starts, I guess. *sigh* I really don't want to miss too much of the party, so we'll have to start it early, right. RIGHT?

[rustypouch]

Excellent. So it looks like Jamy Ian Swiss's show is Saturday night also (at 9pm), so I'll have to excuse myself from the party when that starts, I guess. *sigh* I really don't want to miss too much of the party, so we'll have to start it early, right. RIGHT?

Well, I would hope the party is still ahppening after the show is finished.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Well, I would hope the party is still ahppening after the show is finished.

You don't have to worry about that. It will be.

[TJ]

Well, I would hope the party is still ahppening after the show is finished.

I'm sure it will be, but many people leave in search of libations or Las Vegas entertainment araound that time. There's no bar in the hospitality suite, most likely, so after the chocolate is gone...well, people get thirsty.

[rebecca]

I'm sure it will be, but many people leave in search of libations or Las Vegas entertainment araound that time. There's no bar in the hospitality suite, most likely, so after the chocolate is gone...well, people get thirsty.

Oh, who the hell are you kidding, we did NOT leave that forum party thirsty!

EVIDENCE.
http://img424.imageshack.us/img424/5096/739783334ljs7.jpg

[Girl 6]

Uh-huh...

So, you guys are trying to plan the party without me... ;) Me, the person that's planned the party since TAM1... OKAY.

YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT! :D

But, I see that Luciana has a cunning plan. :D It better involve fishnets or all bets are off.

G6

[Luciana]

I just told Girl6 of my plans in a PM and that's how she answered (published with her permission):

OMG, Luciana! Do you want the skepchicks to get out of that party alive? LOL! This is too hilarious!
G6

[Girl 6]

Well, I would hope the party is still ahppening after the show is finished.

Um, the party didn't even really get rolling until 10 pm. :D

[MLynn]

Is the Forum Party taking place on Friday or Saturday night?

[Luciana]

MLynn, the Party is an extra-official event, afaik, so I think it's in our hands. It's always been on Saturday, and it's a good day, so unless someone has a strong motive against it, Sat it is!

[Girl 6]

It's Saturday, people. I don't think we should have it any other night. It always made sense to have it that night.

NEXT! :D

[tkingdoll]

I agree that Saturday is the best night. And it's alright for fighting, too.

[JLam]

OK, let's move on to WHERE?

I vote we have it at Penn's house, or alternatively, at Teller's house.

[Girl 6]

OK, let's move on to WHERE?

I vote we have it at Penn's house, or alternatively, at Teller's house.

Do you have connections with them that we can use? Otherwise, it's usually held in the room that the JREF has for other purposes.

G6

[rustypouch]

Other purposes? All right...

[CFLarsen]

OK, let's move on to WHERE?

I vote we have it at Penn's house, or alternatively, at Teller's house.

Bad idea.

That would require transportation (to and fro) as well as people signing up in advance. It would be more like a club for the initiated, instead of a JREF forum party for all TAM attendees.

I don't know if there is a Slammer auction this time, but it would also take the wind out of that (and future ones). Why pay money to JREF for a tour of Penn's house, when you can get it for free?

[rebecca]

I vote for the rooftop.

And we should get a band up there!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I vote for the rooftop.

And we should get a band up there!

Do we have to reserve it? That would be cool.

[rebecca]

Do we have to reserve it? That would be cool.

Yeah, I think it needs to be rented separately and in advance. We're looking into it now...

[kittynh]

the rooftop!!! I love it! You California types wear warm clothing ok?

[rebecca]

Whoops, check that, might not be an option as their rooftop ballroom may not be available anymore.. Sorry to get hopes up! My next big idea is having it around the pool area, though I'm not sure how well we could pull that off.

[rebecca]

Wait wait wait, now it might be back on. It's a convention room on the top floor of one of the towers. Jeff and I are trying to nail down details now...

[TJ]

Oh, who the hell are you kidding, we did NOT leave that forum party thirsty!

EVIDENCE.
http://img424.imageshack.us/img424/5096/739783334ljs7.jpg


I'm just sayin'! Well, the evidence is right in your hands and I'm right in your arms so...

Hey when is your wedding to Sid?

*looks around furtively, hoping no one noticed the change of subject*

[JLam]

Bad idea.

That would require transportation (to and fro) as well as people signing up in advance. It would be more like a club for the initiated, instead of a JREF forum party for all TAM attendees.

I don't know if there is a Slammer auction this time, but it would also take the wind out of that (and future ones). Why pay money to JREF for a tour of Penn's house, when you can get it for free?
Just saw this...ummm, yeah.

That. Was. A. Joke.

Carry on. :D

PS:
WHERE DA PARTY AT?

[Soapy Sam]

Now is the tome fro all god mrn to cone to the ald of Teh Party.

[rebecca]

Just saw this...ummm, yeah.

That. Was. A. Joke.

Carry on. :D

PS:
WHERE DA PARTY AT?

Uh, check back on the previous page. It'll be in the rooftop conference room.

[Zygar]

Mmmm, skepchicks. :D

Amen.

[JLam]

Uh, check back on the previous page. It'll be in the rooftop conference room.You're assuming I read entire threads. That would be far too practical, and would preclude me from making silly comments.

Rooftop conference room it is.

Unless Penn's house is still on the table. ;)