Skeptics in the Pub - ATLANTA!!!

Cleon · 31st January 2008, 03:17 PM

That's right, folks, Atlanta is finally having its very own Skeptics in the Pub event!

Preparations are under way for DragonCon; in years past, the Skeptics panels have been so successful, that this year there's going to be an entire Skeptic programming track. Headlining the track is one James Randi, and we're also looking forward to participation from Michael Shermer, Phil Plait, and others.

At TAM 5.5, a number of us Southern skeptic-types talked it over and decided that a good way to celebrate the Skeptic Track would be to make DragonCon our very own mini-TAM; a TAM 6.25, if you will. We're hoping to get JREFers from all over the South (and maybe a few Yankees as well

) to come down and enjoy the festivities with us.

So for our first Skeptics in the Pub, Skeptic Track Director and Skepticality co-host Derek will be joining us to talk about the planning for DragonCon, and how we can get involved.

Saturday, February 23
3:30 p.m.
North Avenue Room
Manuel's Tavern
(at the corner of North and Highland Ave.)

There will be much rejoicing.

ottle · 1st February 2008, 07:27 AM

There will be ottles present.

krelnik · 1st February 2008, 11:04 PM

I'll be there.

Radwaste · 2nd February 2008, 03:02 PM

Sad to say, I won't be able to meet you fine people on 2/23, but as I already have tickets to Dragoncon, I will be delighted to see you - and of course, the Amaz!ng Randi - there.

For those of you who haven't attended Dragoncon before, make sure you a) get tickets, online, early, b) read the online schedule and plan ahead, c) reserve a hotel room NOW, and d) prepare your schedule so you can see at least part of each gallery of artists and performers. Vendors and personalities have fixed hours, among which are peppered the presentations of people you must see, like Randi. ALL of the ballrooms and convention halls will be at capacity, so even though it's a short walk between them, it can be tough to get there for consecutive shows - especially with all the distractions in the halls (some professional costumers are regulars). All the regulars can help you out. One of the best things about the bunch that shows up is that no matter what you look like (so long as you've bathed), you're automatically greeted, and you can get directions and help from anyone. It's four days of continuous fun, if you can stand crowds.

Bring cash and credit. Some of the original artwork present goes for thousands of dollars, and just the t-shirt shops can strain your wallet.

40 thousand attended last year, with a peak of ~33K at one time. If I don't see you there, I'll say I did.

remirol · 2nd February 2008, 03:06 PM

Zog show up!

juryjone · 5th February 2008, 10:53 AM

I'm not a DragonCon type of guy. However, I am a pub type of guy, so I will plan on attending the 23rd. We'll have to see how that goes, however.

Which allows me to plug the reason I might be doing something else that Saturday. I am woefully miscast as a romantic Italian movie star (due to my Nordic features) in a production of Sweet Charity, presented by Arcado Community Theater at Shiloh High School in Snellville on March 7 - 9. Nothing skeptical here, just good fun.

Cleon · 5th February 2008, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by juryjone

I'm not a DragonCon type of guy. However, I am a pub type of guy, so I will plan on attending the 23rd. We'll have to see how that goes, however.

Which allows me to plug the reason I might be doing something else that Saturday. I am woefully miscast as a romantic Italian movie star (due to my Nordic features) in a production of Sweet Charity, presented by Arcado Community Theater at Shiloh High School in Snellville on March 7 - 9. Nothing skeptical here, just good fun.

We have to be out of there by 7:30, and I really don't see us going later than 6, so unless your show is a matinee you should be good to go.

(I do some community theater myself; we ought to talk sometime.)

juryjone · 5th February 2008, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Cleon

We have to be out of there by 7:30, and I really don't see us going later than 6, so unless your show is a matinee you should be good to go.

(I do some community theater myself; we ought to talk sometime.)

The performance isn't until March 7-9; the 23rd may be used for set building.

With some luck I'll be there, and we can trade war stories. I'd like to get involved with other theaters in the area.

KateHL · 13th February 2008, 01:11 PM

Shoot, this is coming up soon. I'll try to make it if I can since Atlanta is only 5 hours away. Are there any plans for Atlanta after this date if this goes well?

Cleon · 13th February 2008, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by KateHW

Shoot, this is coming up soon. I'll try to make it if I can since Atlanta is only 5 hours away. Are there any plans for Atlanta after this date if this goes well?

Not as yet, but we'll probably discuss future events there.

Also, keep in mind that a lot of this is going to be prepping for TAM 6.25 - aka DragonCon.

ottle · 21st February 2008, 10:27 AM

This Weekend! Be There Or Be Octagonal!

skepticality · 23rd February 2008, 10:24 AM

Whoa...

This is now today!

See ya'll there!

chigh · 7th March 2008, 01:49 PM

I hate that I missed this. Another one soon?

skepticality · 8th March 2008, 11:03 AM

We all agreed to try to do it once a month at the same location.

Cleon said he was going to try to book the room for us, so stay tuned...

Reager · 13th March 2008, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by skepticality

We all agreed to try to do it once a month at the same location.

Cleon said he was going to try to book the room for us, so stay tuned...

Rebecca is utilizing both Skeptics in the Pub and Drinking Skeptically for her event. The way I see it, although they are slightly different concepts, it's only good a good thing to build both brands. Let me know if you guys are interested in doing the same.

Cleon · 13th March 2008, 09:53 AM

"Brand name" is not something we're really looking at; we're just trying to have a regular get-together and talk Skeptic stuff.

I will be reserving the room as soon as I get a chance. Work's been kicking my butt, and I recently had a fairly significant medical scare, so things are a little busy right now.

skepticality · 14th March 2008, 03:19 AM

Let me know when your butt gets un-kicked!

sadluxation · 27th March 2008, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Reager

Rebecca is utilizing both Skeptics in the Pub and Drinking Skeptically for her event. The way I see it, although they are slightly different concepts, it's only good a good thing to build both brands. Let me know if you guys are interested in doing the same.

Didn't know they were different brands. I thought they were both Skeptical get-togethers of the highest order.

Reager · 27th March 2008, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by sadluxation

...I thought they were both Skeptical get-togethers of the highest order.

Well that is certainly true!

Reager · 27th March 2008, 08:40 AM

Douple post.

Reager · 27th March 2008, 08:50 AM

Tripple post.

31st January 2008, 03:17 PM	#1
Cleon King of the Pod People Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 25,585	Skeptics in the Pub - ATLANTA!!! That's right, folks, Atlanta is finally having its very own Skeptics in the Pub event! Preparations are under way for DragonCon; in years past, the Skeptics panels have been so successful, that this year there's going to be an entire Skeptic programming track. Headlining the track is one James Randi, and we're also looking forward to participation from Michael Shermer, Phil Plait, and others. At TAM 5.5, a number of us Southern skeptic-types talked it over and decided that a good way to celebrate the Skeptic Track would be to make DragonCon our very own mini-TAM; a TAM 6.25, if you will. We're hoping to get JREFers from all over the South (and maybe a few Yankees as well ) to come down and enjoy the festivities with us. So for our first Skeptics in the Pub, Skeptic Track Director and Skepticality co-host Derek will be joining us to talk about the planning for DragonCon, and how we can get involved. Saturday, February 23 3:30 p.m. North Avenue Room Manuel's Tavern (at the corner of North and Highland Ave.) There will be much rejoicing.
	__________________ "People like me are what stand between us and Auschwitz." - Newt Gingrich Last edited by Cleon; 31st January 2008 at 03:18 PM.

1st February 2008, 07:27 AM	#2
ottle Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 517	There will be ottles present.
ottle Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 517	__________________ a.k.a Masala Skeptic http://www.skepchick.org "There is a rumour going around that I have found God. I think this is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist." -- Terry Pratchett

1st February 2008, 11:04 PM	#3
krelnik Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,544	I'll be there.
	__________________ 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

2nd February 2008, 03:02 PM	#4
Radwaste New Blood Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 14	Sad to say, I won't be able to meet you fine people on 2/23, but as I already have tickets to Dragoncon, I will be delighted to see you - and of course, the Amaz!ng Randi - there. For those of you who haven't attended Dragoncon before, make sure you a) get tickets, online, early, b) read the online schedule and plan ahead, c) reserve a hotel room NOW, and d) prepare your schedule so you can see at least part of each gallery of artists and performers. Vendors and personalities have fixed hours, among which are peppered the presentations of people you must see, like Randi. ALL of the ballrooms and convention halls will be at capacity, so even though it's a short walk between them, it can be tough to get there for consecutive shows - especially with all the distractions in the halls (some professional costumers are regulars). All the regulars can help you out. One of the best things about the bunch that shows up is that no matter what you look like (so long as you've bathed), you're automatically greeted, and you can get directions and help from anyone. It's four days of continuous fun, if you can stand crowds. Bring cash and credit. Some of the original artwork present goes for thousands of dollars, and just the t-shirt shops can strain your wallet. 40 thousand attended last year, with a peak of ~33K at one time. If I don't see you there, I'll say I did.
Radwaste New Blood Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 14	__________________ I have nothing new to say, but I can rearrange and expose things to get you to think about them. If you're looking for inspiration, you should look everywhere. A good place is http://www.cruxshadows.com/ .

2nd February 2008, 03:06 PM	#5
remirol Senior Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 8,089	Zog show up!
remirol Senior Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 8,089

5th February 2008, 10:53 AM	#6
juryjone Refusing to be confused by facts Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 879	I'm not a DragonCon type of guy. However, I am a pub type of guy, so I will plan on attending the 23rd. We'll have to see how that goes, however. Which allows me to plug the reason I might be doing something else that Saturday. I am woefully miscast as a romantic Italian movie star (due to my Nordic features) in a production of Sweet Charity, presented by Arcado Community Theater at Shiloh High School in Snellville on March 7 - 9. Nothing skeptical here, just good fun.
	__________________ "Humanity is slipping into the void of ignorance while you cheer and wave." - Tirdun, in reference to geggy and the 9/11 conspiracy theorists

5th February 2008, 11:01 AM	#7
Cleon King of the Pod People Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 25,585	Originally Posted by juryjone I'm not a DragonCon type of guy. However, I am a pub type of guy, so I will plan on attending the 23rd. We'll have to see how that goes, however. Which allows me to plug the reason I might be doing something else that Saturday. I am woefully miscast as a romantic Italian movie star (due to my Nordic features) in a production of Sweet Charity, presented by Arcado Community Theater at Shiloh High School in Snellville on March 7 - 9. Nothing skeptical here, just good fun. We have to be out of there by 7:30, and I really don't see us going later than 6, so unless your show is a matinee you should be good to go. (I do some community theater myself; we ought to talk sometime.)
	__________________ "People like me are what stand between us and Auschwitz." - Newt Gingrich

5th February 2008, 01:45 PM	#8
juryjone Refusing to be confused by facts Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 879	Originally Posted by Cleon We have to be out of there by 7:30, and I really don't see us going later than 6, so unless your show is a matinee you should be good to go. (I do some community theater myself; we ought to talk sometime.) The performance isn't until March 7-9; the 23rd may be used for set building. With some luck I'll be there, and we can trade war stories. I'd like to get involved with other theaters in the area.
	__________________ "Humanity is slipping into the void of ignorance while you cheer and wave." - Tirdun, in reference to geggy and the 9/11 conspiracy theorists

13th February 2008, 01:11 PM	#9
KateHL Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,822	Shoot, this is coming up soon. I'll try to make it if I can since Atlanta is only 5 hours away. Are there any plans for Atlanta after this date if this goes well?
KateHL Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,822

13th February 2008, 01:55 PM	#10
Cleon King of the Pod People Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 25,585	Originally Posted by KateHW Shoot, this is coming up soon. I'll try to make it if I can since Atlanta is only 5 hours away. Are there any plans for Atlanta after this date if this goes well? Not as yet, but we'll probably discuss future events there. Also, keep in mind that a lot of this is going to be prepping for TAM 6.25 - aka DragonCon.
	__________________ "People like me are what stand between us and Auschwitz." - Newt Gingrich

21st February 2008, 10:27 AM	#11
ottle Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 517	This Weekend! Be There Or Be Octagonal!
ottle Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 517	__________________ a.k.a Masala Skeptic http://www.skepchick.org "There is a rumour going around that I have found God. I think this is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist." -- Terry Pratchett

23rd February 2008, 10:24 AM	#12
skepticality Critical Thinker Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 460	Whoa... This is now today! See ya'll there!
	__________________ Derek Colanduno host - skepticality! podcast http://www.skepticality.com/

7th March 2008, 01:49 PM	#13
chigh New Blood Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2	I hate that I missed this. Another one soon?
chigh New Blood Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2

8th March 2008, 11:03 AM	#14
skepticality Critical Thinker Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 460	We all agreed to try to do it once a month at the same location. Cleon said he was going to try to book the room for us, so stay tuned...
	__________________ Derek Colanduno host - skepticality! podcast http://www.skepticality.com/

13th March 2008, 09:43 AM	#15
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661	Originally Posted by skepticality We all agreed to try to do it once a month at the same location. Cleon said he was going to try to book the room for us, so stay tuned... Rebecca is utilizing both Skeptics in the Pub and Drinking Skeptically for her event. The way I see it, although they are slightly different concepts, it's only good a good thing to build both brands. Let me know if you guys are interested in doing the same.
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661

13th March 2008, 09:53 AM	#16
Cleon King of the Pod People Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 25,585	"Brand name" is not something we're really looking at; we're just trying to have a regular get-together and talk Skeptic stuff. I will be reserving the room as soon as I get a chance. Work's been kicking my butt, and I recently had a fairly significant medical scare, so things are a little busy right now.
	__________________ "People like me are what stand between us and Auschwitz." - Newt Gingrich

14th March 2008, 03:19 AM	#17
skepticality Critical Thinker Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 460	Let me know when your butt gets un-kicked!
	__________________ Derek Colanduno host - skepticality! podcast http://www.skepticality.com/

27th March 2008, 08:09 AM	#18
sadluxation Critical Thinker Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 336	Originally Posted by Reager Rebecca is utilizing both Skeptics in the Pub and Drinking Skeptically for her event. The way I see it, although they are slightly different concepts, it's only good a good thing to build both brands. Let me know if you guys are interested in doing the same. Didn't know they were different brands. I thought they were both Skeptical get-togethers of the highest order.
	__________________ The World Famous and Award Winning (not to mention, modest) Skeptics in the Pub now on Facebook Nothing is better than homoeopathy!

27th March 2008, 08:37 AM	#19
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661	Originally Posted by sadluxation ...I thought they were both Skeptical get-togethers of the highest order. Well that is certainly true!
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661

27th March 2008, 08:40 AM	#20
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661	Douple post.
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661	Last edited by Reager; 27th March 2008 at 08:52 AM.

27th March 2008, 08:50 AM	#21
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661	Tripple post.
Reager Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 661	Last edited by Reager; 27th March 2008 at 08:53 AM.