Future TAM suggestions?

NevilleKim · 31st July 2012, 11:20 PM

Hello everyone

I've just attended TAM (and am still in jet lag!)
Anyways, these are few suggestions for future TAM.

1. Courtesy card to hand out to everyone who is asking 'what's TAM?' would be nice. I was bombarded by everyone from those bikers to just normal people asking 'what's TAM?' so many times that it'd be great to just hand out small card telling them what is TAM and why we are here.

2. Activities for non-attendings. I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science. So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me". It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM.

3. Drinks table near the auditorium? While I enjoy hot coffee and water from time to time, I wish'd I could have some sizzling soda. Well it's just my preference -

That'd be all guys.

P.S. How about making TAMx (something like TEDx?)

The Central Scrutinizer · 1st August 2012, 05:42 AM

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science.

Dump her.

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me".

Choose Krauss.

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM.

They do. It's called "Las Vegas".

I agree about the soda. In fact, dump the coffee and just have soda.

Careyp74 · 1st August 2012, 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

They do. It's called "Las Vegas".

I was also quite confused by the remark. There is plenty to do. What is being asked for is like a kids zone where you dump off the tag along so that you can go do what you want. TAM is about skepticism, what kind of non-skepticism things should they do to entertain non-skepticism people?

Wowbagger · 1st August 2012, 07:35 AM

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

1. Courtesy card to hand out to everyone who is asking 'what's TAM?' would be nice. I was bombarded by everyone from those bikers to just normal people asking 'what's TAM?' so many times that it'd be great to just hand out small card telling them what is TAM and why we are here.

I considered this sort of idea, myself, a while back. I answer decided it was better to develop a polished, concise verbal answer to the question. Makes it feel more like it's something you're into, and less like you're handing out tracts.

But, if you think otherwise, you can always print them up, yourself. As long as there is a disclaimer that it is not an official JREF publication or something.

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

2. Activities for non-attendings. I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science. So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me". It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM.

If TAM was closer to The Strip, this wouldn't be much of an issue. You can just walk out the door and there would be a whole world of things to do!

I think a large number of the unofficial activities allowed non-TAMers to attend. I know my own Jolly Thirteen dinner was one of them. (We almost had a couple of non-TAMers joining us.)

I am not sure TAM is really obligated to set up activities for non-TAM attendees.

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

P.S. How about making TAMx (something like TEDx?)

Check out SkeptiCamp: http://www.skepticamp.org/wiki/Main_Page

Sometimes JREF sponsors some of them. So, in that sense, it can be a little like a TAMx. Even if they don't it's still a community-driven way to share knowledge.

krelnik · 1st August 2012, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

1. Courtesy card to hand out to everyone who is asking 'what's TAM?' would be nice. I was bombarded by everyone from those bikers to just normal people asking 'what's TAM?' so many times that it'd be great to just hand out small card telling them what is TAM and why we are here.

Originally Posted by Wowbagger

I considered this sort of idea, myself, a while back. I answer decided it was better to develop a polished, concise verbal answer to the question. Makes it feel more like it's something you're into, and less like you're handing out tracts.

I wrote a post on the main Randi.org blog after TAM9 that addressed this very topic, it is called My Skeptic Elevator Pitch.

SkepticScott · 1st August 2012, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by NevilleKim

2. Activities for non-attendings. I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science. So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me". It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM.

There were some extra-curricular events discussed here, but I think most of those were planned for after-hours. The people at the Forum welcome table might have known of extracurricular events too. I don't think the JREF would officially schedule an event for non-attendees because it might open up insurance and liability issues. So your best bet might be to plan events and contact others here on the Forum.

If you have time, a 24-hour pass for the bus, both on- and off-strip, is $7 IIRC. There's a bus stop in the South Point parking lot, just south of the main entrance. See http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/ . South Point operates a shuttle to the Strip, but I don't know the timing or the price. Taxis are more expensive; it cost me about $25 each way when I went to see Penn & Teller at the Rio Tuesday night.

krelnik · 1st August 2012, 10:32 AM

We did list the unofficial meetups and such in the TAM2012 schedule on Lanyrd, so folks could easily find them. There were quite a few.

Dicon · 1st August 2012, 12:35 PM

The first TAM I attended (which was TAM 2), my wife was along but she didn't know much about the subject matter so she didn't sign up for the conference. Instead, she totally packed her schedule with other activities, from hitting some restaurants that she knew of to taking a one-on-one glassblowing class with a famed instructor. Next year, have the GF start researching things a couple months ahead of time, get her a rental car, and plan to get back together in the late afternoon.

Incidentally, on the last day of TAM 2 my wife finished up her activities a couple hours early so she snuck into the conference room to sit in the back and kill some time. She became a regular TAM attendee the next year.

Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · 1st August 2012, 02:19 PM

I suggest that we reduce the number of meta-talks about skepticism, religion, and politics, and increase the number of talks about science. I'd also like more talks about psi and other paranormal topics. For example, where is the panel discussion between psi proponents and skeptics?

~~ Paul

Wowbagger · 1st August 2012, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by krelnik

I wrote a post on the main Randi.org blog after TAM9 that addressed this very topic, it is called My Skeptic Elevator Pitch.

The intersection of science education and consumer protection. I like it!

cornsail · 1st August 2012, 03:56 PM

There should be a rule that all females have to go topless, just to be on the safe side.

UnrepentantSinner · 2nd August 2012, 04:12 AM

I brought my friend and longtime travel companion to TAM and TAM 3 and made one serious mistake - I should have put her on my rental car and let her go and do her own thing since she wasn't a skeptic.

SkepticScott · 2nd August 2012, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by cornsail

There should be a rule...

Comments like this is a reason why we also have sexual harassment threads.

Please stop.

Wowbagger · 2nd August 2012, 04:10 PM

We know that, in at least one skeptic-related event, elevators had been a problem.

I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have any elevators.

The Central Scrutinizer · 2nd August 2012, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by Wowbagger

We know that, in at least one skeptic-related event, elevators had been a problem.

I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have any elevators.

Even better, I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have Rebeccas!!!

AdMan · 2nd August 2012, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

Even better, I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have Rebecca's!!!

Rebecca's what?

The Central Scrutinizer · 2nd August 2012, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by AdMan

Rebecca's what?

Your post makes no sense.

idoubtit · 2nd August 2012, 05:24 PM

Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas. Cheaper (though it is nice that some meals are included due to the venue). Put me on the committee. Better planning.

gentlehorse · 2nd August 2012, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by SkepticScott

Originally Posted by cornsail

There should be a rule that all females have to go topless, just to be on the safe side.

Comments like this is a reason why we also have sexual harassment threads.

Please stop.

Oh, my. Fallout. Humorlessness. The humor police. I need someone to tell me what I can and cannot say at or about TAM, otherwise I may make a boob joke. Not generally my cuppa, but it could happen. After all, I thought cornsail's comment was funny, taking all the recent BS into consideration. Maybe I'm a latent harasser. Thank goodness for humorless watchdogs, that's what I say.

Boobs.

Prometheus · 2nd August 2012, 06:13 PM

Obviously the most important suggestion for future TAMs is to pay me to attend. I'll fix all the other stuff when I get there. Honest.

WillyWonka · 2nd August 2012, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by idoubtit

Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas. Cheaper (though it is nice that some meals are included due to the venue). Put me on the committee. Better planning.

While I agree that somewhere else than Vegas would be nice, it is unlikely that it would be cheaper somewhere else. Vegas' room rates and variety of flights make it hard to beat if you look at other centres like NY, LA, Chicago, etc.

As for putting you on the committee; sure, why not?

The Central Scrutinizer · 2nd August 2012, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by idoubtit

Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas.

That's been suggested since after TAM 2. It ain't gonna happen. At least not anytime soon.

Originally Posted by idoubtit

Cheaper (though it is nice that some meals are included due to the venue). Put me on the committee. Better planning.

If you move it from Vegas, it's guaranteed to be more expensive, assuming you calculate total cost - rooms, flights, etc. There is nowhere else on the planet where you can stay 5 nights for $350, unless you plan on putting everyone up at the Day's Inn next to the Topeka airport.

Wowbagger · 2nd August 2012, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by idoubtit

Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas.

I agree!

I doubt it will happen.

But, I am getting pretty tired of the city of Las Vegas...

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

...unless you plan on putting everyone up at the Day's Inn next to the Topeka airport.

I honestly wouldn't mind that. TAM is more about the people than the place, anyway.

cornsail · 3rd August 2012, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by SkepticScott

Comments like this is a reason why we also have sexual harassment threads.

Please stop.

I can't tell if you mean stop because you interpreted my comment as piggishly sexualizing women or because you interpreted it as a shot at Amy, et al. For the record, I meant it as a pro-boob joke and not an anti-Amy joke. Either way I will stop as requested, because I don't want to turn this thread into an argument! Carry on.

WillyWonka · 3rd August 2012, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by Wowbagger

I agree!

I doubt it will happen.

But, I am getting pretty tired of the city of Las Vegas...

For me, I am getting tired of the South Point hotel, as it is far from the strip. Any possibilities of a better placed hotel? Like the Luxor; a skeptic meeting fighting paranormal issues in a pyramid.

The Central Scrutinizer · 3rd August 2012, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by WillyWonka

For me, I am getting tired of the South Point hotel, as it is far from the strip. Any possibilities of a better placed hotel? Like the Luxor; a skeptic meeting fighting paranormal issues in a pyramid.

Sure, if you want to pay more.

SkepticScott · 3rd August 2012, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by cornsail

I can't tell if you mean stop...

I'm rather humor-impaired these days. I meant that I don't think that things like that even posted as a joke don't help the currently volatile issue and requested no one else give ammunition to people who are looking for any chance to keep the issue alive.

Wowbagger · 3rd August 2012, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by WillyWonka

For me, I am getting tired of the South Point hotel, as it is far from the strip. Any possibilities of a better placed hotel? Like the Luxor; a skeptic meeting fighting paranormal issues in a pyramid.

A hotel in the center of The Strip would be ideal, (assuming there is actually something left for me to do on it).

But, perhaps Luxor is close enough. If everyone is willing to pay for it.

Wowbagger · 3rd August 2012, 08:10 AM

Oh, and while we're making fantasy-oriented suggestions, I might as well throw another one on the pile:

Let's rebuild Star Trek: The Experience!!

Let's pick a nice spot (doesn't have to be the LVH), gather our resources, and construct that thing... we can make it better than it was before! We can film new scenes with the actors in front of chroma-key screens at Dragon*Con if we have to!

At least one ride to start with. We can worry about installing a second one later. And, of course, we'll need a Quark's-like restaurant and pub and a couple of souvenir stands.

As for the History of the Future Museum: Sure, it won't be as big as it was in the original. Most of those props have been sold off to other places. But, I am sure we can manage some sort of nifty display of.... something! Right?! I am sure a few of us have some genuine Star Trek items of interest lying around somewhere.

Then we can hang out there at least once a year for all the future TAMs in Vegas!

Until we get tired of it.

Careyp74 · 3rd August 2012, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by cornsail

I can't tell if you mean stop because you interpreted my comment as piggishly sexualizing women or because you interpreted it as a shot at Amy, et al. For the record, I meant it as a pro-boob joke and not an anti-Amy joke. Either way I will stop as requested, because I don't want to turn this thread into an argument! Carry on.

I wasn't offended by it, however, I am a male. I can see how many women would get offended by it. A joke like that makes some women feel like the only reason that they are accepted is because they have boobs.

Now, if there was a post saying that all guys should go without pants, I wouldn't get offended either, however, there isn't an issue with guys being made inferior to women, so it isn't a valid argument.

With all of that being said, I can see how the joke was that to make TAM better for you, having all women go around topless wound be a start. Sure that makes the joke about your one track mind, and not the denigration of women, however, given the first two paragraphs......

SkepticScott · 3rd August 2012, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Wowbagger

Let's rebuild Star Trek: The Experience!!

Someone should do that! And this time, let's make sure they sell Starfleet Battles et al. in the gift shop! http://www.starfleetgames.com/

Calculon · 4th August 2012, 07:51 AM

Comic Con in 2013 will go back to being on the third week in July (July 18-21), so I hope TAM 2013 won't be in conflict.

Please please please.

WillyWonka · 4th August 2012, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Calculon

Comic Con in 2013 will go back to being on the third week in July (July 18-21), so I hope TAM 2013 won't be in conflict.

Please please please.

If TAM follows this year' schedule, next year, it should be from July 11 to 14.

WillyWonka · 4th August 2012, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos

I suggest that we reduce the number of meta-talks about skepticism, religion, and politics, and increase the number of talks about science. I'd also like more talks about psi and other paranormal topics. For example, where is the panel discussion between psi proponents and skeptics?

~~ Paul

I wholeheartedly agree with your suggestion.

WillyWonka · 4th August 2012, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

Sure, if you want to pay more.

This year, after TAM, I moved to the Monte Carlo for 4 nights and paid only $50 more. Being on the strip allow people to chose hotels within their price range; example (cheap: Imperial Palace, Tropicana, Luxor, Excalibur), medium (Monte Carlo, NY NY, Bally's), or luxury (Bellagio, Caesar Palace, Venetian). All of them on the bus route or walking distance.

One other suggestion would be the Rio; home of Penn & Teller.

The Central Scrutinizer · 4th August 2012, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by WillyWonka

This year, after TAM, I moved to the Monte Carlo for 4 nights and paid only $50 more. Being on the strip allow people to chose hotels within their price range; example (cheap: Imperial Palace, Tropicana, Luxor, Excalibur), medium (Monte Carlo, NY NY, Bally's), or luxury (Bellagio, Caesar Palace, Venetian). All of them on the bus route or walking distance.

One other suggestion would be the Rio; home of Penn & Teller.

I think you'll find it's a lot more expensive to rent the conference rooms there than the Southpoint. Remember, the JREF moved for a reason.

WillyWonka · 4th August 2012, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

I think you'll find it's a lot more expensive to rent the conference rooms there than the Southpoint. Remember, the JREF moved for a reason.

I am not debating that, just that it may not be much more expensive to stay on the strip. Of course, everything being equal, other costs such as cathering, room rental and AV equipment rental need to be accounted for.

31st July 2012, 11:20 PM	#1
NevilleKim New Blood Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2	Future TAM suggestions? Hello everyone I've just attended TAM (and am still in jet lag!) Anyways, these are few suggestions for future TAM. 1. Courtesy card to hand out to everyone who is asking 'what's TAM?' would be nice. I was bombarded by everyone from those bikers to just normal people asking 'what's TAM?' so many times that it'd be great to just hand out small card telling them what is TAM and why we are here. 2. Activities for non-attendings. I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science. So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me". It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM. 3. Drinks table near the auditorium? While I enjoy hot coffee and water from time to time, I wish'd I could have some sizzling soda. Well it's just my preference - That'd be all guys. P.S. How about making TAMx (something like TEDx?)
NevilleKim New Blood Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2

1st August 2012, 05:42 AM	#2
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Pither Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,264	Originally Posted by NevilleKim I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science. Dump her. Originally Posted by NevilleKim So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me". Choose Krauss. Originally Posted by NevilleKim It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM. They do. It's called "Las Vegas". I agree about the soda. In fact, dump the coffee and just have soda.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

1st August 2012, 07:35 AM	#4
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,505	Originally Posted by NevilleKim 1. Courtesy card to hand out to everyone who is asking 'what's TAM?' would be nice. I was bombarded by everyone from those bikers to just normal people asking 'what's TAM?' so many times that it'd be great to just hand out small card telling them what is TAM and why we are here. I considered this sort of idea, myself, a while back. I answer decided it was better to develop a polished, concise verbal answer to the question. Makes it feel more like it's something you're into, and less like you're handing out tracts. But, if you think otherwise, you can always print them up, yourself. As long as there is a disclaimer that it is not an official JREF publication or something. Originally Posted by NevilleKim 2. Activities for non-attendings. I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science. So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me". It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM. If TAM was closer to The Strip, this wouldn't be much of an issue. You can just walk out the door and there would be a whole world of things to do! I think a large number of the unofficial activities allowed non-TAMers to attend. I know my own Jolly Thirteen dinner was one of them. (We almost had a couple of non-TAMers joining us.) I am not sure TAM is really obligated to set up activities for non-TAM attendees. Originally Posted by NevilleKim P.S. How about making TAMx (something like TEDx?) Check out SkeptiCamp: http://www.skepticamp.org/wiki/Main_Page Sometimes JREF sponsors some of them. So, in that sense, it can be a little like a TAMx. Even if they don't it's still a community-driven way to share knowledge.
	__________________ WARNING: Phrases in this post may sound meaner than they were intended to be. SkeptiCamp NYC: http://www.skepticampnyc.org/ An open conference on science and skepticism, where *you* could be a presenter! By the way, my first name is NOT Bowerick!!!!

1st August 2012, 08:26 AM	#5
krelnik Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,185	Originally Posted by NevilleKim 1. Courtesy card to hand out to everyone who is asking 'what's TAM?' would be nice. I was bombarded by everyone from those bikers to just normal people asking 'what's TAM?' so many times that it'd be great to just hand out small card telling them what is TAM and why we are here. Originally Posted by Wowbagger I considered this sort of idea, myself, a while back. I answer decided it was better to develop a polished, concise verbal answer to the question. Makes it feel more like it's something you're into, and less like you're handing out tracts. I wrote a post on the main Randi.org blog after TAM9 that addressed this very topic, it is called My Skeptic Elevator Pitch.
	__________________ What's the harm in a little misinformation? I blog about online skepticism at skeptools.com I post a daily skeptic history fact on Twitter and Facebook

1st August 2012, 08:46 AM	#6
SkepticScott TAM Volunteer Guy Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: North of Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 2,885	Originally Posted by NevilleKim 2. Activities for non-attendings. I went there with my girlfriend and she was not really interested into skepticism and science. So, since I was busy from morning to evening doing something else, unfortunately we had some serious argument that goes something like "you don't love me" and "choose between that Krauss guy and me". It'd be great if we have some activities for the spouse/significant other that are not attending TAM. There were some extra-curricular events discussed here, but I think most of those were planned for after-hours. The people at the Forum welcome table might have known of extracurricular events too. I don't think the JREF would officially schedule an event for non-attendees because it might open up insurance and liability issues. So your best bet might be to plan events and contact others here on the Forum. If you have time, a 24-hour pass for the bus, both on- and off-strip, is $7 IIRC. There's a bus stop in the South Point parking lot, just south of the main entrance. See http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/ . South Point operates a shuttle to the Strip, but I don't know the timing or the price. Taxis are more expensive; it cost me about $25 each way when I went to see Penn & Teller at the Rio Tuesday night.
	__________________ -- Scott If mho, the unit of conductance, is in units of ¹/_ohm, are IQ and qi similarly inversely related? "I love that you nerds turned a thread about a party into a debate over currency aerodynamics." -- Rebecca

1st August 2012, 06:15 AM	#3
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer They do. It's called "Las Vegas". I was also quite confused by the remark. There is plenty to do. What is being asked for is like a kids zone where you dump off the tag along so that you can go do what you want. TAM is about skepticism, what kind of non-skepticism things should they do to entertain non-skepticism people?

1st August 2012, 10:32 AM	#7
krelnik Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,185	We did list the unofficial meetups and such in the TAM2012 schedule on Lanyrd, so folks could easily find them. There were quite a few.
	__________________ What's the harm in a little misinformation? I blog about online skepticism at skeptools.com I post a daily skeptic history fact on Twitter and Facebook

1st August 2012, 12:35 PM	#8
Dicon is not a radish Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grumpy in Seattle Posts: 2,966	The first TAM I attended (which was TAM 2), my wife was along but she didn't know much about the subject matter so she didn't sign up for the conference. Instead, she totally packed her schedule with other activities, from hitting some restaurants that she knew of to taking a one-on-one glassblowing class with a famed instructor. Next year, have the GF start researching things a couple months ahead of time, get her a rental car, and plan to get back together in the late afternoon. Incidentally, on the last day of TAM 2 my wife finished up her activities a couple hours early so she snuck into the conference room to sit in the back and kill some time. She became a regular TAM attendee the next year.

1st August 2012, 02:19 PM	#9
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Nap, interrupted. Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: a little toolshed Posts: 18,589	I suggest that we reduce the number of meta-talks about skepticism, religion, and politics, and increase the number of talks about science. I'd also like more talks about psi and other paranormal topics. For example, where is the panel discussion between psi proponents and skeptics? ~~ Paul
	__________________ Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ---Susan Ertz RIP Mr. Skinny

1st August 2012, 02:52 PM	#10
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,505	Originally Posted by krelnik I wrote a post on the main Randi.org blog after TAM9 that addressed this very topic, it is called My Skeptic Elevator Pitch. The intersection of science education and consumer protection. I like it!
	__________________ WARNING: Phrases in this post may sound meaner than they were intended to be. SkeptiCamp NYC: http://www.skepticampnyc.org/ An open conference on science and skepticism, where *you* could be a presenter! By the way, my first name is NOT Bowerick!!!!

1st August 2012, 03:56 PM	#11
cornsail Master Poster Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ohio Posts: 2,693	There should be a rule that all females have to go topless, just to be on the safe side.

2nd August 2012, 04:12 AM	#12
UnrepentantSinner A post by Alan Smithee Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: USAian is not a word Posts: 26,351	I brought my friend and longtime travel companion to TAM and TAM 3 and made one serious mistake - I should have put her on my rental car and let her go and do her own thing since she wasn't a skeptic.
	__________________ I am an American citizen who is part of American society and briefly served in the American armed forces. I use American dollars and pay taxes that support the American government. And yes, despite the editorial decison to change American politics to the nonsensical "USA politics" subforum, I follow and comment on American politics.

2nd August 2012, 08:45 AM	#13
SkepticScott TAM Volunteer Guy Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: North of Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 2,885	Originally Posted by cornsail There should be a rule... Comments like this is a reason why we also have sexual harassment threads. Please stop.
	__________________ -- Scott If mho, the unit of conductance, is in units of ¹/_ohm, are IQ and qi similarly inversely related? "I love that you nerds turned a thread about a party into a debate over currency aerodynamics." -- Rebecca

2nd August 2012, 04:10 PM	#14
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,505	We know that, in at least one skeptic-related event, elevators had been a problem. I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have any elevators.
	__________________ WARNING: Phrases in this post may sound meaner than they were intended to be. SkeptiCamp NYC: http://www.skepticampnyc.org/ An open conference on science and skepticism, where *you* could be a presenter! By the way, my first name is NOT Bowerick!!!!

2nd August 2012, 04:34 PM	#15
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Pither Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,264	Originally Posted by Wowbagger We know that, in at least one skeptic-related event, elevators had been a problem. I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have any elevators. Even better, I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have Rebeccas!!!
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him. Last edited by The Central Scrutinizer; 2nd August 2012 at 04:47 PM.

2nd August 2012, 04:38 PM	#16
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,160	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer Even better, I suggest we have TAM take place in a building that does not have Rebecca's!!! Rebecca's what?
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,160

2nd August 2012, 04:48 PM	#17
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Pither Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,264	Originally Posted by AdMan Rebecca's what? Your post makes no sense.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

2nd August 2012, 05:24 PM	#18
idoubtit Critical Thinker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Central PA Posts: 318	Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas. Cheaper (though it is nice that some meals are included due to the venue). Put me on the committee. Better planning.
	__________________ Sharon Hill About Me Editor, Doubtful News Blog: idoubtit.wordpress.com Twitter: idoubtit

2nd August 2012, 05:49 PM	#19
gentlehorse generally confused Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 2,128	Originally Posted by SkepticScott Originally Posted by cornsail There should be a rule that all females have to go topless, just to be on the safe side. Comments like this is a reason why we also have sexual harassment threads. Please stop. Oh, my. Fallout. Humorlessness. The humor police. I need someone to tell me what I can and cannot say at or about TAM, otherwise I may make a boob joke. Not generally my cuppa, but it could happen. After all, I thought cornsail's comment was funny, taking all the recent BS into consideration. Maybe I'm a latent harasser. Thank goodness for humorless watchdogs, that's what I say. Boobs.
	__________________ "Oh Holy gravity, the mother of all powers, what you do to us, the children of the stars" pillory "How can the third-person requirements of the scientific method be reconciled with the first-person nature of consciousness?" Win Last edited by gentlehorse; 2nd August 2012 at 05:56 PM.

2nd August 2012, 06:13 PM	#20
Prometheus Acolyte of Víðarr Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North of Reality Posts: 42,972	Obviously the most important suggestion for future TAMs is to pay me to attend. I'll fix all the other stuff when I get there. Honest.
	__________________ As Einstein once said, "If you can't think of something relevant to say, just make something up and attribute it to some really smart dead guy." "I find your lack of pith disturbing," - Darth Rotor .......... Don't be offended. I'm not calling you a serial killer. -- Ron Tomkins.

2nd August 2012, 06:38 PM	#21
WillyWonka Thinker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Great White North Posts: 156	Originally Posted by idoubtit Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas. Cheaper (though it is nice that some meals are included due to the venue). Put me on the committee. Better planning. While I agree that somewhere else than Vegas would be nice, it is unlikely that it would be cheaper somewhere else. Vegas' room rates and variety of flights make it hard to beat if you look at other centres like NY, LA, Chicago, etc. As for putting you on the committee; sure, why not?

2nd August 2012, 06:57 PM	#22
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Pither Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,264	Originally Posted by idoubtit Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas. That's been suggested since after TAM 2. It ain't gonna happen. At least not anytime soon. Originally Posted by idoubtit Cheaper (though it is nice that some meals are included due to the venue). Put me on the committee. Better planning. If you move it from Vegas, it's *guaranteed* to be more expensive, assuming you calculate *total* cost - rooms, flights, etc. There is nowhere else on the planet where you can stay 5 nights for $350, unless you plan on putting everyone up at the Day's Inn next to the Topeka airport.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

2nd August 2012, 08:28 PM	#23
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,505	Originally Posted by idoubtit Suggestions: Not in Las Vegas. I agree! I doubt it will happen. But, I am getting pretty tired of the city of Las Vegas... Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer ...unless you plan on putting everyone up at the Day's Inn next to the Topeka airport. I honestly wouldn't mind that. TAM is more about the people than the place, anyway.
	__________________ WARNING: Phrases in this post may sound meaner than they were intended to be. SkeptiCamp NYC: http://www.skepticampnyc.org/ An open conference on science and skepticism, where *you* could be a presenter! By the way, my first name is NOT Bowerick!!!!

3rd August 2012, 07:03 AM	#24
cornsail Master Poster Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ohio Posts: 2,693	Originally Posted by SkepticScott Comments like this is a reason why we also have sexual harassment threads. Please stop. I can't tell if you mean stop because you interpreted my comment as piggishly sexualizing women or because you interpreted it as a shot at Amy, et al. For the record, I meant it as a pro-boob joke and not an anti-Amy joke. Either way I will stop as requested, because I don't want to turn this thread into an argument! Carry on.

3rd August 2012, 07:18 AM	#25
WillyWonka Thinker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Great White North Posts: 156	Originally Posted by Wowbagger I agree! I doubt it will happen. But, I am getting pretty tired of the city of Las Vegas... For me, I am getting tired of the South Point hotel, as it is far from the strip. Any possibilities of a better placed hotel? Like the Luxor; a skeptic meeting fighting paranormal issues in a pyramid.

3rd August 2012, 07:48 AM	#26
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Pither Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,264	Originally Posted by WillyWonka For me, I am getting tired of the South Point hotel, as it is far from the strip. Any possibilities of a better placed hotel? Like the Luxor; a skeptic meeting fighting paranormal issues in a pyramid. Sure, if you want to pay more.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

3rd August 2012, 07:57 AM	#27
SkepticScott TAM Volunteer Guy Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: North of Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 2,885	Originally Posted by cornsail I can't tell if you mean stop... I'm rather humor-impaired these days. I meant that I don't think that things like that even posted as a joke don't help the currently volatile issue and requested no one else give ammunition to people who are looking for any chance to keep the issue alive.
	__________________ -- Scott If mho, the unit of conductance, is in units of ¹/_ohm, are IQ and qi similarly inversely related? "I love that you nerds turned a thread about a party into a debate over currency aerodynamics." -- Rebecca

3rd August 2012, 08:01 AM	#28
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,505	Originally Posted by WillyWonka For me, I am getting tired of the South Point hotel, as it is far from the strip. Any possibilities of a better placed hotel? Like the Luxor; a skeptic meeting fighting paranormal issues in a pyramid. A hotel in the center of The Strip would be ideal, (assuming there is actually something left for me to do on it). But, perhaps Luxor is close enough. If everyone is willing to pay for it.
	__________________ WARNING: Phrases in this post may sound meaner than they were intended to be. SkeptiCamp NYC: http://www.skepticampnyc.org/ An open conference on science and skepticism, where *you* could be a presenter! By the way, my first name is NOT Bowerick!!!!

3rd August 2012, 08:10 AM	#29
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,505	Oh, and while we're making fantasy-oriented suggestions, I might as well throw another one on the pile: *Let's rebuild Star Trek: The Experience!!* Let's pick a nice spot (doesn't have to be the LVH), gather our resources, and construct that thing... we can make it better than it was before! We can film new scenes with the actors in front of chroma-key screens at Dragon*Con if we have to! At least one ride to start with. We can worry about installing a second one later. And, of course, we'll need a Quark's-like restaurant and pub and a couple of souvenir stands. As for the History of the Future Museum: Sure, it won't be as big as it was in the original. Most of those props have been sold off to other places. But, I am sure we can manage some sort of nifty display of.... something! Right?! I am sure a few of us have some genuine Star Trek items of interest lying around somewhere. Then we can hang out there at least once a year for all the future TAMs in Vegas! Until we get tired of it.
	__________________ WARNING: Phrases in this post may sound meaner than they were intended to be. SkeptiCamp NYC: http://www.skepticampnyc.org/ An open conference on science and skepticism, where *you* could be a presenter! By the way, my first name is NOT Bowerick!!!!

3rd August 2012, 08:24 AM	#30
Careyp74 Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Trevose, PA Posts: 3,407	Originally Posted by cornsail I can't tell if you mean stop because you interpreted my comment as piggishly sexualizing women or because you interpreted it as a shot at Amy, et al. For the record, I meant it as a pro-boob joke and not an anti-Amy joke. Either way I will stop as requested, because I don't want to turn this thread into an argument! Carry on. I wasn't offended by it, however, I am a male. I can see how many women would get offended by it. A joke like that makes some women feel like the only reason that they are accepted is because they have boobs. Now, if there was a post saying that all guys should go without pants, I wouldn't get offended either, however, there isn't an issue with guys being made inferior to women, so it isn't a valid argument. With all of that being said, I can see how the joke was that to make TAM better for you, having all women go around topless wound be a start. Sure that makes the joke about your one track mind, and not the denigration of women, however, given the first two paragraphs......

3rd August 2012, 08:39 AM	#31
SkepticScott TAM Volunteer Guy Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: North of Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 2,885	Originally Posted by Wowbagger *Let's rebuild Star Trek: The Experience!!* Someone should do that! And this time, let's make sure they sell Starfleet Battles et al. in the gift shop! http://www.starfleetgames.com/
	__________________ -- Scott If mho, the unit of conductance, is in units of ¹/_ohm, are IQ and qi similarly inversely related? "I love that you nerds turned a thread about a party into a debate over currency aerodynamics." -- Rebecca

4th August 2012, 07:51 AM	#32
Calculon Critical Thinker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Hollywood-ish Posts: 294	Comic Con in 2013 will go back to being on the third week in July (July 18-21), so I hope TAM 2013 won't be in conflict. Please please please.
	__________________ “If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting” Jack Handy Robbie Thomas is a stupid conman

4th August 2012, 08:19 AM	#33
WillyWonka Thinker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Great White North Posts: 156	Originally Posted by Calculon Comic Con in 2013 will go back to being on the third week in July (July 18-21), so I hope TAM 2013 won't be in conflict. Please please please. If TAM follows this year' schedule, next year, it should be from July 11 to 14.

4th August 2012, 08:24 AM	#34
WillyWonka Thinker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Great White North Posts: 156	Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos I suggest that we reduce the number of meta-talks about skepticism, religion, and politics, and increase the number of talks about science. I'd also like more talks about psi and other paranormal topics. For example, where is the panel discussion between psi proponents and skeptics? ~~ Paul I wholeheartedly agree with your suggestion.

4th August 2012, 08:33 AM	#35
WillyWonka Thinker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Great White North Posts: 156	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer Sure, if you want to pay more. This year, after TAM, I moved to the Monte Carlo for 4 nights and paid only $50 more. Being on the strip allow people to chose hotels within their price range; example (cheap: Imperial Palace, Tropicana, Luxor, Excalibur), medium (Monte Carlo, NY NY, Bally's), or luxury (Bellagio, Caesar Palace, Venetian). All of them on the bus route or walking distance. One other suggestion would be the Rio; home of Penn & Teller.