Labor Day Luau in Connecticut

[mumchup]

We are (mostly) moved into the new place and working feverishly to get the pool open for at least some of the summer. This place is great! Except that there is over an acre of incredible landscaping with a full season of weed/vine growth covering everything.
I have taken a break from bushwhacking to let everyone know that our plan is to have a Luau, complete with a whole roast pig, Labor Day weekend. I am interested in hearing opinions about whether it should be Saturday or Sunday.
Details will be worked out later.

[Boo]

I can do either day, Saturdays are better though because of the need to get up for work in the morning.






Boo

[Beady]

Labor Day weekend, Saturday/Sunday doesn't matter so much. Sucking at the public tit as we do, Mrs Beady and I have all three days off.

[kittynh]

a PIG!!!

cool!

and we can sculpt a little tofu pig for the vegetarians.

Grass skirts required right?

[Beady]

Grass skirts required right?

I will NOT!

[mumchup]

Okay, I'll make an exception on the dress code just for you Beady. How about a coconut bra instead?
BTW, we have an extra bedroom and a camper (sleeps 6, on 3 beds) for those who have a long drive. And of course there are always sofas for anyone who's not too picky.

[Beady]

I might go for a coconut jock strap, and we may take you up on those beds. Thinking about a side trip to Mystic Seaport, and will probably hit the New England Air Museum on the way there or back.

[Beady]

Oops!

[Beady]

Oops, again.

[Beady]

Damn!

[Beady]

@#$%^&*(&^%$#@!!! :mad:

[Mattfn]

You gotta wear the grass skirt Beady....payback for making us look at five of your posts in a row and besides, how else is Mumchup gonna get rid of all those long grass weeds they're whacking?

A luau. So, I can stop sculpting that greek nude statuette for your pool area, and just let it slump into volcanic rock, right?

I'm really liking this NE Skeptics once a month thing.....it's almost like I got a life!

:p

[mumchup]

Yeah Mattfn! A volcano would be an excellent addition to the pool area, that would provide major ambiance. But, of course, we'd have the same problem as the Beltaine party: where to find a virgin to sacrifice?

And Beady, Mystic Seaport is lots of fun, you might also head down the street to the Mystic Aquarium on the same trip. Now in addition to the marine life there is the Robert Ballard Institute for Exploration.
Maybe the party should be on Saturday w/ a Sunday trip to Mystic for the over-nighters?

[Beady]

Maybe the party should be on Saturday w/ a Sunday trip to Mystic for the over-nighters?

Yeah! There was Kittynh's flotilla, our Beltain trip to the coral reef and Catholic shrine, and now a group trip to Mystic Seaport. Field trips are becoming a tradition, just like the Jesus Pan.

where to find a virgin to sacrifice?


Are Scott or Wowbagger coming?

[Kochanski]

I might be able to make it up to CT. Mass and further is a bit much drive-wise until I get my new car, but CT is doable. I have no plans for Labor Day weekend at all. Just LMK if there is something I should bring. I do have a suitably loud hawaiian shirt to wear :D

[mumchup]

The Hawaiian shirt should be sufficient. Maybe the poison of your choice(beer? rum? redbull?) We will have beer and soda but I can't guarantee the selection. Except that there will be something tropical. (So I can use up all those paper umbrellas)
If you want to take the train or ferry, I'm sure we can arrange to pick you up at the terminal.

And this is going to be both a Way Cool Skeptic Luau, and a Not Nearly As Cool Regular Luau because Steve says that the pig must be, at the very least, 60lb.

[mumchup]

Hey! That was just post #500! And it only took 5 years to get there.

[Mattfn]

A volcano would be an excellent addition to the pool area, that would provide major ambiance. But, of course, we'd have the same problem as the Beltaine party: where to find a virgin to sacrifice?

Well, heck, I can't transport something that big in pottery! I LIKE my current car!* Maybe we could just wrap the virgin in brown crepe (or paper bags!), and they could "erupt"! (Ok, I've been part of way too many children's skits in my lifetime.)

*Besides, if there's gonna be 60lbs-o-pig, it's gotta save itself to haul me and anyone who comes with me home! Who ever thought Mumchup would ever be doleing out the pork?!

[mumchup]

I think that I DO need to have a volcano. Then Dubya can be the Volcano Pixie. Like Pele.
I will have to think on how best to build one, with a fire on top. Thanks for the awesome idea mattfn.

[Senex]

I live in CT and would love to go to a Labor Day Luau. However, if you want me to perfrom my traditional Labor Day Woo Exhibition we must all be Skyclad during the performance! (Believe me, it's an ice-breaker).

[mumchup]

Do I want to know what Skyclad is?

[Senex]

Do I want to know what Skyclad is?

You certainly do!

http://www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/skyclad.html

I'd hate to see someone thinking they are better than me because their shorts are more expensive than mine.

[rebecca]

holy mackerel, what's up with CT these days? I have a wedding down there week after next (and it looks like I might need a +1 if anybody's interested, ha ha) and then there's Boo's party, right? And now this? WTF people, when did CT become a hotbed of social activity??

[Boo]

holy mackerel, what's up with CT these days? I have a wedding down there week after next (and it looks like I might need a +1 if anybody's interested, ha ha) and then there's Boo's party, right? And now this? WTF people, when did CT become a hotbed of social activity??

Since Larry disappeared to wherever it is he disappeared too, TAM x.5 becoming an official event we need to pick up the slack and have a TAM 5.25. Such goodness cannot be contained in just one weekend so we have two weekends to hold it all. :D



The other way to look at it is the roasting of long pig on one weekend followed by the stuffing and roastinof long pig with short pig on the following weekend.




Boo

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

I'd vote for Saturday. Cyn says only the men have to wear grass skirts, with coconuts up top.

~~ Paul

[mumchup]

holy mackerel, what's up with CT these days? I have a wedding down there week after next (and it looks like I might need a +1 if anybody's interested, ha ha) and then there's Boo's party, right? And now this? WTF people, when did CT become a hotbed of social activity??

We have to do something special to keep the rest of New England from kicking us out for having too many Yankee fans.

[Beady]

I live in CT and would love to go to a Labor Day Luau. However, if you want me to perfrom my traditional Labor Day Woo Exhibition we must all be Skyclad during the performance! (Believe me, it's an ice-breaker).

You wanted to get naked at our place, too. What is this thing you've got about catching mosquitos in your pubic hair?

[Mattfn]

Wait.........Yankee fans?!

No shortage of sacrifices to the volcano after all then......and there must be a high percentage of virgins too, since none of the Red Sox fans will date them........

I think that I DO need to have a volcano. Then Dubya can be the Volcano Pixie. Like Pele.
I will have to think on how best to build one, with a fire on top. Thanks for the awesome idea mattfn.
Errrrrm......now that I've stuck the idea in your head, I suppose I must volunteer to come early, channel my inner god/geologist, and help construct the volcano!

[mumchup]

I've just had a mental image of you standing at entrance to the pool, wearing hiking boots, arms outstretched, calling forth a volcano in the shallow end...

[Beady]

I've just had a mental image of you standing at entrance to the pool, wearing hiking boots, arms outstretched, calling forth a volcano in the shallow end...

...while skyclad. Now there's a picture!

[Mattfn]

I've just had a mental image of you standing at entrance to the pool, wearing hiking boots, arms outstretched, calling forth a volcano in the shallow end...

And what pops into my head is I would then have to jump in and use my years of lifeguarding experience to rescue the poor wimpy thing that didn't even form tall enough to keeps it's fires from being drowned out, and is in mortal danger of being washed away into the filters. Some god/geologist skills there! (NOT!)

...while skyclad. Now there's a picture!
:jaw-dropp Now, the only thing that would form in that case is a desperate irregular line of folks running for their cars....trust me on the truth of that! (Seven years ago, however, would have been a very different story!)

[Beady]

:jaw-dropp Now, the only thing that would form in that case is a desperate irregular line of folks running for their cars....trust me on the truth of that! (Seven years ago, however, would have been a very different story!)

Aww, don't run yourself down. You haven't completely lost it.

[Mattfn]

One has to have had "it" at some point, in order to subsequently lose some or all of "it". I never did.

What I had was a reasonably pleasing "something", or so I was often told. :D They never would get into specifics though........

And so, I thank you Beady, for letting me know I still got "something"!*

*Even if all that something is is that dress!

[Beady]

One has to have had "it" at some point, in order to subsequently lose some or all of "it". I never did.

Serious mode.

I really get pissed when I hear things like that, and I hear them a lot on these forums. I'm amazed and appalled by how many women here have such rotten opinions of themselves. Some of you blame it on your childhood, and some blame your exes; it's time to let your childhood go, and your exes are already gone.

So, this is to all of you: I've got some pretty high standards, and life is too short to waste it with the people you describe. If I thought you really are the way you say you are, then I wouldn't want to hang out with you. Take that for what it's worth.

[mumchup]

Well said, Beady.

[ShowerComic]

Do I want to know what Skyclad is?

I could fill you in on that term. But you'd have to ask yourself that question.
I believe this is the group where we deny mind reading :D

I could possibly come down to CT. to join you.

[seismic_cowgirl]

Ha! Yet another venture Mattfn has alerted me to. This time, I may be able to help with the conjuring of the volcano as I pray to the Earthquake gods*. :D Whether or not they will answer me is a whole different story. :rolleyes:


*This only makes sense when you know that I'm actually a geophysicist.

[Beady]

*This only makes sense when you know that I'm actually a geophysicist.

That's not what I heard.

[mumchup]

Yay Shower Comic * Seismic Cowgirl!

If anyone has friends or relatives they are trying to bring over to the dark side ("bright" side?) bring 'em along. Since we are having other people over also, I am planning on inviting everyone I know who I think is an undiscovered skeptic.

[supercorgi]

I hope to be there. Mumchup, where in CT are you? I'm assuming somewhere near New London since Mystic has been mentioned.

[mumchup]

Yup, we're in Norwich CT, right up-river from New London. And, of course, Louis is welcome too, just two things to mention. Is he good with small dogs like Italian greyhounds & chihuahuas? And we have no fence around our yard.

I just spent yesterday in New London for SailFest, the big summer thingy in New London. They have their yearly fireworks in conjunction with Groton, across the river. This was the 30th anniversary of the Groton-New London Fireworks Extravaganza, choreographed to music since 1977.
Every year they mention in the paper how big the show is, this year: second biggest fireworks show on the east coast. It is incredible!

[seismic_cowgirl]

That's not what I heard.

What have you heard? :D

Shower Comic? ... Wha?

[Beady]

What have you heard? :D

Something about a pole...and dancing.

[supercorgi]

Yup, we're in Norwich CT, right up-river from New London. And, of course, Louis is welcome too, just two things to mention. Is he good with small dogs like Italian greyhounds & chihuahuas? And we have no fence around our yard.

He likes other dogs but he can get pretty rough and tumble when he's playing. Not good for little dogs with little bones although he may treat them like he does my cats and just get in their face and bug them until they'll play. I'll either leave him with my mom or I'll bring his X-Pen for time outs.

[seismic_cowgirl]

Something about a pole...and dancing.

A pole ... and dancing... h'okay. Will you be providing the pole? :D

[ShowerComic]

What have you heard? :D

Shower Comic? ... Wha?

Mumchup had asked "Do I want to Know ...."

This being a skeptics forum, I wouldn't expect you to believe I can read minds. So mumchup If you want to know what Skyclad is, I found out a few years ago living in the new home of paganism -- Salem Mass.

To quote from Skeptoid. -- (Oh if you don't want to know, stop reading)

see: http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4023


One popular allure of paganism is its embracing of free sex and public nudity. I've always believed that more people secretly appreciate free sex and public nudity than are willing to admit it — at least when the chicks are hot. Wiccans have even institutionalized nudity, calling it "skyclad."


Were you talking about something else ?

"Never mind"
- Emily Littella (Gilda Radner SNL Character)

[mumchup]

I looked it up on wikipedia, and I personally don't intend to go with that look. My dog will probably opt to go skyclad tho'.

And Mattfn, I've mentioned to Steve that we need to figure out how to build a volcano that shoots fire from the top and he didn't directly say "no way".

[Beady]

A pole ... and dancing... h'okay. Will you be providing the pole? :D

Prob'ly not. Remember my surgery. ;)

[grayman]

I miss New England. Would it be permissible to send someone in my stead?

[Mattfn]

A pole ... and dancing... h'okay. Will you be providing the pole? :D

And here there was that little part of my brain that thought I might have to help out my friend when verbal sparring with you folks. Silly, silly me.....dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb!:D BTW, I've said nothing about SC and a pole....it was me and a cage, but that's another story.:p

And Mattfn, I've mentioned to Steve that we need to figure out how to build a volcano that shoots fire from the top and he didn't directly say "no way".

Well, that must mean he's secretly all for it! He should have learned long ago that he has to make a strong negative stand in order to prevent some of these "ideas" from happening! :covereyes

This thing seems to be turning more & more into what the plans for Beltane were.....(May)pole dancing, virgin sacrifices, and a bonfire (I can't see any way our version of a volcano won't eventually catch all on fire....and that's ok!)!

[mumchup]

The volcano will probably have to have simulated fire for safety/cost reasons. (insert 'genuine' pole joke here). But there will be several firemen in attendance and they like to build large bonfires. I'll have to make more marshmallow effigies.

[ponderingturtle]

Hmm, this sounds like fun. If I make it I will try to bring cookies and Divinity.

[Hamradioguy]

But there will be several firemen in attendance and they like to build large bonfires.

Despite what may be portrayed in "Farenheit 451" our primary mission is to, "put the wet stuff on the red stuff". (That said, I DO have some experience in starting fires- you gotta do this when you have a practice burn.)

[mumchup]

That's right! Hamradioguy, you can talk shop with them. The firehouse is only a couple miles away, they have an award winning ladder truck.

[Beady]

Despite what may be portrayed in "Farenheit 451" our primary mission is to, "put the wet stuff on the red stuff". (That said, I DO have some experience in starting fires- you gotta do this when you have a practice burn.)

It's not hard, just rub two Girl Scouts together long enough and...

[Mattfn]

It's not hard, just rub two Girl Scouts together long enough and...
...that's how they do it in Vermont, folks!
:crowded:

So, do we have 2 girl scouts? I was a campfire girl: no good because we do it a bit differently. And can they bring the ladder truck by?:D

[ponderingturtle]

It's not hard, just rub two Girl Scouts together long enough and...

Wrong kind of heat. And that works better with a lubricant while you do now want a lubricant for friction fire starting.

[mumchup]

No rubbing girl scouts together. We just moved into the neighborhood and don't want to get kicked out for obscenities. You can put it on the agenda for next year's party :D

[Mattfn]

No rubbing girl scouts together. We just moved into the neighborhood and don't want to get kicked out for obscenities. You can put it on the agenda for next year's party :D

Does that mean your probation period will be over, and there's nothing the neighborhood will be able to do about it then?! (Heh, heh, heh, heh!) Or you mean when the party is at someone else's?!:D

Steve, I do actually hope this thread is making you properly alarmed. But you'll be glad to know that all these get-togethers I've been to have always maintained a certain amount of decorum, while at the same time being absolute blasts.....:yahoo .....

.....so far.....:whistling

[mumchup]

Does that mean your probation period will be over, and there's nothing the neighborhood will be able to do about it then?! (Heh, heh, heh, heh!) Or you mean when the party is at someone else's?!:D ...

I figure that by next year they will be either used to us, or used to avoiding us. I will be inviting the neighbors to the right, they're house is pretty close so maybe they won't complain about the noise if I invite them.
And later when it gets dark the firemen can build a bonfire in the Super Secret Campfire Clearing.

[Katana]

Hmm, this sounds like fun. If I make it I will try to bring cookies and Divinity.


Divinity? Ponderingturtle, you continue to amaze me.

Where in Connecticut is this shin-dig?

ETA: Just saw it, Norwich, eh?

[ponderingturtle]

Divinity? Ponderingturtle, you continue to amaze me.


I hadn't thought about it, but it really is the perfect candy to bring to a meeting of many atheists and agnostics.

[Katana]

I hadn't thought about it, but it really is the perfect candy to bring to a meeting of many atheists and agnostics.


You're good, kid.

You're good.

[Hamradioguy]

.... friction fire starting.

Ah yes, the "friction fire". Wherein you take the mortgage in one hand and the insurance policy in the other and rub them briskly together. (Years ago fires of unknown origin were often blamed on rats chewing on matches. Then it became apparent that the only kind of rats that messed with matches were the two legged kind.)

[ponderingturtle]

Ah yes, the "friction fire". Wherein you take the mortgage in one hand and the insurance policy in the other and rub them briskly together. (Years ago fires of unknown origin were often blamed on rats chewing on matches. Then it became apparent that the only kind of rats that messed with matches were the two legged kind.)

I believe you. My brother has a degree in arson investigation and is working in the myrtle beach area as a firefighter paramedic.

Actually the niftiest fire starting means I have seen involved a cylinder compressing air to heat it up and start a bit of tinder fungus smoldering. Much cooler than flint and steel or a bow or press drill. Ah Google did not fail me they are called firepistons (http://www.onagocag.com/piston.html)

[Nova Land]

Oooh! This sounds like fun! Please put me down as a strong possibility for attending.

I'm getting ready to start out for Maine in a few hours -- 3-hour bike ride into Cookeville (which will be fun), then 2-day bus ride to Maine (which will be less fun), then several weeks tented out in a blueberry field (which will be a lot of fun)! I won't be able to post much for the next few weeks, but will be visiting a friend and able to use a computer on most rainy days so will be checking in here about once a week.

I expect to get to Vermont close to a week before Labor Day weekend, and based on the past few seasons it should be light scattered picking then with high likelihood of both Saturday and Sunday off.

(At least at CVO, the main orchard I pick at. Three of us usually make a trip up to an orchard in Mendon right about the beginning of September to pick a variety called Wealthy, so there is a chance that would conflict. But that orchard has greatly expanded their weekend pick-you-own operation the past couple of years, so I think it is much more likely we would make that trip in the middle of the week rather than on the weekend.)

I'm very much looking forward to seeing you folks again! (And I'm especially looking forward to seeing Mrs. Beady. Last year we were comparing eyeglasses, and hers and mine were very close but hers seemed a little stronger. But I recently got a new pair, and think I may now have the edge.)

[Wowbagger]

I would loved to have come.

But, unfortunately, it conflicts with my prior commitment to attend Dragon*Con, the whole time.

Bummer.

[Mattfn]

But, unfortunately, it conflicts with my prior commitment to attend Dragon*Con, the whole time.

That's alright. You know you have to report on all of that for those of us too poor to attend it in addition to everything else coming up in the next year anyway, right?!:)

[Wowbagger]

That's alright. You know you have to report on all of that for those of us too poor to attend it in addition to everything else coming up in the next year anyway, right?!:)My 'report' will probably consist entirely of the words "Ooooooh! You shoulda been there!! Whoa!!"

Boy, are you gonna miss out!

[mumchup]

Nova, it'll be great to see you again if you can come!
By the way, there are apple trees scattered about up here, it's an old orchard. There's an absolutely gigantic one in my front yard.
My neighbor was pointing out the locations/varieties in our yards. She's got one in her front yard that she says they couldn't identify at the college, it's some old forgotten variety. She also has a pear tree (bartlett) and the next house down has a plum tree.

[mumchup]

Here's the scoop:
Like I mentioned, we're having other people over too because Steve says we need more people or he won't cook a whole pig. So the forum party will be a "party within a party" (did I just blow your mind there?) I have friends I’m inviting who really “should” be forum members, so we might be able to recruit ;)
We've got lots of room though, so I'll set up different areas around the yard to hang out, including the Super Secret Campfire Grove for later on. I plan to claim the shady spot under the Elm tree as forum-central. A friend has offered to bring his DJ gear and play some music (Koom-bay-Ya at the bonfire is optional).
You can bring anything or nothing, it’s all good to me (except Mattfn, who must bring something as yummy as those cupcakes I squished at Beltaine). Plus, the alcohol (or whatever beverage) of your choice might be a good thing to bring along. If you bring food, anything delicious will do, maybe something Luau-y.
I need to know who wants to stay overnight also, so I can prepare space (1 spare bedroom, camper w/ 3 double beds, 2 sofas, …tent?)
To sum up:
Roast Pig (I will make vegan food also)
Pool
Bonfire
Lots of bees (yard is full of flowers, so bee prepared if you’re allergic, they seem to mind their own business tho')
Etc.

If you are coming, or thinking about maybe coming, pm me and I’ll give you address/directions. Also if I know where you’re coming from I can customize the directions a bit.
We are in Norwich, CT so you could also just tell me if you’ll be coming up I395 North or South.

Anytime after, say, 10 is good. I am thinking noon-ish. If you're here before everyone else, you can relax by the pool and watch the hummingbirds and butterflies feast on my yard.

[Beady]

Lots of bees (yard is full of flowers, so bee prepared if you’re allergic, they seem to mind their own business tho')
Etc.

That could be a problem. Mrs Beady is allergic, and I've had to shoot her up more than once.

Anytime after, say, 10 is good. I am thinking noon-ish. If you're here before everyone else, you can relax by the pool and watch the hummingbirds and butterflies feast on my yard.

I forget, is this Saturday or Sunday? We're going to try to work Mystic Seaport into the trip.

[ShowerComic]

And Beady, Mystic Seaport is lots of fun, you might also head down the street to the Mystic Aquarium on the same trip. Now in addition to the marine life there is the Robert Ballard Institute for Exploration.
Maybe the party should be on Saturday w/ a Sunday trip to Mystic for the over-nighters?

Saturday w/ a Sunday trip would be cool. FYI: If it hasn't been decided already, like the Beady's I also have Monday off. -- It's about a 2 hour drive from my place in Salem to yours, but still It would be nice if I could spend the night.

If needed I could bring an extra Air Mattress or two, if you need them to help put people up.

[mumchup]

I think Sunday would be good for the Seaport, you could squeeze in a trip to the Mystic Aquarium too, it's got the Robert Ballard Institute for Exploration now in addition to the beluga whales.
So for overnight accomodations I have noted:
- The Beadys
- Shower Comic
Beady spoke up way back at the beginning of the thread, so they get the spare bedroom. That leaves 3 full sized sleeping areas in the camper and 2 couches for Shower Comic to choose from.
You could throw one of those air mattresses in your car just in case, if it's not too much trouble. And for anyone sleeping in the camper or on a couch, you might want to bring a pillow and blanket, I don't know what we have that I will be able to locate. (we are mostly moved in...)

Also, I replied to everyone who pm'd me for directions, but I am a bit tired right now so if I left out vital information or if I managed to not send properly, pm me again and let me know I screwed up.

[Suezoled]

Looks good...still taking guests?
There are maybe 5 of us interested...of course, 2 of them are the voices in my foot...(I don't get voices in my head...they say it's too crowded with useless stuff...)

[Beady]

BTW, we can bring a queen-sized aerobed.

Also, I take it the luau is on Saturday, and the Seaport on Sunday?

[SkepticScott]

I'll be there if at all possible.

[Mattfn]

Throwing in me & Seismic Cowgirl for staying over too (you think you forgot stuff in your PM's?), and I also have queen & twin air mattresses in case we're really gonna bump up the local population!

[mumchup]

The Luau is on Saturday. It looks like there's plenty of interest in Mystic on Sunday.
And Suez - are they both in the same foot? Or are they spread out one per foot?

[Nova Land]

Wow! Despite terrrible weather this winter (which devastated most fruits in my area of Tennessee), there is a gorgeous blueberry crop at the place in Maine where I'm raking. No idea how this happened. There was virtually no snow cover to protect the plants during the winter, and a bad late freeze. All I can guess is that the bees must have been working triple-time this spring. God bless Josh Korosi!

Which means I'm completely confused at this point about whether I'll be able to make it to the luau or not. I'd thought earlier that I'd be getting to NH/VT sometime the week before Labor Day. Now I'm not sure if I'll be done raking by that weekend. (With luck, what will happen is that I'll finish just in time to head straight to the luau -- in which case I should be able to bring some fresh-raked blueberries with me.)

:confused:

Very much hoping to attend, but totally confused at this point. Which is my normal state, I suppose, so I shouldn't be surprised. Anyway, I'll be with you in spirit, and hope to be there in body as well. Especially if Suez is going to be there!

[mumchup]

Hope you can make it Nova!

[ponderingturtle]

I looks like I will be there, and will be able to bring my girlfriend.

Well assuming she is still talking to me after taking her camping for the first time the weekend before.

[Senex]

I would love to attend the Luau and will if I can. For seven out of the last eight years I have gone on a two day packpacking trip with my friend Joe and his two children. We are supposed to go this Labor Day but he is supposed to be moving as well. His children have enrolled in a new school but he has neither sold his home nor bought a new home. His son has enrolled in a new Waldorf High School (a woo school originally recommended by his wife who purchases the electric water). They must move to give him access to a high school and his younger sister is enrolled in the new Waldorf grade school as well. They will have to start an apartment while still running their own house if the timing, as it seems certain, doesn't work out.

It seems likely he will not be able to make the trip this year. If he does I must be with him on the backpacking trip -- if he can't I would love to be at your party. Unlike Boo's party I suspect outdoor weather will allow me to use my pagan abilities. A skyclad show you will all remember will be the order of the day.

[LostAngeles]

I'm in the area the week before that.

I'm leaving Saturday afternoon...:(

I only ever see my home area skeptics at TAM!

[Mattfn]

I was hoping this was a post saying you could make it. :( Whhaaah!!!!

Senex.....I gotta say, you make me a bit wary! I'll bring some shades and extra large towels, I think!

[Senex]

Mattfn,

No shades needed because I have developed an all-over tan since you last saw me. Extra large towels are only needed if your modesty calls for complete censorship. A large towel may be enough to give you just a peak ;)

I feel a need to watch parts of Chris Angel just to stay abreast :D of what people write on the board. I was half asleep and Chris Angel was doing a jail cell escape and I thought I saw you in the crowd. After giving the show my full attention I didn't see anyone who looked remotely like you. Were you there?

[Beady]

Senex.....I gotta say, you make me a bit wary! I'll bring some shades and extra large towels, I think!

Look, at least he won't be wearing the shirt he wore at Boo's. :D

[Mattfn]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/mattfn/A%20Ghost%20in%20Connecticut/IM000616.jpg

That's a point I hadn't even considered regarding everyone else, Beady......definately bringing shades then. It's a Hawaiian Luau, after all!


(I should talk....if you could only bask in the glow of the shirt I'm wearing today!)

[Senex]

Look, at least he won't be wearing the shirt he wore at Boo's.
Today 11:31 AM
Hey, my mom bought me that shirt :mad: OK, she didn't buy that one but she did buy the one I'll be wearing on Labor Day. It's much, much, worse ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/mattfn/A%20Ghost%20in%20Connecticut/IM000616.jpg

That's a point I hadn't even considered regarding everyone else, Beady......definately bringing shades then. It's a Hawaiian Luau, after all!


(I should talk....if you could only bask in the glow of the shirt I'm wearing today!)

I'd like to bask in that glow. Your photo caught my reconstituted soda can. Did I tell anyone that some people pay thirty dollars for that effect :)

[mumchup]

Oh yeah! Hawaiian shirts are encouraged! It will be a good substitute for not getting to see Antiquehunter's awesome shirts on the cruise.

[ShowerComic]

I'll bring some shades and extra large towels, I think!

Mattfn -- a cool froon, who knows where her towel is.

Note: I we (I and some friends) were just re-watching episode 1 of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, last weekend..

[supercorgi]

I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the Luau. :( The SuperCorgi and I will be driving to Cape Cod to go camping for a few days. :) He loves running on the sand flats at low tide and eating all the stinky things that he finds there. Shark cartiledge and crab claws are a favorite! (This dog will eat anything.)

I'll miss you all.

[mumchup]

Awww.... Sounds like you'll be having a good time tho'.

[seismic_cowgirl]

I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the Luau. :( The SuperCorgi and I will be driving to Cape Cod to go camping for a few days. :) {...}

This is so funny, I will be driving AWAY from Cape Cod to go to this Luau!

:jaw-dropp

[mumchup]

I just finished making the volcano! It Rocks!!!!!! :D

[mumchup]

Just a quick note for anyone who happens upon this thread before Saturday: If you are planning to stay overnight, try to give me a call as you head toward Norwich.
We are thinking it might be a good idea to park some cars offsite if they won't be needed for the day. Parking on the street is probably not a good idea (narrow, twisty road.)
Also for everyone staying over: French Toast or Puffy Omelet? I will have coffee. If you are one of those tea-drinking types you're on your own.

[Beady]

Just confirming that we've got the bedroom. We're not prudes, but I expect the noise from the other beds would keep us awake.

MB drinks tea, but I'll take coffee. As for breakfast, well, if you've got maple syrup, I'll take French toast; if you've got musilage, instead, I'll go for omelettes.

[Hamradioguy]

Coffee for me. Anything else is icing on the cake so to speak. I DO plan to stay over Sat night if the Mystic Seaport tour is still on for Sunday.

What shall I bring food/drink-wise?

[ShowerComic]

I'm planning on staying overnight, and could bring an extra air-mattress if you folks need one.

[Kochanski]

I will be staying over, too. I can sleep anywhere and breakfast sounds yummy either way. I am coffee all the way :)

[mumchup]

Just confirming that we've got the bedroom. We're not prudes, but I expect the noise from the other beds would keep us awake.

MB drinks tea, but I'll take coffee. As for breakfast, well, if you've got maple syrup, I'll take French toast; if you've got musilage, instead, I'll go for omelettes.

I've still got the Presidential suite reserved for you guys.
And as far as that second remark is concerned: Just because I'm from the fake N.E state, doesn't mean I am entirely uncivilised. We have real maple syrup ;)

hamradioguy: We are supplying: A Pig, burgers, dogs, a few side dishes, soda/water and a keg of beer. Bring a side/snack or maybe a beverage.

[Beady]

BTW, we're bringing an aerobed, in case you run out of places to flop.

Just FYI, I expect we'll be leaving around 5-ish, Saturday morning. Did I give you my cell phone number? I've got you and your address in mine.

[Jeff Wagg]

I'll be slaving away.. and unable to attend. :( It's just possible I'll return Mumchup's tupperware some day...

[mumchup]

Slaving away? Aren't you going on the cruise? Or are they expecting you to do the rowing?
I am SO envious of everyone that I am avoiding the cruise related threads. I will be checking in afterward to find out how it went though.


Beady - I might have your cell somewhere in my pm-box. Can you send (or re-send) it if you get a chance?

[Hindmost]

Well, we will miss this one because of the cruise...have a good time.

glenn

[Boo]

Cruise, schmooze, I'll be at mumchups consuming BOOZE!!!:D



Boo

[Hindmost]

Cruise, schmooze, I'll be at mumchups consuming BOOZE!!!:D



Boo

There will be booze on the cruise...I have been exercising my liver in anticipation.

glenn:D

[Mattfn]

The volcano is ready?!?!?! :D

Jeff has to work DragonCon Friday and Saturday before an early morning flight to get to the cruise Sunday. Don't know if I'd have liked it back when I could have handled that schedule.

Jeff, may your audiences be good and all your transitions be on time. And may all the cruisers be easy (or at least fun!) to wrangle!

Hopefully I won't be the only one taking pictures this time, so we can, errm, tease you with pics of all the stuff you missed! (BTW....I think it's my tupperware you have! And KittyNH has my green ball, and I have MC's Tupperware and fairybook. It was a heck of a weekend, folks!)


I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the Luau. The SuperCorgi and I will be driving to Cape Cod to go camping for a few days.
This is so funny, I will be driving AWAY from Cape Cod to go to this Luau!

We all should wave as we pass each other!

I'm in the same thought with Boo, and our booze will end up being a lot cheaper than the cruisers'! :p

We (SC and me) are also staying and have 2 airbeds if needed as well. I know SC's a coffeehead, juice, milk or water is fine for me. And I'll have the maple sugar syrup vehicle (in honor of Jeff) for breakfast.

And, as comanded, there will be cake. Design to be determined this very evening (Because this is the latest it can be started!)

Yay! Can't wait for the Luau sleepover! And when the volcano erupts!!!

[Kochanski]

I will bring camera and be sober, so let the bribes begin ;)

[mumchup]

Hindmost - you guys will be missed. Have an overpriced tropical drink in our honor. We'll toast you with some keg-Corona.

Jeff - Good luck making all your connections. It sounds like you'll need a vacation after all this.

As for everyone else - I CAN'T WAIT until Saturday! Although I still have plenty to do... And the weather looks good, there are quite a few kids coming so the pool should get use even if it's not real warm.

Aloha~~

[Beady]

Yay! Can't wait for the Luau sleepover! And when the volcano erupts!!!

I just hope it's the volcano that erupts!

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

What time is this shindig starting on Saturday?

~~ Paul

[ShowerComic]

What time is this shindig starting on Saturday?


It will start around noon according to mumchup's message to me. -- Which works well for me. -- seeing as I've got to pick up laundry, and also pack for a business trip starting Monday.... Any Skeptics in Chicago I could say hello to ??

[Hindmost]

Hindmost - you guys will be missed. Have an overpriced tropical drink in our honor. We'll toast you with some keg-Corona.

Jeff - Good luck making all your connections. It sounds like you'll need a vacation after all this.

As for everyone else - I CAN'T WAIT until Saturday! Although I still have plenty to do... And the weather looks good, there are quite a few kids coming so the pool should get use even if it's not real warm.

Aloha~~

Really wish we could be in two places at once. If cloning research were allowed...

glenn

[mumchup]

re: your new name:
Is Hindmost a character from the Ringworld series, or am I misremembering?

[Hindmost]

re: your new name:
Is Hindmost a character from the Ringworld series, or am I misremembering?

That's it..one of my favorite books and definitely a favorite author.

glenn

[Suezoled]

Have fun everyone... it appears I'm not making it to this shindig, either.

[rebecca]

Have fun, guys! I'll drink plenty of booze in Alaska and think of you all.

[mumchup]

I see how you are Rebecca... just showing up to rub it in, eh? :)

Well, like I said before, who needs to see the aurora borealis when you've got a paper volcano and a smoke machine?

[Beady]

...and Senex, running around naked.

[mumchup]

...and Senex, running around naked.

That's more comparable to looking at an eclipse. It's got a full moon and it makes you go blind.

[Beady]

Please, Lord, don't let him bend over.

[mumchup]

Yay, one more day! I'm going to try to get out of work as early as I can today, I have SO much to do still... And last night I wasted a half hour carving the top of a honydew melon into a flower for a decoration.

[ponderingturtle]

Well I will be there, I am planing on brining a few games, some divinity and I really don't know if I will be staying over. I will bring a few things so I can, but I don't know if I will.

[Mattfn]

And last night I wasted a half hour carving the top of a honydew melon into a flower for a decoration.

Y'know, we really do have more in common than one would first think!

Ponderingturtle, is there any favored bribe I could procure to convince you? This is a Skeptical sleepover party, for Buster's sake!

[ponderingturtle]

Y'know, we really do have more in common than one would first think!

Ponderingturtle, is there any favored bribe I could procure to convince you? This is a Skeptical sleepover party, for Buster's sake!

I don't know. I am not planing it either way, it will entirely depend on how I feel at the time.

But I am planning on bringing Zendo and Ingenious.

[Senex]

Hey I wasn't planning on going nude the whole day. I was going to surprise the ladies with this (http://www.abcunderwear.com/menfisblacpa.html) but it just came in the mail and I can't help myself from showing off my new Labor Day apparel.

[mumchup]

That looks like a personal mosquito netting device ("Avoid an ambarassing case of malaria!")

[Jesus]

I am still on the fence over whether or not I can make it, but one thing that may sway me over is whether or not there are any people coming from the Upstate NY area (or nearby) who would like to carpool. If anyone is and would be interested, please let me know.

[mumchup]

Hope you can make it Jesus...

[Jesus]

Hope you can make it Jesus...Are you saying you are willing to welcome Jesus into your home? ;)

[Mattfn]

Are you saying you are willing to welcome Jesus into your home?

Any skeptic worth their salt ought to be!

[Beady]

I am still on the fence over whether or not I can make it...

Beady's 2nd Law of Social Harmonics: "All you get from straddling the fence is a sore crotch."

We're getting ready to leave. Figured we'd spend the night in Brattleboro, about 20 minutes from Kittynh (who apparently is about to leave for the cruise), then kill a couple of hours tomorrow, at the New England Air Museum at Hartford, arriving at Mumchup's about noon-ish.

I'm all packed and waiting (packing two days' worth of underwear doesn't take long, especially when you only change once a week), but MB is running madly around baking cakes, making phone calls and who knows what.

BTW, where in "upstate NY"? That covers a lot of territory. There's NYC, Lon-Gisland, and Upstate.

[Boo]

I am still on the fence over whether or not I can make it, but one thing that may sway me over is whether or not there are any people coming from the Upstate NY area (or nearby) who would like to carpool. If anyone is and would be interested, please let me know.


Not sure where you are but if you can make it to Danbury CT area by 10ish I can get you there and back.




Boo

[Jesus]

BTW, where in "upstate NY"? That covers a lot of territory. There's NYC, Lon-Gisland, and Upstate.Indeed, it does cover a lot of area, and though I should have been more specific, I sometimes get blank stares from people when mentioning "Albany." So much for the glory of being the capital.

Not sure where you are but if you can make it to Danbury CT area by 10ish I can get you there and back.

BooThat would require me taking Exit 16 off of I-87, then taking 84 East, correct?

[mumchup]

Are you saying you are willing to welcome Jesus into your home? ;)

Can you turn Budweiser into beer?

[Boo]

Jesus,


I sent you a PM.


Boo

[Jesus]

Can you turn Budweiser into beer?I don't think even the Son of God is up to that task! :boxedin:

[mumchup]

Good thing I picked up a little Saranac then...

[supercorgi]

I am so sorry I'm going to miss this! It sounds like the skeptic event of the decade!(yum roast piggie!) Really going to miss the volcano and the virgin sacrifice. Oh Well, the SuperCorgi and I are all packed up for our week at the Cape. Have a great time everyone and take pictures! Especially of the nudie action. :D

[SkepticScott]

Thanks for hosting, mumchup! I had a great time, and the pig was delicious.:clap: :clap:

[Mattfn]

Pictures/evidence posted on "Labor Day Luau" posted in the community section.

Some may not be suitable for sensitive people (especially George's!).

[ShowerComic]

Double oops for not bringing a CF Card for my digital camera, but I did get a few pics with my cell phone....
I'll be posting them as soon as I time.

[Hamradioguy]

"G" rated photos so posted here.

Starting with the infamous volcano and our Prez doing what he seems to do best in a disaster. And Mumchup belting out the Skepchick Song.

[mumchup]

Great pics Hamradioguy, check out the shocking video captured by mattfn.
You got pictures at Mystic Seaport too, right?

We never did meet up with the Beady's in Mystic, but we ran into Hamradioguy in front of the planetarium where he was observing the crescent image of Venus through a telescope.


And thank you to everyone for coming, it was a blast! We had Luau cake, divinity, milky way cake, cookies, Mentos-n-coke, games, spiritual books*, great people, a DJ (a bit too loud), whole roast pig, a smoking volcano, BabyBoo the grilling Pro, and much more!

* Mrs. Beady brought a hilarious book about how to built spiritual altars in your house, like to the Volcano God, the Clown God and the Erotic Teddy bear God.

[Hamradioguy]

One more: Boo, looking....bootiful. Shorter hair but alas, no boots this time.

[Kochanski]

A few more pics including the delicious guest of honor, Fred.

[Boo]

Mmmmmm, Fred looks yummy.:D

Sorry we had to leave early but I had things that needed to get done at home. BabyBoo had a GREAT time and says Hello to every one.




Thanks again mum and Steve for having us there.



Boo

[Beady]

Ditto on everything. Too bad we missed everyone except Hamradioguy at Mystic, but we had to leave; got home at 8, Sunday evening. Good food, good friends and good conversation.

I imagine the next get-together will be Newtonmas?

[mumchup]

According to Hamradioguy we only missed you by a few minutes. We'd been at the Seaport for quite a while by then too. Oh well, see you at Newtonmas...

[mumchup]

Also, the skeptics behaved themselves, but I think there was some skyclad swimming later on. (no one you'd have wanted to see)

[Senex]

I'm sorry for the belated thank-you to the Mumchups for the wonderful party they had. We had tons of great food and the pig was as good looking as he was delicious. I really had a great time and the company was great. Tina can sing. I did go backpacking Sunday and am unpacking now.

I didn't end up in the pool or in the poison ivy patch. My fishnet suit remained in prestine condition ;)

[mumchup]

I didn't end up in the pool or in the poison ivy patch. My fishnet suit remained in prestine condition

It was as alluring as I imagined it would be.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Thanks, Mum, I had a great time. The pig was a bit over the top, but funky and kinky all the same.

~~ Paul

[mumchup]

And Delicious. There wasn't much left within an hour of deconstruction.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Y'all ate that pig in an hour? Holy mother of pork, I'm sorry I missed that extravaganza!

~~ Paul

[mumchup]

I took the last of it off the table and put it in the refrigerator after an hour and there was only a pound or two left.
The great think about the pig is that so many people seemed horrified when they peeked in on it while it was cooking and while we were carving. But when offered a piece they ate it with relish.

[Senex]

I took the last of it off the table and put it in the refrigerator after an hour and there was only a pound or two left.
The great thing about the pig is that so many people seemed horrified when they peeked in on it while it was cooking and while we were carving. But when offered a piece they ate it with relish.

I must add that I have been to a number of pig roasts previous to the mumchups and all of those pig roasts have been jury rigged to a much greater degree than this. I've watched many a pig turned by a lawn mower engine cooked over a a pit of wood. This pig was cooked and carved professionally. The entire party was well thought through. As a skeptic, I am not only not kosher, I love pork! This particular pork was the tastiest pork I've ever had.

I also like to have a beer or two or a mixed drink. I was more than satisfied at the mumchup's party. If you didn't have a good time it was your own fault ;)

[mumchup]

Thanks Senex. And thanks to everyone who came.
I had such a good time I'm trying to decide what to do for next year's pig roast. I'm deciding the theme based on what I can make to replace the volcano (it went up in 15-ft flames later in the evening ~awesome! ~)

Here's the short list:
Pirates
Vikings
...or a Roman Symposium (symposium means getting tanked on wine... and I don't care to hear how that's not really an accurate description. But I could build an aquaduct and put a toga on George.)

[Mattfn]

An aqueduct around Mumchup's yard.............................! Pool-feed?

Don't forget, more pictures are here: http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=92079

[supercorgi]

Thanks Senex. And thanks to everyone who came.
I had such a good time I'm trying to decide what to do for next year's pig roast. I'm deciding the theme based on what I can make to replace the volcano (it went up in 15-ft flames later in the evening ~awesome! ~)

Here's the short list:
Pirates
Vikings
...or a Roman Symposium (symposium means getting tanked on wine... and I don't care to hear how that's not really an accurate description. But I could build an aquaduct and put a toga on George.)

Mmmm. Sorry I missed the pig roast and the volcano. Sounds like you all had a great time and didn't freak out the neighbors too much. I had a great time on Cape Cod but I'm sorry that I missed the extravaganza. I vote for Roman Symposian! (I have Roman costume due to my historic re-enactment stuff). Lots of lounging and imbibing and stuffing yourself silly. Must have lamb for this though. I went to a lamb roast and it was wonderful! Consider lamb.

[mumchup]

I think I might be able to get a whole lamb!
And fortunately the neighbors came over and had a good time too. And I appeased them by singing "Me & Bobby McGee" because the husband requested it.
He said that the DJ could play as late as he wanted because they couldn't hear it from their house, which was surprising because Randy had it turned up loud enough that it drove the skeptics inside later on.
(photo courtesy Hamradioguy)

[supercorgi]

I think I might be able to get a whole lamb!
And fortunately the neighbors came over and had a good time too. And I appeased them by singing "Me & Bobby McGee" because the husband requested it.
He said that the DJ could play as late as he wanted because they couldn't hear it from their house, which was surprising because Randy had it turned up loud enough that it drove the skeptics inside later on.
(photo courtesy Hamradioguy)

The lamb roast I went to we had two lambs! The local dog sat there and drooled the whole time. If psychic powers were possible, that dog would have thought that lamb off the grill! Check for local slaughterhouses. Once, I was able to find kidskins to make parchment from.

[ponderingturtle]

I think I might be able to get a whole lamb!
And fortunately the neighbors came over and had a good time too. And I appeased them by singing "Me & Bobby McGee" because the husband requested it.
He said that the DJ could play as late as he wanted because they couldn't hear it from their house, which was surprising because Randy had it turned up loud enough that it drove the skeptics inside later on.
(photo courtesy Hamradioguy)

Not just inside, but many more went out to get glasses fixed than was nessacary.

So it temperarily drove the Beadies away.

[rebecca]

Aw, I'm so sorry I had to miss this, especially Mums singing again. :( Next time!

[mumchup]

Not just inside, but many more went out to get glasses fixed than was nessacary.

So it temperarily drove the Beadies away.

That's not quite accurate. I think Cowgirl tagged along to get away from the party guest who was conviced that the skeptics weren't "mingling" enough.

[ponderingturtle]

That's not quite accurate. I think Cowgirl tagged along to get away from the party guest who was conviced that the skeptics weren't "mingling" enough.

Well at least she had a cause, even if no one wanted her to do it.

And thinking about it, there would be a danger to a viking theme, you might end up with lutefisk.

[Kochanski]

How about a Python theme :D

Spam, spam, spam, spam...Silly walks...Fish slapping dances...Historical re-enactments with women hitting each other with handbags...Dead parrots...Coconut horses...Killer rabbits...shrubbery...and much much more

[Mattfn]

I am really, really attracted to this idea. And the shrubbery is already in place.........

[mumchup]

But I have to draw the line at cutting down the biggest tree in the yard with...


A Herring!!!

[mumchup]

And thinking about it, there would be a danger to a viking theme, you might end up with lutefisk.

Ew. Fortunately I could give my share to Steve, he eats all sorts of repulsive foodstuffs. He really likes gefilte fish and he's not even Jewish! And Kosher pickled cat barf is not even the most disgusting of his favorite foods.

[ponderingturtle]

Ew. Fortunately I could give my share to Steve, he eats all sorts of repulsive foodstuffs. He really likes gefilte fish and he's not even Jewish! And Kosher pickled cat barf is not even the most disgusting of his favorite foods.

Look it could be worse I could have said surstromming or rakfisk. Fermeted fish instead of just cured in lye.

[mumchup]

I assume some Vikings ate that creepy Icelandic putrid shark too, but that's not allowed on my property so everyone will have to go elsewhere to try it.
(how about just bringing candy?)

[Hindmost]

Hmmm...seems my clone did not show up. Very unreliable...must show up myself next time.

glenn