As we mentioned previously, our site is now secure.
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TAM9 is almost here!
Since The Amazing Meeting is coming up and I’m local to Las Vegas, I’d thought I’d post some general tips and links. Last year, Eric and I posted some South Point and Las Vegas basics.
Las Vegas cabs and taxis charge $3.00 credit card fees and may charge additional fees for airport trips. Plan accordingly.
Sunscreen and lots of water is how locals survive in the desert. Expect temps of 105 outside and a uv index of 10. Casino temps are a cool 78 Fahrenheit.
I’ve actually come across a $6 fee. You may also have to wait about 20 minutes for a taxi. Read Eric’s entire post for more information on South Point itself. There aren’t many TAM9 basics that are out of the ordinary. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes. And don’t forget the business cards!
I have compiled some maps of Las Vegas near South Point and The Strip. South Point is here:
If you’d like to go to the Rio, for instance, to see Penn & Teller, the cab should be about $30 plus tip. Some cabs will charge $3 to $6 fees just for using a credit card. It is best to bring cash. Also, ATMs on the strip (and most casinos in general) have higher than average withdrawal fees, so keep that in mind as well.
A trip to the south end of the strip (about New York, NY) should be about $25 plus tip.
Go to South Point at Google Places.
While TAM events are casual, Friday and Saturday evenings out to clubs typically require nice dress (i.e., collars, no sneakers). If you’re going to gamble, sign up for a club card. I recommend charging everything to your room. Sometimes, they will comp certain things. The more you gamble or money you spend, the better the chances.
The Del Mar Lounge is the hot spot for skeptics. There’s another lounge on the other end of the hotel that is also a good place. There is also a Del Mar Deli which can be found with other quick bites. Last year, some people got sick after eating at Baja Miguel’s Mexican restaurant. So be careful. Restaurant-wise, there are a few different places to choose from. The Coronado Cafe is all right and has a wide selection.
If you see us be sure to say hi and submit a story afterwards (if you have not already done so).
Hope to see you at TAM9!
We now have a #TAM9 Paper.li paper. So, contribute links with the #tam9 hashtag and read other links to make friends. Eric and I will be at The Amazing Meeting of 2011 again this year. We are Las Vegas locals, so if you have any questions about Vegas or South Point, feel free to leave comments here or contact us. Hope to see you there!
Since there seem to be some problems with the TAM 9 registration page at JREF, we’ve decided to put up a mirror.
Registration
The Amaz!ng Meeting
July 14-17, 2011South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa
9777 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89183Conference Rates
We are happy to say that the regular TAM registration rate remains the same for 2011 as it was for 2010, even as we have increased the number of speakers, workshops and panels on the program. Registration includes admission to all four days of TAM, including the opening reception on Thursday night, the main program Friday and Saturday and Sunday, and the live Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge event Sunday evening. Registration also includes a conference t-shirt and souvenir program; continental breakfast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; catered lunch on Friday and Saturday; and coffee/snack breaks during the conference. TAM registration does not include add-on workshops or evening shows, which are additional.
Starting March 14, 2011, the following EARLY BIRD rates are valid and expire on April 30, 2011:
Regular Registration: $425
JREF Member Registration: $375
Student Registration*: $325
Single Day Registration (Friday or Saturday only): $225
Starting May 1, 2011, the following STANDARD rates will apply, and will expire on June 30, 2011:Regular Registration: $475
JREF Member Registration: $425
Student Registration*: $375
Single Day Registration (Friday or Saturday only): $250
Starting July 1, 2011, the following LATE registration rates will apply, including for walk-up registrations at the conference:Regular Registration: $600
JREF Member Registration: $550
Student Registration*: $500 (if available)
Single Day Registration (Friday or Saturday only): $350
* Only a limited number of Student Registrations are available. Students should email TAM@randi.org with a copy of their current Student ID before claiming the discounted rate.Workshops
Workshops are separately ticketed events held before the main program begins. Workshops are presented all day Thursday and after the main program ends on Sunday. Attendees may register for workshops separately or purchase an All Workshop Pass.
Workshop Registration: $45 per workshop
All Workshop Pass: $100 (Attend any combination of workshops. Note: workshops run concurrently.)
Track A Track B
Thursday 9:00AM Explaining UFOs / Making Your Own UFO Defending Evolution in the Classroom and Beyond
Thursday 11:00AM Investigating Monster Mysteries Defending and Promoting Science-Based Medicine
Thursday 2:00PM Problems in Paranormal Investigation Organizing Skeptics (a.k.a. Hearding Cats)
Thursday 4:00PM Skepticism in the Classroom Advancing Skepticism Online
Sunday 2:30PM Raising Skeptics Spirituality for SkepticsEvening Events
Evening events are separately ticketed and are held after the main program ends on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The Rebecca Watson Game Show and Variety Hour (Thursday 9pm): $20
Paul Provenza presents ¡SATIRISTAS! (Friday 8pm): $40
Penn Jillette’s Private Rock & Roll, Donut and Bacon Party (Friday 11PM): Free. Suggested donation of $20. Proceeds benefit the JREF.
Dinner with the cast of Skeptics Guide to the Universe (Saturday 6:30pm): $75
Max Maven’s Thinking in Person (Saturday 8:30pm): $40The TAM Experience
New this year, The TAM Experience is a complete conference package that includes: (a) full conference registration, (b) the All Workshop Pass, (c) tickets to all evening shows, and (d) VIP seating in all main program sessions and evening shows. The cost of the package is $1000.
VIP Luncheon with James Randi and Friends
Enjoy an intimate catered luncheon with James Randi and other selected TAM speakers. Includes a special gift from the JREF. Tickets for the luncheon are limited to 20 people. The cost of this exclusive event is $1000.
So, there you have it. We will be attending, collecting stories and meeting godless folks. Hope to see you there!
Thomas Jefferson Poster available here. | Benjamin Franklin Poster available here.
More will arrive in the store soon. We will let you know when that happens. 
The Coming out Godless Project is a community of nonbelievers, finding comfort in each other's journey. Here you will find general news as well as updates from behind the scenes of the project.
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