Who is planning on attending TAM2?

[renata]

Roll Call! :)

[darling]

We were... but at $500 for the registration, $250 for a room, and another $500 or so for flights (although maybe we've got enough FF miles), it's not such an easy decision. To repeat what I said in another thread when I started adding things up :eek:

Early days yet, but hopefully we'll make it...

[Segnosaur]

Pretty good chance I'll be there....

Anyone know if Elvis is in Vegas in the winters?

[Jeff Corey]

P'm going to try.
It would be great because my daughter and son-in-law would rive over from San Diego to meet us and their friends from UNLV.

[Brown]

I plan to be there.

There will be a short pause so that everyone can say "Who cares?" (paraphrased from Jack Benny)

[renata]

As to the costs- the rooms are suites, I think, so perhaps some people can room together to cut down on the costs.

The flights- I posted this before, but you can fly into LAX and drive to Vegas, or connect on a plane. There are regular fare sales LA- Vegas, as cheap as $19 one way. Tickets to LAX may be cheaper than to Vegas directly.

[Marc]

I'm planning on being there. Will even try to add a couple extra days, like arive on Wed, leave Monday.

As for saving on room charges, you can room with me renata :)

[renata]

Originally posted by Marc
I'm planning on being there. Will even try to add a couple extra days, like arive on Wed, leave Monday.

As for saving on room charges, you can room with me renata :)

Take a number, Marc ;)


I also issue an open invitation for people to visit LA before of after TAM. Vegas gives me a headache after 48 hours, and there are plenty of things to see in LA.

[Phil]

I attended the first, and plan on attending the second as well.

Bright lights city gonna set my soul, gonna set my soul etc. . .

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by renata
The flights- I posted this before, but you can fly into LAX and drive to Vegas, or connect on a plane. There are regular fare sales LA- Vegas, as cheap as $19 one way. Tickets to LAX may be cheaper than to Vegas directly. The cheapest US destination for me is Miami. The west coast is very expensive, perhaps twice as expensive as Miami. Any info on how much a Miami-Vegas ticket may be? Thanks

[renata]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
The cheapest US destination for me is Miami. The west coast is very expensive, perhaps twice as expensive as Miami. Any info on how much a Miami-Vegas ticket may be? Thanks

They have fare sales from there also, but LA- Vegas is a 50 minute flight, and Miami-Vegas probably about 5 hours. Different coasts entirely.

Try expedia or orbitz for some examples of fares.

[Marc]

Originally posted by renata


Take a number, Marc ;)
Ok, I'll take #1 :D

[arcticpenguin]

I'd like to make it. It's a ways off though, and it depends on work schedule, what my girlfriend is doing, etc. so I can't commit yet.

[jj]

It's way too far in the future to know for sure, but I'm going to try to squeeze it in.

[Walter Wayne]

Yes, pending financial and scheduling considerations.

Walt

[JimTheBrit]

Oh aye, I'll be there.

[Dinonychus]

It's a ways off and I don't know what my financial situation is gonna be then, but I'm hoping to go.

[Electric Monk]

I'll be there with bells on! (I'll try to hold still during the important presentations.)

Since I'm planning on driving there, I'm hoping to repay some ride favors from TAM 2003. I'm open to carpooling requests from the So Cal area. (One seat already taken as a "maybe", two remaining.)

My expenses for this trip will be considerably lower without the flights, so I'm going to make a donation to the telethon in the next few months. Maybe we can make money a non-issue for the forum members.

See you there...

--James

[markb]

I'll probably be there, especially since Las Vegas is within acceptable driving distance. I'm also open to carpooling, but I haven't yet decided which days I'll be travelling.

[renata]

I am also from LA and also have been considering carpooling! My car only fits 2, but I thought of borrowing a minivan from a friend. If people are flying into LA , I can take along extra folks for the exciting ride to Vegas!! Most boring trip in the world. Desert, desert, desert..ooh, more desert! The cool part is when you can see Nevada border from miles away- all the lights, for people who can't wait to actually get to Vegas itself. :)

I did not mention it because it was too early for such talk. But keep it in mind.

[Rose]

No way i'm missing two in a row. I'll be there. And probably driving in from the East Coast, if there is someone along the I-40 corridor that might need a ride. only thing I'm not sure of is how early I plan to arrive.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I'm not going to be there. I guess I'll just have to read the forum and experience it vicariously.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

ME!!!!!

[Byzantine Magpie]

Me too.

(All the way from the other side of the Pacific!)

[PeterB]

I'm planning to go, and there are a few more from Australian Skeptics who are saving up for the airfare. We are also practising saying "Crikey" a lot so that we fit the stereotype.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
I'm not going to be there. I guess I'll just have to read the forum and experience it vicariously.
Perhaps you could send earmouse as your proxy.

[alfaniner]

I'm seriously considering it. I'd really love to see (and meet!) Penn and Teller, Ian Rowland, and oh yeah, those other people involved with this site. And I haven't been to Vegas in about 25 years.

[kittynh]

to quote Richard Feynman,


"MMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Just made my airline reservation. The flight is $450, but my credit cards points covered $325 of that. Wow!

~~ Paul

[Luciana]

Linda: good choice of hotel! The virtual tours in the website depicts a hotel that is both beautiful and cozy and not gigantic, impersonal and tacky as most of Las Vegas' hotels. It looks like the kind of place where it becomes easy to meet other people, and its curved pathways will be nice to walk around during the night. :)

[clinttaylor]

Yep! Made airline (ouch) reservations tonight. Will do the hotel reservations tomorrow. BTW, how far is this hotel from the airport? Rental car or taxi? Suggestions please!

Clint

[Rose]

I recommend shuttle busses. Once you get off the flight,you can follow signs. For a fairly reasonable price you can get a round trip ticket, where the bus will drop you off at the hotel(possibly with a number of detours to other hotels for other passengers; consider it sightseeing). You phone for the return trip and arrange a pickup time. Cheaper than a taxi though a bit slower.

There is also the possibility some of us driving in could help pick people up. I for one am willing to pick up some folks from the airport. Perhaps a little closer to the meeting, a thread could be started so members can work out some arrangements.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Originally posted by Luciana Nery
The virtual tours in the website depicts a hotel that is both beautiful and cozy and not gigantic, impersonal and tacky as most of Las Vegas' hotels. It looks like the kind of place where it becomes easy to meet other people, and its curved pathways will be nice to walk around during the night. :)

You've just described the room you are sharing with me! I heard it's also nice outside.

[Dogwood]

It's looking pretty good so far. The room rates and plane fares actually appear to be cheaper than last years. Assuming I can get a couple of days off around the weekend, I'm there!

edited to add:

Any chance of actually organizing a decent party this year? (OR was there one last year and no one invited me? :()

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by mark tidwell
Any chance of actually organizing a decent party this year? (OR was there one last year and no one invited me? :() A group went out to eat barbecue or something Sunday afternoon, that was the only "party" I know of. I didn't join because I was not feeling well at the moment. Too much beer made me sick of the tummy, Lisa is to blame :D

[kittynh]

Linda needs to make me up a BIG nametag that says, "KITTY! PLEASE TALK TO ME!"

That is because like many on this board I'm very shy in new situations. Last TAM no one remembers seeing me (except Linda). However, I am also planning on helping LInda so I can hide under the registration table when I get too overwhelmed (I'm expecting someone to come pullme out of course!)

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by kittynh
However, I am also planning on helping LInda so I can hide under the registration table when I get too overwhelmed
This is known as the "hide in plain sight" strategy.

[Luciana]

Originally posted by kittynh
Linda needs to make me up a BIG nametag that says, "KITTY! PLEASE TALK TO ME!"

That is because like many on this board I'm very shy in new situations. Last TAM no one remembers seeing me (except Linda). However, I am also planning on helping LInda so I can hide under the registration table when I get too overwhelmed (I'm expecting someone to come pullme out of course!)

Kitty, right now you should declare me your worst enemy. :P I'm taking that as a challenge! I can drag you around and introduce you to everybody, and if I ever see you alone, you should expect prompt punishment, that is, my dragging you to the next group of animated talkers. So you might as well declare me an enemy as of now and avoid those scenes. :p

[kittynh]

With enemies like you, who needs friends!:D

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by kittynh
Linda needs to make me up a BIG nametag that says, "KITTY! PLEASE TALK TO ME!"kitty, if I manage to attend this time, I'll go straight to say hi and talk to you. What an unforgivable neglect on my part to have missed a so nice person!!! :)

PS
I'm a semi-permanent member of the shy club, just wanted you to know

[Lisa]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
A group went out to eat barbecue or something Sunday afternoon, that was the only "party" I know of. I didn't join because I was not feeling well at the moment. Too much beer made me sick of the tummy, Lisa is to blame :D
Yeah right. I held Patricio down and poured all that pale ale down his throat. Then we covered each other with the foam and oops, nevermind.
Seriously, there were several outings, but alas no organized party. A bunch of us went to a nice seafood restaurant and had a really good time. Probably the main reason we're not holding the meeting in Florida this time. Hey, what's a little bent cutlery?
An organized party would be an excellent idea. Until the schedule is nailed down, it's gonna be difficult to plan at this point.
Here's an idea: Eddie and I are planning on getting there early, so we'll scope around for a good place. We'll post a notice at the registration table. Sound okay?

[Dogwood]

Originally posted by Lisa

Here's an idea: Eddie and I are planning on getting there early, so we'll scope around for a good place. We'll post a notice at the registration table. Sound okay?


Groovus

[Ladewig]

Probably.


Schedules may be part of the reason airfares seem expensive. Monday morning flights out of Las Vegas are rather pricey (supply and demand in action). Consider staying late or leaving early.

[PeterB]

As there appear to be several restaurants in the Las Vegas area bearing the name "Outback Steakhouse", the down-under Australian Skeptics delegation will probably have a gathering in one of them, if only to see what Usanians think Aussies eat.

I have looked at a menu, and I promise not to be embarrassed. Well, not too embarrassed.

And we never call prawns "shrimp"!

[Jeff Corey]

We have an Outback near here. Cute names with Wallaby and such on the menu.

But it's portion control, with pre-packaged meals.

Is Fosters really popular in Oz? Here it's like fornicating in a canoe.

[Stimpson J. Cat]

I'll probably be there, if I can come up with the money for registration. I am planning on visiting St. Louis for Christmass, and popping in for the meeting before I head back to Germany. Unfortunately, the airfare from Germany to St. Louis is pretty high.

Any of the Europians on here know where to find cheap tickets to the US? I tried searching on the web, but I couldn't find anything for less than about $900.

Dr. Stupid

[darling]

Originally posted by Stimpson J. Cat
Any of the Europians on here know where to find cheap tickets to the US? I tried searching on the web, but I couldn't find anything for less than about $900. Try travelocity.com lastminute.com expedia.com cheaptickets.com

Search by best available fares, not by dates.

[Girl 6]

I'll be there!! :) Even though the registration is more, the hotel price is less and the airline ticket will be significantly less.

I will be on the lookout for a cheap fare via Southwest airlines. That will probably be the first thing to get out of the way.

As usual, I will NOT be renting a car to keep the cost down. So, if anyone wouldn't mind me riding with them, that would be great. I'm happy to contribute toward gas and whatever else pops up.

Also, we MUST organize a party this time around. I will see about flying in early and leaving late to help out. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you, as always! :)

G6

[Ladewig]

As there appear to be several restaurants in the Las Vegas area bearing the name "Outback Steakhouse", the down-under Australian Skeptics delegation will probably have a gathering in one of them, if only to see what Usanians think Aussies eat.



Please don't think that everyone in Las Vegas uses Outback Steakhouse as their only reference point for what Australians are like. The people there also use Excalibur hotel show. (http://www.excalibur.com/entertainment/thunder.php) as an idea for what Australians are like.

[PeterB]

Originally posted by Jeff Corey
We have an Outback near here. Cute names with Wallaby and such on the menu.

But it's portion control, with pre-packaged meals.

Is Fosters really popular in Oz? Here it's like fornicating in a canoe.
Doesn't sound much like anything an Aussie would be familiar with. Portion controls!! Wallabies!!

The Fosters sold in the US is brewed by some Canadian outfit and is not the same as sold here. That doesn't mean it is better or worse, just not the same. The local brew here is not as good as it used to be.

[PeterB]

Originally posted by Ladewig
Please don't think that everyone in Las Vegas uses Outback Steakhouse as their only reference point for what Australians are like. The people there also use Excalibur hotel show. (http://www.excalibur.com/entertainment/thunder.php) as an idea for what Australians are like.
That's us, all right!

[SkepticScott]

Me! I'm also open to arriving early/leaving late in order to socialize.

Kitty: I'll let you borrow my "Ask me, I'm shy!" button. ;)

[kittynh]

Great Skeptic Scott!

If you are going to help out selling stuff like you did at TAM 1 I'll be there helping Linda too!

[thatguywhojuggles]

I would love to go, but I just can't afford it. I hope everyone has a great time! :)

[Kilted_Canuck]

I'll try to be there, but that is a definite MAYBE.

I'll try talking Legalee_Insane (remember him) into coming with me, so not everyone will be intimidating adults. The only problem with las vegas is...I'm 17, and thats a few years short of doing anything remotely fun in Las Vegas.

But, I'll try!

Money may be a problem too, but I have a job and will probably have to forgo a car to make it.

[Mark]

I'd like to go...the drive is only about 4.5 hours from here, plus there are really cool caves on the way (Mitchell Caverns). I detest Las Vegas, but I'd really love to meet some of you people.

[Trish]

I'm definitely going to go this time round. Unlike Lisa and her hubbie, I'm driving in. I'm willing to be a taxi service, if you don't mind the fact that I have a two door car. Climbing in and out of the back can be a pain.

I'm fairly certain, Lisa who isn't shy, will probably be dragging me around introducing me, since I'm unlikely to do so for myself.

Maybe start a thread for roommates also. I'm willing to share a room.

[The Bad Astronomer]

Great! I'll get a chance to meet you then.

So, yeah, I'm going too. :wink:

[Ladewig]

The only problem with las vegas is...I'm 17, and thats a few years short of doing anything remotely fun in Las Vegas.

Pish-posh.

Treasure Island pirate show
Bellagio fountains
Mirage volcano
MGM lion display
Mirage white tiger display
Main Street Experience

All those are free, fun, and have no age restrictions.
For a few extra bucks:

Liberace Museum
Elvis-a-Rama (one of the few places in the U.S. where
you can buy photos of Elvis during his heavier years)
Stratosphere Tower
Stratosphere Tower thrill ride (like nothing you've ever done before)
NY, NY roller coaster
Circus, Circus carnival
Imperial Palace car museum

--------

Minors (and adults) should avoid the Eiffel Tower, Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden, and the MGM amusement park (long lines for short rides)

[Trish]

Cool, I'll fianlly get to meet tBA.

[Pirate_Lad]

I missed last year's TAM, and I have decided that I will make this one, come hell or high water. I'll sell a kidney if I have to.

I also plan to arrive a little early/leave a little late so I can hang out with you sociable folks. Who wants to be my drinking partner?

[Marc]

Originally posted by Pirate_Lad
I missed last year's TAM, and I have decided that I will make this one, come hell or high water. I'll sell a kidney if I have to.


Be sure to pack the bathtub with plenty of ice, and leave the phone within easy reach of the donor. ;)

[RandFan]

Oh, I will be there. :)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Originally posted by Pirate_Lad
Who wants to be my drinking partner?

Sign me up!!!

[Pete]

I'm 90% sure I'm going. I just have to decide what dates to go. I'd like to go to CES (the previous weekend). I also have family in San Diego I'd like to visit. I'd like to spend extra time in Vegas and just be a tourist.

[Pirate_Lad]

Originally posted by The Central Scrutinizer


Sign me up!!!

Excellent! I'd drink with you anytime, CS.

First round of carbombs are on me.

-- Dave

[Girl 6]

I just want to mention that I'll definitely be there... AGAIN... :D

This time a party is REQUIRED! I don't want to hear any lame excuses on the part of anyone about jet-lag, illnesses, and so forth!!

And, I may be up to sharing a room again. But, I'll know more as the time approaches.

I am REALLY looking forward to meeting even more people this time around.

:D

G6

[Stop sign]

My wife has announced she is going to attend :eek: which is news to me. She did say I was coming too, just to carry her luggage. :rolleyes:

This is subject to selling our house and buying a new property. By then a holiday may well be in order.

Please arrange for all the shops to be closed as my wallet is allergic to my wifes shopping habits. PLEASE?

You won't miss our arrival. I will be the one under the mountain of luggage puffing coming dear, while my wife tip taps around cooing at any merchandise she can find.:p

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Stop sign
My wife has announced she is going to attend :eek: which is news to me. She did say I was coming too, just to carry her luggage. :rolleyes:
...
Does your wife post on the forum?

[Stop sign]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin

Does your wife post on the forum?
No. Kerry enjoys reading the topics, and talking about any that interest her with me later.

Any particular reason for asking?

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Stop sign

No. Kerry enjoys reading the topics, and talking about any that interest her with me later.

Any particular reason for asking?
Just wondering if it was someone I would recognize, as you yourself are fairly new here.

I'll see the two of you at TAM2.

[Ladewig]

Please arrange for all the shops to be closed

Shopping in las Vegas? This town is one of the few places on earth where you can look at an original Buddy Ebsen oil painting before buying it. Here are some reprints. (http://www.buddyebsen.com/buddyart.htm) Warning - not for the aesthetically sensitive.
_________________
Now that he is dead, you know that they'll only go up in value.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Originally posted by Pirate_Lad


Excellent! I'd drink with you anytime, CS.

First round of carbombs are on me.

-- Dave

Well, I don't want to burst your bubble, but I will drink beer with any half way intelligent person. And from what I've seen, you're halfway intelligent! :D

Carbombs? I'm afraid to ask. :eek:

I'm strictly a beer man myself.

[Pirate_Lad]

Originally posted by The Central Scrutinizer


Well, I don't want to burst your bubble, but I will drink beer with any half way intelligent person. And from what I've seen, you're halfway intelligent! :D

Carbombs? I'm afraid to ask. :eek:

I'm strictly a beer man myself.

You mean....I'm not special? *bottom lip goes a-quiver*

A Carbomb is a shot glass filled with one part Irish whisky and one part Baileys. You then take a half-pint of Guinness, and drop the shotglass into the Guinness.

Mmmm, tastes like chocolate milk. I love it.

[Lisa]

Originally posted by Pirate_Lad

I also plan to arrive a little early/leave a little late so I can hang out with you sociable folks. Who wants to be my drinking partner?
I suppose I can be talked into having a beer or two. What shall we do after breakfast?

[Luciana]

I suppose I can be talked into having a beer or two.

You lie! Who in the world could talk you into having one beer or two? Of course you need more than that! :D :D

Lisa: we really must convince more skepchicks to go. There were too few of us!

[EvilBiker]

Originally posted by Lisa

I suppose I can be talked into having a beer or two. What shall we do after breakfast?

Typical. Try track down Lisa and where do we find her? Boozing it up before the sun is even remotely over the yardarm! :)

I cannot say if I'll be there yet - I've got a wedding coming up in October (mine), so not sure of funds situation, or, for that matter, leave situation. The occasion is uppermost in my mind, however. I'm hoping to swing something in conjunction with a company visit.

[kittynh]

so what's the chick count???

really we need more women...

so little TAM time, so many men - we are only human after all (except Cleopatra!)

[Marc]

Originally posted by kittynh
so what's the chick count???

really we need more women...

so little TAM time, so many men - we are only human after all (except Cleopatra!)
I most certainly agree!!

Might need more than one woman for me (they might get worn out without breaks, some might not consider me human :rolleyes: :D )

[kittynh]

Marc - we'll let you know if you should apply for the million dollar prize after TAM2

[renata]

Originally posted by kittynh
Marc - we'll let you know if you should apply for the million dollar prize after TAM2


:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

That was terrific, kitty!!

[Peach Jr.]

I might - it depends...

It looks like we'll be moving again. Mr.'s boss says sometime between October and February (just try to get a definite answer from the phone company!). Then there's the matter of how many of us will be going (strictly financial reasons there).

[Marc]

Marc - we'll let you know if you should apply for the million dollar prize after TAM2

Woo Hoo!!! For once the testing might be even better than actually winning the prize! :D Then of course there is re-applying the next year, and the year after that. ;)

[Sundog]

My financial situation has suddenly taken a turn for the better; the community college just hired me to teach part-time again, so now it's at least within the realm of possibility.

[Soapy Sam]

They let you TEACH? Good grief. Does Bill know?

Good to hear about the money. Could you lend me about $5000?

Back on subject, I would love to come to TAM, but we have some major schedule changes coming up. Could be October before I will know myself whether I'll be working January or off. It would be fun.

[kittynh]

YEAH! Pool Boy finally got us flights (for free, he flies a LOT) and rooms....

Only a week of "did you do it"! A new record! My nagging must be getting better!

It is a pain to figure out a way to fly for free, but hey, so we have to change planes in Afghanistan, it's free!

Now for that registration fee...ouch!

Pool Boy plans to hang out by the .......pool....

[Zep]

OK, looks like I can be put down as a "possibility" now. Mrs Zep and I are currently talking about what to do for our 20th wedding anniversary, and some overseas travel at that time might fit the bill (or not, as the case may be). So that would be a room for two.

We had a look at the hotel - looks pretty darn good for off-the-Strip in Vegas! What will the weather be like??

If only the exchange rate was better... Any chance of getting all the PKers we know to collectively force some deflation/inflation somewhere in someone's economy so we can get more for our South Pacific pesos? :D

cheers
Zep

[Mike Drisco]

:dl:
Las Vegas might just work for me

[kittynh]

Hey Mike! You got a spare bedroom or two????

[Zep]

Hey Mike, you could make an honest killing for a change.

Rent out ALL your bedrooms in you and your folks places, charge just under hotel rates, and retire on the profits...!

[kittynh]

Forum party at Mike's place!!!!

Party party party!!!!!

thanks Mike!:)

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by kittynh
Forum party at Mike's place!!!!

Party party party!!!!!

thanks Mike!:) "Mike's Sightseeing Tours" for TAM2 attendees is another business possibility. Mike, don't let this opportunity go :D

[Mike Drisco]

I rent a one bedroom apartment so I can't help with rooms. Heck I don't even know if I can get off work yet.

Yall might want to try the Hard Rock or maybe the House of Blues but I don't think they have posted their January venues yet. I would suggest renting a car. There are cameras at every intersection. Avoid North Las Vegas where they film COPS episodes. Bring comfortable shoes because the places are so big on the strip they look like they are close by but they aren't. You can get a T-Bone steak or Prime Rib dinner for under 5 bucks in Vegas but you have to survive the Siren Song of walking through the casino with multi-million dollar progressive slots to get there ($3 and the very next pull could be a winner - but won't be). Good luck. No Segway rentals yet (I'm working on that). Cool Magic shop at New York New York. Walk through the Venetian. You don't want to miss the Star Spangled Banner at the Bellagio fountains. Beware of pickpockets. Lock your money in your hotel room safe. You can easily get "dates" with model-looking women but it'll cost you dearly. (Now there's an honest profession). You might note that Casinos don't post odds ... but I digress. Tip big - most of the first class service you will receive is provided by highly skilled people who make minimum wage. Bring lots of money.

You only live once.

[Mike Drisco]

Originally posted by kittynh
Forum party at Mike's place!!!!

Party party party!!!!!

thanks Mike!:)

Hey Good Idea ...

Forum party for easy-going, free-thinking females at Mike's place!!!

When in Rome ...

Thank YOU Kitty! ;)

[Stainless_Steel_Rat]

I'd love to go, but it's WAY out of my price range.

Mrs. Rat wanted a baby rat, so we're trying not to get too far into debt before (s)he arrives...

Ahh well...

Someone tell Randi, Penn and Teller, that they're awsome and I'm sorry I can't be there.

SSR

[Zep]

Aww c'mon, Rat! Fresno is only a day's drive away...if you go through Death Valley...


Hmmm. Rethink required.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Zep
Aww c'mon, Rat! Fresno is only a day's drive away...if you go through Death Valley...


Hmmm. Rethink required.
Death Valley is a nice place in the winter. If you're in Furnace Creek on christmas day you might catch sight of Santa Claus in his dune buggy.

[LFTKBS]

Not that anyone probably cares about someone with like 15 posts, but there is no way I could drop $250 just to be let in.

I can't be the only poor one, can I?

[MoeFaux]

I'm from Vegas, and I thought that I should give a warning to those going to TAM2 - don't stay at Circus Circus.
I know a lot about the town, so if anyone has any questions, post away.
I'll be at the big event.

[Bluegill]

Originally posted by LFTKBS
Not that anyone probably cares about someone with like 15 posts, but there is no way I could drop $250 just to be let in.

I can't be the only poor one, can I?

Nope!

But my wife and I are _this_ close to getting a house. That atop everything else makes an excursion like this quite difficult.

Has anyone ever thought about TART (The Amazing Road Trip)? Someone on the east coast could get a bus, and zigzag across the U.S., picking up folks along the way. We could even drop into Montreal...Rio...Calgary...

[Linda]

I know there's lots of places to stay in Las Vegas, but in order to get those rates at the Tuscany, I had to commit to a LOT of rooms, so if you're going to TAM 2, PLEASE stay at the Tuscany.

[Stainless_Steel_Rat]

Originally posted by Zep
Aww c'mon, Rat! Fresno is only a day's drive away...if you go through Death Valley...


Hmmm. Rethink required.

It isn't the drive.... it's the money. I can't even afford to go out to lunch, much less drop $250 on just myself going to the event. Perhaps in a couple years. I'm always hoping for a new job / raise. :)

StainlessSteelRat
^
Not Silver..........

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Bluegill


Nope!

But my wife and I are _this_ close to getting a house. That atop everything else makes an excursion like this quite difficult.

Has anyone ever thought about TART (The Amazing Road Trip)? Someone on the east coast could get a bus, and zigzag across the U.S., picking up folks along the way. We could even drop into Montreal...Rio...Calgary...

A "Road Rules" for skeptics? I LIKE IT!!! :D

G6

[dingler44]

I would LOVE to go! I would only have to skip 2 lectures and a lab... all of which can easily be covered.

The biggest factor, which I'm sure is the same for most, is money.

I would be starting in and returning to western Montana. Anyone in the area or on the way want to hitch a ride and split gas? Or if I'm not too far out of your way - you(Mr/Mrs. Hypothetical) could drive instead!

I would also hope to split the cost of a hotel room with others... if there are folks willing to do this. I can sleep on a cot or my sleeping pad on a narrow strip of floor - doesn't matter.

I'm a 24 year old grad student in my first semester. If you want to know how trustworthy I am, I will have my mother send you a reference letter immediately.

But seriously... if there are any car pooling or hotel sharing minded folks out there that could work with me - shoot me a PM!

The more we can save, the more we can spend on good food, beverages and entertainment!

[Zep]

Originally posted by MoeFaux I'm from Vegas, and I thought that I should give a warning to those going to TAM2 - don't stay at Circus Circus.
I know a lot about the town, so if anyone has any questions, post away.
I'll be at the big event. OK, thanks! I'll be asking a few now and then...

First up, what regular (public?) transport is available along Flamingo Rd East to the Strip and back? Any idea of costs?

[PeterB]

Booked my plane ticket from Australia yesterday. It's really nice of Qantas to make 30% of their profit from the Sydney-Los Angeles route and fly all the planes 90% full, because that means that they don't have to have any frequent flier seats available until the day after TAM2 ends. :mad: I will just have to gouge, sorry, I mean invoice my clients some more to pay for the trip.

So far 4 from Australian Skeptics - 2 with plane tickets, 1 negotiating with US-based in-laws but almost a definite, 1 planning a grand tour of the US including TAM.

Crikey! (Sorry, I just thought I would practice my stereotypicality.)

[Ladewig]

First up, what regular (public?) transport is available along Flamingo Rd East to the Strip and back? Any idea of costs?

The 202 bus runs about every 30 minutes on Flamingo.
Timetable here (http://www.rtc.co.clark.nv.us/cat_routes_matrix.htm)
Fares here (http://www.rtc.co.clark.nv.us/cat_busfleet.htm)

[Ladewig]

You might also try alt.vacation.las-vegas on the USENET or Google.

[Mike Drisco]

For the "Top Ten Deals in Vegas"

Go to:

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/topten.cfm

[MoeFaux]

I don't know about the other "top 10 deals" from that link, but here's better information on Mac King. Tickets to Mac King are $18.95 after tax. You can sometimes get a two for one deal if you ask one the the employees that work for Mac.
The price they're quoting is for the drink ticket, which get's you into the show for free with the purchase of a drink. You can often recieve one of these tickets just by walking through the casino, and sometimes they're distributed to small hotels around town. You can also get them by signing up for the Rewards card or viewing the Timeshare facility. The drink tickets are first come first serve for seating, so if you have one, get to the show at least 30 minutes early.
It really is a great show and worth every penny and then a couple thousand more.

[Jeff Corey]

Moe Faux,
Didn't P & T have a bit with Mo Fo the Gorilla?

[MoeFaux]

Yes, they did. It was MOFO the Psychic Gorilla.
I never saw the original MOFO bit, but I did get to see the revamped MOFO twice. If I recall correctly, MOFO was a big stuffy gorilla head attached to a fax machine. Penn would go into the back of the audience and choose a "volunteer". The volunteer would then be asked for a dollar bill, and they were to hold it up in the air while MOFO "magically" read off the serial number or printed it off on the fax machine. I remember it being quite funny, and I think that in the end they collected money from any of the audince members who held money up, which many gladly did.
MOFO has since ben retired, but, P&T still sell a shirt bearing his likeness. I have one and I wear it often. My name is a homage to MOFO.

[Sundog]

It's looking more like I might be able to go. My wife loves the idea. She wants to go hit the strip while we geeks are at the meeting and then party with everyone so she can meet this weird crew I tell her about.

[Nyarlathotep]

I'd like to go but I am in the process of buying a house so I won't be able to afford it.

But if anyone is driving through Carson City or Reno on their way to or from and wants to stop and say hi, let me know.

[Mark]

Originally posted by Sundog
It's looking more like I might be able to go. My wife loves the idea. She wants to go hit the strip while we geeks are at the meeting and then party with everyone so she can meet this weird crew I tell her about.

If I can get there, I hope you'll let me buy you a beer, my friend!

[Sundog]

Originally posted by Mark


If I can get there, I hope you'll let me buy you a beer, my friend!

Only if we can reciprocate!

I'll be the one covered head to knee with a wizard's hat.

[Mark]

Originally posted by Sundog


Only if we can reciprocate!

I'll be the one covered head to knee with a wizard's hat.

Cool! I'll be the one in the pinwheel hat.

[Luciana]

Oookay, and I'll be the one laughing at you!

:D

Ok, not really, just a little bit!

I'll be the one escorting kittynh and introducing her to anybody who crosses our path. :)

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

I'm buying a beer for anyone coming from a whole different, like, continent!

~~ Paul

[Walter Wayne]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
I'm buying a beer for anyone coming from a whole different, like, continent!

~~ Paul Note to self, change location in user cp before attending TAM2.

Walt

[kittynh]

that's right Luciana, though I'll also be helping Linda (I can run a charge machine, but I think a well trained monkey can also run a charge machine....)

I've got to come up with something cool to say to the people in the elevator in the hotel who ask me, "What is this JREF thing?", or "exactly what kind of meeting is this you are attending?" while looking at my name badge with a picture of Mr.Randi glaring. Did anyone else get that at TAM1? Only later did I think they would have bought it if I had claimed it was a cult and we were just waiting for the next comet....

[Marc]

actually I think there was some comment of people thinking we might be a cult. They had cited Randi's intense gaze and mysterious eyes. :rr:

[UnrepentantSinner]

Just a little note to self regarding possible Saturday night activty.

Originally posted by richardm


[Heap Coals]

This is laughable coming from a Yank - most of you won't even leave the house unless you're carrying some sort of firearm. And indeed, many of you aren't even happy inside your houses unless you have easy access to assault weapons. But if you insist on pressing the point, I'd be happy to take you outside at TAM* and beat you up in front of your bird**

[/Heap Coals]

* If I was going to be there which, admittedly seems unlikely.

** Or the skepchick of your choice, if you prefer.

:) :D

[Marc]

All set to go!

Registered with JREF, set up the hotel reservations, and the flight has been booked. I'll be showing up on Tuesday and will return home on Monday.

See you all there :)

[Mark]

Originally posted by Luciana Nery
Oookay, and I'll be the one laughing at you!

:D

Ok, not really, just a little bit!

I'll be the one escorting kittynh and introducing her to anybody who crosses our path. :)

I'd love to meet you both. Of course, now I really will have to wear that pinwheel hat! :D

[Zep]

ALAS!!!

Zep, Mrs Zep and the Zeplette will NOT be able to come to TAM2. We wanted to - oh, how we wanted to. But it isn't going to happen, unfortunately.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

The problem is simply the flights INTO the USA at that time of year. Believe it or not, that is summer for us, and the schools are on (duh!) summer holiday. Like I have mentioned here previously, Aussies and Kiwis travel for fun, so what happens in summer is that everyone with kids who has saved up enough money/loyalty points will try to fly to LA and invade Disneyland and Universal Studios, etc. The hotels on West Katella Ave, Anaheim get to be jam-packed with antipodeans of all sizes in the US winter months. Which means ALL the flights from here to LA are full to the overheads, both directions, in December and January.

In fact, the only available connection for us involved going standby to Japan with a 12-hour layover at Narita airport, then to San Jose and finally somehow getting to Las Vegas. Then the same on the way back. In total, for 5 days in the USA, we would have to spend 4 more just flying - it would be like a few of the hairier episodes of The Great Race (tm), and so not a "holiday" at all.

Arrrrrggghhh!!!!

[UnrepentantSinner]

A. That sucks.

B. I no longer feel bad about my possible 5 hours of flight time and 3 hours of layover each way.

[Zep]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
A. That sucks.

Big time. I'm real pissed off.

B. I no longer feel bad about my possible 5 hours of flight time and 3 hours of layover each way.

From Dallas? Why not just drive...ummm... You have no car? The car you have won't make it?

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Zep
From Dallas? Why not just drive...ummm... You have no car? The car you have won't make it?


Well, see, there's two issues preventing me from driving, three really.

One is this mountain range we call the Rockys. Las Vegas is on the other side of it from me. Second, around that time of year, and I realize this might blow your mind, it's winter so there will be lots of snow in the mountain passes.

Now, in Texas, we don't get much snow, and I've never really learned to drive well on it. I sure as hell aren't going to get a "crash course" trying to drive to Las Vegas in January.

I thought I'd posted my car before?

[Lisa]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
I'm buying a beer for anyone coming from a whole different, like, continent!

~~ Paul
Shadowman has you in his sights. Do you have any idea how far he traveled to be at the last TAM? He flew from Doha, Qatar for that one. He says he's really looking forward to seeing you again.

[Lisa]

*snip*
Originally posted by kittynh
I've got to come up with something cool to say to the people in the elevator in the hotel who ask me, "What is this JREF thing?", or "exactly what kind of meeting is this you are attending?" while looking at my name badge with a picture of Mr.Randi glaring. Did anyone else get that at TAM1? and we
*snip*
Actually yes. I was outside having a smoke and some lady asked me about it. I told her it was a conference about critical thinking, skepticism, and science.
She said "Oh! Wish we'd known that! We're a bunch of insurance fraud investigators. We need proof of everything! We could have combined some of the lectures."

[Chaon]

Zep, There is no way you can get a flight through Taipei? United has a Taipei-San Francisco that leaves every afternoon at around 4:00PM...

Probably 7000 miles from my house to the hotel, as the crow flies. (If I were coming from China I would say as the missle flies. Ha ha.)

I look forward to meeting everyone and to having a beer on Paul's tab.

[Zep]

Originally posted by Chaon
Zep, There is no way you can get a flight through Taipei? United has a Taipei-San Francisco that leaves every afternoon at around 4:00PM...

Probably 7000 miles from my house to the hotel, as the crow flies. (If I were coming from China I would say as the missle flies. Ha ha.)

I look forward to meeting everyone and to having a beer on Paul's tab. Alas, no, even with Paul shouting intercontinental beer. Flights to the USA from Australia via ANY Pacific-facing port are full. The problem for Taipei, as with Auckland, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc, is getting there in the first place - all the flights from Australia are full of tourists, and the zigzag courses across the Pacific tend to cost megabucks. I'm an IT consultant but I'm still not THAT rich, nor do I have unlimited time...

I know! I should go on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, get up to about $30,000 or so, then wimp out and take the cash! :)

[Zep]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
Well, see, there's two issues preventing me from driving, three really.

One is this mountain range we call the Rockys. Las Vegas is on the other side of it from me. Second, around that time of year, and I realize this might blow your mind, it's winter so there will be lots of snow in the mountain passes.

Now, in Texas, we don't get much snow, and I've never really learned to drive well on it. I sure as hell aren't going to get a "crash course" trying to drive to Las Vegas in January.

What is this "snow" thing of which you speak??? Can you sell it to people for lots of money?

I thought I'd posted my car before?

You should definitely post it...to a destitute family in need of a washing machine. :)

[Marc]

What is this "snow" thing of which you speak??? Can you sell it to people for lots of money?

Why certainly! At the last meeting I gave some as a present to Luciana. She had never seen it either. :D

[Stop sign]

Both Kerry, and myself, cannot attend TAM2, due to my work commitments, and the purchase of a new property that needs renovating.

[arcticpenguin]

More fun stuff to do in Nevada: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=757&e=10&u=/ap/20031012/ap_on_re_us/outhouse_races


Nevada Outhouse Racers Aim at Royal Flush

[shanek]

It all depends on how much the county hits me with in taxes (so that they'll allow me to continue to live on the property my family has owned for over 250 years). I think I can make all the other expenses, but that $250 registration fee is gonna be tough...

[Nyarlathotep]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
More fun stuff to do in Nevada: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=757&e=10&u=/ap/20031012/ap_on_re_us/outhouse_races



Yeah we are easily amused out here, what of it?

[kittynh]

Shanek, why don't you try praying?;)

[citytom]

I'm all paid, for everything from the Thursday Workshop to Penn & Teller's show.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Lisa said:Shadowman has you in his sights. Do you have any idea how far he traveled to be at the last TAM? He flew from Doha, Qatar for that one. He says he's really looking forward to seeing you again.
See now, here's the really embarrassing part. I don't know who Shadowman is. Is he your husband?

This is why the TAM2 badges are going to have our forum IDs in much larger letters than last time: So I can have the slightest hope of correlating people's faces, names, and IDs.

Edited to add: But I am a clever one, ain't I? I just checked the data file that I used to make the badges last time and I have indeed verified that Shadowman is Eddie. The secret of life is coming up with ways to overcome one's handicaps without embarrassment. Well, actually, the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time, but anyway.

~~ Paul

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
Lisa said:
See now, here's the really embarrassing part. I don't know who Shadowman is. Is he your husband?

This is why the TAM2 badges are going to have our forum IDs in much larger letters than last time: So I can have the slightest hope of correlating people's faces, names, and IDs.

Edited to add: But I am a clever one, ain't I? I just checked the data file that I used to make the badges last time and I have indeed verified that Shadowman is Eddie. The secret of life is coming up with ways to overcome one's handicaps without embarrassment. Well, actually, the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time, but anyway.

~~ Paul

Or we could post our pictures to the Photo ID (http://www.randi.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28752) thread so people will recognize us.

[citytom]

I booked my reservations at the Tuscany today with a phone call to the hotel directly....$69 on Thurs, and $89 on Fri & Sat. I tried to get a cheaper rate through Orbitz, Priceline, and Cheap Tickets on line, but they were not selling rooms at the Tuscany.

[Jeff Corey]

Same here.