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Chris H · 20th August 2008, 08:21 AM

Hi there,

Considering making the trip to TAM 7. Being in Australia, it's something I have to start thinking about probably earlier than most of you (we're a looooooong way away!). To be honest though, I don't really know much about it, apart from that it sounds like fun. What should I expect?

How long does a normal TAM run?
How much does it cost?
How many people turn up?
What kind of thing happen at TAM (workshops, lectures, inflatable castles

)?
When is the 2009 date likely to be officially announced?
Roughly when do tickets go on sale/bookings start?
Am I likely to be discriminated against for my strange accent and fondness of Vegemite?

I'm going to pick up a couple of the previous TAM DVD's from the JREF store and have a look for myself (anyone care to recommend a particularly good one?), but until then if you think of anything else, I'd love to hear as much info as possible. Thanks everyone!

Cheers,

Chris

Horatius · 20th August 2008, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic

How long does a normal TAM run?

Usually Thursday evening to Sunday noon, but there are unofficial events before and after that a lot of people join in with. Side trips and the like.

Quote:

How much does it cost?
How many people turn up?

Not sure what next year will cost, but this year we had about 900 people there.

Quote:

What kind of thing happen at TAM (workshops, lectures, inflatable castles

)?

The first two for sure, and now that you mentioned it, maybe they'll have the third.

Quote:

When is the 2009 date likely to be officially announced?
Roughly when do tickets go on sale/bookings start?

I believe the date is already set, but don't recall it off hand. Registrations usually start a few months before.

Quote:

Am I likely to be discriminated against for my strange accent and fondness of Vegemite?

Only if you're the only one who forgets to bring the New President his offering of Minties.

Quote:

I'm going to pick up a couple of the previous TAM DVD's from the JREF store and have a look for myself (anyone care to recommend a particularly good one?),

Well, I'm on the TAM5 DVD, so I like that one a lot!

CFLarsen · 20th August 2008, 09:25 AM

Forget about sleep, though. So many things happen that it's a blur.

krelnik · 20th August 2008, 11:37 AM

The dates that were stated at this year's TAM were:

Thursday, July 9, 2009 through Sunday July 12, 2009.

Location is South Point Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

Doubt · 20th August 2008, 12:07 PM

Just to add a few things:

Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic

Hi there,

How many people turn up?

Over 800 at the last one. Gets bigger every year. About half the people each year are noobs. A great many are not forum members.

Quote:

What kind of thing happen at TAM (workshops, lectures, inflatable castles

)?

Well, you have to bring your own inflatable castle if that is what you want. Quality of workshops is quite varies quite a bit. Most of the lectures are good. Some lectures are great, such as the opening one from Dr. Tyson this year. Some you may want to skip.

The best reason for going is meeting all those people you know from the message board. Really, the people you meet are the best thing about it.

Quote:

Am I likely to be discriminated against for my strange accent and fondness of Vegemite?

No. You won't be the first Aussie at TAM. Seems like there are always several of them around. But I do reserve the right to make fun of your Vegemite eating ways.

Quote:

I'm going to pick up a couple of the previous TAM DVD's from the JREF store and have a look for myself (anyone care to recommend a particularly good one?)

Never have seen any of the DVD's myself. Have been to 5 of these things. As I said before, the best part is meeting people and that will not show up on the DVDs.

And I won't help you blow up your inflatable castle.

Chris H · 20th August 2008, 06:13 PM

Thanks everyone! I think this date will tie in quite nicely with my Uni holidays. Can anyone give me a rough idea on how much it costs to attend (excluding the additional costs of travel, accomodation and food obviously)?

Thanks,

Chris

PS. What's a noob?

paperskater · 20th August 2008, 06:21 PM

Noob = Slang for "newbie"

I was one at this year's TAM. It was awesome!

ETA: I mean TAM was awesome, but being a newbie wasn't too bad.

KarlG · 21st August 2008, 04:06 AM

Cost info for the last TAM (TAM 6) (including costs) can be found here . . .

http://www.randi.org/joom/component/...details/did,1/

I seem to recall someone official (Jeff??)* saying that one of the reasons for TAM 7 being at Southpoint was the reduced cost, but i would (personally) be budgetting on last years costs as a rough estimate.

*Please don't take this as truth, some of my memories of TAM are slightly fuzzy. (Free alcohol at the gaming table may be the cause of this)

Chris H · 21st August 2008, 08:18 AM

Thanks Karl. This is a huge help. Thanks also to everyone else who has provided info too. I really appreciate it.

Cheers,

Chris

Michelle Lyon · 3rd September 2008, 01:09 PM

Double post, sorry!

Michelle Lyon · 3rd September 2008, 01:16 PM

Aside from registration prices, I spent $196 on my share of the room rental (shared with four people, four four nights, plus taxes), and another $350 or so on souvenirs, sight-seeing, transit, food, internet access. Oh, and $300 or so in travel expenses (I drove).

If you're a student, there are scholarships to help with the registration costs and, if you're lucky, you may find a sponsor or two on the Forum to help with the other stuff.

You can certainly find roommates on this forum, that's how I found mine. One of them was from Austrailia.

HawaiiBigSis · 4th September 2008, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Horatius

The first two for sure, and now that you mentioned it, maybe they'll have the third.

Put hcmom in charge of activities, and it'll guarantee one!

UnrepentantSinner · 13th September 2008, 12:35 AM

lionking · 13th September 2008, 12:54 AM

Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics.

UnrepentantSinner · 13th September 2008, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by lionking

Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics.

That depends on what you and she would like to do other than TAM and if those things are availible in Vegas or the surrounding area. As someone who doesn't care for Las Vegas, I find TAM sufficient reason to go there and do little else. If there are shows or performers there you want to see. If you want to check out all the different strip hotels and Freemont street. If the Gun Store sounds fun. If you enjoy gambling. If you want to do a Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam trip. Etc. Etc. Then it would be worth it with TAM being a bonus.

Kittyclaws · 13th September 2008, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by lionking

Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics.

It was terribly expensive but seeing 'O' at the Bellagio was an unexpectedly huge plus to being in Vegas. Next year, we're going to 'Ka'. And my daughter wants to see the Chippendale's as she'll turn 18 during TAM7.

If you like Star Trek you must see the Experience at the Hilton and have a drink in Quark's. Again, costly but worth it.

There's tons of free stuff to see in the various casinos. We wandered through all the name shops in Bellagio for hours. I really liked Tiffany's.

GuerillaMagic, the cost of TAM registration and airfare are about the only "set" costs you'll see. Hotels give you their room rate, then mention the "entertainment tax" that gets tacked on. I didn't pay less than $10 for any cab we took and we cabbed everywhere after walking from the Sahara to the Stratosphere the first day in 110F heat. You can only walk outside after dark. Meals varied in cost and value but I rarely got away for less than $30 for two for breako/lunch and often lots more for dinner. Drinks are expensive; skip the fancy-schmancy name drinks, stick with basic standbys, ie: rum & Coke, G & T, etc.

As far as party-planning, I think we're just going to have to take over the bar with the most free-handed pouring bartenders.

I really wish I'd known about the Garden Bar last TAM.

phyz · 13th September 2008, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by lionking

Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics.

Las Vegas is something of an entertainment Mecca. I found at least four shows I would like to have gone to during TAM6. There's always something going on in Vegas.

I didn't go to any of the shows, nor did I do any drinking.

TAM and TAM people were all I needed.

If you've never been to a TAM, that may be difficult to comprehend. After your first TAM, you'll get it.

Chimera · 13th September 2008, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Kittyclaws

If you like Star Trek you must see the Experience at the Hilton and have a drink in Quark's. Again, costly but worth it.

Sorry to tell you, but the Star Trek Experience is no more. It closed September 1st.

Susan Gerbic · 13th September 2008, 10:06 PM

I have been to 3 TAM's. The first two were nice, but the 3rd was amazing. The difference? I joined the forum and got to know some people. I volunteered (and so did my son) at TAM6 and that helped to get comfortable with people also.

I also just decided to have a great time and I just put on my friendly outgoing personality (not my bookish one) and talked to everyone I could. Just walked up to people with nametags and started talking to them, even asked wandering people if they wanted to go to dinner/lunch.

This made all the difference. I showed up a couple days early and brought books and a computer. What a waste of luggage space. I purchased more books at TAM and fell exhausted to bed each night from socializing. I lost my voice for several days after wards. I had a blast, and so did my son.

Susan

Chris H · 14th September 2008, 04:16 AM

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I'm seriously considering making the trip next year. Doesn't look like there are any decent flights onsale yet. Will keep a close eye on my local travel agent.

Thanks!

Chris

nettiemoore · 14th September 2008, 01:59 PM

GuerillaMagic, Air Pacific has flights to Los Angeles available for about $2000 ($1500 plus taxes) for TAM time. I was just looking at them yesterday.

http://www.airpacific.com/

The Central Scrutinizer · 14th September 2008, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by lionking

Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics.

No.

However, the area is well worth visiting. The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, etc, are only a few hours away by car. And they are even more fun if you have a Brazilian hottie in tow.

Chris H · 14th September 2008, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by nettiemoore

GuerillaMagic, Air Pacific has flights to Los Angeles available for about $2000 ($1500 plus taxes) for TAM time. I was just looking at them yesterday.

http://www.airpacific.com/

Thanks! I had seen that on the Flight Centre website. FC are also advertising $1975 with United to LA for sale until March 25, but when I tried to find a similar flight on the United website, they wanted over $3000!! Virgin Australia weren't much better either. Thanks again for the heads up!

Chris

saganite · 14th September 2008, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

No.

However, the area is well worth visiting. The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, etc, are only a few hours away by car. And they are even more fun if you have a Brazilian hottie in tow.

Hey, speak for yourself. The entire city is designed to show adults a good time, so whether or not you enjoy yourself in Vegas really depends on what you consider to be a good time. (I'm in agreement with you about the Brazilian hottie part though, Scrut.)

Hokulele · 14th September 2008, 06:45 PM

Wait, where do we sign up for the Brazilian hottie bit?

saganite · 14th September 2008, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Hokulele

Wait, where do we sign up for the Brazilian hottie bit?

Jinx, Hokolele. You owe me a coke.

Hokulele · 14th September 2008, 06:49 PM

I'll buy you one at TAM.

ETA: I will buy you two if you show up with a Brazilian hottie in tow.

UnrepentantSinner · 14th September 2008, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic

Thanks! I had seen that on the Flight Centre website. FC are also advertising $1975 with United to LA for sale until March 25, but when I tried to find a similar flight on the United website, they wanted over $3000!! Virgin Australia weren't much better either. Thanks again for the heads up!

Holy Guacamole! And here I am thinking $300 round trips where I can't smoke for 4-5 hours are too much of a cost/hassle for me. I am more grateful than ever that our Aussie (et. al.) brothers and sisters have even made it to 1 TAM (I wish I'd been able to meet Zep...).

Originally Posted by Hokulele

ETA: I will buy you two if you show up with a Brazilian hottie in tow.

Just to clarify, you guys are talking about Luciana, not, say Corea Neto right?

rustypouch · 14th September 2008, 09:15 PM

You should also expect to buy poor Canadians many drinks.

The Central Scrutinizer · 15th September 2008, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by saganite

Hey, speak for yourself. The entire city is designed to show adults a good time, so whether or not you enjoy yourself in Vegas really depends on what you consider to be a good time. (I'm in agreement with you about the Brazilian hottie part though, Scrut.)

Well, I supoose that it true. There are lots of great shows and good food. But overall, I find it to be a depressing place.

Dicon · 15th September 2008, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

Well, I supoose that it true. There are lots of great shows and good food. But overall, I find it to be a depressing place.

Did you learn nothing from the marine iguanas in the Galapagos? If you are not happy with something, simply snort salt water out of your nose at your offending target. This should work wonders with blackjack dealers.

The Central Scrutinizer · 15th September 2008, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Desktop Icon

Did you learn nothing from the marine iguanas in the Galapagos? If you are not happy with something, simply snort salt water out of your nose at your offending target. This should work wonders with blackjack dealers.

And Rebecca.

BillC · 15th September 2008, 03:08 PM

Rebecca snorts salt water out of her nostrils? I missed that trick.

Boo · 15th September 2008, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by BillC

Rebecca snorts salt water out of her nostrils? I missed that trick.

Only when Scrut is near and it was more like the iguana that violently ejected the salt water in copious amounts orally that best describes her response to Scrut's nearness.

Boo

Chris H · 15th September 2008, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by UnrepentantSinner

Holy Guacamole! And here I am thinking $300 round trips where I can't smoke for 4-5 hours are too much of a cost/hassle for me. I am more grateful than ever that our Aussie (et. al.) brothers and sisters have even made it to 1 TAM (I wish I'd been able to meet Zep...).

My girlfriend and I have a theory that travel out of Australia is so expensive because we don't have a choice! I paid $2300 AU (approx $1800 US) to fly from Melbourne to London (return) earlier this year. Whilst we were there we saw return flights to Australia advertised for ₤500 (approx $900 US). I imagine the Australian tourism companies in America and Europe have to compete with places like Hawaii and Greece for tourists. Australia is advertised as this beautiful, sunny place where everyone spends 24 hours a day at the beach (we don't). When you're advertising in countries that have got beaches and islands just as gorgeous right next door, I guess there has to be some trade off to get people on a plane for 24 hours.

I think travel within Oz is fairly expensive too, in comparison. I paid ₤20 ($35 US) to fly from London to Dublin in April. For an hour flight between Melbourne and Sydney, I'd pay around $120 AU ($95 US).

Regardless, I've always wanted to go Vegas, and I'm saving hard to get the coin together for TAM 2009. Can't wait!

Cheers,

Chris

nettiemoore · 15th September 2008, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic

Australia is advertised as this beautiful, sunny place where everyone spends 24 hours a day at the beach (we don't).

You mean people from Melbourne don't ...

saganite · 15th September 2008, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic

Regardless, I've always wanted to go Vegas, and I'm saving hard to get the coin together for TAM 2009. Can't wait!

Cheers,

Chris

Yay! Bring your girlfriend too. Bonus points if she's a Brazilian hottie.

arthwollipot · 15th September 2008, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by CFLarsen

Forget about sleep, though. So many things happen that it's a blur.

Personally I'm planning on sleeping on the plane home.

I'm planning a TAM trip next year too. I gave up smoking so that I could afford it. I'm going to try and do the flights on Qantas Frequent Flyer (I don't frequently fly but my partner does and we can transfer the points) and I will be applying for the TAM Scholarship to cover the registration, and hopefully sharing accomodation with someone. In this way I hope to have only incidental expenses to worry about.

KarlG · 16th September 2008, 04:31 AM

Oh and by the way, make sure you take a little extra cash to cover the excess weight cost of your luggage on the way back. I bought so many books that i had to pay $50 as my case was so far over the weight limit

arthwollipot · 16th September 2008, 04:54 AM

Originally Posted by KarlG

Oh and by the way, make sure you take a little extra cash to cover the excess weight cost of your luggage on the way back. I bought so many books that i had to pay $50 as my case was so far over the weight limit

I'm actually more likely to take a pile of books over to get signed...

20th August 2008, 08:21 AM	#1
Chris H Magician Among Spirits Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 846	TAM 7 - What to expect... Hi there, Considering making the trip to TAM 7. Being in Australia, it's something I have to start thinking about probably earlier than most of you (we're a looooooong way away!). To be honest though, I don't really know much about it, apart from that it sounds like fun. What should I expect? How long does a normal TAM run? How much does it cost? How many people turn up? What kind of thing happen at TAM (workshops, lectures, inflatable castles )? When is the 2009 date likely to be officially announced? Roughly when do tickets go on sale/bookings start? Am I likely to be discriminated against for my strange accent and fondness of Vegemite? I'm going to pick up a couple of the previous TAM DVD's from the JREF store and have a look for myself (anyone care to recommend a particularly good one?), but until then if you think of anything else, I'd love to hear as much info as possible. Thanks everyone! Cheers, Chris

20th August 2008, 09:20 AM	#2
Horatius NWO Kitty Wrangler Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada Posts: 22,028	Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic How long does a normal TAM run? Usually Thursday evening to Sunday noon, but there are unofficial events before and after that a lot of people join in with. Side trips and the like. Quote: How much does it cost? How many people turn up? Not sure what next year will cost, but this year we had about 900 people there. Quote: What kind of thing happen at TAM (workshops, lectures, inflatable castles )? The first two for sure, and now that you mentioned it, maybe they'll have the third. Quote: When is the 2009 date likely to be officially announced? Roughly when do tickets go on sale/bookings start? I believe the date is already set, but don't recall it off hand. Registrations usually start a few months before. Quote: Am I likely to be discriminated against for my strange accent and fondness of Vegemite? Only if you're the only one who forgets to bring the New President his offering of Minties. Quote: I'm going to pick up a couple of the previous TAM DVD's from the JREF store and have a look for myself (anyone care to recommend a particularly good one?), Well, I'm on the TAM5 DVD, so I like that one a lot!
	__________________ Obviously, that means cats are indeed evil and that ownership or display of a feline is an overt declaration of one's affiliation with dark forces. - Cl1mh4224rd

20th August 2008, 09:25 AM	#3
CFLarsen Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 42,804	Forget about sleep, though. So many things happen that it's a blur.
	__________________ SkepticReport.com

20th August 2008, 11:37 AM	#4
krelnik Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,189	The dates that were stated at this year's TAM were: Thursday, July 9, 2009 through Sunday July 12, 2009. Location is South Point Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
	__________________ 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

20th August 2008, 12:07 PM	#5
Doubt Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 5,480	Just to add a few things: Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic Hi there, How many people turn up? Over 800 at the last one. Gets bigger every year. About half the people each year are noobs. A great many are not forum members. Quote: What kind of thing happen at TAM (workshops, lectures, inflatable castles )? Well, you have to bring your own inflatable castle if that is what you want. Quality of workshops is quite varies quite a bit. Most of the lectures are good. Some lectures are great, such as the opening one from Dr. Tyson this year. Some you may want to skip. The best reason for going is meeting all those people you know from the message board. Really, the people you meet are the best thing about it. Quote: Am I likely to be discriminated against for my strange accent and fondness of Vegemite? No. You won't be the first Aussie at TAM. Seems like there are always several of them around. But I do reserve the right to make fun of your Vegemite eating ways. Quote: I'm going to pick up a couple of the previous TAM DVD's from the JREF store and have a look for myself (anyone care to recommend a particularly good one?) Never have seen any of the DVD's myself. Have been to 5 of these things. As I said before, the best part is meeting people and that will not show up on the DVDs. And I won't help you blow up your inflatable castle.
Doubt Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 5,480	__________________ Doubt world tour locations: Mostly home for now. No international travel scheduled other than the Galapagos trip in March. Disclaimer: Not a high energy scientist!

20th August 2008, 06:13 PM	#6
Chris H Magician Among Spirits Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 846	Thanks everyone! I think this date will tie in quite nicely with my Uni holidays. Can anyone give me a rough idea on how much it costs to attend (excluding the additional costs of travel, accomodation and food obviously)? Thanks, Chris PS. What's a noob?

20th August 2008, 06:21 PM	#7
paperskater Master Poster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Down the rabbit hole. Posts: 2,443	Noob = Slang for "newbie" I was one at this year's TAM. It was awesome! ETA: I mean TAM was awesome, but being a newbie wasn't too bad.
	__________________ Susie Facebook (Please let me know who you are!) - Twitter --- Makes Me Think "I think most of us would be horrified to meet ourselves and discover what everyone else already knows about us." - Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes Last edited by paperskater; 20th August 2008 at 06:31 PM.

21st August 2008, 04:06 AM	#8
KarlG Critical Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cumbria, UK Posts: 484	Cost info for the last TAM (TAM 6) (including costs) can be found here . . . http://www.randi.org/joom/component/...details/did,1/ I seem to recall someone official (Jeff??)* saying that one of the reasons for TAM 7 being at Southpoint was the reduced cost, but i would (personally) be budgetting on last years costs as a rough estimate. *Please don't take this as truth, some of my memories of TAM are slightly fuzzy. (Free alcohol at the gaming table may be the cause of this)
	__________________ “If God wanted us to believe in him, he’d exist.” ~ Linda Smith. Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad Last edited by KarlG; 21st August 2008 at 04:10 AM.

21st August 2008, 08:18 AM	#9
Chris H Magician Among Spirits Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 846	Thanks Karl. This is a huge help. Thanks also to everyone else who has provided info too. I really appreciate it. Cheers, Chris

3rd September 2008, 01:09 PM	#10
Michelle Lyon Muse Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 566	Double post, sorry!
	__________________ "There are jokes you can tell here that are not funny anywhere else in the world." ~Hal Bidlack at TAM6 "I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe." ~Steven Wright Last edited by Michelle Lyon; 3rd September 2008 at 01:17 PM.

3rd September 2008, 01:16 PM	#11
Michelle Lyon Muse Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 566	Aside from registration prices, I spent $196 on my share of the room rental (shared with four people, four four nights, plus taxes), and another $350 or so on souvenirs, sight-seeing, transit, food, internet access. Oh, and $300 or so in travel expenses (I drove). If you're a student, there are scholarships to help with the registration costs and, if you're lucky, you may find a sponsor or two on the Forum to help with the other stuff. You can certainly find roommates on this forum, that's how I found mine. One of them was from Austrailia.
	__________________ "There are jokes you can tell here that are not funny anywhere else in the world." ~Hal Bidlack at TAM6 "I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe." ~Steven Wright

4th September 2008, 01:46 PM	#12
HawaiiBigSis List Management Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Under the rainbow Posts: 5,071	Originally Posted by Horatius The first two for sure, and now that you mentioned it, maybe they'll have the third. Put hcmom in charge of activities, and it'll guarantee one!
	__________________ The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also. - Mark Twain

13th September 2008, 12:35 AM	#13
UnrepentantSinner A post by Alan Smithee Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: USAian is not a word Posts: 26,439
	__________________ 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.

13th September 2008, 12:54 AM	#14
lionking In the Peanut Gallery Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 29,983	Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics.
	__________________ A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject. Sir Winston Churchill

13th September 2008, 01:07 AM	#15
UnrepentantSinner A post by Alan Smithee Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: USAian is not a word Posts: 26,439	Originally Posted by lionking Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics. That depends on what you and she would like to do other than TAM and if those things are availible in Vegas or the surrounding area. As someone who doesn't care for Las Vegas, I find TAM sufficient reason to go there and do little else. If there are shows or performers there you want to see. If you want to check out all the different strip hotels and Freemont street. If the Gun Store sounds fun. If you enjoy gambling. If you want to do a Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam trip. Etc. Etc. Then it would be worth it with TAM being a bonus.
	__________________ 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.

13th September 2008, 02:02 PM	#16
Kittyclaws Muse Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bellingham, WA, City of Subdued Excitement Posts: 786	Originally Posted by lionking Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics. It was terribly expensive but seeing 'O' at the Bellagio was an unexpectedly huge plus to being in Vegas. Next year, we're going to 'Ka'. And my daughter wants to see the Chippendale's as she'll turn 18 during TAM7. If you like Star Trek you must see the Experience at the Hilton and have a drink in Quark's. Again, costly but worth it. There's tons of free stuff to see in the various casinos. We wandered through all the name shops in Bellagio for hours. I really liked Tiffany's. GuerillaMagic, the cost of TAM registration and airfare are about the only "set" costs you'll see. Hotels give you their room rate, then mention the "entertainment tax" that gets tacked on. I didn't pay less than $10 for any cab we took and we cabbed everywhere after walking from the Sahara to the Stratosphere the first day in 110F heat. You can only walk outside after dark. Meals varied in cost and value but I rarely got away for less than $30 for two for breako/lunch and often lots more for dinner. Drinks are expensive; skip the fancy-schmancy name drinks, stick with basic standbys, ie: rum & Coke, G & T, etc. As far as party-planning, I think we're just going to have to take over the bar with the most free-handed pouring bartenders. I really wish I'd known about the Garden Bar last TAM.

13th September 2008, 02:24 PM	#17
phyz Muse Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 969	Originally Posted by lionking Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics. Las Vegas is something of an entertainment Mecca. I found at least four shows I would like to have gone to during TAM6. There's always something going on in Vegas. I didn't go to any of the shows, nor did I do any drinking. TAM and TAM people were all I needed. If you've never been to a TAM, that may be difficult to comprehend. After your first TAM, you'll get it.
	__________________ Dean Baird Phyz Home Page - The Blog of Phyz - Images, Photographs, and Pix Only dead fish go with the flow.

13th September 2008, 08:24 PM	#18
Chimera Mind Fetishist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southwestern US Posts: 394	Originally Posted by Kittyclaws If you like Star Trek you must see the Experience at the Hilton and have a drink in Quark's. Again, costly but worth it. Sorry to tell you, but the Star Trek Experience is no more. It closed September 1st.
	__________________ "6,000 years ago, God created a 4-billion-year-old Earth. He can totally do that!"--Aggle-rithm "I always thought 'respect' meant 'don't let on how ridiculous you think other people are'."--Tragic Monkey

13th September 2008, 10:06 PM	#19
Susan Gerbic Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Salinas Posts: 1,521	I have been to 3 TAM's. The first two were nice, but the 3rd was amazing. The difference? I joined the forum and got to know some people. I volunteered (and so did my son) at TAM6 and that helped to get comfortable with people also. I also just decided to have a great time and I just put on my friendly outgoing personality (not my bookish one) and talked to everyone I could. Just walked up to people with nametags and started talking to them, even asked wandering people if they wanted to go to dinner/lunch. This made all the difference. I showed up a couple days early and brought books and a computer. What a waste of luggage space. I purchased more books at TAM and fell exhausted to bed each night from socializing. I lost my voice for several days after wards. I had a blast, and so did my son. Susan
	__________________ Quit Complaining and Get Active! formerly known as sgf8

14th September 2008, 04:16 AM	#20
Chris H Magician Among Spirits Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 846	Thanks to everyone for their advice. I'm seriously considering making the trip next year. Doesn't look like there are any decent flights onsale yet. Will keep a close eye on my local travel agent. Thanks! Chris

14th September 2008, 01:59 PM	#21
nettiemoore Thinker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 163	GuerillaMagic, Air Pacific has flights to Los Angeles available for about $2000 ($1500 plus taxes) for TAM time. I was just looking at them yesterday. http://www.airpacific.com/

14th September 2008, 02:32 PM	#22
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,573	Originally Posted by lionking Serious question. Is Las Vegas worth visiting if not for TAM? I hold hopes of attending, but the only chance I have is to convince the missus that there would be more to the trip than ~~drinking~~ meeting with fellow skeptics. No. However, the area is well worth visiting. The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, etc, are only a few hours away by car. And they are even more fun if you have a Brazilian hottie in tow.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him. Last edited by The Central Scrutinizer; 14th September 2008 at 02:35 PM.

14th September 2008, 06:35 PM	#23
Chris H Magician Among Spirits Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 846	Originally Posted by nettiemoore GuerillaMagic, Air Pacific has flights to Los Angeles available for about $2000 ($1500 plus taxes) for TAM time. I was just looking at them yesterday. http://www.airpacific.com/ Thanks! I had seen that on the Flight Centre website. FC are also advertising $1975 with United to LA for sale until March 25, but when I tried to find a similar flight on the United website, they wanted over $3000!! Virgin Australia weren't much better either. Thanks again for the heads up! Chris

14th September 2008, 06:43 PM	#24
saganite Black-and-white Cat-foot Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,332	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer No. However, the area is well worth visiting. The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, etc, are only a few hours away by car. And they are even more fun if you have a Brazilian hottie in tow. Hey, speak for yourself. The entire city is designed to show adults a good time, so whether or not you enjoy yourself in Vegas really depends on what you consider to be a good time. (I'm in agreement with you about the Brazilian hottie part though, Scrut.)
	__________________ "Live every week like it's Shark Week." -- Tracy Jordan

14th September 2008, 06:45 PM	#25
Hokulele Official Nemesis Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Trying to decide whether to set defenses against an army, or against mole rats. Posts: 27,347	Wait, where do we sign up for the Brazilian hottie bit?
	__________________ Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" Some person: "Why did you shoot that?" Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" - Tragic Monkey

14th September 2008, 06:46 PM	#26
saganite Black-and-white Cat-foot Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,332	Originally Posted by Hokulele Wait, where do we sign up for the Brazilian hottie bit? Jinx, Hokolele. You owe me a coke.
	__________________ "Live every week like it's Shark Week." -- Tracy Jordan

14th September 2008, 06:49 PM	#27
Hokulele Official Nemesis Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Trying to decide whether to set defenses against an army, or against mole rats. Posts: 27,347	I'll buy you one at TAM. ETA: I will buy you two if you show up with a Brazilian hottie in tow.
	__________________ Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" Some person: "Why did you shoot that?" Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" - Tragic Monkey

14th September 2008, 08:22 PM	#28
UnrepentantSinner A post by Alan Smithee Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: USAian is not a word Posts: 26,439	Originally Posted by GuerrillaMagic Thanks! I had seen that on the Flight Centre website. FC are also advertising $1975 with United to LA for sale until March 25, but when I tried to find a similar flight on the United website, they wanted over $3000!! Virgin Australia weren't much better either. Thanks again for the heads up! Holy Guacamole! And here I am thinking $300 round trips where I can't smoke for 4-5 hours are too much of a cost/hassle for me. I am more grateful than ever that our Aussie (et. al.) brothers and sisters have even made it to 1 TAM (I wish I'd been able to meet Zep...). Originally Posted by Hokulele ETA: I will buy you two if you show up with a Brazilian hottie in tow. Just to clarify, you guys are talking about Luciana, not, say Corea Neto right?
	__________________ 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.

14th September 2008, 09:15 PM	#29
rustypouch Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Belfort Posts: 5,182	You should also expect to buy poor Canadians many drinks.

15th September 2008, 07:49 AM	#30
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,573	Originally Posted by saganite Hey, speak for yourself. The entire city is designed to show adults a good time, so whether or not you enjoy yourself in Vegas really depends on what you consider to be a good time. (I'm in agreement with you about the Brazilian hottie part though, Scrut.) Well, I supoose that it true. There are lots of great shows and good food. But overall, I find it to be a depressing place.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

15th September 2008, 12:32 PM	#31
Dicon is not a radish Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grumpy in Seattle Posts: 2,974	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer Well, I supoose that it true. There are lots of great shows and good food. But overall, I find it to be a depressing place. Did you learn nothing from the marine iguanas in the Galapagos? If you are not happy with something, simply snort salt water out of your nose at your offending target. This should work wonders with blackjack dealers.

15th September 2008, 01:31 PM	#32
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,573	Originally Posted by Desktop Icon Did you learn nothing from the marine iguanas in the Galapagos? If you are not happy with something, simply snort salt water out of your nose at your offending target. This should work wonders with blackjack dealers. And Rebecca.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

15th September 2008, 03:08 PM	#33
BillC Bazooka Joe Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,035	Rebecca snorts salt water out of her nostrils? I missed that trick.
BillC Bazooka Joe Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,035	__________________ "Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?" - Douglas Adams "If homeopathy works, then obviously the less you use it, the stronger it gets. So the best way to apply homeopathy is to not use it at all." - Phil Plait Do you want to know about Sylvia Browne?

15th September 2008, 03:24 PM	#34
Boo ts Join Date: May 2003 Location: state of chaos Posts: 3,743	Originally Posted by BillC Rebecca snorts salt water out of her nostrils? I missed that trick. Only when Scrut is near and it was more like the iguana that violently ejected the salt water in copious amounts orally that best describes her response to Scrut's nearness. Boo
	__________________ Wounds heal. Morally Obtuse. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

15th September 2008, 06:42 PM	#35
Chris H Magician Among Spirits Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 846	Originally Posted by UnrepentantSinner Holy Guacamole! And here I am thinking $300 round trips where I can't smoke for 4-5 hours are too much of a cost/hassle for me. I am more grateful than ever that our Aussie (et. al.) brothers and sisters have even made it to 1 TAM (I wish I'd been able to meet Zep...). My girlfriend and I have a theory that travel out of Australia is so expensive because we don't have a choice! I paid $2300 AU (approx $1800 US) to fly from Melbourne to London (return) earlier this year. Whilst we were there we saw return flights to Australia advertised for ₤500 (approx $900 US). I imagine the Australian tourism companies in America and Europe have to compete with places like Hawaii and Greece for tourists. Australia is advertised as this beautiful, sunny place where everyone spends 24 hours a day at the beach (we don't). When you're advertising in countries that have got beaches and islands just as gorgeous right next door, I guess there has to be some trade off to get people on a plane for 24 hours. I think travel within Oz is fairly expensive too, in comparison. I paid ₤20 ($35 US) to fly from London to Dublin in April. For an hour flight between Melbourne and Sydney, I'd pay around $120 AU ($95 US). Regardless, I've always wanted to go Vegas, and I'm saving hard to get the coin together for TAM 2009. Can't wait! Cheers, Chris
	__________________ MELBOURNE SKEPTICS Promoting critical thinking and skeptical activism in Melbourne, across Australia and around the globe. http://www.melbourneskeptics.com.au \| http://www.facebook.com/melbourneskeptics \| http://www.twitter.com/melbskeptics