Randi and Phil Plait at TAM 5

i wish Randi was my grandfather

"Not a damn thing." That old man cracks me up.

Go to TAM next year, and you'll feel that pull even more. It's still a good time and all that, but the begging and pleading for "donations" does get a bit old after a while. I realize they need funds to stay afloat, but when you see the STAR treatment the speakers get, and consider that THEY didn't pay $500 per person like the rest of us, and that THEY get free first-class airfare and accommodations, and THEN they turn around and as ME for more of my money once I'm there? It's a bit insulting.

The TAM really cost you $500? Was it just one night?

No, the conference is for several days, but that's the cost. They have some discounts (for full-time students, or for JREF members), and a few scholarships, but nothing for the middle-class as usual.

I gave all my money to them and now Im broke :-( I think Randi played a trick on me

no offence but Randi looks like Cesar-Cut Santa Claus

"Big Pharma" is one of those emotional catch phrases like "natural" or "energies." The only difference is, the Skeptics are just as fooled by the "Big Pharma" bullshit as the "believers" are about homeopathy, psychics, and all the rest.

very true.

You can meet him too, Harry. Just go to the Amazing Meeting next summer in Las Vegas! Check his web site for more details. : )