TAM 1st Timer Question

[grayman]

With all the plans being made to do fun stuff at TAM (poker, skydiving, guns, food, pants in a tree, goats in fishnets and so on...) is there anyplace at TAM like a bulletin board where a person can find out what is happening, when, and where?

ETA: Can't wait...:D

[kittynh]

I'm not sure!!

I think we had a write on board once? Some times someone offers to make up an "after hours" forum plan with what is going on every day. I know I could really use one!


Plus you will probably meet up with a lot of the forum people when you arrive. Forum people tend to stick together!

[grayman]

Forum people tend to stick together!

Must be from all the chocolate. :D

[xenxabar]

There was talk of the JREF (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1968899#post1968899) making forum badges for TAM 5 attendees. Although there was no mention of adding the list of other activities to the badges, as was done at TAM4, methinks someone will take care of that.

[Zep]

There is usually a pin-board of some sort near the JREF desk, for messages, announcements, for-sale and want ads...that sort of stuff.

[scotth]

How many people are bringing laptops, or will have other ways to check the internet?

[delphi_ote]

How many people are bringing laptops, or will have other ways to check the internet?
There were definitely ways to check the internet last time. There was even a communal laptop hooked up for people to check their e-mail, iirc. You don't get so many nerds in one place and not have internet. ;)

And yes, the pinboard was up there to let everyone know what was going on.

[exarch]

How many people are bringing laptops, or will have other ways to check the internet?

Too darn expensive. Unless the rates are better this time.

Meh, probably not...

[Darat]

With all the plans being made to do fun stuff at TAM (poker, skydiving, guns, food, pants in a tree, goats in fishnets and so on...) is there anyplace at TAM like a bulletin board where a person can find out what is happening, when, and where?

ETA: Can't wait...:D

Print the latest version of this: http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=67682 before you leave.

(I hate all attendees of TAM.)

[scotth]

(I hate all attendees of TAM.)

I take then, you won't be attending this year?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I take then, you won't be attending this year?

He wasn't invited.

[Geek Goddess]

The only conventions I've been to were business related, where for the past 20 years I've been attending, it was a business suit affair (until last year).

And the International Quilt Festival, where a bit over 40,000 (mostly) women attend wearing comfortable shoes.

I may be sorry I asked this, but what is the typical attire for a skeptical convention? I've not been to Las Vegas either. I don't do 'American tourist' dress.

[Boo]

Because I am not the most organized person in the world I will be carrying a notebook with events/times and dates just to remind myself how much I fun I had when I wake up back home. My usual avatar is a black boot or a variation of the one I have now (Boo from Monsters Inc.). I'll either be wearing the boots or a badge with a picture of one or the other. I'm already starting to track various events posted here. If someone from each thread would PM me the events as they are finalized I'll create a list.


Boo

GG,

Jeans, T-shirts, whatever is comfortable and business casual is minimum for most resteraunts, anything more then that is up to you.


Boo

[TJ]

There is no dress code. Just wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Some dress in business casual, but most people are in jeans and t-shirts. It is generally chilly in Vegas in January though, so don't get the idea that you're going to the hot desert.

The JREF will be providing us with TAM5 t-shirts, which I and most others will be wearing proudly.

This is a convention of minds, not a fashion show, so don't worry about it! :)

[scotth]

GG, you should be to wear nearly anything you feel like wearing and not get a second look (at least not in a bad way).

I am sure the dress of the crowd will be highly variable.

[grayman]

I may be sorry I asked this, but what is the typical attire for a skeptical convention?

I was thinking of dressing like my avatar. :eye-poppi

[supercorgi]

There is no dress code. Just wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Some dress in business casual, but most people are in jeans and t-shirts.

Though last year there did seem to be a number of large, hairy men wearing kilts.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Last year there was a bulletin board in the lobby outside the conference room. Let's hope there is something like that again this year.

~~ Paul

[Fitter]

Though last year there did seem to be a number of large, hairy men wearing kilts.
I'm large and hairy can I wear a kilt? Or a mini?

[scotth]

I was thinking of dressing like my avatar. :eye-poppi

I've never quite been able to identify the source of your avatar. Can you provide a hint?

[slipknotmcfadden]

I may be sorry I asked this, but what is the typical attire for a skeptical convention? I've not been to Las Vegas either. I don't do 'American tourist' dress.

Did you just ask a bunch of geeks a fashion question?

[kittynh]

Geek, it all depends. My brother wore a suit last TAM, and a lot of the speakers and stuff dress nicely. So if you wear a nice suit, that's ok. When I went out with Brown I went really dressy to the Leno show. I was glad I did, as after he taught me about gambling. People were quite well dressed!

Wear comfy shoes for walking the strip!

Younger group is in jeans and such during the day, olders like myself also! Funny tshirts, sexy fishnet shirts, neon pink tights....anything goes!

So there is the very suited crowd, and the rather relaxed crowd. I fall into the jeans group - but I am usually running around helping out. Plus, preschool teachers don't have an extensive dressy wardrobe.

I usually brought 2 outfits for each day...something for the day, and perhaps more dressy for the evening. But honestly, you could wear sweats with holes, and a shirt that says, "Jesus loves Guns" and you'd be better dressed than much of Vegas.

[kittynh]

Someone find El Grecos fashion horror thread about last TAM!!!!

Ohhh, that was funny!

My daughter was voted worst dressed!!!

(yes, she's coming, if you want to look good Geek, just stand next to her)

[kittynh]

http://skepticreport.com/download/tam4/

some people at TAM4 (thanks Claus)

[kittynh]

http://s07.picshome.com/dbb/aynzkelli_1__edited-1.jpg (http://www.picshome.com/)

the photo that earned Kitten2 the "worst dressed" prize!!!

She's cute!!!

[CFLarsen]

http://skepticreport.com/download/tam4/

some people at TAM4 (thanks Claus)

You're welcome.

http://s07.picshome.com/dbb/aynzkelli_1__edited-1.jpg (http://www.picshome.com/)

the photo that earned Kitten2 the "worst dressed" prize!!!

She's cute!!!

Who is who?



(ooooooooh, I'm so going to die.....)

[kittynh]

they are both my girls!!
One was just dating a Nobel Prize winner if I remember....

[SkepticScott]

I may be sorry I asked this, but what is the typical attire for a skeptical convention? I've not been to Las Vegas either. I don't do 'American tourist' dress.
New Englanders: jeans and a t-shirt.
Las Vegas natives: parkas

Jeans, casual shirts, whatever. Check out my TAM4 pictures at http://tinyurl.com/9cds9 and see what the crowd was wearing.

(ooooooooh, I'm so going to die.....)

Yup.

[CFLarsen]

they are both my girls!!
One was just dating a Nobel Prize winner if I remember....

Let me have'm! LET ME HAVE'M!

(making Hannibal Lecter sounds....)

[Hamradioguy]

Someone find El Grecos fashion horror thread about last TAM!!!!

Ohhh, that was funny!

My daughter was voted worst dressed!!!

(yes, she's coming, if you want to look good Geek, just stand next to her)

"Worst Dressed"? Hey, we're not talking the opera here. It's JREF. Its TAM. It's Vegas, for crying out loud. I'd say she's very well dressed for a 2006 teenager.

Be comfortable, wear sensible shoes for walking (Note: Does not apply to Boo), and keep a light jacket handy for after sunset.

[CFLarsen]

I'd say she's very well dressed for a 2006 teenager.

I'd say she's very dressed at all, for a 2006 teenager....

[Steven Howard]

Someone find El Grecos fashion horror thread about last TAM!!!!

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=51644

Ohhh, that was funny!

[Geek Goddess]

I like to look a bit nice, but I'm not wanting to be stuffy. I can do that at work. I'll just wear my usual gear and bring something 'after five' for after 5 one night.


(And yes, I realize the total irrationality of asking fellow geek friends anything about fashion or style....)

[scotth]

(And yes, I realize the total irrationality of asking fellow geek friends anything about fashion or style....)

It not that unrational, when all you are trying to impress/please is us. Now, if you were dressing to light Vegas on fire... that would be different.

I know you'll do fine, anyway.

[SkepticScott]

if you were dressing to light Vegas on fireYeah, I'd suggest something fireproof and easy to run in for would-be arsonists. :p

[Geek Goddess]

Yeah, I'd suggest something fireproof and easy to run in for would-be arsonists. :p


I recall Boo said something earlier that made me think I needed flame-retardant clothing.

Impress fellow geeks with my clothes. Hmmmm..


I'll wear my shirt that says "Gravity: Not just a good idea, it's the law"

[slipknotmcfadden]

I'll wear my shirt that says "Gravity: Not just a good idea, it's the law"

That's a good one.

The geekiest shirt I've ever seen said...

"There are 10 kinds of people in this world; those who understand binary, and those who do not."

[SkepticScott]

I have this shirt (human species' evolutionary tree) http://www.cafepress.com/buy/human+evolution/-/pv_design_details/pg_7/id_7446898/opt_/fpt_/c_360/
On the one I own, I used a marker to add in the dates of the common ancestors from Dawkins' "The Ancestors Tale".

This is the geekiest shirt I've ever seen http://www.cafepress.com/buy/integral+69/-/pv_design_details/pg_1/id_8425033/opt_/fpt_/c_360/
They didn't have that shirt when I was a HS sophmore taking calculus! :(

[Puggy]

Other First-TAM-er questions.

Does one get to mingle with the speakers?
If so, do they give autographs?
Should I bring a shermer, randi, plait book for signing?
Do they sign other things or just do books?

Damn, this is soooo exciting!

[CFLarsen]

Does one get to mingle with the speakers?

Yes and no. You don't "mingle", you, they and us are part of it all. It is very relaxed. Randi is not there to run the show (Linda does that, along with a string of volunteers), he is there to meet you.

I am not kidding. He wants to meet you, more than you want to meet him. Walk up and say hi. Have a chat. He loves that. And that goes for everyone.

If so, do they give autographs?

Anytime. Don't wait for it, just walk up and ask. Pictures, too.

Should I bring a shermer, randi, plait book for signing?

No, you should buy a new copy. ;) (Nah, just "bring'em on")

Do they sign other things or just do books?

Just bring whatever, and they'll sign it.

Damn, this is soooo exciting!

You. Just. Wait. :D

[Puggy]

:eye-poppi OMFG!!! I feel like Cartman waiting for the Nintendo Wii to come out... this is so frustrating, waiting almost three months!! :jaw-dropp.

Thanks Larsen for the tips. BTW, You've been part of my inspiration for some projects I'm starting... Thanks for all the work You do.

[CFLarsen]

:eye-poppi OMFG!!! I feel like Cartman waiting for the Nintendo Wii to come out... this is so frustrating, waiting almost three months!! :jaw-dropp.

Thanks Larsen for the tips. BTW, You've been part of my inspiration for some projects I'm starting... Thanks for all the work You do.

Thanks. I've only just revvin' up.... :)

Look me up at the book table. I'll throw you to the lions.

[grayman]

I will definitely be wearing my www.stopsylviabrowne.com shirt at some point during TAM

:D

[Hawkeye]

Another TAM first timer, another question:
Over at the official unofficial activities list, there are a few entries called "SESSION."
What the heck are those?
Also, thanks be to Claus for putting together that very helpful list.

[CFLarsen]

Another TAM first timer, another question:
Over at the official unofficial activities list, there are a few entries called "SESSION."
What the heck are those?

That's when people are in session: Listening to the speakers.

Yes, there's so much going on that sometimes you forget there are also speakers. :)

Also, thanks be to Claus for putting together that very helpful list.

You're welcome.

[Chaos]

That's a good one.

The geekiest shirt I've ever seen said...

"There are 10 kinds of people in this world; those who understand binary, and those who do not."

When Richard Dawkins (you know, the Oxford professor) was at TAM3, he wore a shirt that said...

"Evolution - the greatest show on Earth, the only game in town"