…and this is a 
I'm supposed to remind you down-under people that the 2010 Global Atheist Convention, The Rise of Atheism, is taking place on 12-14 March in Melbourne. You have to sign up soon or you won't be in the uprising, and you'll find yourself trampled beneath the iron treads of our all-conquering robot army. Register now! The High Priest commands it!
You will also notice that, in the list of presenters — Richard Dawkins, Catherine Deveny, Phillip Adams, Taslima Nasrin, Peter Singer, PZ Myers, Dan Barker, Stuart Bechman, Sue-Ann Post, Kylie Sturgess, John Perkins, Tamas Pataki, Max Wallace, Russell Blackford, Ian Robinson, AC Grayling, Robyn Williams, Jamie Kilstein and Simon Taylor — Bill Maher is noticeably absent! And there is much rejoicing.
Oh, and non-Aussies are also welcome to attend. It's probably recommended, even, since otherwise you'll miss the Rise of Atheism and will have to take a subsidiary role as minions and/or lackeys.
(By the way, I'm getting a lot of requests to stop by this place and that place in Australia, and everyone is offering me beer if I show up. I have to figure out my schedule, but I do plan to do some jitterbugging about the country, since I can't very well go all that way and miss out on a little tourism! I'll probably have to demur on many of the beer offers, however, since the quantity suggested will be enough to fix my soft tissues, making me only suitable for touring the country as a pickled exhibit in a freak show.)
Comments
Posted by: Brian English
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October 6, 2009 12:35 AM
Just let us know what pub or bar you'll be ensuring doesn't fall over. I'll sheepishly approach you there. Or, if you keep me waiting a few hours, thus many beers, I'll boorishly approach you there. Your choice. :)
Posted by: coathangrrr
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October 6, 2009 12:48 AM
I wish I could make it to one of these atheist deals, but they're always to far away and how the heck am I suppose to get to Australia?
I'll just have to start my own atheist uprising here in New Mexico. I'll certainly have the advantage of the high ground.
Posted by: Kel, The Privileged View From Nowhere
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October 6, 2009 12:50 AM
I thought I was a definite to go, but now it seems that my partner has had second thoughts so I have no idea if I can go anymore. Got to try and sort this out soon, I don't want to miss out!
If you make it to the national capital PZ, be sure to stop in at the Wig & Pen for a beer or five.
Posted by: Brian English
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October 6, 2009 12:54 AM
Do you guys reckon there'd be any issues if we gave PZ or RD a wedgie?
Posted by: Desert Son
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October 6, 2009 1:00 AM
Hear now my "Lament Due to Insufficient Funds" in E (for Exchange Rate) minor. The conference cost isn't so elusive, but the conference, along with lodging (because really, if you're visiting Australia from the U.S., you have to spend more than just the conference weekend; you've got to travel around, see a continent you've always wanted to visit), along with the cost of a flight, along with necessities (food, beer, wine), along with incidentals . . .
Well, it do add up, don't it?
*sigh*
The siren-song of the lottery, suddenly tempting . . . .
No kings,
Robert
Posted by: Kristy
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October 6, 2009 1:09 AM
Thanks so much for the plug, PZ. I'm the media and communications consultant for the Melbourne Convention. This convention is going to be huge. We've booked Australia's premiere convention centre and are expecting 2,500 delegates. This will make it the largest gathering of atheists in Australia's history and one of the largest in the world. We're determined to exploit the strength of numbers at this event to send a strong message to the Australian government that Australians are sick of religious dogma derailing important policy and human rights issues supported by the majority of Australians. We'd absolutely love to see a big contingent of Pharyngulites there. Book your tickets ASAP. Look forward to seeing you in Melbourne!
Posted by: Kristy
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October 6, 2009 1:11 AM
Thanks so much for the plug, PZ. I'm the media and communications consultant for the Melbourne Convention. This convention is going to be huge. We've booked Australia's premiere convention centre and are expecting 2,500 delegates. This will make it the largest gathering of atheists in Australia's history and one of the largest in the world. We're determined to exploit the strength of numbers at this event to send a strong message to the Australian government that Australians are sick of religious dogma derailing important policy and human rights issues supported by the majority of Australians. We'd absolutely love to see a big contingent of Pharyngulites there. Book your tickets ASAP. Look forward to seeing you in Melbourne!
Posted by: Woof
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October 6, 2009 1:14 AM
Will Mel Gibson be attending?
(croco-ducking)
Posted by: Robert Becker
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October 6, 2009 1:24 AM
Hmmmmm. All this meeting and conventioning and speechafyin' is starting to make me a little nervous. Not at all sure an organized atheist --- what? movement? campaign?--- is a good idea. It's all starting to take on some of the trappings of an Establishment: conventions, meetings, media stars. Not sure these are good signs.
We shall see. But from what I've seen so far [reports of various atheist meetings, conventions, etc. in the US], the talks are starting to take on a certain... sameness I guess you could call it... about them.
Of course, the meeting is as good an excuse as any to travel to Australia. But do you really need a convention to justify a trip down under [unless of course you're on the program and someone else is paying your fare].
I don't know, guys. Not sure this is a good way, just in general, for things to be moving.
We shall see.
Posted by: Brian English
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October 6, 2009 1:28 AM
Robert, I have the odd ambivalent too. It's be cool to see the Dawk or PZ, but then again, it's a bit fan boyish. I'm not sure I want to belong to a group that'd have me as a member. ;)
Posted by: Teddydeedodu
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October 6, 2009 1:34 AM
I am so going there.
See ya there PZ!!
Posted by: Teddydeedodu
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October 6, 2009 1:44 AM
It is interesting that the March 2010 convention is not even in the list of upcoming events in the website????
http://www.mcec.com.au/Attend/Event-Calendar/Upcoming-Events.html
Maybe just a minor oversight.
Posted by: Bride of Shrek OM
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October 6, 2009 1:45 AM
Woot, I'm so excite about this. I've bought a gold weekend pass as well as a ticket for the dinner so I'll be there for it all.
Rorschach and I aer organising a Pharyngulite table at the dinner with already a few of us on it. If you want to join in the frivolity email us on either laingshort at hotmail or terminate111 at hotmail.
Looking forward to it immensely.
Posted by: PZ Myers
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October 6, 2009 1:48 AM
Please say I'm invited. Pretty please?
Posted by: rock-biologist
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October 6, 2009 1:50 AM
"The Rise of Atheism?" You need this playing in the background.
"[A]theism is going off like a frog in a sock."
-Catherine Deveney
Never mind.
Posted by: Rita Book
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October 6, 2009 1:52 AM
A list of Australia's top ten dangerous animals can be found at http://www.australianfauna.com/t10dangerous.php . Those jellyfish certainly sound a lot more dangerous than they look.
Posted by: rock-biologist
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October 6, 2009 1:52 AM
Er, "Deveny." I pulled a "Meyers." Mea culpa.
Posted by: Susan
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October 6, 2009 1:54 AM
Man. Now I want to go!Posted by: Coran
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October 6, 2009 1:54 AM
Lookin' forward to seeing you here PZed!
I'm with Kel in that if you make it to Canberra, the Wig & Pen (founded by a microbiologist!) is well worth a visit.
Posted by: Bride of Shrek OM
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October 6, 2009 1:55 AM
PZ
We would be honoured if you would sit at our table for dinner. We'll even let you sit and the head and say grace.
Now I'll just have to get knitting that wool octopus for our centrepiece.
Posted by: mrcreosote
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October 6, 2009 2:00 AM
Gay tourism is dead. Long live Atheist Tourism!
Posted by: Rita Book
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October 6, 2009 2:13 AM
Here's some interesting trivia about the platypus:
"Platypuses can consume their own body weight in food in a 24 hour period."
"The male platypus has venom strong enough to kill a small dog, or cause excruciating pain among humans."
http://www.australianfauna.com/platypus.php
Posted by: Smoggy Batzrubble OM4Jesus
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October 6, 2009 2:33 AM
[mutter ... mutter]
fucking Australians
[mutter ... mutter]
Noo Zillund still beat you at rugby
[mutter ... mutter]
why don't you each go and sit on a cricket stump?
[mutter ... mutter]
...pointed end upwards!
Posted by: SmartLX
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October 6, 2009 2:35 AM
Richard Dawkins in Australia at last? That's a BIG first, and a good angle for marketing and word of mouth.
Posted by: Jeff R.
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October 6, 2009 2:56 AM
I'm in.
I'd pay extra if Ray Comfort was invited.
Honest.
(I love good stand-up)
Posted by: Bride of Shrek OM
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October 6, 2009 3:01 AM
Jeff R
If you're coming to the dinner and want to sit in our illustrious company email me on laingshort at hotmail. I'm trying to keep track names and table numbers so we can keep make sure there's room for the giant inflatable squid.
Posted by: Alwimo
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October 6, 2009 3:02 AM
I bought tickets yesterday for myself and my sister. :)
Posted by: Bride of Shrek OM
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October 6, 2009 3:03 AM
...and by that comment above you would never know that English is my native language. Sorry- been typing an assignment all day and I'm all done. It would appear The Rev BDC's typo influence extends even to threads he's not on.
Posted by: ArmandTanzarian
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October 6, 2009 3:07 AM
Wow, you really hate Bill Maher don't you?
I really wanna go. My sis lives in Melbourne and I could crash at her place. But man, AU$300? I don't have that kind of money man.
Posted by: David Nicholls
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October 6, 2009 3:07 AM
Hello PZ,
There is a huge amount of exhilaration about you speaking at the Global Atheist Convention in March next year. And there is a similar amount of excitement about Aussie folk having a beer with you. By my figuring if you can get it all back to the USA, an early retirement plan on the proceeds is guaranteed.
On a semi-serious note, we are all looking forward to your down-under trip. This is going to be one hoot of a Convention with the fantastic calibre of speakers, the best Convention venue in Australia (The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre) and thousands of joyful Atheists taking in the intellectual and academic delights on offer.
My advice to anyone who is thinking of taking a holiday to anywhere in the near future is to change your plans and head on down to Australia next March. We already have vast teams of helpers clearing the streets of Kangaroos and ridding the sea of ‘Jaws’ type sharks. It’s a hell of a job but we will do anything to look after our American friends and make sure they have a pleasant stay.
See you in March,
David Nicholls
President
Atheist Foundation of Australia Inc
http://www.atheistconvention.org.au
Posted by: Jake
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October 6, 2009 3:09 AM
PZ, being pickled isn't all that bad a thing. With the amount of booze I've imbibed over the last few years one would have to forgive me for sweating vodka. Either way! I hope you plan on having one or three and that I can join you for four of those!
Cheers
Posted by: Atheist Chaplain
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October 6, 2009 3:12 AM
Bride of Shrek OM the email is sent :-)
Posted by: Rita Book
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October 6, 2009 3:13 AM
Lovely flora can be found at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg_melbourne/living_collections
Posted by: Fil
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October 6, 2009 3:15 AM
I'm not sure I can make it now, I have to go to Melbourne soon for medical reasons (a cardio electrophysiologist no less) and will probably use up all my pennies in the process. Lone atrial fibrillation is a bitch, folks. :-(
On a more positive note, a school friend of my wife, Elizabeth Blackburn, has just won the Nobel Prize for medicine, so she's kind of chuffed...as is my wife, lol. My wife's father, a doctor, and Elizabeth's parents, also doctors, were friends in Launceston, Tasmania.
Small world.
Posted by: Atheist Chaplain
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October 6, 2009 3:18 AM
Oh BoS I also have access to primitive Silk Screening hardware, though Melbourne in March might not be conducive to T-Shirts .......
Posted by: Cowcakes
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October 6, 2009 3:20 AM
Just recently completed booking for the Chaplain and myself. PZ, ignore the warnings about the wildlife as it is so fearsome that worry is pointless. Far better to just settle down with a fine hop or grape based beverage, of which there are many.
Posted by: Cowcakes
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October 6, 2009 3:25 AM
Teddydeedodu Author Profile Page | October 6, 2009 1:44 AM
It is interesting that the March 2010 convention is not even in the list of upcoming events in the website????
http://www.mcec.com.au/Attend/Event-Calendar/Upcoming-Events.html
Maybe just a minor oversight.
--
Well they have their priorities right, at least they show the Mind Body Spirit Festival, http://www.mbsfestival.com.au/
Posted by: speedweasel
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October 6, 2009 3:30 AM
March is usually fine for T-shirts, just remember the golden rule in Melbourne is 'take a jacket'
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200903/html/IDCJDW3050.200903.shtml
Posted by: omnot
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October 6, 2009 3:33 AM
@#4: The wedgie is a great secular tradition here in Australia. It'd be ungracious of any of our esteemed guests to resist or object to a skillfully and sincerely administered wedgie.
And, of course, we shall call them all "Bruce" to keep things simple.
Posted by: Teddydeedodu
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October 6, 2009 3:38 AM
Woof:
"Will Mel Gibson be attending?"
Nope, I don't think so. But on the other hand, Richard Gere will make an appearance during the Dalai Lama's visit to Australia in December. He will be showing his new film, "The Passion of the Buddha". This is nothing like the gory brutal over-drama of "The Passion of Christ".
The movie is expected to be 3 hours long and it will show nothing but the Buddha sitting in quiet meditation. Pretty riveting, I think. :)
Posted by: https://me.yahoo.com/a/lvr2tUNwsY6H9rQXJ3b.s3ngDnYrzoZ9#af91c
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October 6, 2009 3:38 AM
I'm with the other tightarses, I'd really like to attend but once you add in accommodation within walking distance, it's just insane compared to plain going on a holiday.
All the same, I hope it sells out and gets a lot of exposure within the media, and is repeated in years to come!
Posted by: The Silent Moose of Doom
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October 6, 2009 3:44 AM
I'm booked in for the convention, but I couldn't justify the extra cost for the dinner on Saturday. If there are t-shirts going, though, count me in for one.
Will there be any kind of pre-launch meetup happening on the Friday? Poor student though I am, I'd still like to meet (and recognise!) some Pharyngulites...
Posted by: Kel, The Privileged View From Nowhere
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October 6, 2009 3:57 AM
Yeah, the price of the convention is what's the problem for me (well not me :P). Bride Of Shrek, if I make it down I'm in for the dinner!Posted by: Rorschach
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October 6, 2009 4:01 AM
We definetely should do that Friday arvo, just mail the BoS and we will set something up ! I paid the 300 bucks, but I still think it's pretty steep !
Posted by: Kel, The Privileged View From Nowhere
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October 6, 2009 4:17 AM
Actually if I make it, it'll be me + 1
Posted by: Arwen
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October 6, 2009 4:20 AM
Got my tickets! (I'll work out how to pay off the credit card later.)
Bride of Shrek - Thanks for organising a table, I've sent you an email.
Put me down for a t-shirt too!
Posted by: The Silent Moose of Doom
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October 6, 2009 4:22 AM
'just mail the BoS and we will set something up ! ' - Rorschach
Email sent. :)
Posted by: AtlantaHeathen
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October 6, 2009 4:42 AM
oh MAN! I don't think I can make it, but I don't want to be a minion OR a lackey. I'm a good atheist ... really!
Posted by: Fil
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October 6, 2009 4:54 AM
Is their any chance that the speakers' addresses will be recorded and made into a podcast?
I should like to see them, if only in cyberspace.
Incidentally, I have been spreading the word regarding the Nude Testament rewrite by the "conserve-a-pillock" crowd to much amusement. Especially amongst friends of a similar age to me, whose Greek and Latin allow them the extra delight of knowing the morons have to use the KJV for their rewrite. Wicked fun.
Oh goody, a brutal classical education has finally allowed me to enter smug mode (and so to a beer).
Hic haec hoc...
Posted by: devnull73.myopenid.com
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October 6, 2009 4:55 AM
Ahhh, so Hitchens is showing up now?
:)
Posted by: Atheist Chaplain
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October 6, 2009 5:31 AM
OK, Looks like I just earned myself a job, but I need someone with more artistic talent than I(I can sometimes recognise a straight line or a circle) to design something suitable (also remembering that I mentioned *primitive* silk screening technology) so one colour, two at a stretch and I will source T-Shirts. Time will be the biggest factor for me so we might also look at the possibility of getting some made.
Posted by: Cath the Canberra Cook
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October 6, 2009 6:14 AM
I'm there! On the Pharyngula table! I may bring octopus cake.
I haven't organised accomm yet but I have friends in Melbs.
Posted by: Rorschach
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October 6, 2009 6:26 AM
Hi Cath , we are certainly getting there, and getting quite inundated too LOL ! Wowbagger has joined the party, and we need to have a serious word with Kel's better half by the sounds of it !!
:-)
Posted by: ashling
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October 6, 2009 6:29 AM
I picked up two gold weekend passes the other week, should be a fun event.
Are lurkers allowed at the table? :)
That would require buying tickets to the dinner though, my credit card couldn't take the damage all in one hit...
Posted by: Liberal
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October 6, 2009 6:34 AM
Any chance it'll get saved to video and posted later? I really hate missing these.
Posted by: Kristy
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October 6, 2009 6:57 AM
As far as I know Richard Dawkins' address will be recorded by the Richard Dawkins' Foundation and made available at some stage on DVD.
We do have a technical crew, but at this stage, I believe, there are no firm plans to video the other speakers - although this hasn't been discounted either.
I am sure that as the convention draws closer things like videos, podcasts,live streams etc. will be discussed and we'll try to let you all know what's happening.
If you haven't done so already, go to the convention website - http://www.atheistconvention.org.au - and follow the Convention on Facebook and/or Twitter. That's the best way to keep up with the latest Convention news.
At this stage, my best advice to anyone who "wouldn't want to miss the speakers" is to do everything you can to make it to the Convention.
If you have major 'official type' questions to ask, you can always contact David at the Atheist Foundation of Australia - info at atheistfoundation dot org dot au - but if you just have a casual enquiry or suggestion, I'm very happy for anyone to contact me at atheistnexus dot australia at gmail dot com or you can message me or leave a comment on my Nexus profile: http://www.atheistnexus.org/profile/kristyvensson. I'm not part of the official organizing committee but I do keep in touch with what's going on. If I don't have an answer for you, I can pass it on to David.
It's great to see so many positive comments about the convention. And, for those of you who aren't so keen on the idea, that's fine too - attendance is entirely voluntary and non-attendance does not incur eternal punishment.
Posted by: welshsceptic
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October 6, 2009 7:26 AM
Hey you didn't include NonStampCollector in your list, or hasn't he confirmed yet, because he said on Blogtv that he'd been invited and would be back in Australia at the time.
Posted by: Cuttlefish, OM, CR
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October 6, 2009 7:27 AM
Kylie Sturgess just wrote (in frustration,
Cos she can't make it through registration)
With a boldface Wahoo!,
And to mention Perth, too,
Where you now have one more invitation
Posted by: Wowbagger, Man-Hating Man of Pharyngula
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October 6, 2009 7:51 AM
I have indeed bought my ticket for the dinner; I'll get my weekend pass next week. It's going to be awesome. Kel, you really need to impress upon your special lady the importance of you making this trip - it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Posted by: Cath the Canberra Cook
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October 6, 2009 8:08 AM
Or not. She could stay home and keep my bloke company, while Kel and I hang out :)
Posted by: DingoJack
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October 6, 2009 8:16 AM
Perhaps we should organise some common meeting points for PZ to attend for localised Pharyngula Anonymous meetings.
For example, some nice (not too expensive) restaurant, Pub or the like in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth etc. So all those who want to meet the great man can, with minimum inconvenience to him (although some travelling for others). No fair having dinner only with 'special Pharungulites'.
Oh and Smoggy, come over! I'm sure plenty would be happy to put you and Floyd up for a couple of nights.
Sound feasible? - DJ
Posted by: Charlie Foxtrot
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October 6, 2009 8:23 AM
Will definitely be there ! :) Just gotta sort out how much of the weekend I can commit to it...hmmm, the dinner sounds great... just how big is this table?
and, bah! - saw that 'High Priest' article in The Age this morning and still now have this unbearable urge to slap someone across the back of their balding, theism-riddled head! (I'm looking at you, Barney Zwartz!)
Posted by: acidflashback
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October 6, 2009 8:28 AM
So, you have all managed to drag me from my lurkdom. I so want to meet up with some like-minded Pharyngulars (or Pharyngulees for that matter) during the convention. I've emailed BoS re the dinner, but I'm not sure whether my lurkerness will be a negative factor.
I have to say that some adult Pampers are going to be necessary soon. I can't wait for the conference!
Posted by: echidna
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October 6, 2009 8:30 AM
If there's any room left on the table, please count me in. I've sent an email, but it's always possible that I didn't decrypt the address properly.
It looks like a fun time will be had by all.
Posted by: neon-elf.myopenid.com
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October 6, 2009 9:45 AM
I've just ordered my ticket, which probably puts paid to any chance of affording a trip to Melb at the end of this month for my ex's wedding. Oops.
I'm still not sure how I'm going to afford accomodation, but Melbourne has some lovely park benches and there are some good doorways in Flinders Lane, IIRC.
This is my first atheist event, so I hope people will be gentle with me :-)
Posted by: RogerJH
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October 6, 2009 9:47 AM
Prepare to defend yourself against the logic of Australian fundamentalists.
Case in point. My father tells a story from when he visited my now ex-sister-in-law's family (it's complicated).
He was discussing/arguing the case for evolution with people who literally believe that the world is 6,000 years old, the Flood, etc.
He had them cornered. "Well, what about the aborigines?" he asked, thinking an example with which they were familiar would win the day. "They've been here [in Australia] fifty thousand years. Their rock paintings have been dated at least back that far." He concluded triumphantly.
"Ah well," the sister-in-law replied smugly, "All the dating is wrong by a factor of ten. I read it in the paper."
Posted by: PZ Myers
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October 6, 2009 10:04 AM
It's a trap! Notice that he didn't make any promises about getting rid of the drop bears.
And have no fear, all of you who can't afford the conference fee. I'm like King Kong, I cannot be caged within the conference hall, and will break out at times to wander the streets and gawk at the 'stralians and scoop up strange women in my meaty paw. We will arrange some outside events at no cost.
But you know not everyone on that list of speakers will be able to do that so you should still try to get in, in order to experience the whole razzle-dazzle.
Posted by: PZ Myers
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October 6, 2009 10:08 AM
Oh, and don't worry, Noo Zillunders. I've gotten offers to fly over to your little island while I'm down in the Southern Hemisphere, I just have to work out the timing and the little details.
Posted by: llewelly
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October 6, 2009 3:34 PM
Australia? I recommend this highly accurate map, which depicts all the relevant tourist attractions.
Posted by: Kazzaqld
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October 6, 2009 3:57 PM
Really looking forward to the convention - have booked and paid for airfares so I have to come now! I might make the pharyngulite table - will have to see what husband and son want to do. At this stage we're doing a family dinner!
(finally managed to sign on - lost count of how many tries! and hopefully on the right thread now!)
Posted by: Ichthyic
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October 6, 2009 4:38 PM
Oh, and don't worry, Noo Zillunders. I've gotten offers to fly over to your little island while I'm down in the Southern Hemisphere, I just have to work out the timing and the little details.
...speaking of which, the semi-regular pissup we have in your honor in Wellington will be sparking off again this friday, at 5:30, at Kitty OShea's.
Now added: members from Skeptics in the Pub!
http://wellington.skepticsinthepub.net.nz/calendar/11564946/?success=mailing_list_sent
we had a great pissup with about 20 people before the start of the skeptics conference a couple weeks back:
photos from that event:
http://wellington.skepticsinthepub.net.nz/photos/?photoId=10887308&photoAlbumId=721875
see you there.
Posted by: Kel, The Privileged View From Nowhere
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October 6, 2009 4:39 PM
Yeah, I realise. I'm pretty sure I'll go in the end, though I don't want to say yes then find out I've missed out on tickets. Also got to work out things like accommodation and howI'mwe're going to get down to Melbourne. Got the possibility of a road trip with a friend, though flights with Tiger are insanely cheap right now.Posted by: Jams.n.Tones
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October 6, 2009 4:59 PM
Boy oh boy am I excited! I'm going to make the trip over from NZ. Any other NZers going to head over too? We should be friends.
Posted by: 'Tis Himself, Quel Dommage
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October 6, 2009 5:04 PM
Even the Sheilas?
Posted by: Coran
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October 6, 2009 8:43 PM
Hmm, sounds like we have enough Canberrans for a road trip. Does anyone know if there's anything 'interesting' to visit on the way a la creozerg?
Posted by: andrastewhite
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October 6, 2009 10:53 PM
I'm in Melbourne and really want to go, but unfortunately I'm unemployed at the moment. Assuming I can somehow scrape together the money before tickets sell out, I will be there.
If not, I may stand outside with some kind of supportive sign. (A friend suggested 'Richard Dawkins Is My Idol.')
Posted by: Atheist Chaplain
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October 7, 2009 12:52 AM
OK Aussies, I just had a thought for a T-Shirt design but I am artistically challenged so I was hoping that someone could draw this for me and then we can get the shirts made for the Pharyngula table revellers :-)
Picture a Banana being held in a tentacle and also being peeled by another tentacle with these words below
"Comfort Food"
Please Please Please can someone draw this for me :-)
Posted by: tielserrath.wordpress.com
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October 7, 2009 2:37 AM
This is Tassie Devil, aka tielserrath (this is also v annoying being forced to go by my old name)
Tickets bought!
I'm in, including the dinner - please keep me a place at the table, too. *rushes off to email on other computer*
If there are any Tasmanians going who are short on cash, if you contact me ahead of time I'll take the car over on the Spirit, so I can add at least 3 more. With that and a budget backpackers (I recommend the old convent, or it might be the old nunnery, which has rooms as well as dorms) you might be able to squeeze the price of the ticket.
Anyone willing to share a twin room in Melbourne in return for B&B in rural Tassie afterwards?
Happy to welcome pharyngulites to Tasmania before/after the conference...
Posted by: tielserrath.wordpress.com
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October 7, 2009 2:52 AM
And for anyone wondering what the best of Aussiedom looks like, may I recommend the following film:
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109045/
Posted by: acidflashback
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October 7, 2009 7:22 AM
in #69, llewelly said: Australia? I recommend this highly accurate map, which depicts all the relevant tourist attractions.
And the best thing that is NOT on the map any more?
Ken Ham!
Posted by: miss-padfoot
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October 7, 2009 9:16 PM
Oh man, this sounds great--too bad it's way the hell across the world from me. I really wish I could see Peter Singer speak! Does this mean he's going to be lending his name and visibility (and controversy) to the atheist "movement" (whatever the hell that is)? I hope so.
Posted by: Kel, The Privileged View From Nowhere
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October 13, 2009 4:40 PM
Okay, got my ticket. It'll be just me, though I may be tagging along with some friends from Canberra.